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

German U-Boat Lieutenant

| S:1 E:36

In this special episode, we feature an interview with a German U-boat veteran from World War II. Rudi Toepfer graduated from the German Naval Academy and served as the chief engineering office on submarines as they hunted for Allied convoys in the Atlantic Ocean. After the war, he moved to the United States. He worked for Hughes Aircraft for 30 years and became a leader in the Elks Lodge and Masons. This is Rudi's compelling first hand account of his years in combat on board a U-Boat.

Recent Episodes

View All

The Wild Weasels: Capt. Tom “Bear” Wilson

Warriors in their Own Words | S:2 E:164
Captain Wilson served with the Wild Weasels in Vietnam, tasked with drawing fire away from friendly aircraft and destroying surface to air missile...
Listen to The Wild Weasels: Capt. Tom “Bear” Wilson

Addiction and Trauma: SSgt Sam Hargrove

Warriors in their Own Words | S:2 E:164
SSgt Hargrove describes surviving a base bombing in Iraq, and how the attack left her with physical and mental trauma....
Listen to Addiction and Trauma: SSgt Sam Hargrove

Imprisoned by the Japanese: CAPT Lawrence Savadkin

Warriors in their Own Words | S:2 E:163
CAPT Savadkin was serving on the USS Tang when it was sunk in 1944. He was rescued and captured by the Japanese, and imprisoned in the Tokyo Bay A...
Listen to Imprisoned by the Japanese: CAPT Lawrence Savadkin

Losing An Arm in Iraq: SPC Danielle Green

Warriors in their Own Words | S:2 E:161
Green talks about her service in the Army, the blast that took her arm, and what her physical/mental recovery has been like....
Listen to Losing An Arm in Iraq: SPC Danielle Green