From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

A veteran of the horrific fight on Iwo JIma returns to the island eight decades later to make peace with the carnage that happened here in 1945. He's joined by the son of a fellow Marine who is trying to dig deeper into his own father's time here on this ugly island of death.

Jean Claude Guiet was recruited into the top-secret OSS in World War II, only to be sent to England to join the British equivalent of the American Spy and Espionage agency, the SOE. He jumped into France with a team following D-Day to organize factions of the French Resistance to keep the Germans away from the landing beaches in Normandy, France in June of 1944.

The German SS massacred a small French village in World War II in one of the worst atrocities to take place in Europe during the war.

During World War II, Bob Hope and his troupe of Hollywood performers traveled over 80,000 miles to entertain troops in the United States, Alaska, North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific.

A documentary chronicling the lesser-known story of the American Territory of Guam's role in World War II. Attacked on the same day as Pearl Harbor (December 8th across the International Date Line), Guam was occupied for almost three years by the Japanese. Hear from many who survived the occupation and meet a United States Marine who helped liberate the island in 1944.  

On June 6, 1944, a teenager from Michigan helped steer a flat-bottomed Navy vessel toward the shores of Normandy. His name was Myles Isbell. His ship: LST-540. He was 17. In this special episode of Front to the Films , we tell the extraordinary story of Myles Isbell—Gunner's Mate Third Class, World War II veteran, and eyewitness to some of the most pivotal naval operations of the 20th century. To...

In this powerful, first-person interview, 97-year-old World War II veteran Frank Wal, Jr. reflects on his life, service, and the events that shaped a generation. From the hardship of losing his mother at age eight, to enlisting in the U.S. Navy at just 17, Frank takes us through his remarkable journey—from radar duty aboard LSD-25 to witnessing the aftermath of kamikaze attacks and passing the USS...

They weren't like other soldiers. While others were marching or jumping into battle, they skied to war. Carried rifles and ropes. Climbed cliffs in the dark. Slept in snow. And when the time came, they scaled mountains most thought were impossible to negotiate. In our latest Front to the Films episode, Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.) sat down with Lance Blyth, a quiet-spoken historian who's spent...

When a conversation with a business leader and pilot—who also happens to be the son of a World War II veteran—places you squarely in the cockpit of history, you're in for a very unique and fascinating journey. Our latest episode of Front to the Films , the official podcast of The World War II Foundation, offers exactly that. Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.), this conversation with Eric Zi...

Some interviews make you think. Some make you feel. And every now and then, one does both in a way that stays with you long after the conversation ends. My recent discussion with Dr. Richard "Dick" Jessor was one of those rare moments. At 100 years old, Dr. Jessor sat across from me—sharp, reflective, and filled with the kind of perspective that only comes from a century of living with purpose. He...

Join us for a powerful and moving episode of  Front to the Films , as host Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.) sits down with historian, author, and Colonel Gregory Fontenot (USA, Ret.). This episode marks the conclusion of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most critical and epic battles of World War II, and we could not ask for a better historian and storyteller to commemorat...

  In our latest episode of  Front to the Films , we had the honor of hosting John Slemp, a distinguished photographer, author, and veteran, whose work shines a light on the stories of World War II through an unexpected yet deeply meaningful lens. His book, Bomber Boys: WWII Flight Jacket Art , is a visual masterpiece that celebrates the airmen of World War II by showcasing the artistry and stories...

As we mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, it's a privilege to share an impromptu interview with Harry Miller, a veteran who served as a tank crewman in the 740th Tank Battalion during this pivotal World War II conflict. Harry Miller's Background Born in Ohio during the Great Depression, Harry Miller enlisted in the Enlisted Reserve Corps at 15 by claiming he was 18. He later join...

  This episode of Front to the Films features T. Martin Bennett, author of Wounded Tiger , hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.). The discussion explores the extraordinary story of Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, and his profound transformation after the war. T. Martin Bennett, Author of Wounded Tiger Bennett brings Fuchida's journey to life, recounting ho...

The  Front to the Films podcast is thrilled to announce our latest episode featuring a conversation with Georges Strachan-Heyes, retired British Army officer and Director of Operations for the UK and NATO at Onebrief. In this episode, hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.), Georges brings his exceptional insights in discussing The World War II Foundation's newest documentary, Dad's Secret War:...

Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden: A Special Episode of Front to the Films In honor of the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden , we are thrilled to release a special episode of Front to the Films . This monumental military operation, which commenced on September 17, 1944, is remembered for its bold ambition, immense sacrifice, and pivotal role in World War II hi...

We're excited to bring you Part 2 of our enlightening interview with Dr. Jason P. Theriot, historian and author of the groundbreaking book,  Frenchie: The Story of the French-Speaking Cajuns of World War II . Join us as host Colonel Tom Rendall continues this captivating discussion on our latest "Front to the Films" podcast episode. In this concluding segment, Dr. Theriot provides a deeper view in...

    In our latest episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Jason P. Theriot, an  historian and author of the new book Frenchie: The Story of the French-Speaking Cajuns of World War II . This episode offers a deep dive into the unique contributions of Cajun soldiers during the war and the profound impact they had on their cultural identity. A Unique Linguistic Contribution Jason shares insights...

In our latest episode of "Front to the Films," we had the privilege of speaking with Mitch Yockelson, a respected military historian and archivist. Mitch's work provides a deep understanding of military history, especially during World War II. Our conversation highlighted the lives of leaders and soldiers who influenced key moments in history. The Airborne Heroes of Normandy Mitch Yockelson's rece...

In our latest episode of the "Front to the Films" podcast, host Colonel Tom Rendall sits down with Colonel William Hogan, a fourth-generation veteran and acclaimed author of the new book, Task Force Hogan . Colonel Hogan shares insights into the heroic exploits of his father, Samuel M. Hogan, and his battalion during WWII. William R. Hogan served all over the world as a soldier-diplomat, from peac...

Join us on Front to the Films as we explore the compelling stories of World War II veterans with our special guest, Andrew Biggio, author of the acclaimed book  The Rifle: Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans Told Through an M1 Garand .  Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall, this episode promises an in-depth look at the personal histories and remarkable experiences of the veterans who fought...

                  Join us for an engaging episode of "Front to the Films" as we sit down with renowned author and historian Alex Kershaw. This Sunday, May 26th, at 8:00 pm EST, Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.) hosts an insightful discussion that offers each of us a wider view of World War II and its signficance. Alex Kershaw is celebrated for his in-depth research and compelling stories. His latest...

As we approach the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, join us for a special episode of "Front to the Films" as we welcome George Luz, Jr., to share memories of his father, George Luz Sr., the lively paratrooper from Easy Company immortalized in the book "Band of Brothers" and the HBO mini-series. Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.), this episode discusses into the legacy of George Luz Sr. and the fam...

This is Part 2 of our discussion with Keith Nightingale and Joey Ivanov as we approach the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.  

In this episode of "Front to the Films," hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall, we count down to the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy. With the expertise of guests Keith Nightingale and Joey Ivanov, both veterans with extensive backgrounds in military operations and history, we delve into the strategic planning and heroic actions of Operation Overlord. As we journey back to June 6, 1944, we aim...