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Friends of the National World War II Memorial presents a Monthly Conference Series to learn more about the spirit of unity and shared purpose that defined the character of our country during World War II. This series of monthly half-day virtual conferences features discussions with WWII veterans, war orphans, published authors, and other experts. New York Times best-selling author and Friends' Resident Historian Alex Kershaw moderates the discussions after each presentation.
Register today, for free, to join this unique digital experience.
September - April
Third Saturday Monthly
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
This presentation by William Daugherty traces Brigadier General Ira C. Eaker’s pivotal yet turbulent leadership of the newly formed Eighth Air Force during its first two years in World War II. Arriving in England in 1942 with virtually no aircraft or personnel, Eaker struggled to build a bomber force capable of reaching German targets at high altitude while grappling with diverted resources, brutal weather, severe losses, and the absence of long-range fighter escort. His efforts unfolded amid increasing tension with General “Hap” Arnold, who pressed for greater operational output and ultimately removed Eaker from command. Yet during this period the “Mighty Eighth” never turned back from its objectives. The talk examines how these early, often overlooked years reveal extraordinary resolve and sacrifice that set the foundation for the air campaign’s later success.
Author Robert B. O’Connor discusses Jeep Show - A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge, his historically grounded novel inspired by Entertainment Specialist Jim Hetzer and the little-known Jeep show squads who brought variety acts to front-line troops during WWII. Blending meticulous research with dark humor, O’Connor follows show-business dropout Jim Tanzer, an unlikely private whose morale-boosting assignment becomes a desperate struggle for survival as he’s swept into the opening moments of the Battle of the Bulge. O’Connor explores the real enlisted entertainers (MOS 442) whose resilience and courage shaped the novel, the historical events that informed its narrative, and how themes of duty, grit, and morale connect this work of fiction with his broader writing.
Edward Lengel, an independent historian and author of Make a Hero: The Life of Audie Murphy (forthcoming 2026), offers a grounded reassessment of America’s most decorated World War II soldier. Drawing on extensive archival research, interviews, and close collaboration with Murphy’s family, Lengel argues that popular portrayals have long obscured the complexity of Murphy’s character. This presentation traces Murphy’s life from his difficult Texas childhood through his extraordinary wartime service, emphasizing his discipline, emotional control, loyalty to his fellow soldiers, and the external pressures that shaped his postwar struggles. Lengel shows how Hollywood and public expectations repeatedly forced Murphy into roles that distorted his true nature, preventing him from pursuing the quiet, grounded life he desired. By restoring nuance to Murphy’s experiences with trauma, recovery, and unwanted celebrity, Lengel invites audiences to reconsider what it means to “make” a hero and the human cost of never being allowed to unmake one.
The Friends of the National World War II Memorial’s education programs are generously supported by the Jack C. Taylor / Enterprise Rent-A-Car WWII Memorial Education Endowment.
