Front to the Films: An Exclusive Interview with Alex Kershaw
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Release Date: 05/28/2024
“I Didn’t Want to Miss Being Part of History” — The Story of Frank Wal, Jr.
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
In this powerful, first-person interview, 97-year-old World War II veteran Frank Wal, Jr. reflects on his life, service, and the events that shaped a generation. From the hardship of losing his mother at age eight, to enlisting in the U.S. Navy at just 17, Frank takes us through his remarkable journey—from radar duty aboard LSD-25 to witnessing the aftermath of kamikaze attacks and passing the USS Indianapolis just before its fateful sinking. Frank shares his firsthand memories of Okinawa, the atomic bomb’s impact on Japan, the occupation of Tokyo, and even a surprise encounter with...
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Ski, Climb, Fight: A Conversation with 10th Mountain Division Author, Dr. Lance Blyth
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
They weren’t like other soldiers. While others were marching or jumping into battle, they skied to war. Carried rifles and ropes. Climbed cliffs in the dark. Slept in snow. And when the time came, they scaled mountains most thought were impossible to negotiate. In our latest Front to the Films episode, Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.) sat down with Lance Blyth, a quiet-spoken historian who’s spent years tracing the footsteps of the 10th Mountain Division. What came from their conversation wasn’t just a military history—it was a reminder of what it means to endure, to adapt, and to...
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“Placid Lassie” and the Power of Flight: A Conversation with Eric Zipkin
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
When a conversation with a business leader and pilot—who also happens to be the son of a World War II veteran—places you squarely in the cockpit of history, you're in for a very unique and fascinating journey. Our latest episode of Front to the Films, the official podcast of The World War II Foundation, offers exactly that. Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.), this conversation with Eric Zipkin—Co-Founder of the Tunison Foundation—is more than just an exploration of a historic aircraft. It’s about memory, purpose, and the enduring legacy of those who took to the skies in...
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From Iwo Jima to a Life of Purpose: A Conversation with Dr. Richard Jessor
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Some interviews make you think. Some make you feel. And every now and then, one does both in a way that stays with you long after the conversation ends. My recent discussion with Dr. Richard "Dick" Jessor was one of those rare moments. At 100 years old, Dr. Jessor sat across from me—sharp, reflective, and filled with the kind of perspective that only comes from a century of living with purpose. He has witnessed war, shaped the field of behavioral science, and spent a lifetime exploring what it means to live meaningfully. And in our conversation, he shared those hard-earned lessons in a way...
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An Exclusive Conversation with Colonel (Ret.) Gregory Fontenot
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Join us for a powerful and moving episode of Front to the Films, as host Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.) sits down with historian, author, and Colonel Gregory Fontenot (USA, Ret.). This episode marks the conclusion of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most critical and epic battles of World War II, and we could not ask for a better historian and storyteller to commemorate this momentous occasion. Greg’s extensive research and firsthand military experience bring to life the incredible stories of leadership, resilience, and innovation displayed during this...
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Bomber Boys: Preserving the Legacy of WWII Through the Lens of John Slemp
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
In our latest episode of Front to the Films, we had the honor of hosting John Slemp, a distinguished photographer, author, and veteran, whose work shines a light on the stories of World War II through an unexpected yet deeply meaningful lens. His book, Bomber Boys: WWII Flight Jacket Art, is a visual masterpiece that celebrates the airmen of World War II by showcasing the artistry and stories behind their iconic flight jackets. Through this engaging conversation with our host, Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.), John takes us behind the scenes of his groundbreaking project, sharing...
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Front to the Films: An Exclusive Interview with Battle of the Bulge Veteran Harry Miller
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
As we mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, it's a privilege to share an impromptu interview with Harry Miller, a veteran who served as a tank crewman in the 740th Tank Battalion during this pivotal World War II conflict. Harry Miller's Background Born in Ohio during the Great Depression, Harry Miller enlisted in the Enlisted Reserve Corps at 15 by claiming he was 18. He later joined the Army, receiving basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and advanced training at Fort Ord, California, with an amphibious tank unit. In November 1944, Miller arrived in Europe and was assigned...
