February 6, 2023 • 25 mins
Welcome back to GSMC Classics, your premier destination for rediscovering the gems of classic radio! Step into the past with us as we present another captivating episode of "Soldiers of the Press," featuring the remarkable tales of Joan Younger and Robert Vermillion.
From 1942 to 1945, "Soldiers of the Press" enthralled audiences with its gripping war drama series, providing a firsthand account of recent news from the front lines of World War II. Narrated by distinguished correspondents from the United Press, including the iconic voices of Walter Cronkike and Harrison Salisbury, the program offered a glimpse into the heart of wartime journalism.
In this rebroadcast brought to you by GSMC Classics, we shine a spotlight on the courageous journalists who risked everything to report the truth from the battlefield. Joan Younger and Robert Vermillion emerge as unsung heroes of the press, their stories embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication that defined a generation.
Join us as we delve into the untold stories of these intrepid reporters, whose words resonated with audiences across the nation. From harrowing accounts of combat to moments of quiet reflection, "Soldiers of the Press" captures the full spectrum of human experience during one of history's darkest hours.
Through their eyes, we gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who dared to bring the truth to light. GSMC Classics is proud to present "Soldiers of the Press," a timeless tribute to the power of journalism and the enduring legacy of those who risked everything to tell the stories that mattered most.
Don't miss the rebroadcast of this unforgettable episode on our YouTube channel, Apple Podcast, JioSaavn, and Deezer, and experience the magic of "GSMC Classics: Soldiers of the Press."
We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network
Advertise with us: https://gsmcpodcast.com/advertise-with-us
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Disclaimer: GSMC Podcast Network presents these shows as historical content and have brought them to you unedited. Remember that times have changed and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Golden State Media Concepts or the GSMC Podcast Network. Our goal is to entertain, educate, and give you a glimpse into the past.
From 1942 to 1945, "Soldiers of the Press" enthralled audiences with its gripping war drama series, providing a firsthand account of recent news from the front lines of World War II. Narrated by distinguished correspondents from the United Press, including the iconic voices of Walter Cronkike and Harrison Salisbury, the program offered a glimpse into the heart of wartime journalism.
In this rebroadcast brought to you by GSMC Classics, we shine a spotlight on the courageous journalists who risked everything to report the truth from the battlefield. Joan Younger and Robert Vermillion emerge as unsung heroes of the press, their stories embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication that defined a generation.
Join us as we delve into the untold stories of these intrepid reporters, whose words resonated with audiences across the nation. From harrowing accounts of combat to moments of quiet reflection, "Soldiers of the Press" captures the full spectrum of human experience during one of history's darkest hours.
Through their eyes, we gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who dared to bring the truth to light. GSMC Classics is proud to present "Soldiers of the Press," a timeless tribute to the power of journalism and the enduring legacy of those who risked everything to tell the stories that mattered most.
Don't miss the rebroadcast of this unforgettable episode on our YouTube channel, Apple Podcast, JioSaavn, and Deezer, and experience the magic of "GSMC Classics: Soldiers of the Press."
We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network
Advertise with us: https://gsmcpodcast.com/advertise-with-us
Website: https://gsmcpodcast.com/gsmc-classics-soldiers-of-the-press/
GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork
GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK
Disclaimer: GSMC Podcast Network presents these shows as historical content and have brought them to you unedited. Remember that times have changed and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Golden State Media Concepts or the GSMC Podcast Network. Our goal is to entertain, educate, and give you a glimpse into the past.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:03):
Golden State Media Concepts presents the GSMCClassic Series with episodes of some of your
favorites from a Day gone By,a Time gone By. Join us as
we time travel to some of yourclassic favorites from yesteryear. The GSMC Podcast
Network invites you to sit back,relax, and enjoy the GSMC Classic Series
(00:26):
on the Golden State Media Concepts PodcastNetwork. Allers off of that this week
(00:58):
the return of the Soldier. AllRight, man, keep down, watch
the landmines. Let's go boys,stick with me, Sam, b find
you boy, not the past lads. Let me go ahead and check.
Okay, Bill on with me,Oh Sam, stay with me, giving
(01:22):
us the okay, let's go.Come on here on my lay, John
(01:48):
Younger over here, Ruth, EarlOkay, I'll be right there. Earl
Johnson, General Manage of the UnitedPress was waiting one, come in,
Come in, Come in, John. Won't you sit down? Thank you
(02:09):
John? The United Press fields.We've done a great job in telling the
story of this war. There's anotherstory that hasn't been told. Story of
the greatest battle our boys will facehere at home. That's right, the
story of the wounded in their firsthome front battle, the battle of facing
their families. That's a tough one, all right. Yes, ninety percent
(02:30):
of our wounded consider their return homethe biggest battle of all. Do you
want me to We want you tovisit these boys at the Mitchellfield Hospital base
and get us a story. Findout what they're up against. Sounds like
a real assignment. It is thatstory? Or to help those boys to
win the battle of facing their families. Yes, and maybe show the American
people how they can help. JoanYounger. Yeah, I'm nurse Jane Gray.
