Podcasts about Wake Island

GB2RS News Sunday, the 6th of July 2025 The news headlines: Don't miss tomorrow's RSGB Tonight@8 webinar on UK Bunkers on the Air Get involved with the GR2HQ challenge RSGB appoints a new CW Champion The next episode in the Tonight@8 series is tomorrow, Monday, the 7th of July. During the webinar, Tony Hodge, M0TNI and Jason Dale, 2E0JIV, will discuss their journey into amateur radio, what they enjoy about it and how they got involved in UK Bunkers on the Air. UKBOTA  is a programme and awards scheme that encourages radio amateurs to activate Royal Observer Corps and other types of bunkers in the United Kingdom. The webinar will be livestreamed on the Society's YouTube channel and special BATC channel, allowing you to watch and ask questions live. Find out more by going to rsgb.org/webinars The IARU HF Championship contest begins in less than a week, and the RSGB Contest Committee is encouraging both individuals and clubs to get involved. During the contest, Headquarters Stations represent their countries, with the RSGB's station GR2HQ being run by a network of about a dozen stations around the UK and islands. Get involved with the GR2HQ challenge and work the stations between 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 12th of July and 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 13th of July. Certificates of Achievement will be available for all stations, and those stations achieving high scores will receive Certificates of Merit. For the full rules, go to the GR2HQ Challenge page on the Contest Committee website via rsgbcc.org RSGB Board Director Mark Jones, G0MGX, is delighted to announce that Laura Robertson, MM7BFL, has agreed to take on the volunteer role of the RSGB CW Champion. Laura will head up the RSGB's Morse-related activities and become an advocate for the use of CW. In her role, Laura will also help the Society to take CW to new audiences, with an emphasis on learning and development to further the skills of its members. Laura is a member of CWops and volunteers in the CW Academy team as a co-advisor, primarily assisting EU-based amateurs who are enrolled on the courses. She is often active on the HF bands using CW in POTA and SOTA activities, as well as from her home station. You can contact Laura via cw.champion@rsgb.org.uk. The RSGB has received a lot of interest in supporting this role, and in due course, it will be in contact with those who have said they would like to join a Morse support team. When was the last time you revalidated your licence? Ofcom notes that whilst it is a requirement to revalidate your licence every five years, it is recommended to do it annually. Put a reminder in your diary to revalidate your licence soon, as Ofcom has stated that it intends to implement phases two and three of the planned updates to the amateur radio licensing framework later this year. These phases include changes to new and Intermediate callsigns and rules for special event stations. You can find guidance on the process by going to the RSGB website and searching ‘licence revalidation'. As well as FAQs, you'll also find a link to a step-by-step video by Ofcom, which shows you the process of revalidating your licence using the online licensing portal. Bawdsey Radar Trust will be holding an event to commemorate the world's first airborne radar experiments. The event on Friday, the 15th of August, will take place at Adastral Park, the home to BT's research and innovation labs at Martlesham Heath in Suffolk. Presentation topics will include Radar Early Days, Airborne Radar and Family Histories. There will be two sessions open to members of the public. The morning session is aimed at people with little technical knowledge, and the afternoon session is for those with some technical knowledge. To find out more and book your ticket, go to bawdseyradar.org.uk  and click on ‘Radar in the Air'. If you're unable to attend this event, why not learn about radar history with a visit to the Bawdsey Radar Museum? Don't forget, as an RSGB member, you can save 20% on the ticket price. Visit rsgb.org/partner-museums  to download your voucher. This year, International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will run from 0001 UTC on the 16th of August to 2400 UTC on the 17th of August. The event usually attracts more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. Registration for the event is open at illw.net Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events Saffron Walden Radio Ham and CB Club Rally is taking place today, the 6th, at Lovecotes Farm, Chickney Road, Henham Village, Bishop's Stortford, CM22 6BH. Booking a table for today costs £10, and you can arrive from 8 am onwards. For more information, email g8swr1.5@gmail.com Barford Norfolk Radio Rally is taking place today, the 6th, at Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors. The event features trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a charity raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry costs £3 per person, but under 16s will be admitted free of charge. Outside pitches cost £8 and are available from 8 am. For more details visit tinyurl.com/Barford2025  or email David, G7URP at radio@dcpmicro.com The McMichael Radio & Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 13th of July at Oak Trees Event Field, Cocks Lane, Warfield, Bracknell, RG42 6JE. Traders are welcome from 8 am. The doors will be open for visitors from 9 am to 3 pm. The entrance fee is £4 per person. A trader's table costs £15 and this includes admission for two people. Now the Special Event news Special callsign GB70RS is in use to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RSGB's weekly news service GB2RS, which has been running continuously since the 25th of September 1955. A team of amateurs is using the callsign on a variety of bands and modes. QSL via the Bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. For more information, visit rsgb.org/gb70rs Members of Central Uusimaa Radio Amateurs Association, OH2AP, are active throughout 2025 as OF60AP to celebrate their club's 60th anniversary. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. For details of a certificate that is available for working the station, see tinyurl.com/oh2ap25 Now the DX news Don, KW7R, is active as V73KW from the Marshall Islands. He is there on a work assignment until September 2025. In his spare time, he operates CW and FT8 on various bands. QSL via Logbook of the World. George, VU2DGR, is active as AT44I from Bharati Research Station. He is a member of the 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. The station was spotted recently on the 20m band using SSB. QSL via home call. Now the contest news Today, the 6th, the 3rd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. RSGB VHF National Field Day started at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 5th and ends at 1400 UTC today, Sunday, the 6th of July. Using all modes on the 6m, 4m, 2m, 70cm and 23cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The RSGB VHF Fixed Station Contest started at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 5th and ends at 1400 UTC today, Sunday, the 6th of July. Using all modes on the 6m, 4m, 2m, 70cm and 23cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Tomorrow, the 7th, the RSGB 80m CW Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday, the 8th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday, the 8th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday, the 10th, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The GR2HQ Challenge starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 12th and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 13th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU Zone. The UK is in Zone 27. The IARU HF Championship starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 12th and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 13th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU Zone. The UK is in Zone 27. On Sunday, the 13th, the UK Microwave Group 24, 47, and 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 3rd of July 2025 It looks like the Space Weather Prediction Centre, which supplies the forecasts for NOAA, were overly cautious last week. Despite predicting geomagnetic disturbances, we had quite a calm week. The Kp index rose to 3.33 on a few occasions, but that was it. We ended up with settled geomagnetic conditions and a solar flux index in the 120s to 130s. A warning about the impact of a coronal mass ejection, or CME, which left the Sun on the 28th of June, appeared to come to nothing. This made a much-needed change to the unsettled conditions of previous weeks. As a result, maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs for short, over a 3,000km path have been above 21MHz at times. At night, MUFs over the same path have been consistently above 14MHz, which is normal for this time of year. In the summer, we can expect to see nighttime MUFs being consistently higher than in the winter, due to a change in ionospheric chemistry. Unfortunately, this also means that daytime MUFs are lower than in winter, leaving 28MHz open to Sporadic-E instead. According to DXMaps.com, it appears that most Sporadic-E openings on the 10m band have favoured the southeast of the UK towards Italy, Turkey and Greece. Back to F2-layer propagation now. On the 20m band, E51JD, operating from the South Cook Islands, was spotted on SSB by Laurie, G3UML, on Thursday morning. KH7AL/KH9 on Wake Island, and T30TTT on Kiribati, have also been worked on the 20m band using FT8. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the 125 to 145 range. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be quiet, apart from the period around the 11th and 12th of July, when the Kp index may rise to 4. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO This hot weather has provided some nice marine Tropo around the coasts recently as hot, dry air advects across the cooler, moist surface layer. We have also been able to see the duct move inland in the evenings. The hybrid weather pattern of low pressure to the north of Britain and high pressure to the south will continue to produce some Tropo paths, particularly across the Channel, Biscay and North Sea.  Northern areas of Britain will see occasional fronts and active weather systems, together with breezier weather, making Tropo unlikely here. The higher pressure to the south means that rain scatter may not feature much unless isolated thunderstorms develop when weak weather fronts eventually reach these southern areas. In the north, it's a different matter, and there could be some heavier rain that might produce some rain scatter on the GHz bands. Meteor scatter did well during June with several important showers to boost chances. July offers two showers. The first is the low-hourly-rate Alpha Capricornids, and the second is the Delta Aquariids. Both of these peak around the 30th of July, so we have a while to wait. There have been some minor auroral events recently, and it's always possible that solar activity could lift the Kp index high enough, but we are not expecting great things. Keep a check on the Kp index at spaceweather.com  to see if anything is happening. The Sporadic-E season has had occasional good days, but for much of the time, the focus of activity has been too far into Europe for the whole country to take advantage of it. To begin the coming week, the position of the jet streams suggests paths to northern Europe and the Baltic will offer best results. Later in the week, the emphasis shifts to the Balkans and Italy, and then to Iberia. The Moon reaches apogee tomorrow, the 7th, where path losses are at their highest. Moon declination is negative all week, with the lowest, or the most negative, on Wednesday, the 9th. 144MHz sky noise is moderate but increasing to a high of around 2,300 Kelvin on Wednesday. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

On December 8th, 1941, Japanese forces attacked Wake Island. The Americans were outmanned and out gunned, but fought hard for 15 days before surrendering. Sgt. Pearsall and his fellow Marines were taken as prisoners of war, and spent 3 ½ years at a prison camp in China during WWII.  Sergeant John Edward ‘Swede' Pearsall served in the Marines as a part of the 1st Defense Battalion, D Battery on Wake Island in 1941.  Wake Island is located 2,458 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. knew a Japanese attack was coming, so men were stationed on the island to protect it.  On December 8th, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese attacked Wake Island. The Battle of Wake Island lasted for a little over two weeks until American forces surrendered in order to protect civilian lives.  After the surrender, Sgt. Pearsall and his fellow Marines were almost executed before the Japanese decided to take them as prisoners. They would eventually be taken on a prison ship to Yokohama Harbor, and then transported to Wusong China, where they would spend three and a half years in a prison camp.  At the camp, conditions were brutal. They had little water to drink or bathe with, were beaten often, were not adequately fed, and were forced to do physical labor. During the interview, Pearsall had this to say about the camps: “Starvation, I found, was the toughest thing. The beatings you took. Almost daily, you took beatings from the Japanese, but you kind of became punch-drunk, so to speak. You expected them and you lived with them. But starvation you don't live with. When you're hungry, you're hungry 24 hours a day. You go to sleep hungry. You wake up during the night hungry, and you're hungry all day. Starvation is one of the toughest things we found to face. The work and labor that they made us do was tough, but the food was totally inadequate for the work and to sustain life. Myself, I went from a 200 pound Marine. When the war ended, I weighed somewhere around 85 pounds, so that when the war finally came to end, there wasn't much left of us. We couldn't have sustained life, under the food we were getting, much longer.” Finally on Easter Sunday, 1945, American forces arrived and liberated the camp, saving Sgt. Pearsall and his fellow prisoners. Upon arriving home, Pearsall was awarded the Purple Heart. To learn more about J. Edward Pearsall and the Battle of Wake Island, check out ⁠Son of Wake Island⁠. It's written by J. Edward Pearsall's son, David Pearsall, with the help of his father and the other surviving defenders of Wake island. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here!Patch 11.2 "Ghosts of Koresh" takes us to the shattered homeworld of the Ethereals where we must prevent the return of the Void Lord Demencius who threatens to consume Azeroth. This cosmic journey introduces new systems, a new raid, and continues The War Within's story while setting the stage for the next expansion.• BFA Timewalking and Delves are the current bonus events• Classic Ashran brawl removes reinforcements, victory only through boss defeat• Patch 11.2 continues The War Within campaign on the Ethereal homeworld of Koresh• Demencius is a Void Lord who destroyed the Ethereals' planet and now threatens Azeroth• Tazavesh returns as a player hub protected by energy shields• New Reshi Wraps artifact allows transformation into ethereal energy form• Phase diving lets players experience new aspects of Koresh through ethereal form• Ecological Succession system helps Venari restore life to eco-domes• New raid Mana Forge Omega features 8 bosses culminating with Demencius• The Soul Hunters optional encounter hints at possible third demon hunter spec• Season 3 introduces hero talent-based tier sets instead of class-based sets• Vanquisher's Wake Island added as a new world PvP locationThe podcast will be moving to a weekly schedule, releasing on Fridays. Follow me on Twitter/X for updates on episodes, check out my arena gameplay on TikTok, and watch live streams on YouTube.Hope you all enjoy and hope you relate to any of these stories. And I will speak to you all in the next episode!Want some 3D printed Merch, find it here!https://pigandwhistletales.etsy.comSupport the show here:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1196870/supportpatreon.com/Pigandwhistlehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/PigandWhistleSocials :Twitch : https://www.twitch.tv/pigandwhistletalesYoutube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOi6rHO3x90lOmmb82Jv1wWebsite : https://www.pigandwhistletales.com/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/pigandwhistletales/Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/PigAndWhistleTalesTry out Buzzsprout yourself! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1154066Listen to the podcast on other platforms:https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/pig-whistle-tales-from-azeroth-gabriel-nsa902LrQVw/https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/pig-whistle-tales-from-azeroth-1315927https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZTkLtQvRSm4PStUfZquWkhttps://podcastaddict.com/podcast/3032607The Music at the start is from Tony CatThe Gaming BlenderWe mash genres. We pitch games. You question our sanity.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSupport the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1196870/support patreon.com/Pigandwhistle https://www.buymeacoffee.com/PigandWhistle

