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Join military historians John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel on World War 2 Live as they dive into the dramatic opening phase of the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943—Operation Husky. In this episode, they break down the strategy behind the landings, the challenges on the beaches and in the air, and why Sicily became the crucial first step in prying open Hitler’s Fortress Europe.

You’ll hear battlefield stories, logistical insights, and the kind of context you don’t get from a textbook, all grounded in John and Kevin’s decades of research and tour experience.

Have a World War II question you’d like answered on our Stump the Chumps segment?

📩 Email us at: [email protected]

If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help more history fans find World War 2 Live.

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In this Stump the Chumps segment, historians John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel tackle two fascinating viewer questions that shed new light on the final months of World War II and the planning for D-Day.

First Question: Did the U.S. Army and the Soviet Army ever fight each other at the end of World War II?

John and Kevin explore the tense, chaotic final weeks of the European war, examining where U.S. and Soviet forces collided—politically, geographically, and potentially on the battlefield. Their answer reveals how close the Allies came to unintentional conflict as Germany collapsed.

Second Question: Who actually named the beaches for D-Day?

From “Omaha” to “Utah,” the origins of these iconic names are often misunderstood. Kevin and John break down how the invasion beaches received their codenames, who created them, and why these choices mattered for Operation Overlord.

Join us for another lively and informative round of Stump the Chumps, where great questions lead to great history.

📌 Have a question you want answered on the show? Leave it in the comments!

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We kick off our series on the Sicilian Campaign with a look at the Allied planning. John and Kevin take you into the minds of the Allied planners for Operation Husky. They also take viewer question in Stump the Chumps....including looking at the issue of British tea breaks during Operation Market Gardern.

Send us questions at [email protected]

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In this episode of World War II Live, Kevin Hymel takes viewers deep inside General George S. Patton’s personal archive to uncover a remarkable treasure: previously unseen photographs from World War II. Kevin reveals how he found these rare images, what they show about Patton’s leadership and personality, and why they change our understanding of his legacy.

Join Kevin and John C. McManus as they explore these stunning visual discoveries and discuss what they reveal about one of America’s most iconic commanders.

Get Kevin's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Pattons-Photographs-War-He-Saw/dp/1574888722

Send us questions for Stump the Chumps at: worldwar2live ⁨@gmail.com⁩ 

Check out Mark's historical war gaming YouTube channel at Mark's Game Room:

https://www.youtube.com/@MarksGameRoom/featured

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In this episode of World War II Live, hosts John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel engage in a lively discussion about their experiences leading battlefield tours, the significance of personal connections to history, and the challenges of military logistics. They share insights from recent tours, including memorable meals and interactions with participants, and delve into the complexities of intelligence and strategic decisions during the war. In the 'Stump the Chumps' segment they tackle listener questions and explore counterfactual scenarios related to World War II.

Send us questions at: worldwar2live @gmail.com 

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John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel chat about the US Army's small arms during World War 2. Why the switch from the bolt action Springfield to the semi-auto M1 Garand? In our Stump the Chumps segment hear how they start to research a new topic!

Send in your WW2 questions for Stump the Chumps at: [email protected]

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For a deeper look at Henry Sledge’s journey, visit Mark’s Game Room on YouTube to watch the in-depth interview that Mark Fastoso and George Luz Jr. conducted with him.

LINK: https://youtu.be/ceGbkcE4xfY

In this episode, Kevin Hymel, John C. McManus, and Henry Sledge delve into the personal and historical significance of Peleliu during World War II. They explore Henry's emotional journey to the island, the impact of his father's experiences, and the reception of Henry's book, 'The Old Breed: The Complete Story Revealed.' The discussion also touches on the portrayal of the Pacific War in the miniseries 'The Pacific' and the lasting legacy of these historical events.

Send us your WW2 questions to: [email protected]

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Join historians Kevin Hymel and John C. McManus for a fascinating deep dive into one of World War II’s most intense and misunderstood battles — Peleliu. In this episode, they uncover the Army’s overlooked role in the Pacific, revealing stories of courage, sacrifice, and strategy that history often leaves behind.

From the rivalry between the Army and Marines, to the critical importance of logistics and the leadership choices that shaped the battle, Kevin and John bring new insight to a campaign long overshadowed by myth and misunderstanding. They also explore how Hollywood’s portrayals influence our view of history—and why audience engagement is key to keeping these stories alive.

🎖️ Discover the real story behind Island Infernos and the soldiers who fought it.

📚 Hosted by the team at World War II Live — where history comes alive, one battle at a time.

Send up questions at: [email protected]

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Check out Mark Fastoso's video about Sledge's War Souvenirs here:

https://youtu.be/3ei2UMxZYXs

Watch George Luz and Mark interview Henry here:

https://youtu.be/ceGbkcE4xfY

John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel discuss the profound impact of Eugene Sledge's memoir, 'With the Old Breed,' and its companion piece by his son, Henry Sledge. They explore the emotional journey of writing, the realities of war, and the importance of storytelling in preserving history. The discussion highlights personal anecdotes, the challenges of capturing the soldier's experience, and the legacy left behind by veterans. Henry shares insights into his father's life, the process of writing his book, and the reactions from fellow veterans and readers alike.

Send us your questions at:

[email protected]

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