Our WWII Dad

About Our WWII Dad

Our WWII Dad follows brothers Chris and Ken Cangilla as they uncover the untold WWII story of their father, PFC Louis Cangilla — from Pittsburgh to the battlefields of Europe, including Aachen, Germany and the Battle of the Bulge. Through cinematic storytelling, battlefield visits, family memories, veteran interviews, and conversations with other WWII families, the series preserves the voices and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation before they are lost to history. Hosted by Emmy® winner Chris Cangilla and his brother Ken. Real WWII stories, family legacies, and discoveries that bring history to life.

Publisher

Chris and Ken Cangilla

Category

history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Jun 2023

Latest episode

30 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Aug 2026

   Before We Knew the Whole Story | Our WWII Dad on The American Veteran Show

   Before they knew the whole story, they were already searching for answers. In August 2023, Chris Cangilla, his brother Ken, and their mother Pat joined host Steffan Tubbs on The American Veteran Show to talk about Our WWII Dad and their journey to uncover the World War II story of their father, Army PFC Louis T. Cangilla. At the time, Our WWII Dad was still relatively new—and so was their understanding of their father's wartime story. Listening to this conversation today is especially meaningful because Chris and Ken now know so much more than they did then. They've uncovered military records, photographs, locations, and pieces of their father's story that have taken them from the United States to the places in Europe where he served during World War II. But the reason they began this journey hasn't changed: to understand the young man their father had been before he simply became "Dad"—and to preserve his story for future generations. Since then, Our WWII Dad has grown beyond the Cangilla family. Chris and Ken have met veterans, sons, daughters, and grandchildren who are also piecing together the stories their families left behind. Because every family has a story worth preserving—and every story deserves to be remembered. In this special episode, hear the Cangilla family at an earlier point in their journey—before they knew the whole story. IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 Revisiting Our 2023 Interview 01:31 The American Veteran Show 02:13 Steffan Tubbs Introduces the Cangilla Family 05:33 Why Dad Rarely Talked About World War II 06:45 The Prayer Card That Revealed Dad's WWII Journey 10:07 Mom Remembers Dad's Memories of Europe 14:37 How Our WWII Dad Was Created 19:30 Preserving These Stories for Future Generations 20:48 Mom Reacts to Our WWII Dad 22:54 Who Was Louis Cangilla? 30:27 What Would Dad Think of Our WWII Dad? 36:28 What Chris Learned About His Father 37:55 Mom Discovers How Dangerous Dad's War Had Been 38:29 "Make Yourself Small" — What the Army Taught Dad 41:39 Don't Wait — Record Their Stories ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW The American Veteran Show Host: Steffan Tubbs Guests: Chris Cangilla, Ken Cangilla and Pat Cangilla Originally recorded: August 2023 Have a World War II family story you'd like to share with Our WWII Dad? info@ourworldwar2dad.com (mailto:info@ourworldwar2dad.com)

2. 

   9 Aug 2026

   Why Our WWII Fathers Never Told Their Stories | Howard Mansfield

   Why did so many World War II veterans come home and rarely talk about what they experienced? In Episode 16 of Our WWII Dad, author Howard Mansfield joins Chris and Ken Cangilla to explore that silence through the remarkable story of his father, Pincus Mansfield, a WWII veteran whose wartime experiences remained largely unknown to his family for decades. Howard grew up knowing his father had served during World War II—but, like so many sons and daughters of the Greatest Generation, he knew very little about what his father had actually experienced. Then he discovered something his father had left behind: a wartime diary. That discovery opened a window into a part of his father's life he had never fully known—and raised a question familiar to countless WWII families: Why didn't our fathers tell us these stories themselves? Howard shares what he learned about his father's service, the experiences that shaped him, and what it means to discover a parent's hidden history years later. For Chris and Ken, Howard's story also brings them back to their own father, Army PFC Louis Cangilla, and the questions that began Our WWII Dad. Their fathers served in different ways, but their children inherited something remarkably similar: fragments of stories, unanswered questions, and a desire to understand the young men their fathers once were. Our WWII Dad preserves World War II family stories through personal memories, military records, photographs, artifacts, interviews, and visits to historic locations across the United States and Europe. Because every family has a story worth preserving—and every story deserves to be remembered. What did your father, grandfather, mother, or grandmother tell you about World War II? Share your family's story in the comments. Subscribe to Our WWII Dad for more untold WWII stories, veteran stories, family history, and the personal side of World War II history. Chapters 00:00 Why Our WWII Fathers Never Told Their Stories 01:15 Meet Howard Mansfield 07:05 Who Was Howard's Father, Pincus Mansfield? 08:42 Howard's Father Goes to War 13:27 Discovering His Father's Wartime Diary 15:05 No Reunions With War Buddies 16:38 The “Commuter War” in the Skies Over Europe 19:13 How Did They Find the Courage to Go Back Up? 20:31 Rosetta Stone: Learning From the Diary and Prayer Card 24:24 Our Dad and the Battle of the Bulge 26:18 Why WWII Veterans Didn't Talk About the War 32:20 The War Story His Father Finally Told36:24 They Were Just Kids Fighting a War 38:22 Did Discovering the Past Change How Howard Saw His Dad? 44:17 Every Family Has a Story Worth Preserving 47:20 The WWII Mementos That Survived 48:36 Howard's Dad Becomes a Pilot 50:05 How the War Followed Our Dads Home 53:15 If You Could Ask Your Father One More Question... 55:04 Howard Mansfield's Sarah Joseph Hale Award & New Book: Invisible Monuments 1:02:27 What Our Fathers Left Behind 1:03:05 Preserving WWII History One Family at a Time ABOUT HOWARD MANSFIELD Howard Mansfield is an acclaimed author, journalist, and cultural historian whose work explores memory, history, place, and the stories we preserve—or leave untold. In this episode, we discuss his book I Will Tell No War Stories: What Our Fathers Left Unsaid About World War II. ABOUT OUR WWII DAD Our WWII Dad follows brothers Chris and Ken Cangilla as they uncover their father's World War II story and connect his experiences with the stories of other veterans and their families. Have a WWII family story? We'd love to hear from you. info@ourworldwar2dad.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/QmGGEqtceasFacebook: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurWWIIDad Howard Mansfield: https://www.HowardMansfield.com #WorldWarII #WWIIHistory #OurWWIIDad

3. 

   5 Dec 2025

   Episode 15: Pearl Harbor Survivor & Midway Hero: The Real Story of "Bud” Kroeger (Told by His Son)

   Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Release — Special EpisodeIn this episode of Our WWII Dad, we share the extraordinary true story of Captain Edwin John “Bud” Kroeger — A Pearl Harbor Survivor, SBD Dauntless dive bomber pilot from the legendary USS Enterprise, and one of the most decorated U.S. Navy aviators of World War II. His son, Bill Kroeger, joins us to tell the story of a father who witnessed Pearl Harbor from the air on December 7th, 1941… survived being fired upon by American forces during the chaos… flew four years of combat missions… and helped change the course of the Pacific War during the Battle of Midway. Bud flew the iconic Douglas SBD Dauntless into some of the most dangerous battles of WWII — the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Marshall Islands raids, and the decisive strike on the Japanese carriers Akagi and Hiryu. His actions were so significant that he was a featured character in the 2019 film Midway. Bill also shares rare photos, Bud’s pilot log books, his combat awards, a blood chit, and even a remarkable keepsake from the flight deck of the USS Enterprise — a deeply personal link connecting him back to where his father launched and returned during some of WWII’s most pivotal moments. If you love WWII aviation history, Pearl Harbor stories, dive bomber tactics, or the real-life accounts behind the film Midway, this episode is for you. ⭐ ⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction03:18 – Interview with Bill Kroeger03:26 – How Bill discovered Our WWII Dad - LA Times Article & LA Area Emmy Nomination04:38 – Bill Kroeger’s personal background05:39 – Bud Kroeger’s early flying: Purdue gliders & WWII glider history10:14 – Bud joins the U.S. Navy: Training in Michigan & Pensacola12:42 – First assignment: The USS Enterprise 13:14 – Bud’s Pearl Harbor story: Flying the Douglas SBD Dauntless 25:35 – Payback Raids: Marshall & Gilbert Islands — Bud wounded in action30:35 – The Battle of Midway: Sinking Akagi & Hiryu43:16 – The SBD Dauntless: Capabilities & tactics47:22 – Bud’s later WWII service: Training pilots; USS Hancock & USS Hornet48:21 – Bud on the Helldiver & Skyraider48:55 – Bud’s combat citations & decorations49:51 – Post-war service: USS Midway & the 50,000th carrier landing51:13 – Naval attaché service in Yugoslavia52:06 – Bud’s treasured keepsakes: Log books, Enterprise deck piece, blood chit59:39 – Bill Kroeger’s acknowledgments01:02:22 – Why we must record our WWII stories now01:03:36 – Bud’s Eternal Wings01:04:17 – Sons & Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors01:07:25 – Final thoughts ⭐ 📩 Share Your WWII StoriesWe’d love to hear about your WWII dads, grandfathers, mothers, or relatives.Email us anytime at Info@OurWW2Dad.com ⭐ 👍 Support the MissionIf this episode resonated with you, please:✔ Subscribe✔ Leave a rating✔ Share with friends or family✔ Comment with your thoughts or storiesYour support helps preserve these stories for future generations. #PearlHarbor#BattleOfMidway#WWIIHistory#SBDDauntless#USSEnterprise#OurWWIIDad

4. 

   10 Nov 2025

   Episode 14: Veterans Day | Before Their Stories Are Gone - Ordinary Objects, Extraordinary Meaning

