WOW, placing Richard Wiegand’s photo on his memorial at the site of his death and his heroic sacrifice, man that was a class move by you my brother ….made me a big fan of your channel.!!! 👍🏽❤️
I’m retired Military Policeman, US Army , 26 years, First Sergeant (Retired) Disabled Combat Veteran, served in Bosnia ( with 1st MP Company, 1st Infantry Division “Big Red One), Kosovo, and Iraq. Huge WWII history “Nut” (like General McAuliffe Response) and of course I love reading /learning about MPs in combat in WWII. Did not know the story of this young MP Warrior and will definitely share it with the Military Police Community. Thoroughly enjoying all your videos . Great stories and research. Love the then & now pictures of the battlefields. I lived in Germany for 17 years and I loved to do the samething while visiting the battlefields, matching and old picture with a new. And even better is actually standing in these places where history took place and these brave incredible heroes fought and died.
Dear old Dad was an MP lieutenant, Headquarters company, 1st Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge. General Heubner would get after him to clear the roads leading out of Omaha during the landings at Normandy. Coincidentally, I was a member of the Big Red One - in much more peaceful times - in Germany, in the early seventies. My unit was, C Troop, 1st Sqdn, 4th Cav. We were stationed at a place called Panzer kaserne, outside of Stuttgart where, before the war, a lowly colonel named Rommel was in command. During the war, 4th Cav played an interesting, if peripheral part just before the invasion, in scouting out an island just northwest of Utah beach. It was thought to be a possible location for long range German artillery. In true Navy Seal fashion, the Cav sent scuba divers in to the island shore to do a little reconnaissance work. As it turned out, there weren't any guns on the island. Had there been, that artillery would have played havoc on the beaches to the south. Check out one of Mark Felton's excellent videos for further details on the subject.
My uncle Max was in that battle...He was severely wounded... The only thing that he was willing to share about the action was:"It was so cold my wounds froze and I didn't bleed out".... RIP uncle Max 🌹🙏☝️😇
Your Uncle Max was a great Hero to our Allied Forces War Effort. Yes, the education of War sadly gave rise in valuable information on wound treatment. Ice and cold helped in many instances namely Hypothermia in Cold water Immersion treatments. You've heard the old adage, "You're not Dead until you are Warm and Dead." Yes, Cold help prevent injury and death but it also caused harm. Dress warm always. God Speed. Regards RMRoss
I too am a historian of some sort - always focussed on WW2. I am much older, and I can't say enough about how proud I am of you, or any youthful person, to take on the immense burden of WW2 battle history. You give me hope for the future. In a very simple way - respect for history and willing to dive into it no matter where it leads you. It is often harsher than expected... NEVER FORGET.
My father was there with the 101st. Airbourne as a Sargeant scout. He never really spoke of the battle, but he always teared up when the song, "I'll be home for Christmas" was played. So much was given by so many brave soldiers.
My uncle, John Hannon also fought at the Battle of the Bulge. And he landed on Omaha Beach on the 6th of June. And he made it off the beach. He was wounded twice. And his named is inscribed on the Purple Heart Memorial Wall in Washington. His father's name is also there. And his uncle's name as well. However, the Second World War was an disaster for Europe and the West. These men fought and died for nothing. And, (and), the war crimes which thousands of "brave and courageous" Allied soldiers committed against the civilian populations of France, Germany, Belgium and Holland. As well as Italy, has never been recognized. I shall observe that the Americans behaved themselves with reference to this matter much better than the English and the so - called "kanadians." Who were nothing more than looters, murderers, rapists and pedophiles. 50,000 French Catholic women and girls were kidnapped from their families, repeatedly beaten and raped. And then murdered. Approximately 5,000 of these women and girls remain "missing and unaccounted for" to this very day. And farmers across Normandy and Northern France still recover skeletal remains of these women and children. Every year. If you knew the "real" history of the Second World War, your assessment of your uncle's participation in this disaster might be rather different.
I recently found that my great grandpa, Graundmeyer Labisch, who was in the 3rd Platoon, 2. SS-Panzerdivision 'Das Reich' (SS-Pz.Rgt.2) under Oberscharfuhrer Ernst Barkmann, (I have this information from my grandpa) was the driver of the Panther 401 in the Battle of the Bulge. My grandpa told me that his dad said when his tank was getting pursued by the Americans, he almost soiled himself! I then found a website detailing information on it and I saw his name there! I then saw the first image and that must've been where my great grandpa was! Thank you for detailing these images as it's nice to research and know what my relatives went through.
I have from an early age been interested in WW2 history and am a collector of war relics. I have a great respect for you and the work you are doing. It brings it all to life and I wonder what it feels like to stand where these men who are mostly gone now, stood . I'm sure you can feel their spirits still there.
Your words, "May we never forget", are so important. Your Then & Now documentaries are incredible and for me all of them are my favorite. You show us where the soldiers were and what the soldiers did such as this MP who stopped that tank. I had never heard of this soldier before so I am grateful to you for informing me of him and his actions that day. The more I learn about these soldiers lets me be grateful for their actions, thank them in my prayers, and be reminded of the sacrifices they made. What you bring to us in your videos are people we would otherwise never hear of, plus you show the infinite number of times that a single soldier at a single battle did an incredibly brave and courageous act which turned out to be pivotal in the complete victory won by these amazing men. When asked these veterans all say, "I was only doing my job", and, "I am not a hero", however what makes them heroes is that they did their job in the face of bullets, mortars, shells, mines, artillery, hunger, fatigue, fear, and weather. To "do their job" with all of those dangers facing them makes them heroes to me.
Merci monsieur, de la part d'un ancien sergent parachutiste français qui a fait sa carrière dans l'armée française et qui en a vu et vécu, merci à vous ❤
As an Army veteran myself and the grandson of a WW2 veteran I got to say you guys do very interesting and informative work. Great job, enjoy the vids very much..
