WWII Veteran Talks About Unforgettable First Experience in Combat Against the Germans
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 гру 2020
- Please subscribe! This is an interview with WWII Veteran Wes Gaab of the 104th Infantry Division talking about his time in combat.
On a mission to interview WWII heroes daily, to raise awareness of their enormous sacrifices, and to provide a proper in-depth filmed interview of their experiences in WWII.
Go to our website for more info : www.heroesofthesecondworldwar....
Founded in 2016, Heroes of the Second World War is a nonprofit 501©(3) organization. (EIN/tax ID number: 81-3064351). 100% of Heroes of the Second World War’s expended resources are devoted entirely to interviewing interview with the vast majority of money going to travel costs.
Please subscribe for more WWII veteran interviews!
Subscribed!
Subscribed!
You should ask these vets what they think about what happened January 6. And post their comments. Perhaps the greatest generation can get the attention of one of the worst.
Subscribed, fascinating stories.
@@jimilove7773
Wow do you realize this was Germany vs communism. ?
America stock market has been sucked dry to fund Hitler...in 1929....
And Russia ( and )! America has commune istic tendencies by that time and being used by the Swiss bankers. To fight against Germany..
As an English man I never fail to Admire the Americans who travelled to Europe to fight a war where the enemy were never a direct threat to their homeland. Thank you.
We're brothers, in family lineage and in old true culture. Most of our names are of old European lines.
Hey same with Aussies we were fighting from 1940 i think ?
@@akirk1573 Many, many cities and towns, as well. I can go to Paris today, if I don't mind it being in Texas.
They were attacking our shorelines with submarines. We would have been next. Our next war is from within, and the theatre is about to open...
@@shitchops Yes yes of course our great friends from Australia and New Zealand,we thank you also.
I can only hope I survive to be that age and be as sharp as him. It's actually amazing.
Memory is keyed to violence.
Combat does that to a man
@@badnoodlez I served, did you?
@@badnoodlez Naturally it’s “white kid” who’s offended by the truth.
@BLM BLM they figured it out with those Vietnam vets. They went in greatly outnumbered some of the survivors would come home with terrible flashbacks. Their psyches forever scarred. World war 2 vets confirm this when they tell lucid stories of their experiences like it was yesterday.
This guy and others like him are National treasures. God bless him.
Well said, I totally agree with you,
He wouldnt agree. The national treasures are the ones who sacrificed the most. Im sure he would agree with that. He feels like a normal kid at the time who got lucky
100% GOD Bless Our Boys And GOD Bless America!
@@bobbyboucher1936 dont mix he is national treasures he went in war when Uncle Sam called.
You're all making me puke
This man looks and sounds so young and healthy for his age. God Bless him and all those he served with.
Yet yo know these men through Hell. God bless him and all those that lost their lives.
@@joefran619 I remember WW1 veterans growing up. Now WW2 veterans are rare most even the youngest approaching their 90s. A photograph in time for future generations.
I don’t know if I believe this guy he’s got a good memory and he looks too young and it’s December 2020 when this was posted. My grandfather fought in ww2 and he died in 2010 at age 87. How old is this guy? Looks way too young
@@woofy8867 alot of people lied about their age so they could fight
@@keenl4057 I know, but this guy looks young has a great memory sounds very sharp and this interview Is from last month. Idk man
As a Belgian I can only be grateful for the sacrifices these soldiers made. Let’s never forget what they did for us.
So very true!
The US economy is struggling. Time to pay back Sonny!
Pay back every cent you got from the Marshal Plan. Thats a good start
As a German, I totally agree. These people gave their lifes so we can have the free life we live today. "We" is completely relative - I don't consider Nazis to be part of the term "we" from my perspective.
Sadly, the passage of time has darkened the memories of what American soldiers did for Europe. We don’t want pats on the back, just a smidgen of acknowledgement would suffice.
If I count correctly this guy is over 90 years old when this footage was recorded. I must say I'm impressed by how bright and agile he still is.
Hes my great uncle. Still that sharp today!
@@waterrocket91 how old?
@@NickyNicest I want to say hes about 98 now.
