Podcast Summary: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Episode 678 - Douglas Stringfellow
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Introduction to Douglas Stringfellow
In Episode 678 of The Dollop, hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds delve into the intriguing and questionable life of Douglas Stringfellow, a figure who purportedly rose to prominence through fabricated war heroics during and after World War II. The episode meticulously unpacks Stringfellow's rise, the embellishments of his military service, and the eventual unraveling of his deceit.
Early Life and Education
Douglas Stringfellow was born on September 24, 1922, in Draper, Utah, to parents Henry and Naomi Bertha Stringfellow. During his youth, the family relocated to Ogden, a significant railway hub east of Salt Lake City. An early indication of his later propensity for storytelling is seen when, in 1938, Stringfellow received a peculiar assignment to study the "artistic arrangement of colors and vegetables and fruit," which Gareth humorously interpreted as "field work" (04:00).
Stringfellow excelled in athletics, becoming a high school football star, and maintained a strong affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). After graduating in 1941, he attended Weaver Junior College, continuing his involvement in football and joining the local Excelsior Club.
Military Service and Heroic Claims
With the outbreak of World War II, Douglas enlisted in the Army in April 1943. Initially, he was slated for an engineering course at the University of Cincinnati but was soon deployed to Europe with Company C, 62nd Armored Infantry Battalion (15:02). However, Stringfellow never saw combat. On November 19, 1944, while participating in routine mine-clearing operations in France, a mine explosion severely injured his spine, rendering him paralyzed from the neck down with only partial use of his legs (15:14).
Despite his injuries, Stringfellow became a prominent speaker within the LDS community, recounting embellished tales of his supposed valor. His speeches often included grandiose claims, such as capturing Dr. Otto Hahn, the father of nuclear fission, and leading daring missions behind enemy lines (26:04).
Notable Quote:
Dave Anthony [26:33]: "Now the biggest..."
Gareth Reynolds [26:33]: "I actually..."
Post-War Life and Speaking Engagements
Released from the hospital in December 1945, Stringfellow married Lee Lemon in May 1946. He utilized his alleged military accolades to secure numerous speaking engagements, becoming a sought-after orator at LDS events, Boy Scouts meetings, and even national conventions. His charisma and fabricated stories garnered him standing ovations and prestigious awards, including the National Americanism Award from the Junior Chamber of Commerce (53:14).
Gareth and Dave highlight how Stringfellow's storytelling prowess allowed him to ascend socially and politically, despite the dubious nature of his claims (24:34).
Political Career and Integrity Issues
In the early 1950s, Stringfellow ventured into politics, running for the House of Representatives. His campaign was heavily centered on his embellished military record, which was met with both admiration and skepticism. As his notoriety grew, so did the inconsistencies in his stories, raising questions among peers and the public (54:15).
Notable Quote:
Dave Anthony [55:00]: "You wouldn't be a doll Philip."
Gareth Reynolds [55:03]: "Yeah, but you can't possibly like he's..."
Investigation and Exposure
Stringfellow's fabricated war heroics eventually drew scrutiny. Investigations by the Army Times and local newspapers began to uncover discrepancies in his military records. A pivotal moment occurred when Dr. Otto Hahn publicly denied being captured by Stringfellow, contradicting his tales (63:04).
Despite these revelations, Stringfellow maintained his innocence initially, leading to tension within the LDS community and political circles. Under mounting pressure, he finally admitted that his war stories were entirely false during a televised confession, expressing regret and shedding tears over his deceit (67:39).
Notable Quote:
Dave Anthony [67:12]: "Here are the facts. I never participated in any secret behind the lines mission for our government..."
Later Life and Legacy
Post-confession, Stringfellow's reputation suffered irreparable damage. Attempts to salvage his legacy through a book and further speaking engagements failed, leading to a decline in his public presence. He eventually moved to Mexico to escape the humiliation and later returned to California, where he continued painting until his untimely death from a heart attack in 1966 at the age of 44 (77:40).
Gareth and Dave reflect on the broader implications of Stringfellow's story, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked hero worship and the ease with which one can manipulate narratives for personal gain (81:53).
Conclusion
The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the allure of fabricated heroism and the critical importance of verifying historical accounts. Through their engaging and humorous dialogue, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds shed light on Douglas Stringfellow's complex persona, ultimately revealing the tragic consequences of his deceit.
Notable Quotes:
- Gareth Reynolds [07:02]: "I'm not mean."
- Dave Anthony [24:38]: "He's also a very big LDS speaker."
- Gareth Reynolds [53:30]: "I can't hear any more of the names of these functions."
- Dave Anthony [68:06]: "They raised almost nothing, so it's all fine."
- Gareth Reynolds [81:22]: "You are a liar."
Key Takeaways:
- Douglas Stringfellow leveraged fabricated military achievements to gain social and political standing.
- His charismatic storytelling initially brought him acclaim but eventually led to public scrutiny and downfall.
- The episode highlights the importance of integrity and the potential harm of glorifying unverifiable heroism.
Sources Cited in Episode:
- Salt Lake Tribune
- Ogden Standard Examiner
- Lindsay Gazette
- Deseret News
- Associated Press
- Time Magazine
- Evening Star
- Washington Post
- Historytogo.utah.gov