I really love that you put the Veterans picture on his monument. I'm 55 my family Imagrated from the Netherlands and had survived WWII. When I was in middle School our custodians Abe told me about his days in a Sherman under Patton . I've been to Luxembourg but couldn't visit because the Bus and train schedule on Sunday did not allow time. Great video
I stumbled upon this channel and I am hooked. I thank you for posting these amazing photos and videos. My father was one of five sons and a daughter that served in WWII. He was in the 8th US Army Air Corps in the 96th Heavy Bomb Group (C) B-17 just outside of London. My uncle Bud served in the 2nd Armored Division and I had three uncles in the navy, one on a mine sweeper and 2 on destroyers. My Aunt Val was a WAC. All served the entire war and all returned home without a scratch, at least not physically. My father wouldn’t talk about the war much, always told me you wouldn’t understand. I can remember watching a movie with him called 12 O’clock High that had actual arial battle footage and radio communications. During one scene there was a B17 being shot down and a guy on a radio saying “there goes another Charlie” meaning C group which was my dads. I looked at him and he had tears streaming down his face. I could tell he wasn’t just watching the movie but he was back there again. When I graduated high school I joined the Army and after that he seemed more comfortable talking to me about the war. Still didn’t go into too much detail. I lost him in 1990 and miss him dearly.
I'm a veteran, but not a combat veteran. Those tough old guys saw way too much to want to speak about it and I can't say I blame them. They experienced the total depravity of war that would leave any normal man dumbstruck. I'm glad he lived to start a family just like my father did.
Am not here to spoil the party, but.... 96th's airfield at "Snetterton Heath" is not even remotely close [Quote] " 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣 " [Unquote] According to Google, it takes the best part of THREE HOURS ("2hrs,52mins" they remark) to reach it - It goes... In metaphorical terms, it's a bit like saying LOS ANGELES is "Just Outside New York", which is utterly ridiculous !!!! Or Florida is "Just outside Alaska" In point of FACT, the only nearest USAAF operational airfields (to London) were in ESSEX From the River Thames (London) = You have to pass THREE LARGE COUNTIES to even get there. LONDON >> ESSEX >> SUFFOLK >> NORFOLK & trust me, as I live there, Norfolk is a HUGE wide distance for U.K At night, even doing a steady 90mph (around midnight) most of the way, it still takes 90+ mins to traverse those 3. Majority of folks travelling from London to North Norfolk, or, East Norfolk (Norwich) takes over 2 or 3hrs (traffic) Ninth A.F airfields for B.26 Marauders WERE ALL based in ESSEX, the nearest being Willingale 387th Bomb Group & Matching Green 391st Bomb Group The nearest B.17 Fortress airfield to London would be either Bassingbourn (Cambridgeshire) or maybe even Ridgewell in Essex (the ONLY B.17 B.G in Essex) & both are like a gazillion miles from London, not even close. YET BOTH are still approximately only HALF the distance of what Snetterton Heath is to London. If you walked there, you wouldn't do it, even in a 24hr period. My suggestion is...... check out a map , ANY map, it's not exactly difficult when 'online' BTW ; I admire your folks who served & also I live in amongst those 8th A.F bases - (it's how I know....)
Thank you for your stories and then and now photos. My father served in the Phillipines. I do appreciate the hard work you put in your videos thank you.
My Uncle was a Medic with the 75th and was involved in this action. He said that his column was proceeding down this road when they encountered the tank lit up and playing American music. Thinking it was an American tank someone yelled up at it in greeting. This caused the tank to stop close up hatches and began firing on the column until taken out by the bazooka. My Uncle then had the task of helping all the wounded. I have done a painting of this in memory of my Uncle Richard Hinton.
Hi William, would really like to get in contact with you and talk abut your uncle's experiences. Could you please contact me via www.grandmenil.com? Thanks in advance! -Bob-
Bravo Joey! Love your work on Then/Now! I had the pleasure of touring with Bob at these locations last February. Thank you for memorializing such an amazing place of history.
Also one summer we, my mom and dad and myself went to the farm where he was catured. The farmer did not know that there was a small bunker on his farm. My dad got his permission to dig where my dad thought where it was. With 45 minutes my dad found the door way into that small bunker. It was a small one, only big enough for about 15 soldiers. Thats where he found his brothers iron cross and his elt buckle wrappen in someones shirt several times. I still have that metal now and the belt buckle. Those will go to the grave with me
It was a privilege to know one of the men in the picture shown at around the 8 minute mark, Maurice Masich. As it said in the video he survived, married and had four children, the youngest being a son named Maurice Peter Masich and a great friend of mine growing up in the town of Newberry, Michigan back in the 1970's. Pete's dad was Army all the way. After WWII he served in the reserves and was a recruiter for many years. Several years ago I learned in more detail about his service at Manhay and how important that battle was. I remember the swagger and confidence which Mr. Masich (as I called him) always carried himself and I now know why. You don't go through military service like WWII and not have it change you in many ways. Mr. Masich was I believe 18 years old at the time of the picture and I remember him telling me he had to get permission from his parents to join early so he could "get in the action before it was over." I can't even imagine being put in that kind of situation at that age, it would sure make a man out of you fast. I have always agreed with Tom Brokaw that they were the "Greatest Generation" of Americans. Selfless to a thought, willing to lay down their lives to fight fascism and dictators around the globe and had the integrity to come home and pay for the cost of the war, not leaving a bill for future generations to pay. Even though these images of WWII can be difficult to see at times, its important that they are seen and many thanks to folks like Snafu Docs for keeping these memories alive for future generations to see what it really takes to preserve freedom. As we all can see, "Freedom Ain't Free."
Excellent research and a well produced vide. I especially enjoyed the then and now photos. Thanks for the tribute to an almost forgotten hero of the Battle of the Bulge. “He only got one shot off but it changed the course of the battle.” Amazing.
I was in Bastogne in June 2018, driving about and doing battlefield tours. I was totally amazed by the topography of the area. One would not think the area would support armoured attacks. Yet it did...Great museum in Bastogne.
Wow, I just discovered your channel and have to watch every video! I have always wondered what these places look like now. You deserve your own show, this is incredible. Thank you for preserving history!!
Joey, I watched your interview with JD on The History Underground and I was so impressed by how much research goes into each one of your videos. I love your channel. You and your team do a wonderful job. Thank you.
One of My Dads Older Brother’s was there as a Combat Engineer in the 289th Regimental Combat Team 75th Infantry Division , The Bulge Buster’s . He graduated from Tamalpais High School in June of 1944 and was in His First battle near Grandmenil Belgium on Christmas Eve 1944. He was a Son of Italian Immigrant parents. His Father had fought and barely survived with His life The Battle of Adwa , Abyssinia in 1896 evading capture there. While showing My Uncle one of My Garand M-1 rifles He began telling Me more than I had ever heard before about His experiences. He said He carried one just like it and as much extra ammo in cloth bandoleers as He could carry. The freezing cold , the smell of death and burning bodies inside burning tanks , Clearing minefields in the dark before infantry advances and after Grandmenil all the towns they went through. He spoke of seeing dead Americans who had been bound hand and foot and their bodies skewered with their own bayoneted rifles far up from the groin or rectum. He said it was at a place other than Malmedy. He grew up hunting deer and had killed many by that time , gutting , skinning , twisting heads off , butchering and processing them to feed the large family. He was still sickened at having to kill His enemies and though never a drinker later in life admitted that whenever alcohol was found they stayed drunk as long as they could , intense combat is a sobering experience.
I have family involved in these actions....what you guys do is so important...I say this as a grandson of RAF and RMC. My granddad landed at sword beach and headed to Cairn. His haunting memory was burning bodies and limbs with fuel in pits on the beaches...
Thank You for honoring Richard F. Wiegand . My Uncle Bernard Nerviani, the youngest of My Dads four older Brothers was 18 years old and a combat engineer with the 289th regimental combat team of the 75th Infantry Division. His first combat was at Grandmenil Belgium. One of His three Grandsons lives close by with His wife and Young Son . I will be sharing this with He, His two Brothers and their parents. Their Mother My Cousin Linda is Bernards Daughter. My Wife’s Aunt by marriage to Her Moms Younger Brother is German and She related to Me that She had a Uncle who was in the SS who still embraced all their ideologies.
Me and my 12y old daughter (also obsessed with military history) will definitely take a roadtrip next summer to go and visit some of the places around Europe that played such a big roll in the second world war.
The first thing I've ever subscribed to on the WEB. OUTSTANDING I would almost bet my Uncle Oscar would wish he had told us six nephews that pestered the hell out of him about this terribly tragic part of his life. Thank you from the bottom of my HEART and for all my HEROES. I had a bunch of them.
Thank you for this video, it gives a great perspective as to what happened that books can't accomplish. I've been studying the Bulge for a couple years now since I ran across my grandfather's discharge papers. He was a Tank commander of a Sherman 105 with the US 7AD/31/HQ.
@Kev Ro - we haven't been able to find our Dad's discharge papers; he passed away more than 35 yrs. ago. Where did you come across your grandad's? Turns out the military records for a lot of WWI and WWII veterans (1912-1960) were lost in a big fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis Missouri in 1973. An estimated 16-18 million records were lost.
@@greentara291 I can't find anything in the online National Archives about him, I assume it was because of the fire. I inherited his papers along with his brother in law's since he didn't have any children. Oddly enough that second set of papers doesn't list my uncle's unit, I do know he was part of the Red Ball express and was in this fight. Later he would spend 3 months working on the bridges at Remagen after the breakout.
Absolutely breathtaking! Thank you for all your research and efforts to preserve history. Your videos need to be used by history teachers! Blessings and be safe!
My favorite photo is each and every one of them. I’m a student of WWII, and the “then and now” photos really bring the history to life. Every high schooler should have at least one class on WWII that includes these type of photos to make it real to them. Thank you!
Thank You for your videos. I was stationed in Bindlach Germany '76-'79. I served on tanks so this is so very interesting to me . Thank You for keeping history alive . Take Care
My father was in a special forces unit at the bulge. They were in front of the German push all the way. My dad's best friend was killed there. Shortly after that my dad was injured and returned home for surgery.
I have been looking for a channel just like yours for a long time. This exactly what I had in mind. I would love to visit these historic sites before I check out. Keep up such a good work. Thank you from San Diego California.
I have seen a lot of history clips and stories on UA-cam but this is something extraordinary. Comparing places and events now and then and adding an interesting story to the footage is really great. As we proceed into the future people especially the young ones will eventually cease to read history(they already say reading books is boring) and rather focus on watching and following social media. I therefore believe that one day your videos might become part of history classes around the world so keep up the great work and this idea of comparing the footage from the past with nowadays scenery having in mind that there is so much material across Europe regarding WW II
Great "then and now" pix. Please give us more of this type of video. It makes a lot of difference to have persons who are knowledgeable of the activities in the area like Bob Konings. Many of us cannot travel much any more. Keep posting.... We will view them!
Thank you for your great efforts. Very interesting to look back at what happened then. We will never forget this and hopefully we learn from our past !!!!
That's so crazy Richards foxhole is still there, image, he actually dug it himself and knowing that is rare, most of the foxholes that exist it's not known exactly who dug them being in the heat of battle and so much time going by, awesome.🇺🇸👍
How can you not have chill bumps standing in the exact same spots where all hell was breaking out in 1944. Hard to imagine - so peaceful in those towns now. 1944 - not so much.
