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

July 19, 2023 00:48:35
Episode Cover

Smiling When It Sucks

In 2003, Dan Stuewe was a platoon leader in the 101st Airborne Division preparing to cross into Iraq. With only a few weeks with...

Listen

Episode 0

March 27, 2020 00:31:39
Episode Cover

Tip of the Spear in the Ebola Response

In 2014 and 2015, the US Army sent soldiers to help respond to an outbreak of Ebola in Liberia. Capt. Jerod Brammer led one...

Listen

Episode

January 02, 2019 00:48:05
Episode Cover

The Fight that Earned a Platoon Leader the Silver Star

In 2012, Capt. Nick Dockery was a platoon leader in Afghanistan. When his platoon was attacked during a mission, an intense fight ensued. Capt....

Listen