Walk Among Heroes

We (Walk Among Heroes) are honored and excited to introduce our guest for episode 10, Mr. Ray Lambert.  Ray Lambert, one of the most well-known World War II Veterans alive today, is the only living member of the First Division (U.S. Army) who participated in all three First Division amphibious invasions:  North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy (D-Day, June 6, 1944).  During his D-Day 75th Anniversary speech last year in Normandy, France, President Trump talked extensively about the heroics of Mr. Lambert.  

Mr. Lambert led a team of medics through the most intense combat imaginable.  In North Africa, Mr. Lambert was wounded for the first time, as he was stabbed multiple times by a German who charged him with a bayonet (he eventually killed the German, despite being stabbed in his arms).  He was wounded for the last time on Omaha Beach, as he saved dozens of lives before finally succumbing to his own injuries and losing consciousness.  Mr. Lambert earned two Silver Stars, three Purple Hearts, and two Bronze Stars, among many other awards and accolades throughout his time in combat.  

In the podcast intro, Sam Elliott provides a first-hand account of Mr. Lambert’s heroics on D-Day.  While many pages could be written about Mr. Lambert’s heroics, we highly recommend listening to Sam Elliott’s introduction – his words are very powerful.  

This interview consists of two parts.  Episode 10A details Mr. Lamberts upbringing, joining the military, military training, and combat in North Africa.  It concludes following his first injury (the German bayonet injury).  Episode 10B details his invasion into Sicily, Normandy, his second and third injuries, as well as his recovery and return to the United States.  

There is no greater hero in existence today.  Mr. Lambert saved dozens of  lives as a medic in North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy, while also being injured three times.  He was also forced to fight as an Infantryman at times, something most medics are never asked to do.  It is a TREMENDOUS honor for us to hear Mr. Lambert’s story.  We hope you enjoy it.  

www.walkamongheroes.org

If you have any feedback or questions, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

A special ‘thank you’ to sound engineer Shreyas Ganesh for volunteering his time to help share these incredible stories.  

We (Walk Among Heroes) are proud to welcome Dale Nelsen as our guest for episode 9.  Mr. Nelsen served with the United States Navy during World War II, as part of LST (Landing Ship Tank) 72 and 347.  Mr. Nelsen and his crew traveled over the world, often sailing between European and Pacific theaters, as needed for various operations.  On D-Day, June 6, 1944, Mr. Nelsen and his LST were part of the first wave into Omaha Beach.  After the initial drop, they conducted more than twenty landings over the next several days to continue the flow of troops, weapons, and equipment into the beachhead.  As part of the invasion, Mr. Nelsen saw first-hand the Rangers scaling the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc.  Mr. Nelsen looked into the soldiers’ eyes as they prepared to land on the beach, a very unique perspective on the D-Day invasion.   

Mr. Nelsen continued to serve a long career in the Navy.  He experienced combat for the first time in North Africa, followed by a brutal landing in Sicily, as his LST landed with the first wave into the teeth of German fire.  He participated in many different operations during World War II, including all of the major amphibious landings in Europe.  The LST, an incredibly unique vessel, is no longer in use today, but it was one of the keys to our success during World War II as the Allies conducted amphibious landings in both theaters.  

In recent years, Mr. Nelsen has continued to organize reunions for his fellow World War II Veterans, going above and beyond to stay in touch with his men.  A truly magnificent man, we are honored to hear his story, and we’re honored to share it with you.

www.walkamongheroes.org

If you have any feedback or questions, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

 A special ‘thank you’ to sound engineer Shreyas Ganesh for volunteering his time to help share these incredible stories.  

We are honored to welcome Mr. Charles Shay, D-Day hero, as our guest for Episode 8.  

 Mr. Shay, born in 1924 as a member of the Penobscot Indian Tribe, grew up on the Penobscot Reservation in Maine.  As a teenager, Mr. Shay was required to register for the draft, but at the time, his tribe had no voting rights in the United States (they could fight for our country, but weren’t allowed to vote and weren’t considered citizens of the U.S.).  He was the second-youngest of four boys.  All four Shay boys served in the U.S. military during World War II.  Two of his brothers served in the U.S. Navy, one in the U.S. Army Air Corps (now the Air Force), and Charles was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He entered military service in Fort Devens, Massachusetts, completed Basic Training at Camp Pickett, Virginia, and following Basic Training, he was selected to become a medic.  With no previous medical experience, he was sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana for his medical training, where he was assigned as a surgical technician.  After medical training, he was given a few days leave, then he reported to New York, where he boarded the Queen Elizabeth and sailed to England.  