(03:02):
I'm glad to know you, missGray. Before you go in,
there's some things you must know.Yes, I was going to ask John
stare at the boys and don't askthem about their wounds. Oh, I
understand. It's all right to besympathetic, but don't be intense about it.
You can't think of what to say. Just say how you doing or
something like that. Just watch meand you'll be all right. Okay,
Okay, here we go. Ohwow, boys, I want you to
(03:25):
meet a friend of mine, JoanYounger, United Press. Oh, Joe,
I know yourself. Joe. MeetEldriser, the best commando, a
normandy. He wants to ask youa question, how did you know that?
Well, you won't believe me.Maybe you'll believe her. You work
on your mind. Eh, well, I'll give it to you straight.
Okay, my leg is paralyzed.Will I be able to dance someday?
(03:46):
I sure you will. I knewit. I knew it just like the
nurse. What do you mean howcan I dance again? When I never
have danced in my life? Ihate dancing. We'll come around and see
the girls at United Press. We'vechanged your mind, maybe I will.
You know I don't wanna go home? But why Oh Marmall fixed breakfast for
(04:08):
me in bed? Cisil tiptoe aroundhim. Gee, I won't have any
fun at all. I don't wannabe PAPIs. Did you ever meet such
a crazy loon in your life?Joan? I think you're making a mistake.
Al I tell you what. I'mgonna wait till my brother in law
gets home before I call up tonight. Why are your brother in law of
hers? Well he can tell Sisabout me, and and she can tell
Ma. It's kind of tough onthe folks at home. You know.
(04:31):
I don't like to tell Ma becausewell, she sure can cry, think
it over all, let me knowwhat you wanna do, okay, Nurse
thanks Johann for coming around. Cheeral, I'll be seeing you again soon.
(04:51):
Nurse Jane Gray was an angel.The boy's actions were only too familiar
to her. There is no wayshe can prepare any of their families for
the best news. War Department communicationsstate merely that the boy has been wounded
in action. It's left to thesoldier himself to give the details. Those
who can walk on crutches are incasts telephone as soon as they arrive by
(05:14):
hospital plane from England. They calltheir mothers first, but they rarely mention
their wounds. They just say sure, sure, and find ma honest I
am don't cry, Ma, pleasedon't cry. Later, those who are
(05:36):
married call their wives and attempt toexplain what is wrong with them in a
general way. I'm hoar money.It's going to be a toughier ahead,
but don't worry. I'll be asgood as news someday. Some day.
(05:57):
Soldiers who are critically wound, theyusually try to break off their engagements.
Nurse Jane Gray always encourages them tothink it over for a few days before
making up their minds. The blind, the disfigured, the voiceless, and
the deaf are handled the most gently. Many of these gallant boys will need
long term expert care before they arecapable of facing their family. Well,
(06:19):
Joan, you met just about allthe boys except one. Who's that a
boy named Bill Williams. Bill Williams, he was out on patrol one night
in Normandy. All right, man, keep telling watch the land mines go
boys. Stick with me, Samright behind you boys, that's the fast
lads. And let me go aheadand check. Okay, Bill, I'm
(06:41):
going with him. Oh, Sam, stay with me. He's giving us
the okay, let's call. Comeon Bill. And so you see Bill
(07:05):
lost the leg. They brought himin yesterday by playing from England. Poor
boy. I've been trying to gethim to call his girl. First,
he says he will, and hechanges his mind. Where is he over
there by the wall? Don't looknow, but would you go over and
see what you can do? Well? I don't know that I'll be much
used, but I'll try. Bill. This is Joan, younger of a
(07:35):
United plays Hello, Hello Bill.Bill, Joan wants to I know,
I know you want me to callmy girl. Don't you think you owe
it? Door? Bill? Afterall, you promised the nerse I've changed
my mind. I just can't talkto him. You promised me, Bill,
you said you'd call to day.What's the use? I no good
(07:56):
to her now? Bill Williams,you're talking through your hat, and you
know I'm just trying to be fair. Fair? Was that a way to
treat a girl who loves you,Bill, a girl who's been waiting for
you? Are you going to lether down? Now? Well? Are
you all right? Hand me thephone? Bill Williams took the telephone.
