In 1911, experts believed that the psychology of different races was distinct, and so, like other states, the state of Maryland founded Crownsville, a mental asylum administered by an all-white doctor and nursing staff expressly and exclusively for African-Americans.

From her book "Madness," author/Peabody-award winning journalist/on-air NBC correspondent Antonia Hylton describes how the physical building was built through the labor of actual patients; how many African-Americans over the years were wrongfully sent to Crownsville, and how its medical practices didn’t expect patients would ever leave, let alone be healed. Hylton walks us through the dubious history of this institution, and the dramatic hiring of its first African-American staff.

Crownsville ultimately closed its doors only in 2004.

Heroes Behind Headlines
Executive Producer Ralph Pezzullo
Produced & Engineered by Mike Dawson
Music provided by ExtremeMusic.com

In 1968, SSgt. Richard Fitts Sr. was a member of the legendary MACV-SOG team based in Vietnam, fighting in the ‘secret war’ in Laos, when the helicopter he was flying in crashed in the jungle in a ball of flames. Richard was declared Missing in Action while his wife and 3-year-old son back home in Massachusetts were given no other information.

For the next 21 years, Richard Fiits Jr. grew up without a father; not knowing if he would ever return. It wasn’t until 1990, when his father’s remains were finally found and buried with military honors, that Richard Fitts Jr. finally began to learn the truth of his father’s heroic career.

Now a musician, Richard Fitts Jr. talks about growing up with only one memory of his dad, and the journey he took to solve the mystery of who his father was and discover himself along the way. As the 20+-year secrecy oath binding living SOG veterans expired, Richard was able to make some surprising discoveries which resulted in his making a documentary, “21 Years—A Folded Flag,” to honor his father’s legacy, and to also help the children of other Gold Star families.

Heroes Behind Headlines
Executive Producer Ralph Pezzullo
Produced & Engineered by Mike Dawson
Music provided by ExtremeMusic.com

In late April 1968, John K. Cordsen was a U.S. Marine on his second tour of duty when he became engaged in one of the most fiercely fought yet little-known battles of the Vietnam War. Over three days, a single battalion of 860 U.S. Marines fought against nearly 10,000 North Vietnamese soldiers over control of a river that was a critical supply line. Casualties were high and both sides claimed victory, but U.S. forces ultimately prevailed.

Part of the storied 2nd infantry, 4th Marines known as the “Magnificent Bastards” led by Brigadier General “Wild Bill” Weise, John shares his experiences and his dramatic journey to survive after sustaining grievous injury. This interview is part of our partnership with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

Heroes Behind Headlines
Executive Producer Ralph Pezzullo
Produced & Engineered by Mike Dawson
Music provided by ExtremeMusic.com