Portraits of Honor

Carl Cooper (Colonel, Marine Corps)

Today we feature Colonel Carl Cooper, the first veteran photographed by Jeff Rease. He had a remarkable 38-year tenure with the Marine Corps. A valiant warrior, he faced fierce battles in WWII's Pacific theater in Guadalcanal and Okinawa. He also served in Korea, followed by training and recruiting during Vietnam. Beyond the battlefield, Cooper spent many years teaching and coaching in high school and junior high school education. After his retirement, he dedicated another 30 years to FEMA until 2010. He was an embodiment of service and bravery whose legacy stands tall. This interview was recorded on April 10, 2019 in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.

Jerome Wilner (Second Lieutenant, Army) - Part 2

(Part 2) This exciting episode features Jerome Wilner, a WWII bombardier/navigator who went from Cornell to the skies of Europe. Jerome defied the odds to survive 30 harrowing missions on B-17s over Germany, surrounded by deadly flak. Hear how his indomitable spirit carried him through the war and perilous bomb runs. From academia to the fierce theater of war, Jerome's story is a testament to adaptability and resilience. This interview was recorded on May 12, 2021, in Rockville Maryland.

Jerome Wilner (Second Lieutenant, Army) - Part 1

This exciting episode features Jerome Wilner, a WWII bombardier/navigator who went from Cornell to the skies of Europe. Jerome defied the odds to survive 30 harrowing missions on B-17s over Germany, surrounded by deadly flak. Hear how his indomitable spirit carried him through the war and perilous bomb runs. From academia to the fierce theater of war, Jerome's story is a testament to adaptability and resilience. This interview was recorded on May 12, 2021, in Rockville Maryland.

Morton Waitzman (Technical Sergeant, Army) - Part 2 | S1E19

(Part 2 of 2) This episode explores the extraordinary life of Morton Waitzman, an Army veteran who played a vital role on D-Day as a communication specialist. From landing on Omaha Beach, intercepting German codes, to facilitating critical communications with the French resistance, his journey is a riveting tale of courage, dedication, and resilience. As we explore his transition from soldier to scholar, his inspiring story connects the battlefields of WWII to the halls of Emory University, blending history with a legacy in academia. This interview was recorded on September 21, 2022, in Atlanta Georgia.

Morton Waitzman (Technical Sergeant, Army) - Part 1 | S1E18

(Part 1 of 2) This episode explores the extraordinary life of Morton Waitzman, an Army veteran who played a vital role on D-Day as a communication specialist. From landing on Omaha Beach, intercepting German codes, to facilitating critical communications with the French resistance, his journey is a riveting tale of courage, dedication, and resilience. As we explore his transition from soldier to scholar, his inspiring story connects the battlefields of WWII to the halls of Emory University, blending history with a legacy in academia. This interview was recorded on September 21, 2022, in Atlanta Georgia.