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Veterans Chronicles

Veterans Chronicles

By: Radio America
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Veterans Chronicles brings America’s military heroes to life through raw, first-person stories. Veterans recount the battles and moments that shaped their lives, from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan. Powerful, personal, and deeply human, Veterans Chronicles preserves history one voice at a time.

Learn more about Veterans Chronicles
https://heliosmedia.us/veterans-chronicles/Copyright Radio America Biographies & Memoirs Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Col. Harvey 'Barney' Barnum, USMC, Vietnam, Medal of Honor

    Col. Harvey 'Barney' Barnum, USMC, Vietnam, Medal of Honor
    Apr 22 2026
    Harvey C, "Barney" Barnum, Jr. arrived in Vietnam in late 1965 with 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines in the 3rd Infantry Division. In the final days of Operation Harvest Moon, Barnum served as a forward observer for H Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. On December 18, 1965, the company was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces. The company commander was mortally wounded and Barnum soon found himself commanding Marines he really didn't know.

    In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Barnum takes us through the beginning of the ambush and rescuing fallen company commander Captain Paul Gormley just moments before Gormley died in Barnum's arms.

    Barnum also recounts his first decisions as new company commander, and how he risked his life to pinpoint enemy positions for American pilots. He also describes the difficult decisions he made and orders he gave to give his men the best chance for survival.

    Finally, Barnum reveals how he learned he was recommended for the Medal of Honor and tells us about his medal ceremony.
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    36 mins
  • GySgt Luke Focer, USMC Special Operations, Iraq, Afghanistan

    GySgt Luke Focer, USMC Special Operations, Iraq, Afghanistan
    Apr 15 2026
    Luke Focer was not sure what he wanted to do after high school but after reading many books on the military and being impressed by a teacher who had served, Focer enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005. He would go on to serve two tours in Iraq and three in Afghanistan over the next 14 years. He also became a sniper and part of Marine Corps Special Operations (MARSOC).

    In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Focer takes us from Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island to being an infantry point man for his squad in Iraq on his first deployment. He tells us about the patrols and security responsibilities he had there and reveals what he saw there that made him want to become a sniper.

    Focer then shares how his first tour in Afghanistan convinced him to pursue special operations. He explains the conditions in Afghanistan that motivated him and what it took to qualify as a special operator.

    Later, Focer details how he forged close bonds within his unit and with the Afghan special operations forces he partnered with. He also takes us inside some of his most intense combat in Afghanistan and his ongoing commitment to our Afghan allies who are now trying to build lives in the U.S.
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    36 mins
  • SSG Roderick Pugh, U.S. Army Sniper, Iraq

    SSG Roderick Pugh, U.S. Army Sniper, Iraq
    Apr 8 2026
    Roderick Pugh enlisted in the U.S. Army less than three months before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Eighteen months later, he was partr of 1st Brigade 2-7 infantry from Ft. Stewart, leading the way into Iraq. He would serve two tours in Iraq, In between, he completed airborne school and became the first African American sniper in U.S. Army history.

    In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Pugh details combat during the invasion of Iraq, surviving sandstorms and enemy mortar fire, and how the A-10 Warthogs were a huge help in the march to Baghdad. He also describes the intense fighting around the Baghdad airport and the engagement that earned him the nickname "Black Rambo"

    Pugh also tells us about airborne school and sniper training and explains the biggest reason why candidates fail to become snipers. He then takes us into his second deployment in Iraq with the 2-12 Cavalry out of Ft. Bliss. Pugh shares how his vehicle was hit by an IED and how he and others in his unit later dealt with enemies trying to plant IED's in the road.
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    36 mins
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amazing that you do this thank you sir!
incredible to listen to all of the stories from all of these amazing people!

Preserving the memory

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