This week, we sit down with best-selling author John Bruning to dive into his brand-new book, Fifty-Three Days on Starvation Island: The World War II Battle That Saved Marine Corps Aviation.
John unpacks the pivotal Battle of Guadalcanal and highlights the Marine pilots and airmen who turned the tide of the Pacific war in August 1942. He shares incredible stories about John L. Smith, Marion Carl, and Dick Mangrum—the three U.S. Marines at the heart of his book—while also reflecting on his interviews with surviving veterans, the painstaking research that brought this history to life, and the inspiration behind writing such an epic story.
Whether you’re a history buff, aviation enthusiast, or just love hearing about real-life heroism, this conversation is packed with insights and untold stories you won’t want to miss.
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