In this special simulcast of **The Neil Haley Show** and **Celebrity Interviews Live From the Grotto without Greg Hanna**, **Neil “The Media Giant” Haley** speaks with New York Times bestselling author and journalist **Bob Drury** about his new book, **The Phantom: The Untold Story of the American Marine the Nazis Could Not Kill**, co-written with **Tom Clavin**.
The Phantom tells the extraordinary story of Major Pierre “Pete” Ortiz, a U.S. Marine who became an OSS operative, spy, saboteur, and leader of the French Resistance during World War II. Drury explains how he and Clavin first came across the story while researching the Jedburghs, a secret Allied operation designed to place teams behind Nazi lines. Their research led them to Ortiz, whose remarkable military career and experiences in occupied Europe became the focus of the book.
Drury discusses why Ortiz stood out as an unusual figure in World War II history. Before joining the Marines, Ortiz had served in the French Foreign Legion and spoke multiple languages. He was later recruited by “Wild” Bill Donovan into the Office of Strategic Services, the wartime intelligence organization that preceded the CIA and U.S. Special Forces. Ortiz carried out missions behind enemy lines and worked with the French Resistance in Nazi-occupied Europe.
The conversation also explores Drury and Clavin’s writing partnership. Drury explains how their different strengths complement one another, with extensive research forming a major part of their process while Drury takes the lead in shaping the final narrative. The authors have collaborated on numerous works of military and American history, including The Last Hill, Blood and Treasure, Valley Forge, and The Last Stand of Fox Company.
Drury also shares his own remarkable career as a journalist. After beginning in sports journalism, he became a war correspondent and spent years covering conflicts and reporting from places including Afghanistan and Iraq. He discusses how his experiences in war zones influenced the way he writes about the courage, determination, and character of American servicemen and women.
A major theme of the interview is the importance of telling stories that might otherwise be forgotten. Drury explains that he and Clavin are drawn to historical figures whose experiences have not received the attention they deserve. In Ortiz, they found a Marine whose World War II service included combat and clandestine operations in Europe and whose story was largely unfamiliar to the public. Ortiz ultimately retired as a U.S. Marine Corps colonel and received two Navy Crosses for extraordinary heroism.
Neil and Drury also discuss the possibility of bringing historical stories like The Phantom to film and television. Drury talks about several of his books being optioned for screen projects, while Neil discusses the opportunities independent filmmakers have to bring compelling historical stories to audiences.
Near the end of the interview, Drury shares the most important lesson he has learned in life: staying true to yourself, even when doing so means going against the majority. He explains how that principle can apply to the battlefield, marriage, work, and everyday life.
The Phantom: The Untold Story of the American Marine the Nazis Could Not Kill is available from booksellers and was published by St. Martin’s Press.
📍To learn more about The Phantom and Bob Drury’s work, visit the official publisher page: macmillan.com
