Warriors In Their Own Words | First Person War Stories

Captain Gene Yu is a West Point graduate and served in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets). He was initially kicked out of SERE school for breaking protocol and ordering pizza during a training exercise- a story that garnered a lot of attention within the special forces community. Yu was eventually permitted to finish his training, and he deployed to Korea, Japan, Iraq, and the Philippines in the 2000s. He also played a key role in planning Operation Ultimatum, an attempt to capture or kill top Abu Sayyaf operatives. In 2013, a family friend of Yu’s named Evelyn Chang was kidnapped and held for ransom in the Philippines by Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group. Evelyn’s husband was killed in the ambush. Despite having separated from the military, Yu utilized his special forces skills, connections, and familiarity with Abu Sayyaf to rescue Evelyn. Thanks to his efforts, a group of 80 Abu Sayyaf terrorists, including three leaders, were taken out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lieutenant Colonel Howard Stidam served in World War II with the Marine Raiders, a special ops force that specialized in amphibious guerilla warfare. In this interview, he recounts The Battle of Makin, the Long Patrol in Guadalcanal, and the Bougainville Campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Commander Bobby Reshad Jones served in the US Navy from 2001 to 2023. He attended the United State Naval Academy, where he played football, and graduated last in his class, making him the “Anchorman” per USNA tradition. After shaking President George W. Bush’s hand at graduation, CDR Jones was so elated about successfully graduating that he hugged the president and accidentally lifted him into the air. Jones had this to say about the experience: “When my name was announced, I lost my mind because I had to work very hard to get back on track to graduate on time. I was just done playing football, didn't realize how light the President was, gave him a hug, didn't realize I had picked him up. The Secret Service was like, ‘What is he doing?’ I put him down and the President said, ‘Man, you're happy.’ I go, ‘Yes, sir, I am.’ I'll never forget what he said to me. He goes, ‘Look, man, no one cares about where you graduated.’ He goes, ‘I made C's at Yale and I'm President of the United States.’ So I was like, ‘That's a valid point.’” Photos of that moment went on to make headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Machinist Mate 2nd Class Martin Shew served on the USS Arizona, a battleship that suffered insurmountable damage during the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Shew was on his way back to the Arizona when the attack began. Before he could reach the ship, a Japanese bomb detonated the ship’s magazines, causing a massive explosion on board and dealing significant damage. If Shew had been at his post at the time of the explosion, he would have been killed. Seeing that the Arizona was unsalvageable, Shrew was enlisted to help fight fires along the shore for two hours. After that, he helped carry the dead and dying to a mess hall that was being used as an emergency hospital. Editor’s Note: Shew was a Machinist Mate 2nd Class at the time of the attack. It is unclear what rank he had reached by retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Captain Frank Guidone served in World War II with the Marine Raiders, a special ops force that specialized in amphibious guerilla warfare. In this interview, he recounts his service in the Solomon islands, including the Battle of Edson’s Ridge, the New Georgia campaign, and the Matanikau Offensive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer Donald Gay Stratton was on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He directed four 5-inch guns before an armor-piercing bomb hit the ship, sending up a 600 ft wall of flame. Stratton suffered burns on nearly 60% of his body. “The skin on our arms just came off like big socks,” he recalls. After an escape into the water couldn’t be found, crew from another vessel tossed a rope to Stratton and his allies. They tied it to their ship and for 60ft, swung hand-over-hand to reach safety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gregory “Pappy” Boyington was a legendary WWII fighter pilot. He is credited with destroying 28 Japanese aircraft, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor- but his legacy has been tainted by his abuse of alcohol and a historically inaccurate TV portrayal. Today in a special episode of Warriors In Their Own Words, we’ll be hearing from two men who knew Boyington personally. Both Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bourgeois and Major J. Ned Corman served under Boyington as pilots in the famous Black Sheep Squadron, which operated in the Solomon islands during WWII. They both also reconnected with Boyington after the war, and got to see how he changed through his life. To hear Bourgeois’ personal stories from his service, check out our episode titled “Inside the Black Sheep Squadron”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brothers in Arms is a special three-part series that tells the stories of SgtMaj Dan Miller and SSgt Nick Bennett, two Iraq War vets whose lives were forever changed by a deadly rocket attack. Today, in the final part of this series, you’ll hear SSgt Bennett share his side of the story. Bennett also deployed to Iraq with the Marine Corps, initially working in the comms center before transferring to base security. The rocket attack almost killed him, and he too returned home with serious mental health issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brothers