   Before Their Stories Are Gone. In this Veterans Day Special from the acclaimed podcast Our WWII Dad, Emmy® Award-winner Chris Cangilla reflects on the heroes of the Greatest Generation — and the families who keep their stories alive. From a WWII reenactment in South Elgin, Illinois, where Chris sat in a Willys Jeep like his father once drove, to emotional memories of veterans who could have taken deferments but chose to serve — this heartfelt hour pays tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who built our freedom. Featuring powerful reflections and stories from: • Bob Marshall – WWII Marine, celebrating his 100th birthday • Erik Brun, Olaf & David Minge, Pat Pattison, and Mikke Pierson – children of WWII veterans carrying their fathers’ stories forward • The Cangilla family legacy – brothers Louis, James, Marcy, Steve, and John, and their brother-in-law Dick Along the way, Chris explores the themes that unite us all — how ordinary objects like a shovel, a jacket, or a prayer card can hold extraordinary meaning — and why sharing these memories ensures they live on. Have a WWII story of your own? Share it with us at info@OurWWIIDad.com Subscribe for more WWII stories, family legacies, and the echoes of history still heard today. Episode Description: WWII Vet USMC Bob Marshall’s 100th birthday (2:15), Those Who Could Have Stayed Home (3:41), Wilbur P. Ball – US Army G Company, 35th Regiment (4:00), Woody Martin – US Army JASCO (7:30), Walter Director – US Navy Yeoman SV6 (9:51), The Children Who Carry The Stories (12:37), Erik Bruh, son of Christian M. Bruh – US Army PFC, 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) (13:41), Olaf and David Minge, grandson and son of Dr. Raymond Minge – US Army Capt., 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) (16:58), Pat Pattison, son of Raylinn Pattison, US Army Capt., 96th Infantry “Deadeyes” (20:24), Mikke Pierson, son of Frank R. Pierson, US Army Infantry and future Academy Award “Oscar” winner (23:36), The Family That Answered The Call (36:48), Patricia Spicuzza Cangilla, Our WWII Mom (38:19), Dick Flynn, Our WWII Uncle (39:41), Our WWII Dad’s four WWII Veteran Brothers (42:54), Louis T. Cangilla - US Army PFC, 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) – Our WWII Dad (49:56), The Long Echo – Ordinary Objects, Extraordinary Meaning (01:03:00). #VeteransDay #WWII #OurWWIIDad #WWIIStories #GreatestGeneration #WWIIVeterans #Legacy #Storytelling #MilitaryHistory #WWIIHeroes #OrdinaryObjectsExtraordinaryStories

5. 

   7 Aug 2025

   Episode 13: Walking with Easy Company: Inside the Original Band of Brothers® Tour

   What would make someone with no WWII family connection walk where Easy Company fought?In this powerful episode of Our WWII Dad, we sit down with John Healy, an Ireland native now living in Arizona, who—along with his son—traveled across Europe on the Original Band of Brothers® Tour. Created by historian Stephen Ambrose and Easy Company’s own Major Dick Winters, this two-week journey follows the path of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment from Camp Toccoa to Berchtesgaden.We dive into each chapter of the Band of Brothers® story — discussing the real locations, battles, and memories connected to each episode. From the flooded lands of Normandy to the snow and ice of Bastogne, and the haunting silence of Dachau, this conversation is a tribute to the real men who served.🎧 Along the way, we reflect on our own father’s story — a replacement soldier with the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) — and the deeper meaning behind retracing the footsteps of heroes.📍 Episode Highlights Include:Currahee & Camp ToccoaBrecourt Manor & Normandy drop zonesCarentan & AldbourneOperation Market Garden & the Sunset MarchBastogne, Foy, and MalmedyDachau, Holocaust memory, and post-war reflectionsEagle’s Nest & Nixon’s VAT 69The final words John received on his last day of the tourWatch, reflect, and remember. This one stays with you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more WWII stories.📧 Contact us at: info@OurWW2Dad.comEpisode Highlights: “Flash & Thunder” - John Healy interview (01:36), How John got his interest WWII history – (03:50), Being drawn into Band of Brothers® (08:02), Ken’s path to the real Easy Company sites (08:26), John and his son take the official Steven Ambrose, Band of Brothers® Tour (09:27), Part One – Currahee (13:20), Camp Toccoa (13:40), Part Two – Day of Days (16:49), C-47 Skytrain & National WWII Museum (17:04), D-Day & Normandy Beaches (19:29), Assault on Brecourt Manor (22:52), Part Three – Carentan (25:15), Medics Church – Angoville-au-Plain (27:51), Malarkey & the laundry in Aldbourne, England (31:39), Part Four – Replacements (32:16), Our WWII Dad, a 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) replacement soldier with a similar timeline to the replacements in Easy Company (32:26), Operation Market Garden (34:12), 82nd Airborne, Oversteek Bridge, & the Sunset March (38:30), The American Cemeteries – Normandy, Luxembourg, Henri Chappelle, Fort Logan (41:00), Part Five – Crossroads (44:38), Operation Pegasus (47:26), Called up to Bastogne & Malmedy, Belgium – The Battle of The Bulge (48:16), Easy Company in Bastogne (48:34), Part Six – Bastogne and the aid station with Doc, Renee & Augusta (51:46), Dr. Minge & the Malmedy Massacre (53:29), Part Seven – The Breaking Point (54:51), Foy, Belgium, Shifty Powers shoots the sniper, the hidden German tank, & Lt. Ronald Speirs’ heroism (55:04), Band of Brothers® not shot on location – Tom Hanks producer (01:00:09), Choir at Saint-Barbara chapel in Noville (01:00:40), Part Eight – The Last Patrol (01:01:35), Major Winters disobeys an order? (01:04:10), Part Nine – Why We Fight (01:04:51), Tour departure, visits Dachau Concentration Camp vs. Kaufering camp of Landsberg am Lech (01:05:05), the National Holocaust Museum in Washington DC (01:07:01), German nationals oblivious to the camps? (01:06:56), The 99th & Dr. Minge at Buchenwald Concentration Camp (01:08:12), Webster & the Baker (01:09:17), Part Ten – Points (01:09:46), Berchtesgaden & the Eagle’s Nest (01:10:12), VAT 69 and Captain Lewis Nixon (01:15:14), What John was told on his last day with the Band of Brothers® Tour (01:16:38), Our concluding thoughts (01:19:57), Covering Fire vs. Suppressing Fire (01:21:36), What the soldiers’ hand signals mean (01:22:01) like, comment, and email us at info@OurWW2Dad.com (01:26:25), and the lasting quote (01:27:07).#BandOfBrothers #EasyCompany #WWIIHistory #WWIIVeterans #WWIIPodcast #WWIITour #StephenAmbrose #DickWinters #WWIITour

6. 

