Streamed live March 23, 2021
New York Times Bestselling Author Alex Kershaw and WWII veteran Guy Prestia talk about the combat experience with the 45th Infantry Division in World War II. They share stories about 45th Division commander, Felix Sparks.
Alex Kershaw, author of “The Liberator,” delves into the life of Felix Sparks, an extraordinary American soldier, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in the liberation of Europe during World War II.
Sparks’ early life was marked by hardship and a restless spirit that led him to wander the country as a hobo in search of work. His military career began in 1938, and he quickly rose through the ranks, earning the respect of his men for his exceptional leadership and combat prowess. Sparks’ baptism by fire came during the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943, where he proved his mettle as a capable and courageous commander.
The horrors of war left an indelible mark on Sparks, particularly the Battle of the Caves at Anzio, where he witnessed the decimation of his unit, leaving him as one of only two survivors. This experience instilled in him a profound sense of guilt and grief that he carried throughout his life.
Despite the trauma he endured, Sparks’ determination remained unshaken. He participated in three amphibious invasions and joined the Allied forces in Operation Dragoon, earning him the nickname “Shotgun Sparks” for his preference for a sawn-off shotgun in close-quarters combat.
As the war in Europe reached its climax, Sparks found himself leading a battalion in the Voges Mountains, where he faced intense resistance from German forces. In a devastating battle near Ripest, his battalion was decimated, leaving only two survivors. This loss, coupled with the earlier tragedy at Anzio, left Sparks emotionally shattered.
In the waning days of the war, Sparks was tasked with a crucial mission to locate and capture Adolf Hitler. However, a diversion to the Dachau concentration camp forever altered his life. The horrors he witnessed there, the unimaginable cruelty inflicted upon thousands of prisoners, left an indelible scar on his soul.
Overwhelmed by grief and rage, Sparks’ men committed a war crime by machine-gunning a group of surrendered SS troops. In a desperate attempt to halt the massacre, Sparks rushed into the coal yard, firing his pistol into the air and shouting “Stop!” This act of moral courage showcased his unwavering commitment to preventing further atrocities.
Guy Prestia has dedicated himself to sharing his experiences as a soldier in the U.S. Army’s 45th Infantry Division, known as the “Thunderbird Division.” Prestia served in Italy and from southern France across Europe to the dreaded Dachau concentration camp.
Prestia’s unit, the 157th Regiment under Capt. Felix L. Sparks, fought in some of the war’s most intense battles. Prestia recalls the horrors of Anzio, where heavy artillery shelling caused severe casualties. He also remembers the camaraderie among his fellow soldiers, including Jesús Valles, a Mexican-American who couldn’t read or write English, and Van Barfoot, a Choctaw from Mississippi who won the Medal of Honor.
The liberation of Dachau concentration camp left an indelible mark on Prestia. He describes the discovery of railroad cars filled with emaciated bodies, a sight that he says he was not prepared for. The horrors of Dachau reinforced his determination to share his experiences and preserve the memory of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation.
#militaryhistory #worldwar2 #usarmy #pacificwar #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2 #worldwarii #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast #generation911 #happyhour
