In this engaging discussion, author Alex Kershaw profiles four extraordinary Medal of Honor recipients from the 3rd Infantry Division during WWII: Maurice Britt, Michael Daly, Keith Ware, and the legendary Audie Murphy. Kershaw reveals their incredible acts of valor, the pivotal battles they fought, and how their experiences shaped their lives post-war. From exploring the often-overlooked early campaigns in North Africa to the complexities of leadership and camaraderie, the conversation beautifully honors the legacies of these heroic figures.
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insights INSIGHT
3rd Infantry Division's Medal of Honor Count
The 3rd Infantry Division earned more Medals of Honor than any other U.S. division in WWII.
Their longer combat duration, from North Africa to Germany, created more opportunities.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Origin of "Marne Men"
The 3rd Infantry Division is known as the "Marne men".
This nickname originates from their valiant stand at the Marne River in WWI, halting the German advance on Paris.
insights INSIGHT
3rd ID's Amphibious Invasions
The 3rd Infantry Division participated in five amphibious invasions during WWII.
They fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Anzio, and Southern France, highlighting their extensive combat experience.
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Against All Odds tells the story of four decorated soldiers—Maurice 'Footsie' Britt, Michael Daly, Keith Ware, and Audie Murphy—who fought in World War II, earning the Medal of Honor. The book spans over 600 days of combat from North Africa to Nazi Germany, highlighting their heroic actions and the challenges they faced after the war. Kershaw uses personal interviews and primary sources to deliver a compelling narrative of American courage.
Hell and Back
Craig Johnson
Craig Johnson's "Hell and Back" is a captivating mystery novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of justice. Set against the stunning backdrop of Wyoming, the story features Walt Longmire, a sheriff grappling with personal and professional dilemmas. Johnson's writing is both evocative and insightful, creating a rich tapestry of characters and events. The novel explores themes of loss, redemption, and the enduring power of community. It's a compelling read that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
The Medal of Honor is the military's highest and most prestigious decoration and is awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces who "distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."
During World War II, no U.S. unit would produce more Medal of Honor recipients than the Army's Third Infantry Division, and my guest profiles four of those recipients — Maurice Britt, Michael Daly, Keith Ware, and the famous Audie Murphy — in his new book Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II. Today on the show, Alex explains how the prodigiousness of the Third Infantry Division was due to effective leadership, and the sheer fact that they were in combat so long, serving from the very beginning of the war in Europe to its very end. We then get into the stories of Britt, Daly, Ware, and Murphy, unpacking their varied backgrounds, how they earned their Medals of Honor — and many more decorations besides — and what their lives were like after the war. We end our conversation with what Alex has personally taken away from the stories of these brave men.
The Art of Manliness 
