In 1959, the government of North Vietnam, now under the direction of Communist Party Chairman Le Duan, decided to initiate a war with the South Vietnamese government led by Ngo Dinh Diem. To help fight Diem’s regime, the North Vietnamese facilitated the formation of a National Liberation Front (later dubbed the Viet Cong by the South Vietnamese government). The NLF/VC began a campaign of terror and assassinations that threatened to bring down the South Vietnamese government. Meanwhile, new U. S. President John F. Kennedy began increasing the number of American military advisors in South Vietnam. Join Sean and James as they discuss this key turning point of the war.

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After the Second World War, France decided to reassert control over French Indochina. This policy met strong resistance from both Communist and right-wing political and military organizations in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Resistance grew, leading to the First Indochina War (1946-1954). This conflict ended with the Geneva Agreements, in which the French agreed to depart, the country would be temporarily divided between a Communist North and a non-Commuist south, and elections would be held in 1956…or would they? Join Sean and James as they discuss this “war before the war” that is little known to westerners but is a crucial prelude to the more well-known Vietnam War.

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In this episode, Sean McIver returns to join James and to help kick off a new series on the Vietnam War. Sean and James give an overview of Vietnamese history from its beginning down through the period of French domination, the Japanese conquest during WW2, and the fight for control of Vietnam after WW2.

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In this episode, Sean and James complete their discussion of the top 10 Allied fighters of World War II.

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In this episode, James and frequent guest Sean McIver count down the ten best Allied fighter planes of World War II.

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In any war, being taken prisoner is a traumatic experience, and the Korean War was no exception. In this episode, James discusses the experiences of Korean War POWs on both sides.

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In this episode, James gives a summary of the crucial role played by the U.S. and allied navies, including transport, supply, naval air operations, special forces operations, and naval support of ground operations.

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In this episode, James presents an overview of the air war over Korea, including the transition from propeller-driven planes to jets, the strategic bombing campaign, the experience of individual pilots, and the key role of helicopters.

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In this episode, Sean, Steve, and James  continue their discussion of the real events and background of the Battle of Gettysburg as portrayed through the 1993 film Gettysburg. One last massive infantry charge just might be the answer to break the gridlock of this battle! Your lovable hosts also discuss the aftermath of Gettysburg and its place in the Civil War.

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This week, Sean, Steve and James continue their discussion of the real events and background of the Battle of Gettysburg as portrayed through the 1993 film Gettysburg. The forces of North and South have deployed on and near the high ground of Culp’s Hill, Cemetery Hill, Cemetery Ridge, and Little Round Top. Attacks have commenced but the outcome still is in doubt. Armies of tens of thousands crash together and heroes are made in Gettysburg!

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