When the Wall Fell

June 21, 2023 00:35:47
When the Wall Fell
The Spear
When the Wall Fell

Jun 21 2023 | 00:35:47

/

Show Notes

As a new military police platoon leader, Robin Fontes unexpectedly found herself present at a turning point of strategic significance. Assigned to the Berlin Brigade, Fontes and her soldiers were part of the American effort to maintain an outpost in the German capital, keep tabs on the Soviets, and stay ready for the start of World War III—all while citizens across Eastern Europe were increasingly demanding additional freedoms and political representation from their communist governments. As tensions inside East Germany continued to rise, Fontes had a front-row view. When the Berlin Wall came down in October 1989, she found herself thrust into a delicate balancing act in the midst of geostrategic uncertainty in a profoundly historic moment.

Other Episodes

Episode 0

January 03, 2020 00:35:33
Episode Cover

Fighting With a Broken Gun

As a lieutenant on his first deployment, Capt. Steve Beckman was in charge of a platoon equipped with a unique vehicle—a Stryker variant called...

Listen

Episode

July 17, 2024 00:50:59
Episode Cover

No-Fly Zone

In 1998, retired US Air Force Colonel Mike "Starbaby" Pietrucha was an electronic warfare officer flying in an F-15E Strike Eagle, enforcing the northern...

Listen

Episode

January 18, 2023 00:33:36
Episode Cover

Company Command in Babil

In 2004, Matt Hardman was an infantry company commander in the 82nd Airborne Division. Just returned from Afghanistan, his paratroopers were deployed to Iraq’s...

Listen