@@waterrocket91 Any way to get in contact with him? I collect 104th ID items (my grandfather was in 413th IR, C Co.) and I just picked up a uniform and photo album group to a gentleman was in your uncles squad by the name of John Lences. Several photos of your uncle were among his things.
@@benjaminpugh4457 yes, can you send me a PM?
Love that these guys are still here to tell the story but what a nightmare of a story. So much respect for them.
How old is this bloke? He speaks like a young fella. What a sharp lad.
He'd be in his mid 90s at least.
@@blokeabouttown2490 He was 96 when he gave this interview. He is 97 now and still as sharp.
My grandfather spoke German and was a motorcycle messenger for a time... Later a belly gunner in a B-17. He was hit in the knee and ended up in hospital in Germany and came home after. He always thought of the 'Jerries' as equals and knew they were just doing their job...as he was.
RIP Grandpa Curly. 🇺🇸
There weren't many Germans in WW2 who were just doing their jobs. In general they were all full believers.
@@sam8404 sure you know better. Guess you were there fighting with his grandfather...
@@sam8404 Damn u truly are an keyboard warrior
@@sam8404 my grandfather was in the German Navy. Definitely wasnt a Nazi.
I had the luck of talking to a German ww2 veteran once. He was only 19 when the war ended yet had been wounded twice. His left hand didn't have full motion after a shrapnel wound, yet he was still sent back to the front to fight. There is always this big thing about the Germans only doing there duties vs. them being pure fanatics. The truth is somewhere in the middle as he explained to me. He had been brought up in the Hitler youth and he, as other people his age, was a pure believers in the Nazi cause before he was sent to the front. He wasn't in the SS but he had been around 7 when the Nazis took over. He stated that he was basically raised in a death cult. It wasn't until he was fighting a completely lost war where it became clear to him that the so called superior government was full of shit. No matter what actually was happening at the front, the lies and misinformation wouldn't stop, dooming a whole generation in the process. He was still angry at the Nazis and the crimes they committed. Not just against humanity, but also against the German people. Truly an awful time.
Your a legend mate , sending love and appreciation from Australia
Please subscribe!
*you're
You Aussies were legends in WW2 - seen the true WW2 movie,
ATTACK FORCE Z?
@@RememberWW2 I have and I absolutely love this channel :) :)
@@coiledsteel8344 Cheers :) My grandad was fighting in New Guinea during the war he never spoke of it much though
What an amazing man he is! He sounds more together than most people over half his age and to go through WW2 like so many of them did unaware of what the next second would bring them and to think how many people these days swan around like the world owes them something? These guys were selfless unlike the selfish fools we have in abundance today.
When I heard him say Cherbourg, I immediately wondered and was right: he was a member of The Fighting Timberwolves. Looked at his shirt and there it was 104th ID. I knew another man who served with them, Lt. Alton H. Diserens (“Diz”), a close family friend who pushed me as a baby in my stroller. 415th E Company as I recall? This is but the initial story of this unit who fought through the winter of 1944-45 and ultimately met the Russians.
When I think of Dizzy and these men and their service, I hang my head and pray. Thank you for this interview.
Yes, my grandfather was in the 104th Infantry Division, 414th Infantry Regiment, Company M, 3rd Battalllion.
Enjoyable, that guy is sharp as a piece of shrapnel.
My grandpa fought in this unit.
He never talked about it, and he died while I was in basic training (6 years before I saw my first combat), so it was really fulfilling to see this video.
My Grandfather did as well, in fact he was a machine gunner in the 104th, just like this hero, Mr. Gaab. Similar story for me, we didn't often ask about the war, and when we did he told us funny stories (and there were many!). However, one of the few dark stories I recall was line for line exactly what Mr. Gaab told us here in this interview. My Grandfather earned two purple hearts and a bronze star, and lived to be 88 (passed away 2015). Also, thanks for your service!
Thank you also for your service. Your Grandfather gave us our freedom.
As my maternal grandfather but he was in command of an antitank gun crew with 413th Reg, 2nd HQ.
Thank you for being part of liberating the Netherlands, we appreciate you for giving us back our freedom and we will never forget it.