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Choosing an unconventional path, his journey began with dropping out of college to immerse himself with a job on Wake Island, gaining valuable experiences that would later infuse his writing with a distinctive perspective. Returning to the United States, he started a dynamic career as a project manager for several prestigious architecture firms, coupled with a venture into real estate by flipping houses.​The allure of exploration took center stage when Cory made the bold decision to sell everything and traverse the globe for two transformative years. This period of travel not only broadened his horizons but also laid the foundation for a successful entrepreneurial endeavor. Cory established and grew a business into a multimillion-dollar venture, eventually selling it to pursue a shared dream with his wife, Kate.Marriage to Kate marked the beginning of another adventure as the couple once again divested themselves of possessions to embark on a two-year journey through South America. During this time, Cory and Kate not only explored the breathtaking landscapes but also dedicated themselves to volunteering and trekking, fostering a deep connection with the communities they encountered.​In 2020, Cory Mortensen penned "The Buddha and the Bee," a captivating work that became a bestseller and earned acclaim with numerous book awards. This success was followed by the publication of "UNLOST," a top 100 bestseller and recipient of multiple book awards, further establishing Cory as a notable voice in contemporary literature.​Cory's writing seamlessly weaves together the threads of personal experience, cultural exploration, and a profound sense of purpose. Their work continues to resonate with readers worldwide, offering a unique blend of storytelling that transcends boundaries and inspires a deeper understanding of the human experience.Visit https://www.thebuddhaandthebee.com/ for more information and to learn more about the books. You can also read the books for free on Amazon Kindle.Thank you for watching and listening to our show! For more episodes, visit www.the-overland-podcast.comNo pro's just bro's. Here we go!