(08:18):
His hands were shaking. The menaround him gave him the only privacy possible.
They ignored him. When the callwas put through. Bill turned to
me, I won't tell her aboutmy leg. I'll just tell her I
don't love her. Give her achance, Bill, give her a chance.
Tears roll down Bill's face When hestarted to talk, his voice was
(08:41):
so weak to have to start over. Again. Hello, Hello, emmy,
come home, Amy. They broughtme home in a plane. Are
you all right? Bill? Tellme the truth? Are you all right?
Sure? Sure? I'm fine?Ahn't start I'm fine, but staring
Look Amy, Yes, I Ilost my leg Oh, Bill, is
(09:07):
that all? Is that all yoursilly boob? Why don't you ask a
doctor for an artificial leg? Look? Amy, we'll talk about our engagement
later when I get to a hospitalnear a home. I love your Bill
here, I love more than ever. Amy. You don't know what you're
saying. Honest. I won't holdyou any promises. There'll never be anybody
(09:33):
but you come home to me.Bill, Come come home. Oh honey,
don't cry, Please don't. I'llbe coming home soon. I'll be
waiting, Bill. Please remember,I'll be waiting. Good Bye, Amy,
(09:56):
Good buy Dollie. Well what aI tell you? Bill? With
Joe Younger ride? Oh gosh,Amy was wonderful. You know what you
said? John? What she said? Why didn't I ask the doctor for
an artificial leg? Boy? Isshe brave? And that's the story of
(10:28):
my visit to the hospital base atMitchellfield, New York. We of the
United Press hope that my visit hasserved its purpose. Hope that you will
make their home front battle as easyas possible. Remember that, with your
help, the battle is more thanone. Before I left the hospital,
Bill Williams told me something I thinkall of you should know. He said,
(10:50):
I wish every man, woman,and even children could be made to
walk through a hospital of wounded andsee what it's like. Maybe then there
wouldn't be any wars. Ever,you have just heard John Younger's dramatic story
(11:41):
of the return of the soldier.United Press correspondents cover the world here at
home and all the world battle fronts. We will present another in this series
Soldiers of the Press soon. Besure to listen. Meanwhile, remember to
listen for United Press News on theair. Look for United pressess is in
your favorite newspaper. They are yourguarantee of the world best coverage of the
(12:05):
world's biggest news. This week,the paratroopers Robert Vermilion of the United Press
would like to see you, Colonela million, Oh the million? Yes,
yes, he covered the campaign inItaly, didn't he. Yes,
well send him in. Yes,the colonel will see you now, mister
(12:31):
Vermillion. Thanks. How do youdoing, Colonel Hello over a million?
Sit down? Thank you sir.Well that's on your mind another scoop for
the United Press, Well, sir, not exactly. I'd like to go
along with your paratroopers on their nextmission soon. What makes you think it's
going to be soon. You've beenreceiving a lot of reinforcements lately at this
(12:52):
air base. Yes, yes,well the million. I'll keep you in
mind, that's all, Thank you, colonel. Excuse me for saying it,
mister Vanmillion, but you're nuts?Who is What do you want to
jump out of a plane for.Haven't you heard that a paratrooper holds his
(13:15):
life in a thin silk shoot oneslip in? You'r a garmut? Haven't
you heard phil that the Lord rewardsthe daring your nuts saying, by the
way, what are you doing jumpingout a plane? Hey, but I'm
a paratrooper. I got training.I got to know how for me?
Yeah, what about you? Howmany times have you jumped out of a
plane? Huh? Come on,quit store? And you heard me the
first time? How many times?Once? Twice? Three times? How
(13:35):
many times have I jumped from planes? Well? Uh? None? Well,
captain, this is what we've beenwaiting for. Yes, sir,
it's good news. Oh uh,before I forget it, got to send
(13:56):
in that United Press correspondent eh Robwith Famillion. Yes, that's the man
thirsting for a little excitement after whathe went through in Italy. Yes,
he wants more. This time,you'll really get it. Sit down for
a million? Sit down? Ohyes, sir, there seems to be
(14:18):
a lot of activity here. Nevermind the activity. You still want that
action? Well, sir, thingshave been kind of quiet lately. A
million. We're moving in on SouthernFrance. Southern France when sir two am
tomorrow morning. Our job will beto pave the way for troops landing from
naval and airborne craft. I'd liketo come along, sir, all right
(14:41):
for million. See Captain McCall.He'll give you all the instructions he can.
Glad to have you long, permillion. Thank you, captain. Now,
before we issue your equipment, youbetter get an air full of my
(15:03):
forty five minute parachute training courts.Okay, when do we start right now?
