Air Stories Of The World War 1932-02-16 The Three Inseperables

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Air Stories Of The World War 1932-02-16 The Three Inseparables"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Relive the Golden Age of Radio with classic radio shows that captivated families before the advent of television. Enjoy timeless programs featuring legendary shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: Air Stories Of The World War 1932-02-16 The Three Inseparables
• Release Date: May 11, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Air Stories Of The World War 1932-02-16 The Three Inseparables," listeners are transported back to the tumultuous skies of World War II Europe. Through a dramatized narrative, the story delves into the lives of three American war flyers whose initial camaraderie is marred by deep-seated personal conflicts, only to culminate in an unexpected bond forged by the crucible of war.

Characters

• Captain West: The commanding officer who oversees the squadron and recognizes the valor of his pilots.
• Terence McCoy: An Irish-American pilot with a rough exterior and a penchant for conflict.
• Eric Stephens: A former polo player and the social superior among the trio, harboring disdain for his fellow pilots.
• Michael Gold: A Jewish pilot whose ideological differences and initial antagonism bring tension to the group.
• Narrator: Provides context and transitions between scenes, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

Plot Summary

Formation of the Trio

The episode opens with Captain West commending Terence McCoy, Eric Stephens, and Michael Gold for their exceptional performance in a recent dogfight against German forces. Despite their remarkable teamwork, it's evident that their personalities clash sharply:

• [02:51] Eric Stephens: “We've never practiced anything together, Captain. We merely found ourselves together and acted in unison.”
• [03:16] Captain West: Acknowledges their effective, albeit forced, collaboration.

Underlying Tensions

Post-battle, the true nature of their relationships surfaces. Terence McCoy openly criticizes Michael Gold's contributions, viewing his actions as opportunistic rather than patriotic.

• [03:33] Terence McCoy: “This idea of gold helping America makes me laugh. That dirty Bolshevik.”
• [04:07] Eric Stephens: Challenges Gold’s motives, highlighting the personal and ideological rifts.

Escalation of Conflict

Months into the war, the trio's mutual hatred intensifies, undermining their effectiveness as pilots and threatening their squadron's morale.

• [06:16] Terence McCoy: Launches verbal assaults against both Stephens and Gold, exacerbating tensions.
• [07:04] Eric Stephens: Calls out Gold's Bolshevism, further fueling discord.

Breaking Point

A heated confrontation in the barracks reaches its peak when accusations of attempted poisoning emerge, leading to a near-physical altercation.

• [07:11] Michael Gold: Denies poisoning intentions, declaring, “I didn't try to pull out on you two.”
• [08:36] Character G (Gold): Accuses McCoy of plotting against him, heightening the stakes.

Ultimatum from Command

Captain West intervenes, recognizing that their feud is detrimental to the entire squadron. He orders Stephens and McCoy to the guardhouse, leaving only Gold in the field.

• [09:13] Captain West: “Your quarreling has almost busted the morale of my men. And I'm going to break up this combination right now.”

Turning Point in Battle

During a pivotal battle over Merlane, Gold's aircraft becomes disabled, seemingly abandoning his comrades. However, in a dramatic twist, Gold returns to their aid just in time to repel the German attack.

• [11:09] Narrator: Describes the intense dogfight and Gold’s timely intervention.
• [12:46] Eric Stephens: Initially bitter, “By God, I thought the Jerry's had us that time you pulled us out of that fire, Gold.”

Gold’s Transformation

Witnessing Captain West’s unwavering dedication inspires Gold to reconsider his stance on America and his comrades.

• [13:09] Michael Gold: Reflects, “When I heard the skipper talking like that, well, it got into me, that's all.”
• [14:20] Character G: Affirms his newfound commitment to their mission, “My country.”

Reconciliation

The shared experience of battle and Gold’s change of heart pave the way for reconciliation. The trio acknowledges their past mistakes and unites as "The Three Inseparables."

• [14:47] Character G: “We've all acted like fools. Well, from now on, let's fight the way we ought to fight.”
• [14:53] Michael Gold: Proposes a symbolic gesture, “Stevens, will you shake my hand on that?”

Recognition and Honor

Their united front and bravery earn them the prestigious Legion of Honor, cementing their legacy as heroes despite their rocky beginnings.

• [15:13] Narrator: Concludes with their formal recognition, “[...] for the three inseparables.”

Key Themes

• Conflict and Reconciliation: The episode masterfully portrays how deep-seated personal conflicts can threaten group cohesion, especially in high-stakes environments like war.
• Transformation through Adversity: Michael Gold's character arc exemplifies how exposure to true heroism and sacrifice can lead to profound personal change.
• Comradeship in War: Despite their differences, the trio's ability to unite in the face of external threats underscores the importance of teamwork and mutual respect.

Notable Quotes

• Terence McCoy: “I'm strict. I heard you guys sneering. All I'm going to. Keep away from me.” [05:20]
• Michael Gold: “Now I heard you talk about America, his country, the land he wanted to save.” [13:09]
• Eric Stephens: “We'll fill them up and drink to the three of us, the three inseparables.” [15:19]

Conclusion

"Air Stories Of The World War 1932-02-16 The Three Inseparables" is a compelling narrative that captures the essence of camaraderie and the transformative power of shared trials. Through rich character development and intense dramatic moments, the episode highlights how even the most unlikely allies can come together to achieve greatness. For fans of historical dramatizations and tales of heroism, this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio delivers a memorable and engaging experience.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, we present another in the series of air stories of the World War by that ace of all air story writers, George Bruce. George Bruce was a pioneer flyer. He knows flying. He knows the men who represented this country in the air during the World War. His stories are reflections of his own crowded life and the lives of our American war flyers in war torn Europe. We are pleased to announce that Aces magazine, the pioneer flying story magazine for whom George Bruce writes exclusively, has given us special permission to broadcast these stories. The day the Paris Times broke the story which surrounded the magnificent exploit over Merlin of Eric Stephens, Michael gold and Terence McCoy, a reporter, carried away by a rush of adjectives, named them the Three Inseparables. The name swept across France and became a synonym of bravery and comradeship. But when they were first named the Three Inseparables, the gods of war must have chuckled. For no three men could have been so widely divergent in character, morals and ideals. No three men ever hated each other more, nor would as gladly have murdered one another. Strange that these three should finally win the Legion of Honor. But the ceremony of their citation was not the beginning of the story. STEPHENS, Gold and McCoy have just come back from their first battle and are listening to the CO Captain West.

[Captain West]

Now listen, you guys, you sure did better than I'd hoped for. The Jerry swamped us, but we got out of it, thank God. And I want to compliment the three lads who hung together in that dog fight off my port wing. That triple formation of yours saved the day for the rest of this outfit. Let me tell you. You fella, what's your name?

[Terence McCoy]

Terence Macyser.

[Captain West]

You flew point in that charge. Nice work. And the tall fellow, what's your name?

[Eric Stephens]

Eric Stevenson.

[Captain West]

Oh, I got you. You're the polo player. Used to be all over the newspapers. Captain of the Remsen Club team or something that beat the British Club one year, ain't you?

[Eric Stephens]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain West]

And you chap, I didn't get your name right either.

[Michael Gold]

I'm Gold, Just Michael gold.

[Captain West]

Gold, huh? McCoy, Stevens and gold. Well, how long have you been Practicing that attack together.

[Eric Stephens]

We've never practiced anything together, Captain. We merely found ourselves together and acted in unison.

[Terence McCoy]

I took a slam at them pokers and these two guys came up behind me. And that's how it was.

[Character G]

You flatter us, Captain. United we stood and divided we fell. In the words of the great American.

[Michael Gold]

Patriot, I only followed the Irishman to.

[Character G]

Keep the Germans off his tail. Mister, the big sportsman chanced to follow a case of three being better than one.

[Captain West]

Well, if that's the first rehearsal, it's a good act. Keep it up. You pulled down five Fockers with that attack. You three report to me later. You've done a lot for American morale this morning.

[Eric Stephens]

Well, seems we pulled his flight out of a bad pinch.

[Terence McCoy]

Say you, Gould? What do you mean it was you keeping him off my tail? I don't need no kite to help me fight me battles. What do you either, Mr. Gothrox? You guys stuck behind me and got the guys I knocked aside for you. This idea of gold helping America makes me laugh. That dirty Bolshevik.

[Character G]

You're right, my friend. You're right. I should care about America. A country made up of saloon, politicians and vaud healing Irishmen like yourself. And capitalists who rob the poor so that they can play games like Mr. Stevens. You and your patriotism.

[Eric Stephens]

Now see here, Gold. I've listened to your sneers long enough. Didn't you tell me that you joined the service hoping to gain fame for yourselves so that you could go back and plot your revolutions? Well, I hope you never get back. You make me as tired as this shanty Irishman with his chest pounding boasts.

[Terence McCoy]

Calling me a shanty Irish again, are you, Stevens? You'll do some pounding on that stuck up nose of yours. Maybe I ain't no university bigwig like this kite or no 400 from Fifth Avenue. But I can knock you both into the middle of next week. And I've been aching for that chance.

[Michael Gold]

For a long time.

[Character G]

You shouldn't have been a cop, McCoy. Then you could strike down the defenseless all you want to. You hate Stephens because he's your social superior. You don't dare lay a hand on him. You hate me because I'm a Jew. If you ever touch me with those pug hands of yours, you'll regret it. And that goes for you too, you snob.

[Eric Stephens]

By heavens, what a fine pair I've got to fight with. You're both a couple of swine.

[Terence McCoy]

I ought to pick this kosher eater and smash her stuck up biscuits.

[Eric Stephens]

I'll break your Irish neck for you if you tried it.

[Character G]

And as for gold, the unruly ignorant against the selfish capitalist. I hope you slaughter each other. When muscle slays money then brains may have an honest chance in this world.

[Terence McCoy]

I'm strict. I heard you guys sneering. All I'm going to. Keep away from me. I'm warning you. Don't go trying to cop the glory for the men I pull down after this.

[Eric Stephens]

A blowhard bully and a Bolshevik. I hope you both get it.

[Michael Gold]

Fools.

[Character G]

But I'll get power. I'll climb up over your rotten shoulders and show you all power. And then I'll see you both in hell.

[Narrator]

So the war makes strange bedfellows. Months pass, and the three inseparables have become famous and the backbone of their squadron. But it is only chance advantage that holds them in the air together, fighting like a machine. As their fame grows, as the strain of war daggers their nerves mutual enmity blossoms into vicious hatred. After a dawn patrol, they quarrel in the barracks.

[Terence McCoy]

Listen, ya mangy culture eater. I'm tired of your sneaking along with Stevens behind me and getting fat on the jellies I set up for you. That German all shot to pieces in front of me today. And you, you ducked in and get the credit for bringing them down. Yeah. Yellow punk.

[Character G]

I'll knock your block off my wrist. Don't make yourself any more ridiculous than nature has made you.

[Michael Gold]

Ah.

[Eric Stephens]

You're both too yellow to fight.

[Terence McCoy]

Yeah. Ever since we left Kelly, I've been waiting for this chance. After I smell smash gold, they'll start in on you, you big swell.

[Character G]

Take your hands off me, Irishman. I'll. I'll kill you.

[Eric Stephens]

You.

[Terence McCoy]

You. All you can kill is Germans I set up for you.

[Character G]

You set up for me? You big bluff. The only reason you ever got back in the field is because I pick all the ships. You miss, I'll kill you, and I mean it. That goes for you too, Stephens.

[Eric Stephens]

Why, you rotten Bolshevik. I'm sick of your sneers at America and at me. I'll fight you a duel anytime you say.

[Character G]

That's your high and mighty idea of sportsmanship. Why wouldn't you fight a duel? Me, the little Jew from the sweatshops who spends his nights poring over books while you were out trap shooting and fox hunting? You know, you're a crack shot, but I'll get you a smarter way. I'd like to poison you.

[Terence McCoy]

The kite may save me the trouble of getting you yet, Stevens. For five months now, you two skunks been living off my Reputation. I've been hoping a parry. I'd break your necks.

[Eric Stephens]

I'm thoroughly sick of both of you. You big Mick. You'd have been shot to ribbons this morning if I hadn't dropped that fokker off your starboard flank. Next time I'll watch you fight your own battle. And as for you, Gold, I know that you're plotting Bolshevism propaganda for New York. I intend to see that it never gets back there. And if you ever threaten to poison me again, I'll see you court martialed. This is the second time you've hinted at that. You threatened me last week. What's the matter with that wine? Oh. Oh, I see. My bottle of bichloride has gone from that medicine shelf, huh? So. So you tried to fix me already, did you? You dirty little nihilist.

[Terence McCoy]

So the educated kike has tried to poison you to death.

[Captain West]

That's a lie.

[Character G]

If there was anything in that bottle of yours.

[Michael Gold]

Stephen's.

[Character G]

I never put it there.

[Captain West]

Oh, no, No.

[Character G]

I wouldn't be sorry if you had taken a drink. But I didn't poison that wine of yours. McCoy heard me talk about it. Maybe McCoy thought he'd poured one of his. Smart your lies.

[Terence McCoy]

I'll tear your head off your dirty neck. You put up that gun. Why haven't the man the mutt tried.

[Narrator]

To have killed me?

[Eric Stephens]

You big Irishman. You're shaking like a leaf. But you almost got you that trip, didn't me?

[Character G]

You make me laugh. I didn't shoot at that hog grower. I just took out the gun to see if the safety was on. It went off by accident. The bullet went through that window behind him. Just by accident. Too bad.

[Captain West]

But next time you three at it again, huh? I heard a shot. Now what the devil's going on here? Fighting again, huh? Ever since you've been in this outfit, you've done nothing but make trouble. But your quarreling has almost busted the morale of my men. And I'm going to break up this combination right now. Now listen. We're making a big attack day after tomorrow on Mer Lane. And that's the last time you three bums go up together. As for this morning, I'm doing a patrol by myself. Stevens, you and McCoy can spend a day in the guard house. Lieutenant Gold, I need one man. You get in your crate and come along with me.

[Character G]

Yes, S.

[Terence McCoy]

Well, can you beat that? The jug is up with west while we sit here in the guardhouse and he goes and saves West's life.

[Eric Stephens]

What's that?

[Terence McCoy]

You say, didn't you hear what them men out there is yelling? West got mobbed by a gang of hawkers and was fallen. Gold follows west ship down into no man's land and carries west 2 miles on his back with the Jerry snipers shooting all around. That'll make that lousy gold a bigger hero than ever. He'll be appointed flight leader for that attack we're going to make on Merlane.

[Captain West]

Damn.

[Eric Stephens]

Damn. It's just what the Jew wants. Get himself a big name and go back to America and start trouble for the government. Listen, McCoy, that Bolshevik has got to be stopped. We'll have to stop him.

[Terence McCoy]

Ah, laugh, you'll do, you yellow snob. You a scared green of them.

[Eric Stephens]

Well, you didn't do any scrapping when he put that slug through your hair. Now, listen. Listen, McCoy, we can finish our scrap afterwards. This time we've got to play together. We've got to fix that murdering little gold.

[Terence McCoy]

Sure, and America would be plenty better off without him.

[Eric Stephens]

Exactly. The only reason he joined the service was to get power. He doesn't care anything about America. We'll have to stop his game.

[Terence McCoy]

Sure, and I'll beat the little rat into a pulp.

[Eric Stephens]

No, no, no. There's a better way. Let the Jerrys get him. Let him fight his own battle. He thinks he's so clever. It's murder in a way, but it's better than having him go back to New York to organize revolution. And it isn't a low trick like poison.

[Terence McCoy]

Well, what's the plan? Let's have it. I'd do anything to get even with that skunk.

[Eric Stephens]

The plan is simply this. When we fight over Merlene tomorrow, we'll go into our stunt attack. Very well. When we run into a mob of Germans, we'll simply pull out and let him demonstrate the hero he thinks he is.

