My father was in a Navy Rifle Team off of LST 658. He fought on Peleliu too. Never said a word about that place. He never forgot that damn Island either.
My dad was a Radio Operator for 3rd Batt. 7th Marines on Peleliu, and later went to Okinawa and duty in North China as well. He only told a couple of stories, not much else. He did say the Sledge book was 100% accurate though. The things these kids went though is incredible. Remember, most of them were about 18 years old during all this.
My dad, one among the dads mentioned here, was a rifleman on Peleliu with the 7th Marines. He died in 1954 at age 39. I’m a Vietnam vet, medic, ‘68-‘69. I cannot imagine what Peleliu did to the minds and souls of the survivors.
My dad, Cpl Terry Floyd, was with the 1st Marine Division on Peleliu, and later Okinawa and occupation duty in North China. He passed 4 July, 2010 at the age of 85. Peleliu was with him until the end.
@@markfloyd6816 they called my dad the old man. He was 25 at Tarawa. As I wrote. Ordinary men did extraordinary things. I often wonder how these men went on to live ordinary lives and raise families and hold jobs. Last year I met a guy my age, 74, whose dad was at Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima in the 4th Division. His dad never talked about it either. It was not until near the end of his life dad talked to me. He was very proud to have been a Marine, however he never wanted to attend any reunions or gatherings. He had 2 friends he saw occasionally but I never heard them talk about the war. He told me he just wanted to forget about it.
I have wondered the same thing, many times. It is amazing my dad went on to have a good life. He retired from the USAF, and the State of Ohio. But his war experience never left him. I cannot imagine living day to day, carrying that awful burden. Millions did it all over the world. He was a very good man.
Thanks Bill, the nation owes these guy a debt that can never be repaid. I was a hospital corpsman that served with the marines during the Vietnam era. I have a deep respect for the USMC.
This gentleman has quite the sense of humor when telling details of his service and combat, which really makes for such great story telling. It still is beyond me what all the allies went through through out Europe and the Pacific.
What i really respect of that generation, is not only did they do what they had to, they came home, got jobs, raised families, and never complained. .suffered in silence. ..now mostly gone...God bless them.
My Grandfather passed in 2010, he was a artillery commaner in the Ardennes forest, can't imagine what he went thru and lived his whole life and never complained. I cannot imagine what he would think if he saw what's happened to our country and military now.
It’s so great that things like PTSD are way more understood and taken much more seriously now. The human mind simply cannot undergo such traumatic events without being affected in some way. A lot of these veterans “got on with their lives” because there was no other choice and that’s what they were expected to do, but they had to cope in some way. Some of them just buried and carried that weight. Others turned to alcohol or other vices. Others spoke about their experiences or wrote books. It’s so great that now veterans can get the help they need.
While you are correct, the darker truth is that the men you speak were far and few between I feel. The veterans of the 2nd World War did not have the same benefits veterans coming home today do. Most of them sadly drank themselves into insane asylums or death.
To think some of these great men who survived New Guinea, and/or Guadalcanal were rewarded with a visit to Peleliu....and some of those, even Iwo and/or Okinawa afterwards. I could not have been the/a Commander to give these guys such orders - understanding what all they'd already endured. God bless the sacrifices and bravery of the United States Marine Corps. Curses upon any man who'd attempt to "borrow/steal" these men's courage, honor and glory.
My Dad was wounded in Peleliu. He was also in the 1st Marine Division. I remember him talking about the only water they had to drink smelled and tasted like gasoline. He also had a dud hand grenade land in his fox hole at night. He kicked it all night long thinking it was a crab and he didn't want it to pinch him . In the light of day in the morning is when he realized it was a Japanese hand grenade he'd been kicking. He couldn't get out of that foxhole fast enough. He was wounded later in the campaign.
My dad also was wounded on Peleliu. An underground Japanese ammo dump went up, and killed a bunch of Marines around him. He got shrapnel in his legs and backside. He showed me the scars after I was an adult. It is truly amazing they survived that hell.
VETERAN SCOTS GUARDS...I SALUTE YOUR FATHER AND FAMILY MEMBERS YOU MUST ALL BE SO PROUD OF YOUR FATHER..THE GREATEST GENERATION WITHOUT A DOUT...PELELIU WAS A HELL HOLE OF A FIGHT GOD BLESS YOU ALL..💂🇬🇧🦁💞
My Father was there and Pelielu was a Coral island and you couldn't dig a foxhole, you pulled up rocks around you and that was your foxhole. I know your father went through HELL as my Father did and like you said you couldn't drink the water and the daily Temperature was 125 degrees or higher, it's a miracle that anyone survived.
Much respect for this Marine. My dad was in the 2nd Division and was in combat as a rifleman at Guadalcanal and trained in Wellington NZ as a combat engineer, flamethrower, demolition guy in the 18th combat engineers attached to the 2 Marine regiment l. After NZ they went to Tarawa, then Saipan and Tinian. He until the last years of his life never talked about combat but I grew up hearing about the great Marines he served with. He had nightmares his entire life yet never uttered a word of complaint. Ordinary men did extraordinary things. Semper Fi
My Dad was USN as part of the fleet supporting the invasion. He made trips back and forth to the beach in a landing craft, evacuating the dead and wounded. God Bless The WWIl Generation.
We have an illusion of freedoms. You need a permit or license to do anything. Basically you have to ask permission to do anything, or pay to do it. You have the right to bear arms. Walk through downtown with a rifle on your shoulder wearing camouflage. Let's see what happens. You have a constitutional right to assemble. Government won't let you because of Covid. What happened to that right to assemble? This generation is so afraid of everything they've given more freedoms away, because there spineless. And what the people aren't giving away the government sneakily takes more. I'm ashamed of what my country has become. We haven't fought for our freedoms and way of life since WWII. Korea onward has been for other then our freedoms. Keep drinking the kook-aide.
I have a great Uncle who was KIA there being awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for pulling wounded Marines to safety. I have his medal and Purple Heart and visited his grave at Arlington when I was a boy. PFC John Clarke. Glad you survived sir and are able to share your story, Semper Fi.
