Military Intelligence

Operation Paperclip - Recruiting Nazi Scientists 

As WWII waned, the Allies raced to recruit German scientists and technology.   This was the highly effective  effort led by the OSS.   Among the scientists brought to America was Wernher Von Braun, who had developed the V-2.  Topics include: secret US interrogation centers, history of Paperclip (and related operations), Peenemunde, the Church Committee, declassified CIA research (Star Gate, MKULTRA), and related British and Soviet operations.  A detailed and fascinating examination of a major intelligence operation.

Military Tribunals in US History

Should terrorists be tried in US or military courts?   This facinating lecture explores one of the hottest issues facing our nation today by tracing the history of military tribunals from the American Revolution to the present.  An insightful and timely review of the lessons from history.

Civil War POW Camps - Andersonville, Elmira, Douglas

Neither the Union or Confederacy was equipped to handle POWs.  Camp conditions were horrid.   We will discuss the attrocities in the most notorious prisons on both sides and what led to them.  Prisoner parole and exchange will also be addressed.  A frank and facinating presentation.  

Bowe Bergdahl - No Soldier Left Behind     

A candid analysis of the hotly debated Bergdahl case.  Topics: the soldier;  criminal charges;  cost and benefits of the swap;  analyzing the "deal";  Taliban 5;  Rose Garden ceremony; Susan Rice;  politics and controversy. 

Guantanamo - History Revisited                  

History, geography, and demographics.  Most Americans know the politics of GTMO.  We will discuss how and why the US acquired the base.  Topics:  Cuban War of Independence; Havana and the USS Maine; Spanish-American War, Battle of Guantanamo Bay; Cuban Independence;  Cuban-American treaties.  A must if you plan to visit Cuba.                                 

Cuban Independence - Spanish-American War                    

Most Americas know little about early Cuban history.  With diplomatic normalization more Americans will be visiting Cuba.  This presentation will provide a glimpse into the origins of US-Cuban relations.  Topics:  Cuban War of Independence; Cuban land and sea battles during the Spanish-American War; why the US fought Spain; impact of public opinion; Havana and the USS Maine;  Santiago de Cuba; San Juan Hill; Rough Riders; Buffalo Soldiers;  Cuban Independence;  Cuban-American treaties.                                         

Puerto Rico - US Territory since 1898                  

History of the Commonwealth.  How it became US territory and current government structure.  Topics: early history; Columbus; Juan Ponce de Leon; Spanish rule; Spanish-American War; US naval/land battles; Bombardment of San Juan; forts; government: taxes; voting rights.  A great overview for anyone planning to visit.                               

Animal Warriors - Animals and the Military                        

How animals have been used in warfare (emphasizing the 20th century).  Topics: US canine training centers and animals used for transport, messaging, bomb detection, scouting, morale, weapons, and espionage.  We will discuss animal mascots and combat operations.  

Delayed Recognition - Minority Military Heroes  

Minorities and women have served honorably in every major US military action.  We will address their service from the American Revolution Thru WWII highlighting Medal of Honor winners, leaders, and units.  Part 1:  Fort Wagner, Buffalo Soldiers, Hell Fighters, Tuskegee Airmen, Black Panthers, Smoke Jumpers, Dorie Miller...  Part 2:  Hispanic Rangers, 442nd Combat Team, Code Talkers, Pappy Boyington, Ira Hayes, Molly Pitcher, Clara Barton, WACs, Waves, Wasps.

William "Wild Bill" Donovan      

Donovan was a lawyer, politician, and war hero who is one of the founders of US intelligence. His amazing story is one of intellect and bravery. This discussion traces Donovan's life as the director of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and the father of the CIA.  He was a visionary who identified weaknesses with US intelligence.  His observations have lessons for today.

Military Intelligence in Early US History    

Cloak and dagger is the second oldest profession.  It began with war itself.   This course examines the role of military intelligence in US history with particular emphasis on the American Revolution and Civil War.   It explores spies you know and some you don't.

Five Eyes

During WWII a unique intelligence agreement developed among the English-speaking Allied nations.  The consortium to share intelligence still exists and has grown considerably.  We will explore the history - past and present. 

Influential Speeches - WWII            

WWII was won and lost amid amazing speeches.  Some inspired nobleness, others exploited evil.   We will examine famous speeches, quotes, quips, and letters and the historical events surrounding them.  We will also cover Churchill's oratory "secrets".   Topics:  Churchill, FDR, DDE, Patton, "Wild Bill" Donovan, MacArthur, Joe Kennedy, Cordell Hull, Hirohito, Hitler, Goring, Nuremberg trials.     

