In this engaging conversation, Alex Kershaw, author of "The Longest Winter," shares remarkable tales of WWII soldiers, focusing on a brave 18-man platoon during the Battle of the Bulge. He highlights the courage of their youthful leader, Lyle Bouk, who rallied his troops against overwhelming odds. Kershaw reveals how their unexpected capture became a pivotal moment in the battle, turning an initially unrecognized effort into a significant chapter of valor in American history. The stories evoke deep lessons of duty, resilience, and camaraderie.
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Discovery of the Platoon Story
Alex Kershaw's editor suggested focusing on a small unit in the Battle of the Bulge.
This led Kershaw to the story of Lyle Bouck's 18-man platoon, the most decorated American platoon of WWII.
insights INSIGHT
Hitler's Motivation
Hitler's failed assassination attempt in July 1944 influenced his decision to launch the Battle of the Bulge.
This desperate offensive aimed to change the war's outcome in the West.
insights INSIGHT
Hitler's Mindset
Hitler's survival in the assassination attempt fueled his belief in his own invincibility.
This further motivated his "last great gamble" in the West, the Battle of the Bulge.
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The Bitter Woods is a comprehensive study of the Battle of the Bulge, examining the command structures and leadership decisions of both Allied and German forces. Written by John S.D. Eisenhower, the book provides insights into the strategic and personal aspects of the battle, drawing from interviews with key figures and historical records. It explores how the Allied victory marked a significant turning point in World War II.
The Bedford Boys
Alex Kershaw
The Bedford Boys tells the story of nineteen young men from Bedford, Virginia, who died on D-Day as part of the first wave of American soldiers landing on Omaha Beach. The book explores their lives before the war, their experiences during the invasion, and the profound impact their loss had on their community. Based on extensive interviews with survivors and relatives, it provides a visceral and intimate portrayal of war's human cost.
The Longest Winter
Alex Kershaw
The Longest Winter tells the story of an intelligence platoon led by Lieutenant Lyle Bouck, who, despite being vastly outnumbered, repelled multiple German assaults during the Battle of the Bulge. The platoon's bravery significantly disrupted the German advance, and although captured, all members survived their ordeal as prisoners of war. The book is a testament to courage and survival in one of World War II's most pivotal battles.
The Battle of the Bulge commenced on the morning of December 16, 1944. The Allies were ill-prepared for this last, desperate offensive from the Germans, and the campaign might have succeeded if a few things hadn’t gotten in their way, including a single, green, 18-man platoon who refused to give up their ground to the Nazis.
Alex Kershaw shares the story of these men in his book, The Longest Winter, and with us today on the show. He first explains the background of the Battle of the Bulge and how an Intelligence and Reconnaissance unit that had never seen combat ended up in the thick of it. And he describes the platoon’s 20-year-old leader, Lyle Bouk, who was determined to carry out his orders and hold their position despite being massively outmanned and outgunned, and how his men fought until they were down to their last rounds. Alex then shares how what Bouk thought was a total failure — being captured as POWs after just a day of combat — turned out to have been an effort that significantly influenced the outcome of the Battle of the Bulge, and how an unlikely platoon of heroes who initially went unrecognized for their valor became the most decorated American platoon of WWII. You’ll find such an inspiring lesson in this show about living up to your duty and holding the line.
The Art of Manliness 
