History Here and Now

As the United States was in the throes of westward migration fever in the mid-19th century, another group of pioneers made their way west for the purpose of establishing a new Zion on Earth: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After facing years of prejudice and the martyrdom of their leader Joseph Smith Jr., the Saints struck out to the Salt Lake Valley, away from the reach of the federal government. Their method of transportation was also unique; wooden handcarts. They faced harsh conditions, disease, and accidents just as those trekking on the Oregon Trail. Hear some of their stories on the God-given mission to build a new home for their faith. 

Serving on a bomber was one of the most hazardous jobs in World War II and the 345th Bombardment Group faced its fair share of combat. Assigned to the Pacific Theater, they carried out missions across the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. For more about their accomplishments, visit History Here and Now and the companion blog post: https://historyhereandnowhhn.com/2020/09/13/apaches-in-the-pacific-the-story-of-the-345th-bombardment-group/ 

I'm back! After a short hiatus, today's episode is personal for me: my grandfather's World War II service in the Pacific with his unit, the 499th Bomb Squadron and the 345th Bomb Group. Early on, I only knew bits and pieces of his military service, but a re-examination of his life and experiences brought about this podcast on his accomplishments and time in the South Pacific. A kid from rural Oklahoma goes across the United States, the length of the Pacific Ocean, to New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Japanese islands and experiences warfare from the skies. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://historyhereandnowhhn.com/2021/02/19/oklahoma-bat-the-military-history-of-fred-laverne-richardson/

Progress in war is never easy to measure. In the Vietnam War, bodies were the metric, but it wasn't without its controversy. Today's podcast examines the practice of body count and how by its practice undermined the effectiveness of the U.S. military and its goals in South Vietnam. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://historyhereandnowhhn.com/2020/05/04/measuring-success-by-counting-corpses/

When you think of Prohibition, you think of speakeasies, gangsters, and bootleggers. Not all bootleggers were alike and one of them, William McCoy, operated by a strict standards that made him a 'good' bootlegger. He never cheated his customers or suppliers and he never diluted his alcohol. When buying from William McCoy, you could count on getting the real thing; the real 'McCoy.' 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://historyhereandnowhhn.com/2020/06/22/the-unadulterated-mccoy-rum-running-on-the-eastern-seaboard/

In late April 1975, the U.S. had left South Vietnam, but the Communists still planned to reunite the country. CIA analyst Frank Snepp witnessed the collapse of the capital, Saigon, documenting his experience in his memoir 'Decent Interval'. In this podcast, I talk about the book and how the U.S. faltered in its rescue operation and the intelligence failures that accompanied the fall. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://historyhereandnowhhn.com/2021/01/07/witness-to-the-fall-a-review-of-decent-interval-by-frank-snepp/

Did the U.S Navy spend millions of dollars researching how people who live and grow potatoes on the ocean floor? Yes, yes they did. SEALAB was the brain child of U.S. Navy doctor George Bond and his pioneering work on underwater human habitation propelled us to study and live in deep sea environments. For more podcasts and articles on fascinating historical subjects, visit historyhereandnowhhn.com today! 

An informed citizenry is essential to democracy. The Freedom of Information Act has been an effective tool for historians, researchers, journalists, and open government advocates. Today's topic discusses the origins and uses of the landmark legislation called FOIA. For more podcasts and blog posts, visit historyhereandnowhhn and subscribe for more historical content! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://historyhereandnowhhn.com/2021/03/13/in-the-government-know-the-freedom-of-information-act-foia/

Since when did the German Army ever fight on the same side as the United States in World War II. Well they did for the only time at Itter Castle. Hear the story of WWII's strangest battle as they fought the SS for hours in the closing days of the War in Europe. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://historyhereandnowhhn.com/2020/11/03/americans-germans-and-french-oh-my-the-strange-battle-for-castle-itter/