 Charles was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One), 16th Regiment, where he landed on Omaha Beach, D-Day, June 6, 1944, in Easy Red Sector, near the German fighting position known as WN 62, the heaviest fortified position along Omaha Beach.  Facing relentless fire, Charles witnessed the death of hundreds of his brothers that day. He utilized the German obstacles to avoid German fire and eventually made it to the shingle/sea wall, a natural sand embankment, which Charles used as a barrier to treat wounded soldiers.  As he was treating wounded soldiers, Charles looked toward the sea and saw many wounded men laying on the beach, unable to move. As the tide rose, they were being washed out to sea and were drowning.  Charles immediately ran back into the water and began dragging the wounded men to safety, one at a time.  He worked himself into a state of exhaustion, but continued to save as many men as possible, pulling them up to the high-water mark.  

 Our interview details Charles’ actions on D-Day, as well as his childhood, life, military service, and career after the military.  He also discusses his incredible legacy as member of the Penobscot tribe.  This interview is very powerful on many levels.  

We are proud as to welcome Vern Ollar as our guest for Episode 7.  Mr. Ollar grew up in the Quad Cities (Iowa and Illinois) and celebrated his 99th birthday this past weekend.  Like several of our guests, Mr. Ollar landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  Unlike any of our other guests, Mr. Ollar was a member of B Company, 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, a 4.2-inch mortar unit.  4.2-inch mortar units were highly-specialized, possessing a very unique weapon, rarely discussed in the annals of history.  

After World War I, the Army developed the 4.2-inch mortar as a means of deploying mustard gas, and other chemical weapons.  The 4.2-inch mortar required an entire team to fire, but its’ range and accuracy were unlike any other type of weapon, possessing firepower similar to a howitzer, but with the mobility of a mortar.  The decision was made not to use chemical weapons in World War II (although we were ready to deploy them if used against us), so the 4.2-inch mortars were adapted to fire H.E. (high explosive) rounds, which produced quite a surprise for the Germans due to their silent trajectories.  Because these mortars were so deadly and maneuverable, EVERYONE wanted them.  With very few 4-2-inch mortar companies, they were always attached to the highest-priority units and battles, often jumping to different units on the same day.

As a result, Mr. Ollar was involved in many of the highest-profile battles across Europe, beginning with D-Day, as he entered combat for the first time by landing with the 116th Regiment, 29th Infantry Division on the right flank of Omaha Beach.  From there, he was involved in many of the famous hedgerow battles, before crossing France, Belgium, and finally Germany.  Toward the end of the war, he was also involved in the development of radar technology still used today to detect the origin of incoming artillery rounds.  A soft-spoken and kind man, his memory is razor-sharp, as he provides an incredibly detailed account of his actions on D-Day and subsequent battles.  

This episode will consist of multiple parts.  Episode 7C will feature the conclusion of World War II, Mr. Ollar's role in the development of radar, travel home, several post-WW2 stories about his battle buddies, and his views on recent events.

We are proud as to welcome Vern Ollar as our guest for Episode 7.  Mr. Ollar grew up in the Quad Cities (Iowa and Illinois) and recently celebrated his 99th birthday.  Like several of our guests, Mr. Ollar landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  Unlike any of our other guests, Mr. Ollar was a member of B Company, 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, a 4.2-inch mortar unit.  4.2-inch mortar units were highly-specialized, possessing a very unique weapon, rarely mentioned in the annals of history.  

After World War I, the Army developed the 4.2-inch mortar as a means of deploying mustard gas, and other chemical weapons.  The 4.2-inch mortar required an entire team to fire, but its’ range and accuracy were unlike any other type of weapon, possessing firepower similar to a howitzer, but with the mobility of a mortar.  The decision was made not to use chemical weapons in World War II (although we were ready to deploy them if needed), so the 4.2-inch mortars were adapted to fire H.E. (high explosive) rounds, which produced quite a surprise for the Germans due to their silent trajectories.  Because these mortars were so deadly and maneuverable, EVERYONE wanted them.  With very few 4-2-inch mortar battalions in the Army, they were always attached to the highest-priority units and battles, often jumping to several different units on the same day.

As a result, Mr. Ollar was involved in many of the highest-profile battles in Europe, beginning with D-Day, as he entered combat for the first time by landing with the 116th Regiment, 29th Infantry Division on the right flank of Omaha Beach.  From there, he was involved in many of the famous hedgerow battles, before crossing France, Belgium, and finally Germany.  Toward the end of the war, he was also involved in the development of radar technology still used today to detect the origin of incoming artillery rounds.  A soft-spoken and kind man, his memory is razor-sharp, as he provides an incredibly detailed account of his actions on D-Day and subsequent battles. 

