If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!
It never fails to amaze me of the quality of each and every video you upload. I’ve been with your channel since your first video. I’ve never been disappointed quite the contrary!. Just wanted to take a minute to let you know how much I and many others genuinely appreciate your hard work. I absolutely love military history and all it encompasses. Your dedication to detail and substance is present in every project you undertake. Thank you!!.
..." and feel like I earned it, be sure to...."" Earned it? JD, SIR, you've far surpassed that . You gave of yourself, to them and the rest of the entire world. That bar won't ever be met.
Divine intervention… those 2 medics doing the work of the 2 saints. Undetonated mortar… and the German Soldier seeing humanity… absolutely inspiring…. Thank you
@@TheHistoryUnderground ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You have the best WW2 channel on UA-cam, thank you for making these amazing videos!! 5 Stars Hands down!!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for this. My husbands uncle was one of those that was saved and worked on by those medics and is in the book, Capt Bill Osborn. Our nephew was also a paratrooper who was able to jump a few years ago as part of a D-Day commemoration.
Rhe Humanity of the machine gunner not mowing them down, the fact that they treated both sides, that both sides treated the church as neutral ground. Such an amazing story from a warzone. Thank you for telling us this story, its one that needed to be told.
This rates as one of your finest D-day/Normandy pieces in this series. No sweeping vistas, no war relics just the poignant details of a war story and two heroic young soldiers told to us from the place it happened. Simply outstanding my friend.
I was in this church in 2008 with one of Paul Woodadge's tour guides. Of all the sites we visited that day, this is the one that affected me most deeply. @WW2TV has a whole episode detailing the events that happened there, well worth a view. Paul omitted the detail about the young German observers in the belfry, who ended up helping Ken and Bob when they finally came down.
We went there with a guide too. It was a place with which I was not already familiar. It was an emotional stop and points out the benefits of a guide with so many things to see.
I have to say, that is a location that deserves its story to be told. So glad the book was written. The two German machine gunners backing out of the church is an amazing story. So many heroes and tales of Normandy haven't been brought to light. I will definitely get the book and learn more about Bob and Ken.
J. D that was a pretty emotional story, that the German machine gunner standing in the doorway seeing all the wounded around the medic. Was a moment I found very moving as a Catholic myself, that still Germans who where not allowed to practice their faith did. Truly believed in that moment that soldier would survive the war for that moment of mercy. At least he tried to keep his soul, and sanity before his own demise. Where soldiers just know they are going to live the war and get home. Reminds me of another important war event around Christmas 1943. When German ace pilot Franz Stigler spares the men of a really badly destroyed B-17 shot to pieces by the German Luftwaffe. Franz spared the B-17 and he lives the war and eventually reuniting with that pilot Charlie Brown. And they both had a full year and a half nearly to go yet. It was one of those moments I really thought would happen here. Franz and Charlie became friends for the remaining 18 years they had left. There videos online of their first meeting and it’s incredible. To survive that war in the air was miraculous to say the least! The book. Higher calling is an incredible read.
thanks for remembering these two heroes . what an incredible story. I wish the young people growing up today could see what a 20 year old kid did back then. thats why they were called "the greatest generation"
I was there in that place on a day tour of the Normandy beaches and countryside on Memorial Day 2013. This church and what happened there had a big impact on me. It was good to hear this amazing event retold about these very young, fearless medics who treated any wounded brought to them in that church. They are still heroes to the people of northern France!
J.D., as a Christian, I was much moved by this. It's hard to say what your most powerful stories are, but my friend...this is pushing hard for the top. You truly do have the best history channel I have seen on UA-cam. As always...thank you, amazing work!
I agree! This story really gripped me, a 'miracle' you could really say about what happend there. I also think they did a great job on this video, JD's filming (and edit) and hushed talking in the church, Woody's (as always)great storytelling.. really great!
PLEASE EVERYONE...share this channel, it's fantastic to learn about history through this young man's eyes. He honestly deserves to be seen. God bless you !!
Incredible! 19 and 20 years old!! Babies! 🥺 What an amazing story, gave be goose bumps. And for the church named for 2 doctors honored by 2 amazing American medics ❤️❤️. All I can think is Incredible! Absolutely incredible!! Thank you JD! Thank you so very much!
I have ordered a copy of the book, JD. A church offers refuge and sanctuary to all people and the German, the way he was raised, respected the sanctity of that. Even though he was an enemy soldier doing his duty at the time, for which I hold nothing against him, I am truly sad that he was killed later on. The unexploded mortar shell was nothing short of a miracle and the bloodstains a reminder of the suffering and healing that took place there. On a similar note, a 500 pound bomb came through the roof of a crowded church in Malta while people were praying and it didn't explode either. The now inert bomb remains in the church and the damage still visible in the ceiling. Thank you, JD, for a story that could have been lost to history, now more people know, including myself, through your videos.
