S8 Ep1090: Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, explains that following Blazer's capture, Harry Harrison Young took command of the Union's sp

The John Batchelor Show · Jul 5, 2026 · 13m

Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, explains that following Blazer's capture, Harry Harrison Young took command of the Union's special forces assets under Phil Sheridan. Only 5'5" but "absolutely fearless," Young transformed the Jesse Scouts into a vital strategic asset. These scouts, often operating in Confederate uniforms, conducted suicide missions and used elaborate disguises—such as peddlers or Southern recruiting officers—to gather real-time intelligence. The hazards were so extreme that most Jesse Scouts did not survive the war, though the unit ultimately earned seven Medals of Honor…