in Arms is a special three-part series that tells the stories of SgtMaj Dan Miller and SSgt Nick Bennett, two Iraq War vets whose lives were forever changed by a deadly rocket attack. Today we’re sharing the second episode in this series, where you’ll hear the rest of SgtMaj Dan Miller’s story. Miller served in the Marine Corps as a heavy artilleryman and a small unit infantry leader, and fought in the initial wave of Operation Desert Storm and then in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In this special PTSD Awareness Day episode, he recounts the rocket attack that wounded him and SSgt Bennett, candidly discusses the mental health struggles he has faced, and tells the story of how he connected with Bennett years later. Next week, in the final part of this series, you’ll hear Bennett share his side of the story. Bennett also deployed to Iraq with the Marine Corps, initially working in the comms center before transferring to base security. The rocket attack almost killed him, and he too returned home with serious mental health issues. If you’re a veteran struggling with your mental health, visit mentalhealth.va.gov for numerous helpful resources. Dial 988 if you’re feeling suicidal and need immediate assistance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brothers in Arms is a special three-part series that tells the stories of SgtMaj Dan Miller and SSgt Nick Bennett, two Iraq War vets whose lives were forever changed by a deadly rocket attack. In this first part, you’ll hear Sergeant Major Dan Miller talk about his first two deployments to Iraq. Miller served in the Marine Corps as a heavy artilleryman and a small unit infantry leader, and fought in the initial wave of Operation Desert Storm, and then in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Next week, you’ll hear the rest of SgtMaj Miller’s story. In a special PTSD Awareness Day episode, he recounts the rocket attack that wounded him and SSgt Bennett, candidly discusses the mental health struggles he has faced, and tells the story of how he connected with Bennett years later. In the final part of this series, you’ll hear Bennett share his side of the story. Bennett also deployed to Iraq with the Marine Corps, initially working in the comms center before transferring to base security. The rocket attack almost killed him, and he too returned home with serious mental health issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2Lt. Daniel Clark served in the Army during World War II as a Glider Infantryman. In this second part of his interview, Clark recounts Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and freeing the prisoners of Wöbbelin Concentration Camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy, we’re sharing this interview with 2Lt. Daniel Clark. Clark served in the Army during World War II as a Glider Infantryman. In this first part of his interview, Clark explains how he ended up in the invasion, and provides his recollection of D-Day. Next time on Warriors In Their Own Words, we’ll hear the rest of his interview, where he recounts Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and freeing the prisoners of Wöbbelin Concentration Camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mayo “Hank” Bourgeois served in World War II as a Marine Corps fighter pilot. He was a member of the Black Sheep Squadron (VMFA-214), which became famous for their numerous successes over the Solomon Islands, and their leader, Lt. Col. Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. Boyington had previously earned a name for himself as a member of the Flying Tigers, but he left and created his own unit which became the Black Sheep. He had a reputation as an incredibly skilled pilot, but also a serious alcoholic. He survived two years in a prison camp after being shot down, and ended the war with 28 confirmed kills and the Medal of Honor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“That’s bold talk for a guy that’s only got one bullet…” Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee served in the Marine Corps before switching to the Army. He became a Green Beret and deployed to Afghanistan in 2013. Plumlee was awarded the Medal of Honor for his part in helping defend Forward Operating Base Ghazni. His story is straight out of a movie. Under heavy fire, he neutralized several enemies, survived multiple close-range blasts, and emerged with only minor injuries. In this special Memorial Day interview, Plumlee talks about his military career, recounts what earned him the Medal of Honor, and gives his thoughts on Memorial Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colonel Sam Hartwell served in Korea, Germany, and Afghanistan with the U.S. Army. In Afghanistan he was a part of Special Operations Command, and he later worked at the Pentagon with the USD I&S. In March 2022, Hartwell left retirement to volunteer in Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Specialist 5 Jon Wallenius served in Vietnam with the Army, and fought in the famous Battle of Ia Drang. As a member of the First Cavalry Division, it was his job to scout for enemies in advanced positions and clear LZs for the infantry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brigadier General Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager is an Air Force legend. He served in World War II as a fighter pilot, where he shot down a total of 13 aircraft, and escaped capture after being shot down over German-occupied France. After WWII, Yeager became a test pilot for new, faster aircraft. On October 14th, 1947, he became the first person to break the sound barrier while piloting an X-1 aircraft. He also was the first person to fly more than twice the speed of sound in level flight with the X-IA in 1953. Yeager left aircraft testing in 1954, and went on to serve in Germany, Spain, the Philippines, Korea, and Vietnam. He also served as the commandant of the Aerospace Research Pilot School, where all military astronauts are trained, from 1962-1966. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Master Chief Petty Officer Ken Falke served in the Navy as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist during the 80s and 90s. He was tasked with disarming all sorts of explosives, and deployed all over the world, including to Iraq during the Gulf War, and Bosnia during the Bosnian War. Now, Falke and his wife run a non-profit called Boulder Crest which helps veterans and first responders with mental health struggles, and achieve “post-traumatic growth”. Learn more at bouldercrest.org. Thank you to Regal for sponsoring this episode. You can sign up for Regal Unlimited via this link, and make sure to use code WARRIORS24 to get 10% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Major Edward James Land Jr. served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. In the 1960s, Land and Richard O. Culver Jr. worked together to create the first permanent Marine Corps Scout Sniper School. In this special episode, Maj Land explains how the school came to be, and tells a few stories from his time in Vietnam. Thank you to Regal for sponsoring this episode. You can sign up for Regal Unlimited via this link, and make sure to use code WARRIORS24 to get 10% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The aircraft started to spin. Not really thinking it was anything unusual, I remember calling the pilot saying, 'Hey sir, are we going to stop this?' When he responded with, 'I can't,' I knew this wasn't going to end well." Click here to check out our web-exclusive interview with Staff Sergeant Mark Lalli. Lalli served in Iraq as a Blackhawk Helicopter crew chief and survived a helicopter crash that killed six of the eleven passengers on board, but he sustained life-changing injuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lieutenant Colonel Henry “Hank” Buttelmann served in Korea and Vietnam as a fighter pilot. In Korea, he flew the F-86, and became the youngest ace of the war at the age of 24. He left Korea with 6 confirmed kills. Buttelmann retired with four DIstinguished Flying Crosses and a Silver Star. In this interview, Buttelmann talks about his time in Korea, the F-86, crossing the 38th parallel, and fighting enemy MiGs. Thank you to Regal for sponsoring this episode. You can sign up for Regal Unlimited via this link, and make sure to use code WARRIORS24 to get 10% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, Lt. Ken Harbaugh, the host of Warriors In Their Own Words, is interviewed by MOH recipient SSG David Bellavia about his service in the Navy. Harbaugh served from 1996 - 2005 as an EP-3 pilot, tasked with collecting signals intelligence from adversaries such as Russia, North Korea, and China. You can find more information about the 2001 aircraft collision mentioned in this interview here and here. Thank you to Regal for sponsoring this episode. You can sign up for Regal Unlimited via this link, and make sure to use code WARRIORS24 to get 10% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

COL Walter Joseph Marm Jr. served as a rifle platoon leader in Vietnam. When a friendly platoon was trapped behind enemy lines, Marm and his platoon were sent to rescue them. Attempting to take a hill held by the enemy, Marm single-handedly killed 14 enemies with his rifle and a grenade before being shot in the face, shattering his jawbone. He then walked back to his command post and was evacuated. Marm’s heroism led to a successful rescue, and for this he was awarded the Medal of Honor. To hear all the details of what earned Marm the Medal of Honor, listen to this episode of the Medal of Honor Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Warning, this episode contains harsh language, graphic violence, gore, and description of rape. Listener discretion is advised. CSM Tonya Oxendine served in the US Army for nearly 30 years, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. She did two tours in Iraq & Afghanistan as a paratrooper. In this interview, Oxendine describes the abuse she endured both at home, and during her time in uniform, and how she overcame that trauma. Learn more about Oxendine and the Wounded Warrior Project here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today as a bonus episode, we’ll be airing an episode of Everything Everywhere Daily about Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Everything Everywhere Daily is a podcast that allows listeners to learn something new every day on various subjects, like history, science, geography, mathematics, and technology. Here’s episode #1321, about Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. He was the leader of the combined Japanese fleet in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and planned the attack on Pearl Harbor despite opposing war with the US. -- In the Pacific Theater in World War II, the leader of the combined Japanese fleet was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Yamamoto was vilainized as the arch-enemy of the American forces in the Pacific, and to be fair, he was their enemy. But there is actually much more to the story. Yamamoto was the loudest voice against war with the United States and was one of the only officials in the Japanese leadership who spent time in the United States and understood it. Learn more about Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, his rise and tragic end on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices