Louisiana World War Two Stories

Louisiana Public Broadcasting remembers our WWII veterans. Travel the state with host Charlie Whinham as he introduces us to some of the Louisiana heroes of World War Two.

Bataan Death March survivor Joseph Cassin of New Orleans lived three years as a prisoner of war and drew his strength from a 19th century English poet.

At age 19, Bill Babington of Franklinton served in the Army Air Corps as one of the youngest bomber pilots in WWII.

Shreveport’s John Iles and Dr. Donald Webb share special stories. Mr. Iles served as a PT Boat Captain and fought side by side with former President John F. Kennedy. Dr. Webb is the former President of Centenary College and served as a Captain in the British Royal Navy.

Army sharp-shooter Charles Breaux of Krotz Springs left his home in the Atchafalaya basin to fight in the Battle of the Bulge, one of WWII’s bloodiest moments. Breaux, a man with a second grade education before being drafted, wrote down his war experiences in a journal.

Three Creole men, Anthony Arceneaux, John Overton Conant and Louis P. Christophe served in World War Two. They fought a battle on two fronts. There was the enemy overseas as well as the battle against prejudice at home.

We will also share a special ride with Louisiana WWII veterans to Washington, D.C. Thanks to a program called Louisiana Honor Air, they are visiting the World War Two Memorial for the first time.

View clips at our story portal.