First we'll go into the parachute shed. What's in here? Parachutes makes
sense? Doesn't some shed? Makeyou ready for your first lesson? Oh?
Sure, sure, I can takeit, good man. You see
(15:24):
that over there, Yeah, that'sa parachute. You put it on like
you're putting on your overcoat, someovercoat. Any questions, you know,
I wouldn't know enough about it toask any questions. So far, so
good. Be sure to put onyour parachute before you get into the plane.
(15:46):
Uh huh, otherwise you'll break allrecords for bouncing off the ground.
Yeah, that is a good idea, Captain, the record. No,
the parachute, Yeah, you saidit. Now, once you get into
the plane, you're gonna find itpretty crowded with guys wearing parachutes like yourself
and unlike yourself, carrying rifles,automatic pistols, submachine guns, sixty millimeter
(16:07):
mortars, and a few hand grenades. Is that all? Oh, not
quite. We also carry signal anddemolition equipment. The captain, what about
the chances of survival A trifle risky, But you see, we're always supported
eventually by reinforcements from land, air, or sea. Who's gonna support us
(16:27):
in southern France. I'm not sure, but I think it'll be the airborne
troops. Now we're wo we Ohuh. You told me be sure and
strap on my parachute before taking on. Yeah. Well, after the plane
takes off, you just sit therelike sardines and think about the jump.
What about the jump? You grabthe sides of the door of the plane,
(16:48):
bend your knees and push yourself outwith your feet. Oh, just
like I was diving, but youprobably won't do it that way. Most
everybody forgets on their first jump.What happened? Ones? If I forget,
forget, the guy behind will kickyou out. That's all everybody here,
(17:18):
Captain, Yes, they're all here. All right, men, all
right, your attention please. Youhave been chosen to spearhead an invasion which
may break the enemy's back. We'regoing to hold until hell freezes over the
password when your land is Charlie Jack. How one more thing I want you
(17:41):
to know how proud I'm glad Iam to be with you. Well,
man, I'll see you in France. God bless you won't all set?
(18:03):
Pavilion, All set, Okay,climb aboard. Okay here, I'll give
you a hand. I'm gonna go. Oh all right, take my hand.
Captain. Okay, Oh there youare, hello, Famlia down here
with me? Oh, thank you? Colonel. Everybody and captain all answer
well what do you say? Man? Everybody? Have a all right?
(18:45):
Man? All right, fifteen minutesto go that it gets sick okay,
easy man, eathy, don't bunchup, check your equipment all pavilion right
behind your colonel, and the greenlight flashes up the end up a cabin.
That's the signal to jump. Iunderstand, yes, sir, I'm
going first. You follow me,okay, don't worry, pavilion, I'm
(19:07):
right behind you, all right,man, stand up and hook up,
hook up, I'll set away.Well, there's a light. Let's go,
all right, favillion, okay,see it below. I leaped out
(19:30):
after the colonel, forgetting all I'dbeen told to do or how to do
it. The propeller blast sees mesweeping me beneath the plane's tail. Then
came an agonizing shock as my shootopened. I felt as if our being
torn to pieces. Green, red, and yellow lights flashed in my head
like a high score on a pinballmachine. A moment later, all motion
(19:55):
had ceased. I seemed to behanging in mid air. When I was
falling fast, going down, down, down, Oh a tree of all
places to land? Oh oh ohoh, so so this is France.
(20:23):
All I better get going. Gottameet somebody sooner or later. What's that?
Maybe that's all? Raise him,whoever he is. Charlie Jack,
(20:45):
Charlie Jack, Charlie Jack. CharlieJack. Hey, hey, wow the
United Press. That's right? Didyou have to push me out? Hell?
You went right out? Hey,where are we come on? We're
(21:06):
gonna find out. Look, lookover there, the Colonel's flair. Let's
go glad to see if a million. Hello Captain, I'm glad to be
here. Hello sir, Well,so far, so good. I guess
(21:26):
we're all here. Let's get going. Funny Where the Germans? I can't
tell you. It looks like wepulled a snake on them. Hey,
hey, somebody's coming where over there? It's a Frenchman. Hey you we
miss your Will you tell us whatyou know about Americans? Ha, we
knew you would come. What canyou tell us of enemy fars in this
(21:47):
area? They've all gone into theIntario. They're going to join Fosters in
the No. Can you beat that? A crowd inside? I'll be dog
gone. Yeah that captain, huhsounds like planes to the out planes hundreds
of reinforcements. We'll need them later. For one hour and forty minutes we
(22:22):
stood in awe watching one of thegreatest spectacles of the war, A great
fleet of transport planes and gliders droppingtroops into the valley. It was one
of the greatest shows of sheer airbornepower anyone ever saw. More and more
came roaring in without drawing a singleshot. The colonel said, in a
(22:44):
low voice, What a sight.That's all my heart can stand. It
makes you feel good, doesn't it? Familiar? Good? Captain? It
makes me want to sing the StarSpangled banner. Right right, You have
(23:29):
been listening to Paratrooper, the storyof the airborne invasion of Southern France,
as seen through the eyes of RobertVermilion. Other United Press correspondents are on
the world's battlefronts, ready to flashyou the news whenever and wherever it happens.
