INTERVIEW: The Paratroopers Who Changed D-Day

They jumped into darkness with almost no chance of survival.

Bestselling author James Donovan joins Why Wars Happened to reveal the untold story of the 82nd Airborne on D-Day — chaos, courage, and the impossible mission that made victory possible.

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Why Wars Happened

01:08 – The 82nd Airborne’s D-Day mission

03:34 – Strategic importance of bridges

05:53 – Challenges & obstacles

09:55 – The chaotic night jump

14:43 – Eisenhower’s contingency letter

19:26 – Battle of the Bulge connections

20:17 – Casualties & courage

22:37 – Leadership of Ridgeway & Gavin

26:59 – Training & initiative

31:59 – Lafayette Bridge assault

35:15 – Legacy & remembrance

37:03 – Donovan’s research & connection

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