Thanks for buying a copy of my book Clare. I should point out that as remarkable as it was that the mortar did not explode, there are also plenty of stories of explosions that did happen in churches and deaths did did occur. Oradour sur Glane for example
Wow...That story about the German Machine gunner in the doorway, brought tears to my eyes. A modicum of humanity in a sea of carnage. And then knowing my late Dad was probably not too far away from that. Chilling.
I visited that church on a 75th D-Day anniversary tour, to see the blood stain pews is overwhelming. The sacrifice of our soldiers should never never be forgotten. Thanks for showing this.
It’s interesting that that often the wartime stories that move us the most are the stories of the episodes of humanity between enemies. It’s similar to the unofficial Christmas ceasefire in no man’s land in WW1.
I was there in 2018 and was astounded with this story. So moving and humbling being in the presence of the events that occurred in that little church. Bravery. Respect. Honour. Love your work JD.
I have stood in that very Church during my Band of Brothers "England To The Eagles Nest Tour" in 2017. Seeing those bloodstained pews first-hand brought me to tears. An incredible place that I recommend any history buff visit and pay proper respects to. Thank you for posting this video. Incredible work as always.
I visited this place during the 75th anniversary, indeed a humbling episode of WWII that shows that most people involved were humans first, soldiers second.
No greater love than that man who lays down his life for another. Battlefield Medics are the bravest of the brave. No doubt they had Devine GOD's protection. Powerful story!
These are the stories I like! In the horror of war, these guys making good things. They take care of all soldiers, whatever Army they were. Thank you JD, for showing us this content!😍
Ww2 history is one of those things... No matter how much one reads, hears watches, there's more. So many battles, happenings, stories. It just never ends. Overwhelming stories here! Great video, as usual!
In all that I have read about D-Day and WWII I had never come across this poignant story. I'm grateful that you've given us the opportunity to see it. My hat is off to you.
I had the honor to meet Mr. Wright in Normandy on June 5th. 2002. He was present during the ceremony that would reveal a monument with his name on it. Just on the opposite side of the Angoville au Plain church. A real hero!
I was there in the church with Paul about seven years ago. My dad and I took a tour with him and about three other couples. He was amazing and took us behind the memorial markers to where the action actually occurred. He took us to a lot of places including walking in the fields of Brecourt Manor. Great guy.
I visited this church in July of 2019, I knew the story and read the book Angels of Mercy. Visiting here was a bucket list item for me, we pulled into the square in front of the church where the monument to Robert Wright and Kenneth Moore and parked. We were the only ones there and spent time inside the church along with walking around the grave yard. It was so moving to be in this place. Nobody spoke, we all just reverently and quietly walked around soaking it all in.
Idk why but 10:00 just broke me. The humanity and grace of the German soldier to spare the church in the manner he did, just to find out rather nonchalantly he was killed, likely painfully, days later. War is hell.
We often think of all the acts of bravery during WW2 and here is a story of two brave very young men who's bravery didn't involve carrying a weapon. One of the most human stories so far in your wonderful series. The two saints of medicine looking down does make you wonder!
Just visited this church in October 2021 to recount this story and see it first hand. We even had a personal connection with the church. Our group (American, from Indiana), prayed over a local woman (suffering from a serious illness) who owned the hotel we stayed. It was her home church and community. Powerful on so many levels. Thanks, JD and team. Outstanding videos.
Great to see Paul involved - the best man for the job! I was fortunate to know Ed Pepping who i spoke with quite regularly due to a family friend from Aldbourne who knew Ed during his time there, Ed was a 506th, 2nd Battalion Company E Medic who brought wounded to the Church which Bob and Ken treated. Ed is mentioned in Paul's book which I highly recommend if you want to find out more about this particular action. An incredible place to visit.
JD.... Once again I am thanking you for making this vlog. Again I have tears in my eyes from the emotion of awe and respect for the brave men who fought to free the world of tyranny.
So many of the stories you tell, in the manner you tell them, leave me breathless. That German soldier, a warrior trained for combat. Fighting for either what he believed or, simply because he was in that time and space…clearly, not a machine, but a living, thinking soul with a conscious and mind…a human man…God rest his soul…he too, is not forgotten, in a compassionate sense. Thank you for sharing this.
Very touching story. Thank you. They were the heroes. of D DAY. That German who came in and left had a real humane heart just another part of goodness that came out of war.
