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Episode 9: Heroic Healer: Dr. Raymond Minge, the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate), and the Battle of the Bulge’s 80th Anniversary | Part One | Our WWII Dad
As they commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, brothers Chris and Ken Cangillahonor their father’s WWII service and explore the remarkable legacy of Captain Dr. Raymond Minge, a medic with the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate). This special episode marks the first time Chris and Ken are joined by both a son and grandson of a WWII veteran: former U.S. Congressman David Minge and Olaf Minge, editor of The Viking Battalion. Together, they share Dr. Minge’s heroic story of life-saving medical work, front-line bravery, and the deep bonds forged with his comrades in the 99th.
The episode covers Dr. Minge’s early training at Camp Hale, Colorado; his journey to Normandy; his critical role in the Canal Drive; and the emotional impact of losing fellow medic Captain Gordon F. Fisher. The story also highlights the incredible prewar journey of his sister, Margaret Minge, who escaped Nazi Germany after witnessing Kristallnacht and smuggling Jewish valuables to safety.
Through this heartfelt conversation with the Minge family, Chris and Ken provide a rare, multi-generational perspective on the sacrifices of WWII soldiers and their families.
Episode Highlights: The 80th Anniversary of the Battle of The Bulge (00:54), Retracing the steps of Captain Dr. Raymond Minge of the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) (01:45), Ken and Chris’ in-person prep work (04:05), The discussion of Dr. Raymond Minge with Olaf and David Minge (05:31), The Minge family history (06:03), Raymond’s medical training (08:06), The story of Raymond’s sister – Margaret Minge (09:12), Dr. Minge joining the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) (10:50), Musician Margaret Minge seeing Adolf Hitler, witnessing Kristallnacht, smuggling out Jewish valuables, and escaping Germany (13:18), Dr. Minge’s training at Camp Hale, Colorado (15:40), Dr. Minge off to WWII and his letter from England – December 1943 (21:19), Dr. Minge and the 99th’s voyage to Normandy, France (26:02), The 99th in Elbeuf, France (27:47), Was Louis Cangilla with the 99th Infantry Battalion in Maastricht, Netherlands? (35:14), The 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) Canal Drive, September 1944 (36:32), Captain Gordon F. Fischer Death and Memorial (38:54), How Captain Fisher’s Death affected Dr. Raymond Minge’s military service (41:14), Lifelong friendships made amongst the members of the 99th(45:08), The post-war reunion of the 99th’s Sverre Gulbrandson and Dr. Raymond Minge at General Hospital (45:51), The relationship of Gustav Svendsen and Dr. Raymond Minge (47:16), The preview of Part Two with the Minges discussing Our WWII Dads at Wurselen and Aachen, Germany and the Battle of The Bulge (50:13).
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By Chris Cangilla; Ken CangillaAs they commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, brothers Chris and Ken Cangillahonor their father’s WWII service and explore the remarkable legacy of Captain Dr. Raymond Minge, a medic with the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate). This special episode marks the first time Chris and Ken are joined by both a son and grandson of a WWII veteran: former U.S. Congressman David Minge and Olaf Minge, editor of The Viking Battalion. Together, they share Dr. Minge’s heroic story of life-saving medical work, front-line bravery, and the deep bonds forged with his comrades in the 99th.
The episode covers Dr. Minge’s early training at Camp Hale, Colorado; his journey to Normandy; his critical role in the Canal Drive; and the emotional impact of losing fellow medic Captain Gordon F. Fisher. The story also highlights the incredible prewar journey of his sister, Margaret Minge, who escaped Nazi Germany after witnessing Kristallnacht and smuggling Jewish valuables to safety.
Through this heartfelt conversation with the Minge family, Chris and Ken provide a rare, multi-generational perspective on the sacrifices of WWII soldiers and their families.
Episode Highlights: The 80th Anniversary of the Battle of The Bulge (00:54), Retracing the steps of Captain Dr. Raymond Minge of the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) (01:45), Ken and Chris’ in-person prep work (04:05), The discussion of Dr. Raymond Minge with Olaf and David Minge (05:31), The Minge family history (06:03), Raymond’s medical training (08:06), The story of Raymond’s sister – Margaret Minge (09:12), Dr. Minge joining the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) (10:50), Musician Margaret Minge seeing Adolf Hitler, witnessing Kristallnacht, smuggling out Jewish valuables, and escaping Germany (13:18), Dr. Minge’s training at Camp Hale, Colorado (15:40), Dr. Minge off to WWII and his letter from England – December 1943 (21:19), Dr. Minge and the 99th’s voyage to Normandy, France (26:02), The 99th in Elbeuf, France (27:47), Was Louis Cangilla with the 99th Infantry Battalion in Maastricht, Netherlands? (35:14), The 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) Canal Drive, September 1944 (36:32), Captain Gordon F. Fischer Death and Memorial (38:54), How Captain Fisher’s Death affected Dr. Raymond Minge’s military service (41:14), Lifelong friendships made amongst the members of the 99th(45:08), The post-war reunion of the 99th’s Sverre Gulbrandson and Dr. Raymond Minge at General Hospital (45:51), The relationship of Gustav Svendsen and Dr. Raymond Minge (47:16), The preview of Part Two with the Minges discussing Our WWII Dads at Wurselen and Aachen, Germany and the Battle of The Bulge (50:13).