The Ernie Pyle WWII Museum
120 W Briarwood Ave
Dana, Indiana 47847
Phone (765) 665-3633
GPS Coordinates
39°48’15.76 N
87°29’42.52 W
Podcast
in the hometown of history's greatest war correspondent
The Ernie Pyle WWII Museum Podcast
Doug Hess shares with you pieces of Ernie Pyle’s life from his humble beginning on an Indiana farm to becoming a Pulitzer Prize–winning American journalist and war correspondent who is best known for his stories about ordinary American soldiers during WWII. The podcast is presented by Goose Creek Productions and JLJ Media.
Episode 74
“Tuskegee Airmen: Dogfighting with the Luftwaffe and Jim Crow” with author Samuel de Korte
In this episode, I spoke with author Samuel de Korte about his book “Tuskegee Airmen: Dogfighting with the Luftwaffe and Jim Crow”. During the Second World War, the Tuskegee Airmen had not one but two enemies to overcome: the German Luftwaffe and Jim Crow. In this book, the inspiring history of these men is recounted detailing the struggles the men faced at home and abroad. Listen.
Episode 73
“Guest of Adolf” with author Michael H. Zang
In this episode I spoke with author Michael H. Zang regarding his book “Guest of Adolf”. Ernest Virgil Focht was born and brought up in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. He was drafted into the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in April 1941 and assigned to the 105th Infantry Battalion (Anti-Tank). After training he participated in the Carolina Maneuvers. The National Guard unit was redesignated as the 805th Tank Destroyer Battalion, being deployed to North Africa in January 1943. Listen.
Episode 72
“The Mighty A: The short, heroic life of the USS Atlanta” with author David F. Winkler
In this episode, I spoke with author David F. Winkler regarding his book “The Mighty A: The Mighty A: The Short, Heroic Life of the USS Atlanta (CL-51): America’s First Warship Commissioned After Pearl Harbor”. Prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy’s leadership discovered that the surface fleet was highly vulnerable to air attack, thanks to the introduction of drone aircraft that could simulate attacks on its warships. The Navy’s gunners simply did not have the coordinated firepower to knock them down. Recognition of this vulnerability resulted in a new class of warship led by USS Atlanta. Listen.
Episode 71B
The 80th Anniversary of Ernie Pyles Death
Ernie Pyle died April 18, 1945 and CEO of JLJ Media, James Lott Jr has a few words to say. Listen.
Episode 71A
Pilots and Painted Ladies with Lawrence V. Drake
In this episode, I spoke with Lawrence V. Drake regarding his latest book “Pilots and Painted Ladies: 493rd Bomb Squadron and the Air War in the CBI”. Raised on a farm in Montana, Vernon Drake enlisted in the Army Air Corp in the spring of 1942. Assigned to the 493rd Bomb Squadron, 7th Bomb Group of the 10th Air Force stationed in India, he piloted B-24 bombers into Burma in a fight to prevent the Japanese from advancing north to China, then flew C-108 gas-hauling tankers across the formidable Himalayas to support the U.S. and Allied armies. Listen
Episode 69
Other War Correspondents Like Ernie Pyle
CEO of JLJ media guest hosts, James Lott Jr and talks about colleagues of Ernie Pyle! Listen.
Episode 68
The Army That Never Was with Taylor Downing
In this episode I spoke with Taylor Downing about his latest book ” The Army that Never Was: George S. Patton and the Deception of Operation Fortitude “.On May 29th, 1944, General George S. Patton gave a speech in the southeast of England to the men of the U.S. Army where he spoke of the American desire to win and of how losing was hateful to Americans. Listen.
Episode 67
6 Reasons To Go to Ernie Pyle WWII Museum
Guest host and CEO of JLJ Media talks about Reasons To Go to Ernie Pyle WWII Museum. Listen.
Episode 66
Publishing History books with Ted Savas
In this episode we spoke with Ted Savas (Managing Director) of Savas and Beatie (https://www.savasbeatie.com/). Ted spoke to us today regarding what it takes to pitch a idea regarding a history subject matter. Listen.
Episode 65
5 Ways Ernie Pyle Changed The Journalism World
Guest Host James Lott Jr, CEO of JLJ Media, talks about the 5 Ways Ernie Pyle Changed The Journalism World. Listen.
Episode 64
MacArthur Reconsidered with author James Ellman
In this episode, I spoke with author James Ellman about his book “MacArthur Reconsidered”. One of America’s most controversial generals, Douglas MacArthur’s rise through the U.S. Army’s ranks was meteoric. Listen.
Episode 63
Washington’s Marines with Major General Jason Q. Bohm
In this episode, I spoke with Major General Jason Q. Bohm regarding his book “Washington’s Marines: The Origins of the Corps and the American Revolution 1775-1777”. The fighting prowess of United States Marines is second to none, but few know of the Corps’ humble beginnings and what it achieved during the early years of the American Revolution. Listen.
Episode 62
Why Ernie Pyle with Guest Host James Lott Jr
Guest Host James Lott Jr talks about Ernie Pyle and his discovery of him and his work. Listen.
Episode 61
Inferno with Author Joe Pappalardo
In this episode I spoke with author Joe Pappalardo’s regarding his book Inferno tells the true story of the men who flew the deadliest missions of World War II, and an unlikely hero who received the Medal of Honor in the midst of the bloodiest military campaign in aviation history. Listen.
Episode 60
When The Sea Came Alive
In this episode, I spoke with author Garrett M. Graff about his book “When The Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day”. June 6, 1944—known to us all as D-Day—is one of history’s greatest and most unbelievable military triumphs. Though the full campaign lasted a little over two months, the surprise sunrise landing of more than 150,000 Allied troops on the beaches of occupied northern France is one of the most consequential days of the 20th century. Listen.
Episode 59
When A Californian Goes To The Museum
On this special episode, CEO of JLJ Media travels to Dana Indiana and goes to the Ernie Pyle WWII Museum and he shares his experience. Listen.
Episode 58
Short Snorter
In this episode, Museum President Steve Key joins us to discuss the latest item that was donated to the museum. Listen.
Episode 57
Mr Churchill In The White House with Author Robert Schmuhl
In this episode, I spoke with author Robert Schmuhl about his latest book “Mr. Churchill In The White House: The Untold Story of a Prime Minister and Two Presidents.” Well into the twenty-first century, Winston Churchill continues to be the subject of scores of books. Biographers portray him as a soldier, statesman, writer, painter, and even a daredevil, but Robert Schmuhl, the noted author and journalist, may be the first to depict him as a demanding, indeed exhausting White House guest. Listen.
Episode 57
The Light of Battle
In this episode, I spoke with author Michel Paradis about his book ” The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower”. A thrilling new biography of Dwight Eisenhower set in the months leading up to D-Day, when he grew from a well-liked general into one of the singular figures of American history. Listen.
Episode 55
Churchill’s D-Day
In this episode, I spoke with Allen Packwood regarding his book “Churchill’s D-Day: The British Bulldog’s Fateful Hours During The Normandy Invasion”. From the world’s greatest collection of his papers comes the genesis, execution, and aftermath of D-Day through the eyes of Winston Churchill himself. Listen.
Episode 54
Worrybird
Utilizing the voices of the B-24 Liberator “Worrybird” and her crew, the heroic and costly story of the air war over Europe unfolds. Listen
Episode 53
Taking London
In this episode, I spoke with the author Marting Dugard about his latest book “Taking London: Winston Churchill and the Fight to Save Civilization”. Great Britain, summer 1940. The Battle of France is over. The Battle of Britain is about to begin. Adolf Hitler’s powerful armies control Europe. England stands alone against this juggernaut, the whole world knowing it is only a matter of time before Nazi Germany unleashes its military might on the island nation. In London, a new prime minister named Winston Churchill is determined to defeat the Nazi menace, no matter the costs. Listen.
Episode 52
CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center
In this episode, I spoke with Troy Fears who is the Executive Director of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Listen.
Episode 51
Remembering Ernie Pyle's IU Ties (part 2)
In this episode, we continue to examine Ernie Pyle’s ties to Indiana University-Bloomington where he attended college as an undergraduate. Listen.
Episode 50
Remembering Ernie Pyle's IU Ties (part 1)
In this episode, we examine Ernie Pyle’s ties to Indiana University-Bloomington where he attended college as an undergraduate. Listen.
Episode 48
Shattered Jade
Shattered Jade
In this episode, I spoke with author Larry Alexander to discuss his latest book “Shattered Jade: A Novel of Saipan.” Listen.