This episode will consist of multiple parts.  Episode 7B will focus on D-Day (first 30 minutes of episode), as well as Mr. Ollar’s combat spanning from France to Germany in 1944-45.

A special 'thank you' to Shreyas Ganesh for donating your time as sound engineer for this show.  

We are proud as to welcome Vern Ollar as our guest for Episode 7.  Mr. Ollar grew up in the Quad Cities (Iowa and Illinois) and celebrated his 99th birthday this past weekend.  Like several of our guests, Mr. Ollar landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  Unlike any of our other guests, Mr. Ollar was a member of B Company, 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, a 4.2-inch mortar unit.  4.2-inch mortar units were highly-specialized, possessing a very unique weapon, rarely discussed in the annals of history.  

After World War I, the Army developed the 4.2-inch mortar as a means of deploying mustard gas, and other chemical weapons.  The 4.2-inch mortar required an entire team to fire, but its’ range and accuracy were unlike any other type of weapon, possessing firepower similar to a howitzer, but with the mobility of a mortar.  The decision was made not to use chemical weapons in World War II (although we were ready to deploy them if used against us), so the 4.2-inch mortars were adapted to fire H.E. (high explosive) rounds, which produced quite a surprise for the Germans due to their silent trajectories.  Because these mortars were so deadly and maneuverable, EVERYONE wanted them.  With very few 4-2-inch mortar companies, they were always attached to the highest-priority units and battles, often jumping to different units on the same day.

As a result, Mr. Ollar was involved in many of the highest-profile battles across Europe, beginning with D-Day, as he entered combat for the first time by landing with the 116th Regiment, 29th Infantry Division on the right flank of Omaha Beach.  From there, he was involved in many of the famous hedgerow battles, before crossing France, Belgium, and finally Germany.  Toward the end of the war, he was also involved in the development of radar technology still used today to detect the origin of incoming artillery rounds.  A soft-spoken and kind man, his memory is razor-sharp, as he provides an incredibly detailed account of his actions on D-Day and subsequent battles.  

This episode will consist of multiple parts.  Episode 7A will feature Mr. Ollar’s childhood, upbringing, military training, deployment to Europe, and preparation for D-Day.

Thank you, Shreyas Ganesh, for volunteering your time as sound engineer to make this podcast happen.

It is an absolute honor to welcome Brigadier General Charles McGee as our guest for Episode Six.  General McGee is perhaps the most highly decorated Air Force officer and fighter pilot in U.S. Air Force history.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 26, 1942, graduated from Flight School (class 43-F) on June 30, 1943, and was assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, known today as the Tuskegee Airmen.  The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American aviators in the history of the United States Armed Forces.  Following World War I, Congress conducted a study that concluded African Americans were not smart enough to fly planes.  As World War II hit full stride, there was a need for additional pilots, so after much lobbying, Congress finally agreed to authorize an experimental African American pilot unit.  These pilots conducted their training at Tuskegee University and Tuskegee Airfield in Alabama, thus their nickname, ‘Tuskegee Airmen.’

General McGee first deployed into combat with the Tuskegee Airmen in Italy, 1943.  He first flew into combat as pilot of the legendary P-51 Mustang, escorting bomber missions across Italy, Germany, and other parts of Europe.  The Tuskegee Airmen had a legendary record, as General McGee’s group never lost a bomber.  After World War II, General McGee remained in the military for thirty years and flew combat missions in three separate wars (WWII, Korea, & Vietnam).  He flew a total of 409 combat missions, the highest recorded total for any pilot in U.S. Air Force history.  He logged a total of 6,308 flight hours in his career, and he forged a path for African Americans in the military, as he became one of the first African American squadron commanders in Air Force history.  

Throughout his career, General McGee earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star Medal, among many other awards and decorations.  In 2011, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and in February 2020, President Trump promoted him from Colonel to Brigadier General during his 2020 State of the Union address.  

Throughout General McGee’s highly decorated career in the U.S. Air Force, he faced incredible racial discrimination.  General McGee joined the military during a time when African American service members were not allowed to serve in combat alongside white troops.  Even after returning from World War II with an incredible service record, General McGee was often refused living quarters on bases and surrounding areas.  He had to remain separated from his family, as he couldn’t find anyone willing to rent a home large enough for his family to join him.  He was denied entrance to the Officer’s Club on-base, and he was forbidden to eat dinner at the same restaurants as white pilots.  While traveling across country with his family, the McGee’s were refused service at hotels and stores, all things we take for granted today.  The Air Force was the first military branch to begin the de-segregation process in 1947, then in 1948, President Truman signed Executive Order 9981, calling for equal treatment in the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin.  Even after the executive order, our military continued to struggle with racial division for many years.  