   21 Apr 2025

   Episode 12: WWII Changed Him Forever—Then He Changed Hollywood | Frank Pierson’s Story

   Some soldiers come home with stories they never want to tell—until they can’t keep them in any longer.In this episode of Our WWII Dad, we sit down with Mikke Pierson—former mayor of Malibu, volunteer firefighter, and proud son of Frank Pierson.Frank wasn’t a war hero. He was a dedicated young soldier who led dangerous patrols behind enemy lines in the Pacific. One moment during the war stayed with him for life... and changed how he saw the world.After the war, Frank turned quiet pain into lasting purpose. He became an Oscar-winning screenwriter and a Hollywood legend—writing Cat Ballou, Cool Hand Luke, and Dog Day Afternoon. He went on to direct 1976’s A Star is Born.This is the story of how one soldier’s struggle became a legacy of words, meaning, and impact.Episode Highlights:Getting to know another WWII Son, Mikke Pierson (00:44), The Discussion of Frank R. Pierson, Mikke’s WWII Dad (3:37), Mikke’s background – growing up in California, owning ZJ Boarding House, being The Mayor of Malibu, starting Business Growth Solutions, and working as a Volunteer Fire Fighter (4:16), Mikke’s WWII Dad – Frank R. Pierson’s young life (11:00), Frank’s mother, Louise Randall Pierson, author of the novel “Roughly Speaking.” Later made into a feature film starring Rosalind Russell (11:48), Frank Pierson’s enlistment into WWII (13:01), Frank’s WWII service as an Infantryman in the US Army in the Pacific Theatre (14:50), Our Two WWII Dad’s war memorabilia (17:46), Frank Pierson’s WWII assignments behind enemy lines (19:31), Frank writes “With Blood on Our Hands”, a LA Times article about his WWII mission in Aitape, New Guinea (19:57), Frank’s post-war life – Harvard University and being a field correspondent for Time & Life magazines (29:19), Frank Pierson’s Hollywood pursuits and his angry feelings (29:28), Frank’s Hollywood success (32:07), Frank Pierson’s Oscar nominated screenplay for “Cat Ballou” starring Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin (32:25), Frank wrote “Cool Hand Luke’s” most famous line (32:39), A special gift from Jim Davis, creator of “Garfield” (35:20), Frank Pierson wins an Oscar for “Dog Day Afternoon” starring Al Pacino (36:09), Frank directs 1976’s “A Star is Born” string Barbara Streisand & Kris Kristofferson and his relationships with both stars (38:19), Frank’s supports Mikke’s decision to not sign up for the selective service by writing an newspaper article (40:00), Frank Pierson & Barbara Streisand’s relationship (41:30), Frank Pierson – President of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), President of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), and teacher at American Film Institute (AFI) (42:43), Frank directs “Conspiracy” for HBO Films (43:32), Would Frank Pierson have been on Social Media if it was available during his time? (45:23), Mikke’s relationship with his WWII Dad, Frank Pierson (47:03), Frank’s work on “Mad Men” for its creator, Matthew Weiner (49:38), Were Our WWII Dads cool when they were younger? And how we got to know them better when we, their sons, got older (50:31), Finding the connection to Our WWII Dads (55:56), Mikke drops a bomb of information about he and his dad’s relationship...he was adopted (56:34), and like, comment, and email us at OurWW2Dad@gmail.com (01:00:18). 📧 Share your story with us: OurWW2Dad@gmail.com📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring OUR WWII DAD stories.

7. 

   9 Mar 2025

   Episode 11: Our 2-Day Visit to the National WWII Museum: A Prayer Card & Lost War Stories