One of the Reasons why I love your channel so much is the amazing amount of respect you have for the for not only the time and place but the current owners and people who live there. What you're doing is very Noble and I'm honored to learn this history from you
There is a lesson in this story that reaches through the years to impact us today. Sincere human kindness, dignity and respect. Amazing. I will be ordering Paul’s book. Thank you gentlemen.
We went there with a local guide. It was quite memorable, but Paul brings so much more to it with his expertise on the action there. The German machine gunner story is particularly effective.
I don't care what you believe, between the mortar and the MG, there was definitely a higher power at work that day. I'll have to check out Paul's book. Thanks JD 👍
Been there many times, as used to spend many weeks at our family retreat in St. Marie du Mont. Everytime we visited, came back with a great sense of calm due to the stories of humble reality in the face of adversity. Great place to visit, and may I add, what fantastic job history traveler is doing, loving your efforts. Best Regards. Mark. Gloucestershire, England.
Amazing story. I must admit to breaking out in tears listening to this. My endless thanks to the Allied veterans and may God bless them always ✝️🇺🇸🇬🇧🇨🇦🇫🇷
Such an incredibly touching and beautiful story, in the middle of so much violence and death... Just trying to imagine the love that these 2 men had for their fellow man, regardless of the side they fought for, brings tears to my eyes. Thank you JD, Paul, Erik, and everyone working behind the camera/scenes with the 3 of you, for bringing this story to us today as well as all of the other stories and places that you have talked about and brought to our attention during this video series in Normandy... all so that the stories and sacrifices made by those who fought in this awful war will live on in perpetuity. God Bless. 🙏
Its just unreal what was done. My grandfather landed days after D-Day. He was a machinist/mechanic in the motor pool and kept anything on wheels and/or tracks moving. Not a front-liner but he has always had my utmost respect for volunteering. No heroes wear capes.
This is why your videos mean so much to us JD, the personal stories that you have brought to us that most have never heard about is what I and many others yearn for.
Stories like this one have become motivational factors in my digging deeper into military history. The use of churches and farms as hospitals at Gettysburg, Valley Forge and in Ww2 in Europe and other places in history shows how humanity can exist during war.
This has to be one of the best yet. I have been to Normandy about 5 times and can't believe we haven't heard of this place before. It will definitely be in the GPS for the next trip.
Being a former Mortarmen an MG gunner I could only imagine the carnage those weapons and ammunition could have done. Talk about divine. Just goes to show that soldiers always have a choice and that they are not robots or machines by any means. Great video JD an Paul one of my favorites now
This series is so informative it is a real gem of history. Thanks for taking the time to film and travel to get the rest of the story. I fully enjoy it.
What a deeply moving episode. I chocked up when the story of the German paratrooper was told so vividly. I could see and feel it so clearly. What a place of grace this has been throughout the ages. Thanks for bringing it to us. ❤
Wow! Really makes us sit back and think about the "enemy" last episode, a G.I. was burned and bayonted to death slowly and this week, lives sparred by the same "enemy" really makes a man think how hard and awful a war is.
Of all the humanitarian stories that occurred in WWII this has got to be the most moving, wonderful and inspiring I have ever had the honour and joy to hear, war is hell but even in hell there are glimpses of angels 👼, thank you so much for sharing it with me and the world. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴. P.S Thanks for the link to WW2TV, I have subscribed purely on your recommendation, but rest assured I will be watching both yours and Paul’s WW2TV channels, I really can’t get enough of your episodes, they make my day worth while because I learn something new every episode. Thanks again. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴
@@TheHistoryUnderground If you could look at evacuating the concentration camps. My uncle flew a "flying box car" and was shot down over enemy lines twice but what haunted him was the horrors of evacuating our troops from Buchenwald and, yes, he saw first hand the warden's wife trophy human skin collection, lamp shades, whips etc.and I believe SHE escaped all charges.
Wow wow! That struck a cord, this story went right in to my heart and I got two new people to admire! Three of course with you (but You are already in that list!) Thank you for telling this story! Yours sincerly Karianne from Sweden
Very inspiring episode about the two medics, so young, who held their ground and treated whoever they could without regard to them being friend or foe. The story of the machine gunner standing in the doorway and stepping back was very emotional, too.
Beautiful. The best part of your videos is the emotion and feeling you get out of them. Anyone can go tell the story, but you really drive home the experience of a event, a place, a thing. Bravo.
What an amazing pice of history. Two medical Saints. You are dooing an amazing job to keep history alive, I really love your work and your approach to it…. Respekt
Visited Normandy last week for the first time on an organised tour. We stopped at this church, saw the bloodstains, heard the story ..... The hairs on the back of my neck are STILL standing up!!!
Another great video and story. We visited Normandy for the first time in August last year and were just amazed by all the history surrounding us. It is great that stories like these see the light of day and as many people as possible can learn about them. We are heading back to Normandy in May and will definitely check the church out.
Look, and I mean really look, at the number of coins laid down .... I was fine up until that scene... 19 and 20. I was 17 when I enlisted and went in to do just this one job which encompassed much more than just being a medical operations specialist. This is humbling...very humbling and with tears which I am not ashamed to say, are in deep profound gratitude to these two medics. These two testaments of compassion. Thank you, as I was not until now , aware of any of this. So so deeply appreicated.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Not sure if youre gonn read this now JD... but anyway, thanks for all youre doing here! PPl like you helping us remember history and showing us all why are Gold! 🌟💛😑
This is a great series , Im 70 so I know much of WW2 anyway , but the bearded guys presentation is excellent and he dips into things Ive never heard despite having been to Normandy several times
I say this a lot after watching your videos but, this is the best one yet. I watched Paul's 2 hour video on these medics and subscribed to his channel. Keep these individual stories coming.
OUTSTANDING NARRATION JD LOVE THE MESSAGE IT SENDS ABOUT 2 US MEDICS DURING A WORLD CONFLICT AND THEY HUMBLED THE FIGHTERS ON BOTH SIDES WITH THE MERCY THEY GAVE AND THE SACRIFICE THEY SHARED WITH THE GERMAN AND AMERICAN SOLDIERS BY LEAVING THE WEAPONS OF WAR AT THE DOOR GREAT JOB !!!!!!!!!!!
If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out.
Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!
Oh I have been subscribed. This episode here is one of the best.
have you watched this interview yet with one of the medics?
ua-cam.com/video/k_NcDyep57Y/v-deo.html
It never fails to amaze me of the quality of each and every video you upload. I’ve been with your channel since your first video. I’ve never been disappointed quite the contrary!. Just wanted to take a minute to let you know how much I and many others genuinely appreciate your hard work. I absolutely love military history and all it encompasses. Your dedication to detail and substance is present in every project you undertake. Thank you!!.
..." and feel like I earned it, be sure to....""
Earned it?
JD, SIR, you've far surpassed that .
You gave of yourself, to them and the rest of the entire world.
That bar won't ever be met.
Divine intervention… those 2 medics doing the work of the 2 saints. Undetonated mortar… and the German Soldier seeing humanity… absolutely inspiring…. Thank you
Definitely a compelling story.
@@TheHistoryUnderground
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You have the best WW2 channel on UA-cam, thank you for making these amazing videos!! 5 Stars Hands down!!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's not a divine intervention. god has nothing to do here. It's humanism, not god. It's the work of 2 merveillous heroes, not the work of god.
@@evamaiataranenko4897 I understand where you are coming from. But I believe humanism comes from god.
@@anthonydm2947 oh ok, I respect your point of view so. Beautiful story anyway... Have a nice day !
Thank you for this. My husbands uncle was one of those that was saved and worked on by those medics and is in the book, Capt Bill Osborn. Our nephew was also a paratrooper who was able to jump a few years ago as part of a D-Day commemoration.
Oh wow! That is amazing. Thank you for sharing that.
Rhe Humanity of the machine gunner not mowing them down, the fact that they treated both sides, that both sides treated the church as neutral ground. Such an amazing story from a warzone. Thank you for telling us this story, its one that needed to be told.
Thank you. Hopefully people share this one out so that others can learn as well.
Germans bombed it repeatedly.... ...wha u talking about????
Trump NAZIS WILL open FIRE and NOT RESPECT SANCTUARIES!
This rates as one of your finest D-day/Normandy pieces in this series. No sweeping vistas, no war relics just the poignant details of a war story and two heroic young soldiers told to us from the place it happened. Simply outstanding my friend.
Would have to agree 100%.
I was in this church in 2008 with one of Paul Woodadge's tour guides. Of all the sites we visited that day, this is the one that affected me most deeply. @WW2TV has a whole episode detailing the events that happened there, well worth a view.
Paul omitted the detail about the young German observers in the belfry, who ended up helping Ken and Bob when they finally came down.
I've linked that episode of WW2TV in the description. Pretty amazing story.
Agreed I was there in 2019 this is the event I tell people about.
Yep, there's only so much you can say in a short video
We went there with a guide too. It was a place with which I was not already familiar. It was an emotional stop and points out the benefits of a guide with so many things to see.