My Dad was in the Navy in the Pacific Theatre I joined in 1970 and became a Corpsman. I served with my brothers. Semper Fi to this Marine and all I served with.
I've had the opportunity to interview over 300 Peleliu vets over the years (including Bill Finnegan) and that was a standard question I asked to those who also fought on Okinawa and Guadalcanal. They all stated Peleliu was the worst by far, including Eugene Sledge.
@@ericmailander3361 Mr. Mainlander, As a former Marine, I have the utmost respect for the "greatest generation, especially Marines like Chesty Puller." So, I have to ask, is it true? Per the interviews, did Chesty mess up on Pelilu? Thank you for interviewing these American Heroes! The story must be told from as many perspectives as possible.
Thank you, sir, for your service and the sacrifice of your friends and fellow Marines. Your actions will not be forgotten and this generation will do what it can to make sure we don't drop the ball.
My God! Such bravery. Such tragedy! I can’t express my respect and thank you for your tremendous service. To those that gave all, may you rest peacefully. Day is done.
I actually visted Peleliu while on a dive trip to Palau ... The island is beautiful and lush green, very hard to imagine what happened there until you walk around and see the evidence of the battle. The aura of that event hangs over the island. They have a museum, when I was there they would just place items on a counter or on the ground, (I have many photos). ... Those young Marines accomplished their objective without night vision, effective communication, body armor, knee pads, or eye protection ... An amazing generation.
I’m using my wife’s iPad to write this comment. I’m from Peleliu and growing there as a kid, there were still plenty of war relics to be seen including bones everywhere. Even in Japanese caves, there were bones everywhere you look.
Thanks for the history videos...above all thanks from a fellow vet for your service Mr Finnegan ..in these screwed up times you reminded us why America is great
Great video. Like many others, my father fudged his age (he was actually 16), and joined the Marines shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. All of his brothers (except one with a bad heart) joined various branches of the armed forces, too, but he was the only Marine. He fought in the Pacific campaign, and like the gentleman here, didn't get back home on leave until just before the war ended. He was only then provided leave because a kindly doctor sent him home for R&R when he had a cold (he had twice been wounded in battle, once by shrapnel, the other by a bullet that grazed both legs). Japan surrendered while he was on leave at home. He left them Marines, then reenlisted a year later, and ultimately joined the Air Force. He was in the service for slightly over 30 years. My father passed on in 2008. It was nice to hear from another veteran who was there.
Hard to imagine that as I was growing up these giants of men walked among us…..humbling to think about that now….truly the greatest generation….utmost respect….I hope they know how much they’re appreciated. Hell I’m not even American but British same applies though.
Same as me a Scot living in Aus. Only have respect for these guys. Alway happy to watch their stories. It’s important we never forget each and everyone of them.
I had the privilege to be the Son of one of these GREAT MEN. He told me me all about this invasion, he was one of the first Marines to hit the beach and one of the last Marines to leave the ISLAND. HE passed away March 18th 2018 at 95 years of age. I miss him every day, he like all the others who served are my HEROES, They all sacrificed to Preserve this Great Nation and my Freedom. Semper Fi.
My Dad from army air Corp on Guam during ww2. He was stationed in England after Korea at a B-52 base up around York. (FULL SUTTON.) During a Xmas party, (we lived civilian land) we were introduced to a gentleman who they said had fought in the Battle of Britain. When they said Battle of Britain everyone stopped talking ,rose turned toward the man and quietly bowed in his honor. Then they went back to partying. That affected me at the moment, later I learned he had become an orderly at a mental institution. Had worked there for fifteen years!
Doesn’t matter what country they came from… They were all fighting tyranny and were all badasses in their own right… God bless all of them including the resistance forces fighting in their own occupied country. I thank them all for the halfway decent world we get to live in these days… Sure hope our leaders of today will quit ruining everything when they couldn’t have better circumstances to be able to run their countries better than any other time in history…
Amazing how he casually describes nearly being skewered by a huge soldier all need to be saved at the last second by having several mates unload on the guy as “An interesting experience”
Thank you for your service Mr Finnegan. My father was there too, Company B, 1,1,1. After Capt Hunt got isolated on the point, Company B got through and tied in according to books I read. They had to take that Point, as you noted, it controlled the beach. My father was wounded on D+4. My father did not tell us children much about actual combat. I know he went through hell with you. I never knew much about the details. I sure wish I could talk to him about it today, but not possible. Thanks for doing your interview. The son of a Marine.
My dad was there that morning, 15 September, 1944. He helped plug the gap near the point and tank trap. He was HQ, HQ, 1stMarDiv. He told me a little of his experience on Peleliu after I was in my 30s, and I had read a great deal about the battle. Prior to that, he was pretty tight lipped about it.
My father's brother was in the 5th wave at Iwo Jima. He rarely ever talked about wat. Looking back, he likely suffered from PTSD. What little he told my father was truly horrible.
My father was the same way. North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He would never ever talk about it. Once, though, he said to me, "That MonteCassino. THAT was rough." That's it. My dad owned a deli and a guy in the neighborhood would pester him to join the VFW. Finally, my exasperated father said, "Why would I want to sit around a bar and talk about stuff I just want to forget?"
My Father's brother was also on Iwo Jima. He was in the first wave. Remember him telling us that the sand was so hot it was burning the troops. My Uncle Don and my Dad both suffered from what we now call PSTD. WAR SUCKS! Thanks for sharing @Snuffy Ballparks.
@@remaguireI hope you’ll have a look at this as it’s two years ago of your writing. I’m at my old age of 76 and have heard so many atrocities from my parents and relatives who suffered during WW2 but would never want to recall when we asked. I, myself, a 33+ yrs in service felt and said the same about being a lifetime member of MOPH and VFW that I don’t and won’t attend their social events to sit and talk about anything relating to the conflict in Vietnam. Sad and a haunted memory jolting the heart and mind. Bless “some gave all.”
