In today's episode, we explore the extraordinary wartime odyssey of 1st Lt. M.G.H., a B-24 pilot serving with the renowned 307th Bomb Group during World War II. Through a poignant letter written to his brother, M.G.H. vividly recounts a pivotal mission over the Philippines in 1944. The narrative unfolds with gripping detail as M.G.H. describes the treacherous aerial combat his crew faced against Japanese fighters. Despite their B-24 sustaining severe damage, including critical hits to its control surfaces, M.G.H. and his crew displayed remarkable courage and skill in fending off enemy attacks for an agonizing eleven minutes.

The most astonishing moment came when M.G.H. managed to land their heavily damaged bomber using the autopilot—a feat unprecedented at the time and a testament to his piloting expertise under extreme duress. This achievement earned praise and recognition within the Air Force, highlighting M.G.H.'s resourcefulness and determination amidst adversity.

Beyond the battlefield, M.G.H. offers glimpses of daily life on base, from engaging in unconventional fishing expeditions with native islanders to forging lifelong friendships with fellow servicemen. His post-war reflections paint a vivid picture of camaraderie, resilience, and the enduring human spirit amidst the trials of war.

Returning home a decorated veteran, M.G.H. married his sweetheart and embarked on a fulfilling career as a steel estimator for an engineering firm. While he never piloted an aircraft again, his passion for aviation and his wartime experiences remained an indelible part of his life story.

M.G.H.'s legacy extends through his family—four children, including three sons and a daughter, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters—who continue to cherish his memory. His enduring kindness, unwavering courage, and love for family resonate through the generations, leaving an inspiring legacy of service and sacrifice.

Join us as we honor 1st Lt. M.G.H.'s remarkable journey from the skies of World War II to a life enriched by love, family, and the enduring spirit of a true American hero.

In this episode we have a few awesome stories!

In our first story a Female Helicopter Pilot saves the day after a catastrophic Engine Malfunction

Then a US Marine maliciously complies while testing an experimental Weapons System!

How a road in an Australian Army Training Base got it's nickname

And finally, how some studious Marines find a way to sneak in some contraband chow

This episode features three longer stories, starting with Pilgorepax's tale about his great-great-grandfather from Ontario, Canada. His ancestor was pulled out of a Montana state prison in 1916 for accessory to murder and enlisted in the 113th Lethbridge Highlander battalion in Alberta. Despite numerous challenges, including injury and frequent infractions, he served bravely in WWI. After recovering from his injuries in England, he married and settled back in Ontario, leading a stable life post-war. Pilgorepax is working on a book about his ancestor’s life, aiming to honor his legacy.

The second story by Sharlin648 revolves around a humorous and chaotic training exercise in the British Army. The narrator was attached to an Engineering Workshop in an Air Defence Regiment and served as the 2IC’s driver. During a TESEX exercise, they had to attack a battery at night, leading to a series of comical misadventures involving getting lost with a satnav and a dramatic encounter with a Challenger II MBT. The story highlights the unpredictable and often amusing nature of military exercises.

The final story, "16 Days in Gaza," by Every_Comfort_3129, details a harrowing experience during the 2014 Gaza conflict. The narrator, a young private first class in a squad leader course, describes intense training and the anticipation of crossing into Gaza. The story captures the chaos and fear of urban combat, the loss of comrades, and the resilience required to endure such a demanding environment. Despite the extreme conditions, the narrator reflects on the surreal nature of war and the impact it had on him and his fellow soldiers.

But please, send your own stories into us at storiesaboutkevinpodcast@gmail.com