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Last time we spoke about the invasion of Iwo Jima. In March 1945, as the Pacific War raged, the US Marines began and invasion of Iwo Jima while Allied forces advanced across the Philippines. The Japanese formed the 32nd Army to defend the island, but faced shortages of supplies and equipment. They mobilized Okinawan civilians for support and constructed extensive fortifications. The Americans launched Operation Iceberg, neutralizing enemy air facilities in the Ryukyus, Kyushu, and Formosa. Task Force 58 and other air forces struck Japanese targets, while Spruance's 5th Fleet prepared to land Buckner's 10th Army. Initial landings occurred in the Kerama Islands, followed by the main assault on April 1 on Okinawa's Hagushi beaches. Despite heavy bombardment, Japanese defenses remained concealed. The Americans encountered minimal resistance initially, but the stage was set for a bloody and brutal battle. This episode is Yamato's Last Stand Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  As we last left off, Admirals Turner and Spruance successfully landed over 60,000 troops from General Buckner's 10th Army on the Hagushi beaches of Okinawa with minimal resistance. In response, General Ushijima's main forces remained inactive in their underground positions in the south, having effectively endured the continuous naval and air assaults from the enemy. However, under pressure from higher authorities in Tokyo and Formosa, the 32nd Army began to develop plans for a general counteroffensive aimed at the Yontan and Kadena airfields, utilizing nighttime infiltration and close combat tactics. The primary response, however, was expected to come from the air. As part of Operation Ten-Go, all Army and Navy air forces stationed in the Home Islands were to focus their efforts in the East China Sea to execute a series of coordinated mass air strikes against enemy transport and carrier task forces, collectively referred to as the Kikisui attacks. Japan's wartime terminology exploited the distinctively poetic and euphemistic nature of the Japanese language. The informal term kamikaze actually means “divine wind.” Specifically, kamikaze refers to the typhoons that miraculously wrecked Kublai Khan's Mongol–Koryo invasion fleets in 1274. Like “blitzkrieg”, the unofficial term “kamikaze” was mostly used by Allied journalists. The IJN and IJA officially called suicide attack units tokubetsu kogekitai, meaning “special attack unit.” This was usually shortened to tokkutai, with tokko both noun and adjective meaning “special” i.e. suicide. Kikisui was the codename for the ten mass kamikaze attacks off Okinawa against the Allied fleet. Kikisui means “floating chrysanthemum,” which was the war emblem of legendary 14th-century samurai Masashige Kusinoke, a national exemplar of sacrificial devotion to the Emperor. Ten-Go had been initiated on March 26, following the initial landings on the Kerama Islands; however, by the time of the invasion, Admiral Toyoda's disorganized Combined Fleet was unable to carry out any large-scale kamikaze attacks, as it was still consolidating approximately 3,000 aircraft in Kyushu. Additionally, encouraged by Emperor Hirohito, Toyoda momentarily sanctioned a dramatic, one-way suicide mission involving the superbattleship Yamato and Rear-Admiral Komura Keizo's 2nd Destroyer Squadron, aimed at destroying Spruance's invasion fleet. This surface attack mission, codenamed Ten-Ichi-Go and led by Vice-Admiral Ito Seiichi of the 2nd Fleet, vaguely suggested that if Yamato reached Okinawa, she would ground herself as an artillery platform while her crew disembarked as naval infantry. Nonetheless, the chances of success for this mission were slim; it was primarily intended for the Imperial Japanese Navy to maintain its honor. On April 2, while General Watson's 2nd Marine Division conducted another demonstration off the southeast beaches, American forces prepared to advance eastward. In the south, benefiting from ideal weather and minimal resistance, the 17th Regiment secured the highlands overlooking Nakagusuku Bay and extended its patrols to the bay's shoreline. The 32nd Regiment eliminated a strongpoint south of Koza using tanks and then aligned with the 17th. The 381st Regiment advanced through Shimabuku but faced enemy resistance in and around Momobaru. Meanwhile, the 383rd Regiment captured a hill just south of Momobaru after a fierce battle and also took a ridge northeast of Futema with support from airstrikes, artillery, and tanks. In the north, however, General Geiger's Marines faced challenging terrain and supply issues. The 1st Battalion, 29th Marines moved north to secure the unoccupied Zampa Misaki area, where Turner later established a radar station. The 22nd Marines advanced quickly eastward throughout the day against light opposition, successfully securing the Nagahama beaches alongside the 6th Reconnaissance Company. On the other hand, the 4th Marines met with steadily mounting resistance. At 1100 a platoon of 3/4, entering the mouth of a steep ravine was met by a sharp fusillade of small-arms fire, which revealed a series of mutually supporting caves on both sides of the draw. In the fire fight that ensued, 12 wounded men were isolated and not recovered for four hours. "Every means of painlessly destroying the strongpoint was unsuccessfully tried and it was finally taken by a typical 'Banzai' charge, with one platoon entering the mouth of the draw and one platoon coming down one side of the two noses that formed the pocket."  The 1st Marine Division continued its advance with little resistance to the Ishimmi-Kutoku line, also extending southward to Chatan, while the 1st Marines moved past the 5th Marines toward Chibana. With approximately 6,000 yards separating General Del Valle's main frontline units from the 7th Division, General Arnold decided to send Colonel Roy Greene's 184th Regiment to fill this significant gap. At sea, Admiral Mitscher's Task Force 58 launched a strike against Amami Oshima, sinking three vessels and damaging two others, while also witnessing four warships collide and sustain damage. In retaliation, Admiral Ugaki's Kyushu aircraft force conducted sporadic kamikaze attacks, resulting in damage to five transports. The next day, General Hodge's 24th Corps shifted its focus southward. The 17th Regiment secured the rear areas and captured Awase, while the 32nd Regiment advanced approximately 5,000 yards along Nakagusuku Bay to occupy Kuba and establish its lines in front of Hill 165. The 381st Regiment took control of Kishaba and Atanniya but failed in its assaults on Hill 165 and Unjo. Meanwhile, the 383rd Regiment swiftly occupied Isa, Chiyunna, and the Futema high ground. Looking north, Del Valle dispatched the 1st Reconnaissance Company to scout the area along the corps boundary, sweep the Katchin Peninsula, and patrol back up the east coast to the village of Hizaonna. This maneuver enabled the 1st Marines to advance quickly in formation and reach the sea wall overlooking the northern end of Nakagusuku Bay by nightfall. Concurrently, the 5th Marines moved forward and successfully occupied Agina and Tengan; the 7th Marines gained around 2,700 yards of enemy territory and ultimately reached Hizaonna, although Company K became lost and was ambushed. The 4th Marines navigated the challenging terrain and light enemy resistance to secure the significant hill mass behind Yontan airfield, located 3,000 yards short of the east coast. The 22nd Marines advanced and successfully captured Nakadomari, along with a position 400 yards south of that line. Meanwhile, the 6th Reconnaissance Company, supported by armored units, crossed the Ishikawa Isthmus to the village of Ishikawa, where they faced mortar fire. At sea, Mitscher's aircraft carriers targeted Okinawa, sinking two vessels and damaging two others. In response, Ugaki was finally able to launch a preliminary mass Ten-Go air attack, with 119 aircraft causing damage to the escort carrier Wake Island, the destroyers Bennett, Prichett, and Foreman, the minesweeper Hambelton, and two landing craft. Due to significant advancements, Geiger successfully deployed Colonel Victor Bleasdale's 29th Marines to take control of the Yontan airfield and other rear areas. To the south, Del Valle's units moved toward the eastern shore of Okinawa, with the 1st Marines occupying the Katchin Peninsula without facing any resistance, while the 5th and 7th Marine Regiments secured the coastline in their designated zones. Further south, after splitting the island in two, Hodge began advancing toward Naha, targeting the hill mass stretching from Urasoe-Mura to Hill 178 and Ouki. In response, General Bradley positioned Colonel Macey Dill's 382nd Regiment in front of Nodake, while the 184th Regiment moved through the 381st in the Attaniya-Unjo area. For the initial push toward the Uchitomari-Tsuwa line, the 383rd Regiment advanced quickly from Isa to Mashiki, where they were ultimately halted by heavy fire from the south. The 382nd advanced over two miles south from Nodake along the eastern boundary of the division, while Arnold's forward units lagged about two miles behind due to moderate resistance at a high, wooded ridge parallel to the coastline just west of Kuba. Meanwhile, at sea, Ugaki launched only sporadic kamikaze attacks, which resulted in damage to the destroyer Wilson near the Kerama Islands. Additionally, two American vessels collided while Task Force 58 targeted Okinawa, and later that night, a suicide boat attacked and sank an LCI gunboat. In the Attaniya-Unjo area, the 383rd Regiment made a swift advance from Isa to Mashiki as part of the initial push towards the Uchitomari-Tsuwa line. However, the following day marked the onset of fierce resistance on Okinawa, with the 383rd Regiment struggling to make headway against the formidable Japanese defenses on Cactus Ridge. Meanwhile, the 382nd Regiment continued its advance southward against a series of fortified positions, achieving gains of approximately 400 yards to the east and 900 yards to the west. The 184th Regiment moved through Arakachi but was halted by intense and precise fire from a rocky outcrop located about 1,000 yards southwest. The 32nd Regiment finally managed to capture Castle Hill before pushing more than two miles along the coast to a point east of Ukuma. To the north, while the 1st Marine Division shifted to a primarily defensive posture, the 6th Marine Division conducted active reconnaissance toward the Motobu Peninsula, advancing the front to the Atsutabaru-Chima line. Additionally, a patrol from the 1st Marines on the Katchin Peninsula crossed the reef to seize Yabuchi Island swiftly. At sea, there were no kamikaze attacks that day as Ugaki and Toyoda prepared to launch the main phase of Operation Ten-Go, although an Okinawa shore battery managed to hit the battleship Nevada. Unbeknownst to the Japanese, American intelligence had successfully intercepted Combined Fleet codes, allowing them to anticipate the details of the surface Ten-Ichi-Go attack. Consequently, Spruance's warships were prepared for the imminent departure of Ito's “Surface Special Attack Force,” which was executed a few hours later. Additionally, Ushijima was instructed to initiate a strong counterattack the following day to coincide with Ten-Ichi-Go and the first Kikisui attack, but he firmly rejected this order and called for the cancellation of the unnecessarily suicidal surface attack. During the night, as Admiral Blandy's minesweepers completed the perilous task of clearing the vast areas of Chimu and Nakagusuku Bays, the Fleet Marine Force Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion landed on the northern coast of Tsugen Island to gather intelligence on enemy positions. Upon their arrival in the early hours of April 6, they encountered machine-gun and mortar fire, which ultimately compelled the battalion to retreat to the beach and reembark. Simultaneously, the 4th and 29th Marine Regiments advanced through the 22nd Marine Regiment, with the 29th Marines moving up the west coast in formation and reaching Chuda by noon, while the 4th Marines progressed along the eastern coastal road, successfully advancing seven miles toward Madaira. Further south, the 383rd Regiment continued its assault on the fortified enemy positions at Cactus Ridge, pushing forward relentlessly until they secured the western half by nightfall. The 2d Battalion, 383d Infantry, made frontal assaults through intense mortar fire to gain the ridge. "We figured," S/Sgt. Francis M. Rall later wrote, "that the way to get out of that knee mortar fire was to get to where it was coming from. So we stood up in waves, firing everything we had and throwing hand grenades by the dozen, and charged the Jap position." By such tactics the 2d Battalion gained the western half of Cactus.  Over the next two days, the 382nd Regiment advanced slowly east of the Ginowan road, facing fierce resistance from the Tombstone and Nishibaru Ridges. After a 10-minute artillery bombardment, two companies of the 1st Battalion, 184th Regiment climbed nearly to the summit of the Pinnacle but were ultimately pushed back by strong resistance from caves and underground strongholds. Undeterred, Company B continued frontal assaults while Company C maneuvered up the western approaches to surprise the determined defenders. This strategy proved effective, with Company C reaching the top without sustaining any casualties and then methodically eliminating the remaining Japanese troops using white phosphorus grenades and flamethrowers. As the Pinnacle was being captured, the 32nd Regiment advanced across the coastal flatlands with minimal resistance to maintain contact with the 184th Regiment. On this day, Task Force 58 returned to sea, launching strikes on Okinawa and the Daito Islands, while Admiral Rawlings' Task Force 57 targeted the Ishigaki and Miyako Islands. Meanwhile, Japanese aerial reconnaissance identified two American carrier groups near Okinawa, prompting Ugaki to initiate his first mass Kikisui attack, sending hundreds of Japanese aircraft to assault Mitscher's carriers. US carriers unleashed a combined 19 USN and four USMC squadrons to blunt the onslaught. Swirling, running dogfights developed around noon and lasted through sunset. April 6 may have started slow, but by evening it had developed into one of the greatest aerial confrontations of all time. American CAPs overwhelmingly massacred the poorly trained Japanese attackers; Mitscher's Task Force 58 fighters claimed 249 Japanese planes for just two lost—a staggering 125-to-1 kill ratio. Yet the kamikaze pilots' grim determination was chillingly apparent. According to VF-82's action report: “Of all the enemy planes encountered, not one returned fire, all remained on course, boring in toward the surface vessels. The only evasive action offered was jinking, and the majority of the aircraft were obsolete models as can be seen by the list [of] destroyed. Primary danger to our pilots was collision or getting in the path of a friendly plane's fire.” Essex's VF-83 (36 Hellcats) and VBF-83 (36 Corsairs) combined for 69 kills, while Belleau Wood's 24 VF-30 Hellcats shot down 47. Belleau Wood's skipper, Captain Red Tomlinson, duly signaled Task Group 58.1's Rear Admiral Joseph J. Jocko Clark: “Does this exceed the bag limit?” Clark responded, “Negative. There is no limit. This is open season. Well done.” The US carrier fighters' 275 kills was thus the war's 4th-highest 1-day total. 13 US pilots achieved ace status (scored their 5th kill) on April 6, with 4 becoming “ace-in-a-day.” 10 pilots claimed 4 kills, while another 17 shot down 3 each. Combined with anti-aircraft fire, the Americans destroyed 355 Japanese planes. However, even significant aerial victories could not prevent the devastating kamikaze assaults, with approximately 182 Japanese aircraft in 22 groups attacking Spruance's 5th Fleet that afternoon. This led to 24 kamikaze planes sinking the destroyers Bush and Colhoun, as well as three transport ships, and inflicting further damage on the light carrier San Jacinto, 12 destroyers, three destroyer minesweepers, and one minesweeper. Friendly anti-aircraft fire also caused damage to battleship North Carolina, light cruiser Pasadena, and destroyer Hutchins. Despite the extensive damage, four new escort carriers arrived off Okinawa that day, bringing the first 222 fighters of Major-General Francis Mulcahy's Tactical Air Force, stationed at Yontan airfield. Meanwhile, the Yamato force set sail at 15:24 towards Okinawa, but within 45 minutes, a B-29 spotted them in transit. Submarine Threadfin then detected Ito's strike force moving through the Bungo Strait at 17:45. As Ito's force rounded Kyushu to the southwest, it was monitored overnight by submarine Hackleback, which sent four additional contact reports and was pursued three times briefly by one of Yamato's escorting destroyers. Concerned about a potential mass Kikisui attack on April 7, Spruance ordered Mitscher's carriers to concentrate on thwarting Japanese air assaults while tasking Admiral Deyo's Task Force 54 with intercepting Ito's strike force. At 06:20, April 7, six Zeros of the 203rd Kokutai arrived over Yamato as CAP. 14 total Zeros would relay in small groups over the Yamato task force, but all would depart as scheduled by 10:00. The Americans already knew the exact CAP schedule of Yamato's fighters, a later US intelligence memo dryly observing, “They left too soon.” At 08:32, an Essex Hellcat reported the Yamato task force southwest of Koshiki Retto at a heading of 300 degrees. The Yamato group was doing 22kts and deployed in a diamond formation, with Yamato in the center and Yahagi astern. Yamato simultaneously reported that she had been sighted. Visibility was highly variable, with patchy overcast. Within minutes, two VPB-21 PBM-3 Mariner flying boats (based at Kerama Retto with seaplane tender Chandeleur) arrived and began shadowing Yamato and radioing situation reports. Meanwhile, Mitscher duly reported the Yamato sighting to Spruance, before dispatching 16 additional fighters at 09:15 to track Yamato. Shortly after Yamato's CAP had departed, at 10:14, the Japanese discovered the two shadowing PBM-3 Mariners, and simultaneously reported a US submarine stalking the task force—this was Hackleback, which had managed to catch back up with the zig-zagging Japanese. Three minutes later, at 10:17, Yamato turned towards the Mariners and opened fire with her awesome 18.1in. Sanshikidan anti-aircraft shells. Yahagi also opened fire, and additionally began jamming the Mariners' transmissions. The Mariners retreated into the clouds unharmed at 10:18, and Yamato and Yahagi ceased fire. To his chief-of-staff, Commodore Arleigh Burke, Mitscher announced: “Inform Admiral Spruance that I propose to strike the Yamato sortie group at 1200hrs unless otherwise directed.” The grizzled aviator desperately wished to sink Yamato, but he likely suspected that Spruance, riding New Mexico, intended his beloved dreadnoughts claim one last moment of glory. “Will you take them or shall I?” Mitscher pressed. Spruance's response: “You take them.” At 10:00, the carriers of Task Groups 58.1 and 58.3 launched the first wave of 282 aircraft, although only 227 managed to locate Ito's strike force as they navigated through challenging, overcast weather. At 11:07, Yamato's radars detected the large formation approaching from 63 nautical miles away, prompting Ito to increase speed to 25 knots. Within eight minutes, the formation closed to 44 nautical miles, leading the Japanese to initiate sharp evasive maneuvers. Bennington's Lieutenant-Commander Hugh Woods' airborne radar detected the Yamato task force some 25nm away from its predicted location, and the US strike altered course. Five minutes later, the Americans made visual contact through a hole in the patchy 3,000ft overcast, a Hornet pilot recalling, “Yamato looked like the Empire State Building plowing through the water.” Yamato cruised in the center, flanked by destroyers Kasumi, Suzutsuki, Hamakaze, and Yukikaze. Light cruiser Yahagi was in the van, followed by destroyers Hatsushimo, Isokaze, and Fuyutsuki. The first American aviators encountered the destroyer Asashimo, which had been