God bless this man and everyone who serves specially the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can have the freedom we have today after watching this it truly makes me proud to be a American
George Orwell said, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Mr. Finnegan is one of the rough men who are responsible for my family and I sleeping peaceably at night. Not enough Americans realize the facts of these incredible men.
"I fired two rifle grenades in there and that quieted the little thing up a bit" these vets are casual af talking about chaotic ass close range combat 💪
Incredible Men. In Elementary school I read books about Iwo Jima and the Battle of the Bulge. I was born July the 24th, 1992, when I say “books” I mean books with actual binding and that kinda dimply hardcover. That old book smell. Anyway, the books were written very well and it’s overwhelming to hear the same heroism to this very day from Men still alive. I don’t even believe it listening to it. I can’t allow myself to. Reading it is one thing.
Good man Codie Fitz. These are our national treasures. These men are the reason we live how we do I hope we future generations have just a fraction of the courage these men did in defending this great nation. If you love America you should be in awe of any man who stepped upon Pelelui.
My Dad who was in the US Army Corp of Engineers fought in Europe and then was shipped to Okinawa. The bomb was dropped while his ship was 3 days out and the Japanese surrendered while his ship was in the harbor. His kid brother was in the US Navy during the Korean War. He married a woman who was the daughter of a WWII Guadalcanal Marine. I later on worked with this man at the American Seating Company in Grand Rapids, MI. His combat time and the things he saw left him a mess with shot nerves. His company and fellow workers seemed to keep him around and let him earn a living out of respect for his service. I respected him.
@@croatiancroissant28776 Dad got to Germany in Dec of 1944 and did not participate in the Battle Of the bulge. He was in the Engineers and fixed tanks. I am greatful for your grandfather's service.
Amazing story and such understated delivery, that actually makes it more powerful. Reminds me of my grandfather. Very unlike the showoff pseudo macho attitude of contemporary culture.
My brother's father in law, John Kincaid, was a Corporal and a rifleman in E21, FirstMarDiv at Peleliu. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received on the 3rd day, and later received the Navy Cross for his part in defending an important ridge thru that night when he was wounded. In the morning he was ordered to withdraw, then he was evacuated. His hair raising story is told in the book, "Brothers in Battle" by his platoon Lt., R. Bruce Watkins. No one in the family knew his story until his old platoon Lt. contacted him and sent him a copy of his book. This was shortly before he passed in '99. He was a quiet, unassuming humble guy. My dad asked him once what he did in the war. Jack responded, "I pushed (trained) Marines." When Jack passed, I was asked by his daughter, Paula my sister in law, to do his eulogy. I was very honored, and part of the eulogy was his story on that ridge at Peleliu that night. His granddaughter, Kayce, had never heard the story.
I visited Peleliu with Bruce Watkins who endured hell on that coral pinnacle with Kincaid in 1999. I called him years ago and got his side of the story. It was incredible to sit in the very spot atop that coral pinnacle atop Hill 200 and visualize the battle that night....
@@ericmailander3361 Oh my God Eric, it's you! This is amazing. I have shared this account on a number of video comments elsewhere about Peleliu, and even crediting your finding that ridge and the rusty old grenade that the boys left there. I believe you must have sent John s family that Polaroid pic of the grenade, as I recall seeing it. I have Watkin's book right beside me as I'm writing. I like to refresh my memory of that story occasionally. I never would have expected you to have commented on my post, so I was astonished to see it come in. Would love to sit down with you if it were possible and talk about your discoveries. Do you still have "Pacific Wrecks"? I enjoyed your work. My dad served aboard USS Birmingham CL-62, and was all over the Pacific between '43 and '45. Probably the most damaged ship of the Clevelands. Twenty odd years later I steamed in some of those same waters. My brother Richard, served aboard carrier Midway CVA-41 around that time. I'm flattered that you commented on my post. Many thanks.
My Father was in the Navy and fought on Peleliu. He never said a word about it after he gave me an official Military Description of the engagements. He just said "Here, keep this and read it every once in a while. It'll tell you how we won this part of the War in the Pacific" The book was very thick and filled with detailed maps.
My uncle was also in the Navy and fought on Peleliu. Just the mention of the word "Peleliu" changed the look on his face and he would shake his head "no" and demanded we change the subject. My aunt said he had nightmares well into the 90's. I wonder if they knew each other?? (My uncle carried a freakin' LEWIS GUN that he pulled from his landing craft)😲
My grandfather fought there aswell, Marine officer who eventually retired a colonel. I don't remember too much of him as I was pretty young when he passed but as I hear, I never told anyone even close family about it until he was about to pass
@@owencookie9868 My aunt told me about my uncle's constant nightmares for the first 25 years after the war. (He lost 2 brothers). In the 70's after a huge population of Vietnamese immigrated to his city, (about a mile from the coast, next to a WWII naval base) it started again. It tortured him because he knew it wasn't them, it was flashbacks. Even in 1993, 48 years after the war, the nightmares subsided to "only 5-8 times a year". Until the day she died, she had to whisper his name to wake him instead of touching him.
Awesome story teller, turn this on when having hard time falling to sleep, b4 I know it with every word his voice makes my eyes heavy and heavier, and then I am out.
An amazing survival. This Gentleman Veteran was among hundreds of immediate fellow same unit guys who didn't make it. He himself alone escaped the combat still alive or not wounded. The rest did not. He was the only one. So many GIs in the landing were killed or wounded he quickly was surrounded by replacements. Replacements to refill an *entire* *regiment* (his unit).
So many comments here that are just humbling....Bless all of you who's loved ones served in the Second....please give my thanks to those whom are alive....and too those whove passed....may they rest in peaceful slumber.
Paul Armendariz Did you or your dad work at Bolthouse Farms in Bakersfield, CA when I was there as a draftsman and you were a machinist? I was there from '89 till '98.
