Uncle Jack: Manhattan Project and Beyond Narrated by Tim Gray
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Release Date: 07/12/2019
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Continuing our observance of Women's History Month and honoring the enduring spirit of our Greatest Generation, the World War II Foundation presents a memorable clip from "Her War, Her Story." In this segment, Kathleen McElaney shares her experiences growing up in England during World War II. From the trials of rationing to the united efforts and common purpose that galvanized the country, McElaney's reflections offer a poignant glimpse into the day-to-day realities faced by those on the home front. Her recollections serve as a testament to the resilience and solidarity of a nation under...
info_outline Her War - Her Story: A Witness to the Attack on Pearl HarborFrom The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Barbara Kotinek was just a young girl when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. She got an up-close view of the Japanese pilots when they flew over and the devastation along Battleship Row, especially the flaming USS Arizona. When the enemy flew over her Naval housing, they even waved to her and smiled. She climbed a clothesline to get a better view. Her family was so certain that the Japanese were going to invade Oahu, that her father gave the young girl a gun so she could do the unthinkable: Shoot herself and her mother if Honolulu was invaded. This short clip is from a...
info_outline Echoes of Valor: Episode 9 - "Through Their Eyes: Masters of the Air Finale"From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
In the powerful finale episode of the "Echoes of Valor" podcast series, host Colonel Tom Rendall brings together historian John McManus and Rebecca Hutchinson, youngest daughter of World War II navigator Harry Crosby, to reflect on the acclaimed Masters of the Air television series. Their extraordinary discussion sheds light on the intense complexity of the bombing missions over Europe, weaving together the broader historical context with deeply personal narratives of the brave airmen involved. John McManus talks about how the series captured the unimaginable challenges faced by bomber crews,...
info_outline Her War - Her Story: Growing Up in Nazi GermanyFrom The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
This Women's History Month, our latest clip from "Her War, Her Story" focuses on the diverse and poignant experiences of three women growing up in Nazi Germany: Irmgard Schmid, who seeks redemption for her country's past; Anna Arbeiter, a Holocaust survivor; and Helga Schmid, who shares her childhood memories from that era. Their stories offer a window into the emotional toll of World War II on young girls. All three women discuss their unique paths through the same historical landscape. These stories provide deep insight into the emotional scars left by the war and the strength required...
info_outline Echoes of Valor: Episode 8 - Bridging Airpower's Past and PresentFrom The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
In our latest episode of "Echoes of Valor," we're treated to an engaging, often compelling, conversation that bridges the historical and the contemporary aspects of military aviation as Masters of the Air winds down. Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall in partnership with The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and The World War II Foundation, this episode features two great United States Air Force leaders: Brigadier General Paul W. Tibbets IV (USAF Ret.) and Lieutenant Colonel Fred Swan (USAF Ret.). This episode is especially compelling because it carries the legacy of the Mighty Eighth...
info_outline "Her War, Her Story": Healing Wounds and Seeking Forgiveness: The Untold Stories of WWII WomenFrom The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
In this short clip from our film, "Her War, Her Story," we hear from two women as they discuss their emotional journeys through and after World War II. The documentary, narrated by Jane Lynch, includes stories like Irmgard Schmid's, who seeks redemption for her country's past while living in England and France, and Anna Arbeiter, a Holocaust survivor, who shares the pain of being a 14-year-old girl in Auschwitz, forever marked by the experience. These narratives reveal the strength and resilience of women who endured the war's darkest hours. This impactful film conveys the experiences of women...
info_outline Echoes of Valor: Episode 7 - A Conversation with Tuskegee Airman, Harry StewartFrom The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Tune in to a captivating episode of 'Echoes of Valor' featuring LTC Harry T. Stewart Jr., one of our nation's most distinguished veterans, and one of last two surviving Tuskegee Airman--brought to you in collaboration with The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and The World War II Foundation. Your host, Colonel Tom Rendall, unpacks the gallantry, trials, and historical impact of the Tuskegee Airmen through the personal experiences of Colonel Stewart, a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Colonel Harry T. Stewart Jr. stands as one of the most honored members of the...
info_outline Happy International Women's Day! "Her War, Her Story"From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Happy International Women's Day! To honor this day, we celebrate Julia Parsons, a WWII code-breaker, with recognition for her secret service during the war. Initially silent about her role in deciphering German communications, she served in a U.S. Navy unit, decoding messages from the Enigma machine. Parsons, after over 50 years, shared her story with us once it she learned of its declassification. Our documentary, Her War, Her Story" captures the essence of women's roles in WWII, showcasing stories of service, witness, and survival. Narrated by Jane Lynch, this documentary is a tribute...
info_outline "Echoes of Valor: Masters of the Air and the Evolution of Airpower" - Episode 6, Part 2From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
This is the latest segment of the Echoes of Valor podcast series, hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall. In Part 2 of this episode, the discussion continues on the strategic evolution from the bold maneuvers of WWII bombers to today's precise, technology-driven airstrikes. Joined by Dr. Mark Clodfelter, General Tim Fay, and General John Fairfield, the discussion pivots on the stark contrasts and lessons learned from the era of the 8th Air Force to the precision-guided reality of modern conflict. Each guest, through their unique lens of experience and expertise, weighs in on the monumental shifts...
info_outline "Her War, Her Story": Celebrating Unsung Women Heroes of World War IIFrom The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
This Women's History Month, we are celebrating the extraordinary women of World War II. This clip shows Julia Parsons, and her top secret role as a codebreaker during the war. From the American Home Front to the harrowing grounds of Auschwitz, "Her War, Her Story" narrated by Jane Lynch, unveils the untold tales of bravery and resilience. Over the next month, we will be posting clips from The World War II Foundation's documentary, Her War, Her Story. Watch these short clips and be inspired by the strength of women who stood equal to men in patriotism and service...
info_outlineFor me the Manhattan Project was personal: One of those assigned to the project was my uncle John Edmund Gray, a University of Rhode Island graduate with a brilliant mind.
John Gray grew up in the industrial city of Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
He had a strong interest in the field of engineering from a young age and not only was recruited to work on the Manhattan Project during World War II, but would later in life serve as an advisor to several presidents of the United States on the topic of Atomic energy.
John, known to close family as Jack, was one of four children born in Rhode Island in 1922.
After high school, he worked for one year at the Woonsocket Rayon Company, a local firm in the Rhode Island city where he grew up.
In 1943 he earned a B. S. degree in chemical engineering from the University of Rhode Island, where he worked several campus jobs to help pay expenses. After college John became a participant in the Manhattan Project.
Hundreds of men were assigned by the government of the United States to lend their minds to producing the first Atomic bombs, but the majority had no idea at the time what their skills were being utilized for since the project was beyond the level of “top secret”.
The eventual goal of the Manhattan Project was to find a way to end World War II, a conflict in which an estimated 50-70 million people were killed during the years 1939-1945.