Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories, in December 1944, American forces were fighting to hold ground in the Italian village of Sommocolonia when German troops overran the area. First Lt. John Robert Fox remained behind to direct artillery fire from an exposed position. As enemy forces closed in, Fox made a decision that would define his legacy. He ordered artillery to be fired directly on his own location, knowing it would stop the advance but cost him his life. For his heroic actions, First Lt. Fox was posthumously awarded our nation’s highest honor for valor, the Medal of Honor. But that recognition wouldn’t come until decades later.Kirk Higgins of the Bill of Rights Institute shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice from his guide to unraveling the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, explores where our favorite sayings come from and what they mean. This time, Andrew shares the story of how the phrase "red tape" came to be. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1776, the relationship between Britain and the American colonies reached a breaking point. What began as political disagreement had grown into open conflict, and the possibility of independence was closer than ever.The late, great historian David McCullough looks at this turning point in American history and explains how 1776 became the year the Revolution truly took hold. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, they needed a way to get from ship to shore quickly, directly, and under fire. That job fell to a simple but revolutionary landing craft known as the Higgins boat, a vessel that could run up on the beach and drop its front ramp in seconds. Eisenhower himself called it a key reason victory was even possible.Nancy Rust and Carol Stubbs, authors of Higgins and the Boats That Landed Victory in World War II, share the story of Andrew Higgins and how an invention born in the bayous of Louisiana helped change the course of World War II. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kenny Monfort built significant wealth, but he didn’t live like someone trying to prove it. Hank Brown shares what it was like working for a man who valued humility over appearance, and character over status. Whether showing grace to those who criticized him or refusing to measure success by what he owned, Monfort lived out his beliefs in quiet, everyday ways. It’s a story about money, yes, but more than that, it’s about the kind of man he chose to be Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when a stadium full of excited sports fans pressed downhill against inadequate crowd control, tragedy struck in an instant. Michael Brin, a player on the field that day and now an emergency physician, shares his harrowing story of the infamous University of Wisconsin stampede and its aftermath. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, by the 1820s, many of the heroes of the American Revolution were gone, and the country they helped create was already beginning to divide. When General Lafayette returned, his visit quickly turned into a nationwide event. His grand tour across the country drew massive crowds and reminded Americans of the leaders and ideals that shaped the nation. Towns, counties, and landmarks across the country still carry his name because of the impact of that visit.Ryan L. Cole, author of The Last Adieu, shares the story of one of the most unifying moments in early American history. We’d like to thank the Library of Congress for originally hosting this audio. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Maureen Elwyn shares the heartfelt story of a moment with her elderly grandfather and his beautiful singing as she played the organ. We’d like to thank Leslie Leyland Fields for introducing us to this story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Diego Moreno was a police officer in Washington, a trainer, and a father whose life left a lasting mark on those closest to him. His wife and patrol partner share the story of the energy, devotion, and sense of duty he brought to his work in law enforcement. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 20th episode of our ongoing Story of Us, The Story of America series, Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, shares the story of a rapidly changing America in the early 19th century. As the nation expanded westward and experienced unprecedented economic growth, a deeper conflict loomed beneath the surface.At the center of it all was slavery, an unresolved issue that threatened to divide the country. Through the lens of the Missouri Compromise and the warnings of Thomas Jefferson, Dr. McClay explores a nation on the brink of a collision over the very meaning of freedom, liberty, and the future of the Union. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.