In "With The Old Breed," Sledge talks about how the 1st regiment (this gentleman's) attacked the ridges first and were destroyed as a fighting force for the campaign. And that as time went on, and the news got worse, the Marines in the other regiments knew eventually they'd have to take their turn, and how much dread was hanging over them. They couldn't dig foxholes 6:40 because what little soil there was had been stripped away by explosions and all that was left was volcanic rock and sharp coral.
The beach landing marks the first encounter with the land. Lord Nelson once said: "The sea never overcomes the land". Here we have a real American hero.
Kelly: My great Uncle Robert Patty was a marine in the Pacific. I have no clue as to which division. He talked about island hopping, being in water for so long that their flesh came off with their boots when they removed them,night long battles so intense the barrel of his gun would glow, being trapped in fox holes for days. He contracted malaria. He did mention what good medics some of the Natives made and friendly New Zealanders. He didn't talk much about it.
He found himself alone wandering the battle field after his whole company was slaughtered & then he was nearly torn apart by friendly fire. Jesus, if that's not staring the apocalypse in the face , I don't know what is. Yet they came back, worked & started families. What an incredible American story.
The word hero is overused in our society today. They affix it all sorts of people who do not deserve it. This man and his buddies in combat do deserve it and they deserve it’s full meaning as it was intended before being bastardized by today’s weak culture. The Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen who fought in WW 2 and our subsequent wars to defend our freedoms, that some want to selfishly fetter away today, are the real heroes. Our military has made us strong and free. Some of our politicians today, who have never severed don’t appreciate what they have. They are not real leaders. Our leaders should be men like Mr. Finnegan and his brothers and sisters in combat throughout the years. God Bless them all and God help our great country.
I hear kaitlyn Jenner is considered a hero these days… 🤦…. Since that’s the case and they want to give the word no meaning. Then these guys are ace in the hole legendary superhero top notch badasses…. More than heroes… Saviors of the western world!!!
There needs to be more documentation about Peleliu. One of the most non-needed battles of any war fought at a great cost to American Marine lives. Over 6,000 Marine casualties on that island for nothing in the end. American intel said it would be an easy fight, and they were completely wrong. Only good that came out of the battle was that American forces learned about the cave tactics that the Japanese Imperial Army used to conceal and defend their territory.
For those of you looking for amazing stories from the WW2 try to find a subtitled version Senta a Pua! A Brazilian documentary about the Brazilian Expeditionary Force in the WW2. Best documentary ever on veterans.
I knew a guy, a private in the army who was told by his sergeant to fix his bayonet. The private said why, it’s not broken. He got kicked all the way to KP.
Whoever did these interviews with all these heroes, THANK YOU! The memory of their stories should never be forgotten.
My father was in a Navy Rifle Team off of LST 658. He fought on Peleliu too. Never said a word about that place. He never forgot that damn Island either.
Salute, RIP, and "love ya Dad.". IMO, one of the few bad decisions Admiral Nimitz ever made in not "skipping" the island.
Never heard of a Navy “Rifle Team”…
@@roderickstockdale1678 A Navy Rifle Squad is a squad, platoon or larger element of sailors trained to augment the Marines on operations.
@@adameckard4591 you mean like a shore party….
@@roderickstockdale1678 Yes, only with more firepower and in close support with the Marines.
"Shoot at me again, I'm gonna shoot back!"
...You gotta love this guy
My dad was a Radio Operator for 3rd Batt. 7th Marines on Peleliu, and later went to Okinawa and duty in North China as well. He only told a couple of stories, not much else. He did say the Sledge book was 100% accurate though. The things these kids went though is incredible. Remember, most of them were about 18 years old during all this.
"It was an interesting experience on the beach, and it didn't get any better from there." Great laconic quote from a tough Marine.
A great man who employs humor on the battlefield. Pure guts!
My dad, one among the dads mentioned here, was a rifleman on Peleliu with the 7th Marines. He died in 1954 at age 39. I’m a Vietnam vet, medic, ‘68-‘69. I cannot imagine what Peleliu did to the minds and souls of the survivors.
My dad, Cpl Terry Floyd, was with the 1st Marine Division on Peleliu, and later Okinawa and occupation duty in North China. He passed 4 July, 2010 at the age of 85. Peleliu was with him until the end.
Mark, I’m sure like me , you wonder how your father survived those terrible island battles.
@@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd It’s truly unimaginable. He didn’t talk much about it, but he did tell me a few things. He was just 19 on Peleliu.
@@markfloyd6816 they called my dad the old man. He was 25 at Tarawa. As I wrote.
Ordinary men did extraordinary things. I often wonder how these men went on to live ordinary lives and raise families and hold jobs. Last year I met a guy my age, 74, whose dad was at Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima in the 4th Division. His dad never talked about it either. It was not until near the end of his life dad talked to me. He was very proud to have been a Marine, however he never wanted to attend any reunions or gatherings. He had 2 friends he saw occasionally but I never heard them talk about the war. He told me he just wanted to forget about it.
I thought Guadalcanal was one of the worst. Then you hear this story.I appreciate his informing us, and what these soldiers went through..
I have wondered the same thing, many times. It is amazing my dad went on to have a good life. He retired from the USAF, and the State of Ohio. But his war experience never left him. I cannot imagine living day to day, carrying that awful burden. Millions did it all over the world. He was a very good man.
You gotta admire a guy like this respect and honor to him and those like him .
It’s hard to believe any of these guys are left in 2021.. these videos are an amazing record.
Dude this was not recently recorded he would be 80 to 100 + years old if so. And he's clearly more well spoken and clear thinking than Biden 🤣
Posted One month ago. Dude must be almost 100
He passed Jan 2, 2022, he was almost 98
It might have been recorded in ‘21
That Man's recollection of his battles was outstanding and humble, the Japanese NCOs sword must have a backstory by itself.
Thanks Bill, the nation owes these guy a debt that can never be repaid. I was a hospital corpsman that served with the marines during the Vietnam era. I have a deep respect for the USMC.
This gentleman has quite the sense of humor when telling details of his service and combat, which really makes for such great story telling. It still is beyond me what all the allies went through through out Europe and the Pacific.
