D-Day: An Unsung Hero of La Fiere Bridge | American Artifact Episode 100
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- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
- U.S. Army historian S.L.A. Marshall is quoted as saying, “La Fière Bridge was the fiercest battle in the European war.” The fighting that took place at La Fiere from June 6-9, 1944 is legendary in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. In this episode, we're returning to La Fiere Bridge (our first visit is linked below) to take a fresh look at this engagement and examine a few artifacts from one of the unsung heroes of this battle.
To see our first visit to La Fiere, click here: • The Stand of the 82nd ...
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
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Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com
Not to forget to visit the museum store. I picked up some civil war items for Christmas gifts last year.
I have a blood stained canteen cover from Bastogne battle of the bulge, and it’s from easy company 101st airborne I wonder how much would Eric would pay for it, history underground If you can get in contact with Eric and you tell me a price for it.
@@apmiller1059 - Shoot him an email with some pics at info@gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. I’m sure he’d love to take a look. Thanks!
La Fiere Bridge is also known as the Kellam Bridge.
Named after Major Frederick C. Kellam (Service No. 0-020376), KIA, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
Major Kellam ran up toward the bridge with a bag of rockets and was hit by a German mortar.
He died on this bridge on June 6 and also awarded with the Silver Star for his heroic actions at La Fiere.
Lots of heroes that day.
This is what the patriotism looks like. Not just waving a flag and standing for the national anthem. Actually learning about and educating others about our history, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Deeds both heroic and repulsive. The struggles, the triumphs, the failures. Once again JD, you're a real mensch for what you do, making all of this knowledge available to anyone who seeks it, not to mention the gorgeous way you film, edit, and score these videos. I come here not only to learn, but because I'm always staggered by the quality.
Incredibly well edited! What a story! Also the 1st ever map animation on the La Fiere battle that excists on the internet.
Nice animation.
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Nice and clean animation work Sandervk. Thank you!
That's an amazing story. I love when you and Eric work together. A dynamic duo. Thanks to you both.
Appreciate that.
JD, showing the animated movement of the battle on the "birdseye view' image really get the story across, hope to see more of it. Calling that monument, a work of art, is a vast understatement, its visual history. This series has given me a new respect of France and her people. People today could use the Greatest Generation as role models. We need to keep a sharp eye on our Freedoms we enjoy today to make sure they aren't slowly eaten away. JD and Erik are true American Historians. Thanks Joe.
Thank you! That really means a lot.
My comments about you, Erik and your content are well earned. For the average vid I comment "Great watch" or "Thanks for your time and work" But for you guys I tell it like it is --- have to go, were having a BBQ.@@TheHistoryUnderground
Thanks JD for the story of this heroic act. Also to Erik bringing soldiers items back to the scenes 80 years later I don’t think no one is doing anything like that.
Thanks! Glad that we can share the stories and the artifacts.
What makes the study of major world events like WWII so fascinating (even as an amateur) is the combination of big strategic moments alongside individual acts of sheer bravery.
Many thanks JD & Erik for yet another great story. 👍
Thank you!
Well said. It doesn't hurt that WWII was also remarkably (and strangely) photogenic. We have more photography from that war than any conflict before it, and so much about WWII just looked cool; the ships, the aircraft, the tanks, the weaponry, the uniforms. I know it's weird to call the most violent conflict in human history "photogenic" but I think you understand my meaning
Tremendous episode. Still honored to see how the French celebrate our Greatest Generation even if we have forgotten how to.
The expectation from humanity,commanders and themselves was so great. They fought for each other. Thank you for bringing back the memories of my visits to Normandy.
Thank you.
What a touching story! It's so unfortunate that Joseph Fitt did not outlive the war. And what a beautiful place in France as I'm sure all of France is!
Normandy is particularly lovely, especially this year as it has rained more than usual. Even the Falaise pocket is quite beautiful now, as is everything between there and the beaches. And so quiet.
Once again, congratulations are in order for the ONE HUNDREDTH episode of American Artifacts!! Well done, sirs!!
Thanks!
Great video once again! Now I need to learn more about Joe Fitt. Thanks for highlighting his heroism.
Heck of a guy.
Fantastic video. What incredible detail on the sculpture. Thank you for honoring these men by educating new generations
Thank you. Glad to share the stories.
love the video and especially the animation to describe the battle. it really helped understand the battle. you should use that type of animating more
Thanks! We're hoping to integrate some of these animations in future videos.