experiencing machinery issues for five hours and had fallen 12 nautical miles behind the main task force to the north. San Jacinto's seven Hellcats dove against Asashimo, but the crippled destroyer threw up notably heavy flak. The Hellcats' 1,000lb bombs closely straddled Asashimo, buckling the destroyer's hull plating. The Hellcats then repeatedly strafed the destroyer, causing large fires that quickly silenced Asashimo's guns. San Jacinto's eight Avengers then made a textbook attack run at 300ft, dropping torpedoes from 1,200 to 1,600yds range. Trailing a wide oil slick, the crippled Asashimo attempted to comb the torpedoes, but one struck beneath her bridge and a second hit near her engine room. Successive explosions blew Asashimo partly out of the water and broke her in half. Asashimo sank at 1213hrs, going down with all 330 men. She had lasted three minutes against San Jacinto's attack. Twelve miles ahead, Yamato lookouts spotted the incoming aircraft at 12:32, which then spent the next five minutes circling just outside the range of Japanese anti-aircraft fire to coordinate their strike plan. Around this time, Yamato also raised Togo's iconic Tsushima flag signal: “On this one battle rests the fate of our nation. Let every man do his utmost.”At 12:37, the circling planes launched their coordinated assault on Yamato and her escorts, focusing on the superbattleship's port side in an attempt to capsize her. US fighters repeatedly strafed Yamato with their 5in. rockets and 0.50cal. machine guns, decimating Japanese antiaircraft batteries and slaughtering exposed antiaircraft crews. The intense carnage and chaos that followed suppressed careful targeting and further ravaged Japanese gunners' morale. Yamato was maneuvering hard at her flank speed of 27kts, when at 1240hrs four Bennington Helldivers from VB-82 delivered two 1,000lb bombs near Yamato's mainmast. The first bomb exploded in Yamato's crew quarters. The second detonated near Yamato's aft command station and caused serious damage, destroying one of Yamato's two air search radars, her after secondary gun director, and several 25mm antiaircraft guns. The subsequent fires shortly reached the powder handling area beneath Yamato's after 6.1in. turret and detonated the readyuse propellant. The resulting conflagration virtually exterminated the 6.1in. turret crew, but flash doors prevented the explosion from reaching the rest of the magazine. Nevertheless, the explosion killed the area's entire damage control party, meaning the resulting fire would rage uncontrolled for the rest of the battle. The Americans lost one Helldiver. At 1243hrs, eight Hornet Avengers launched torpedo attacks against Yamato's port side, covered by 14 Bunker Hill Corsairs strafing Yamato with rockets. Antiaircraft fire hit six Avengers, destroying one, but at least three torpedoes hit the water. The first two torpedoes missed, but at 1245hrs the third torpedo slammed into Yamato's port side, opening her hull to 2,235 tons of seawater. Japanese damage control counterflooded with 604 tons of water to correct the list. Attempting to draw US attackers from Yamato, Hara's light cruiser Yahagi had maneuvered away from the Japanese battleship, steaming hard at 35kts. US strafing had already ricocheted machine gun bullets around Yahagi's bridge, killing a lookout. Watching the attack unfold, Hara admitted, “The spectacle was at once thrilling and terrifying.” Meanwhile, Bennington's Lieutenant-Commander Ed De Garmo led three Avengers against Yahagi. At 1246hrs, De Garmo's Avengers delivered Yahagi her first hit and it was a devastating one. A single torpedo struck Yahagi in the engine room, killing the entire engineering crew. Yahagi was left dead in the water nine minutes into the battle. Destroyer Isokaze subsequently sped towards Yahagi to take off Rear Admiral Komura. Meanwhile, around 56 aircraft targeted Yamato's escorting destroyers, leading to multiple torpedo hits that split Hamakaze in two; Isokaze was bombarded with bombs; Fuyutsuki suffered minor damage from two dud rockets; and Suzutsuki was struck by a bomb that severed her bow. The first wave of attacks concluded at 12:50, as Ito sought to reorganize his forces and evaluate Yahagi's status. Shortly after 13:00, a second wave of 50 aircraft appeared, managing to hit Yamato's port bow with a bomb at 13:23 and inflicting several bomb hits near the battleship's bridge. Additionally, two bomb hits and several near misses critically damaged the destroyer Kasumi, leaving her dead in the water and ablaze. At 1333 the third wave of US attackers arrived, comprising 110 new Yorktown, Intrepid, and Langley aircraft from the delayed TG-58.4 strike. The Americans now overwhelmingly focused on the reeling Yamato. Twenty Avengers attacked Yamato's portside. Around 1337, the third wave saw three confirmed torpedo hits on Yamato's portside, plus a fourth probable hit, increasing her portside list to 15–16 degrees. Stationed on Yamato's bridge, Ensign Mitsuru Yoshida recalled, “I could hear the Captain vainly shouting, ‘Hold on men! Hold on men!'”. Aruga had no option but to flood Yamato's starboard machinery spaces, where hundreds of engineers toiled to keep Yamato underway. Water, both from torpedo hits and the flood valves rushed into these compartments and snuffed out the lives of the men at their posts, several hundred in all. Caught between cold sea water and steam and boiling water from the damaged boilers, they simply melted away.” Aruga's drastic measure reduced Yamato's portside list back to five degrees, but exhausted her last starboard counterflooding capacity. Having lost one shaft and gained 3,000 tons more water, Yamato's speed fell to 12kts. At 1342hrs, TG-58.4 Avengers dropped another four torpedoes. Yoshida marveled, “That these pilots repeated their attacks with such accuracy and coolness, was a sheer display of the unfathomable, undreamed-of strength of our foes!” Yamato shot down one Avenger, but two torpedoes plowed into Yamato's portside, making five torpedo hits in five minutes. The Americans had intentionally targeted Yamato's stern to wreck her steering, and the gamble paid off. Yamato's rudders were now disabled, jamming her in a permanent starboard turn. Any chance of reaching Okinawa was gone. Reduced to a speed of 8 knots and unable to maneuver, the stricken Yamato became an easy target. Around 14:02, Mitscher's relentless carrier planes inflicted at least four more bomb hits, disabling most of Yamato's remaining operational anti-aircraft guns as the battleship helplessly circled. As a result, Ito canceled the Ten-Ichi-Go attack and promptly ordered all his warships to rescue survivors and attempt to retreat to Japan. The sinking battleship was then deserted, except for Ito and Captain Aruga Kosaku, who chose to go down with their ship.  Throughout the battle, a stoic Ito had sat silently with arms crossed on Yamato's bridge, unflinching as bullets ricocheted around him, slaughtering his staff. Ensing Yoshida Mitsuru now observed that Ito “struggled to his feet. His chief of staff then arose and saluted. A prolonged silence followed during which they regarded each other solemnly.” Ito then told his staff, “Save yourselves. I shall stay with the ship.” Ito then shook hands deliberately with his officers, retired to his sea cabin one deck below, and locked it behind him. Meanwhile, with Yamato's pumps no longer functioning, alarms began to blare: temperatures in the 18.1-inch magazines were approaching dangerous levels. By 14:20, the capsizing Yamato's main deck was vertical to the ocean. Captain Aruga, eating a biscuit given to him by a rating, tied himself to a binnacle on Yamato's bridge. As Yamato capsized, surviving men clambered across her keel, a crazed, half-naked officer screaming and brandishing his samurai sword at the Americans.  Meanwhile, the Americans continued pummeling the helpless Yahagi, which “quivered and rocked as if made of paper,” recalled Captain Hara. The stricken Yahagi suffered repeated hits. “My proud cruiser,” Hara brooded, “was but a mass of junk, barely afloat.” Around 1400hrs Yahagi took the decisive torpedo hit, triggering a clearly fatal starboard roll. Hara finally ordered, “Abandon ship.” At 1405hrs, one minute after receiving her last bomb, Yahagi capsized and sank, having somehow absorbed at least 12 bombs and seven torpedoes. Captain Hara and Rear Admiral Komura calmly stepped into the water as Yahagi sank from beneath them, only barely surviving the sinking Yahagi's undertow. Now clinging to floating wreckage, the exhausted Hara observed “scores of planes swarming about [Yamato] like gnats.” By 14:20, the capsizing Yamato's main deck was vertical to the ocean, and three minutes later, the sinking dreadnought exploded catastrophically before finally disappearing beneath the East China Sea. Yamato's capsizing motion had likely forced open her 18.1in. powder room doors, allowing fires into the battleship's magazines. An American gunner described the explosion as “the prettiest sight I've ever seen … A red column of fire shot up through the clouds and when it faded Yamato was gone.” The detonation killed most Yamato survivors still struggling in the water and may have destroyed several US aircraft. The Americans' exact score will never be known, but Yamato had certainly absorbed seven bombs and nine to twelve torpedoes out of 150 torpedoes dropped. The US planes departed at 1443, but not before issuing “a few farewell strafing runs across the Yamato survivors.” Destroyers Suzutsuki, Fuyuzuki, Yukikaze, and Hatsushimo rescued 1,620 men, including Hara and Komura, before successfully returning to Japan. Additionally, the disabled destroyers Isokaze and Kasumi were scuttled by Yukikaze and Fuyuzuki, respectively. By the end of the action, the combined losses for Ten-Ichi-Go totaled 4,242 Japanese lives. Meanwhile, Ugaki had launched a second mass kamikaze attack around noon, sending 132 aircraft towards Task Force 58. Although Mitscher's fighters shot down 54 attackers, the kamikazes managed to damage the fast carrier Hancock, the battleship Maryland, the destroyers Bennett and Wesson, and a motor minesweeper. The initial Kikisui operation resulted in the deaths of 485 Americans and left 582 wounded. The significant losses over the two days hindered Ugaki from launching another large-scale Kikisui attack for five days. Meanwhile, back in Okinawa on April 7 and 8, Hodge continued his offensive in the south. In Bradley's sector, the 383rd Regiment persistently executed banzai charges against the remaining enemy strongholds on Cactus Ridge until the entire area was secured by American forces. They then advanced toward Kakazu Ridge, where they faced even stronger resistance. The 382nd Regiment made a slow but steady push forward, ultimately being halted by intense fire across a broad front just north of Kaniku and Tombstone Ridge.  The fighting in the 7th Division's sector on April 7 centered on a low, bare hill 1000 yards west of the town of Minami-Uebaru, called Red Hill because of its color. The enemy had made a fortress of the hill by constructing his usual system of caves and connecting trenches. A frontal assault on Red Hill by troops of the 3rd Battalion failed in the face of machine-gun and mortar fire. In a 2nd attempt, 3 platoons of tanks supported the attack. 10 medium and 5 light tanks advanced through a cut toward Red Hill; 2 tanks were blown up by mines and 1 was satchel-charged as the column moved toward the hill and up the sides. Intense enemy artillery and machine-gun fire drove the infantry back and disabled more tanks. Japanese swarmed in among the armor and tried to destroy the tanks with satchel charges and flaming rags. 2 medium tanks held off the attackers, the defending crews resorting to hand grenades, while the rest of the operative tanks withdrew. The 14th Independent Battalion headquarters proudly described this action as a perfect example of how to separate troops from tanks and thus break up the American infantry-tank team. The enemy dispatch stated: "The above method of isolating the troops from the tanks with surprise fire followed by close combat tactics is an example in the complete destruction of enemy tanks and will be a great factor in deciding the victories of tank warfare." After these 2 reversals the 3rd Battalion made a wide enveloping maneuver to the right. Behind fire from artillery and supporting weapons, the troops drove toward Red Hill from the west and occupied it, suffering only 2 casualties in the move. Once more a Japanese outpost had shown its strength against a frontal attack and its vulnerability to a flanking maneuver. The capture of Red Hill left another sector of enemy territory open for the taking. The troops advanced 100 yards south before digging in. A platoon of tanks conducted a remarkable 4000-yard foray almost to Hill 178 and withdrew safely, despite a bombing attack by two single-engined Japanese planes. The following day, the 184th continued its advance southward under heavy fire, managing to take Triangulation Hill after two fierce assaults. Simultaneously, the 32nd Regiment captured Tsuwa as it extended the front along the coastline. By the night of April 8, the 24th Corps had sustained 1,510 battle casualties while inflicting 4,489 Japanese fatalities and capturing 13; they had finally reached the formidable perimeter of the Shuri fortified zone. Looking north, on April 7, the Fleet Marine Force Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion landed on Ike Island, encountering no opposition. Subsequently, Company B was dispatched to secure Takabanare Island, while Company A took control of Heanza and Hamahika Islands. During the night, Company B reembarked, maneuvered around Tsugen Island, and landed on Kutaka Island, where they also found no enemy presence. Simultaneously, the 32nd Regiment captured Tsuwa as it expanded the front along the coastline. By the evening of April 8, the 24th Corps had incurred 1,510 battle casualties. On the same day, Shepherd advanced north with minimal resistance, as the 29th Marines successfully reached Nago while the 4th Marines moved through Henoko. Ahead of the division, the 6th Reconnaissance Company traveled up the west coast road to the village of Awa and then crossed the base of the Motobu Peninsula to Nakaoshi, encountering and either destroying or scattering several enemy groups along the way. As the reconnaissance zone was extended westward on April 8, clear signs, confirmed by aerial observations and photographs, indicated that the enemy had chosen the rugged mountains of Motobu as their defensive position. As a result, the 22nd Marines were deployed across the island from Nakaoshi to Ora to protect the right flank and rear of the 29th Marines attacking westward, while the 4th Marines assembled near Ora to support either the 29th on Motobu or the 22nd in the north. The 2nd Battalion, 29th Marines probed westward, moving across the base of Motobu and occupying the village of Gagusuku. Additionally, the reserve 1st Battalion at Yofuke successfully secured Yamadadobaru and Narashido, facing heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire at the latter location. The following day, the 29th Marines advanced in three columns to locate the enemy's main force at Motobu; all columns encountered resistance, revealing that a significant enemy force confronted the division in the area stretching from Itomi to Toguchi. On April 10, the 2nd Battalion, 29th Marines captured Unten Ko, where the Japanese had established a submarine and torpedo boat base; the 3rd Battalion took Toguchi and sent patrols into the interior, while the 1st Battalion advanced through Itomi and uncovered well-fortified positions on the high ground north of the village. On April 9, the 184th Regiment successfully captured Tomb Hill in the south following an artillery and air bombardment, while the 32nd Regiment took control of several finger ridges to the east that oversaw the approaches to Ouki. The Japanese-held area in front of the 383rd Regiment offered the enemy an ideal combination of defensive features. A deep moat, a hill studded with natural and man-made positions, a cluster of thick-walled buildings behind the hill; these were the basic elements of Kakazu stronghold. The enemy had exploited each one of them. Moreover, Kakazu, unlike such outposts as the Pinnacle, was an integral element of the Shuri fortified zone and a vital rampart that could expect reinforcements and heavy fire support from within the ring of positions that surrounded the 32nd Army headquarters, only 4000 yards to the south. Between the Americans and Kakazu lay a deep gorge, half hidden by trees and brush, which could be crossed only with difficulty. The Kakazu hill mass itself, which was made up of two hills connected by a saddle, stretched northwest-southeast for 2000 yards, sloping on the west toward the coastal flat and ending on the east at Highway 5. Just below Kakazu Ridge on the southeast was the town of Kakazu, a compact group of tile-roofed structures, each surrounded by hedges and stone walls and somewhat in defilade to the adjoining open fields. In and around the Kakazu hills the Japanese had created one of their strongest positions on Okinawa. Mortars dug in on the reverse slope were zeroed-in on the gorge and on vulnerable areas between the gorge and the crest of Kakazu. Several spigot mortars also protected the hill. In an intricate system of coordinated pillboxes, tunnels, and caves Japanese machine-guns were sited to cover all avenues of approach. The enemy was also supported by many artillery pieces within the Shuri fortified zone. The heavy walls and the hedges of the town of Kakazu-and eventually its rubble-afforded the Japanese countless defensive positions. Concurrently, the 383rd Regiment initiated its first coordinated assault on Kakazu Ridge, with Companies A, C, and L swiftly reaching the summit by dawn without detection. However, the surprised defenders quickly launched a fierce counterattack, ultimately forcing Companies A and C to withdraw. Company L, positioned on Kakazu West, continued to fend off enemy counterattacks alone until late afternoon when the exhausted unit had no choice but to retreat. The next day, Brigadier-General Claudius Easley proposed a "powerhouse attack," where the 381st Regiment would assault Kakazu West from positions south of Uchitomari while the 383rd would press on Kakazu Ridge from positions north of the gorge. Following a heavy artillery bombardment, the assault commenced, with the 2nd Battalion of the 381st Regiment rapidly fighting through strong enemy defenses to secure the crest of Kakazu West. However, the 383rd was struggling to make headway, prompting Colonel May to direct his two battalions to execute flanking maneuvers. Although the eastern encirclement was unsuccessful, May's 3rd Battalion managed to cross the gorge at the northern base of Kakazu West to join Colonel Halloran's 2nd Battalion on the crest. Both units then attempted to advance eastward in heavy rain, but relentless Japanese counterattacks forced them back to Kakazu West. Stalemated, Easley eventually ordered Halloran's 1st Battalion to move through May's 3rd Battalion to attack southeast along Kakazu Ridge, but this assault was also repelled by the determined defenders. At the same time, the 382nd Regiment launched its primary assault on Tombstone Ridge, advancing southwest with three battalions in formation but managing to gain only a few hundred yards to the west as fierce defenders thwarted their main offensives against the hills held by the Japanese. Meanwhile, to the east, the 32nd Regiment attempted to advance into the town of Ouki without success, while the 184th Regiment on the heights defended against minor counterattacks, sealed off caves, and solidified their positions. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The battle for Okinawa is really heating up, showcasing to the Americans they would be paying dearly for every foot they took off the island. Meanwhile the last stand of the super battleship Yamato would form a legend encompassing the defiant spirit of Japan as well as producing one of the most bizarre science fiction animes of all time.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

  Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Choice Classic Radio presents Lux Radio Theater which aired from 1934 to 1955. Today we bring to you the episode titled "Wake Island.” Please consider supporting our show by becoming a patron at  http://choiceclassicradio.com We hope you enjoy the show!

  Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

The practice of growing plants in water rather than soil isn't new, though early examples are difficult to substantiate. In the 1930s, hydroponic plant culture made headlines, but the field also had conflict among researchers. Research: Bacon, Francis. “Sylva sylvarum; or, A natural history, in ten centuries. Whereunto is newly added the History natural and experimental of life and death, or of the prolongation of life.” London. 1670. https://archive.org/details/sylvasylvarumorn00baco/page/116/mode/2up Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Hanging Gardens of Babylon". Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Jan. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/place/Hanging-Gardens-of-Babylon Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "chinampa". Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May. 2017, https://www.britannica.com/topic/chinampa Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Julius von Sachs". Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Sep. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Julius-von-Sachs. Ebel, Roland. "Chinampas: An Urban Farming Model of the Aztecs and a Potential Solution for Modern Megalopolis". HortTechnology hortte 30.1 (2020): 13-19. < https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04310-19 Gericke, W. F. “The Complete Guide To Soilless Gardening.” Prentice Hall. 1940. https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.271694/page/n1/mode/2up Gericke, W. F. “The Meaning of Hydroponics.” Science101,142-143. 1945. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.101.2615.142 "General Mills' Big Gamble on Indoor Farming." Dun's Review. 1979. https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/files/card-image/DunsReviewGeneralMillsImage.jpg “Growing Crops Without Soil.” United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural research service. June 1965. https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/files/card-image/RaisingCropsWithoutSoil1965_0.jpg Hall, Loura. “NASA Research Launches a New Generation of Indoor Farming.” NASA. Nov. 23, 2021. https://www.nasa.gov/technology/tech-transfer-spinoffs/nasa-research-launches-a-new-generation-of-indoor-farming/ Hoagland, D.R. and D.I. Arnon. “The Water-culture Method for Growing Plants Without Soil.” Berkeley. 1950. https://archive.org/details/watercultureme3450hoag/page/n5/mode/2up “A Hydroponic Farm on Wake Island.” Science87,12-3. (1938). DOI:1126/science.87.2263.12.u Janick, Jules et al. “The cucurbits of mediterranean antiquity: identification of taxa from ancient images and descriptions.” Annals of botany vol. 100,7 (2007): 1441-57. doi:10.1093/aob/mcm242 Silvio, Caputo. “History, Techniques and Technologies of Soil-Less Cultivation.” Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99962-9_4 Singer, Jesse. “A Hydroponics Timeline. Garden Culture Magazine. Feb. 8, 2021. https://gardenculturemagazine.com/a-brief-overview-of-the-history-of-hydroponics/#:~:text=1627:%20Sylva%20Sylvarum,Chemist%20Jean%20Baptist%20van%20Helmont Stanhill, G. "JOHN WOODWARD—A NEGLECTED 17TH CENTURY PIONEER OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY". Israel Journal of Plant Sciences 35.3-4 (1986): 225-231. https://doi.org/10.1080/0021213X.1986.10677056 Stuart, Neil W. “About Hydroponics.” Yearbook of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1947. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/yoa1947/page/289/mode/2up Taylor, Judith. “National Nutrition Month: Hydroponics feed ailing WWII Army Air Forces personnel.” Air Force Medical Service. March 26, 2014. https://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/News/Article/582803/national-nutrition-month-hydroponics-feed-ailing-wwii-army-air-forces-personnel/ “Plants Without Soil.” Brooklyn Eagle. Feb. 28, 1937.https://www.newspapers.com/image/52623587/?match=1&terms=hydroponics “Hydroponics.” Courier-Journal. March 2, 1937. https://www.newspapers.com/image/107727971/?match=1&terms=hydroponics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

  Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :)   Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

The rejection of Dome was a bigger than just her. Selena Zito's great thanksgiving meal. The kind of mentality we need to head up the FBI. The next FBI pick could have Jesse doing backflips. Wake Island. Cheeseburgers don't need bacon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve's mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show's gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show's popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC's distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell's covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s Hollywood, starring in classic films like Beau Geste (1939) and Wake Island (1942), and even earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Beau Geste. In addition to his success in film, Donlevy was a major figure in the development of Dangerous Assignment, both as the star and as a key producer for the television adaptation. His tough-guy image made him a natural fit for the role of the action-packed American agent, and he remained a popular figure in postwar television, contributing to numerous anthology series like Kraft Theatre and Lux Video Theatre. Conclusion: Dangerous Assignment remains a notable chapter in both radio and television history. The series was a standout example of 1940s and 1950s action-adventure storytelling, blending espionage, drama, and international intrigue. Thanks to Brian Donlevy's magnetic performance, Dangerous Assignment continues to be remembered as a thrilling and influential series that helped set the stage for future espionage-themed shows and films.

A Dramatic SaturdayFirst a look at the events of the dayThen The Lux Radio Theater, originally broadcast October 26, 1942, 82 years ago, Wake Island starring Brian Donlevy, Broderick Crawford, and Robert Preston.  A war drama about the relatively undefended Pacific Island attacked by the Japs shortly after Pearl Harbor. We follow that with Presenting Charles Boyer, originally broadcast October 26, 1950, 74 years ago, The Paris-Marseilles Highway.  Michel helps a family to find a lost cow.  But the poor cow has been struck by a car. Michel comes up with a scheme to replace the cow. Then The Shadow starring William Johnstone, originally broadcast October 26, 1941, 83 years ago, The Devil's Hour. The Devil is summoned on Halloween, at midnight!Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast October 26, 1948, 76 years ago.   Claudia decides on a cow.Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

1941-12-24_Fall_Of_Wake_Island_clip

This podcasts focuses on the battles with Japan in the Pacific. The Pacific Theater was the largest theater of the war. The Japanese referred to the Pacific Theaters as the Greater East Asia War. The Pacific theater presented an entirely different strategic landscape.  The US was joined by Great Britain & China in defeating the empire of Japan. British troops consisted of a large number of colonial troops from their territories. Troops from India, Burma (present day Mayanmar, Malaya now known as Malaysia, Fiji, Tonga; Troops from Australia, New Zealand and Canada played a pivotal role as well. Japan attacked the American territories of Hawaii, the Philippines, Guam, and Wake Island and the British territories of Malaya, Singapore, and Hong Kong.   Stretching over vast oceanic expanses, it was characterized by its remote, far-flung island territories, which required lengthy and complex naval and air operations. We do not want to ruin all of Jeananne's comments, so take a listen and share with your friends!   There is always more to learn, ] Jimmy & Jean

During the attack on Pearl Harbor, numerous American installations across the Pacific region are attacked by the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. With the outcome of their survival unknown, the American people anticipate complete disaster. Determined to strike back, the American people discover a way to get back at the Empire of Japan in a way previously thought to be impossible. Find out how one group of U.S. Marines on defending Wake Island gave the enemy a run for their money, providing hope and confidence in the hearts of those at home thousands of miles away. Brett's Call-to-Action Follow us on:  Instagram @Americafogofwar   TikTok @america_fogofwar Become a Member for more insider content Follow Civil War Trails — www.civilwartrails.org/    Hosts Colby Sumner        Brett Thomas                 Host                        Host   

After months of criticism about the fight card, 300 indeed ended up being the best martial arts card in history, and launched fan favorite and fighter's fighter Max Holloway to instant superstardom after he knocked out Justin Gaethje in the final five seconds of a five round right, for the coveted BMF title, arguably the grandest and most artistic knock-out in history. Alex Pereria, light heavy weight champion, also knocked out challenger Jamahal Hill in the first round. To discuss the ramifications of UFC 300, we are joined by friend of the SP Kurt and host of the Wake Island podcast Paul K. PATREON LINK SOUNDTRACK The Crazy World of Arthur Brown "Come and Buy"  Anarchy Condoms "Fuck Escape" Type O Negative "Black No. 1"  Westside Gunn "Raisen Bagel"  Cockney Rejects "Teenage Fantasy" LINKS: Wake Island Podcast Wake Island at Twitter: @WakeIslandPod Kurt at Twitter: @KurtUnchained