Episode 46
Wings of War
Wings of War
In this episode, I spoke with authors David and Margaret White about their book “Wings of War: The World War II Fighter Plane that Saved the Allies and the Believers Who Made It Fly”. The incredible, untold story behind the rise of the P-51 Mustang, the WW II fighter plane that destroyed the Luftwaffe and made D-Day possible. Listen.
Episode 44
'They just lay there, blinking.'
'They just lay there, blinking.'
In this episode, I read an article Pyle wrote that was published on Saturday, April 21, 1954 titled “They Just Lay There, Blinking.” Listen.
Episode 42
The Ghost Army of WWII
The Ghost Army of WWII
In this episode, I discuss author Rick Beyer’s book “The Ghost Army of World War II” about a handpicked group of young GIs in 1944 who landed in France to conduct a secret mission. Listen.
Episode 40
In the movies
In the movies
In this episode, I read an article from Ernie Pyle from wartime columns from Wednesday, February 14, 1945. Liston.
Episode 38
"Task Force Hogan"
"Task Force Hogan"
In this episode, I spoke with author William R. Hogan about his book “Task Force Hogan: The World War II Tank Battalion That Spearheaded the Liberation of Europe.” Listen.
Episode 36
"Passionate Mother, Powerful Sons"
"Passionate Mother, Powerful Sons"
In this episode, I spoke with author Charlotte Gray on her book “Passionate Mother, Powerful Sons: The Lives of Jennie Jerome Churchill and Sara Delano Roosevelt.” Listen.
Episode 34
"The Rifle"
"The Rifle"
In this episode, I interviewed Andrew Biggio about his book “The Rifle.” Tales of American combat and comradery in World War II all connected to the iconic rifle of the era, the M1 Garand. Listen.
Episode 32
"The Devils Will Get No Rest: FDR, Churchill and the Plan that Won the War."
"The Devils Will Get No Rest: FDR, Churchill and the Plan that Won the War."
In this episode, I spoke with author James B. Conroy about his book “The Devils Will Get No Rest: FDR, Churchill, and the Plan That Won the War.” Listen.
Episode 30
"The Soldier's Truth: Ernie Pyle and the Story of World War II"
"The Soldier's Truth: Ernie Pyle and the Story of World War II"
A talk with David Chrisinger, author of a beautiful reckoning with the life and work of the legendary journalist Ernie Pyle, who gave World War II a human face for millions of Americans even as he wrestled with his own demons. Listen
Episode 28
Dominic Frisby
Dominic Frisby
In this episode, I spoke with Dominic Frisby about his award-winning podcast Kisses on a Postcard. It tells the story of two young boys during WW II that try and escape the bombings of the Germans. Listen.
Episode 25
'About my books'
'About my books'
In this episode, I read from wartime columns (Tuesday, February 13, 1945), It is titled About My Books. In writing about his writing, Pyle showed elements of both ego and modesty. Listen.
Episode 23
Author David Fisher, "The War Magician"
Based on an extraordinary true story and soon to be a major film produced by and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, The War Magician is the remarkable tale of the man who used the powers of illusion to fight the Nazis. Listen.
Episode 21
Author Larry Alexander
Author Larry Alexander
In this episode I speak with author Larry Alexander about his last book “76 Hours A novel of Tarawa”. While this is a work of fiction the events regarding the 76 hours of Tarawa is true. Listen.
Episode 19
Under fire at the beachhead at Anzio
Under fire at the beachhead at Anzio
In this episode I have read a little from an article Ernie Pyle wrote about regarding the beachhead of Anzio. Listen.
Episode 11
First year tour guide Drew Hess
First year tour guide Drew Hess
Episode 9
Judith Mackrell, author of "The correspondents: Six Women Writers on the Front Lines of WWII"
Judith Mackrell, author of "The correspondents: Six Women Writers on the Front Lines of WWII"
Episode 7
Indiana State University Professor Christopher Fischer
Episode 5
National Ernie Pyle Day
Episode 3
Ray Boomhower, "The Soldier's Friend: A Life of Ernie Pyle"
Episode 1
Who was Ernie Pyle?
