In this episode, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel discuss the complexities and tragedies of the Battle of Sicily during World War II, highlighting the famous 'Truscott Trot'. They delve into the unfortunate friendly fire incident that resulted in the loss of many paratroopers, the lessons learned from this campaign, and the leadership decisions made by key figures like General Ridgeway and General Patton. The conversation also highlights the importance of infantry tactics, the role of armor, and the significance of local resistance in Sicily. The capture of Palermo is framed as a pivotal moment for American forces, and the episode concludes with audience questions that further explore the themes discussed.

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worldwar2live@gmail.com

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Join military historians John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel on World War 2 Live as they dive into the dramatic opening phase of the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943—Operation Husky. In this episode, they break down the strategy behind the landings, the challenges on the beaches and in the air, and why Sicily became the crucial first step in prying open Hitler’s Fortress Europe.

You’ll hear battlefield stories, logistical insights, and the kind of context you don’t get from a textbook, all grounded in John and Kevin’s decades of research and tour experience.

Have a World War II question you’d like answered on our Stump the Chumps segment?

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In this Stump the Chumps segment, historians John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel tackle two fascinating viewer questions that shed new light on the final months of World War II and the planning for D-Day.

First Question: Did the U.S. Army and the Soviet Army ever fight each other at the end of World War II?

John and Kevin explore the tense, chaotic final weeks of the European war, examining where U.S. and Soviet forces collided—politically, geographically, and potentially on the battlefield. Their answer reveals how close the Allies came to unintentional conflict as Germany collapsed.

Second Question: Who actually named the beaches for D-Day?

From “Omaha” to “Utah,” the origins of these iconic names are often misunderstood. Kevin and John break down how the invasion beaches received their codenames, who created them, and why these choices mattered for Operation Overlord.

Join us for another lively and informative round of Stump the Chumps, where great questions lead to great history.

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We kick off our series on the Sicilian Campaign with a look at the Allied planning. John and Kevin take you into the minds of the Allied planners for Operation Husky. They also take viewer question in Stump the Chumps....including looking at the issue of British tea breaks during Operation Market Gardern.

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In this episode of World War II Live, Kevin Hymel takes viewers deep inside General George S. Patton’s personal archive to uncover a remarkable treasure: previously unseen photographs from World War II. Kevin reveals how he found these rare images, what they show about Patton’s leadership and personality, and why they change our understanding of his legacy.

Join Kevin and John C. McManus as they explore these stunning visual discoveries and discuss what they reveal about one of America’s most iconic commanders.

Get Kevin's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Pattons-Photographs-War-He-Saw/dp/1574888722

Send us questions for Stump the Chumps at: worldwar2live ⁨@gmail.com⁩

Check out Mark's historical war gaming YouTube channel at Mark's Game Room:

https://www.youtube.com/@MarksGameRoom/featured

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In this episode of World War II Live, hosts John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel engage in a lively discussion about their experiences leading battlefield tours, the significance of personal connections to history, and the challenges of military logistics. They share insights from recent tours, including memorable meals and interactions with participants, and delve into the complexities of intelligence and strategic decisions during the war. In the 'Stump the Chumps' segment they tackle listener questions and explore counterfactual scenarios related to World War II.

Send us questions at: worldwar2live @gmail.com

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John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel chat about the US Army's small arms during World War 2. Why the switch from the bolt action Springfield to the semi-auto M1 Garand? In our Stump the Chumps segment hear how they start to research a new topic!

Send in your WW2 questions for Stump the Chumps at: worldwar2live@gmail.com

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