Given the challenges that our nation still faces today, it’s powerful to hear General McGee’s story.  Despite the discrimination he faced, he harbors no anger or ill-will.  He explains these challenges as an evolution that our nation faced, during a very difficult time.  I believe we can all learn from General McGee’s story, and most importantly his positive attitude, as we continue to work through many of these same issues today.

As always, a special thank you to sound engineer Shreyas Ganesh.  Shreyas, thank you for volunteering yo

We are proud to welcome Reid Clanton as our guest for episode five.  Currently a resident of San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Clanton was raised in West Texas, where he grew up on a farm in a very poor household, common during the Great Depression.  Mr. Clanton was asked to leave home at age eleven, as his parents could no longer afford to take care of him.  With only a fourth grade education under his belt, he was hired by a local farmer and was eventually drafted into the U.S. Army.  Mr. Clanton was assigned to the 84th Infantry Division (Railsplitters) and soon deployed to Europe.  

Mr. Clanton landed on Omaha Beach, France and fought through Belgium and Germany, before eventually reaching the Elbe River, where General Eisenhower halted the Allied advance to allow the Russians to enter Berlin.  Mr. Clanton fought along the Siegfried Line, where his division punched through the stout defensive line.  When Germany attacked during the Battle of the Bulge, Mr. Clanton’s division was forced to travel overnight to Marche, and after brutal fighting, stopped the advancing German forces and kept the Allied lines from totally collapsing.  Following victory in Marche, the 84th Division resumed its’ advance crossing the Roer and Rhine rivers, eventually reaching the Elbe.

Episode five will consist of two parts.  Part two will focus on Mr. Clanton’s journey across Europe, fighting from Omaha Beach to the Elbe River in Germany.  

Thank you, Shreyas Ganesh, for volunteering your time as sound engineer to make this podcast happen!

We are proud to welcome Reid Clanton as our guest for episode five.  Currently a resident of San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Clanton was raised in West Texas, where he grew up on a farm in a very poor household, common during the Great Depression.  Mr. Clanton was asked to leave home at age eleven, as his parents could no longer afford to take care of him.  With only a fourth grade education under his belt, he was hired by a local farmer and was eventually drafted into the U.S. Army.  Mr. Clanton was assigned to the 84th Infantry Division (Railsplitters) and soon deployed to Europe.  

Mr. Clanton landed on Omaha Beach, France and fought through Belgium and Germany, before eventually reaching the Elbe River, where General Eisenhower halted the Allied advance to allow the Russians to enter Berlin.  Mr. Clanton fought along the Siegfried Line, where his division punched through the stout defensive line.  When Germany attacked during the Battle of the Bulge, Mr. Clanton’s division was forced to travel overnight to Marche, and after brutal fighting, stopped the advancing German forces and kept the Allied lines from totally collapsing.  Following victory in Marche, the 84th Division resumed its’ advance crossing the Roer and Rhine rivers, eventually reaching the Elbe.

Episode five will consist of two parts.  Part one will include Mr. Clanton’s childhood, growing up during the Great Depression, leaving home at age eleven, joining the Army, training, and several combat stories.  Part two will focus on Mr. Clanton’s journey across Europe, fighting from Omaha Beach to the Elbe River in Germany.  

Thank you, Shreyas Ganesh, for volunteering your time as sound engineer to make this podcast happen!

Walk Among Heroes is proud to welcome Bert Chandler as our guest for episode four.  Mr. Chandler was part of the first wave into Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, a day that is known as one of the greatest military operations in the history of our world, D-Day.  We met Mr. Chandler in Normandy last year for the 75th Anniversary, of D-day then visited him at his home in Idaho (July 2019), where this interview was recorded.  Unfortunately, our world lost a great man on November 4, 2019, as Mr. Chandler was finally reunited with his wife, Esther.

Mr. Chandler led his squad into Omaha Beach as part of the first wave on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  A member of the 16th Regiment, 1st Division, Mr. Chandler fought from the beaches of Normandy, through France, until he was wounded just before the Battle of the Bulge.  In this interview Mr. Chandler discusses his childhood, military service, D-Day, and his journey through Europe.  Very few soldiers from the first wave survived that day, and of those who survived, only a handful of these brave men have been willing to discuss what happened.  It took many years for Mr. Chandler to open up about that day, and we are honored that he trusted us to tell his story.  Simply an incredible man.

Thank you, Shreyas Ganesh, for working your magic on the audio for this interview.