On this episode of Our American Stories, she was built for war but became a beacon of memory. The USS Lexington (CV-16) launched into battle during the darkest days of World War II and earned her place in history through courage, endurance, and an uncanny ability to survive. Nicknamed the “Blue Ghost” by Japanese forces, she was reported sunk multiple times—but each time, she returned, ready for more. Today, the aircraft carrier serves as a museum in Corpus Christi, offering a tangible link to a pivotal era in naval warfare. Our American Stories contributor Anne Clare walks us through the enduring legacy of the Lexington.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) 

On this episode of Our American Stories, she was built for war but became a beacon of memory. The USS Lexington&nbsp;(CV-16) launched into battle during the darkest days of World War II and earned her place in history through courage, endurance, and an uncanny ability to survive. Nicknamed the &ldquo;Blue Ghost&rdquo; by Japanese forces, she was reported sunk multiple times&mdash;but each time, she returned, ready for more. Today, the aircraft carrier serves as a museum in Corpus Christi, offering a tangible link to a pivotal era in naval warfare.&nbsp;Our American Stories&nbsp;contributor Anne Clare walks us through the enduring legacy of the&nbsp;Lexington.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>&nbsp;

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

How the USS Lexington Became a Floating Symbol of American Resolve

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c7ac9cc3-a687-411c-80b6-b332015809eb/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, at six-foot-six and 250 pounds, Paul Bauer does not fit most people’s picture of a quilter. A few years ago, he took a stack of his late father-in-law’s T-shirts and stitched them into a quilt, expecting it to be a one-time project. But that first T-shirt quilt turned into a lasting hobby and, eventually, a way to honor those he holds close. Paul, a regular contributor to Our American Stories, joins us to share how he stumbled into quilting and how sewing quilts has helped him stay connected to the people he loves most.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, at six-foot-six and 250 pounds, Paul Bauer does not fit most people&rsquo;s picture of a quilter. A few years ago, he took a stack of his late father-in-law&rsquo;s T-shirts and stitched them into a quilt, expecting it to be a one-time project. But that first T-shirt quilt turned into a lasting hobby and, eventually, a way to honor those he holds close. Paul, a regular contributor to&nbsp;Our American Stories, joins us to share how he stumbled into quilting and how sewing quilts has helped him stay connected to the people he loves most.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Paul Bauer: The 6'6" Quilter from Minneapolis

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2cbfd379-24d5-45fb-88d8-b3fe0163611c/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, Curt Flood was one of the best center fielders in Major League Baseball. As a three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals, Flood built a reputation based on excellence.

Iin 1969, the Cardinals traded him to Philadelphia against his wishes. He refused to report. He challenged Major League Baseball’s reserve clause, the rule that tied players to one team and denied them the right to free agency. His case, Curt Flood v. Kuhn, went all the way to the Supreme Court.

Despite his best efforts, Flood lost the ruling and his career. But his stand opened the door for modern free agency and changed the business of baseball. Columnist George Will shares the story of Curt Flood, the player who risked everything to challenge the system.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, Curt Flood was one of the best center fielders in Major League Baseball. As a three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals, Flood built a reputation based on excellence. Iin 1969, the Cardinals traded him to Philadelphia against his wishes. He refused to report. He challenged Major League Baseball&rsquo;s reserve clause, the rule that tied players to one team and denied them the right to free agency. His case, Curt Flood v. Kuhn, went all the way to the Supreme Court. Despite his best efforts, Flood lost the ruling and his career. But his stand opened the door for modern free agency and changed the business of baseball. Columnist George Will shares the story of Curt Flood, the player who risked everything to challenge the system.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Curt Flood and the Lawsuit That Changed Baseball

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dd4220de-e2b4-4f0e-b9c5-b3fe0163611c/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, The USS Indianapolis left Guam in July 1945 after delivering critical cargo connected to the Manhattan Project. But before she could make it to her next destination, a Japanese submarine would strike the cruiser, leaving hundreds of sailors and Marines sinking in shark infested waters.

While the story gained popularity from Jaws, the details itself are more harrowing from the men who lived through it.

The story later reached a wider audience through Jaws, but the details come from men who lived through it. The late Edgar Harrell, the last surviving Marine from the downed ship, shares the real-life story of that fateful day.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, The&nbsp;USS Indianapolis&nbsp;left Guam in July 1945 after delivering critical cargo connected to the Manhattan Project. But before she could make it to her next destination, a Japanese submarine would strike the cruiser, leaving hundreds of sailors and Marines sinking in shark infested waters. While the story gained popularity from&nbsp;Jaws, the details itself are more harrowing from the men who lived through it. The story later reached a wider audience through Jaws, but the details come from men who lived through it. The late Edgar Harrell, the last surviving Marine from the downed ship, shares the real-life story of that fateful day.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Remembering The USS Indianapolis: The Worst Naval Disaster in American History

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/90cd4bfe-bacc-449c-8f13-b3fe01636121/transcript

How the USS Lexington Became a Floating Symbol of American Resolve

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