EP-218 – What's The Scuttlebutt

“Free France’s Forgotten General: The Epic of Louis Dio”

On tonight’s episode of The What’s The Scuttlebutt Podcast, Dennis and I sit down with two remarkable guests: Dr. Monique Brouillet Seefried, PhD, and Colonel Jason R. Musteen, PhD, U.S. Army (Ret.). Together, they’ve brought to life a fascinating piece of military history through their latest project — the English translation of Général Louis Dio: The Wartime Epic of One of Free France’s Greatest Soldiers, 1940–1946. Originally authored by French General Jean-Paul Michel and Dr. Monique Seefried, the book chronicles the extraordinary life and service of General Louis Dio, a key figure of the Free French Forces who fought alongside General Leclerc from Africa through the liberation of France and into Germany. The story highlights Dio’s courage, leadership, and his role in shaping France’s military legacy during World War II. Our conversation explores the challenges and importance of translating and preserving this wartime narrative for new audiences, the deeper meaning of Dio’s legacy, and how history continues to resonate through their work.

Dr. Monique Brouillet Seefried — historian, educator, and U.S. WWI Centennial Commissioner — brings both academic insight and personal connection to the project as Dio’s goddaughter. A former chair of the International Baccalaureate and a scholar of history at Emory University, Dr. Seefried’s lifelong dedication to education and heritage makes her uniquely suited to tell this story. Colonel Jason R. Musteen, PhD, retired U.S. Army officer, historian, and former Chief of Military History at West Point, joins us with his extensive background in modern European military history. With service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa — and honors including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medals, and Combat Action Badge — Colonel Musteen lends both a soldier’s perspective and a scholar’s precision to this translation. Join us as we dive deep into the making of this translation, the history behind General Louis Dio’s legacy, and the enduring lessons of leadership, courage, and service found in the pages of this remarkable work.