Beyond the Call: Colonel John Riley Kane at Ploesti, 1943

Beyond the Call: Colonel John Riley Kane at Ploesti, 1943 follows a United States Army air group commander through one of World War II’s most dangerous low-level bombing raids, as he leads damaged B-24 Liberators into the firestorm over Romania’s vital oil refineries. Listeners hear the story of Kane’s early life in Texas, the long flight from North Africa, the chaos of Operation Tidal Wave, and the split-second decisions that defined his command under relentless antiaircraft fire. The episode also reflects on the strategic importance of Ploesti, the cost paid by his crews, and the character traits that shaped his courage and responsibility. Beyond the Call is the Monday feature of Dispatch: U.S. Military History Magazine, and the podcast is developed by Trackpads dot com.

What is Beyond the Call: Medal of Honor Stories?

Beyond the Call: Medal of Honor Stories is a podcast dedicated to sharing the incredible true stories of the bravest soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines in American history. Each episode dives deep into the acts of extraordinary heroism that earned these individuals the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for valor in the United States. From the battlefields of the American Civil War to modern conflicts, we explore the battles they fought, the impossible decisions they made under fire, and the lasting impact of their courage. Whether they made the ultimate sacrifice or continued to serve beyond the war, their stories deserve to be told and remembered. Join us as we honor those who went beyond the call of duty.