God bless this man! In order for him to have served in WW2, he has to be in his 90s but he really looks like early- mid 70s. Incredible
"we thought it was going to be like ww1..." That proves the majority had no clue of combat. And then being dropped into it. Honestly I would be scared like hell.
Yeah same aye.. and these young ones have it soooo bad these days pfft..worried about gettin their feelings hurt
Well. That was the toughest for these men too. Seeing fellow soldiers dead. You have to carry that with you your whole life.
What an absolute hero. He speaks so magnificently. Thank you for sharing this.
No, he is a brave man, the "Heroes" were the ones who died in that field. Heroes die in a selfless act, during this selfless act you live, you're brave.
What you mean? Age is only a number he’s not ignorant or slow! 🤦🏽♂️
@@woodyhayes7402 heroism is the willingness to die. Simple chance is the reason he didn't
For a guy in his mid 90s he looks great and is so sharp.
Timberwolf Up! My father was B Company, 413th Inf Reg. He too fought with an M1919 .30 cal MG. To this day the people in towns like Zundert and Aachtmal remember the Timberwolves who were their liberators. Passed down from generation to generation...they never forget.
Verzögerungsgefecht (delaying combat) is the German name of the tactic he described. It was further refined during the cold war.
My father was a combat veteran of the Korean War and he served in combat in the Army but my Father only spoke three times to my older brother and I about his experiences in combat. My Father passed away in 2006 but one time he stated, “I can say two things about combat that I was not ready for was the brutality and children.” My fathers eyes got really glassed and nothing else was said. I miss my father dearly as I respected and loved him!
Oddly, the children of Afghanistan still bother me. I think of them often.
God knows the horrors he saw... wow.
Clearly it was painful for him and he probably suffered the rest of his life on those memories he couldn't share.
@@johnq4535 I say a prayer for you if you don’t mind! Thank you for your service because U.S.A.Military personnel are the reason my family and I have the freedoms I enjoy and relish everyday!
@@johnq4535 yeah? Why? What’s wrong with children from Afghanistan?
Nothing but respect for these guys real heroes thank you from the UK 🇬🇧 🇺🇲
I think I speak for all my fellow Dutch citizens when I say thank you sir. You went through hell to save us from ours.
They were just passing through in the race for Germany, really. Glad they did though, and heroes never the less.
Dad was a Pearl Harbor survivor and fought every major Pacific battle. Wish i had a more documented, detailed account of it all. Sure miss him. Bless the greatest generation..!!!
Sharp as a tack! Thanks for kicking butt Sir!
Please subscribe for more!
To be so sharp as he is at his age. Just wow.
He still remembers the first time he heard a German Machinr Gun. It must have been terrifying to know that it was being used against you.
a strange feeling at first, eventually thoughts of revenge take over. kind of insane when you think about it later, is revenge worth dying for?
MG 42. Buzzsaw.
Thats amazing, this man looks better than most of the 60 year old nowadays
As a Belgian, Thank you. Always.
They don't make Hero's like this anymore.
God bless this incredible WWII vet!!
At least they had a real enemy. The guys in afghanistan have on the day civilians, at night guerillia. And in between IEDs. How can you live through that..
Thank you sir! I'm sorry we haven't taken care of our country and freedoms better!
Yes, it truly a disgrace that these men fought and died to preserve freedom and the woke left is trying so hard to rid our country of all freedom and turn it into a tyrannical government controlled country.
I live in the Netherlands, and i want to thank you sir for your service. Because of your brave actions we can now live in freedom. Freedom we would otherwise not have had. We must never forget! Here in Wassenaar parts of the German Atlantik wall still remain today. The germans literally launched their big V-2 missiles here from the street junctions between the trees to London. I've also visited the maginot line in France. It just makes you feel so small, the more i learn about the war, the scale it had, the events that happend, all those lives lost on all sides and all those horrible things that happend. I hope it will never happen again.
Netherlands is not even a country anymore.
What an incredible gentleman. Not enough words to express my gratitude for his service. The greatest generation, love them all.
This is a great channel! We are losing more and more of these American hero’s every day, thank you for recording their stories and wisdom!
Trump made sure they had no chance
What a unique war story teller. A man's man.
Thank you sir.