I’m humbled beyond, what a legend. But one of hundreds of thousands.
If I could buy you beer Sir……..
Thank you Bill for the freedom my family has. We do not take it for granted. 9 of us have served.
I deeply respect the truthfulness of the hero. He said things as they truly were, no cutting corners. It was not all "well done".
What i really respect of that generation, is not only did they do what they had to, they came home, got jobs, raised families, and never complained. .suffered in silence. ..now mostly gone...God bless them.
My Grandfather passed in 2010, he was a artillery commaner in the Ardennes forest, can't imagine what he went thru and lived his whole life and never complained.
I cannot imagine what he would think if he saw what's happened to our country and military now.
@@guntherlunzchinz3095 what’s happened to our military?
@@calicojakk9974
It's been torn apart by wokism and the leadership of the past has been purged, replaced with frauds.
It’s so great that things like PTSD are way more understood and taken much more seriously now. The human mind simply cannot undergo such traumatic events without being affected in some way. A lot of these veterans “got on with their lives” because there was no other choice and that’s what they were expected to do, but they had to cope in some way. Some of them just buried and carried that weight. Others turned to alcohol or other vices. Others spoke about their experiences or wrote books. It’s so great that now veterans can get the help they need.
While you are correct, the darker truth is that the men you speak were far and few between I feel. The veterans of the 2nd World War did not have the same benefits veterans coming home today do. Most of them sadly drank themselves into insane asylums or death.
To think some of these great men who survived New Guinea, and/or Guadalcanal were rewarded with a visit to Peleliu....and some of those, even Iwo and/or Okinawa afterwards.
I could not have been the/a Commander to give these guys such orders - understanding what all they'd already endured. God bless the sacrifices and bravery of the United States Marine Corps.
Curses upon any man who'd attempt to "borrow/steal" these men's courage, honor and glory.
These guys are amazing, I can’t remember what I did last week
My Dad was wounded in Peleliu. He was also in the 1st Marine Division. I remember him talking about the only water they had to drink smelled and tasted like gasoline. He also had a dud hand grenade land in his fox hole at night. He kicked it all night long thinking it was a crab and he didn't want it to pinch him . In the light of day in the morning is when he realized it was a Japanese hand grenade he'd been kicking. He couldn't get out of that foxhole fast enough. He was wounded later in the campaign.
My dad also was wounded on Peleliu. An underground Japanese ammo dump went up, and killed a bunch of Marines around him. He got shrapnel in his legs and backside. He showed me the scars after I was an adult. It is truly amazing they survived that hell.
VETERAN SCOTS GUARDS...I SALUTE YOUR FATHER AND FAMILY MEMBERS YOU MUST ALL BE SO PROUD OF YOUR FATHER..THE GREATEST GENERATION WITHOUT A DOUT...PELELIU WAS A HELL HOLE OF A FIGHT GOD BLESS YOU ALL..💂🇬🇧🦁💞
My Dad was also wounded at Peleliu, he was the Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines.
My Father was there and Pelielu was a Coral island and you couldn't dig a foxhole, you pulled up rocks around you and that was your foxhole. I know your father went through HELL as my Father did and like you said you couldn't drink the water and the daily Temperature was 125 degrees or higher, it's a miracle that anyone survived.
Bless your father...Im thankful for his service and sacrifice. Merry Christmas sir to you and your loved ones....and God Bless you.
Much respect for this Marine. My dad was in the 2nd Division and was in combat as a rifleman at Guadalcanal and trained in Wellington NZ as a combat engineer, flamethrower, demolition guy in the 18th combat engineers attached to the 2 Marine regiment l. After NZ they went to Tarawa, then Saipan and Tinian. He until the last years of his life never talked about combat but I grew up hearing about the great Marines he served with. He had nightmares his entire life yet never uttered a word of complaint. Ordinary men did extraordinary things.
Semper Fi
Your dad was a hero.
God bless his memory.
Semper Fi.
My Dad was USN as part of the fleet supporting the invasion. He made trips back and forth to the beach in a landing craft, evacuating the dead and wounded. God Bless The WWIl Generation.
We should treat these combat Vets like royalty! They are the very reason for the freedom we enjoy and so many take for granted. God Bless them!!!!!
We have an illusion of freedoms. You need a permit or license to do anything. Basically you have to ask permission to do anything, or pay to do it. You have the right to bear arms. Walk through downtown with a rifle on your shoulder wearing camouflage. Let's see what happens. You have a constitutional right to assemble. Government won't let you because of Covid. What happened to that right to assemble? This generation is so afraid of everything they've given more freedoms away, because there spineless. And what the people aren't giving away the government sneakily takes more. I'm ashamed of what my country has become. We haven't fought for our freedoms and way of life since WWII. Korea onward has been for other then our freedoms. Keep drinking the kook-aide.
THE GREATEST GENERATION thank you all !!
I have a great Uncle who was KIA there being awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for pulling wounded Marines to safety. I have his medal and Purple Heart and visited his grave at Arlington when I was a boy. PFC John Clarke. Glad you survived sir and are able to share your story, Semper Fi.
My Dad was in the Navy in the Pacific Theatre I joined in 1970 and became a Corpsman. I served with my brothers. Semper Fi to this Marine and all I served with.
Beautiful 58. Thank you for your service!
Thank you
100% old school American bad ass! I salute you Sir!
I am endlessly fascinated by Peleliu. What an insane battle to be part of
AGREED read my critical comm on MARKING HISTORY CH , Chesty P vid. 25 lines
"Guadalcanal was a walk in the park compared to Peleliu."
Enough said Sir.
@@katherinegates1559 Nothing but respect meant here. These men are a treasure and I hope their stories never fade from our memory.
I've had the opportunity to interview over 300 Peleliu vets over the years (including Bill Finnegan) and that was a standard question I asked to those who also fought on Okinawa and Guadalcanal. They all stated Peleliu was the worst by far, including Eugene Sledge.