[Terence McCoy]

And the Germans will do the rest.

[Eric Stephens]

Exactly.

[Narrator]

Wing to wing, goal Steepens and McCoy led the 108th into battle over Merlane. Suddenly, the sky was filled with flashing Fokkers. Gold hurled his spat at a pair of German ships. He does not know that Stephens and McCoy had abandoned him. Stephens and McCoy were a mile away down the sky, engaged in a terrific dogfight with a swarm of Germans who had suddenly attacked them from high above. Stephen's ship was raked by gunfire from all sides. Four Fokkers bore down on McCoy's tail as the Irishman dove to escape the fierce attack of two Germans who were riddling his flank. It was all up with McCoy and Stephens. But just as they thought they were done for. A gray Spad came roaring out of nowhere, looping, zooming, spraying hot death at the attacking Germans. Michael Gold to the rescue. Once again the three flew wing to wing, hurled their stunting ship at the Germans. The Fockers fell back, turned tail and ran. The Battle of Merlane was won, wounded and victorious. Gold, McCoy and Stephens landed their bullet torn ships on the home field.

[Eric Stephens]

By God, I thought the Jerry's had us that time you pulled us out of that fire, Gold. If you hadn't come back, they'd have got us.

[Terence McCoy]

Gold just saved the day. Them Jerry's almost got me. Hey, I didn't think you'd ever get out of that first dog fight you was in.

[Michael Gold]

Listen, you fellers, I didn't leave you in the first place. My engine conked on that dive of mine. When I got out of it, you guys was gone.

[Eric Stephens]

What?

[Michael Gold]

I knew it looked like I pulled out on you two, but my ship went out of control and I had all I could do to get those Jerries off my tail. When I looked up, you were a mile away. I got to you as soon as I could.

[Terence McCoy]

Well, I'm sure. Damn this tank.

[Michael Gold]

I'm giving you this trade. Listen, before I went up this morning, I made up my mind I'd fight square from now on. Be the good soldier I ought to be. Yesterday, well, something happened to me. I guess it was while I was carrying old man west out of no Man's Land. He was wounded badly. All the time he was on my back, he kept talking about America, his country, the land he wanted to save. Somehow I never thought of America like that. West was babbling, unconscious, but his heart still wanted to get in there and fight for America. For a land of honor and freedom. Listen, all my life I've hated America. But when I heard the skipper talking like that, well, it got into me, that's all. When I went up this morning, I determined to fly like. Like a good soldier. I wanted to do it for west and for my.

[Character G]

My country.

[Michael Gold]

And so I didn't try to pull.

[Eric Stephens]

Out on you fellas, you try to pull out on us. Why? Why? Damn it, I can't stand it. Listen, Gold, don't apologize to us, for God's sake. We pulled out on you. We tried to leave you in the lurch.

[Terence McCoy]

I'm sorry, Gold. Honest to God, I am. Stevens and may we? We plan to let the jetty swamp you and then you come back and save this with. Oh, we sure you've done your dirt, fella.

[Character G]

We've all acted like fools. Well, from now on, let's fight the.

[Eric Stephens]

Way we ought to fight.

[Michael Gold]

Stevens, will you shake my hand on that?

[Eric Stephens]

I sure will, God.

[Terence McCoy]

And mine.

[Captain West]

Hey. Hey, you three devils. Dispatch just come in from for Lieutenants Gold, McCoy and Stevens from GHQ. Advice from French headquarters. General Guro witnessed your Arab battle this morning and your old report to the French general staff for citation. Looks like the Legion of Honor.

[Eric Stephens]

Say, boys, there's a bottle of wine in my kit.

[Terence McCoy]

And there'll be no poison in it neither.

[Eric Stephens]

We'll fill them up and drink to the three of us, the three inseparables.

[Narrator]

We hope you have enjoyed this dramatized story of George Bruce as much as we have in presenting it. Every month there is a feature story in Aces magazine by this great air flying story writer. And your news dealer will be happy to supply you.