Episode 17

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Published on:

12th Sep 2023

Claude Hillenbrand (Technical Sergeant, Army Air Corps) | S1E17

In this gripping episode, we hear from Claude Hillenbrand, a dedicated flight engineer and gunner on B-17 "Flying Fortresses." His compelling tale of resilience takes us through 35 perilous missions, including D-Day, navigating the war-torn skies of WWII Europe and the Pacific in iconic B-17s like "Vini Viti Vici" and "Smokey Liz." From field rations to oxygen masks, Hillenbrand's detailed account offers a vivid glimpse into the life of an Army Air Corps serviceman. This interview was recorded on September 1, 2020, in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

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About the Podcast

Portraits of Honor
The Untold Stories of World War II
Inspired by photographer Jeff Rease's mission, this podcast series spotlights the remarkable stories of World War II veterans. Each episode features personal narratives from these everyday heroes from all walks of life who once united for liberty and justice when the world needed them most. Capturing the essence of honor and service through first-hand accounts, these stories bridge generational gaps, vividly preserving the past and imparting heartfelt lessons of what it means to serve for a greater cause. Listen, learn, and remember as these timeless tales echo the heroism of a fading generation.
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