Last time we spoke about Operation Reckless, Operation Persecution and the Japanese retreat in New Britain. General Douglas MacArthur unleashed his two amphibious assaults, opening up the Western New Guinea Campaign. Both Operation Reckless and Persecution achieved complete surprise upon the Japanese. Múltiple Japanese units already performing withdrawals were caught into a chaotic new flight when the allies landed and began seizing key territory such as Hollandia and Aitape. The Japanese commanders fell into disarray leaving some to seize command and order further withdrawals in the face of hopeless battles. Yet again, forces already used to retreating through rough terrain without adequate provisions, were hitting the jungle track. Morale was all but collapsing in New Guinea. Over on New Britain matters were similar as the Japanese continued to retreat under heavy pressure from American patrols. Competent commanders would lose their lives beside their men in another hopeless battle.  This episode is the Drive for Myitkyina Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  Operation Reckless and Persecution were tremendous successes. There was very little opposition for the men advancing upon Hollandia, the Japanese simply did not even attempt to defend their well developed defenses there. The drive towards Hollandia's airfields was led by the 1st Battalion, 186th regiment. From Leimok Hill to Brinkman's Plantation, they did encounter opposition, but it was scattered and uncoordinated. Colonel Oliver Newman was very cautious, he believed thousands of Japanese were still around the airfields. Just before they came across the airfields, they found large, undefended Japanese supply dumps. This would be one of many Japanese supply dumps captured through the following days, as General Eichelberger recalled “There were more than six hundred supply dumps. There were clothing dumps as high as houses. There were ammunition dumps everywhere. There were pyramids of canned goods and tarpaulin-covered hills of rice which looked like Ohio haystacks. There were saki and beer. There were tons and tons of quinine and other medical supplies, which, as a result of our landing, never reached the Japanese troops at the front. I believe Hollandia was the richest prize—supply wise—taken during the Pacific War”. These types of discoveries indicated the Japanese were extremely desperate. By May 4th, Major General William Gill's 32nd Division had just arrived at Aitape to relieve the 163rd regiment, who were earmarked to take part in the next amphibious assault. The terrain, alongside the weather was dreadful at Hollandia, making it impossible to provide the needed airfields suitable for heavy bombers without some legendary engineer work. General MacArthur considered it necessary to seize and develop new heavy bomber airfields in the Wakde-Sarmi-Biak region in order to neutralize enemy bases in the western Caroline. To be honest given the track records of these amphibious assaults in causing absolute mayhem for Japanese commanders, forcing them to keep on running, it was a great idea to keep the pace up. With the knowledge General Tagami's 36th Division was still in the region and that the enemy might still seek to reinforce that said area before the allies could land there, MacArthur initially planned to send the full 41st Division against Wakde-Sarmi on May 15th, once the Hollandia fields were ready to support the amphibious assault. However supply congestion at Hollandia's beaches was thwarting such designs. Admiral Barbey proposed that D Day be postponed until May 21 and gave two reasons for the postponement. First, tides would be higher in the Wakde area on the 21st than on the 15th. Second, postponement would allow orderly and complete preparations to be made. Congestion was severe at the Hollandia beaches, where the bulk of the 41st Division was to stage. Lack of lighterage and beach space, combined with an inadequate road net, hampered unloading of equipment, supplies, and troops which were pouring into the Hollandia area. The arrival of such supplies and units, some of which had to be reloaded for Wakde-Sarmi, seriously interfered with mounting the 41st Division. As such, General Krueger decided that the operation could be started no earlier than the 16th but that unless important strategic considerations dictated otherwise, the 21st would be much preferable. Additionally, a number of engineer and air force organizations were scheduled to arrive at Hollandia on the 12th, either for employment there or to be staged for Wakde-Sarmi. The shipping bringing these units to Hollandia was needed to support the Wakde phase of the new operation, which could not begin until the vessels were reloaded. As beach congestion at Hollandia remained a major problem, this reloading could not be accomplished quickly. It was therefore proposed that the Wakde landings be postponed at least another day to the 17th. Although MacArthur initially approved the proposed delay, new aerial photography of the coastal area from Sarmi eastward to Wakde indicated the ground conditions of the region were not suited for heavy bomber airstrips. Thus MacArthur decided that the Sarmi portion of the operation should be axed and instead they would focus on Wakde Island slated for D-day May 17th. 10 days after the capture of Wakde, or as soon as the airfields were repaired, the allies would next hit Biak, where more suitable airstrip sites were known to exist. General Doe thus prepared the Wakde Landings, Codenamed Operation Tornado while General Fuller's remaining regiments were expected to seize the airdrome areas on Biak. Over on the other side, General Anami planned to send the 36th division over to perform an immediate counterattack against Hollandia, but was denied. General Adachi over to the east had more freedom to act. The 18th Army had found itself cut off from all provisions and supplies, thus deprived of every possibility of rejoining the 2nd Area Army west of Hollandia, for the crucial defense of Western New Guinea. Because of this Adachi reasoned the best move for his 55,000 troops was to perform some quick actions before their strength was sapped out. Thus on April 26th, Adachi ordered the 20th, 41st and 51st Divisions to prepare a counterattack against the enemy beachhead at Aitape. Adachi hoped such a bold action against his enemy's rear might force a major diversion of the enemy eastwards, in turn hampering their drive against Western New Guinea.  Now back in mid-February the Japanese were adjusting their forces in the Central Pacific. They had established the 31st Army in Saipan, formed around the 52nd and 29th Division, led by Lt General Obata Hideyoshi. The bulk of the 52nd division, led by Lt General Mugikura Shunzaburo had landed in Truk mid-February, Lt General Takashina Takesi's 29th Division meanwhile were still in the progress of traveling to the Marianas, escorted by the destroyers Kishinami, Asashimo and Okinami. The bulk of the division departed Busan on February 24; but the convoy would be torpedoed some 200 km south of Okidaitōjima by the submarine Trout on February 28. The 18th Regiment, led by Colonel Monma Kentaro suffered 1657 deaths, including its commanding officer, and 570 wounded. Because of this the 18th regiment was landed at Saipan to recover; 50th regiment was diverted to land at Tinian under the command of Colonel Ogata Keiji and the 38th regiment was sent to Guam on March 4th. Allied submarine interceptions of these troop movements was no mere coincidence. The submarine activities were frequently guided by 'Magic' intelligence relating to ship movements which was collected by intercepting and decrypting encoded radio transmissions. The IJN routinely broadcast the location and intended route of convoys under its protection, and decrypting these messages allowed Allied naval commanders to alert submarines in the vicinity of convoys. The submarine commanders were free to plan their interception and attack where conditions were most favorable. The IJN's faulty anti-submarine doctrine also contributed to Japan's shipping losses. The Navy had placed a low priority on protecting merchant shipping from submarine attack before and during the early years of the war and convoys were not routinely assembled until 1943. Vast swathes of Japanese shipping was being sunk in early 1944. There were two large reasons for this. Number 1) obviously the IJN was greatly diminished and thus allied submarines were operating further into enemy territory. Number 2) fixing the torpedo issue, yes those pesky Mark 14s/15s were now hitting hard and providing enormous results. In response to this emerging crisis, the Japanese established the Grand Escort Fleet Headquarters, under the overall command of Admiral Oikawa Koshiro, to coordinate convoys and implement a standard doctrine. The first order of business was to increase the average size of Japanese convoys from 5 ships to "large" convoys of 10 to 20 ship in order to assign more escort ships to protect against enemy submarine activity. To further reinforce the Central Pacific, the Japanese also created nine expeditionary units from the forces of the 1st and 7th Kwantung and 8th Korean Armies. They also decided to assign the 14th and 43rd Divisions of Lieutenant-Generals Inoue Sadae and Saito Yoshitsugu to General Obata's command, designated Truk Sector Group. To support them, the IJN decided to combine the 4th Fleet and the 14th Air Fleet on March 4th to form the Central Pacific Area Fleet, under Admiral Nagumo. Between March-April, the 31st Army was assigned the priority for shipping, so Nagumo would send a total of eleven large convoys collectively known as the Matsu Fleet to bring said reinforcements to the Central Pacific. Though the deadly American submarines would hunt relentlessly to prevent these reinforcements, they would only be able to sink the light cruiser Tatsuta, the destroyer Asanagi, six transports and one submarine chaser, so the Matsu Fleet was considered as largely successful.  By mid-April the success of the Matsu Fleet allowed the IJN to allocate more shipping to the 2nd Area Army. Thus the Take-Ichi convoy was formed to carry the 32nd division of Lieutenant-General Ishii Yoshio and the bulk of the 35th division to Western New Guinea. The large convoy consisting of 15 transports was escorted by an unusually strong force under Admiral Kajioka consisting of minelayer Shirataka; destroyers Asakaze, Shiratsuyu, Fujinami and Kuri; Mikura-class escort ship Kurahashi; Type D escort ships No. 20 and No. 22; gunboats Ataka and Uji; minesweepers No. 22 and No. 101; and submarine chasers No. 37, No. 38 and Tama Maru No. 7. They departed Shanghai on April 17th enroute for Manila. Unbeknownst to the Japanese allied code breakers were decrypting their radio signals and managed to figure out the convoys departure and arrival points. The Submarine Jack was given the coordinates and intercepted Kajioak's convoy around nightfall of April 26th. Jack fired 19 torpedoes from long range, managing to sink the 5425-ton freighter SS Yoshida Maru No. 1, which was carrying the entire 210th Regiment of the 32nd Division. 3000 soldiers and their commander Colonel Koike Yasumasa all drowned with the ship. Its moments like these I always find myself taking a step back. Thousands of men fighting on all these islands in the Pacific, absolute carnage in places like New Guinea, Guadalcanal, later on Peleliu….one submarine and woosh, a regiment gone. The allied submarine campaign during the Pacific War, did a lion's share of work, horrifying work. War is a horrible thing.  The remaining convoy ships continued to Manila, arriving there on April 29th. Upon reaching Manila, however, Lieutenant-General Ishii Yoshio learned that his 32nd Division was reassigned to the 2nd Army to further reinforce western New Guinea, so a new convoy of eight transports would resume the journey to New Guinea on May 1st, carrying the bulk of the 32nd and 35th Divisions. You can bet after hearing what happened to the 210th regiment on the Yoshida Maru, these men were dreading to sail again. They had every reason to feel that dread, as the American intelligence operators figured out the convoys departure and arrival information again. They pinpointed the convoys route, speed, daily noon positions, everything. This time the submarine Gurnard intercepted Kajioka's convoy in the Celebes Sea on May 6. Gurnard's captain, Commander Herb Andrew  submerged his boat and made a cautious approach to avoid detection by aircraft. He reached a firing position 4 hours later and fired 6 torpedoes at 2 transports. Only 1 of these torpedoes struck its mark, and a 2nd salvo missed its intended targets but hit another transport. Andrews then turned his boat and fired further torpedoes from Gurnard's stern torpedo tubes which hit a 3rd transport. One of the Japanese destroyers then counterattacked Gurnard and forced Andrews to break off his attack. The destroyer was traveling at too great a speed for its detection gear to function, however, and did not damage the submarine, despite dropping approximately 100 depth charges. Two hours later, Gurnard rose to periscope depth and found that a major effort to rescue troops and equipment from the torpedoed transports was under way. That night, the submarine also torpedoed one of the crippled transports which was still afloat. In the end, its attack successfully sank transports Aden Maru (5,825 tons) and Taijima Maru (6,995 tons) as well as the cargo ship Tenshinzan Maru (6,886 tons). Although the Japanese rescue effort was relatively successful, 1290 troops were killed, The 4th Independent Mountain Artillery Regiment was completely destroyed and much of their equipment was lost.   Due to these heavy losses, the Take-Ichi convoy finally docked at Halmahera on May 9th, where the remnants of the 32nd and 35th Divisions were ultimately unloaded. General Ikeda's 35th division, including the 219th regiment from Palau were shipped over to Sorong, with the 219th left to guard the St.Andrew Strait Islands. General Ishii's 32nd division, was retained at Halmahera to garrison the island. The terrible loss of the Take-Ichi convoy forced the Japanese leadership to acknowledge it was no longer possible to reinforce Western New Guinea, thus General Anami would have to fight with what he had on hand. Alongisde this, IJA General HQ decided to pull back the perimeter of the absolute defense zone in the southern area to a line extending from Sorong to Halmahera, with units at Geelvink Bay, Biak and Manokwari ordered to hold out as long as possible to delay the enemy advance. Anami did not like the orders one bit, as he belived the forward line should be aggressively defended to secure the valuable land holding air bases between Palau and Western New Guinea. What Anami was not aware of, was that the IJN combined fleet were preparing for the famed decisive naval battle in the area. This was part of Admiral Toyoda's Operation A-Go. Under the plans elaborated by the Combined Fleet, the First Mobile Fleet, and the First Air Fleet were assigned the principal roles in the projected battle. The former assembled its surface strength at Tawitawi in the Sulu Archipelago on May 16th, while the land-based units of the First Air Fleet continued to be widely deployed in the Marianas and Carolines to take advantage of any tactical opportunity that might arise. Tawitawi was chosen as the main staging point for the First Mobile Fleet because of its proximity to both the refueling facilities of Balikpapan and the sea area which the Navy High Command expected to be the scene of the decisive battle.  It was also safely beyond the range of enemy land-based air power and afforded greater security against Allied intelligence than other anchorages in the Philippines. Orders are orders, thus Anami ordered General Teshima to hold onto Geelvink Bay at all costs while also contuining to secure the Sarmi area as a lifeline for the 18th Army who were being cut off from east of Hollandia. While Admiral Ozawa's 1st Mobile Fleet assembled its at Tawi Tawi for Operation A-Go and Admiral Kakuta's 1st Air Fleet deployed its land-based units in the Marianas and Carolines, Admirals King, Nimitz and Spruance had also been planning their invasion of the Marianas, aiming to secure Saipan, Tinian and Guam as advance air and naval bases to allow striking of the Philippines, Formosa and Okinawa. After the landings at Hollandia and Aitape, Admiral Mitscher's Task Force 58 realized there was very little opposition and he still had plenty of strength to continue operating. Thus Nimitz decided to carry out a preventive strike against Truk, to ensure that the Japanese would not be able to build up their air power before the Marianas invasion scheduled for June.  Intelligence reports indicated that the Japanese had been rebuilding their strength at Truk. Indeed Truk's air garrison had grown enough to be a concern again. By late March, 30 flyable Zero fighters had been pieced together from aircraft destroyed during the February raids. Additionally, aircraft were being withdrawn from bypassed bases in the Marshalls and sent to Truk. By April, the Japanese had 104 flyable aircraft at Truk: 6 G4M twin-engine bombers, 12 D4Y1s dive bombers/reconnaissance bombers, 13 B5N or B6N torpedo bombers, 55 Zero fighters, 10 J1N1 night fighters, and 8 floatplanes used for observation and reconnaissance. Moen No. 1 airfield housed the G4Ms and 20 Zero, while Eten had the rest of the Zeros and all the night fighters. The single-engine bombers, the D4Y1s, B5Ns, and B6Ns, were all at Param, with the floatplanes at Dublon. There were another 63 unserviceable aircraft scattered throughout Truk's airfields. Admiral Spruance's 5th fleet would also conduct a bombardment of the Satawa and Ponape islands. On its return from Hollandia, Task Force 58 traveled to Truk, arriving shortly before dawn on April 30th and immediately tossed a fighter sweep consisting of 84 Hellcats. 5 Nakajima bombers from Param were aloft doing a dawn sweep, something that had become routine since February. Truk's radar detected the inbound US aircraft when they were 30 minutes out, shortly before the scout's interrupted radio report. The warning gave the Japanese ample time to launch air cover. Before the US fighters arrived, Moen No. 1 had scrambled 20 Zeros, Eten another 29, and Param its remaining eight Nakajima bombers. Yet the 57 Japanese aircraft were brushed aside, nearly 25 Zeros were shot down at the cost of 2 Hellcats. Just like we saw in February, Task Force 58 began staggering air strikes throughout the day. The carriers launched full deckloads seeing fighters, dive bombers and torpedo bombers continously over Truk for the entire day. Task Force 58 performed 2,200 bomber sorties, 467 of which were flown by fighters carrying bombs. In all, US Navy aircraft dropped 748 tons of bombs during the two-day operation. The Hino Maru No. 2, a 1,500-ton cargo ship and auxiliary gunboat, was hit and heavily damaged by a bomb by an Avenger from USS Cabot during the attack's first day. It sank four days later on May 4. The Sapporo Maru, a 600-ton auxiliary provision stores ship, was bombed on April 30 and sank north of Fefan. The 300-ton auxiliary minelayer Minsei Maru and 20 other craft were also destroyed in the harbor during the two days of raids. While a small haul when compared to February's results, these losses further reduced the number of vessels remaining in Truk Atoll. This increased the difficulty of moving supplies and personnel between the different islands in the lagoon, further decreasing Truk's usefulness as an outpost. Additionally, the Japanese submarine I-174 was detected 20 miles south of the atoll on May 1. Aircraft from the light carrier Monterey teamed up with the destroyers MacDonough and Stephen Potter to sink the submarine. Whether the submarine was fleeing Truk or heading back to it after a patrol is not known. Its loss contributed to the decision to abandon Truk as a submarine base later in 1944. The Japanese losing 23 auxiliary vessels and one submarine, but this time the American bombers also targeted Truk's shore facilities, giving special attention to the airfields on Moen and Eten, the Dublon naval headquarters and oil storage tanks, and Fefen's docks warehouses and ammo dumps.  