Planes on the Prairie

Planes on the Prairie


Latest Episodes

Major William J. Stangel - MN Aces 8
November 25, 2024

In this episode, the guys cover Major William J. Stangel, a Thief River Falls, Minnesota native. Tune in to learn about his combat exploits during the final years of the Second World War and learn about the famed 352nd Fighter Group!

Captain Herbert N. Houck - MN Aces 7
November 18, 2024

In our next episode, we discuss our seventh MN Ace, this time featuring Captain Herbert N. Houck, a Corona, Minnesota native. Tune in to learn about Houck's impressive combat career with VF-9 of the US Navy, the air engagements he was apart of, and the fa

Brigadier General Martinus Stenseth - MN Aces 6
November 11, 2024

In this episode, the guys discuss a World War I ace by the name of Martinus Stenseth, a Heiberg, Minnesota Native. Tune in to learn more about Stenseth with his time with the 28th Aero Squadron on the Western Front during WWI, his interwar exploits, and h

Major John W. Ruhsam - MN Aces 5
November 04, 2024

In this episode, the Planes on the Prairie crew discuss the life and combat career of the podcast's first F4U Corsair Ace, Albert Lea native Major John W. Ruhsam. Tune in to learn a bit about his combat career, the air battle over Okinawa, and the "Death

First Lieutenant Eugene D. Axtell - MN Aces 4
October 28, 2024

In this spooky edition of the Minnesota Aces series, we have a special treat for you, 1st Lt. Eugene D. Axtell, a P-61 Black Widow ace who hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tune in to hear the guys discuss the combat career of Axtell, and learn a little

Second Lieutenant Cecil J. Doyle
October 21, 2024

In this installment of the MN Aces series, Max and Sam discuss the life and combat career of Second Lieutenant Cecil J. "Danny" Doyle. Doyle was a Marshall, Minnesota native who served as a member of VMF-121, Joe Foss's "Flying Circus." We hope you enjoy

Major Kenneth H. Dahlberg - MN Aces 2
October 14, 2024

In our second installment of our Minnesota Aces Series, Max and Sam discuss the life and combat career of Kenneth H. Dahlberg, who was a triple ace flying Mustangs and Thunderbolts in Western Europe. Special thanks to AirCorps Aviation out of Bemidji, MN

Lieutenant Colonel William R. Dunn - MN Aces 1
October 07, 2024

We're excited to announce that we are back with a new "Aces" series, this time featuring aces from Minnesota! We thought it fitting to start off this series featuring Lieutenant Colonel William R. Dunn, who was the first American ace of the Second World W

Captain Donald Emerson - A Holiday Special
December 23, 2023

We are back with a holiday special, featuring Pembina, North Dakota native and P-51 Mustang pilot Donald Emerson. Both Max and Sam have ready Sandra Merrill's biography of her uncle Donald in the thrilling book Donald's Story, and both of the Planes on th

Captain John O. Donaldson - ND Aces 12
November 13, 2023

In our last episode of the North Dakota Aces series, we cover John Owen Donaldson, our only Ace from World War One. Tune in to hear us discuss World War I aerial combat, Donaldson's victories, and his harrowing journey as a POW on the run.