When this episode of Newtze World, I've just come across an interesting new book entitled

The Rifle.

Combat stories from America's last World War II veterans told through an M1 Grand by

Andrew Bidgeo.

The book began when Andrew bought a 1945 M1 Grand Rifle and handed it to his neighbor.

One war II veteran, Corporal Joseph Drago, unlocking memories Drago had kept on spoken

for 50 years.

On the spur of the moment, Bidgeo asked Drago to sign the rifle and his signature began

Andrew's mission to find as many World War II veterans as he could get their signatures

on the rifle and document their stories.

For two years, he traveled across the country to interview America's last Living World

War II veterans.

Thousands from our greatest generation locked their memories away, never sharing what they

had endured with family and friends, taking their stories to the grave.

So how did this young Marine get them to talk?

By putting a 1945 M1 Grand in their hands and watching as their eyes lit up with memories

triggered by holding the weapon that had been with them every step of the war, I'm really

pleased to welcome my guest, US Marine and author, Andrew Bidgeo.

Congratulations on the way you have been received with your book at Amazon and elsewhere.

I think it's a great beginning for you for a career of really helping the country understand

itself.

Why don't we start though before we get to the veterans with you because you're also

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