She was 12 years old when World War II began. He was 18 when he left home to serve.

In this opening chapter of Our WWII Dad, brothers Chris and Ken Cangilla explore how the war changed both of their parents’ lives forever — one from the American homefront, the other from the road to Europe and combat.

Featuring a powerful conversation with their mother at age 91, this episode captures the emotions, fears, sacrifices, and memories of a generation that lived through WWII in very different ways.

From rationing and neighborhood soldiers to boot camp, ocean crossings, and the path toward the Battle of the Bulge, this is the beginning of one family’s WWII story.

Follow Our WWII Dad for cinematic WWII storytelling, family history, battlefield journeys, and untold stories from the Greatest Generation.

CHAPTERS

0:01 — Introduction
2:49 — The Beginning of WWII
5:00 — Dad’s High School Years
6:24 — Mom Reflects at 91
7:05 — Childhood Before the War
9:51 — How Families Received War News
10:56 — Supporting the War Effort
14:23 — Sending Care Packages
15:36 — The Most Frightening Moments
19:20 — Neighborhood Soldiers Leaving for War
20:42 — How Mom Met Dad
22:03 — Victory Day Memories
25:48 — The Decision to Enlist
28:10 — Reporting to Fort Meade
29:05 — Camp Croft
31:16 — Another Soldier’s Story
32:43 — Basic Training
34:31 — Preparing for Europe
37:05 — Crossing the Atlantic
39:21 — Arrival in Wartime Europe
40:26 — Sharpshooter