My grandfather served in the 7th armored around the St. Vith area during the bulge. I have a picture he had of a sign that hung across the main street in St. Vith that said "You are now entering St. Vith, courteous of the 7th armored division".
The last weeks there was a lot of snow here in St Vith. Then still its hard to imagine how many soldiers were outside or in hardly warmed building. I did find some ww2 items in my old house. I like the then and now's. I talked too my 93 year old neighbour who had some nice stories told to my. He saw the bombardement of St. Vith and Germans who blew up the bridge at Setz. And how those Germans were captured while drinking coffee in his house.
A incredible video and awesome then and now pictures ! Congratulations again guys ! Just a question about the man who stopped the Panzer SS Division, why did he has a MP and Air Corp patch ? He was in the Air Corp before ?
I was in the navy in that vietnam thing, and then did an apprenticeship in a defence lab after i got out. it was a semi govt type business so they hired mostly veterans, and i got to study machinist trade with ww2 veterans. they always had stories, my favorite guy had been drafted and was shipped over to the battle of the bulge the day he got out of basic training, in transit he was separated from all his gear and arrived at the front with only the dress uniform he was wearing and it was snowing and cold. He was so tired he went to sleep under a tank and when he woke up, he climbed out and found out the tank had been destroyed and he was all alone. In a quiet forrest.
@@johngillon6969 Hard to imagine in this time where people need to be told just about everything. The lack of high command and radiocontact then makes it more harder to find youre own way. The Ardennes are beautuful but not in that time. The cold must be terrible back then.
@@jeroenbezuijen3767 I met all sorts of guys working there, one fellow was with Merrill's marauders, and he was with that outfit from the beginning till the end. You didn't mess with that guy, he was super calm and polite, but had a way about him. And then there was another guy that claimed he marched all the way across north africa and thru the holy lands to berlin, and never got to fire his riffle. I felt a little jealous, not having any stories but getting drunk in foreign ports. Happily i survived the madness.
@@johngillon6969 Thank God you survived John. Sometimes boring aint so bad either:). Hard to imagine you can fight in a dress uniform, not mention the freezing cold. The neverending courage they left there was unbeluevabke, close to madness I think. Or maybe the believe of a higher purpose of fighting against evil, wich in fact it was.
Really enjoy your then and now videos. It brings history alive for me. My uncle was in the battle of the bulge. It makes me realize what it must have been like being there.
@@SNAFUDOCS Thanks for asking he was in the US Army 143 AAA Battalion Battery C. That’s all I know for sure. He went in the Army August 10 1943. He said he was in Liege when the Bulge broke out and they moved to Namur. His 90mm was stuck in the mud they had to abandon it and join another gun group. He said he was at Stumont when his group had to take action against German tanks. Two guys Durago and Seamon took bazookas and knocked out one tank. I have a transcript of his experience from The Veterans History Project. He passed away a few years ago. Do you know where the town locations are located? I think Belgium? I always wanted to be able to track his footsteps that day especially. I just google earth the 3 cities they are all in Belgium. Have you ever done then and now in those cities?
WOW, placing Richard Wiegand’s photo on his memorial at the site of his death and his heroic sacrifice, man that was a class move by you my brother ….made me a big fan of your channel.!!! 👍🏽❤️
I’m retired Military Policeman, US Army , 26 years, First Sergeant (Retired) Disabled Combat Veteran, served in Bosnia ( with 1st MP Company, 1st Infantry Division “Big Red One), Kosovo, and Iraq. Huge WWII history “Nut” (like General McAuliffe Response) and of course I love reading /learning about MPs in combat in WWII. Did not know the story of this young MP Warrior and will definitely share it with the Military Police Community. Thoroughly enjoying all your videos . Great stories and research. Love the then & now pictures of the battlefields. I lived in Germany for 17 years and I loved to do the samething while visiting the battlefields, matching and old picture with a new. And even better is actually standing in these places where history took place and these brave incredible heroes fought and died.
Dear old Dad was an MP lieutenant, Headquarters company, 1st Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge. General Heubner would get after him to clear the roads leading out of Omaha during the landings at Normandy. Coincidentally, I was a member of the Big Red One - in much more peaceful times - in Germany, in the early seventies. My unit was, C Troop, 1st Sqdn, 4th Cav. We were stationed at a place called Panzer kaserne, outside of Stuttgart where, before the war, a lowly colonel named Rommel was in command.
During the war, 4th Cav played an interesting, if peripheral part just before the invasion, in scouting out an island just northwest of Utah beach. It was thought to be a possible location for long range German artillery. In true Navy Seal fashion, the Cav sent scuba divers in to the island shore to do a little reconnaissance work. As it turned out, there weren't any guns on the island. Had there been, that artillery would have played havoc on the beaches to the south. Check out one of Mark Felton's excellent videos for further details on the subject.
It’s amazing how many individuals made a huge difference with one action
Rock of the Marne, Heavy PLT, 3d MP Co, 3d Inf. Div. USAREUR '82 - '84. Yes, Jennifer, there are Combat Military Policemen -- 95B.
@@Search4TruthReality ha ha ha
Welcome home brother
Ssgt. Echo 504 pir 82nd airborne. You guys had it rough. Glad you made it back
My uncle Max was in that battle...He was severely wounded... The only thing that he was willing to share about the action was:"It was so cold my wounds froze and I didn't bleed out".... RIP uncle Max 🌹🙏☝️😇
Your Uncle Max was a great Hero to our Allied Forces War Effort. Yes, the education of War sadly gave rise in valuable information on wound treatment. Ice and cold helped in many instances namely Hypothermia in Cold water Immersion treatments. You've heard the old adage, "You're not Dead until you are Warm and Dead." Yes, Cold help prevent injury and death but it also caused harm. Dress warm always. God Speed. Regards RMRoss
I too am a historian of some sort - always focussed on WW2. I am much older, and I can't say enough about how proud I am of you, or any youthful person, to take on the immense burden of WW2 battle history. You give me hope for the future. In a very simple way - respect for history and willing to dive into it no matter where it leads you. It is often harsher than expected... NEVER FORGET.
My father was there with the 101st. Airbourne as a Sargeant scout. He never really spoke of the battle, but he always teared up when the song, "I'll be home for Christmas" was played. So much was given by so many brave soldiers.
My uncle, John Hannon also fought at the Battle of the Bulge. And he landed on Omaha Beach on the 6th of June. And he made it off the beach. He was wounded twice. And his named is inscribed on the Purple Heart Memorial Wall in Washington. His father's name is also there. And his uncle's name as well. However, the Second World War was an disaster for Europe and the West.
These men fought and died for nothing. And, (and), the war crimes which thousands of "brave and courageous" Allied soldiers committed against the civilian populations of France, Germany, Belgium and Holland. As well as Italy, has never been recognized.
I shall observe that the Americans behaved themselves with reference to this matter much better than the English and the so - called "kanadians." Who were nothing more than looters, murderers, rapists and pedophiles. 50,000 French Catholic women and girls were kidnapped from their families, repeatedly beaten and raped. And then murdered.
Approximately 5,000 of these women and girls remain "missing and unaccounted for" to this very day. And farmers across Normandy and Northern France still recover skeletal remains of these women and children. Every year. If you knew the "real" history of the Second World War, your assessment of your uncle's participation in this disaster might be rather different.
I recently found that my great grandpa, Graundmeyer Labisch, who was in the 3rd Platoon, 2. SS-Panzerdivision 'Das Reich' (SS-Pz.Rgt.2) under Oberscharfuhrer Ernst Barkmann, (I have this information from my grandpa) was the driver of the Panther 401 in the Battle of the Bulge. My grandpa told me that his dad said when his tank was getting pursued by the Americans, he almost soiled himself! I then found a website detailing information on it and I saw his name there! I then saw the first image and that must've been where my great grandpa was! Thank you for detailing these images as it's nice to research and know what my relatives went through.
I have from an early age been interested in WW2 history and am a collector of war relics. I have a great respect for you and the work you are doing. It brings it all to life and I wonder what it feels like to stand where these men who are mostly gone now, stood . I'm sure you can feel their spirits still there.
Your words, "May we never forget", are so important. Your Then & Now documentaries are incredible and for me all of them are my favorite. You show us where the soldiers were and what the soldiers did such as this MP who stopped that tank. I had never heard of this soldier before so I am grateful to you for informing me of him and his actions that day. The more I learn about these soldiers lets me be grateful for their actions, thank them in my prayers, and be reminded of the sacrifices they made. What you bring to us in your videos are people we would otherwise never hear of, plus you show the infinite number of times that a single soldier at a single battle did an incredibly brave and courageous act which turned out to be pivotal in the complete victory won by these amazing men. When asked these veterans all say, "I was only doing my job", and, "I am not a hero", however what makes them heroes is that they did their job in the face of bullets, mortars, shells, mines, artillery, hunger, fatigue, fear, and weather. To "do their job" with all of those dangers facing them makes them heroes to me.
Merci monsieur, de la part d'un ancien sergent parachutiste français qui a fait sa carrière dans l'armée française et qui en a vu et vécu, merci à vous ❤
As an Army veteran myself and the grandson of a WW2 veteran I got to say you guys do very interesting and informative work. Great job, enjoy the vids very much..
I really love that you put the Veterans picture on his monument. I'm 55 my family Imagrated from the Netherlands and had survived WWII. When I was in middle School our custodians Abe told me about his days in a Sherman under Patton . I've been to Luxembourg but couldn't visit because the Bus and train schedule on Sunday did not allow time. Great video
My grandfather was with the 424th. He was awarded The Bronze Star. So important we never forget these hero's.
Really, you do a very respectable job of researching and remembering all of the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice
I stumbled upon this channel and I am hooked. I thank you for posting these amazing photos and videos. My father was one of five sons and a daughter that served in WWII. He was in the 8th US Army Air Corps in the 96th Heavy Bomb Group (C) B-17 just outside of London. My uncle Bud served in the 2nd Armored Division and I had three uncles in the navy, one on a mine sweeper and 2 on destroyers. My Aunt Val was a WAC. All served the entire war and all returned home without a scratch, at least not physically. My father wouldn’t talk about the war much, always told me you wouldn’t understand. I can remember watching a movie with him called 12 O’clock High that had actual arial battle footage and radio communications. During one scene there was a B17 being shot down and a guy on a radio saying “there goes another Charlie” meaning C group which was my dads. I looked at him and he had tears streaming down his face. I could tell he wasn’t just watching the movie but he was back there again. When I graduated high school I joined the Army and after that he seemed more comfortable talking to me about the war. Still didn’t go into too much detail. I lost him in 1990 and miss him dearly.
I'm a veteran, but not a combat veteran. Those tough old guys saw way too much to want to speak about it and I can't say I blame them. They experienced the total depravity of war that would leave any normal man dumbstruck. I'm glad he lived to start a family just like my father did.
Am not here to spoil the party, but....
96th's airfield at "Snetterton Heath" is not even remotely close [Quote] " 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣 " [Unquote]
According to Google, it takes the best part of THREE HOURS ("2hrs,52mins" they remark) to reach it - It goes...
In metaphorical terms, it's a bit like saying LOS ANGELES is "Just Outside New York", which is utterly ridiculous !!!!
