Jun 23, 2026 · 1h 26m
In this episode, Tyler sits down with Heidi Langbein-Allen to discuss her father's harrowing experience as a conscripted boy soldier during the final, brutal days of World War II. At just 13 years old, Heidi's father was taken from his parents under the guise of "protection," only to be indoctrinated and thrust into combat against the Russian advance on the Eastern Front. Heidi shares how she eventually turned her father’s taped recollections into a poignant memoir, detailing his journey from a child in the Hitler Youth to a soldier in the Wehrmacht, and his eventual post-war life dedicated to diplomacy and the defense of democracy in Europe. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting trauma of war and the critical importance of documenting oral histories before they are lost to time. Featured Resources Book: Save the Last Bullet: Memoir of a Boy Soldier in Hitler's Army by Heidi Langbein-Allen. Upcoming Work: Heidi discusses her upcoming anthology, Lost Youth: The Horrors of World War II Seen Through Young Eyes, which collects firsthand accounts of childhood survivors of the war. Connect with Coming Home Well Listen to more episodes on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for show updates and additional resources. Disclaimer: "The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government."