War has played a key role in the history of the United States, from the nation's founding

right down to the present. War made the U.S. independent, kept it together, increased its

size, and established it as a global superpower. Understanding America's wars is essential for understanding American history.

Welcome to Key Battles of American History,

a podcast in which we discuss American history through the lens of the most important battles of America's wars.

Here is your host, James Early.

Thank you. host, James Early. Hello and welcome to a special episode of Key Battles of American History.

This is your host, James Early, as always. And I've got a very special guest today and a special

story to tell.

In April 1945, Linz, Austria was one of Nazi Germany's most vital assets.

It was a crucial transportation hub and communication center,

with rail yards brimming with war material destined for the front lines.

Lens was also the town that Hitler claimed his home and had long intended

to rebake as the cultural capital of Europe, filling its planned funeral museum with world-famous

art stolen from his conquered territories. Inevitably, Lens was also one of the most heavily

defended targets remaining in Europe. The airmen of the American 15th Air Force were a

mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers. As their mission was unveiled in the pre-dawn hours of April 25th,

audible groans and muffled expletives passed many lips. The reality of that mission would prove

more brutal than any even imagined.

Today, we'll be discussing a new book that's just come out.

It's called Bombing Hitler's hometown, the untold story of the last mass bomber raid of World War II in Europe.

This book puts the reader directly into the cockpits of B-24 and B-17 heavy bombers

...