A 30-Minute Compilation Retrospective | Our WWII Dad: Reflections on a Father’s WWII Journey

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.