An Exclusive Conversation with Colonel (Ret.) Gregory Fontenot
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Release Date: 01/22/2025
A Final Landing on Iwo Jima
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
A veteran of the horrific fight on Iwo JIma returns to the island eight decades later to make peace with the carnage that happened here in 1945. He's joined by the son of a fellow Marine who is trying to dig deeper into his own father's time here on this ugly island of death.
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Dad's Secret War: France 1944
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
Jean Claude Guiet was recruited into the top-secret OSS in World War II, only to be sent to England to join the British equivalent of the American Spy and Espionage agency, the SOE. He jumped into France with a team following D-Day to organize factions of the French Resistance to keep the Germans away from the landing beaches in Normandy, France in June of 1944.
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Village of Death: Oradour-sur-Glane 1944
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
The German SS massacred a small French village in World War II in one of the worst atrocities to take place in Europe during the war.
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Miles, Morale and Memories: Bob Hope and World War II
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
During World War II, Bob Hope and his troupe of Hollywood performers traveled over 80,000 miles to entertain troops in the United States, Alaska, North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific.
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Timeless Patriotism: Guam and World War II
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
A documentary chronicling the lesser-known story of the American Territory of Guam's role in World War II. Attacked on the same day as Pearl Harbor (December 8th across the International Date Line), Guam was occupied for almost three years by the Japanese. Hear from many who survived the occupation and meet a United States Marine who helped liberate the island in 1944.
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No Lights, No Escorts, Just Courage: The WWII Journey of Myles Isbell
From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast
On June 6, 1944, a teenager from Michigan helped steer a flat-bottomed Navy vessel toward the shores of Normandy. His name was Myles Isbell. His ship: LST-540. He was 17. In this special episode of Front to the Films, we tell the extraordinary story of Myles Isbell—Gunner’s Mate Third Class, World War II veteran, and eyewitness to some of the most pivotal naval operations of the 20th century. To bring Myles’ story to life in full, we’ve seamlessly interwoven his final recorded interview—conducted just three months before his death—with archival audio from an earlier oral history...
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“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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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 historic campaign. In this episode, Greg shares vivid accounts from his books, No Sacrifice Too Great: The 1st Infantry Division in World War II and Loss and Redemption at St. Vith: The 7th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge, offering a rare glimpse into the courage and adaptability of the men who fought in the Ardennes 80 years ago.
Highlights of the Episode:
Stories from the Battle of the Bulge
Greg Fontenot recounts some of the most extraordinary and harrowing moments from the Battle of the Bulge, focusing on the heroic actions of the 7th Armored Division at St. Vith. These stories capture the grit and determination of soldiers facing overwhelming odds in freezing conditions, showcasing their ability to adapt and persevere. Hear about the decisions that changed the course of battles and the personal sacrifices made by those on the front lines.
The Legacy of the 7th Armored Division
In Loss and Redemption at St. Vith, Greg chronicles the story of the 7th Armored Division during the grueling Battle of the Bulge. Tasked with defending the critical town of St. Vith, the division’s soldiers exemplified resilience and ingenuity in the face of overwhelming German forces. Greg highlights their ability to adapt under intense pressure, as they reorganized and countered enemy strategies in real time. Their sacrifices and determination not only influenced the outcome of the battle but also left a lasting legacy of leadership and teamwork that continues to inspire today.
Lessons for Today’s Leaders
Throughout the episode, Greg reflects on the qualities that defined the leaders of the Ardennes campaign—decision-making under pressure, innovative thinking, and an unwavering commitment to mission and comrades. Whether you’re in the military, a business leader, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights into resilience and leadership in the face of adversity.
Why You Should Tune In
This special episode is being released as we commemorate the conclusion of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. It’s a chance to honor the memory of the Greatest Generation while drawing timeless lessons from their experiences. Colonel Fontenot’s storytelling is vivid and heartfelt, making this a must-listen for anyone who values history, leadership, or the enduring human spirit.
Greg's Books
Be sure to catch this unforgettable episode of Front to the Films. And then, be sure to purchase one of his books on World War II.
You'll be glad you did!