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Stars of Sacrifice: WWII

Stars of Sacrifice: WWII

By: Stars of Sacrifice: WW2
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About this listen

 Welcome to Stars of Sacrifice: WWII—the official podcast of Stories Behind the Stars.
More than 421,000 Americans lost their lives in World War II. Every one of them had a story worth saving—and worth sharing.


When a serviceman or servicewoman was killed in action, their family was presented with a banner bearing a single gold star. Stories Behind the Stars was created to ensure those stars are never forgotten by building one central digital home for the stories of the more than 421,000 Americans who gave their lives in service to our nation.


This national effort—researched, written, and financially supported by people who believe the fallen must be remembered—exists to ensure future generations can learn about the Americans who paid the ultimate price for freedoms we too often take for granted.


Stories Behind the Stars partners with genealogy and historical organizations across the country. Through Stars of Sacrifice: WWII podcast, we bring these stories to life on an audio platform—reaching younger generations, those who are able to dream because of the brave.

Press play, and step into the stories of those whose courage shaped the world we live in today.
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Episodes
  • Lt. Philip Ralph Harris, US Navy AirCorp, KIA May 10, 1945

    Lt. Philip Ralph Harris, US Navy AirCorp, KIA May 10, 1945
    Feb 22 2026
    Lieutenant Philip Ralph Harris left his family’s Wisconsin farm to serve his country in a time of great uncertainty. He flew across the vast Pacific, over open ocean and into danger, carrying out his duty with courage and quiet determination. On May 10, 1945, he gave his life in service—far from home, but never forgotten.
    More than 421,000 Americans gave their lives in World War II. Each one was more than a name—they were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, friends and neighbors. Each left behind a family forever marked by a gold star.
    This podcast exists to ensure their stories are never forgotten. By preserving the lives, sacrifices, and legacies of the fallen, we honor their memory and help future generations understand the true cost of freedom.
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • 1st Engineer John Joseph Quinlin, Merchant Marines, KIA Oct. 9, 1943

    1st Engineer John Joseph Quinlin, Merchant Marines, KIA Oct. 9, 1943
    Feb 22 2026
    John Joseph Quinlan’s story reminds us of the perilous journey faced by Merchant Marines, who carried vital supplies across hostile waters and often risked their lives to keep the fight going. His courage, love for family, and ultimate sacrifice are remembered through the stories we preserve here on Stars of Sacrifice.
    Welcome to Stars of Sacrifice: WWII, the official podcast of Stories Behind the Stars.
    More than 421,000 Americans gave their lives in World War II. Each one had a story—and a family who carried their loss, marked by a gold star.
    This podcast exists to ensure those stars are never forgotten, preserving the lives and legacies of the fallen so future generations can understand the true cost of freedom.

    Patriotic Feelings by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
    Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
    Creative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Lt. Herman Edwin Everhart, US Army Air Corp., KIA March 21, 1945

    Lt. Herman Edwin Everhart, US Army Air Corp., KIA March 21, 1945
    Feb 15 2026
    Join us to hear the tribute to Lt Herman Edwin Everhart. He had flown more than sixty combat missions, He had saved his crew. And in his final moments, he faced the sky with the same courage that had defined his service.
    Welcome to Stars of Sacrifice: WWII, the official podcast of Stories Behind the Stars.
    More than 421,000 Americans gave their lives in World War II. Each one had a story—and a family who carried their loss, marked by a gold star.
    This podcast exists to ensure those stars are never forgotten, preserving the lives and legacies of the fallen so future generations can understand the true cost of freedom.

    Patriotic Feelings by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
    Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
    Creative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
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