Mighty Talks | Ortiz's War

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s monthly Mighty Talk series continue with Ortiz’s War, with co-author Kaitlin Sanders. This program will take place on November 3rd at 11:00 am at the museum.

The program is free to the public, but please register at https://forms.gle/WiFgYwRzxP2FuBG9A

About the Book
Ortiz’s War tells the extraordinary story of Peter J. Ortiz, a French Foreign Legionnaire, U.S. Marine and OSS operative who became one of the most decorated Marines of World War II. Recruited for special operations because of his combat experience and language skills, Ortiz parachuted behind enemy lines in occupied France, where he trained and armed the French Resistance, gathered intelligence, aided downed Allied airmen and conducted missions against German forces.

From daring escapes and clandestine operations to his decision to surrender rather than risk the destruction of a French village, Ortiz’s War brings to light a remarkable story of courage, resistance and sacrifice in the European Theater.

About the Author
Kaitlin Sanders is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience writing for leading publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, The Washington Post Magazine, Smithsonian, TIME, Vanity Fair and Glamour. Her work often explores stories of courage and resistance, particularly within the history of World War II and the Holocaust.

Sanders is the co-author, with historian Nicholas Reynolds, of Ortiz’s War, her first book. The story has a personal connection: OSS Marine Col. Peter Ortiz rescued Sanders’ grandfather and others from the Nazis in France in 1944. Her research and reporting have taken her to the CIA and into the homes and reunions of World War II veterans and Holocaust survivors. Sanders is also a participant in the Jewish Book Council’s 2026–2027 author network and tour program.