My dad was a paratrooper in ww2 ,I didn't know he jumped on d day until he died, he never said a word
They witnessed hell in order to save the world, they are the greatest generation ever.
Mine, too. 11th Airborne, Pacific.
@@davidmoore2851 my dad was a British paratrooper
@Ian Concannon thankyou
@ussr lost ww2 dude what just stop, get some help.
My father was with Pattons' 3rd with the 80th division L company of the 318th. wounded in back by sniper early morning 2 April 45 southwest flank of the battle of Kassel.2Lt.Harry J. Michael Medal of Honor winner was dad's platoon leader on the assault of Siegfried Line St. Wedel. Drove deuce and a half for 12 months in Austria because he didn't have enough points to come home. Dad came home home with 2 bronze stars and Purple Heart times 2 and his cherished CIB. Mom said he brought those awards and shrapnel in his back home but left 80% of his soul in Germany. Worked 44 yrs for same employer as a millright mechanic. I knew what NO meant growing up .Good dad non drinker and non smoker non gambler quiet religious man. I miss him.
Thank you for the story of your father and for your father's service to this country
My grandfather was with the 80th. The blue ridge boys.
@@williamwells6468 I have my dads'80th div. lapel pins from his class A dress uniform(white shield with blue arrow pointing upward representing the motto "The 80th moves only forward". They are proudly displayed on my baseball cap. Died in 2000 on Memorial Day. Man of few words but when he did talk, it meant business no bullshit got past him and he was insulted when someone tried it. All the family grew to be good honest caring individuals. And he was our example and our hero. Miss him.
Ottis Merrydude that’s cool. I got a few of my grandfathers medals and pictures from the war and after. I also loved the stories, he never talked about the war much but he did talk about being on the boxing team for years and getting to fight in different places. He also talked about being in places like Austria after the war. I also got a old flag he has with the unit crest and it says blue ridge boys on it. I keep his stuff with my military things. I myself served in the 1st Cav. Division and the the 75th Regiment. I sure wish he was still around to ask questions. I didn’t know he had 2 Bronze stars until after he passed. Still don’t know exactly what he did to earn them.
@@williamwells6468 Bronze stars were awarded for valor under enemy fire in a major offensive. So I do believe they were awarded to platoons and units as a whole, that were advancing into enemy positions. Taking the objective but also tactically retreating to fight another day. Military in ww2 handbook reads Acts of heroism in the field and meritorious in their work. The criteria is different today. If he had a V on his bronze star star it was exception valor and merit and only 1 in 40 awards had that distinction.
Hearing these men speak about their experiences suddenly makes why both my grandfathers were so unflappable by literally anything. I guess that you go through something like that and every day after is just gravy really. My one grandfather was diagnosed with terminal heart failure and was like “eh whatever” and didn’t tell anyone, we only found out after he died that the “unexpected” heart attack was very bloody expected
Such a candid interview. I suppose this is what time allows. We’re lucky this generation has been so willing to share their experiences.
They should have told these stories by 1960.its terrible they waited so long.
Uhh, might of been slightly emotionally difficult?
I could listen to men like this talk for hours and hours. Just putting myself in his story to picture a glimpse of history .
These are true warriors not soldiers. Amazing what these men went through and never thought twice about moving forward. I miss hearing my grandfather and his brothers stories about the war. Hearing about places like Normandy, Bastogne, Holland and Luxembourg 🇱🇺 is just amazing that they survived. I sure wish I would have ask more questions.
They said the germans were masters of regrouping. They dont surrender easily. They regroup.
"Yup" "Regroup"
Until the Russians start marching through.
I love how crisp his memories are almost 80 years later! 😳😳😳 what a legend!
I'm glad I ran across this video. Those seven minutes weren't enough! Many more years to him and those able to tell us their stories.
Thank you from Canada. God bless you and all Sir
Those young men who faced the terror of war provided are future generations with freedom. God bless the men who fought & die.
I can't amagine the dreams this fella has....thank you sir..for.your bravery
When the Germans pulled back into new positions, the allies would've had to spot positions, zero artillery, and figure out a new assault plan every single time.
Thank you for liberating Holland!! We are still thankful. We never forget the stories of our grandparents.
@@ab408-u7z True, insulting nowadays people is wrong. Nazi's were wrong and here we also had collaborators. Of course we are not proud of them. A totalitarian ideology is dangerous and we as mankind should always be aware that this could happen.
@@MrMatti-lx8et Thank you, sir. There are many lessons to be learned, aren’t there? If only people researched and sought survivors to hear their experiences. The price of peace is paid with the blood of men, women and children. God rest their souls. Just a mom
Just what do you think Mr Trump ‘almost pulled off’
@@e.conboy4286 storming the capitol, yaknow, this beacon of democracy -thingy
This man is a treasure. A wealth of knowledge.
This might be my favorite channel on UA-cam. You really give these actual heros a platform and the recognition they deserve
Hearing men like this talk make me even more proud that I spent 15 years in the 104th Division (now a Leadership Training Division).
It’s a shame thinking these guys have to look around now and see what the world they saved turned into. Especially seeing what their country they fought for has turned into. So much respect for these old vets. Thank you all.
Yep Joe and Kamala are gonna destroy what's left of it.
Mercifully, most of them have passed so will be spared. They endured enough without having to witness the great reset, green new deal, etc.
@@interman7715 You must mean Donald, bannon, miller etc.
I could talk to this gentleman for hours. So much insight into his experiences. The greatest generation for sure. My dad was also WWII, Pacific AAF B29 gunner. So many stories, but he passed in 2013. I wanted to ask so many more questions. Took him on DC Honor Flight, so proud, he died a few months later.
This guy is great! He can really tell a story and make you feel like you were right there!
How old was that Veteran when he did the interview? he was probably over 90, but still with a mind as sharp as it was when he was on a battlefield. I wish to grow old like him.
This legend deserves a video without fucking ads.
Come on.
Thank you sir! You gave so much for the next generation.
Thank you sir!!!! They should show these stories in History class!!!!! Brave Americans!!!!
His outlook is so positive! I hope to live to be his age and still be so happy and well spoken. Thank you for your service sir. ❤️🇺🇸
This guy is sharper in his mind that all of the 20 year old kids at my work. ..👍👍👍
He’s just talking about something you’re interested in
Direct from a G.I. You couldn't get a better explanation of what was happening. Thank you for telling your story of fighting in Holland to win the war.
Thank You for sharing Your experiences. My Maternal Grandfather Trained as a member of the anti tank Company at Camp Howes Texas. He was one of the older draftees being in His mid 30’s. He was medically discharged prior to deployment due to swelling feet on marches. In 1944 My Mom who is still with Us today was 17 years old. Even though My Grandfather did not see combat He was always very proud of His service. I was fortunate over the years to be deemed worthy of my other close relatives and their friends to be honored with the sharing of stories of their combat experiences, being wounded etc. One of My Maternal Grandmothers Cousins was Killed in action on Leyte, Philippines as a infantryman in the 7th Division. I gained a lot of understanding about the various attitudes and temperaments that exist I am sure in every army. As A contractor I worked for a former Red Army soldier who fought through WW2 He had a lot to tell but what I remember most was the frequent intermingled raised right middle finger and left hand or wrist across the right elbow joint while He yelled F*#k Uncle Joe.
This guy is far more important than young person today. He saved us. The youth of today hate us.
just like the anarchists, beatniks, and hippies of yesteryear... ignorance will always find a crack for its slime to seep through.. Who was it that said "There is nothing new under the sun"?
Who is this "us"??
2:15 The wife is like "I've heard this story 10,000 times. I'm going to Walmart"
😂😂😂
Hahahaha
Sad, but true.
"Really"
I thought exactly the same thing. His wife came out and got her purse . 👍❤️😅I’ve heard this damn story so many times I’m out of here.
Wow. First hand account of the Battle of the Bulge. This gentleman is still extremely sharp for his age. It’s very sad to lose our greatest generation. These guys held their ground with no winter weather gear and very little ammo
My mom lived through the Nazi occupation. Me and her family thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your bravery and sacrifice. The Dutch are very friendly to Americans and Canadians and will not forget their liberators.
I love how he describes the sounds of war. In Germany we call that Lautmalerei😊
I hope we keep sharing these stories, we should never forget. As a Dutchman, I am still very grateful for the sacrifice these great men made. Thank you Sir, I salute you.
