Preserving Valor

This is a podcast episode about a Navy veteran named Peter Ragnar and his time serving on the USS Jason. We'll hear about his experiences in places like Japan and the Philippines, as well as the challenges he faced after leaving the military. Learn more at PreservingValor.com.

Welcome aboard, history buffs and adventure seekers, to our first season featuring a Navy veteran! Today, we meet Peter, a Navy veteran whose journey began not on the high seas, but with childhood ship models and a love for Star Trek. In this first episode, we follow the story of Peter's transformation. 1976 America. A young Peter, fueled by family legacy and a thirst for the unknown, finds himself drawn to the Navy – not as a pilot soaring high, but as a radioman; a tech wiz crucial for communication. Boot camp is little trouble for the accomplished high school athlete. Radioman School in San Diego offers a welcome change, where Morse code and radio equipment become his tools for future adventures. But where will those adventures take him?

Dipping back into history, Jay gives a brief history of Joshua L. Chamberlain, who served his country and state honorably during and after the American Civil War, while also granting respect to his enemies.

After having completed his combat tour, Wesley spent some time bouncing around the United States doing different odd jobs for the Army. Eventually, after the war ended, he returned home and met his future wife, got his degree, and had a successful career.

Wesley flew a harrowing 35 combat missions over Nazi-controlled Europe in 1944. As the radio operator in a B-17, he was responsible for communications, positioning information, dispensing chaff, and more. Subscribe to our weekly email at www.PreservingValor.com

Wesley arrives in England is assigned to Hell's Angels at Molesworth. He flies his first mission on July 6, 1944.

Wesley L., a WWII veteran, shares his experience training to become a radio operator in a B-17. He eventually served in the European theater of war and flew more than 35 missions.

In the final episode of his series, Stanley shares his experiences dealing with the harsh weather and close confines of the base in Thule, Greenland. Once back in the States, he was fortunate to have an air-conditioned space available as he reacclimated to the heat.

Stanley, concerned he would be caught up in the draft, volunteered for the Air Force in 1958. Little did he know he would end up being sent to Thule, Greenland, a base near the North Pole that served during the Cold War to protect the US from the Soviet Union.

After recovering from his wound, Brian was assigned to a post in West Germany, where he served until being caught in a RIF. After leaving the Army, however, Brian continued serving by joining the National Guard.

Brian was wounded in Vietnam, and spent time in hospitals in three countries during his convalescence. He also suffered some psychological impacts that he continues to struggle with.

Brian shares some of his more lighthearted experiences from his time in Vietnam.

Brian goes to Officer Candidate School, meets Rusty Calley, and starts telling us about his experiences in Vietnam.

Brian Vissers served in the US Army overseas in Vietnam and West Germany. In this episode, he tells us about enlisting and basic training.

Joe tells us about the end of the war in Europe, returning to the states, and his eventual return to the civilian workforce. He reflects on his time in the service and his experience of American society. Subscribe on Substack for extra content!

About the experience and impact of serving on RAF Rackheath, England, during WWII.

Before shipping out to Europe, Joe gets an emergency furlough to go home for his grandmother's funeral, and dodges the military police to make it to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The story of Joe Enrietti, World War II tail gunner in a B-24 Liberator. In this, the first episode, Joe answers the call to the U.S. Army Air Force, starts his training, and tragically loses his first crew to an in-flight accident.