We (Walk Among Heroes) are pleased to welcome Warren Milner as our guest for episode three.  Warren, a resident of Comfort, Texas, was a member of the U.S. Army, 34th Infantry Division, nicknamed the ‘Red Bulls.’  The 34th Division is not as well-known as many famous divisions like the 82nd, 101st, and 1st (Big Red One), but the division’s combat record speaks for itself.  The division’s motto was ‘Attack, Attack, Attack,’ and for good reason.  The division’s record included 517 days of front-line combat in five major campaigns, more than any other American division in World War II (some elements of the division experienced more than 600 days in combat).  The 34th Division experienced 21,362 casualties throughout World War II, from an initial division strength of approximately 15,000 men.  In addition, the division was awarded 11 Medals of Honor, 98 Distinguished Service Crosses, and 1,072 Silver Stars.

The 34th Division first landed in North Africa, and was the first American division to fight in direct combat against the Germans.  Warren joined the division later in Italy (south of Florence) as a replacement after Monte Cassino and participated in the remainder of the Italian campaign, until the end of the war.  My grandpa also fought in the 34th Division, and as it turns out, Warren and my Grandpa fought side-by-side throughout much of Italy, which is another reason Warren is so special to me.  

We hope you will find this episode interesting, as Warren takes us through his World War II combat experience in the Italian Campaign.  Although the Italian Campaign isn’t as well-known as other campaigns, several of World War II’s most brutal battles were fought in Italy.  

As always, a HUGE 'thank you' to sound engineer Shreyas Ganesh, as he donates his time to help make this Podcast possible.

Walk Among Heroes is honored to welcome Mac McWilliams, Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, as our guest for episode two.  Mac grew up in West Texas and joined the Marine Corps at age seventeen.  Following Marine Corps training, he was assigned to the First Marine Division, joining them in the Pacific after the Guadalcanal Campaign.  Mac saw his first combat in New Gloucester as part of ‘Operation Cartwheel,’ codename for the campaigns in Eastern New Guinea and New Britain.  Next, Mac fought and was wounded in the Battle of Peleliu, which was the most intense combat he experienced.  Finally, Mac and his fellow Marines fought in the Battle of Okinawa (another brutal campaign), before the Japanese eventually surrendered.  

Years later, Mac wrote a book, ‘Never Too Old to Cry,’ by D.G. McWilliams.  The book follows 6 Marines, as they grow up together and fight through the war.  

Episode 2B focuses on Mac's combat in Peleliu and Okinawa, Mac's injury, losing one of his best friends, the end of the war, and finally his return home.  

During his World War II service, Mac was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and numerous other awards.  It is a true honor to welcome Mac as our guest for Walk Among Heroes, episode 2.

A special ‘thank you’ to sound engineer Shreyas Ganesh.

Walk Among Heroes is honored to welcome Mac McWilliams, Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, as our guest for episode two.  Mac grew up in West Texas and joined the Marine Corps at age seventeen.  Following Marine Corps training, he was assigned to the First Marine Division, joining them in the Pacific following the Guadalcanal Campaign.  Mac saw his first combat in New Gloucester and Talasea, as part of ‘Operation Cartwheel,’ codename for the campaigns in Eastern New Guinea and New Britain.  Next, Mac fought and was wounded in the Battle of Peleliu, which was the most intense combat he experienced.  Finally, Mac and his fellow Marines, participated in the Battle of Okinawa, before the Japanese eventually surrendered.  

Years later, Mac wrote a book, ‘Never Too Old to Cry,’ by D.G. McWilliams.  The book follows 6 Marines, as they grow up together and fight through the war.  

 Episode 2A focuses on Mac’s childhood and upbringing during the Great Depression, joining the Marine Corps, deploying, and his first combat campaign in New Britain.

During his World War II service, Mac was awarded the Silver Star, a Purple Heart, and numerous other awards.  It is a true honor to welcome Mac as our guest for Walk Among Heroes, episode 2.

A special ‘thank you’ to sound engineer Shreyas Ganesh.