I have to say, that is a location that deserves its story to be told. So glad the book was written. The two German machine gunners backing out of the church is an amazing story. So many heroes and tales of Normandy haven't been brought to light. I will definitely get the book and learn more about Bob and Ken.
J. D that was a pretty emotional story, that the German machine gunner standing in the doorway seeing all the wounded around the medic. Was a moment I found very moving as a Catholic myself, that still Germans who where not allowed to practice their faith did. Truly believed in that moment that soldier would survive the war for that moment of mercy. At least he tried to keep his soul, and sanity before his own demise. Where soldiers just know they are going to live the war and get home.
Reminds me of another important war event around Christmas 1943. When German ace pilot Franz Stigler spares the men of a really badly destroyed B-17 shot to pieces by the German Luftwaffe. Franz spared the B-17 and he lives the war and eventually reuniting with that pilot Charlie Brown. And they both had a full year and a half nearly to go yet. It was one of those moments I really thought would happen here. Franz and Charlie became friends for the remaining 18 years they had left. There videos online of their first meeting and it’s incredible. To survive that war in the air was miraculous to say the least! The book. Higher calling is an incredible read.
Yes, I haven't read the book yet but I'm familiar with the story. There were some pretty amazing things that emerged from all of the violence.
The German may have been a Lutheran or a Catholic.
thanks for remembering these two heroes . what an incredible story. I wish the young people growing up today could see what a 20 year old kid did back then. thats why they were called "the greatest generation"
I was there in that place on a day tour of the Normandy beaches and countryside on Memorial Day 2013. This church and what happened there had a big impact on me. It was good to hear this amazing event retold about these very young, fearless medics who treated any wounded brought to them in that church. They are still heroes to the people of northern France!
J.D., as a Christian, I was much moved by this. It's hard to say what your most powerful stories are, but my friend...this is pushing hard for the top. You truly do have the best history channel I have seen on UA-cam. As always...thank you, amazing work!
I agree! This story really gripped me, a 'miracle' you could really say about what happend there. I also think they did a great job on this video, JD's filming (and edit) and hushed talking in the church, Woody's (as always)great storytelling.. really great!
I totally agree it was divine intervention
Such a humbling and inspiring story of courage and faith. Thanks to the French for the honor and respect they pay to those who bled.
PLEASE EVERYONE...share this channel, it's fantastic to learn about history through this young man's eyes. He honestly deserves to be seen. God bless you !!
Incredible! 19 and 20 years old!! Babies! 🥺 What an amazing story, gave be goose bumps. And for the church named for 2 doctors honored by 2 amazing American medics ❤️❤️. All I can think is Incredible! Absolutely incredible!! Thank you JD! Thank you so very much!
I have ordered a copy of the book, JD.
A church offers refuge and sanctuary to all people and the German, the way he was raised, respected the sanctity of that. Even though he was an enemy soldier doing his duty at the time, for which I hold nothing against him, I am truly sad that he was killed later on.
The unexploded mortar shell was nothing short of a miracle and the bloodstains a reminder of the suffering and healing that took place there. On a similar note, a 500 pound bomb came through the roof of a crowded church in Malta while people were praying and it didn't explode either. The now inert bomb remains in the church and the damage still visible in the ceiling.
Thank you, JD, for a story that could have been lost to history, now more people know, including myself, through your videos.
Thanks for buying a copy of my book Clare. I should point out that as remarkable as it was that the mortar did not explode, there are also plenty of stories of explosions that did happen in churches and deaths did did occur. Oradour sur Glane for example
Wow...That story about the German Machine gunner in the doorway, brought tears to my eyes. A modicum of humanity in a sea of carnage. And then knowing my late Dad was probably not too far away from that. Chilling.
I visited that church on a 75th D-Day anniversary tour, to see the blood stain pews is overwhelming. The sacrifice of our soldiers should never never be forgotten. Thanks for showing this.
Thank you. Quite the place.
It’s interesting that that often the wartime stories that move us the most are the stories of the episodes of humanity between enemies. It’s similar to the unofficial Christmas ceasefire in no man’s land in WW1.
I was there in 2018 and was astounded with this story. So moving and humbling being in the presence of the events that occurred in that little church. Bravery. Respect. Honour. Love your work JD.
Probably one of the most moving stories from the Battle of Normandy.
I have stood in that very Church during my Band of Brothers "England To The Eagles Nest Tour" in 2017. Seeing those bloodstained pews first-hand brought me to tears. An incredible place that I recommend any history buff visit and pay proper respects to.
Thank you for posting this video. Incredible work as always.
I visited this place during the 75th anniversary, indeed a humbling episode of WWII that shows that most people involved were humans first, soldiers second.
