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Duty & Valor - Military Stories of Courage and Sacrifice

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A Quick Update on the Challenge Coin

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who’s already picked up an Honoring Our Veterans challenge coin. It truly means a lot.

So far, we’ve raised $190!

There are still plenty of coins available, and the fundraiser will continue until they’re gone. If you’ve been on the fence, I’d appreciate you taking a look:
https://duty-valor-shop.fourthwall.com/

Each coin is $19.99. At least $10 from every coin is donated, and I don’t take any profit. If fees ever bring that amount under $10, I cover the difference myself.
This was important to me from the start.

For those not familiar with this fundraiser, I left it up to the Duty & Valor YouTube community to decide which veteran-focused non-profit that we would support with the sale of each coin. Wounded Warrior Project was chosen and we are thrilled to support their work.

If a coin isn’t your thing, no problem, just consider supporting a veteran organization you believe in.

That’s what this has always been about.

— Wayne

Duty & Valor Videos

Recent Blog Posts

USMC Cpl John Pruitt: Double Medal of Honor Recipient WWI
May 1, 2026

USMC Cpl John Pruitt: Double Medal of Honor Recipient WWI

John Henry Pruitt was born on October 4, 1896, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.Before enlisting in the Marine Corps on May 3, 1917, Pruitt worked shoveling mine debris alongside his father. After completing boot camp, he was assigned to the 78th Compa…
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US Army MSG Victor Espinoza: Medal of Honor Recipient Korean War
April 29, 2026

US Army MSG Victor Espinoza: Medal of Honor Recipient Korean War

Victor Hugo Espinoza was born on July 25, 1928, in El Paso, Texas. He enlisted in the Army in November 1950 and was soon deployed to Korea. There, he was assigned to Company A, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, where he served as a rifl…
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US Navy LT Milton Ricketts: Medal of Honor Recipient WWII
April 28, 2026

US Navy LT Milton Ricketts: Medal of Honor Recipient WWII

Milton Ernest Ricketts was born on August 5, 1913, in Baltimore, Maryland. After graduating from high school, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1935.He first served aboard USS Ranger (CV-4) and later USS Yorktown (CV-5). On May 8, …
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Recent Episodes

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Bombs Over Ploesti: WWII’s Most Daring Air Raid
Nov. 10, 2025

Bombs Over Ploesti: WWII’s Most Daring Air Raid

In this episode of Duty & Valor, we delve into the dramatic story of Operation Tidal Wave, one of the most daring and dangerous air raids of World War II. On August 1, 1943, 177 B-24 Liberators launched from Allied bases in North Africa to strike the heavily fortified Ploesti oil refineries in Romania—critical to fueling the German war machine. Join us as we explore the strategic importance of the mission, the brave airmen who risked everything, and the harrowing challenges they faced from inten
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US Army Air Forces / Air Force Lt Col Louis Curdes: The Ace Who Shot Down an American Plane – Lt Col Louis Curdes
Oct. 6, 2025

US Army Air Forces / Air Force Lt Col Louis Curdes: The Ace Who Shot Down an American Plane – Lt Col Louis Curdes

In this week’s episode of Duty & Valor, we share the remarkable story of Air Force Lt Col Louis Curdes, a WWII ace unlike any other. Curdes was one of only a handful of American pilots to shoot down aircraft from all three major Axis powers. Germany, Italy, and Japan. But his most astonishing feat came when he made a split-second decision to shoot down an American transport plane to save its crew from capture. From his early days in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to daring escapes as a POW, and finally to
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US Marine Corps PFC Jacklyn "Jack" Lucas: Medal of Honor Recipient WWII
May 12, 2025

US Marine Corps PFC Jacklyn "Jack" Lucas: Medal of Honor Recipient WWII

At just 17 years old, Private First Class Jacklyn Lucas became one of the youngest service members ever to receive the Medal of Honor. But his path to heroism was anything but ordinary. After lying about his age to join the Marines at just 14, Lucas would go on to defy the odds, stowing away on a ship to Iwo Jima, diving onto two grenades to save his fellow Marines, and miraculously surviving. In this episode, we recount the astonishing bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of a young man who refu
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The Courage of Major Hugh Thompson Jr. during the My Lai Massacre
April 7, 2025

The Courage of Major Hugh Thompson Jr. during the My Lai Massacre

On March 16, 1968, during the Vietnam War, U.S. Army helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson Jr. witnessed something unthinkable — American soldiers slaughtering unarmed civilians in the village of My Lai. What he did next would go down as one of the most courageous acts of moral bravery in U.S. military history. In this episode, we share the powerful story of how Major Thompson risked everything — his career, his reputation, even his life — to stop the massacre, confront those responsible, and save as m
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US Air Force Capt Lance Sijan: POW & Medal of Honor Recipient Vietnam War
Feb. 24, 2025

US Air Force Capt Lance Sijan: POW & Medal of Honor Recipient Vietnam War

Lt. Lance Sijan's story is one of unparalleled courage, resilience, and sacrifice. After ejecting from his disabled F-4 Phantom over enemy territory, he endured unimaginable injuries, starvation, and relentless hardships for 46 days in the jungle, refusing to surrender. Captured by the North Vietnamese, he continued to resist, uphold the military code of conduct, and inspire those around him, even in his final days. His unwavering determination and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds earned
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US Navy HA1c Robert Bush: WWII Medal of Honor Recipient
Feb. 10, 2025

US Navy HA1c Robert Bush: WWII Medal of Honor Recipient

At just 18 years old, Navy Hospital Apprentice First Class Robert Bush displayed extraordinary courage during the Battle of Okinawa. While under relentless enemy fire, he tended to a wounded Marine officer, all while fending off attacking Japanese soldiers with his sidearm and a discarded rifle. Gravely wounded himself—including the loss of an eye—Bush refused to be evacuated until his platoon commander was safe. For his heroic actions, he became the youngest sailor to receive the Medal of Honor
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US Army Richard Cavazos: Medal of Honor Recipient Korean War
Jan. 27, 2025

US Army Richard Cavazos: Medal of Honor Recipient Korean War

In this episode of Duty & Valor as we delve into the inspiring life of U.S. Army General Richard Cavazos, the first Hispanic four-star general in American history. Known for his extraordinary courage in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, General Cavazos was a trailblazer who redefined leadership and mentorship in the military. Please visit our YouTube to learn more about other American Heroes @ youtube.com/@DutyandValor Sources: fortcavazosmediacenter.com Militaryhallofhonor.com army.mil thenmusa.org
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US Army Air Forces / Air Force Lt Col Edward Michael: Medal of Honor Recipient WWII
Jan. 13, 2025

US Army Air Forces / Air Force Lt Col Edward Michael: Medal of Honor Recipient WWII

Send us a text In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the extraordinary courage of Lieutenant Colonel Edward S. Michael, a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot and Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. On April 11, 1944, during a harrowing mission over Germany, he faced relentless enemy attacks, a crippled aircraft, and personal injuries that would have defeated most men. Yet, his steadfast resolve to save his crew and complete the mission turned a near-certain tragedy into an inspiring story of
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US Marine Corps SgtMaj John Canley: Medal of Honor Recipient Vietnam War
Dec. 23, 2024

US Marine Corps SgtMaj John Canley: Medal of Honor Recipient Vietnam War

Send us a text In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the incredible life and legacy of Sergeant Major John L. Canley, a Marine Corps legend and Medal of Honor recipient. Join us as we delve into his heroic actions during the Battle of Hue in 1968, where he displayed unparalleled courage and leadership under fire, saving countless lives and ensuring mission success. Discover how his selflessness and devotion to his fellow Marines left an indelible mark on military history and why his story co
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US Navy LT Vincent Capodanno The "Grunt Padre"
Nov. 25, 2024

US Navy LT Vincent Capodanno The "Grunt Padre"

Send us a text In this episode of the Duty & Valor Podcast, we honor the incredible story of US Navy Lieutenant Vincent Capodanno Jr., a Catholic chaplain who sacrificed everything to support his fellow Marines during the Vietnam War. Known as "the Grunt Padre," LT Capodanno's unwavering courage and selflessness on the battlefield saw him being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. We’ll explore his extraordinary acts of valor, the impact he had on those he served alongside, and his enduring
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US Air Force Col Leo Thorsness: POW & Medal of Honor Recipient
Nov. 4, 2024

US Air Force Col Leo Thorsness: POW & Medal of Honor Recipient

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Colonel Leo Thorsness, a decorated USAF pilot, Medal of Honor recipient, and Vietnam War hero. From his daring combat missions to the unimaginable challenges he endured as a POW in North Vietnam, Col Thorsness exemplified courage, resilience, and sacrifice. Discover the story of his heroic mission to protect downed airmen against overwhelming odds, his six grueling years as a prisoner in the notorious "Hanoi Hilton," and his un
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About the Host

Wayne Marques Profile Photo
Wayne Marques

Welcome! I’m Wayne Marques, the voice behind the Duty & Valor Podcast. As a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, I’ve made it my mission to honor the sacrifices of our military heroes by telling their stories. Every episode is crafted with deep respect and a genuine desire to ensure these brave individuals are remembered for their courage and dedication. I truly enjoy bringing these stories to life and sharing them with listeners who value the legacy of our service members. I invite you to join me on this journey—listen to the latest episode and discover the extraordinary tales of valor that continue to shape our history.