Episode 49
"Patton's Prayer" with Author Alex Kershaw
"Patton's Prayer" with Author Alex Kershaw
In this episode, I spoke with author Alex Kershaw regarding his book “Patton’s Prayer: A True Story of Courage, Faith, and Victory In World War II.” Listen.
Episode 47
'Killing is all that matters'
'Killing is all that matters'
In this episode, I read the column, Pyle explains how servicemen going into battle will be changed by the experience. Listen.
Episode 45
Author Ronald Drabkin
Author Ronald Drabkin
In this episode, I spoke with author Ronald Drabkin on his book “Beverly Hills Spy The Double-Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor.” Listen.
Episode 43
Dr. James Holsinger on General Patton's 'Tactician'
Dr. James Holsinger on General Patton's 'Tactician'
In this episode, I spoke with Dr James Holsinger on “Patton’s Tactician: The War Diary of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keys.” Listen.
Episode 41
Mapping and engineering the war
Mapping and engineering the war
In this episode, I read one of Pyle’s columns about use of maps during . Listen.
Episode 39
Author Greg Fontenot
Author Greg Fontenot
In this episode, I spoke with author Greg Fontenot regarding Ernie Pyle. We also spoke about his book “No Sacrifice Too Great: The 1st Infantry Division in World War II.” Listen.
Episode 37
"Patton's War Volume 1"
"Patton's War Volume 1"
In this episode, I discuss the book “Patton’s War Volome 1” with author Kevin M. Hymel. Listen.
Episode 35
"V is for Victory"
"V is for Victory"
In this episode, I spoke with New York Times bestselling author Craig Nelson regarding his latest book ” V is for Victory.” Listen.
Episode 33
"Patton's Way: An American General's Combat Leadership"
"Patton's Way: An American General's Combat Leadership"
In this episode, I spoke with author Kevin M Hymel regarding his book “Patton’s War: An American Genera;’s Combat Leadership.” Listen.
Episode 31
"Patton Battling with History"
"Patton Battling with History"
In ths episode I spoke with author Furman Daniel regarding his book “Patton Battling With History.” General George S. Patton Jr. is one of the most successful yet misunderstood figures in American military history. Listen.
Episode 29
Author Shannon Schmidt on First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt
Author Shannon Schmidt on First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt
In this episode, I discuss with author Shannon McKenna Schmidt her book “The First Lady of World War II: Eleanor Roosevelt’s Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back.” Listen.
Episode 27
10 Things I learned about Ernie Pyle
10 Things I learned about Ernie Pyle
James Lott Jr leads this episode about the 10 Things He’s learned about the legendary Ernie Pyle! He also wants to thank Doug Hess (Regular host) for his hard work and the Ernie Pyle WWII Museum for their partnership! Listen.
Episode 24
'Angels Against the Sun: A WWII Saga of Grunts, Grit and Brotherhood"
'Angels Against the Sun: A WWII Saga of Grunts, Grit and Brotherhood"
In this episode I spoke with author James M Fenelon regarding his book “Angels Against The Sun: A WWII Saga of Grunts, Grit, and Brotherhood.” Listen.
Episode 22
Ernie Pyle one-man show performer Rick Plummer
Ernie Pyle one-man show performer Rick Plummer
In this episode, I had a conversation with Rick Plummer who for 20 years played a one-man show about Ernie Pyle. Listen.
Episode 20
Ernie Pyle's personal items
Ernie Pyle's personal items
In this episode we listen to a few personal items that Ernie wrote about on Monday, February 12, 1945. They focus on his father and Aunt Mary. Listen
Episode 18
"Marine Raiders: The True Story of the Legendary WWII Battalions"
"Marine Raiders: The True Story of the Legendary WWII Battalions"
In this episode, I discuss with author Carole Engle Avriett on her book “Marine Raiders: The True Story of the Legendary WWII Battalions.” Americans revere elite combat units, but one of these noble bands has been unjustifiably forgotten—until now. Listen.
Episode 10
IU Professor Austin Francalacia
IU Professor Austin Francalacia
Episode 8
Steven Casey ,author of "The War Beat, Pacific: The American Media at War Against Japan"
Episode 6
Alexander G. Lovelace, "The Media Offensive: How the Press and Public Opinion Shaped Strategy during WWII"
Episode 4
Martha Bolton, "Dear Bob: Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.s of WWII"
Episode 2
Florida State University Professor G. Kurt Piehler
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