We will present another in this thrillingseries, Soldiers of the Press soon.
Be sure to listen. Meanwhile,look for United Press dispatches and your
favorite newspaper. Listen for United PressNews on the air. It is your
(23:53):
guarantee of the world's best coverage ofthe world's biggest news. You've been listening
to the GSMC Classics series, partof the Golden State Media Concepts podcast network.
Follow us at www dot gsmcpodcast dotcom and find all of our timeless
(24:15):
programming by typing GSMC Classics into anypodcast app including Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts,
SoundCloud, Stitcher, and more.Remember to subscribe to the GSMC Classics
Series podcasts of your choice to stayup to date on new episodes, and
if you could take a minute togive us a nice review, that really
(24:37):
helps us to get this ageless programmingout to others who would enjoy it just
as much as you have. Checkout all of our GSMC Classics Series podcasts.
Whether you're in the mood for comedy, romance, adventure, history,
science fiction, horror, or anythingin between, the GSMC Classics Series has
you covered. Thank you, andwe hope you have enjoyed today's pro program
(25:00):
on the Golden State Media Concepts PodcastNetwork.
Golden State Media Concepts presents the GSMCClassic Series with episodes of some of your
favorites from a Day gone By,a Time gone By. Join us as
we time travel to some of yourclassic favorites from yesteryear. The GSMC Podcast
Network invites you to sit back,relax, and enjoy the GSMC Classic Series
(00:26):
on the Golden State Media Concepts PodcastNetwork. Allers off of that this week
(00:58):
the return of the Soldier. AllRight, man, keep down, watch
the landmines. Let's go boys,stick with me, Sam, b find
you boy, not the past lads. Let me go ahead and check.
Okay, Bill on with me,Oh Sam, stay with me, giving
(01:22):
us the okay, let's go.Come on here on my lay, John
(01:48):
Younger over here, Ruth, EarlOkay, I'll be right there. Earl
Johnson, General Manage of the UnitedPress was waiting one, come in,
Come in, Come in, John. Won't you sit down? Thank you
(02:09):
John? The United Press fields.We've done a great job in telling the
story of this war. There's anotherstory that hasn't been told. Story of
the greatest battle our boys will facehere at home. That's right, the
story of the wounded in their firsthome front battle, the battle of facing
their families. That's a tough one, all right. Yes, ninety percent
(02:30):
of our wounded consider their return homethe biggest battle of all. Do you
want me to We want you tovisit these boys at the Mitchellfield Hospital base
and get us a story. Findout what they're up against. Sounds like
a real assignment. It is thatstory? Or to help those boys to
win the battle of facing their families. Yes, and maybe show the American
people how they can help. JoanYounger. Yeah, I'm nurse Jane Gray.
(03:02):
I'm glad to know you, missGray. Before you go in,
there's some things you must know.Yes, I was going to ask John
stare at the boys and don't askthem about their wounds. Oh, I
understand. It's all right to besympathetic, but don't be intense about it.
You can't think of what to say. Just say how you doing or
something like that. Just watch meand you'll be all right. Okay,
Okay, here we go. Ohwow, boys, I want you to
(03:25):
meet a friend of mine, JoanYounger, United Press. Oh, Joe,
I know yourself. Joe. MeetEldriser, the best commando, a
normandy. He wants to ask youa question, how did you know that?
Well, you won't believe me.Maybe you'll believe her. You work
on your mind. Eh, well, I'll give it to you straight.
Okay, my leg is paralyzed.Will I be able to dance someday?
(03:46):
I sure you will. I knewit. I knew it just like the
nurse. What do you mean howcan I dance again? When I never
have danced in my life? Ihate dancing. We'll come around and see
the girls at United Press. We'vechanged your mind, maybe I will.
You know I don't wanna go home? But why Oh Marmall fixed breakfast for
(04:08):
me in bed? Cisil tiptoe aroundhim. Gee, I won't have any
fun at all. I don't wannabe PAPIs. Did you ever meet such
a crazy loon in your life?Joan? I think you're making a mistake.