@@ericmailander3361 Mr. Mainlander,
As a former Marine, I have the utmost respect for the "greatest generation, especially Marines like Chesty Puller." So, I have to ask, is it true? Per the interviews, did Chesty mess up on Pelilu? Thank you for interviewing these American Heroes! The story must be told from as many perspectives as possible.
@@katherinegates1559
A first marine division veteran who fought both places said that,, it was a relative statement,, calm down
@@katherinegates1559 Sounds like you need to say that to the veteran in the video and not someone quoting him...
Thank you, sir, for your service and the sacrifice of your friends and fellow Marines. Your actions will not be forgotten and this generation will do what it can to make sure we don't drop the ball.
My God! Such bravery. Such tragedy! I can’t express my respect and thank you for your tremendous service.
To those that gave all, may you rest peacefully. Day is done.
THANKYOU FOR YOUR SERVICE❤
I have nothing but the greatest RESPECT for this man. May he have many more days of happiness. God Bless sir..
What a well told history of the taking of that island… and his experience overall. How brave he was.
I actually visted Peleliu while on a dive trip to Palau ... The island is beautiful and lush green, very hard to imagine what happened there until you walk around and see the evidence of the battle. The aura of that event hangs over the island. They have a museum, when I was there they would just place items on a counter or on the ground, (I have many photos). ... Those young Marines accomplished their objective without night vision, effective communication, body armor, knee pads, or eye protection ... An amazing generation.
Hardly any water or food as well.
I’m using my wife’s iPad to write this comment. I’m from Peleliu and growing there as a kid, there were still plenty of war relics to be seen including bones everywhere. Even in Japanese caves, there were bones everywhere you look.
Thanks for the history videos...above all thanks from a fellow vet for your service Mr Finnegan ..in these screwed up times you reminded us why America is great
"was" great
@James Brady to look pi pi
I do sir
Great video. Like many others, my father fudged his age (he was actually 16), and joined the Marines shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. All of his brothers (except one with a bad heart) joined various branches of the armed forces, too, but he was the only Marine. He fought in the Pacific campaign, and like the gentleman here, didn't get back home on leave until just before the war ended. He was only then provided leave because a kindly doctor sent him home for R&R when he had a cold (he had twice been wounded in battle, once by shrapnel, the other by a bullet that grazed both legs). Japan surrendered while he was on leave at home. He left them Marines, then reenlisted a year later, and ultimately joined the Air Force. He was in the service for slightly over 30 years. My father passed on in 2008. It was nice to hear from another veteran who was there.
Hard to imagine that as I was growing up these giants of men walked among us…..humbling to think about that now….truly the greatest generation….utmost respect….I hope they know how much they’re appreciated. Hell I’m not even American but British same applies though.
Same as me a Scot living in Aus. Only have respect for these guys. Alway happy to watch their stories. It’s important we never forget each and everyone of them.
I had the privilege to be the Son of one of these GREAT MEN. He told me me all about this invasion, he was one of the first Marines to hit the beach and one of the last Marines to leave the ISLAND. HE passed away March 18th 2018 at 95 years of age. I miss him every day, he like all the others who served are my HEROES, They all sacrificed to Preserve this Great Nation and my Freedom. Semper Fi.
@@seanpadgett3053 I’ll never ever forget them. 🇬🇧
My Dad from army air Corp on Guam during ww2. He was stationed in England after Korea at a B-52 base up around York. (FULL SUTTON.) During a Xmas party, (we lived civilian land) we were introduced to a gentleman who they said had fought in the Battle of Britain. When they said Battle of Britain everyone stopped talking ,rose turned toward the man and quietly bowed in his honor. Then they went back to partying. That affected me at the moment, later I learned he had become an orderly at a mental institution. Had worked there for fifteen years!
Doesn’t matter what country they came from… They were all fighting tyranny and were all badasses in their own right… God bless all of them including the resistance forces fighting in their own occupied country. I thank them all for the halfway decent world we get to live in these days… Sure hope our leaders of today will quit ruining everything when they couldn’t have better circumstances to be able to run their countries better than any other time in history…
Amazing how he casually describes nearly being skewered by a huge soldier all need to be saved at the last second by having several mates unload on the guy as “An interesting experience”
What gets me is how Matter-of-Fact the Man is as he talks about a stroll through Hell-On-Earth. Amazing American Hero!
He's a marine. Just taking care of bisiness.
Thank you for your service Mr Finnegan. My father was there too, Company B, 1,1,1. After Capt Hunt got isolated on the point, Company B got through and tied in according to books I read. They had to take that Point, as you noted, it controlled the beach. My father was wounded on D+4. My father did not tell us children much about actual combat. I know he went through hell with you. I never knew much about the details. I sure wish I could talk to him about it today, but not possible. Thanks for doing your interview. The son of a Marine.
My dad was there that morning, 15 September, 1944. He helped plug the gap near the point and tank trap. He was HQ, HQ, 1stMarDiv. He told me a little of his experience on Peleliu after I was in my 30s, and I had read a great deal about the battle. Prior to that, he was pretty tight lipped about it.
I have the B-1--1 roster for Peleliu and have done quite a bit of research on B Co. What's your father's name? Did he ever write down his memoirs?
Thank you, Mr. Finnegan, for your Service and for your Sacrifice. Our Country needs many, many more fine men like you and your fellow Marines.
THANK YOU ❤
My father's brother was in the 5th wave at Iwo Jima. He rarely ever talked about wat. Looking back, he likely suffered from PTSD. What little he told my father was truly horrible.
My father was the same way. North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He would never ever talk about it. Once, though, he said to me, "That MonteCassino. THAT was rough." That's it.
My dad owned a deli and a guy in the neighborhood would pester him to join the VFW. Finally, my exasperated father said, "Why would I want to sit around a bar and talk about stuff I just want to forget?"
My Father's brother was also on Iwo Jima. He was in the first wave. Remember him telling us that the sand was so hot it was burning the troops. My Uncle Don and my Dad both suffered from what we now call PSTD. WAR SUCKS!