Or Florida is "Just outside Alaska"
In point of FACT, the only nearest USAAF operational airfields (to London) were in ESSEX
From the River Thames (London) = You have to pass THREE LARGE COUNTIES to even get there.
LONDON >> ESSEX >> SUFFOLK >> NORFOLK & trust me, as I live there, Norfolk is a HUGE wide distance for U.K
At night, even doing a steady 90mph (around midnight) most of the way, it still takes 90+ mins to traverse those 3.
Majority of folks travelling from London to North Norfolk, or, East Norfolk (Norwich) takes over 2 or 3hrs (traffic)
Ninth A.F airfields for B.26 Marauders WERE ALL based in ESSEX, the nearest being Willingale 387th Bomb Group & Matching Green 391st Bomb Group
The nearest B.17 Fortress airfield to London would be either Bassingbourn (Cambridgeshire) or maybe even Ridgewell in Essex (the ONLY B.17 B.G in Essex) & both are like a gazillion miles from London, not even close.
YET BOTH are still approximately only HALF the distance of what Snetterton Heath is to London.
If you walked there, you wouldn't do it, even in a 24hr period.
My suggestion is...... check out a map , ANY map, it's not exactly difficult when 'online'
BTW ; I admire your folks who served & also I live in amongst those 8th A.F bases - (it's how I know....)
My father-in-law was in the 517th PIR, H company. Thank you for this great look into the sacrifice these men gave.
Wow, what a hero!
Thank you for your stories and then and now photos. My father served in the Phillipines. I do appreciate the hard work you put in your videos thank you.
🙏
My Uncle was a Medic with the 75th and was involved in this action. He said that his column was proceeding down this road when they encountered the tank lit up and playing American music. Thinking it was an American tank someone yelled up at it in greeting. This caused the tank to stop close up hatches and began firing on the column until taken out by the bazooka. My Uncle then had the task of helping all the wounded. I have done a painting of this in memory of my Uncle Richard Hinton.
Hi William, would really like to get in contact with you and talk abut your uncle's experiences. Could you please contact me via www.grandmenil.com? Thanks in advance! -Bob-
Thank you for the story, and they should all be told in school for history so not to be forgotten.
I appreciate the people who continue to put flowers on these memorials
You’ve helped make this real for me. Thank you. It helps to remind me what was paid for what we have.and to try to live up to that gift
Excellent documentary!!! We never should forget ❤ Thank you
Bravo Joey! Love your work on Then/Now! I had the pleasure of touring with Bob at these locations last February. Thank you for memorializing such an amazing place of history.
Many thanks!
Also one summer we, my mom and dad and myself went to the farm where he was catured. The farmer did not know that there was a small bunker on his farm. My dad got his permission to dig where my dad thought where it was. With 45 minutes my dad found the door way into that small bunker. It was a small one, only big enough for about 15 soldiers. Thats where he found his brothers iron cross and his elt buckle wrappen in someones shirt several times. I still have that metal now and the belt buckle. Those will go to the grave with me
It was a privilege to know one of the men in the picture shown at around the 8 minute mark, Maurice Masich. As it said in the video he survived, married and had four children, the youngest being a son named Maurice Peter Masich and a great friend of mine growing up in the town of Newberry, Michigan back in the 1970's. Pete's dad was Army all the way. After WWII he served in the reserves and was a recruiter for many years. Several years ago I learned in more detail about his service at Manhay and how important that battle was. I remember the swagger and confidence which Mr. Masich (as I called him) always carried himself and I now know why. You don't go through military service like WWII and not have it change you in many ways. Mr. Masich was I believe 18 years old at the time of the picture and I remember him telling me he had to get permission from his parents to join early so he could "get in the action before it was over." I can't even imagine being put in that kind of situation at that age, it would sure make a man out of you fast. I have always agreed with Tom Brokaw that they were the "Greatest Generation" of Americans. Selfless to a thought, willing to lay down their lives to fight fascism and dictators around the globe and had the integrity to come home and pay for the cost of the war, not leaving a bill for future generations to pay. Even though these images of WWII can be difficult to see at times, its important that they are seen and many thanks to folks like Snafu Docs for keeping these memories alive for future generations to see what it really takes to preserve freedom. As we all can see, "Freedom Ain't Free."
Thanks for posting that comment, nice to find out more about Maurice Masich.
Freedom xD nice joke yank scum
Excellent research and a well produced vide. I especially enjoyed the then and now photos. Thanks for the tribute to an almost forgotten hero of the Battle of the Bulge. “He only got one shot off but it changed the course of the battle.” Amazing.
Thanks for the video!
Wonderful information tnx
Excellent. Thank you.
The hero at the end deserved more than a Silver Star. RIP
🇺🇸
Agreed. 🇺🇸
I was in Bastogne in June 2018, driving about and doing battlefield tours. I was totally amazed by the topography of the area. One would not think the area would support armoured attacks. Yet it did...Great museum in Bastogne.
Excellent video
Wow, I just discovered your channel and have to watch every video! I have always wondered what these places look like now. You deserve your own show, this is incredible. Thank you for preserving history!!
Such meticulous and time-consuming research is greatly appreciated.
That is one of the best comments we received. Thank you!
You did a great job…..Rob……very interesting story.👍👍👌
Many thanks!
Addicted to this channel. Thank you. Already planning my next trip to Belgium
Joey, I watched your interview with JD on The History Underground and I was so impressed by how much research goes into each one of your videos. I love your channel. You and your team do a wonderful job. Thank you.
