Sergeant John C. Squires at Spaccasassi Creek near Padiglione, Italy, 1944

Beyond the Call: Private First Class John C. Squires at Spaccasassi Creek near Padiglione, Italy, 1944 follows a young infantryman of the United States Army through a night of mines, artillery, and close combat in the Italian campaign of World War II, tracing how his initiative under fire rebuilt a shattered attack and held a fragile foothold against repeated counterattacks. This episode blends a detailed narrative of the action with clear context about the terrain, mission, and stakes, then reflects on Squires’s leadership, responsibility, and sacrifice at just eighteen years old. Beyond the Call is the Monday feature of Dispatch: U.S. Military History Magazine, and the podcast is developed by Trackpads.com.