Podcast
Letters Home
Hosted by Letters Home · EN
A serial story of a WW2 B-17 pilot from Lowell, Michigan in his own words. We dive into letters written by Captain James Bruce McMahon during his time in World War 2 that he sent to his parents, siblings, and friends back home in Lowell, Michigan. His relatives will be reading his words and giving some context to what was happening in the world and in Lowell at the time he wrote these.
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20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 19: Bruce's Reflections on the Army- April 1943
Nov 21, 202400:27:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Bruce thinks he knows his plans for his future in the service, but isn't sure. He also writes a very reflective letter after hearing of the death of Hoyt Phelps from Lowell, who came with Bruce to Santa Ana. We also learn a little more about Bruce’s uncle Jim and the names of WW2 planes. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.
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Episode 18: Spare Time in Blythe- March 1943
Nov 14, 202400:28:17Tap to summarizeIn March 1943, Bruce is waiting around for a new crew in Blythe, so he has a lot of free time on his hands. We learn about WW2 weapons, Bruce’s changing plans, and we sample a nostalgic favorite of Bruce's-- maple sugar candy. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.
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Episode 17: Blythe Army Air Field- February 1943
Nov 7, 202400:40:50Tap to summarizeBruce has his commission--he's going (going) back (back) to Cali. Bruce is in Blythe, California training a crew on the B-17 Flying Fortress. We also learn about the fire at King Milling in Lowell and the first mention of “that girl”--Bruce’s future wife Margaret. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.
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Episode 16: Bruce Gets His Wings- February 1943
Oct 31, 202400:33:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Bruce writes about the days leading up to getting his commission, including a lot of uncertainty about whether he's going to get leave to return to Lowell. The Kitty mystery gets complicated and we learn about Bruce's next stop on his journey. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.
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Episode 15: A Toast to 1943- January 1943
Oct 24, 202400:31:58Tap to summarizeIt's our Season 2 premiere! This season, we focus on 1943. We kick the new year off with Bruce enjoying a leisurely New Year’s Day wondering where he’ll be going after Arizona. He also welcomes a new family member. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.
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Episode 14: The Holidays in Arizona- December 1942
Oct 17, 202400:31:45Tap to summarizeIt's our Season 1 finale! We're reading the letters that Bruce wrote to his family at the end of his first year in the Air Corps-- 1942. He writes about the Christmas presents he received from many people in Lowell and he takes a trip over the border to Mexico. We also reveal a new clue in the mystery of who "Kitty" was. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.
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Episode 13: Douglas Army Air Field- December 1942
Oct 10, 202400:26:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Bruce gives his thoughts on his new camp in Douglas, Arizona and we learn about how Bruce came to meet famous movie stars Ann Miller, Edward G. Robinson, and Glenn Ford. We also learn about the snacks Bruce requested from home and sample some "divinity." Original music by Roger MacNaughton
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Episode 12: Thanksgiving at Merced- November 1942
Sep 19, 202400:27:44Tap to summarizeIt's Bruce's first Thanksgiving in the Army! We talk about how he spent his day, what he’s thankful for, what he had for the big dinner, and why Thanksgiving 1942 was particularly memorable in history. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.
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Episode 11: Flying Skills and War News- November 1942
Sep 12, 202400:30:08Tap to summarizeWe read letters where Bruce beautifully describes his time in the air on cross-country flights and practices his aerobatic tricks. Bruce also talks about the latest war news from November 1942, and we give more details on his predictions. And since football season is upon us, we share highlights from the Michigan and Notre Dame game from 1942-- we know Bruce was listening! Original music by Roger MacNaughton.
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Episode 10: Life in Basic Flight School- October 1942
Sep 5, 202400:29:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we talk about Bruce's flight training, including cross-country flights and instrument flying. We also discuss Red Skelton, pheasant hunting on Reservoir Hill, and Bruce's night at a Halloween sorority party. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.
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