Al I tell you what. I'mgonna wait till my brother in law
gets home before I call up tonight. Why are your brother in law of
hers? Well he can tell Sisabout me, and and she can tell
Ma. It's kind of tough onthe folks at home. You know.
(04:31):
I don't like to tell Ma becausewell, she sure can cry, think
it over all, let me knowwhat you wanna do, okay, Nurse
thanks Johann for coming around. Cheeral, I'll be seeing you again soon.
(04:51):
Nurse Jane Gray was an angel.The boy's actions were only too familiar
to her. There is no wayshe can prepare any of their families for
the best news. War Department communicationsstate merely that the boy has been wounded
in action. It's left to thesoldier himself to give the details. Those
who can walk on crutches are incasts telephone as soon as they arrive by
(05:14):
hospital plane from England. They calltheir mothers first, but they rarely mention
their wounds. They just say sure, sure, and find ma honest I
am don't cry, Ma, pleasedon't cry. Later, those who are
(05:36):
married call their wives and attempt toexplain what is wrong with them in a
general way. I'm hoar money.It's going to be a toughier ahead,
but don't worry. I'll be asgood as news someday. Some day.
(05:57):
Soldiers who are critically wound, theyusually try to break off their engagements.
Nurse Jane Gray always encourages them tothink it over for a few days before
making up their minds. The blind, the disfigured, the voiceless, and
the deaf are handled the most gently. Many of these gallant boys will need
long term expert care before they arecapable of facing their family. Well,
(06:19):
Joan, you met just about allthe boys except one. Who's that a
boy named Bill Williams. Bill Williams, he was out on patrol one night
in Normandy. All right, man, keep telling watch the land mines go
boys. Stick with me, Samright behind you boys, that's the fast
lads. And let me go aheadand check. Okay, Bill, I'm
(06:41):
going with him. Oh, Sam, stay with me. He's giving us
the okay, let's call. Comeon Bill. And so you see Bill
(07:05):
lost the leg. They brought himin yesterday by playing from England. Poor
boy. I've been trying to gethim to call his girl. First,
he says he will, and hechanges his mind. Where is he over
there by the wall? Don't looknow, but would you go over and
see what you can do? Well? I don't know that I'll be much
used, but I'll try. Bill. This is Joan, younger of a
(07:35):
United plays Hello, Hello Bill.Bill, Joan wants to I know,
I know you want me to callmy girl. Don't you think you owe
it? Door? Bill? Afterall, you promised the nerse I've changed
my mind. I just can't talkto him. You promised me, Bill,
you said you'd call to day.What's the use? I no good
(07:56):
to her now? Bill Williams,you're talking through your hat, and you
know I'm just trying to be fair. Fair? Was that a way to
treat a girl who loves you,Bill, a girl who's been waiting for
you? Are you going to lether down? Now? Well? Are
you all right? Hand me thephone? Bill Williams took the telephone.
(08:18):
His hands were shaking. The menaround him gave him the only privacy possible.
They ignored him. When the callwas put through. Bill turned to
me, I won't tell her aboutmy leg. I'll just tell her I
don't love her. Give her achance, Bill, give her a chance.
Tears roll down Bill's face When hestarted to talk, his voice was
(08:41):
so weak to have to start over. Again. Hello, Hello, emmy,
come home, Amy. They broughtme home in a plane. Are
you all right? Bill? Tellme the truth? Are you all right?
Sure? Sure? I'm fine?Ahn't start I'm fine, but staring
Look Amy, Yes, I Ilost my leg Oh, Bill, is
(09:07):
that all? Is that all yoursilly boob? Why don't you ask a
doctor for an artificial leg? Look? Amy, we'll talk about our engagement
later when I get to a hospitalnear a home. I love your Bill
here, I love more than ever. Amy. You don't know what you're
saying. Honest. I won't holdyou any promises. There'll never be anybody
(09:33):
but you come home to me.Bill, Come come home. Oh honey,
don't cry, Please don't. I'llbe coming home soon. I'll be
waiting, Bill. Please remember,I'll be waiting. Good Bye, Amy,
(09:56):
Good buy Dollie. Well what aI tell you? Bill? With
Joe Younger ride? Oh gosh,Amy was wonderful. You know what you
said? John? What she said? Why didn't I ask the doctor for
an artificial leg? Boy? Isshe brave? And that's the story of
(10:28):
my visit to the hospital base atMitchellfield, New York. We of the
United Press hope that my visit hasserved its purpose. Hope that you will
make their home front battle as easyas possible. Remember that, with your
help, the battle is more thanone. Before I left the hospital,
Bill Williams told me something I thinkall of you should know. He said,
(10:50):
I wish every man, woman,and even children could be made to
walk through a hospital of wounded andsee what it's like. Maybe then there
wouldn't be any wars. Ever,you have just heard John Younger's dramatic story
(11:41):
of the return of the soldier.United Press correspondents cover the world here at
home and all the world battle fronts. We will present another in this series
Soldiers of the Press soon. Besure to listen. Meanwhile, remember to
listen for United Press News on theair. Look for United pressess is in
your favorite newspaper. They are yourguarantee of the world best coverage of the
(12:05):
world's biggest news. This week,the paratroopers Robert Vermilion of the United Press
would like to see you, Colonela million, Oh the million? Yes,
yes, he covered the campaign inItaly, didn't he. Yes,
well send him in. Yes,the colonel will see you now, mister
(12:31):
Vermillion. Thanks. How do youdoing, Colonel Hello over a million?