On the morning of May 1st, the Japanese attempted several straggling strikes against the American carriers, but none managed to cause any damage. The largest attack against the US fleet contained 8 bombers, D4Y1 dive bombers, and Nakajima torpedo bombers which survived the first day's attack. They found Task Group 58.2 and Task Group 58.3 at 8:15am, making a series of attacks against aircraft carriers in both groups. Met by heavy antiaircraft fire, they were shot down, most before they could drop their torpedoes or bombs. Only one came close enough to drop a bomb, which fell near the Lexington but caused no damage. Task Force 58 contuined to pound Truk throughout the day before finally retiring towards Majuro during the night. Based on interpretation of post-strike aerial photography, US intelligence estimated 40 percent of the buildings on Dublon, 80 percent of those on Eten, 75 percent of those at Moen, 20 percent of the buildings on Fefan, 15 percent of those on Param, and 80 percent at Ulalu were destroyed during the airstrikes of April 30 and May 1. Roughly 423 buildings and six hangars were destroyed, 44 others were damaged, 59 Japanese aircraft were shot down, a further 60 were destroyed on the ground, 36 were left damaged, and only 12 were still flyable. All of this cost Mitscher 35 aircraft, with another 33 damaged. Furthermore, half the airmen shot down were rescued by planes or by submarines.  Thus the threat posed by Truk was yet again neutralized. After this, Admiral Montgomery's carrier group Task Force 58 was given orders to hit Minami Torishima and Wake Island for mid May. Leaving Majuro on May 15th, Montgomery assemled his forces about 420 miles southeast of Marcus Island on the17th. On the 19th, light carrier San Jacinto hunted for enemy picket boats north and west of Minami Torishima. At 7:28am a Avenger of VT-9 and a Hellcat of VF-9 found and attacked an enemy trawler 475 miles north of Marcus Island. They dropped their bombs and strafed it with machine gun fire. No direct bomb hits were obtained but the target was well covered with machine gun fire. The Japanese trawler was left dead in the water and down by the stern, with a 1/4 miles oil slick and debris behind it. No personnel were visible on the boat. Meanwhile fleet carriers Wasp and Essex launched a predawn fighter sweep. A flight of 4 night fighters launched at 5am from the Wasp on an intruder mission over Marcus Island, but the Essex had to cancel its flight of night fighters. At 11:15, another air attack commenced. Aircraft dove through antiaircraft bursts with bomb blasts occuring all over the island. At one time the entire island was completely smothered by smoke and dust, but the Anti-aircraft fire contuined undiminished. After the planes left, explosions and fires continued on Marcus Island for some time. They managed to inflict a moderate amount of damage to buildings, shot down one G4M and sunktwo small boats; ut the defenders' anti-aircraft fire was ferocious, successfully shooting down 4 American planes and damaging another 69. On May 21st, San Jacinto rejoined the group and also reported sinking one sampan. Montgomery's carriers then launched a series of composite carrier strikes against Wake on May 23, further damaging many installations there and sinking a slugger and three barges, at the cost of only one plane. But that is all for carrier actions today as we now need to jump oer to the Burma front. General Stilwell was contuining his offensive, with the 22nd division advancing south towards Inkangahtawng. General Lioa's 65th Regiment plus the 3rd Battalion, 66th regiment were advancing down the Kamaing road when they ran into Japanese resistance north and west of Inkangahtawng. The 64th regiment was kept behind to guard the Japanese flank until May 3rd, while the rest of the 22nd Division awaited better weather to perform a coordinated attack against the town. But this was Burma, and Burma is going to Burma. There was an outbreak of monsoons that quickly prevented the effective use of tanks and made supply movement over the Ledo Road a nightmare. By June about one inch of rain fell daily. Though supply convoys could still move from Ledo to Shingbwiyang, the combat trail from Shingbwiyang south was very difficult. The road was graded to Tingkawk Sakan known also as mile post 164 and metaled almost to Mile Post 138. However, rainfall had blocked the road over the flats north of Tingkawk Sakan. At the end of June the situation was unchanged. The Japanese stand at Kamaing and the heavy rains immobilized the survey party and the road trace. As the flood waters rose in the valley, they effectively barred armor from moving south to Mogaung or Myitkyina. Thus on May 3rd, the 64th avaned east across the Kamaing Road to try and cut the trail 500 yards south of the Hwelon Hka. The next day presented clearer skies, so the Chinese troops initiated their attack. Once Inkangahtawn fell, the 22nd Division would hold the area for several weeks while the first elements of Lt General Pen Yukun's 50th Division arrived to the front to reinforce them. To the east, General Sun's 114th regiment were engaging General Tanaka's 55th regiment along the Lahkraw Hka. To break the stalemate along the Lahkraw Hka, the Chinese 114th Regiment had to clear away the Japanese observation posts in the hills. The 1st battalion, 114th on the regiment's east flank cut around the flank of the 55th Regiment on April 28th, while the 2nd battalion, 114th pushed the same Japanese unit back a few hundred yards. This bending process continued during the next two days, and the 114th Regiment was well south of the enveloped Japanese flank and within half a mile of Wala. The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 114th then began moving straight south, leaving behind them pockets of determined Japanese who held up the 3rd battalion, 114th. The Chinese managed to envelope the Japanese, pushing them all the way to Wala. The 113th Regiment also came back into line at the end of April to put frontal pressure on the Japanese positions along the Lahkraw Hka and Tigrawm Hka while the 112th Regiment held its salient without attempting to move. Though the Japanese managed to stabilize their lines on the creeks east and west of Wala, a company of the 114th would cross the Nawngmi Hka on May 6th, thus starting the advance southwards again. Two days later, the 114th's advance became general, while on the east, at Stilwell's order, the 112th began to gather its companies to take Warong.  On the 9th, the 114th Regiment finally took East Wala and Hlagyi and subsequently linked with the 112th Regiment pushing south towards Warong. The 114th's penetration, driving deeper into the Japanese lines, began to approach the 112th's outposts just north of Manpin. By the 12th the 114th and 112th Regiments were able to maintain communications, with very few Japanese between them. The 114th's penetration further weakened the position of the Japanese facing the 113th Regiment, which in turn began to roll up slowly from east to west as its 1st and 2nd Battalions pressed on to Wala and Maran. Between the 28-30th, Merrills End Run Force began the long grueling advance upon Ritpong. K Force moved out on 28 April; H Force, on 30 April. The so-called trail over the pass was more nearly a route used by the Kachins; in some places there was no path. Twenty pack animals slipped and fell off the narrow, muddy way. It was a grueling march for men who had already marched 500 miles and fought several battles, most of the time on K ration. Before End Rrun Force reached Ritpong, it had only one contact with the Japanese. A few of the enemy were flushed from cover by the 1/88th, but it was feared the Japanese held Ritpong in strength. On May 5th, the Japanese 2nd Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment made contact with the K Force at Ritpong, 16 miles northwest of Nsopsup, and a four day battle ensued. The Battalion was forced to withdraw to Tingkrukawng, about eight miles to the southeast. There, after several skirmishes, contact with the enemy was lost for a period of five days. On the 5th, when the leading elements of K Force were a mile from Ritpong, Colonel Kinnison began an envelopment to hit the village from north and south. The 3rd Battalion managed to cut its way through the woods and place itself across the southern approaches to Ritpong on the 6th. Meanwhile, the 89th Regiment tried to take Ritpong from the north but failed. Next day an American reinforced company attacked Ritpong from the south but was stalled by a machine gun nest. Merrills Marauders would block the trail to the south, while the 80th Regiment contuined to hit their enemy positions. As the Chinese captured Ritpong on the 9th, M Force had had one skirmish with Japanese, routed them, and begun to cut its own paths. The march was fatiguing in the extreme; fully half the animals died of exhaustion or fell into the gorges. The men were farther harassed by fevers and dysentery, but they were only two days behind H and K Forces To the south, General Lentaigne's Chindits were contuining Operation Thursday. Yet under the overall direction of Stilwell, the Chindits were no longer a “special force”, now they were line infantry tasked with the traditional role of advancing and seizing well defended objectives, for which they did not have the training nor equipment to do effectively. Brigadiers Brodie and Ricketts men covered the general Chindit movement heading north. The plan called for closure of Aberdeen, Broadway and White City before the Monsoon broke. It was now the turn of 14 Brigade to play a major role. The new Block near Hopin would cut the road and rail link to the town of Mogaung. Meanwhile Major Masters' 111th Brigade began to establish the Blackpool Stronghold on May 5. The site was occupied on the night of May 5/6, and Masters spent the entirety of the following day setting up defenses. What he should have done was immediately attack the Japanese-held village of Namkwin just ahead of his positions. Instead, he busied himself with preparing the stronghold. It was a critical mistake, and says much about the lack of enterprise from the brigade. Blackpool Block was finally established on May 7th, with the King's Own's 46 Column the first to arrive at the site. They came under fire as they dug in. For the next 5 nights they would be attacked by a railway unit based out of Pinbaw. The railway unit was using 105mm guns firing from up the valley, while troops from Pinbaw attacked for the next five nights, held at bay by the rifles and machine guns of the King's own Rifles, and the mortars, which Masters had gathered from the battalions and wielded as single battery of eight. Despite the strong defense, in one section of the northern line nicknamed the “Deep”  which was the tip of the “boar's nose,” the Japanese were as close as 10 to 20 yards from the wire. Enemy snipers took shots at anything that moved while the King's own snipers and Bren gunners occupied hidden places among the shattered trees, firing whenever they saw the target, after which a cry would resound amid the quiet that followed: “got him!” The Japanese brought up a single 75mm artillery piece from Pinbaw, with which they shelled the camp, blasting the airstrip with impunity and setting the gliders and Dakotas on fire, until May 13 when Masters came into possession of three airlifted 25-pdr guns, allowing him to hit back. Overhead Cochran's Air Commandos mounted sortie after sortie against the Japanese positions but it was clear they could not maintain the ante. The dark clouds of the monsoon were gathering in strength. After the successful establishment of Blackpool, Brigadier Calvert's 77th brigade began advancing north towards Mogaung on the 8th. The night night, White City was abandoned as Brigadiers Broddie and Ricketts marched north to defend Blackpool. On May 11th, Lt General Takeda launched an attack against White City, but was surprised to find it abandoned. It then advanced to the then-abandoned Broadway and onwards to the Namkwin area, where the Blackpool stronghold was located. Having rushed through empty Broadway and White City, the 53rd Division thus tore into the zone in strength. Takeda Kaoru's 53rd Division began pursuing Broddie and Ricketts forces. For the next few days Master's troops continued to repel increasingly stronger and stronger Japanese attacks. Masters quote “Where in the name of God were the floater brigades? White City had been evacuated 13 days earlier and 14th Brigade was supposed to come straight up here. My brigade had marched 140 route miles in 14 days to establish this block. Surely those bloody nitwits could cover 120 route miles in 13 days? Where the hell were they? Where were the West Africans?… 20 bloody battalions, 40 flaming columns of Chindit bullshit sat on their arses and drank eat and wondered how we were getting on.” In mid-May, the 3rd Battalion, 114th Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 146th Regiment tried to break through towards Kamaing and Myitkyina to reinforce Tanaka's spent defenders and would join in on the attacks against Blackpool. The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery Regiment would also support their attacks. The Japanese continued their efforts to quickly crush Blackpool Block. A Company-strength attack on May 14 was backed by artillery support. It was repulsed, the Japanese losing 60 killed. They returned the following morning, when another 50 were killed. Air strikes were called in to further punish the enemy. Then the monsoon took hold and air support and supply became more difficult – Lalaghat and Hailakandi were fair weather fields. The Japanese also retaliated through a single heavy mortar, firing 60lb bombs, note in comparison, Chindit's standard 81mm mortar fired a 10lb bombs. Delayed by the outbreak of the monsoons on May 15, the brigades of Brodie and Ricketts had managed to secure the vital Kyunsalai Pass, but they failed to get close enough to provide significant support for the stronghold. At the same time, the flooding of the Namyin river would leave Calvert's 77th Brigade unable to aid Masters in the defense of Blackpool; and Morris Force, which had successfully cut the Myitkyina road, was too far to the east to come into the stronghold's assistance. The monsoons had also hampered the airdrop of supplies, so the Chindits would have to make their five days' rations last up to 14 days. Meanwhile, proceeding from Ritpong, K Force feinted towards the Japanese supply point at Nsopzup in order to attract the Japanese attention while H Force advanced directly to Myitkyina.  On the 12th, Colonel Henry Kinnison's Marauders engaged the 2nd Battalion, 114th Regiment, near Tingkrukawng. The Japanese at Tingkrukawng were strong enough to pin both of K force's combat teams to the ground and then to halt the Chinese when they were committed. Attempts to envelop the Japanese failed. Since H Force was proceeding unmolested, Merrill told Kinnison to withdraw. K Force then picked up H's trail and followed it to Myitkyina. While K Force was fighting at Tingkrukawng, H Force kept on to a river just south of the village of Namkwi on the Mogaung-Myitkyina railroad and about two miles from the principal Myitkyina airstrip that lay almost due west of Myitkyina itself. Despite the several brushes with the Japanese, Kachin informants were sure that the Myitkyina garrison was not on the alert. To ensure surprise, before Colonel Hunter and his force bivouacked for the night of the 16th they rounded up the local Burmans and kept them under careful watch. Kinnison would reach Hkumchet by the 17th, where the Colonel had to be evacuated because he had contracted a deadly mite typhus, dying shortly after with shocking speed. In all, 149 men contracted this little-known scourge. While M Force was about to reach Arang, H Force began an attack of Pamati and the Myitkyina airstrip on the 17th. The 150th Regiment was ordered to take the airstrip, while GALAHAD personnel took the Irrawaddy ferry terminal at Pamati. The other airstrip, north of the town, was left alone for the present. The attack went like a service school demonstration, for though the Japanese knew Myitkyina was in danger, the actual assault was a complete surprise. Colonel Maruyama, the Japanese commander, had two understrength battalions of the 114th Regiment in the town of Myitkyina and in its little suburb of Sitapur. There were 100 more men of the 15th Airfield Battalion on the north and south airstrips, 318 men from labor and service units on various details in Myitkyina, and 320 patients in a military hospital. Perhaps 700 able-bodied Japanese were present when the battle began. They took the Japanese by complete surprise and subsequently securing both positions.  As soon as Hunter considered his hold on the major airstrip secure, he sent the prearranged code signal, “Merchant of Venice”, which meant the process of supply and reinforcement could begin. Consequently, some reinforcements began to be flown into the airstrip, though to the disappointment of General Merrill most of these were engineers and anti-aircraft instead of the needed infantry.  Back at his HQ, Stilwell was exultant. The brilliant seizure of the Myitkyina airstrip was the height of his career and the grand climax of the North Burma Campaign, as his forces had driven 500 miles into Burma and won engagements against seven Japanese regiments in the last six months. Stilwell's triumph also came right on time, as American planners in Washington were beginning to adopt the British position suggesting an end to offensive action in north Burma. Stilwell's bold stroke at Myitkyina would instead see the Americans issue a directive encouraging Admiral Mountbatten's command to exploit the opening of the Ledo Road and to secure enough of north Burma to protect the Allied hold on China's lifeline.   After the capture of the airstrip, Hunter immediately sent two battalions of the 150th Regiment to take Myitkyina. One battalion of the Chinese 89th Regiment, which had arrived from Ledo, would defend the air strip while two battalions of the 150th Regiment attacked Myitkyina. The other battalion of the 150th Regiment would be in reserve at the strip. They would encounter the 114th Regiment HQ and its 1st Battalion. As early as 1700 on 17 May Colonel Maruyama had also brought the 3rd Company, 148th Regiment, 56th Division, in across the Irrawaddy to reinforce Myitkyina. Following the wrong road, however, they went to Sitapur instead, where they were ambushed by the Japanese. On encountering Japanese rifle fire, they lost direction completely and engaged in fighting among themselves. Furthermore, some Marauders would continue toward Zigyun to secure the ferry crossing south of the city. On May 18, as more Chinese battalions were flown to reinforce the Chindits, the 150th again moved against Myitkyina; but repeating the mishap of the day before, the Chinese became confused, fought among themselves, and ultimately drove themselves right back out of the town. Nonetheless, the Siege of Myitkyina had just begun. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The invasion of Hollandia and Aitape was such quick successes it allowed the Americans to bombard further islands. The Take-Ichi convoy improved the transportation of troops, but it also came at a horrifying cost. The loss of such shipping was yet again the paint on the wall for the Empire of Japan. Despite this the IJN was fully committed to forcing a decisive naval victory. 

