Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage

Dwight Birdwell, a Medal of Honor recipient and Chief Justice of the Cherokee Nation, shares his gripping experiences during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. He reflects on the intense ambush and the harrowing chaos of battle that transformed him from soldier to survivor. Birdwell discusses the psychological toll of war, his struggles with survivor's guilt, and how his Native American heritage shaped his valor. His journey highlights the deep ties between Native American communities and military service, culminating in a moving tribute to fallen comrades.

Join Jefferson DeBlanc, a Marine Corps fighter pilot and Medal of Honor recipient, as he shares his remarkable tale of survival after being shot down over the Solomon Islands in World War II. From his harrowing crash landing to unexpected alliances with local islanders, his unwavering optimism shines through. DeBlanc recounts the perils of aerial dogfights, the bravery of his fellow pilots, and his journey from aspiring aviator to a hero, reflecting on the values that shaped his enduring spirit amidst the chaos of war.

Medal of Honor is back with Season Two! Join new host J.R. Martinez, a U.S. Army veteran whose life was profoundly changed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2003. J.R., introduced by Malcolm Gladwell, shares his journey of finding purpose through storytelling and previews the compelling stories of heroism in this season. Season Two explores a range of historical conflicts, from the Civil War, where we encounter the first Black sailor to receive the Medal of Honor, to the Boxer Rebellion and the remarkable Marine Daniel Daly, a recipient of two Medals of Honor. We also want to hear from you! Send us your personal story of courage, or highlight someone else’s bravery. Email us at medalofhonor@pushkin.fm. You might hear your stories on future episodes of Medal of Honor, or see them on our social channels @pushkinpods. Get early, ad-free access to episodes of Medal of Honor by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 25th was designated by Congress as a day of recognition and gratitude for those who have demonstrated extraordinary heroism and courage. Today marks one hundred and sixty two years since the very first medal of honor was ever awarded to Jacob Wilson Parrott, a private from the 33rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry’s Company K. We are celebrating the day by thinking back on some of the incredible heroes we covered in our last season. We will continue to tell those stories in our second season coming up in May. In the meantime, we also want to hear from you! Send us your personal story of courage, or highlight someone else’s bravery.  You might hear your stories on future episodes of Medal of Honor, or see them on our social channels. Email us at medalofhonor@pushkin.fm. We’ll see you all back here in May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malcolm chats with Meredith Rollins, the talented writer behind the narratives of Medal of Honor recipients. They share unexpected emotional moments that moved them during interviews, including the significant insights from the 'Medal of Honor moms.' The conversation dives into unique stories of heroism, including Mary Walker, the only female recipient. They discuss the lasting impact of military service on families and the importance of recognizing veterans' struggles with mental health and societal acceptance.

Technical Sergeant John Chapman, the first Air Force recipient of the Medal of Honor since Vietnam, shares his harrowing tale of bravery in Afghanistan. He recounts a freezing night during Operation Anaconda where he faced overwhelming enemy forces to save his team. His poignant story sheds light on the essence of heroism, showing that true courage often goes unseen. Discussion also touches on the challenges of recognizing valor in the military and how Chapman's ultimate sacrifice led to a lasting legacy of inspiration for future generations.

Robert E. Bush, one of the youngest Medal of Honor recipients, shares his gripping experiences from the Battle of Okinawa at just 18 years old. He discusses the stark transition from his hometown to the warfront, illustrating the struggles of youth amid chaos. Bob shines a light on the fleeting moments of humanity witnessed during conflict, alongside the intense bond formed between soldiers as they face dire moral dilemmas. His journey reflects on sacrifice, personal growth, and the lasting legacy that such harrowing experiences leave for future generations.

Jay Vargas, a Marine captain and leader during the Vietnam War, shares his gripping experiences from the Battle of Dai Do. He reflects on the heroism and horror he faced, including the lasting impact of PTSD that took decades to confront. Vargas emphasizes the power of veterans' stories in healing, illustrating how his journey has saved lives both on and off the battlefield. With candid recollections, he sheds light on the complex emotions tied to sacrifice and survival, capturing the essence of courage amidst chaos.

In this engaging discussion, Molly Hudgens, a former guidance counselor at Sycamore Middle School, recounts her brave intervention with a potential school shooter in 2016. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and active listening when addressing mental health issues among students. Molly shares her insights on fostering open communication within the school community and reflects on the emotional challenges of navigating crises. Her story highlights everyday heroism and the critical role of compassion in preventing violence.

Tibor Rubin, a courageous soldier and Holocaust survivor, shares his gripping experiences during the Korean War. He details his harrowing capture and the brutal conditions in a POW camp, revealing the psychological tactics used by captors. Tibor's remarkable bravery shines as he saves fellow soldiers despite facing extreme adversity and prejudice. His story emphasizes the themes of compassion, resilience, and hope, showcasing how the human spirit can endure even in the darkest times.