Warriors in their Own Words

Remarkable stories of war told by the men who fought for a proud nation. Their words. Their voices. Our first episodes tell riveting stories from World War II, then we move on to the Vietnam War and other dramatic conflicts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Watch on YouTube

COL Douglas C. Dillard: Paratrooper in the Battle of the Bulge

| S:2 E:59
COL Douglas C. Dillard: Paratrooper in the Battle of the Bulge

COL Douglas C. Dillard describes fighting in WWII as an Army parachute regiment sergeant during the Battle of the Bulge. He also discusses the cold, harsh environment they faced, and how he almost lost both of his legs because of it.

During the interview, Dillard describes an encounter he had with a captured German soldier:

“We caught a German there in that field. And we were all really infuriated and I looked at the guy and he had a breast full of ribbons on this tunic. And I don't know why I did it and I still have them today, but I reached up and grabbed those ribbons and just ripped them off his uniform and stuck them in my pocket. And why I did it, I still don't know. But there was never any thought in my mind of shooting him. It's the furthest thought because we weren't raised that way. But in a rage of passion, in a firefight, then you would do it.”



Dillard would later serve Korea and Vietnam, and retire in 1977 after earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters). He was inducted into the Military Intelligence hall of fame in 1990.

He also wrote two books about his experiences, Operation Aviary, and Tiger Hunters.

You can learn more about COL Dillard here.


Transcript

Recent Episodes

View All

Tank Gunner in WWII: T/5 Clement Elissondo

Warriors in their Own Words | S:2 E:177
T/5 Elissondo describes the difficulties of tank warfare, narrowly escaping enemy capture, and the camaraderie amongst a tank’s crew....
Listen to Tank Gunner in WWII: T/5 Clement Elissondo

Near-Death on Omaha Beach: CAPT Sidney Salomon

Warriors in their Own Words | S:2 E:176
CAPT Salomon, an Army Ranger, describes the Invasion of Normandy and his near-death experience....
Listen to Near-Death on Omaha Beach: CAPT Sidney Salomon

From Vietnam to Hollywood: Cpl. Jim Beaver

Warriors in their Own Words | S:2 E:175
Actor Jim Beaver talks about serving in Vietnam as a radio operator in the Marine Corps....
Listen to From Vietnam to Hollywood: Cpl. Jim Beaver

Pearl Harbor & Guadalcanal: Mal Middlesworth

Warriors in their Own Words | S:2 E:174
Pearl Harbor & Guadalcanal: Mal Middlesworth...
Listen to Pearl Harbor & Guadalcanal: Mal Middlesworth