Radiolab The War on Our Shore
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May 12, 2023 
Nick Farrago and Karen Duffin, reporters uncovering hidden wartime stories, share fascinating insights from World War II. They discuss the eerie phenomenon of balloon bombs that silently drifted onto U.S. soil, causing chaos and fear. Karen elaborates on the complex lives of Nazi POWs, revealing their surprisingly humane treatment in America, which challenges conventional narratives. Together, they explore the moral dilemmas of wartime ethics, encouraging listeners to reflect on empathy and the human experience in the midst of conflict.
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Sheriff's Capture
- In Thermopolis, Wyoming, 1944, miners witnessed an explosion and a floating white circle.
- Sheriff Warren Hyde wrestled with a balloon bomb, capturing it after a perilous chase.
Balloon Bomb Origins
- The Japanese balloon bombs were a response to the Doolittle Raid, aiming to strike fear into America.
- Analysis of sand from the balloons pinpointed their origin to specific beaches in Japan.
Media Blackout
- The US government imposed a media blackout on balloon bomb incidents to prevent panic and aid to Japan.
- This censorship aimed to control information and limit the enemy's knowledge of the attacks' success.