Nuremberg - Military Tribunals    

Most Americas know Nazi leaders (Goering, Hess, Speer, Donitz ...) were convicted of war crimes at Nuremberg.  We will discuss the rest of the story.  There were 13 Nuremberg tribunals and hundreds more in the European occupied zones.  1,900 Nazis were tried - 330 were sentenced to death.  We will also examine the 2,200 Allied Tribunals held across the Pacific that tried 5,700 (mostly) Japanese war criminals.  920 were executed.  Included: role played by the US military, impact of US and British intelligence, and major cases/individuals. 
                 

Churchill's Secret Army       

Churchill created a special intelligence agency to set occupied Europe "ablaze" using "ungentlemanly" tactics.  His inspiration came, in part, from the Irish Republican Army which waged a guerilla campaign against British rule.  The Special Operations Executive (SOE) engaged in espionage, sabotage, assassination, reconnaissance, and along with the American OSS supported resistance movements.  SOE ran a spy school, Camp X, in Canada where OSS agents were trained in "murder and mayhem".  Many were women.  Camp X was also the site of Canada's code breaking program (Hydra).  Topics:  Intrepid; training; agents; operations (including the destruction of Nazi heavy water and the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich); and movies inspired by SOE missions.

Operation Paperclip - Recruiting Nazi Scientists         

As WWII waned, the Allies raced to recruit German scientists and technology.   This was the highly effective  effort led by the OSS.   Among the scientists brought to America was Wernher Von Braun, who had developed the V-2.  Topics include: secret US interrogation centers, history of Paperclip (and related operations), Peenemunde, the Church Committee, declassified CIA research (Star Gate, MKULTRA), and related British and Soviet operations.  A detailed and fascinating examination of a major intelligence operation.

Operation Downfall

Long before atom bombs were dropped on Japan, the US planned a 2-phased invasion of the Japanese home islands.  Set to begin Oct 45, it would have been the largest and most costly amphibious operation in history.  Topics:  plan detail; were atom bombs necessary; was Japan on the verge of surrender; deception plans; Japanese preparation for the expected invasion; casualty estimates; lessons from Okinawa and Iwo Jima; chemical weapons.

 Jewish Avengers - Nazi Executioners       

Nazi military might was formidable, but many Jews did not simply "go like lambs to the slaughter".  They resisted via sabotage, ghetto uprising, escape, camp revolts, and armed guerrilla fighting.  After the war some sought restitution.   Topics:  Jewish resistance;  Jewish groups who targeted Nazi war criminals during and after WWII;  Israeli assassinations;  the Dachau liberation "reprisals";  war crimes tribunals;  if the Allies did enough to help the Jews; the MV St. Louis.

 
Operation Drumbeat - Second Pearl Harbor       

During 1942 German U-Boats sunk 600 merchant ships - 400 off the US eastern and Gulf coast.  The US was not prepared to meet the U-Boat threat ; over 5,000 Allied seamen were killed.  This is the truly fascinating story most Americans do not know - but should.  We will discuss the Battle of the Atlantic and the Battle of the Caribbean.  Topics will include: Enigma; Civil Air Patrol; Q-Ships; U-Boat losses;  the Merchant Marine; Operation Pastorius; New Orleans, Miami; Jacksonville, New York, Cape Hatteras, Cuba.

Operation Teardrop -  US U-Boat Attack         

In Apr 45 Germany launched its last U-Boat attack against the US.  Teardrop was the US operation to sink the U-Boats before they could launch  V1 and V2 missiles on US cities.  Fascinating, little-known history.  Topics: the Nazi plan and propaganda; Enigma and ULTRA; Operation Paperclip; related Japanese plans; Maine, New York, Portsmouth, Boston.  

         
Captured U-boats - WWII Code War Victories        

U-boats and the Enigma code were formidable Nazi weapons.  Together they almost prevailed in the Battle of the North Atlantic.  We will explore the events inspiring the popular films U-571 and The Imitation Game.  Topics: impact of captured U-boats on the War of Wits; U-505, U-110; U-559, heroes of the code war; Dolphin and Shark;  US Naval Station, Bermuda.

Bermuda - Strategic Importance and the US Military          

Bermuda has been vital to the protection of the US Eastern seaboard and North Atlantic sea lanes.  We will explore the impact of "Lend-Lease" and the importance of US military bases.  Topics:  US military presence during WWI, WWII, and beyond; Destroyers for Bases agreement; Lend-Lease; "Wild Bill" Donovan and Joseph Kennedy; FDR, Churchill, Eisenhower; Bermuda Maritime Museum; U-505 and German POWs.  

Panama Canal - Military Defense         

Defense and security of the Canal has been a priority since before US construction began.  We will explore the US military protection the Canal from 1903 to present.  Topics:  treaties; the Canal Zone; US engineering, construction, and protection; Pacific and Atlantic fortifications; military vulnerabilities and response; WWII defenses; outlying defenses; planned enemy attacks; US military commands;  the defensive shield; Colon, San Juan, St Thomas, Central America.     