And we're back with the exciting tales of Speed Gibson of the International Secret Police! This week: Remaining at Wake Island! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 7, 1941, Japanese air and naval forces attacked the American naval and air base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing 2400 Americans and heavily damaging the US Pacific Fleet. Over the next 5 months, Japan conquered several European and American possessions in southeast Asia, including Guam, Malaya, Wake Island, Hong Kong, Burma, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies, and the Philippines. In this episode, James and new cohost Dave Holland narrate this period of rapid Japanese expansion, including the famous “Doolittle Raid.”

In this episode, we'll learn about historical events from this week in history that were shown in the movies. We'll also learn about birthdays from historical figures who have been portrayed in the movies as well as recommendations for movies that first premiered this week in history. Events from This Week in History Tora! Tora! Tora! | BOATS #82 Pearl Harbor | BOATS #212 Wake Island | BOATS #171 Radioactive | BOATS #234 Birthdays from This Week in History Crazy Horse They Died with Their Boots On | BOATS #198 Mary, Queen of Scots | BOATS #138 Movies Released This Week in History Lawrence of Arabia | BOATS #49 Mentioned in This Episode Marie Curie's speech Did you enjoy this episode? Find everything at: https://links.boatspodcast.com/289 Leave a comment: https://links.boatspodcast.com/comment Support our sponsors: https://links.boatspodcast.com/advertisers Give value back: https://links.boatspodcast.com/value Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A slight change in Medal of Honor Monday as Jesse gives some background on the Battle of Wake Island. Violence is not something communists do, it's a part of who they are. Hawaii's governor steps on the dead bodies of a disaster in his state. The new war on terror. The only thing holding the communist back from hurting you is your guns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philippe Manasseh and Nadim Maghzal were two guys in a band called Wake Island. Music helped them process a lot about their lives: Where they came from, who they were, and where they were going. They realized music does that for a lot of people, especially if you're from a diaspora. So they, along with partner Saphe Shamoun, created Laylit: the coolest music parties that celebrate the history, music, and culture of the SWANA diaspora.   Listen to Philippe and Nadim talk to our producer, Regina de Heer, about what these parties mean to them, and how you can celebrate where you are without losing where you're from.    Plus, Regina and Wake Island launch the 2023 NfA summer playlist. We want to hear what music reflects your personal diaspora story. Find out how you can help us build this killer playlist.     Tell us what you think. Instagram and Twitter: @noteswithkai. Email us at notes@wnyc.org. Send us a voice message by recording yourself on your phone and emailing us, or going to Instagram and clicking on the link in our bio. “Notes from America” airs live on Sunday evenings at 6pm ET. The podcast episodes are lightly edited from our live broadcasts. Tune into the show on Sunday nights via the stream on notesfromamerica.org or on WNYC's YouTube channel.