Duty & Valor - Military Stories of Courage and Sacrifice

In this week’s episode of Duty & Valor, we share the remarkable story of Air Force Lt Col Louis Curdes, a WWII ace unlike any other. Curdes was one of only a handful of American pilots to shoot down aircraft from all three major Axis powers. Germany, Italy, and Japan. But his most astonishing feat came when he made a split-second decision to shoot down an American transport plane to save its crew from capture.

From his...

At just 17 years old, Private First Class Jacklyn Lucas became one of the youngest service members ever to receive the Medal of Honor. But his path to heroism was anything but ordinary. After lying about his age to join the Marines at just 14, Lucas would go on to defy the odds, stowing away on a ship to Iwo Jima, diving onto two grenades to save his fellow Marines, and miraculously surviving.  In this episode, we recount the aston...

On March 16, 1968, during the Vietnam War, U.S. Army helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson Jr. witnessed something unthinkable — American soldiers slaughtering unarmed civilians in the village of My Lai.

What he did next would go down as one of the most courageous acts of moral bravery in U.S. military history.

In this episode, we share the powerful story of how Major Thompson risked everything — his career, his reputation, even his life — ...

 Lt. Lance Sijan's story is one of unparalleled courage, resilience, and sacrifice. After ejecting from his disabled F-4 Phantom over enemy territory, he endured unimaginable injuries, starvation, and relentless hardships for 46 days in the jungle, refusing to surrender. Captured by the North Vietnamese, he continued to resist, uphold the military code of conduct, and inspire those around him, even in his final days. His unwav...

At just 18 years old, Navy Hospital Apprentice First Class Robert Bush displayed extraordinary courage during the Battle of Okinawa. While under relentless enemy fire, he tended to a wounded Marine officer, all while fending off attacking Japanese soldiers with his sidearm and a discarded rifle. Gravely wounded himself—including the loss of an eye—Bush refused to be evacuated until his platoon commander was safe. For his heroic act...

In this episode of Duty & Valor as we delve into the inspiring life of U.S. Army General Richard Cavazos, the first Hispanic four-star general in American history. Known for his extraordinary courage in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, General Cavazos was a trailblazer who redefined leadership and mentorship in the military.

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In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the extraordinary courage of Lieutenant Colonel Edward S. Michael, a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot and Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. On April 11, 1944, during a harrowing mission over Germany, he faced relentless enemy attacks, a crippled aircraft, and personal injuries that would have defeated most men. Yet, his steadfast resolve to save his crew and complete the mission tur...

 In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the incredible life and legacy of Sergeant Major John L. Canley, a Marine Corps legend and Medal of Honor recipient. Join us as we delve into his heroic actions during the Battle of Hue in 1968, where he displayed unparalleled courage and leadership under fire, saving countless lives and ensuring mission success. Discover how his selflessness and devotion to his fellow Marines left an ...

In this episode of the Duty & Valor Podcast, we honor the incredible story of US Navy Lieutenant Vincent Capodanno Jr., a Catholic chaplain who sacrificed everything to support his fellow Marines during the Vietnam War. Known as "the Grunt Padre," LT Capodanno's unwavering courage and selflessness on the battlefield saw him being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. We’ll explore his extraordinary acts of val...

 In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Colonel Leo Thorsness, a decorated USAF pilot, Medal of Honor recipient, and Vietnam War hero. From his daring combat missions to the unimaginable challenges he endured as a POW in North Vietnam, Col Thorsness exemplified courage, resilience, and sacrifice. Discover the story of his heroic mission to protect downed airmen against overwhelming odds, his six grueling years as a p...

In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the life and legacy of 1LT Pascal Poolaw, Sr., the most decorated Native American soldiers in U.S. Army history. A member of the Kiowa Tribe, Poolaw served with distinction in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning four Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts for his extraordinary bravery.  But his story goes far beyond medals—it’s a tale of duty, sa...

In this episode of Duty & Valor, we spotlight the incredible story of Command Sergeant Major Franklin D. Miller, a Green Beret who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. Over six tours in Vietnam, Miller faced the unimaginable, serving with MACV-SOG, a secretive Special Forces unit tasked with some of the most dangerous missions of the war. On January 5, 1970, leading a seven-man team deep...

In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the extraordinary bravery of Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael Thornton, whose heroic actions during a dangerous mission in Vietnam saw him being awarded the Medal of Honor. When his team came under heavy fire behind enemy lines, Thornton risked his life to save his commanding officer, Lt. Thomas Norris, dragging him to safety while under relentless enemy attack. Discover how Thornton’s self...

 In this episode, we honor the life and service of U.S. Army Colonel Ruby Bradley, one of the most decorated women in American military history. From her courageous actions as a combat nurse during World War II and the Korean War to her incredible resilience as a POW, Colonel Bradley's story is one of selfless heroism and unyielding dedication. Join us as we explore how she earned the title “Angel in Fatigues” and became a sym...

In this episode of Duty & Valor, we delve into the remarkable life of Major General Merritt "Red Mike" Edson, a Marine Corps legend whose leadership and bravery during World War II saw him being awarded the Medal of Honor. From his early combat experience in the jungles of Nicaragua to his heroic stand at Edson’s Ridge during the Battle of Guadalcanal, we’ll explore how his courage under fire and tactical brilliance s...

 In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the extraordinary life of Rear Admiral Bruce McCandless, a hero of the Pacific Theater during World War II. When the USS San Francisco faced near destruction during the Battle of Guadalcanal, McCandless, then a communications officer, took command after his superiors were killed or incapacitated. His quick thinking and courageous leadership not only saved his ship but also played a piv...

Visit Amazon to purchase The Cappy (12 Pack): https://a.co/d/0jh0HP0r

In this episode of Duty & Valor, we delve into the remarkable story of U.S. Air Force Colonel Joe M. Jackson, a Vietnam War hero whose quick thinking and fearless actions during a daring rescue mission saw him being awarded the Medal of Honor. On May 12, 1968, with North Vietnamese forces closing in, Col. Jackson risked his life to save a stranded co...

Visit Amazon to purchase The Cappy (12 Pack): https://a.co/d/0jh0HP0r

Richard Sherman's book Home: Remembering The Military Heroes Who Never Returned can be purchased at: www.neverhomeheroes.com

In this episode of Duty & Valor, we delve into the extraordinary life of Sergeant First Class Edward Carter Jr., a soldier whose courage and determination transcended the barriers of race and adversity. From his e...

 In this episode of Duty & Valor, we delve into the remarkable story of U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class Donald E. Ballard, a true American hero. During the Vietnam War, Ballard's selfless act of bravery saved the lives of Marines around him during an intense moment of combat.  Join us as we explore the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of this extraordinary man, whose story is a powerful reminder of the bravery exhib...