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Front to the Films: Wounded Tiger: The Untold Journey of Pearl Harbor's Lead Pilot
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
This episode of Front to the Films features T. Martin Bennett, author of , hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.). The discussion explores the extraordinary story of Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, and his profound transformation after the war. T. Martin Bennett, Author of Bennett brings Fuchida’s journey to life, recounting how the former military leader transitions from a celebrated warrior to an advocate for peace. Central to this transformation are his unexpected connections to Jacob DeShazer, an American POW who endures unimaginable...
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Front to the Films: An Inside Look at the Upcoming Film Dad’s Secret War: France 1944, with Georges Strachan-Heyes
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
The Front to the Films podcast is thrilled to announce our latest episode featuring a conversation with Georges Strachan-Heyes, retired British Army officer and Director of Operations for the UK and NATO at Onebrief. In this episode, hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.), Georges brings his exceptional insights in discussing The World War II Foundation's newest documentary, Dad’s Secret War: France 1944. This gripping documentary, based on Scholars of Mayhem by Daniel C. Guiet and Timothy K. Smith, chronicles the daring World War II missions of Jean Claude Guiet, who served with...
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Front to the Films: Historians John McManus and Chris Kolakowski Discuss Operation Market Garden the 80th Anniversary
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden: A Special Episode of Front to the Films In honor of the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, we are thrilled to release a special episode of Front to the Films. This monumental military operation, which commenced on September 17, 1944, is remembered for its bold ambition, immense sacrifice, and pivotal role in World War II history. Our latest podcast delves deep into the operation's significance, the lasting lessons it offers, and its portrayal in the classic war film A Bridge Too Far. Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA...
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Join us for an engaging episode of "Front to the Films" as we sit down with renowned author and historian Alex Kershaw. This Sunday, May 26th, at 8:00 pm EST, Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.) hosts an insightful discussion that offers each of us a wider view of World War II and its signficance.
Alex Kershaw is celebrated for his in-depth research and compelling stories. His latest book, Patton's Prayer, dives into General Patton’s deep faith and its impact on his leadership during World War II. Kershaw’s other notable books include The Bedford Boys, The Liberator, Against All Odds, and The First Wave, each of which tells powerful stories of bravery and sacrifice.
In this episode, Alex shares his journey into writing about World War II, revealing the inspiration behind his captivating stories. He discusses the profound impact of The Bedford Boys, the remarkable journey of Felix Sparks in The Liberator, and the experiences of those Medal of Honor recipients featured in Against All Odds. He also highlights the personal stories within the broader scope of the war, offering unique insights into the human dimensions of warfare.
With the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaching, Alex discusses the significance of this pivotal moment in WWII. He reflects on the stories of the key warriors who landed on D-Day, as recounted in his book, The First Wave, and The Bedford Boys, and emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring this day.
Continue listening to the end, where Alex offers a cogent argument about the need to understand history in order to understand out own identities as Americans.
His extraordinary insights offer each of us a deeper understanding of the events that shaped our world and the legacy of those who fought for freedom.
Tune in to this episode of "Front to the Films" for a discussion that's both enlightening and inspiring. Subscribe to our podcast and join us as we continue to explore the personal histories behind these pivotal moments in history.
Alex Kershaw's Books:
- Jack London (1997)
- The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of World War II's Most Decorated Platoon (2004)
- The Bedford Boys: One American Town's Ultimate D-day Sacrifice (2004)
- Blood and Champagne: The Life And Times Of Robert Capa (2004)
- The Few (2006)
- Escape from the Deep (2008)
- The Envoy / To Save a People (2009)
- The Liberator: One World War II Soldier's 500-Day Odyssey from the Beaches of Sicily to the Gates of Dachau (2012)
- Avenue of Spies: A True Story of Terror, Espionage, and One American Family's Heroic Resistance in Nazi-Occupied Paris (2015)
- The General: William Levine, Citizen Soldier and Liberator (2017)
- The First Wave: The D-Day Warriors Who Led the Way to Victory in World War II (2019)
- Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II (2022)
- Patton's Prayer: A True Story of Courage, Faith, and Victory in World War II (2024)