Marker 01

Marker 02

On this episode of Our American Stories, before he was president, Gerald Ford was a rising football star at the University of Michigan. But in 1934, his loyalty was tested when Georgia Tech refused to play if his Black teammate, Willis Ward, took the field. Author and historian John U. Bacon shares this remarkable story of friendship, integrity, and a quiet act of defiance that helped shape Ford’s views on civil rights.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, before he was president, Gerald Ford was a rising football star at the University of Michigan. But in 1934, his loyalty was tested when Georgia Tech refused to play if his Black teammate, Willis Ward, took the field. Author and historian John U. Bacon shares this remarkable story of friendship, integrity, and a quiet act of defiance that helped shape Ford&rsquo;s views on civil rights.
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.

The Game Gerald Ford Never Forgot: Football, Racism, and a Moment of Defiance in 1934

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3542d63a-ea04-4106-94c5-b316014c9609/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti was able to keep and drive a meaningful memorial of his son, Jared, who was killed in action while defending his comrades. Those experiences later inspired the song “I Drive Your Truck,” recorded by country artist Lee Brice. Our own Lee Habeeb shares the story.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti was able to keep and drive a meaningful memorial of his son, Jared, who was killed in action while defending his comrades. Those experiences later inspired the song &ldquo;I Drive Your Truck,&rdquo; recorded by country artist Lee Brice. Our own Lee Habeeb shares the story.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Remembering Father and Son Whose Story Inspired the Hit Country Song "I Drive Your Truck"

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c6b223d7-6c5d-4e40-94dd-b3fb01660050/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, Malin Burnham, a San Diego business leader, shares his story of community development and philanthropy, including how he helped bring the USS Midway to San Diego and transform the retired aircraft carrier into the USS Midway Museum, now one of the city’s most visited landmarks and a lasting civic legacy.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, Malin Burnham, a San Diego business leader, shares his story of community development and philanthropy, including how he helped bring the&nbsp;USS Midway&nbsp;to San Diego and transform the retired aircraft carrier into the USS Midway Museum, now one of the city&rsquo;s most visited landmarks and a lasting civic legacy.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

How One Man Saved the USS Midway—and Brought It to San Diego

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/949f58a9-2a61-4450-a237-b3fb01660050/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, by the time the United States sent troops to Iceland, the war in Europe was already reshaping the Atlantic. Iceland declared neutrality, but its location placed it squarely inside the expanding European theater of World War II. Control of sea lanes, supply routes, and air coverage made the island too important to ignore.

The History Guy walks through the timeline that brought American forces to a neutral country and explains how this move fit into the larger World War II European campaign.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, by the time the United States sent troops to Iceland, the war in Europe was already reshaping the Atlantic. Iceland declared neutrality, but its location placed it squarely inside the expanding European theater of World War II. Control of sea lanes, supply routes, and air coverage made the island too important to ignore. The History Guy walks through the timeline that brought American forces to a neutral country and explains how this move fit into the larger World War II European campaign.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

When Neutral Iceland Became a Strategic Prize in WWII

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/37b9d7f3-da93-4bb3-8bb6-b3fb01660050/transcript

The Game Gerald Ford Never Forgot: Football, Racism, and a Moment of Defiance in 1934

In 1 playlist(s)

Our American Stories

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips