Lincoln's Special Forces: The Shadow War That Shaped America (ft. Patrick K. O'Donnell) | Ep. 31

We sat down with combat historian and bestselling author Patrick O'Donnell to explore the incredible stories of the Jessie Scouts, Union soldiers who disguised themselves as Confederates to carry out daring espionage missions during the Civil War. O'Donnell, in his latest book The Unvanquished, details how these scouts operated behind enemy lines, gathering crucial intelligence that helped shape the outcome of the war. Get the book here: https://amzn.to/4e7uOZt We also dive into the broader theme of irregular warfare and how the Civil War introduced America to new covert tactics that influenced modern military operations. O'Donnell explains the risks these scouts faced, as being caught in enemy uniform meant certain death, yet they persisted in their mission to support the Union’s war efforts. He shares how the Jessie Scouts earned seven Medals of Honor and played a crucial role in altering the course of American history. The conversation also touches on the Confederate Secret Service, which engaged in election interference, press manipulation, and other clandestine operations, drawing parallels to modern-day political and military strategies. Additionally, we explore how the Civil War's covert operations, from the daring raids of John Singleton Mosby to Lincoln’s assassination conspiracy, continue to impact our understanding of espionage and warfare today. O'Donnell uncovers fascinating details about the origins of America's special forces, the use of psychological warfare, and how the South's insurgency nearly changed the nation's future. This episode offers a captivating look into a lesser-known aspect of the Civil War that still resonates in today's world of covert military operations. We are also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4mUsMxKZy5QgeJfypj2ftr Apple Pods: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535