No greater love than that man who lays down his life for another.
Battlefield Medics are the bravest of the brave. No doubt they had Devine GOD's protection.
Powerful story!
WOW! I never heard that story before. All I can say is by the grace of God.
Absolutely.
These are the stories I like! In the horror of war, these guys making good things. They take care of all soldiers, whatever Army they were. Thank you JD, for showing us this content!😍
Ww2 history is one of those things... No matter how much one reads, hears watches, there's more. So many battles, happenings, stories. It just never ends. Overwhelming stories here! Great video, as usual!
In all that I have read about D-Day and WWII I had never come across this poignant story. I'm grateful that you've given us the opportunity to see it. My hat is off to you.
My pleasure. Thank you.
I had the honor to meet Mr. Wright in Normandy on June 5th. 2002.
He was present during the ceremony that would reveal a monument with his name on it. Just on the opposite side of the Angoville au Plain church.
A real hero!
Oh wow. That is amazing!
I was there in the church with Paul about seven years ago. My dad and I took a tour with him and about three other couples. He was amazing and took us behind the memorial markers to where the action actually occurred. He took us to a lot of places including walking in the fields of Brecourt Manor. Great guy.
JD, thank you for teaching us more about the Greatest Generation.
I visited this church in July of 2019, I knew the story and read the book Angels of Mercy. Visiting here was a bucket list item for me, we pulled into the square in front of the church where the monument to Robert Wright and Kenneth Moore and parked. We were the only ones there and spent time inside the church along with walking around the grave yard. It was so moving to be in this place. Nobody spoke, we all just reverently and quietly walked around soaking it all in.
Reading the book now acually, got it in the mail the other day, p46 currently. :)
Also wish to go there one day, maybe next year.
Idk why but 10:00 just broke me. The humanity and grace of the German soldier to spare the church in the manner he did, just to find out rather nonchalantly he was killed, likely painfully, days later. War is hell.
Pretty moving story.
We often think of all the acts of bravery during WW2 and here is a story of two brave very young men who's bravery didn't involve carrying a weapon. One of the most human stories so far in your wonderful series. The two saints of medicine looking down does make you wonder!
Very much so.
What a tremendous and riveting story! Thank you so much for bringing this to life. And a total thank you to Paul Woodadge. Thank you so much!!
This story gave me goosebumps. God was looking out for these 2 medics and the soldiers from both sides they treated
Just visited this church in October 2021 to recount this story and see it first hand. We even had a personal connection with the church. Our group (American, from Indiana), prayed over a local woman (suffering from a serious illness) who owned the hotel we stayed. It was her home church and community. Powerful on so many levels. Thanks, JD and team. Outstanding videos.
The most incredible and moving place i've ever been in normandy.
My utmost respect and admiration for Robert and Kenneth. Very interesting.
Great to see Paul involved - the best man for the job!
I was fortunate to know Ed Pepping who i spoke with quite regularly due to a family friend from Aldbourne who knew Ed during his time there, Ed was a 506th, 2nd Battalion Company E Medic who brought wounded to the Church which Bob and Ken treated. Ed is mentioned in Paul's book which I highly recommend if you want to find out more about this particular action.
An incredible place to visit.
intresting! I am reading it right now acually.
I sobbed when your camera panned to those blood stained pews. The blood of so many young men. Freedom is never really free.
JD.... Once again I am thanking you for making this vlog. Again I have tears in my eyes from the emotion of awe and respect for the brave men who fought to free the world of tyranny.
They were a different breed, for sure.
So many of the stories you tell, in the manner you tell them, leave me breathless. That German soldier, a warrior trained for combat. Fighting for either what he believed or, simply because he was in that time and space…clearly, not a machine, but a living, thinking soul with a conscious and mind…a human man…God rest his soul…he too, is not forgotten, in a compassionate sense. Thank you for sharing this.
Very touching story. Thank you. They were the heroes. of D DAY. That German who came in and left had a real humane heart just another part of goodness that came out of war.
One of the Reasons why I love your channel so much is the amazing amount of respect you have for the for not only the time and place but the current owners and people who live there. What you're doing is very Noble and I'm honored to learn this history from you
That is amazing, Once again you have bought us a hidden gem from the Normandy chronicles.
There is a lesson in this story that reaches through the years to impact us today. Sincere human kindness, dignity and respect. Amazing. I will be ordering Paul’s book. Thank you gentlemen.
You won't be disappointed. Pretty amazing story.
I agree Dawn. A tremendous example of American exceptionalism.
JD, once again, you have exceeded the expectations to impress me with your stories. Very, very moving.