Echo the comments on the animation. Your videos have always been great but one can see the evolution into very professional productions. Suggestion - you mentioned briefly that you can stay at the LaFiere manor. How about a video on other unique places to stay. Thanks, J.D.
Thanks! Appreciate that. Got a few videos in the WWII playlist that show some cool places where we've stayed. Here's another non-WWII related place that was pretty cool: ua-cam.com/video/2iF4MpHG8i4/v-deo.htmlsi=VVLOfEMvxI3ROAvH
That is an amazing sculpture JD. As always, thank you for showing us history. I could watch you educate us every day. Stay safe, safe travels. Can't wait for the next episode!
Thank you!
Great video JD. I keep looking to see the status of the movie Dale Dye was hoping to make. There is a great PBS documentary “Seize and Secure: The Battle for La Fiere Bridge” narrated by Mark Harmon and features some of the veterans that fought there including Robert Murphy, Roy Creek, John Marr and Robert Rae. Such an amazing yet unknown battle. I highly recommend seeing the video as well as reading Robert Murphy’s book “No Better Place to Die!”
Its so touching to me when you reunited items like that. What a hero he was. Great work as ALWAYS. 👍🏼😎
Great video. Thanks for bringing history alive and sharing the story. Makes all the difference in the world other than a beautiful place . Very sobering
Many thanks!
Another great vid, I'm thoroughly enjoying the D day episodes looking forward to more of them, thanks for the history!
Glad you like them!
Great job editing as usual, JD. Great animation by Sander too.
It is great that the cammaderie exists between several channels aimed at educating the masses. You, Erik Dorr, Chris from VTH, Matt Leitch from the We Happy Few 506, Sandervk etc., make it all the more worth logging in daily. Brilliant work, all of you.
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Appreciate that!
Thank you for all your vids, such great history that you teach is great. Never miss them, thank you again
Appreciate that. Hopefully the channel is doing some good and giving people a resource to share the history.
There's a reason why those soldiers are called "The Greatest Generation" for a reason. Private Joseph Fitt's actions certainly demonstrate that.
Absolutely agree!
100%
Not to diminish the bravery of these men but I suggest every generation has had and will have those who will step up and do the needed tasks when required.
I see your point, but I think the generation of the World War Two era was the most notable at stepping up and doing the right thing at the right time. @@TheopolisQSmith
@@TheopolisQSmithYes agreed!! Every generation has its’ brave and courageous not just those from the WWII era!!!
Great series JD, working new job and can’t watch vids when dropped until now! Keep up the informative work and loved the series from Cody,Wy. as well. Thank you
Thanks!
JD and Erik have a lot of heart. Thank you guys for telling this story.
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Such brave men, I don't like seeing blood-stained artifacts, but their lives/memories are not forgotten.
That animation explanation of how things went down was great! Love the map overlay. Do more please!
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This is the second time I have watched this video. I just love the way your videos bring history alive. I also love the way you guys take historic artifacts back to the spot where they were a part of history.
It is heartwarming to see that the French have not forgotten the sacrifice in the battle of Normandy and honor heroism of Joseph Fitt and others. RIP to Paratrooper Joseph Fitt and all the others that fought in WW2. It would be a different world today without your efforts and bravery. Freedom is not free.
10:50 Of all of the reunification of artifacts that You and Eric have done this photo had the greatest impact on me. Those dog tags, on that bridge, facing that tank could not be more poignant. And the chain for the dog tags is so artfully draped on the bridge! Kudos !:-)🙏💜🙏
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Every time I watch another video,
describing these heroes actions, makes me proud to have been a paratrooper with the 82nd, 101st, and a Pathfinder. AATW, FILO!
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We owe these men who fought and died so much. Their debt can never truly be repaid but at least we can honor them and never forget their sacrifice..
Thanks JD for bringing to us another story of the war. Someone that I didn’t know about until now. Great to see Eric reunite Fitt’s dog tags with his jacket.
Fantastic content! Thank you. We owe our collective eternal gratitude to men like Joe Fitt. A stark reminder that freedom is never free.
JD you guys have once again outdone yourselves!!! OUT-FRICKIN-STANDING YOUNG MAN!!!
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Truly well done. True heroes. Thank you for this 👍
JD thank you for a glimpse into history. Though we have never met, I consider you a treasured friend. God bless!
Wow, thank you!
You have done a great job with this , bringing the struggle they faced to life with the brave soldiers and their positions.
The topographical bronze memorial is stunning!
I've never seen anything like it.
I will share with my veteran friends.
Thank you all involved and RIP to our heros of WWII
Used to eat dinner at the La Fiere, and I spent a night there once. Know the history by heart.
Wouldn’t mind staying there myself at some point.
Thank you for bringing these storie's to us , if not for the men who fought the battles like this on we would not have the freedom we have today we need not to forget.
The Fitt story is incredible. To think those dog-tags were on his person when he preformed his act of bravery and when he lost his life is overwhelming. Thank you two for bringing us this information. Appreciate it.
summer 2019 - Ambrose 'd-day to the rhine' tour .. this was the stop they truly brought to life the importance of small unit tactics the led to the success of the invasion .. the view from the monument and the display was well done and it felt like you were there that day .. thanks for highlighting this part of the larger battle ..
JD, your graphics and editing are simply amazing! Not to mention the detailed storytelling that you and Eric have put together. Well done brother. Aloha 🤙🏼
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Congratulations to Eric & you for the 100th episode as you both work together. This was a great episode with the animated map & the sculptured map of the bridge during WW2.
Thanks so much for sharing this story about Joe Fitt, there are so many stories like his, demonstrating the courage and the commitment of American and Allied troops during the invasion! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 but I’m curious about one thing, he was killed in Europe, but yet his body was returned to the states, and was interned in Utah, where he came from. Was that a common practice to return the remains of American servicemen KIA from European theater to the US for burial?
The family of the soldiers had to pay for them to be returned to the states, my uncle was killed after the Fiere Bridge fight and returned home in 1947
The families had the choice to pay out of their own pockets to bring their loved ones’ home. I read that it was quite expensive for that time to do so.
The graphics really tell the story. Great idea.
That sculpture/bench was even cooler with the rain hitting it. Love your stories!
Glad you enjoyed it
Off topic: My wife ands I live in a suburb of Philly and are Philly teachers actually. Our family's church is the Valley Forge Chapel, which is about twenty minutes away by the turnpike. The woodwork there is absolutely amazing. We take our family weekly. - The battle of Edge Hill is right by my home and was supposed to be the end of the Revolutionary War (both Howe brothers were here) yet ended as a mere skirmish and GW went to Valley Forge in retreat. Lots of history around here! Also, the Revolutionary War museum downtown is one of my favorites, next to the Udder-Hazy Annex in Chantilly. Washington's Crossing: every year they do a historical crossing in full garb on December 25th, but do a dry run mid-December and shoot the cannons- just an idea. I wanted to be a history teacher as a kid in the 90's and went another route. We love your channel! I have immersed my kids into history and you have been a major part of it- my eldest in 8th grade. Oh, also, the Philadelphia zoo is out nation's oldest- broke ground before the civil war. Happy Sunday!
Thank you for sharing another story . I’ve visited st mere eglise and the airborne museum twice but never went to the bridge . It’s now in my must visit list .
This bird's-eye animation was SO well done and really helped me understand the logistics and timeline of the battle. Great job!!!
So happy I've been able to visit this location at least once in my life.
The dog tags on that beautiful monument was touching...these men are the reason you are able to make these incredible vids and I can watch them...freedom...also, thanks for getting back to me about you guys not being in Gettysburg Oct. 13th - 16th. Shame I will miss meeting you. Maybe next time. God bless
Talk about leading from the front, James Gavin was a 37-yr-old brigadier general at La Fiere.
Dude was next level.
Been watching you since you started and I very much appreciate all the history you bring to us . I enjoy your channel very much . 1st time commenting on your channel . God Bless ...
Many thanks! I appreciate that more than you know.
I visited La Fiere back in 2016.. La Fiere was one of those places where you can actually FEEL in the air an almost overbearing sense of solemness due to the sacrifices of the roughly 250 young men who were killed there during this engagement. The other places I have felt that are Omaha beach, Gettysburg, and Little Big Horn.. That being said, I am so proud to have visited La Fiere and to have learned of the heroism these young men displayed during those early days of the Normandy invasion along the Merderet. I hope I get to go back again one day now that I have an even better understanding due to JD’s excellent videos!
In conjunction with Paul Woodage over at WW2 TV.. His videos are so incredibly in depth and a WW2 history nerd’s goldmine
Another brilliant on location video....Thank you!!!!!
Thanks!
I've heard these stories again and again. Sometimes from people were there. No one brings them to life like you do. P.S. we have an Iron Mike at Ft. Bragg. Used to run by him every morning.
Appreciate that! And yeah, I should have mentioned the Iron Mike statue at Ft. Bragg.
JD, i agree with You. The amount of detail on that bronze is astounding! Hats off to the artist, and artisans at the foundry that produced it !:-) 🙏
Extremely moving … story and video and showing the monument and the dog tags being reunited with jacket all tied together with the perfect music… all should view and share
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Thanks JD, I can’t get enough of your channel.
A great video, your teaming up with WW2 TV and also Sandervk History is working really well
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Yes, that truly is a work of art, so impressive. I am also amazed that the French people are still honoring the men who fought/died there with banners.
Excellent video JD The Bravery and sheer will to survive on D-Day and through out the Normandy campaign was incredible”The Greatest Generation”
Love the animated map! Shout out to the creator!
Glad that you liked it!
My goodness, what a story. I’ve been to that area, that museum, and even that bridge, but didn’t know the full story. That’s what I love about this channel. Even though I’ve been to a lot of these places, you always find stories about individuals that deserve recognition. Well done.
From the bottom of my heart I can only say thank you, great video!!
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Great video for sure. It's great to learn from JD all these great historical stories of D-day. Makes the war just a little more personal for everyone I would think. Does for me. Thanks guys for another great story. Larry
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Very nice presentation of this engagement. Thanks JD 💯👍
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Amazing video again. Your videos are getting better and better
Thank you!
Love your content!!! I’m heading to Normandy for a third time next month and have learnt so much from yours and Pauls (WW2 TV) videos. It’s a shame the 82nd’s involvements are always over shadowed from 101st 506. So many brave moments that occurred across Normandy we should never forget
Thank you, perfect timing. I recently read 'No Better Place to Die: The Battle for La Fiere Bridge.' It's good to see the actual site. We took the Band of Brothers Tour a few years ago but didn't see this area.
This also is a awesome video my friend , you seem to be living your dream and getting paid for it. On top of all.. You work hard it is obvious. Thank you Frank from montana.......
Appreciate that! Glad to share the stories.
I am Canadian
I have visited Juno beach on several occasions and the Juno Beach centre and the cemetery at Beny sur Mer
Makes me very proud to be Canadian
The American cemetery at Bayoux is beautiful as well
Everyone should make a pilgrimage toNormandy to show respect
Great tribute, thank you. Good book on 82nd Airborne on D-Day is Ed Ruggero's "The First Men In"
The airborne museum in Sainte-Mere-Eglise is probably one of the best museums, I think, which has dealt with the invasion of Normandy
Very beautiful and detailed monument. Wish more monuments were like this one.
Really enjoyed the video mate love the history about 101st airborne Division and 82nd airborne Division can't wait for the next video mate 👍
Loved the addition of the animation JD!
Cool map animation
Thanks! Hope that it helps people to understand the battle a bit more.
A first rate presentation. Thank you.
I actually got to go there last summer and it's one of the more underrated sites in Normandy
Watching this again! I love the animated map! What a great visual aid!
Outstanding JD !!!
Thank you!
Thx JD, great story and well documented. Much appreciated!
Love the artifact reunions - so very cool
That art work was amazing.
Thank You for sharing this with is all 👍👍👍
Another amazing story.
Beautiful video…thank you!
Love the map animations. More please in future episodes!
Thanks! Really enjoy your work!
Outstanding episode
Love these videos. Keep them coming!
Great job JD as always love your programs!
Thank you JD fantastic video
Absolutely an awesome video!!! Great stuff !!!
Bravo! Thank you.
Our pleasure!
That monument is brilliant
Another great video. I really enjoyed this one.
Visited the same two spots on 3 September thanks to your previous videos. Would have been great to reflect with you guys. Really appreciate all the effort y'all put in. Always well done! Keep them coming!
Thanks! Appreciate that!
Cool story and documented ..
Fantastic video