Bless you John. We may ask for your assistance one day.
@@e.conboy4286 army medic, at your service.
Amazing he was willing to share this, my grandpa was a Korean War veteran and never shared his experiences with anyone. He took it to his grave
Total appreciation and respect for all Veterans. Shame on those 66 who choose to thumb down this gentlemens recollection.
This was most informative. Those guys saved Western civilization. God bless them!
Why did the interview get cut off I was enjoying this one. Thank you for all the interviews love them.
This is why I roll my eyes when I hear 19 year olds complain about how hard it is for them in America in 2021...
Can you imagine what veterans must think of today's society?
They probably ask themselves if their sacrifices were in vain
@@wonkeeeeee I hear ya! Take care 🇨🇦
@@christrudell7966
You too🇸🇪
Sick to my stomach
It makes them sick to their stomachs that's what they think boys was fighting wars back then now boys are wanting to be girls and don't know a damn thing and brainwashed to think they are owed something and have no respect
Thank you, sir, for risking your life and for sharing it with us!
This is my new favorite channel, much respect to these hero’s, and to the interviewer capturing these stories for us to here!
you Sir, are a national treasure. So sharp..Thanks for sharing your experience.
Great generation, and thank you sirfor your story.
my father landed on Normandy beach.
Most soldiers returned to the u.s and were in shock and nervous,and didn't know it.
Next to no counseling.
They made it,and it was time to go back to work.
After the war really nothing here could scar them. they had seen the very worst.
My father never liked the beach after that landing.
You mentioned a point that never occurred to me. The survivors on the Normandy landings must have had a difficult time taking the family to the beach after the war. We that have served all have our own monsters hiding under our beds.
Seeing what he saw...you could never forget.
Thank you for your service Sir
Thank you for your service
These are marvelous interviews, I'm glad these soldiers have been recorded. I wish UA-cam would not interrupt them with commercials. Interrupt everybody else. Don't interrupt these soldiers please.
AGREE!
It’ is thanks to you and your fellow soldiers that we don’t speak German here in Denmark now.
Thank you! We owe you everything!
This channel along with the tremendous men they interview is pure greatness. Thank you so much for the content. Liked and subscribed
This mans recollection is beyond amazing. As if it happened yesterday. I praise you Sir and your fallen comrades. Your story is very inspiring
This old guy looks fantastic. Looks 15years younger than he actually is.
I know 50 year olds who don’t look as healthy and as sharp, a credit to the USA, many thanks.
My friends grandfather was shot by an mg42 in the foot. They had so many wounded soldiers that their medics no longer had bandages so they took a newspaper and wrapped it around his foot. He still had that bloody newspaper and was very proud of it.
Thank You for your service Wes
Bless you and thank you.
God bless America, thank you from Ireland
My dad turned 93 the other day,he lived through that war in London working in the factories from the age of 13. He had to go serve his time in the army but the war ended, he came to America and joined the US army only to end up in the korean war. In a few more years they will all be gone.
I absolutely could not give these men..the greatest generation...more respect...they deserve it and much more....I have pulled up on my Harley sitting next to an older man with a Vietnam veteran sticker on the back of his truck...and saluted him...I have to....my Dad was a green Beret with 3 tours in that war.
Thanks for your service Sir
Amazing channel amazing stories amazing people. God bless and protect all veterans , past and present, Thank you all for your service! Served myself, Never deployed, Grateful i did not have to face the horror of war, Even though when i was in, then and younger its all i wanted to do, I was ignorant to how things truly are and just how terrible war is. These men and women truly are the greatest generation and thank God for them! Or we wouldnt be here today!
Amazing cause when I was young we didn't listen to their, excuse this word but it was the feeling of being young having life ahead of us, lame stories. Now I get the feeling people might "spank it" to world war 2. Back then we had porn for that.
@@maddumass wish i had the slightest idea of what your talking about or the point your trying to make, but thanks for reply? I guess? Have a good one
I just now found out about your channel, excellent subscribed
Amazing man with an incredible story. I am grateful to him for his sacrifice and to all his fellow GI’s that gave their lives.
We need to keep videos like this.