Podcast
Portraits of Honor
Hosted by Velocity Studios · EN
Inspired by photographer Jeff Rease's mission, this podcast series spotlights the remarkable stories of World War II veterans. Each episode features personal narratives from these everyday heroes from all walks of life who once united for liberty and justice when the world needed them most. Capturing the essence of honor and service through first-hand accounts, these stories bridge generational gaps, vividly preserving the past and imparting heartfelt lessons of what it means to serve for a greater cause. Listen, learn, and remember as these timeless tales echo the heroism of a fading generation.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Carl Cooper (Colonel, Marine Corps)
Nov 2, 202300:14:11Tap to summarizeToday we feature Colonel Carl Cooper, the first veteran photographed by Jeff Rease. He had a remarkable 38-year tenure with the Marine Corps. A valiant warrior, he faced fierce battles in WWII's Pacific theater in Guadalcanal and Okinawa. He also served in Korea, followed by training and recruiting during Vietnam. Beyond the battlefield, Cooper spent many years teaching and coaching in high school and junior high school education. After his retirement, he dedicated another 30 years to FEMA until 2010. He was an embodiment of service and bravery whose legacy stands tall. This interview was recorded on April 10, 2019 in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
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Jerome Wilner (Second Lieutenant, Army) - Part 2
Sep 26, 202300:28:41Tap to summarize(Part 2) This exciting episode features Jerome Wilner, a WWII bombardier/navigator who went from Cornell to the skies of Europe. Jerome defied the odds to survive 30 harrowing missions on B-17s over Germany, surrounded by deadly flak. Hear how his indomitable spirit carried him through the war and perilous bomb runs. From academia to the fierce theater of war, Jerome's story is a testament to adaptability and resilience. This interview was recorded on May 12, 2021, in Rockville Maryland.
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Jerome Wilner (Second Lieutenant, Army) - Part 1
Sep 21, 202300:34:56Tap to summarizeThis exciting episode features Jerome Wilner, a WWII bombardier/navigator who went from Cornell to the skies of Europe. Jerome defied the odds to survive 30 harrowing missions on B-17s over Germany, surrounded by deadly flak. Hear how his indomitable spirit carried him through the war and perilous bomb runs. From academia to the fierce theater of war, Jerome's story is a testament to adaptability and resilience. This interview was recorded on May 12, 2021, in Rockville Maryland.
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Morton Waitzman (Technical Sergeant, Army) - Part 2 | S1E19
Sep 19, 202300:30:58Tap to summarize(Part 2 of 2) This episode explores the extraordinary life of Morton Waitzman, an Army veteran who played a vital role on D-Day as a communication specialist. From landing on Omaha Beach, intercepting German codes, to facilitating critical communications with the French resistance, his journey is a riveting tale of courage, dedication, and resilience. As we explore his transition from soldier to scholar, his inspiring story connects the battlefields of WWII to the halls of Emory University, blending history with a legacy in academia. This interview was recorded on September 21, 2022, in Atlanta Georgia.
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Morton Waitzman (Technical Sergeant, Army) - Part 1 | S1E18
Sep 14, 202300:24:44Tap to summarize(Part 1 of 2) This episode explores the extraordinary life of Morton Waitzman, an Army veteran who played a vital role on D-Day as a communication specialist. From landing on Omaha Beach, intercepting German codes, to facilitating critical communications with the French resistance, his journey is a riveting tale of courage, dedication, and resilience. As we explore his transition from soldier to scholar, his inspiring story connects the battlefields of WWII to the halls of Emory University, blending history with a legacy in academia. This interview was recorded on September 21, 2022, in Atlanta Georgia.
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Claude Hillenbrand (Technical Sergeant, Army Air Corps) | S1E17
Sep 12, 202300:40:12Tap to summarizeIn this gripping episode, we hear from Claude Hillenbrand, a dedicated flight engineer and gunner on B-17 "Flying Fortresses." His compelling tale of resilience takes us through 35 perilous missions, including D-Day, navigating the war-torn skies of WWII Europe and the Pacific in iconic B-17s like "Vini Viti Vici" and "Smokey Liz." From field rations to oxygen masks, Hillenbrand's detailed account offers a vivid glimpse into the life of an Army Air Corps serviceman. This interview was recorded on September 1, 2020, in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
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Bud Anderson (Brigadier General, Air Force) | S1E16
Sep 7, 202300:43:03Tap to summarizeGet ready for a thrilling journey as we chat with Clarence Emil "Bud" Anderson, the highest scoring living American fighter ace and WWII triple ace. From his first combat tours to innovative flight test programs, Bud's extraordinary aviation career spans over 130 different aircraft types and 7,500 flying hours. We delve into his action-packed dogfights, his survival strategies, and the accolades he earned. Now at 101, Bud continues to inspire and captivate with his remarkable stories of skill, technique, and patience in the skies. His rank above was his last rank of service. He received an honorary promotion to Brigadier General in the past year. This interview was recorded on March 25, 2023, in Auburn California.
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Peter Orlando (Staff Sergeant, Army) | S1E15
Sep 5, 202300:22:31Tap to summarizeToday we dive deep with Peter Orlando, a Navy veteran from South Boston who played a pivotal role in World War II. From constructing artificial harbors for the Normandy landings to rescuing stranded ships, and even surviving a shipwreck himself. Discover how his French language skills bridged a critical gap between American troops and French command in occupied Austria. Join us as we unfold his heroic deeds and post-war life back in Boston. This interview was recorded on May 22, 2021, in Concord, Massachusetts.
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Louis Graziano (Master Sergeant, Army) | S1E14
Aug 31, 202300:31:14Tap to summarizeWe hear from Army veteran Master Sergeant Louis Graziano, the last living witness to the German surrender in WWII. From battling on D-Day to preparing the war room for surrender, Louis' war journey and his post-war transition is a tale of endurance, dedication, and belief in the blessings of God. Don't miss the captivating moments of his interaction with a movie star and his life beyond the battleground in the beauty business. This interview was recorded on February 22, 2023, in Thomson, Georgia.
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Maurice Bahan (Pilot, B-17, Army Air Corps) | S1E13
Aug 29, 202300:27:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode as we delve into the captivating story of Maurice Quay Bahan, an Army Air Corps B-17 pilot. From completing 13 combat missions amidst personal health challenges to utilizing the GI Bill after the war, his life story embodies dedication, resilience, and a timeless love for the skies. And now we hear about his lifetime of adventure and perseverance, both in the air and on the ground. This interview was recorded on November 16, 2022, in Huntsville, Alabama. TO DONATE - LINK - https://portraits-of-honor.captivate.fm/donate.
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