Sit down? Thank you sir.Well that's on your mind another scoop for
the United Press, Well, sir, not exactly. I'd like to go
along with your paratroopers on their nextmission soon. What makes you think it's
going to be soon. You've beenreceiving a lot of reinforcements lately at this
(12:52):
air base. Yes, yes,well the million. I'll keep you in
mind, that's all, Thank you, colonel. Excuse me for saying it,
mister Vanmillion, but you're nuts?Who is What do you want to
jump out of a plane for.Haven't you heard that a paratrooper holds his
(13:15):
life in a thin silk shoot oneslip in? You'r a garmut? Haven't
you heard phil that the Lord rewardsthe daring your nuts saying, by the
way, what are you doing jumpingout a plane? Hey, but I'm
a paratrooper. I got training.I got to know how for me?
Yeah, what about you? Howmany times have you jumped out of a
plane? Huh? Come on,quit store? And you heard me the
first time? How many times?Once? Twice? Three times? How
(13:35):
many times have I jumped from planes? Well? Uh? None? Well,
captain, this is what we've beenwaiting for. Yes, sir,
it's good news. Oh uh,before I forget it, got to send
(13:56):
in that United Press correspondent eh Robwith Famillion. Yes, that's the man
thirsting for a little excitement after whathe went through in Italy. Yes,
he wants more. This time,you'll really get it. Sit down for
a million? Sit down? Ohyes, sir, there seems to be
(14:18):
a lot of activity here. Nevermind the activity. You still want that
action? Well, sir, thingshave been kind of quiet lately. A
million. We're moving in on SouthernFrance. Southern France when sir two am
tomorrow morning. Our job will beto pave the way for troops landing from
naval and airborne craft. I'd liketo come along, sir, all right
(14:41):
for million. See Captain McCall.He'll give you all the instructions he can.
Glad to have you long, permillion. Thank you, captain. Now,
before we issue your equipment, youbetter get an air full of my
(15:03):
forty five minute parachute training courts.Okay, when do we start right now?
First we'll go into the parachute shed. What's in here? Parachutes makes
sense? Doesn't some shed? Makeyou ready for your first lesson? Oh?
Sure, sure, I can takeit, good man. You see
(15:24):
that over there, Yeah, that'sa parachute. You put it on like
you're putting on your overcoat, someovercoat. Any questions, you know,
I wouldn't know enough about it toask any questions. So far, so
good. Be sure to put onyour parachute before you get into the plane.
(15:46):
Uh huh, otherwise you'll break allrecords for bouncing off the ground.
Yeah, that is a good idea, Captain, the record. No,
the parachute, Yeah, you saidit. Now, once you get into
the plane, you're gonna find itpretty crowded with guys wearing parachutes like yourself
and unlike yourself, carrying rifles,automatic pistols, submachine guns, sixty millimeter
(16:07):
mortars, and a few hand grenades. Is that all? Oh, not
quite. We also carry signal anddemolition equipment. The captain, what about
the chances of survival A trifle risky, But you see, we're always supported
eventually by reinforcements from land, air, or sea. Who's gonna support us
(16:27):
in southern France. I'm not sure, but I think it'll be the airborne
troops. Now we're wo we Ohuh. You told me be sure and
strap on my parachute before taking on. Yeah. Well, after the plane
takes off, you just sit therelike sardines and think about the jump.
What about the jump? You grabthe sides of the door of the plane,
(16:48):
bend your knees and push yourself outwith your feet. Oh, just
like I was diving, but youprobably won't do it that way. Most
everybody forgets on their first jump.What happened? Ones? If I forget,
forget, the guy behind will kickyou out. That's all everybody here,
(17:18):
Captain, Yes, they're all here. All right, men, all
right, your attention please. Youhave been chosen to spearhead an invasion which
may break the enemy's back. We'regoing to hold until hell freezes over the
password when your land is Charlie Jack. How one more thing I want you
(17:41):
to know how proud I'm glad Iam to be with you. Well,
man, I'll see you in France. God bless you won't all set?
