US Army Air Forces Episodes

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 early days in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to daring escapes as a POW, and finally t...

Send us a text 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 turned a near-certain tragedy into an inspiring story of ...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Duty & Valor, we take a deep dive into the extraordinary life and service of Brigadier General Kenneth N. Walker, a visionary leader whose bold actions helped shape the future of airpower during World War II. Known for leading from the front, Walker refused to stay behind the lines and instead took to the skies alongside his men in some of the most dangerous missions of the war. His strategic brilliance and personal bravery culminated in a fateful missi...

This episode tells about the life of James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle, an American icon who embodied the spirit of aviation. We'll explore his early days as a daredevil pilot breaking speed records, then delve into his pivotal role in World War II leading the daring Doolittle Raid on Tokyo. Please visit our website to learn more about other American Heroes. www.dutyandvalor.com Sources: history.com af.mil wikipedia.org britannica.com James Doolittle britannica.com Doolittle Raid Support the Show. ...

Colonel Bruce Carr wasn't just a fighter pilot, he was a master of defying odds. This episode dives into the incredible true story of how he evaded capture after being shot down, then stole a German plane to escape. We'll also explore his rise to becoming a flying ace in World War II and his continued bravery during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Get ready for an action-packed journey that will leave you inspired by Colonel Carr's unwavering courage and ingenuity. Please visit our website to lear...

Known as "The Arizona Balloon Buster," Frank Luke Jr.'s fearless exploits in the skies above the battlefields of Europe have left an indelible mark on history. From his daring aerial dogfights to his unparalleled courage in the face of overwhelming odds, discover the extraordinary story of this legendary fighter pilot. Don't miss this inspiring tale of one man's unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and freedom. Please visit our website to learn more about other American Heroes. www.dutyandvalo...

Discover the secret heroism of WWII pilot, Captain Robert Trimble of the United States Army Air Forces, in this compelling true story on the Duty & Valor Podcast. In the face of grave danger in the Soviet Ukraine, Trimble conducted clandestine rescue operations behind Russian lines on the Eastern Front, saving countless POWs and civilians from the grasp of war. Dive deep into the covert operations that took Trimble into the heart of danger and defined his legacy of courage and compassion. Be par...

Major Bong was the US Army Air Force’s WWII pilot whose fearless flying skills would allow him to attain 40 aerial victories in the skies over the South Pacific. A number that has not been achieved by any other American pilot to date. I am honored to tell you his story. Show Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Bong#Legacy https://allthatsinteresting.com/richard-bong https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/richard-bong-medal-of-honor https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-article...