One of My Dads Older Brother’s was there as a Combat Engineer in the 289th Regimental Combat Team 75th Infantry Division , The Bulge Buster’s . He graduated from Tamalpais High School in June of 1944 and was in His First battle near Grandmenil Belgium on Christmas Eve 1944. He was a Son of Italian Immigrant parents. His Father had fought and barely survived with His life The Battle of Adwa , Abyssinia in 1896 evading capture there. While showing My Uncle one of My Garand M-1 rifles He began telling Me more than I had ever heard before about His experiences. He said He carried one just like it and as much extra ammo in cloth bandoleers as He could carry. The freezing cold , the smell of death and burning bodies inside burning tanks , Clearing minefields in the dark before infantry advances and after Grandmenil all the towns they went through. He spoke of seeing dead Americans who had been bound hand and foot and their bodies skewered with their own bayoneted rifles far up from the groin or rectum. He said it was at a place other than Malmedy. He grew up hunting deer and had killed many by that time , gutting , skinning , twisting heads off , butchering and processing them to feed the large family. He was still sickened at having to kill His enemies and though never a drinker later in life admitted that whenever alcohol was found they stayed drunk as long as they could , intense combat is a sobering experience.
Thank you for sharing this, Maitre!
Thank you. You're doing a service to history.
I have family involved in these actions....what you guys do is so important...I say this as a grandson of RAF and RMC. My granddad landed at sword beach and headed to Cairn. His haunting memory was burning bodies and limbs with fuel in pits on the beaches...
Thank You for honoring Richard F. Wiegand . My Uncle Bernard Nerviani, the youngest of My Dads four older Brothers was 18 years old and a combat engineer with the 289th regimental combat team of the 75th Infantry Division. His first combat was at Grandmenil Belgium. One of His three Grandsons lives close by with His wife and Young Son . I will be sharing this with He, His two Brothers and their parents. Their Mother My Cousin Linda is Bernards Daughter. My Wife’s Aunt by marriage to Her Moms Younger Brother is German and She related to Me that She had a Uncle who was in the SS who still embraced all their ideologies.
Me and my 12y old daughter (also obsessed with military history) will definitely take a roadtrip next summer to go and visit some of the places around Europe that played such a big roll in the second world war.
The first thing I've ever subscribed to on the WEB. OUTSTANDING I would almost bet my Uncle Oscar would wish he had told us six nephews that pestered the hell out of him about this terribly tragic part of his life. Thank you from the bottom of my HEART and for all my HEROES. I had a bunch of them.
Thank you for this video, it gives a great perspective as to what happened that books can't accomplish. I've been studying the Bulge for a couple years now since I ran across my grandfather's discharge papers. He was a Tank commander of a Sherman 105 with the US 7AD/31/HQ.
You're so welcome! The 7th AD saw lots of action in the Ardennes too. He was a true hero!
@Kev Ro - we haven't been able to find our Dad's discharge papers; he passed away more than 35 yrs. ago. Where did you come across your grandad's? Turns out the military records for a lot of WWI and WWII veterans (1912-1960) were lost in a big fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis Missouri in 1973. An estimated 16-18 million records were lost.
@@greentara291 I can't find anything in the online National Archives about him, I assume it was because of the fire. I inherited his papers along with his brother in law's since he didn't have any children. Oddly enough that second set of papers doesn't list my uncle's unit, I do know he was part of the Red Ball express and was in this fight. Later he would spend 3 months working on the bridges at Remagen after the breakout.
These guys are awesome! Watch all of the videos... each one is amazing. My favorite is Parallel!
Thank you so so so much!
Absolutely breathtaking! Thank you for all your research and efforts to preserve history. Your videos need to be used by history teachers! Blessings and be safe!
Wow, thank you! We do our best to preserve and pass on history.
Thank you.
My favorite photo is each and every one of them. I’m a student of WWII, and the “then and now” photos really bring the history to life. Every high schooler should have at least one class on WWII that includes these type of photos to make it real to them. Thank you!
MAGNIFICENT!
Thank You for your videos. I was stationed in Bindlach Germany '76-'79. I served on tanks so this is so very interesting to me . Thank You for keeping history alive . Take Care
My father was in a special forces unit at the bulge. They were in front of the German push all the way. My dad's best friend was killed there. Shortly after that my dad was injured and returned home for surgery.
I have been looking for a channel just like yours for a long time. This exactly what I had in mind. I would love to visit these historic sites before I check out.
Keep up such a good work. Thank you from San Diego California.
My grandfather was in the battle of the bulge...he's 104 and still alive and kicking today
Thanks for this. I really like the "then and now" pictures, especially from the WW2 Battles.
Well done & thank you for sharing!
Absolutely outstanding as always, I really look forward to seeing them.
Thank you very much!
I've said it before and I'll say again these videos are truly amazing and educational. Keep up the great work 👍
Amazing history you guys bring to life with such a well produced film. Thank you!
Thank you!
Amazing job guys!
Thank you guys for doing this. I have always wonder what these areas looked like today .
Glad you enjoyed it
I have seen a lot of history clips and stories on UA-cam but this is something extraordinary. Comparing places and events now and then and adding an interesting story to the footage is really great. As we proceed into the future people especially the young ones will eventually cease to read history(they already say reading books is boring) and rather focus on watching and following social media. I therefore believe that one day your videos might become part of history classes around the world so keep up the great work and this idea of comparing the footage from the past with nowadays scenery having in mind that there is so much material across Europe regarding WW II
Thank you so much sir!
Thank you so much for the great work you do. Never forget!
You are providing some of the best content on this period in history.Thank you from America.🇺🇸
Great "then and now" pix. Please give us more of this type of video. It makes a lot of difference to have persons who are knowledgeable of the activities in the area like Bob Konings. Many of us cannot travel much any more. Keep posting.... We will view them!
I love these then and now photos. thank you
Really enjoyed the video guys. You done a great job. My dad was there at the Wolfs Gap.
A real hero Jim. Thank you for watching!
How old are you bro?
Thank you for your great efforts. Very interesting to look back at what happened then.
We will never forget this and hopefully we learn from our past !!!!
You guys are god sent..may we never forget
What a great story and video..RIP Richard Wiegand..a true American hero!