Much appreciated. I've been really excited to share this one.
We went there with a local guide. It was quite memorable, but Paul brings so much more to it with his expertise on the action there. The German machine gunner story is particularly effective.
I knew Bob Wright later when he showed up for D-Day celebrations in Normandy.I was 101 in the 60s.Great guy like the rest of my heros❤️
Chills. What an incredible story. This has to be my favorite episode yet!
Thank you! Love this story.
Thank you for bringing this film and story to us. You bring the history home.
🙏🏼
I don't care what you believe, between the mortar and the MG, there was definitely a higher power at work that day.
I'll have to check out Paul's book. Thanks JD 👍
100% agree.
Paul's intro was already fascinating, then he mentioned the ages of the medics who set this up were 19 and 20... wow.
I know. I would barely trust most 19 and 20 year olds with an iPhone.
I have the book. Signed by Paul. Have been a couple of Paul's tours in Normandy. He is a magnificent guide.
Absolutely.
Thank you
An incredible story of humanity in a horrific battle . Brave, brave men. RIP.
My family and I visited this church 4 years ago and this was the most amazing part of our trip. Definitely Angels of Mercy!!
Thanks for bringing us true stories of DDay that would probably have gone unknown to most of us ! Bravo Zulu !
Been there many times, as used to spend many weeks at our family retreat in St. Marie du Mont. Everytime we visited, came back with a great sense of calm due to the stories of humble reality in the face of adversity. Great place to visit, and may I add, what fantastic job history traveler is doing, loving your efforts. Best Regards. Mark. Gloucestershire, England.
Amazing story. I must admit to breaking out in tears listening to this. My endless thanks to the Allied veterans and may God bless them always ✝️🇺🇸🇬🇧🇨🇦🇫🇷
This is a great story. NONE of our relatives who were there talked of experiencing anything like this.
THANK YOU AGAIN.
Such an incredibly touching and beautiful story, in the middle of so much violence and death... Just trying to imagine the love that these 2 men had for their fellow man, regardless of the side they fought for, brings tears to my eyes. Thank you JD, Paul, Erik, and everyone working behind the camera/scenes with the 3 of you, for bringing this story to us today as well as all of the other stories and places that you have talked about and brought to our attention during this video series in Normandy... all so that the stories and sacrifices made by those who fought in this awful war will live on in perpetuity. God Bless. 🙏
Much appreciated. Glad that we could share it. Thank you.
Its just unreal what was done. My grandfather landed days after D-Day. He was a machinist/mechanic in the motor pool and kept anything on wheels and/or tracks moving. Not a front-liner but he has always had my utmost respect for volunteering. No heroes wear capes.
This is why your videos mean so much to us JD, the personal stories that you have brought to us that most have never heard about is what I and many others yearn for.
Glad that I could share the story and experience. Thanks for watching.
Stories like this one have become motivational factors in my digging deeper into military history. The use of churches and farms as hospitals at Gettysburg, Valley Forge and in Ww2 in Europe and other places in history shows how humanity can exist during war.
This has to be one of the best yet. I have been to Normandy about 5 times and can't believe we haven't heard of this place before. It will definitely be in the GPS for the next trip.
Being a former Mortarmen an MG gunner I could only imagine the carnage those weapons and ammunition could have done. Talk about divine. Just goes to show that soldiers always have a choice and that they are not robots or machines by any means. Great video JD an Paul one of my favorites now
through the hell of war humanity at times shows its face here is a great example in my opinion.. Outstanding job telling this powerful story..
Very much so.
I went to this church 10 years ago and was moved by the story. Thanks for sharing.
Man I was just thinking about it and voila here is the episode Thanks for uploading man
Ha! Hope that you enjoyed it.
This series is so informative it is a real gem of history. Thanks for taking the time to film and travel to get the rest of the story. I fully enjoy it.
Your videos are absolutely amazing. More than not, these excellent portrayals of history bring tears to my eyes. Thank you again.
Wow, thank you! Appreciate that.
What a deeply moving episode. I chocked up when the story of the German paratrooper was told so vividly. I could see and feel it so clearly. What a place of grace this has been throughout the ages. Thanks for bringing it to us. ❤
Wow! Really makes us sit back and think about the "enemy" last episode, a G.I. was burned and bayonted to death slowly and this week, lives sparred by the same "enemy" really makes a man think how hard and awful a war is.
What an incredible story, thank you for sharing. Need to get "Angels of Mercy"!
Of all the humanitarian stories that occurred in WWII this has got to be the most moving, wonderful and inspiring I have ever had the honour and joy to hear, war is hell but even in hell there are glimpses of angels 👼, thank you so much for sharing it with me and the world. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴.