   A simple prayer card. A hidden war story. And a powerful connection we never expected. During our two-day visit to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, we found a prayer card just like the one our dad carried during the war—the very card that unlocked his untold story. What else did we uncover? What moved us? What left us with even more questions? Episode Highlights: Exploring the vast museum campus (00:02:59), Day 1 - Louisiana Memorial Pavillion & the Higgins PA 33-21 Landing Craft (00:04:15), C-47 Skytrain (00:05:42), German Flak 37 88mm Gun (00:06:40), Departing Train & Dog Tags (00:08:01), The Arsenal of Democracy: Salute to The Homefront (00:10:59), 1940s Kitchen (00:11:20), 1940s Radios (00:11:47), Japan, US, & Germany Troop Counts at the Start of WWII (00:12:55), Gearing Up for The War to Come (00:13:40), Rosie the Riveter (00:14:58), Manufacturing the Willys Jeep (00:17:43), The M1941 Field / Parsons Jacket (00:20:20), Infantrymen's Personal Items and Foxhole Shovel & Our Dad's Own Shovel (00:21:10), The French Resistance Armband & Our Dad's French Resistance Pin (00:23:01), "Beyond All Boundaries" 4-D Journey (00:24:16), Malcolm S. Forbes Rare and Iconic Artifacts Gallery (00:26:42), Unit Patches Display & The 474th Infantry Regiment (00:27:14), The 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) Patch becomes The 474th Infantry Regiment (00:28:11), Malcolm Forbes' Bronze Star (00:30:20), Is Our Dad entitled to a Bronze Star? (00:32:51), Malcolm Forbes' Sharpshooter Qualification Badge (00:34:42), Should Our Dad have a Sharpshooter Qualification Badge? (00:35:02), A Bayonet & M1 Grande (00:35:47), The M1 Grandeo if you're 5' 6" (00:36:46), Blackout Buttons, a Ration Book, & Our WWII Mom's Rationing Stories (00:38:51), Campaigns of Courage - The Road to Berlin (00:42:55), Honoring Tom Hank's WWII Dad - Amos Hanks & Steven Spielberg’s WWII Dad - Arnold Spielberg (00:43:25), Ranz Gockel's Boots, Soldbuch, & Prayer Book (00:45:12), 1941 Jeep (00:48:18), Ammo Belt (00:49:24), The Museum's Eisenhower Jacket with the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge (00:50:41), Our Dad's Eisenhower Jacket & His Medals, Ribbons & Patches (00:51:02), WWII Helmets Damage & Issues (00:54:23), The 10th Mountain Division at the Museum, Camp Hale, and in Vail, Colorado (00:55:41), The Barracks' Roof's Hole to the Sky (00:58:06), German Sign Posts & Operation Greif (00:58:59), Stalled at The Siegfried Line (01:00:09), Our Dad at The Battle of The Bulge (01:01:09), Malmedy Massacre (01:02:51), Signed Nazi Flag (01:03:48), The Combat Infantry Badge "CIB" (01:06:05), "Displaced Persons" & the Story from Our WWII Dad Himself (01:06:19), The Prayer Card at the Museum just like Our Dad's Prayer Card (01:08:51), The Treasure Hunt at Merkers Mine (01:13:16), The 99th is the Forrest Gump of WWII (01:14:28), The Liberation Pavilion's Freedom Theatre (01:15:58), The US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center (01:16:33), Jeep 1943 Willys MB & Our WWII Dad Jeep Driver (01:17:29), Our Dad was a Runner in Aachen, Germany (01:18:00), CCKW Hardtop - Deuce-and-a-Half Truck & Our Dad Captured in One on Film? (01:22:41), M4 Sherman Tank (01:24:15), B-17 Flying Fortress (01:25:31), The Messerschmitt and Our Dad's Encounter (01:28:11), The Jet-Powered Messerschmitt Me 262 (01:30:35), Day 2 - Ammo Clip, Belt with Ammo Bags, Pineapple Grenade & Helmet Up Close (01:31:19), Sylvia George & "The Homefront: Through a Child's Eyes (01:32:54), The Road to Tokyo (01:35:38), The Pacific Theatre Artifacts: Water-Cooled Machine Gun, Thompson Submachine Gun & The M2 Flamethrower (01:37:22), Samari Sword War Trophy & Pat Pattison's WWII Dad's Samari Sword (01:40:38), Leyte & TravisMartin's WWII Dad (01:41:12), The James Willard Oglesby Story (01:42:06), Ken Cangilla's Letters to 10-year Younger Brother (01:45:27), P40 Warhawk Fighters (01:46:20), Dropping The Bomb, the Vase & Our WWII Uncle Marcy (01:46:59), Our Final Thoughts: Hits and Misses (01:48:33), Experiencing New Orleans (01:057:12).

8. 

   23 Dec 2024

   Episode 10: Malmedy Massacre Survivor's Story: Dr. Raymond Minge, the 99th Infantry Battalion, and the Battle of the Bulge | Part Two | Our WWII Dad

   Description:  Brothers Chris and Ken Cangilla continue their deep dive into the extraordinary legacy of Captain Dr. Raymond Minge of the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate), a WWII unit with a remarkable story. Joined by Dr. Minge's son, David (a former U.S. Congressman), and grandson, Olaf, they discuss how their father and grandfather served alongside Chris and Ken’s father, Louis T. Cangilla, in Company C. This special episode covers pivotal battles in Würselen and Aachen, Germany, and the Battle of the Bulge – 80 years this Christmas. Hear the harrowing tale of how Dr. Minge treated Staff Sergeant Henry “Roy” Zack, a survivor of the infamous Malmedy Massacre on December 17, 1944. Episode Highlights: Recap of Episode 9 - Part 1:  Heroic Healer: Captain Dr. Raymond Minge of the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) | Our WWII Dad (00:28), The Battle of the Bulge’s 80th Anniversary (01:16), Part 2: The discussion of Dr. Raymond Minge with Olaf and David Minge – The 99th’s Movements in Würselen & Aachen, Germany (01:39), Touring Würselen & Aachen with Volker (02:09), “Then & Now” Location Photos of the 99th Soldier & German Tank (04:12), “Crucifix Hill” in Aachen, Germany (05:50), Foxholes & “Dragon Teeth” – Siegfried Line (08:37), “Then & Now” Location Photos of U.S. Soldiers on the Streets of Würselen (09:37), The Bombing of St. Sebastian Church, Würselen (11:21), Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery (12:13), The 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) at The Battle of the Bulge, December 1944 (13:27), Christmas in Malmedy, Belgium 1944 (14:33), The “Malmedy Massacre” December 17, 1944 (18:07), The Bombing of Malmedy Mistake, Christmas Eve 1944 (19:03), Dr. Raymond Minge Treats Staff Sergeant Henry “Roy” Zack after he Survives the “Malmedy Massacre” (19:58), Baugnez – the Accurate Location of the “Malmedy Massacre” (24:00), Malmedy, Belgium Today & The New Historical Marker Panels spearheaded by Ludovic Delcourt (24:54), Dr. Minge at Buchenwald Concentration Camp Liberation, Welmar, Germany (29:11), Merkers Mine, Krayenberggemeinde, Germany (31:24), The 99th Infantry Battalion (separate) is the Forrest Gump of WWII (34:49), Dr. Minge & The 99th go to Oslo, Norway (36:26), Dr. Minge’s Return to America & His Post-War Life (39:40), Captain Dr. Raymond Minge’s WWII Uniform & Cap (45:20), The 99th Infantry Battalion Educational Foundation & Facebook Page (46:24), Remembering The Battle of The Bulge’s 80 Years to the Date (54:32), and How to Subscribe, Like, & Contact Our WWII Dad (54:57.)