Excellent documentary, Thank You!
Thank you for sharing and keeping these true hero’s memories alive forever more.👍👍👍👏👏
Thanks for listening & watching!
I served in the 75th briefly. I’m going to send this to some of the guys. Thanks!
I was in in the late 90’s
These videos are amazing. Informative and brings history to
Life. Very well done.
Thank you again my friend!
Outstanding work !
That's so crazy Richards foxhole is still there, image, he actually dug it himself and knowing that is rare, most of the foxholes that exist it's not known exactly who dug them being in the heat of battle and so much time going by, awesome.🇺🇸👍
great channel. unlike any other channel about ww2. keep up the good work.
This is great
Another fine documentary. I just finished another of your productions on the Battle of the Bulge. These are very well put together. 🇺🇸
Very good job guys ; thanks for sharing !!
Another great episode. Thank you, love how you give the photos their story.
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Awesome video and awesome work. All the best from Canada.
Standing in the foxhole with the view of how close the German tank would have been was absolutely amazing.
How can you not have chill bumps standing in the exact same spots where all hell was breaking out in 1944. Hard to imagine - so peaceful in those towns now. 1944 - not so much.
Superbe vidéo ! Toujours un plaisir à regarder 👍 Continuez comme ça, à bientôt. Normandie-Militaria
Merciii!!!
Great work! I would like to visit the area especially Dom Butgenbach, Krinkelt-Rocherath, etc. Do you provide tours? Merci-Dan
Yes we do!
@@SNAFUDOCS great! What is best way to dialog/contact with you about this?
Thank you for posting!
Excellent work, once again. Always compelling. Thank you.
My grandfather served in the 7th armored around the St. Vith area during the bulge. I have a picture he had of a sign that hung across the main street in St. Vith that said "You are now entering St. Vith, courteous of the 7th armored division".
Massive Goosebumps as i watch this piece of History
Great Vid, Thanks for all the hard work.
Congratulations for your work! I am a huge fan of the military history .Keep on making fims !!!
Very good work
Thanks for this video!
The last weeks there was a lot of snow here in St Vith. Then still its hard to imagine how many soldiers were outside or in hardly warmed building. I did find some ww2 items in my old house. I like the then and now's. I talked too my 93 year old neighbour who had some nice stories told to my. He saw the bombardement of St. Vith and Germans who blew up the bridge at Setz. And how those Germans were captured while drinking coffee in his house.
You actually look like Edward Winship in that photo of the three soldiers in Manhay which makes the photo even more amazing!
A incredible video and awesome then and now pictures ! Congratulations again guys ! Just a question about the man who stopped the Panzer SS Division, why did he has a MP and Air Corp patch ? He was in the Air Corp before ?
Yes we believe that he was used to fill the need of infantry on the front line !
Excellent job with this recording of history...for future generations
Preserve and pass on, that is our mission :)
Thanks guys- you have done the soldiers proud. Tell me, was this video done recently? if so, a very warm winter in Belgium indeed!
We filmed it at the end of November! It was freezing outside. Thank you for watching!
Great information, thanks
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching :)
Thank you for these videos. Keep it up the good work. May we never forget 😔
VERY GOOD WORK WHICH IS APPRECIATED TODAY ,THANKS, .
These stories need be told over and over again. Many men lost their lives here for our freedom.
And then Biden became President and it was all for nothing
I was in the navy in that vietnam thing, and then did an apprenticeship in a defence lab after i got out. it was a semi govt type business so they hired mostly veterans, and i got to study machinist trade with ww2 veterans. they always had stories, my favorite guy had been drafted and was shipped over to the battle of the bulge the day he got out of basic training, in transit he was separated from all his gear and arrived at the front with only the dress uniform he was wearing and it was snowing and cold. He was so tired he went to sleep under a tank and when he woke up, he climbed out and found out the tank had been destroyed and he was all alone. In a quiet forrest.
@@johngillon6969 Hard to imagine in this time where people need to be told just about everything. The lack of high command and radiocontact then makes it more harder to find youre own way. The Ardennes are beautuful but not in that time. The cold must be terrible back then.
@@jeroenbezuijen3767 I met all sorts of guys working there, one fellow was with Merrill's marauders, and he was with that outfit from the beginning till the end. You didn't mess with that guy, he was super calm and polite, but had a way about him. And then there was another guy that claimed he marched all the way across north africa and thru the holy lands to berlin, and never got to fire his riffle. I felt a little jealous, not having any stories but getting drunk in foreign ports. Happily i survived the madness.
@@johngillon6969 Thank God you survived John. Sometimes boring aint so bad either:). Hard to imagine you can fight in a dress uniform, not mention the freezing cold. The neverending courage they left there was unbeluevabke, close to madness I think. Or maybe the believe of a higher purpose of fighting against evil, wich in fact it was.
Really enjoy your then and now videos. It brings history alive for me. My uncle was in the battle of the bulge. It makes me realize what it must have been like being there.
Thank you Paul. What unit was your uncle in?
@@SNAFUDOCS Thanks for asking he was in the US Army 143 AAA Battalion Battery C. That’s all I know for sure. He went in the Army August 10 1943. He said he was in Liege when the Bulge broke out and they moved to Namur. His 90mm was stuck in the mud they had to abandon it and join another gun group. He said he was at Stumont when his group had to take action against German tanks. Two guys Durago and Seamon took bazookas and knocked out one tank. I have a transcript of his experience from The Veterans History Project. He passed away a few years ago. Do you know where the town locations are located? I think Belgium? I always wanted to be able to track his footsteps that day especially. I just google earth the 3 cities they are all in Belgium. Have you ever done then and now in those cities?
Wonderful perspective. Thanks.
Yet another very interesting episode! Thanks!
Thanks again!