Walk Among Heroes is honored to welcome Fred Harvey, Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, as our guest for episode one.  Growing up in West Texas, Mr. Harvey volunteered to join the Marine Corps at age seventeen.  Following Basic Training, Mr. Harvey attended Paratrooper school and was assigned to the First ‘Paramarine’ Battalion, a special Marine paratrooper outfit.  Mr. Harvey soon deployed to the Pacific where he experienced combat during the Marine’s island-hopping campaign.  Eventually, he returned to the United States for a short time, as the Marine Corps de-commissioned the ‘Paramarines’ and re-assigned Mr. Harvey to the 5th Marine Division, preparing for the invasion of Iwo Jima.  Mr. Harvey participated in the invasion, eventually suffering serious injuries to his entire lower-body on day nine.  Mr. Harvey’s injuries resulted in a discharge from the Marine Corps, but as Mr. Harvey says, ‘One a Marine, always a Marine.’  Mr. Harvey was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions on Iwo Jima.  

Episode 1B focuses on the invasion of Iwo Jima, Mr. Harvey's injuries, Cobber's injuries, recovery, and life after the Marine Corps.  The episode concludes with Mr. Harvey's life lessons-learned.

03:30 - Invasion of Iwo Jima
17:00 - Actions Resulting in Silver Star
32:00 - Mr. Harvey Wounded In-Action
41:00 - Evacuation and Treatment of Wounds
52:30 - Cobber Wounded
01:00:00 - Recovery & Finally Going Home
01:15:00 - Lessons-learned

If you're interested in purchasing a copy of Mr. Harvey's book, email [email protected], and we will provide instructions.

To follow Walk Among Heroes:
www.walkamongheroes.org
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/walkamongheroes
Instagram:  @walkamongheroes
Youtube:  Walk Among Heroes

Wish for Our Heroes:  www.wishforourheroes.org

A special 'thank you' to sound engineer Shreyas Ganesh.  Thank you for all of your help, Shreyas!

Walk Among Heroes is honored to welcome Fred Harvey, Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, as our guest for episode 1.  Growing up in West Texas, Mr. Harvey volunteered to join the Marine Corps at age seventeen.  Following Basic Training, Mr. Harvey attended Paratrooper school and was assigned to the First ‘Paramarine’ Battalion, a special Marine paratrooper outfit.  Mr. Harvey soon deployed to the Pacific where he experienced combat during the Marine’s island-hopping campaign.  Eventually, he returned to the United States for a short time, as the Marine Corps de-commissioned the ‘Paramarines’ and re-assigned Mr. Harvey to the 5th Marine Division, preparing for the invasion of Iwo Jima.  Mr. Harvey participated in the invasion, eventually suffering serious injuries to his entire lower-body on Day nine.  Mr. Harvey’s injuries resulted in a discharge from the Marine Corps, but as Mr. Harvey says, ‘One a Marine, always a Marine.’  Mr. Harvey was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions on Iwo Jima.  

Episode 1A focuses on Mr. Harvey’s childhood, growing up during the Great Depression, joining the Marine Corps, and initial deployment to the Pacific.  

09:00 - Childhood/Growing-up During the Great Depression
32:00 - Joining the Marine Corps
43:00 - Marine Corps
50:00 - Deploying for First Time
1:10:00 - Returning to the U.S., Assignment to 5th Marine Division

If you're interested in purchasing a copy of Mr. Harvey's book, email us at [email protected].

To follow Walk Among Heroes:
www.walkamongheroes.org
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/walkamongheroes
Instagram:  @walkamongheroes
Youtube:  Walk Among Heroes

Wish for Our Heroes:  www.wishforourheroes.org

A special 'thank you' to sound engineer Shreyas Ganesh.  Thank you for all of your help, Shreyas!

What is 'Walk Among Heroes' and why is it important?

‘Walk Among Heroes’ is a podcast that presents real stories from the bravest men and women in the world, real military heroes.  Jeff Wells, Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, hosts a military hero on Tuesday of each week, as these incredible heroes tell their stories, un-edited and in their own words.  From the sights, sounds, and smells of combat, to their secrets for a long and successful life, these Veterans tell all.  This podcast is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about our nation’s history, and most importantly, has a desire to understand the intimate details of those who fought to provide us with the greatest privilege in the world, freedom.  

This trailer describes Wells' service background and reasons for launching this podcast.  For more incredible Veteran stories, visit www.walkamongheroes.org.