(18:03):
Pavilion, All set, Okay,climb aboard. Okay here, I'll give
you a hand. I'm gonna go. Oh all right, take my hand.
Captain. Okay, Oh there youare, hello, Famlia down here
with me? Oh, thank you? Colonel. Everybody and captain all answer
well what do you say? Man? Everybody? Have a all right?
(18:45):
Man? All right, fifteen minutesto go that it gets sick okay,
easy man, eathy, don't bunchup, check your equipment all pavilion right
behind your colonel, and the greenlight flashes up the end up a cabin.
That's the signal to jump. Iunderstand, yes, sir, I'm
going first. You follow me,okay, don't worry, pavilion, I'm
(19:07):
right behind you, all right,man, stand up and hook up,
hook up, I'll set away.Well, there's a light. Let's go,
all right, favillion, okay,see it below. I leaped out
(19:30):
after the colonel, forgetting all I'dbeen told to do or how to do
it. The propeller blast sees mesweeping me beneath the plane's tail. Then
came an agonizing shock as my shootopened. I felt as if our being
torn to pieces. Green, red, and yellow lights flashed in my head
like a high score on a pinballmachine. A moment later, all motion
(19:55):
had ceased. I seemed to behanging in mid air. When I was
falling fast, going down, down, down, Oh a tree of all
places to land? Oh oh ohoh, so so this is France.
(20:23):
All I better get going. Gottameet somebody sooner or later. What's that?
Maybe that's all? Raise him,whoever he is. Charlie Jack,
(20:45):
Charlie Jack, Charlie Jack. CharlieJack. Hey, hey, wow the
United Press. That's right? Didyou have to push me out? Hell?
You went right out? Hey,where are we come on? We're
(21:06):
gonna find out. Look, lookover there, the Colonel's flair. Let's
go glad to see if a million. Hello Captain, I'm glad to be
here. Hello sir, Well,so far, so good. I guess
(21:26):
we're all here. Let's get going. Funny Where the Germans? I can't
tell you. It looks like wepulled a snake on them. Hey,
hey, somebody's coming where over there? It's a Frenchman. Hey you we
miss your Will you tell us whatyou know about Americans? Ha, we
knew you would come. What canyou tell us of enemy fars in this
(21:47):
area? They've all gone into theIntario. They're going to join Fosters in
the No. Can you beat that? A crowd inside? I'll be dog
gone. Yeah that captain, huhsounds like planes to the out planes hundreds
of reinforcements. We'll need them later. For one hour and forty minutes we
(22:22):
stood in awe watching one of thegreatest spectacles of the war, A great
fleet of transport planes and gliders droppingtroops into the valley. It was one
of the greatest shows of sheer airbornepower anyone ever saw. More and more
came roaring in without drawing a singleshot. The colonel said, in a
(22:44):
low voice, What a sight.That's all my heart can stand. It
makes you feel good, doesn't it? Familiar? Good? Captain? It
makes me want to sing the StarSpangled banner. Right right, You have
(23:29):
been listening to Paratrooper, the storyof the airborne invasion of Southern France,
as seen through the eyes of RobertVermilion. Other United Press correspondents are on
the world's battlefronts, ready to flashyou the news whenever and wherever it happens.
We will present another in this thrillingseries, Soldiers of the Press soon.
Be sure to listen. Meanwhile,look for United Press dispatches and your
favorite newspaper. Listen for United PressNews on the air. It is your
(23:53):
guarantee of the world's best coverage ofthe world's biggest news. You've been listening
to the GSMC Classics series, partof the Golden State Media Concepts podcast network.
Follow us at www dot gsmcpodcast dotcom and find all of our timeless
(24:15):
programming by typing GSMC Classics into anypodcast app including Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts,
SoundCloud, Stitcher, and more.Remember to subscribe to the GSMC Classics
Series podcasts of your choice to stayup to date on new episodes, and
if you could take a minute togive us a nice review, that really
(24:37):
helps us to get this ageless programmingout to others who would enjoy it just
as much as you have. Checkout all of our GSMC Classics Series podcasts.
Whether you're in the mood for comedy, romance, adventure, history,
science fiction, horror, or anythingin between, the GSMC Classics Series has
you covered. Thank you, andwe hope you have enjoyed today's pro program
(25:00):
on the Golden State Media Concepts PodcastNetwork.
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