9. 

   16 Dec 2024

   Episode 9: Heroic Healer: Dr. Raymond Minge, the 99th Infantry Battalion (separate), and the Battle of the Bulge’s 80th Anniversary | Part One | Our WWII Dad

   Brothers Chris and Ken Cangilla join forces with a WWII veteran's son and grandson to share the heroic story of Captain Dr. Raymond Minge, a medic who saved countless lives at the Battle of the Bulge.

10. 

    10 Nov 2024

    Episode 8: California WWII Sites, Veteran Stories, and Rare WWII Artifacts | Our WWII Dad

    In Episode 8 of Our WWII Dad, brothers Chris and Ken Cangilla dive into WWII history with a focus on Southern California WWII sites and personal stories from the war. Joined by special guest Pat Pattison of Pat Pattison’s Best of California, they uncover fascinating WWII connections across California, from the Tustin Blimp Hangars to the Battle of Los Angeles. In this episode, Chris and Pat share insights from Chris’s journey through California’s WWII landmarks and Ken’s visit to the 10th Mountain Division exhibit at the History Colorado Center. Discover rare artifacts like the Finnish Lahti L-39 Anti-Tank Rifle, M1 Garand Rifle, and even a Samurai Sword from Pat’s father’s collection. In this episode, Chris and Pat share insights from Chris’s journey through California’s WWII landmarks and Ken’s visit to the 10th Mountain Division exhibit at the History Colorado Center. Discover rare artifacts like the Finnish Lahti L-39 Anti-Tank Rifle, M1 Garand Rifle, and even a samurai sword from Pat’s father’s collection. Episode Highlights: Chris's trip to Southern California WWII sites with Pat (2:40), Ken explores the 10th Mountain Division exhibit (03:38), Finnish Lahti L-39 20mm Anti-tank Rifle (04:22), The Ski Trooper (05:36), 2-Man Pup Tent (06:09), US M1 Garand Rifle with Charles Hunt's M1 Bayonet (06:50), The Pack Mule (08:00), M29 Weasel (08:30), WAC Women's Army Corps (09:28), The 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) acknowledgment (10:34), German POW Prison Break at Camp Hale (11:15), German Mountain Infantry Uniform (13:18), M2 60mm Mortar (14:01), Captured Nazi Banner (15:14), M1A1 Bazooka (15:53), Veterans Souvenirs including Italian Beretta Model 1935 Identical to Cangilla Father's (17:11), Pat Pattison & his WWII Dad - Raylinn Pattison (19:02), Pat's Native Californian Roots (21:33), Pat's Dad's Life Pre-WWII and the Civil Conservation Corps (22:16), Pat's Dad's Mementos including His 1650s Samurai Sword (23:51), Pat's Dad's Post-WWII Life (28:15), Pat's Dad's at The Battle of Okinawa & The Ryukyu Islands (30:16), The Deadeyes - 96th Infantry Division (32:44), Raylinn Pattison and Woody Martin - fellow Deadeyes (34:26), CAF SoCal - Commemorative Air Force SoCal Wing & Uniform Historian, Jack Luder (36:56), WWII Vets Not Talking Much About the War (40:30), Tustin Blimp Hangers - Then and Now (47:01), The Stories Behind Their Fathers' Uniform Pins? (50:41), Japanese Attack on the Continental U.S. - Elwood Oil Fields, Goleta (53:52), The Battle of Los Angeles (55:47), Goleta's Timbers Roadhouse's Connection to WWII (57:21), Where to Watch "Pat Pattison's Best of California" (01:01:58), Japanese Fu-Go Balloon Bombs and the Only Place on the American Continent Where Death Resulted from Enemy Action During WWII (01:07:15), and California - Pre & Post WWII (01:07:15). Whether you’re a WWII enthusiast or exploring family veteran stories, this episode uncovers California’s WWII legacy, historical artifacts, and the personal tales that shaped the Greatest Generation. Watch now to journey through America’s WWII history and discover stories you won’t find in textbooks.

11. 

    7 Sept 2024

    Our WWII Dad - A Compilation Retrospective

    Brothers Chris Cangilla and Ken Cangilla present the compilation retrospective episode of the acclaimed podcast, Our WWII Dad. The podcast outlines what they have learned about their father's time in World War II as a replacement soldier in "C" Company of the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) in Europe. This special features Ken's trip to Europe, where he retraced their dad's footsteps with then-and-now photos. They interview their 91-year-old mother, who shares memories of the home front, including rationing, receiving war news, and the servicemen's return after VE Day. The brothers discuss their father's involvement in the Battle of the Bulge in Malmedy, Belgium, a chance meeting between their dad and his brother in Europe, and how their father physically aged during his two years overseas, as seen in the photos. The special also includes a story directly from their father via home movies shot right before his death, how the discovery of an item from his war belongings unlocked the story of his travels in 1945, and a discussion on how creating the series strengthened the brothers’ bond with each other and their late father.

