Thank you, Woody, for having me on the show! I enjoyed it and appreciate you giving me the time and space to tell the story. Many thanks as well to those who watched, participated in the chat, and are commenting here. I am reading every comment. Much appreciated!
"You know, you guys saved the world." What a great and true thing to remind a veteran of WW2 about when they were struggling. I'll never forget the first time I showed my oldest child a picture of American airborne jumping from a C-47. I told her, they jumped into the dark when other men were waiting on the ground trying to kill them. Her eyes lit up, "we're they scared? Why would they do that?" I replied, "I'm sure they were scared, but they did it to save the world from tyranny." She was about ten then, she's 23 today and we still talk about WW2 quite often.
This is one of the best of the best of WW2tv's shows. Thank you, Paul, for finding Mike Croissant and bringing him to us today. Mike's tender passion for these boys is evident in how beautifully he honors their stories. Don't miss this show, it is a true masterclass.
Back in the early 1990s, I had a German language instructor at Arizona State University who had grown up during the war. I can see his face and hear his voice. During the semester I was in his class, he started numerous stories with the phrase, "When I was in the Hitler Youth..." I can't recall a single one of the stories, he was a nice guy, I wish I'd written them down. The gist was that he, like every German boy his age at the time, had to be in the Hitler Youth, it was similar to the boy scouts but with political indoctrination. The other thing I recall is that he was young enough that serving in the last ditch Volksturm units was a choice for him and thankfully his parents said no.
In 1981 after my parents divorced, my father moved in with a woman he'd met in 1950 while serving with the American occupation forces in Germany. She was living in Arkansas in 1981, and so I spent the summer there with her and my father. Her name was Else, she'd grown up in Germany during the war. In 1981, I was 10 and bored out of my mind, dad was working a lot of overtime that summer and the last thing I cared about was this lady with a strange accent who wasn't my mother. If only I could go back and kick my young self into paying attention to someone who might have had a lot of interesting stories to share. The only thing I can recall about Else is that she showed me these two bronze statuettes she had on her mantel. She said that during the war, when the air raid warning would sound, she and her sister would make sure to grab those bronze statuettes before rushing down to the shelter in the basement of their building. I took that information so matter of factly, I'm amazed I still remember the story at all. If only I'd asked her, why were those important to you then? Where is your sister today? Did your home make it through the war? Did your family survive? I couldn't even conceive of the fear of being in a city during an air raid. I didn't even ask her what that was like. