On February 3, 1943, in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, four chaplains aboard the SS Dorchester made the ultimate sacrifice.

As a German torpedo sent the overcrowded troopship to its doom, Methodist minister George L. Fox, Jewish rabbi Alexander D. Goode, Dutch Reformed minister Clark V. Poling, and Catholic priest John P. Washington gave their life jackets to others, choosing faith and unity over survival. Their final act—standing together, arms linked in prayer—became an enduring symbol of selflessness.

This episode honors their legacy, the men they saved, and the establishment of Four Chaplains Day.

Albert Sidney Johnston was one of the most intriguing figures of the Civil War—hailed by Jefferson Davis as the Confederacy’s finest general, yet doomed by fate at the Battle of Shiloh.

In this episode, we explore his life, from his early military career in Texas and the U.S. Army to his fateful decision to join the South. Was his death truly the turning point of the war, as Davis claimed, or was his reputation larger than his actual impact?

Join us as we unravel the story of a warrior whose legacy remains one of history’s greatest “what ifs.”

February 1, 1968. In the chaos of the Tet Offensive, a single gunshot on a Saigon street changed the way Americans saw the Vietnam War.

Captured in a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph by Eddie Adams, the execution of Nguyễn Văn Lém by General Nguyễn Ngọc Loan became one of the most infamous images in history.

But what’s the real story behind that moment? In this episode, we dig into the war, the men involved, the media firestorm, and the lasting impact of this haunting image. Was it justice, murder, or just another casualty of war?

Milwaukee’s history is full of grit, ambition, and—believe it or not—bridge sabotage. In 1845, what should have been a simple matter of urban planning turned into an all-out brawl between rival settlements on either side of the Milwaukee River.

At the heart of the chaos was Byron Kilbourn, a land speculator with grand dreams and little interest in cooperation. His refusal to align Kilbourntown’s streets with neighboring Juneautown was just the beginning. When the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature ordered bridges built to improve travel and trade, Kilbourn saw them as a direct threat to his dominance—and he fought back.

What followed was a bizarre and violent conflict involving mobs, sabotage, a cannon aimed at Kilbourn’s house, and a city on the brink of collapse. But from the ashes of the Milwaukee Bridge War came something unexpected: the unification of Milwaukee.

Let's unravel this wild chapter of Wisconsin history.

On January 30, 1972, the streets of Derry, Northern Ireland, ran red with blood. What began as a peaceful civil rights march against internment without trial ended in a massacre when British paratroopers opened fire on unarmed civilians, killing thirteen on the spot, with another dying later from his wounds. It was a day that shattered trust, fueled the IRA’s rise, and left a permanent stain on British-Irish relations. Today, we break down the events of Bloody Sunday, the cover-ups that followed, and the decades-long fight for justice. This is not just history—it’s a wound that still bleeds.

Today on Dave Does History, we saddle up with one of the most daring figures of the American Revolution: Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee III.

Born in 1756 into Virginia’s privileged planter class, Lee became a battlefield legend, earning his nickname for his lightning-fast cavalry raids. But his story doesn’t stop at the Revolution.

From leading troops during the Whiskey Rebellion to delivering George Washington’s iconic eulogy, Lee’s life was as complex as the young nation he served. A hero, a flawed financier, and a devoted patriot, Light-Horse Harry’s story offers a fascinating lens into the triumphs and struggles of America’s founding.

In this captivating episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, Dave Bowman takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the legal, historical, and cultural ramifications of birthright citizenship. This discussion dives into the heart of the 14th Amendment, unpacking its revolutionary impact on defining citizenship in the United States, while tracing its origins back to the Reconstruction Era.

With his signature mix of wit and analytical insight, Dave explains the challenges and controversies surrounding the interpretation of the citizenship clause. From its role in overturning the infamous Dred Scott decision to its enduring implications in modern debates on immigration, the episode lays bare the struggles of a nation reconciling its foundational ideals with its ever-evolving demographics. Bowman also highlights key moments in the legal battles, including the landmark Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which cemented the principle of jus soli—citizenship by birthright.

Listeners are treated to an engaging exploration of the broader cultural and geopolitical impacts of U.S. immigration policy, such as the exclusionary Immigration Act of 1924 and its unintended consequences, including strained international relations with Japan. Bowman challenges listeners to consider the long-term implications of revisiting this issue, raising essential questions about the balance between legal precedent, constitutional interpretation, and the nation's values.

This episode isn't just a lesson in history—it's a masterclass in connecting the past to the present, reminding us why understanding history is crucial for navigating today's challenges. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just curious about the roots of today's debates, this discussion offers a fresh and insightful take that shouldn't be missed.

Welcome to Dave Does History. Today, we’re exploring the fascinating origins and legacy of the United States Coast Guard—a branch of the military that’s often overshadowed but has been quietly safeguarding America since 1790.

While officially created on January 28, 1915, through the merger of the Revenue Cutter Service and the Life-Saving Service, the Coast Guard’s story began with Alexander Hamilton’s vision for a fleet of cutters to enforce tariffs, fight piracy, and protect our coastlines. Over the decades, the Coast Guard has evolved from a tax-collecting service into a versatile force—one that fought German U-boats, enforced Prohibition, rescued mariners, and even supported the Space Race by recovering astronauts and spacecraft.

Its motto, Semper Paratus—always ready—has guided its commitment to maritime safety and security.

Today, we’ll delve into its history, its unsung heroes, and why it remains vital to the fabric of American history. Let’s get started.

The Apollo program embodied America’s drive to conquer the final frontier during the Space Race of the 1960s, fueled by President Kennedy’s bold promise to land a man on the Moon.

But on January 27, 1967, tragedy struck during a routine test for Apollo 1, claiming the lives of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee. Their deaths shook NASA to its core, forcing a reckoning that reshaped space exploration forever.

This episode dives into the story of Apollo 1, the lives of its brave crew, the devastating fire, and how their sacrifice paved the way for triumph on the Moon.

"Today on Dave Does History, we’re diving into the life and legacy of a true American original—Bob Uecker.

Known to many as 'Mr. Baseball,' Uecker has done it all: a major league catcher with more punchlines than RBIs, a beloved broadcaster who’s been the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers for over five decades, a sitcom star on Mr. Belvedere, and the unforgettable, wisecracking Harry Doyle from the Major League movies.

But Uecker’s story is more than just laughs—it’s a tale of reinvention, resilience, and finding joy in every moment. Whether he was riding the bench, cracking jokes in the dugout, or delivering the iconic line 'Juuust a bit outside,' Uecker always knew how to turn life’s curveballs into comedy gold.

Join us as we explore the life of a man who turned self-deprecation into an art form and became a legend in baseball and beyond."