Searching for John DeWitt - A Discussion with John Chase, MD

Battles of the First World War Podcast

Mike Cunha

History

4.8 • 812 Ratings

🗓️ 7 December 2025

⏱️ 35 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Author and grandson John Chase, MD comes on the podcast to discuss his book based on the letters his grandfather, John DeWitt, wrote home during the First World War.

From Hellgate Press: When recently retired orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Chase stumbles upon a hidden trove of over 80 letters from his grandfather, John DeWitt, written from the trenches of World War I, he embarks on a life-changing journey. These letters reveal the untold story of DeWitt, a 21-year-old trench runner who faced the brutal realities of war with unmatched bravery.

As Chase delves into these long-forgotten letters, he uncovers heart-wrenching tales of heroism, silent suffering, and the immense personal cost of war that DeWitt never spoke of. Each letter paints a vivid picture of resilience and sacrifice, offering a deeply personal glimpse into a chapter of history.

Searching for John DeWitt is more than a historical narrative; it's a gripping family saga that bridges generations. Through this emotional and eye-opening journey, Chase honors his grandfather's legacy and sheds light on the silent burdens carried by veterans. This book uncovers an untold story of valor and the unbreakable strength of family bonds in the face of war.

Join Dr. John Chase in Searching for John DeWitt and discover a hidden legacy of heroism. Experience the intimate and powerful world of a soldier in the Great War, and uncover a story that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

"I realized my grandfather's notes home were like the North Atlantic icebergs…beneath the surface was a more important story, not just about my grandfather, but about an entire generation of young men now for the most part forgotten."

Where to buy:

https://www.hellgatepress.com/product/searching-for-john-dewitt-john-chase-md/

The BFWWP is on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BattlesoftheFirstWorldWarPodcast.

Any questions, comments or concerns please contact me through the website, www.firstworldwarpodcast.com. Follow us on BlueSky at @WW1podcast.bsky.social:

https://bsky.app/profile/ww1podcast.bsky.social

and the BFWWP website, www.firstworldwarpodcast.com. Email me directly at [email protected] with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Please review the Battles of the First World War Podcast on iTunes! :)

Transcript

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0:00.0	The
0:07.0	The The
0:23.6	The Hey folks, welcome to the battles of the First World War podcast.
0:55.1	Joining us this evening is Dr. John Chase, author of Searching for John DeWitt,
1:01.4	how 80 forgotten letters from the trenches of World War I revealed timeless lessons of honor and courage.
1:09.6	John Chase is an orthopedic surgeon who retired in 2020. After growing up
1:15.1	and going to school in Iowa, he moved to Florida for residency and practiced for 35 years in Orlando.
1:21.7	Today, John is thoroughly enjoying retirement, and we love to hear it, spending time with his five grandchildren,
1:29.7	playing golf and pickleball, and mentoring high school students with aspirations towards careers
1:34.8	in medicine through Elevate Orlando. He and his wife, Marion, have three daughters with
1:39.8	families in Orlando, Austin, and Atlanta. John is also the author of a memoir titled, You What?
1:49.0	Which I'd actually like to hear a little bit about that.
1:53.0	Oh, I'll tell you that story.
1:55.0	Writing has turned into an unexpected evocation, and he values the connections he's made with a wide array of
2:03.2	people through his writing. John, thank you so much for reaching out to the podcast and for taking
2:09.4	the time to come on this evening. Well, thank you. I'm very happy to do it. All right. Well, I know
2:16.7	it's been, you know, probably over five years or so, but still,
2:20.1	congratulations on your retirement. You have earned it after a lifetime of working. So many congrats.
2:27.6	And if you would, can you tell us about that memoir and its title to begin?
2:33.9	Well, I initially, I had no intention of ever writing. That was not a
2:38.2	goal of my life. And one day, my X-ray text says to me, Dr. Chase, with all these stories that
2:44.3	you're telling, says, you should write a book. And I go, ha, ha, ha, maybe I will. And then I go,
	...

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