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Bearing Witness: A Black Soldier at Buchenwald

Aug 27, 2026 · 20m

Summary

This episode highlights William A. Scott III, an African American photographer who served in the segregated US Army during World War II. Assigned to the 183rd Engineer Combat Battalion, Scott documented the liberation of Buchenwald, where his images provided crucial evidence of Nazi atrocities. After the war, he championed civil rights through the Double V campaign, earning recognition for his contributions to both military history and social equality.

Topics discussed

Sponsors: US Mint Coins and Home Depot Podcast promos and introduction of Ronna Simmons Bill Scott's childhood and father's influence Drafting, segregation, and assignment to engineer unit Bill's role as photographer in Patton's army Sponsors and podcast network promotions Preparation for liberating Buchenwald concentration camp Witnessing the horrors and photographing the camp Post-war activism and the Double V campaign Conclusion and final sponsor advertisements
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