Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
A massive build-up of troops and equipment in the United Kingdom was a clear indicator to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi high command that an attack against Occupied Europe was imminent, but a sophisticated Allied deception plan leaves the Germans guessing where D-Day will truly take place.
Operation Fortitude successfully obscures true Allied intentions while Operation Jedburgh helps reduce German defenses ahead of the Normandy landings by putting OSS operatives at the heart of the European war. William "Wild Bill" Donovan lives up to his nickname by joining the battle personally -- over the strong objections of his superiors.
Host Bradley W. Hart is joined by historians and authors Peter Crean, Mary Kathryn Barbier, Jeff Rogg and Nick Reynolds.
A massive build-up of troops and equipment in the United Kingdom was a clear indicator to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi high command that an attack against Occupied Europe was imminent, but a sophisticated Allied deception plan leaves the Germans guessing where D-Day will truly take place.
Operation Fortitude successfully obscures true Allied intentions while Operation Jedburgh helps reduce German defenses ahead of the Normandy landings by putting OSS operatives at the heart of the European war. William "Wild Bill" Donovan lives up to his nickname by joining the battle personally -- over the strong objections of his superiors.
Host Bradley W. Hart is joined by historians and authors Peter Crean, Mary Kathryn Barbier, Jeff Rogg and Nick Reynolds.




![V-E Day Commemoration 2026 at the The National WWII Museum
Join The National WWII Museum to commemorate the 81st anniversary of V-E Day (May 8). Hear from Samuel Zemurray Stone Senior Historian John Curatola, PhD, as he explores the aircraft that proved to be instrumental in winning the air war over Europe. Gather beneath two iconic Allied aircraft—the C-47 and the Supermarine Spitfire—and learn how airpower evolved from D-Day to V-E Day, ultimately bringing the war to an end in Europe.
A reception from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. will precede the event and will include a Hands on History station about the air war in Europe as well as light hors d’oeuvres and a themed cocktail.
For more information, contact veteranprograms@nationalww2museum.org.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [Grant No. MA-257854-OMS-25]. Visit imls.gov to learn more. V-E Day Commemoration 2026 at the The National WWII Museum](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IsPYnRALIMw/mqdefault.jpg)