12. 

    12 Mar 2024

    Our WWII Dad - Episode 7 - The Viking Battalion

    Brothers Chris Cangilla and Ken Cangilla present episode seven of the acclaimed podcast, Our WWII Dad. The podcast outlines what they have learned about their father's time in World War II as a replacement soldier in "C" Company of the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) also known as The Viking Battalion. In this episode, Chris and Ken discuss Their Trip to Minneapolis/Saint Paul (2:14), The WWII Memorial and The USS Ward Gun - Saint Paul (3:33), Historic Fort Snelling & Memorial Chapel (5:39), The 10th Mountain Division & Vail, Colorado (7:36), The WWII Round Table - The Viking Battalion (13:31), New Factoids We Learned about the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) (17:52), Operation Greif (19:04), The 474th Infantry Regiment & Patch (20:50), The Merkers Mine in Germany (23:30), The “Forrest Gump” of WWII (24:18), The 99th Monumental Moments (24:50), The First American Unit to Secure a German City (25:38), The First Army Headquarters’ Brass Protection (26:00), The Battle of The Bulge (26:28), The Merkers Mine Treasures Protection (27:04), The Buchenwald Concentration Camp (27:29), Honor Guard for The King of Norway’s Return (28:01), The Best Moments from The Round Table (29:02), Erik Brun & His WWII Dad - Christian Brun (31:18), How Christian Brun Came to Server with The 99th (32:37), Christian Brun at Camp Hale, Colorado (34:41), Christian’s Selection for First Army Headquarters Guard Detachment (36:47), Guard Detachment Service…A Bitter Sweet Assignment? (40:05), How Operation Greif Affected The Viking Battalion (42:16), Christian Brun’s Toughest Moments (46:16), Christian & The Viking Battalion go to Norway for The King’s Return (50:52), Christian Brun’s Post-War Life (53:52), The Viking Battalion Book (55:57), Erik Brun’s Most Cherished Memory of His WWII Dad (57:14), and Our TWO WWII Dads' Qualities (01:00:01).

13. 

    1 Nov 2023

    Our WWII Dad - Episode 6 - Veterans Special

    Brothers Chris Cangilla and Ken Cangilla present episode six of the acclaimed podcast, Our WWII Dad. The podcast traces what they have learned about their father's time in World War II. In this special, Veterans episode, Chris and Ken discuss the Colorado Trip (1:46), Visiting Fort Logan National Cemetery (2:10), Other WWII Veteran's Stories (3:26), Louis Scattarelli - US Navy (3:50), Wilbur P. Ball - US Army (7:05), Woody Martin - US Army (19:14), Walter Director - US Navy (25:12), All Veterans' Stories (37:35), Other Europe WWII Visited Sites (38:56), La Gleize, Belgium (39:24), Foy, Belgium (42:32), Bois Jacques Forest (46:17), What Started "Our WWII Dad" (47:14), Omaha Beach - Normandy, France (47:51), Normandy American Cemetery (51:20), Wilderstandsnest 73 - Omaha Beach (54:54), Wilderstandsnest 72 - Pak 43 - German 88mm Gun (56:04) Mulberry Harbor (57:21), Pointe du Hoc - Normandy, France (58:21), Carentan - Normandy, France (01:03:14), Loire Valley, France (01:05:30), Paris, France (01:08:06), London, England (01:10:41) and Veterans Day for Us (01:13:04).

14. 

    22 Jul 2023

    Our WWII Dad - Episode 5 - A New Life

    Brothers Chris Cangilla and Ken Cangilla close out their limited series podcast, Our WWII Dad. The podcast traces what they have learned about their father's time in World War II. In this episode titled, A New Life, Chris and Ken discuss What Sticks With Us The Most (:48), Dad's Eisenhower Jacket, Patches & Medals (8:10), Dad's Post War Single Life (13:20), Our WWII Mom Talks About Their Post War Lives (17:22), The 1950s (35:07), Married August 15, 1952 & Starting a Family in Pittsburgh (37:52), Moving to St. Louis & More Kids (38:43), The 1960s & Moving to Colorado & Even More Kids (40:23), Our Childhood Home (40:45), Family Films (46:58), Meet The Siblings (01:02:16), The 1980s & Retirement (01:03:50), Heart Issue (01:05;03), Bounced Back (01:06:06), Health Issues Again (01:06:50), Dad's Death - November 12, 1997 (01:08:16), The Funeral (01:10:14), The Burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery (01:14:20), Our Families & Our Dad (01:16:33), Our WWII Dad - Future Plans (01:20:38), Email Us at: OurWW2Dad@gmail.com (01:21:47), & Our Profound Thanks (01:23:43).

15. 

