Women played a crucial role in boosting military morale during World War I by interacting with soldiers in canteens and clubs, creating a sense of home away from home. Organizations like the YMCA and Salvation Army sought out women to work with soldiers, but had to balance their roles as wholesome reminders of home and family with the need to keep soldiers from prostitution. The experience of women like Emma Young Dixon, who served in a canteen in France, helped pave the way for women's suffrage and the eventual formation of the USO. [... more]

Brian Keith's remarkable life, from his early days as a child actor to his decorated service in the Marine Corps during World War II, is told through his incredible story of overcoming the impossible. With a career spanning over 70 movies and 300 TV episodes, Keith's life was marked by his bravery, talent, and dedication to his craft. From his early days on stage to his rise to fame in Hollywood, Keith's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit. [... more]

Jackson McQuigg, Vice President of Properties at the Atlanta History Center, shares the story of the Locomotive Texas, a historic locomotive that participated in the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War. The locomotive's journey from its construction in 1856 to its preservation and restoration is a fascinating tale of history, preservation, and community involvement. [... more]

Oswald Chambers was a missionary and preacher who emphasized the importance of prayer and faith. He believed that prayer is deliberate confidence in the character of God, and that God's ways may not be understood at the time. Chambers' ministry was marked by his spontaneity and willingness to trust God, even in the face of uncertainty. He wrote extensively on the topic of prayer and faith, and his teachings continue to inspire Christians around the world. [... more]

The town of Bremerton, Washington, played a significant role in World War II as the site of the Bremerton Naval Yards, where the US Navy repaired and built ships, including those damaged during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The yard's employees worked tirelessly to get the ships back into the fight, and their efforts were crucial to the American war effort. [... more]

In 1864, Abraham Lincoln faced unprecedented challenges as the Civil War raged on, with the Union's economy on the brink of collapse and the Northern public increasingly divided. Despite the odds, Lincoln remained resolute, backing his generals and working towards a transition to a new administration. The turning point came with Sherman's victory at Atlanta, which brought hope to the North and ultimately led to Lincoln's re-election in an electoral college landslide. [... more]

Brigadier General Henry G. Plitt shares his story of capturing Julius Streicher, Germany's most anti-Semitic writer, and his experiences in Nazi-occupied France and Germany, including the horrors he witnessed in concentration camps. [... more]

Born in Kentucky, James Best was orphaned at the age of three and eventually adopted. He joined the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and served with the military police in War-Torn Germany. After the war, Best founded the James Best Theater Center in Los Angeles and became one of the hottest acting coaches in Hollywood, training the likes of Clint Eastwood and Quentin Tarantino. He played the iconic role of Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane in the popular TV series 'The Dukes of Hazzard' and had a successful acting career spanning over 600 television shows. [... more]

The United States' decision to concentrate on defeating Germany first in World War II was a strategic choice that brought with it a question of when and how to execute the plan. The Americans and the British agreed to focus on Europe, but the British were not ready to attack Germany in 1942, leading to the decision to invade North Africa instead. The operation, known as Torch, was a complex and challenging endeavor that involved coordinating with the French and dealing with the complexities of the French colonial army. [... more]

The pine tree flag was a rallying cry for unity and defiance during the American Revolution, featuring a bold green tree on a white background with the phrase 'An appeal to heaven.' Its history dates back to 1775, when General George Washington's Navy needed a symbol to project their identity. The flag's design was inspired by English philosopher John Locke, who wrote that when earthly authorities fail, there is still a higher authority to appeal to, God. The pine tree flag remained a maritime flag in Massachusetts until 1971 and has been associated with modern political movements, including a version flying in front of Justice Samuel Alito's vacation home. [... more]

Four US Army chaplains, George Fox, Alexander Goode, Clark Poling, and John Washington, showed selfless bravery on the sinking USS Dorchester, distributing life jackets and offering prayers as the ship went down, resulting in each being posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for their actions on February 3, 1943. [... more]

Theodore Roosevelt, as police commissioner, devised a clever scheme to protect a German Jew hater from anti-Semitic violence, assigning Jewish officers to guard him, thereby undermining his repugnant ideas and promoting the importance of free speech and religious liberty in America. [... more]

Dorothy Fury, a young woman from a poor background, defied expectations by becoming a pilot in the Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II. Alongside other remarkable women, she transported wounded soldiers and aircraft, facing incredible danger and hardship. Their stories of bravery and determination have been largely forgotten, but their legacy as trailblazers for women in aviation continues to inspire. [... more]

Wayne Morris, a Hollywood star, traded in his acting career to serve as a Navy fighter pilot in World War II. He became one of the war's top aces, earning seven confirmed aerial victories and the Distinguished Flying Cross four times. Morris's story is a testament to his bravery and dedication to his country. [... more]

Robert Montgomery, a renowned actor, director, and producer, served in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II, participating in key battles including D-Day. He later became president of the Screen Actors Guild and produced his own television series, Robert Montgomery Presents, featuring many notable actors of the time. [... more]

The story of Hans and Margaret Ray, the creators of Curious George, who fled wartime Europe and arrived in the U.S. bringing their ideas and art. Their journey, which began with a bicycle escape from Paris, is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in the face of adversity. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Hedy Lamarr set a high standard for more than screen performance She negotiated for fair contract terms - and in her spare time applied her mind to solve a torpedo guidance problem for the U S Navy in wartime Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Louise Borden, author of The Journey That Saved Curious George, shares the true wartime escape of Margaret and H.A. Ray from the Nazis, and how their story intersects with her own journey as a writer and historian. The Reys' escape on bicycles from Paris to Lisbon and then to New York Harbor is a testament to their courage and optimism, and their arrival in the U.S. brought their ideas and art to a new audience. [... more]

Famous Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr was not only beautiful but also brilliant, inventing a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology that would later become the basis for Bluetooth and GPS systems. She handed her patent to the Navy, but it wasn't until decades later that she received recognition for her invention, including an award from the Pioneer Freedom Foundation in San Francisco. [... more]

Doubt can be a powerful tool in Satan's arsenal, used to keep believers impotent and discouraged. However, God provides a counterattack to this fiery dart, reminding us that He already knew our worst and has forgiven us through Christ. We can have confidence in approaching God, knowing He is always accessible, inviting, and available to us. [... more]