Operation Firefly - 555th Parachute Battalion      

Nov 44 - Apr 45 Japan launched 9,300 aerial attacks against the US using high attitude balloon bombs.   They landed in 17 states, killing 6 people.  We will discuss the Fu-Go bombs and the US defense - Operation Firefly.  The 300 black paratroopers of the "Triple Nickel"  trained to fight the Japanese, and did so, secretly, throughout the Pacific Northwest.  We will also address "super weapons" developed by the Allies and Axis powers - including intercontinental bombers; mega subs; missile subs; bat bombs, Unit 731, and Soviet anti-tank dogs.

Operation Underworld - WWII Mob Alliances      

As we entered WWII, the US Navy covertly elicited the aid of the Mob to stop spies, saboteurs, and dock strikes.  "Lucky" Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Albert Anastasia, and others answered the call.  We will discuss want led to the alliance, the impact, and the aftermath. 

 Battle of The Caribbean - 1942 U-Boat Offensive     

In 1942 U-Boats attacked ships off the US coast with impunity.  11 U-Boats and 5 Italian submarines also wreaked havoc throughout the Caribbean - attacking ships and land targets in an attempt to destroy Britain's oil supply.  Hundreds of Allied merchant ships were lost.  We will discuss the tactics and outcome.  Topics:  Martinique; Cuba; Haiti;  U-boats attacks on Aruba and Curacao.  

Caribbean Defenses - Impact of "Lend-Lease"       

Defending the Panama Canal and the Caribbean oil supply during WWII was crucial to the Allied war effort.  We will explore the role of the US Caribbean Defense Command and the bases built to protect the US and Caribbean via Lend-Lease in Mar 41.  Topics: US bases in Canada, Bermuda, Trinidad, British Guiana, Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas.
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Unique Missions of WWII       

3-part overview of little-known sensitive intelligence operations and classified Allied and Axis missions and programs:          Part 1:  ULTRA, MAGIC, Double Cross; Patton's mission to rescue his son-in-law; the mission to kill Rommel; spies; Allied interrogation centers;  Nazi interrogations; secret weapons.           Part 2:  Operations Underworld, Paperclip, Drumbeat, Mincemeat, Pastorious, Firefly, and others: the American German Bund; Axis interments; spies; Jewish resistance fighters; Nuremberg; secret weapons.            Part 3:   Fascists in the US Army; secret treason conviction; Tiger 131: Eddie Slovik; Operations Tonga, Neptune, Griffin; The Ghost Army; British SOE;  British Free Corps; Monuments men; the Wereth 11. 

US Naval Intelligence -  1941-42                  

Intelligence had significant impact on the initial US battles of WWII.   We will discuss the role played by naval intelligence at Pearl Harbor and the battles of the Coral Sea and Midway.  We will also examine the leaders and ships involved.   

Espionage and Counterintelligence During WWII                 

The impact of espionage and counterintelligence during WWII was significant. This discussion addresses intelligence successes and failures. Much about the intelligence war has only recently been declassified, and the events have lessons for today. 

British Commandos - Cockleshell Raids                  

This presentation addresses canoe commando raids during WWII.  It specifically discusses the raid on Bordeaux in Dec 42 and the two raids on Signapore harbor by British and Australian Z-Forces.  These were some of the most unique and courageous military operations in history. 

Unknown Internments of WWII                 

Many Americans do not known that Germans and Italians were interned along with Japanese.  This discussion includes the reasons for interning and relocating Axis aliens and the role that intelligence, especially MAGIC, played. 

Operation Werwolf – World War II Nazi Insurgency 

As World War II waned, the Nazis created a resistance force code named Operation Werwolf to oppose the Allies as they advanced and occupied Germany. Conceived in 1942, it was operational from October 1944 to 1947. Despite massive propaganda, it had minimal impact on the Allied occupation and inflicted increased hardship on the German people.  Topics include: Himmler; SS death squads; Heydrich; Werwolf operations – assassinations, assaults, sabotage; Werwolf Radio; Goebbels; Hitler Youth; League of German Girls; German Bund; and Operation Blacklist – U.S. occupation of Japan.

The "Bad" War - WWII's Pacific Theater                   

Revisionists claim the war in Europe was "good" while the war in the Pacific was racist.  This discussion addresses why the Pacific war was so brutal, internments, and the recent controversity about HBO's The Pacific.

Enrichment By Atrocity - Profit Via POW Abuse       

A provocative and detailed discussion of WWII war crimes and attempts by civilian and POW victims to obtain restitution.  Particular attention is paid to how the Axis treated US POWs.  Recently declassified information is included.  This frank and politically incorrect presentation addresses a unique and important aspect of history.  

Monument’s Men - Recovering Nazi Plunder

You may have seen the movie - now learn the real story.   The history and enormous accomplishments of this small, but unique, military unit are addressed.

Operation Lena

This little-known Nazi intelligence operation preceded the planned invasion of England.  it proved to be strategically important to British Intelligence.