Detailed Summary of "The Man Who Calculated Death"
Episode: Unintended Consequences: 9
Release Date: May 6, 2025

The Man Who Calculated Death, hosted by Suzanne Rico on PodcastOne, delves into the intricate tapestry of family history intertwined with the tumultuous events of World War II. In Episode 9, titled Unintended Consequences, listeners are taken on a gripping journey as Suzanne and her sister, Stephanie, unravel the mysteries surrounding their mother's tragic death and the unintended fallout of wartime actions.

1. Introduction and Context

The episode opens with Suzanne Rico setting the stage for the ongoing narrative:

Suzanne Rico [00:00]: "Just a quick reminder that new episodes of The Man Who Calculated Death are available for free every Tuesday, wherever you get your podcasts."

Following this, the personal dynamics between Suzanne’s aunt, Tanta, and Heidi are introduced, highlighting the emotional tension stemming from Heidi’s deteriorating health and her contemplations on life and death.

2. The Bombing Mystery

As the story unfolds, Tanta recounts the harrowing experience of the farmhouse bombing that claimed the life of her sister, Heidi’s mother. The siblings grapple with the traumatic memories and the incomplete understanding of the event.

Tanta [02:05]: "Heidi has now qualified to use aid in dying drugs."

The core of the mystery revolves around the B17 bomber, identified as B17 6178, which mistakenly targeted their farmhouse due to mechanical failures, leading to unintended civilian casualties.

3. Initial Findings and Repercussions

Tanta and Heidi delve into declassified archives to piece together the events leading up to the bombing. Their investigation reveals the bomber’s mechanical issues and the subsequent bomb drop timing, which unexpectedly coincided with their family’s home.

Heidi [02:10]: "Do you have time to talk? Uh huh."

Tanta [05:24]: "I just can't believe that processing a new story when the cornerstone of the old one has just been ripped away is disorienting to say the least."

This revelation brings a mix of relief and sorrow, as they realize that the bombing was not a targeted act against their family but a tragic accident resulting from wartime exigencies.

4. Attempts to Contact Relatives

Determined to uncover the fate of the bomber crew, Tanta initiates contact with potential relatives. The siblings navigate a maze of disconnected phone lines and dead ends, reflecting the challenges of tracing wartime narratives across generations.

5. Rediscovering the Pilot's Fate

A breakthrough occurs when Tanta manages to connect with Judy Engelke, the daughter of Paul F. Hanshaw, the turret gunner on the ill-fated flight. Through heartfelt conversations and shared memories, they uncover that not all crew members perished in the crash.

Tanta [13:25]: "Judy begins with what she learned from her dad."

Judy shares poignant anecdotes about her father, Frosty Hanshaw, revealing his survival post-crash and his return to a peaceful life in Bedford, Iowa.

6. Revelations and Closure

As the investigation deepens, more details about the crew emerge, including the remarkable story of Lieutenant James Robert Derry, the pilot. Contrary to initial beliefs, Derry survived the ordeal, later thriving academically and professionally.

Tanta [36:00]: "James Derry wins OSU scholarship as the outstanding Derry Technology student."

However, the discovery of Derry’s passing in 2017 adds another layer of poignancy to the narrative, underscoring the long-term impacts of war on individual lives and families.

7. Reflections on Unintended Consequences

The episode poignantly explores the theme of unintended consequences through the lens of personal loss and historical events. Tanta reflects on the resilience required to navigate the aftermath of war, emphasizing that:

Tanta [42:14]: "The man who calculated death is written."

This sentiment encapsulates the broader message of the episode — that the ripples of war reach far beyond the battlefield, touching innocent lives and altering the course of families for generations.

8. Teasing Season 2

As Season One concludes, listeners are left with a glimpse into the forthcoming narratives that promise to explore further dimensions of the family's past and the lingering shadows of World War II.

Tanta [48:52]: "In Season Two, I follow the Lessers."

The episode wraps up by highlighting the intricate connections between personal histories and global events, setting the stage for more revelations in the next season.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Suzanne Rico [00:00]: "Thanks for listening. And now onto the show."

• Heidi [01:00]: "I love you too."

• Tanta [05:24]: "I just can't believe that processing a new story when the cornerstone of the old one has just been ripped away is disorienting to say the least."

• Heidi [06:23]: "God, these young people."

• Judy Engelke [14:33]: "Just a hard working man. Very hard, hard working man. And he was a nice guy."

• Tanta [16:12]: "Paul Forrest. Frosty Hanshaw Sr. He's one mystery among 10 solved."

• Christine K. Hockabout [19:54]: "I still have that diary."

• Tanta [42:14]: "The man who calculated death is written."

• Heidi [41:42]: "I really think he had painful memories and some regret."

• Tanta [48:52]: "In Season Two, I follow the Lessers."

Conclusion

Unintended Consequences: 9 masterfully intertwines personal grief with historical investigation, offering listeners a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Suzanne Rico and her family illuminate the profound and often unforeseen impacts of war, ensuring that the memories of those lost continue to resonate through the generations.

Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections from the transcript were intentionally excluded to maintain the focus on the core narrative.