P.S Thanks for the link to WW2TV, I have subscribed purely on your recommendation, but rest assured I will be watching both yours and Paul’s WW2TV channels, I really can’t get enough of your episodes, they make my day worth while because I learn something new every episode. Thanks again. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴
One of the most moving stories to come out of the battle.
I'm only sorry that I can't give this video more "likes" than just one. The story of the machine gunner made me cry.
Thank you. Pretty amazing story. And kind of sad that the machine gunner was killed a few days later even though he was one of the enemy.
@@TheHistoryUnderground If you could look at evacuating the concentration camps. My uncle flew a "flying box car" and was shot down over enemy lines twice but what haunted him was the horrors of evacuating our troops from Buchenwald and, yes, he saw first hand the warden's wife trophy human skin collection, lamp shades, whips etc.and I believe SHE escaped all charges.
Wow wow! That struck a cord, this story went right in to my heart and I got two new people to admire! Three of course with you (but You are already in that list!) Thank you for telling this story! Yours sincerly Karianne from Sweden
Very inspiring episode about the two medics, so young, who held their ground and treated whoever they could without regard to them being friend or foe. The story of the machine gunner standing in the doorway and stepping back was very emotional, too.
Beautiful. The best part of your videos is the emotion and feeling you get out of them. Anyone can go tell the story, but you really drive home the experience of a event, a place, a thing. Bravo.
Two of my favorite UA-cam content people on the same video, enjoyed it gentlemen
👊🏻
These types of stories are why I watch this channel. Keep up the great work!
This channel has gotta to be the best thing on UA-cam for me at the moment! Thank you
Wow, thanks! That means a lot. Hopefully more people will find it and share it as well. The more history that we can get out there, the better.
Thank you for telling these stories, especially this one.
Wow what an incredible job you did on this story. Left me speechless
One of my favorite stories from Normandy.
Wow. What an amazing story. The content from this channel never fails to deliver awesome history.
What an amazing pice of history. Two medical Saints. You are dooing an amazing job to keep history alive, I really love your work and your approach to it…. Respekt
I met Robert Wright at a 501st. reunion, a lot of hero in a small package.
Production quality 110%
This is the stuff I love to hear, personal stories during action of combat.
This was a very emotional story.
Very much so.
Visited Normandy last week for the first time on an organised tour. We stopped at this church, saw the bloodstains, heard the story ..... The hairs on the back of my neck are STILL standing up!!!
Another great video and story. We visited Normandy for the first time in August last year and were just amazed by all the history surrounding us. It is great that stories like these see the light of day and as many people as possible can learn about them. We are heading back to Normandy in May and will definitely check the church out.
Look, and I mean really look, at the number of coins laid down ....
I was fine up until that scene...
19 and 20.
I was 17 when I enlisted and went in to do just this one job which encompassed much more than just being a medical operations specialist.
This is humbling...very humbling and with tears which I am not ashamed to say, are in deep profound gratitude to these two medics. These two testaments of compassion.
Thank you, as I was not until now , aware of any of this.
So so deeply appreicated.
Combat medic's have a special sort crown! Bless them!
Agreed.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Not sure if youre gonn read this now JD... but anyway, thanks for all youre doing here! PPl like you helping us remember history and showing us all why are Gold! 🌟💛😑
This is a great series , Im 70 so I know much of WW2 anyway , but the bearded guys presentation is excellent and he dips into things Ive never heard despite having been to Normandy several times
I say this a lot after watching your videos but, this is the best one yet. I watched Paul's 2 hour video on these medics and subscribed to his channel. Keep these individual stories coming.
The very uplifting piano solo after the 1 minute mark of this vid is insanely good. Thank you.
OUTSTANDING NARRATION JD LOVE THE MESSAGE IT SENDS ABOUT 2 US MEDICS DURING A WORLD CONFLICT AND THEY HUMBLED THE FIGHTERS ON BOTH SIDES WITH THE MERCY THEY GAVE AND THE SACRIFICE THEY SHARED WITH THE GERMAN AND AMERICAN SOLDIERS BY LEAVING THE WEAPONS OF WAR AT THE DOOR GREAT JOB !!!!!!!!!!!
Was there in April 2023… so unbelievably moving…
Great to hear! WW2TV(Paul Woodadge) has done an in-depth video-doc about this too even expanding a bit hon his book. I reccomend looking it up :)
Honor these medics! Do something selfLESS today for someone else. Kindness is so needed now.
Your tour through Normandy has been simply amazing. This is one of favourite stories from WW2, and I’m so glad to hear you cover it.
Thank you