Thanks for sharing @Snuffy Ballparks.
@@remaguireI hope you’ll have a look at this as it’s two years ago of your writing. I’m at my old age of 76 and have heard so many atrocities from my parents and relatives who suffered during WW2 but would never want to recall when we asked. I, myself, a 33+ yrs in service felt and said the same about being a lifetime member of MOPH and VFW that I don’t and won’t attend their social events to sit and talk about anything relating to the conflict in Vietnam. Sad and a haunted memory jolting the heart and mind. Bless “some gave all.”
Thank you endlessly for your service sir and may God bless you always!!!!!
God bless this man and everyone who serves specially the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can have the freedom we have today after watching this it truly makes me proud to be a American
He’s a good story teller. I watch lots of these and they are all interesting but this one really is.
Much respect Sir!
Greatest respect , thank you Bill .
George Orwell said, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Mr. Finnegan is one of the rough men who are responsible for my family and I sleeping peaceably at night. Not enough Americans realize the facts of these incredible men.
"I fired two rifle grenades in there and that quieted the little thing up a bit" these vets are casual af talking about chaotic ass close range combat 💪
Watching these makes me miss my grand dad that was a aircraft mechanic on sipan during WW2...
Incredible Men. In Elementary school I read books about Iwo Jima and the Battle of the Bulge. I was born July the 24th, 1992, when I say “books” I mean books with actual binding and that kinda dimply hardcover. That old book smell. Anyway, the books were written very well and it’s overwhelming to hear the same heroism to this very day from Men still alive. I don’t even believe it listening to it. I can’t allow myself to. Reading it is one thing.
Good man Codie Fitz. These are our national treasures. These men are the reason we live how we do I hope we future generations have just a fraction of the courage these men did in defending this great nation. If you love America you should be in awe of any man who stepped upon Pelelui.
My Dad who was in the US Army Corp of Engineers fought in Europe and then was shipped to Okinawa. The bomb was dropped while his ship was 3 days out and the Japanese surrendered while his ship was in the harbor. His kid brother was in the US Navy during the Korean War. He married a woman who was the daughter of a WWII Guadalcanal Marine. I later on worked with this man at the American Seating Company in Grand Rapids, MI. His combat time and the things he saw left him a mess with shot nerves. His company and fellow workers seemed to keep him around and let him earn a living out of respect for his service. I respected him.
My grandfather may have known him. Army Engineer/Battle of the Bulge. He never owned a gun after the war. Never wanted to see snow again, either.
@@croatiancroissant28776 Dad got to Germany in Dec of 1944 and did not participate in the Battle Of the bulge. He was in the Engineers and fixed tanks. I am greatful for your grandfather's service.
Your mom or another woman?
Amazing story and such understated delivery, that actually makes it more powerful. Reminds me of my grandfather. Very unlike the showoff pseudo macho attitude of contemporary culture.
Incredible story.
This guy has seen it all. God Bless You Sir !
Thank you for documenting this history. Somehow, we all have to learn from it.
My brother's father in law, John Kincaid, was a Corporal and a rifleman in E21, FirstMarDiv at Peleliu. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received on the 3rd day, and later received the Navy Cross for his part in defending an important ridge thru that night when he was wounded. In the morning he was ordered to withdraw, then he was evacuated. His hair raising story is told in the book, "Brothers in Battle" by his platoon Lt., R. Bruce Watkins.
No one in the family knew his story until his old platoon Lt. contacted him and sent him a copy of his book. This was shortly before he passed in '99. He was a quiet, unassuming humble guy. My dad asked him once what he did in the war. Jack responded, "I pushed (trained) Marines."
When Jack passed, I was asked by his daughter, Paula my sister in law, to do his eulogy. I was very honored, and part of the eulogy was his story on that ridge at Peleliu that night. His granddaughter, Kayce, had never heard the story.
I visited Peleliu with Bruce Watkins who endured hell on that coral pinnacle with Kincaid in 1999. I called him years ago and got his side of the story. It was incredible to sit in the very spot atop that coral pinnacle atop Hill 200 and visualize the battle that night....
@@ericmailander3361
Oh my God Eric, it's you! This is amazing. I have shared this account on a number of video comments elsewhere about Peleliu, and even crediting your finding that ridge and the rusty old grenade that the boys left there. I believe you must have sent John s family that Polaroid pic of the grenade, as I recall seeing it.
I have Watkin's book right beside me as I'm writing. I like to refresh my memory of that story occasionally.
I never would have expected you to have commented on my post, so I was astonished to see it come in.
Would love to sit down with you if it were possible and talk about your discoveries. Do you still have "Pacific Wrecks"? I enjoyed your work.
My dad served aboard USS Birmingham CL-62, and was all over the Pacific between '43 and '45. Probably the most damaged ship of the Clevelands. Twenty odd years later I steamed in some of those same waters. My brother Richard, served aboard carrier Midway CVA-41 around that time.
I'm flattered that you commented on my post. Many thanks.
My Father was in the Navy and fought on Peleliu. He never said a word about it after he gave me an official Military Description of the engagements. He just said "Here, keep this and read it every once in a while. It'll tell you how we won this part of the War in the Pacific"
The book was very thick and filled with detailed maps.
My uncle was also in the Navy and fought on Peleliu.
Just the mention of the word "Peleliu" changed the look on his face and he would shake his head "no" and demanded we change the subject. My aunt said he had nightmares well into the 90's.
I wonder if they knew each other??
(My uncle carried a freakin' LEWIS GUN that he pulled from his landing craft)😲
My grandfather fought there aswell, Marine officer who eventually retired a colonel. I don't remember too much of him as I was pretty young when he passed but as I hear, I never told anyone even close family about it until he was about to pass
@@owencookie9868 My aunt told me about my uncle's constant nightmares for the first 25 years after the war. (He lost 2 brothers).
In the 70's after a huge population of Vietnamese immigrated to his city, (about a mile from the coast, next to a WWII naval base) it started again.