    16 Jul 2023

    Our WWII Dad - Episode 4 - A New Year & New Hope

    Brothers Chris Cangilla and Ken Cangilla present episode four of the limited series podcast, Our WWII Dad. The podcast traces what they have learned about their father's time in World War II. In this episode titled, A New Year & New Hope, Chris and Ken discuss The Battle of The Bulge Recap (:36), Rte de Waimes, Malmedy (1:19), Brothers' Chance Meetings (2:50), Uncle Marcy Loads "Fat Man" (7:56), The Prayer Card (12:17), Trucked to Barneville, France (15:17), The 99th Folded Into The 474th (16:01), German Soldiers Raid, Granville, France (17:42), The Changes in Our Dad (18:45), "40 and 8" Railcars to Aachen, Germany (21:41), Our Dad's Model Train (24:38), Arrival in Aachen (28:17), Crossing The Rhine (28:45), Capture The Flag (29:35), VE Day (30:20), Regensburg, Germany (30:52, Our Dad Tells About His Regensburg Mission and Prize (31:22), Shipped Off to Oslo, Norway (36:29), Norway Operations (38:56), The King of Norway's Homecoming (40:53), Rest & Relaxation & a Pass (42:24), The 99th's Final Numbers (43:18), Going Home (44:25), Arrival in the USA (46:35) and Honorable Discharge & The Steps to Home (47:17).

16. 

    8 Jul 2023

    Our WWII Dad - Episode 3 - Rest & Rampage

    Brothers Chris Cangilla and Ken Cangilla present episode three of the limited series podcast, Our WWII Dad. The podcast traces what they have learned about their father's time in World War II. In this episode titled, Rest & Rampage, Chris and Ken discuss their Dad's Night at St. Marien (1:57), Henri-Chapelle (4:19), Tilff, Belgium (4:40), 32 Quai de l'Ourthe (7:38), Rest in Tilff? (10:49), Move Out to Malmedy, Belgium (13:41), The Battle of The Bulge (14:05), Malmedy Town Square (15:59), Parking at the Railroad Tracks (18:52), Germans Infiltrate as Americans (19:31), Fatherly Guidance (23:47), Christmas in Malmedy (25:41), Dad's Nativity Scene Mangers (29:07), Visiting Dad at Christmas (30:06), No Christmas Ceasefire (30:27), The Bombing of Malmedy (31:01), The Messerschmitt (33:33), Commando Raid at Hedomont (37:18) and The Malmedy Massacre (38:22).

17. 

    1 Jul 2023

    Our WWII Dad - Episode 2 - Boots on The Ground

    Brothers Chris Cangilla and Ken Cangilla present episode two of the limited series podcast, Our WWII Dad. The podcast traces what they have learned about their father's time in World War II. In this episode titled, Boots on The Ground, Chris and Ken discuss Our WWII Dad Becoming A Replacement (⁠3:19⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=169s)), The 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) origins, (⁠3:54 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=300s)), Captain Hanson (⁠7:05 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=384s)), Camp Hale, Colorado (⁠7:26⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=425s)), Replacements Arrive in Drucourt, France (⁠12:24⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=591s)), Battle at Elbeuf, France (⁠12:59⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=656s)), Our WWII Dad With The Norwegian Soldiers (⁠14:37 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=863s)), Canal Drive (Willens Vaart Canal) (⁠15:50 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=936s)), Battle at Wurselen/Aachen, Germany (⁠19:32⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1160s)), Volker - Ken's Guide (⁠22:03⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1241s)), Soldier in Doorway, Tank in the Street (⁠26:10⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1322s)), Story of Dad Being a Messenger (⁠28:52 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1546s)), St. Sebastian Church (⁠31:03 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1688s)), Bloody Ravelsberger (⁠31:51⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1743s)), Old Bunkers Still Present Today (⁠33:25⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1874s)), Siegfried Line "Dragon Teeth" (⁠34:28⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=2358s)), and Wurselen's Crucifix Hill (⁠35:53⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=2417s)).

18. 

    24 Jun 2023

    Our WWII Dad - Episode 1 - Home

    Brothers Chris Cangilla and Ken Cangilla present episode one of the limited series podcast, Our WWII Dad. The podcast traces what they have learned about their father's time in World War II. In this episode titled, Home, Chris and Ken discuss The Beginning of WWII's Timeline (2:49 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=169s)), Dad's High School Years, (5:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=300s)), Our WWII Mom's Interview (6:24 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=384s)), Mom's Life Pre-War (7:05 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=425s)), Getting Information About the War (9:51 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=591s)), Supporting the War Effort (10:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=656s)), Servicemen Care Packages (14:23 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=863s)), Most Frightening Moments (15:36 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=936s)), Neighborhood Soldiers (19:20 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1160s)), How Our Mom Met Our Dad (20:41 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1241s)), Victory Memories (22:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1322s)), Dad Enlisting (25:46 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1546s)), Dad Reports to Fort George G. Meade (28:08 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1688s)), Dad Goes to Boot Camp - Camp Croft (29:03 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1743s)), Ken's Brother-In-Law's Dad's Story (31:14 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1874s)), Dad's Basic Training - Camp Croft (32:41 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=1961s)), Government Issued Gear (34:29 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=2069s)), Shipping Over Seas (36:31 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=2191s)), Dad's Arrival in Europe (39:18 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=2358s)), and Dad Was a Sharpshooter (40:17 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjoMselvxu8&t=2417s)).

19. 

    17 Jun 2023

    Our WWII Dad - Preview

    Brothers Chris Cangilla and Ken Cangilla introduce themselves and describe what the new, limited series podcast is all about. Our WWII Dad traces what they have learned about their father's time in World War II. After years of research and recently returning from six weeks in Europe, Ken shares what he has discovered about their dad as his brother, Chris helps guide viewers and listeners through the journey.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

12,927

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

73

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.