It tortured him because he knew it wasn't them, it was flashbacks.
Even in 1993, 48 years after the war, the nightmares subsided to "only 5-8 times a year".
Until the day she died, she had to whisper his name to wake him instead of touching him.
You should make youtube videoa reading and recanting these experiences and then let me watch them. 🙏
@@timg2088 My fathers job was being a Mechanic on landing craft. Unfortunately, they handed him an M1 Garrand and told him to get his gear ready.
God bless you sir! Great job.
Thank you for your service!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing your story....and thank you for your service sir. Merry Christmas to you and yours....and God Bless.
I like this guy’s sense of humor and his little chuckles. Bet he was a pisser back then 👏👏👏👏👏
This man is a far better man than me...he is a true hero!
THANK YOU SIR, GOD BLESS YOU ALL 🙏
Would loved to see that conversation...." if you shoot at me again, I'll shoot back ". Hats off to you sir.
Thank you for your service!
God Bless you Bill.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story, knowledge, service and sacrifice for freedom 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I simply can't imagine. What great sacrifice that we will never truly understand.
I do. And I can.
This man is a true American God bless and merry Christmas
Awesome story teller, turn this on when having hard time falling to sleep, b4 I know it with every word his voice makes my eyes heavy and heavier, and then I am out.
My great grandfather was in the 5th regiment of the 1st marine division on a 60MM mortar squad on pelilu and Okinawa
An amazing survival.
This Gentleman Veteran was among hundreds of immediate fellow same unit guys who didn't make it. He himself alone escaped the combat still alive or not wounded. The rest did not. He was the only one.
So many GIs in the landing were killed or wounded he quickly was surrounded by replacements. Replacements to refill an *entire* *regiment* (his unit).
Thank you
“The Dolphins in San Diego were happy to see us.” Bless you, brother. 🙏🫵🌟❤️
So many comments here that are just humbling....Bless all of you who's loved ones served in the Second....please give my thanks to those whom are alive....and too those whove passed....may they rest in peaceful slumber.
Can't even imagine the hell they went through. Much love
Paul Armendariz
Did you or your dad work at Bolthouse Farms in Bakersfield, CA when I was there as a draftsman and you were a machinist? I was there from '89 till '98.
Amazing firsthand account, Semper Fi
Semper fi old warrior. God bless you.
God bless him , thank you from me and mine .
In "With The Old Breed," Sledge talks about how the 1st regiment (this gentleman's) attacked the ridges first and were destroyed as a fighting force for the campaign. And that as time went on, and the news got worse, the Marines in the other regiments knew eventually they'd have to take their turn, and how much dread was hanging over them.
They couldn't dig foxholes 6:40 because what little soil there was had been stripped away by explosions and all that was left was volcanic rock and sharp coral.
wow…just wow. Thank Bill for keeping our Liberty.
Hard chargers who cared about their country and their buddies.Semper Fi!
Thank you sir...a true American Patriot. Who in the hell would give a thumbs down?? Probably, Biden!!
Ohhhh, you know it’s out of insecurity and spite. A weakling with no purpose.
Trump would have called him a “sucker” and a “loser.”
Biden served.
Respect
The beach landing marks the first encounter with the land.
Lord Nelson once said:
"The sea never overcomes the land".
Here we have a real American hero.
OH HOW I WISH WE HAD THAT GENERATION TODAY. I KNOW For CERTAIN WE WOULDN'T BE IN THIS POSITION TODAY..,,😥🥺🥺😧😱
Kelly: My great Uncle Robert Patty was a marine in the Pacific. I have no clue as to which division. He talked about island hopping, being in water for so long that their flesh came off with their boots when they removed them,night long battles so intense the barrel of his gun would glow, being trapped in fox holes for days. He contracted malaria. He did mention what good medics some of the Natives made and friendly New Zealanders. He didn't talk much about it.
Thank you for your channel.
He found himself alone wandering the battle field after his whole company was slaughtered & then he was nearly torn apart by friendly fire. Jesus, if that's not staring the apocalypse in the face , I don't know what is. Yet they came back, worked & started families. What an incredible American story.
I thank you and salute you.
The word hero is overused in our society today. They affix it all sorts of people who do not deserve it. This man and his buddies in combat do deserve it and they deserve it’s full meaning as it was intended before being bastardized by today’s weak culture. The Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen who fought in WW 2 and our subsequent wars to defend our freedoms, that some want to selfishly fetter away today, are the real heroes. Our military has made us strong and free. Some of our politicians today, who have never severed don’t appreciate what they have. They are not real leaders. Our leaders should be men like Mr. Finnegan and his brothers and sisters in combat throughout the years. God Bless them all and God help our great country.
On point brother.
I hear kaitlyn Jenner is considered a hero these days… 🤦…. Since that’s the case and they want to give the word no meaning. Then these guys are ace in the hole legendary superhero top notch badasses…. More than heroes… Saviors of the western world!!!
Todays Hero is George Floyd greater than any other Hero?🤗
@@halaheleu7013 it’s twisted reality fueled by a leftist agenda. It’s intent is division instead of unity. It’s a sick and twisted Orwellian falsity.
There needs to be more documentation about Peleliu. One of the most non-needed battles of any war fought at a great cost to American Marine lives. Over 6,000 Marine casualties on that island for nothing in the end. American intel said it would be an easy fight, and they were completely wrong. Only good that came out of the battle was that American forces learned about the cave tactics that the Japanese Imperial Army used to conceal and defend their territory.
My dad spoke of it often and how important flame throwers became ridding the enemy imbedded in the coral
VETERAN SCOTS GUARDS... "" I SALUTE YOU SIR...GREATEST GENERATION.
For those of you looking for amazing stories from the WW2 try to find a subtitled version Senta a Pua! A Brazilian documentary about the Brazilian Expeditionary Force in the WW2. Best documentary ever on veterans.
I knew a guy, a private in the army who was told by his sergeant to fix his bayonet. The private said why, it’s not broken. He got kicked all the way to KP.
God bless you, sir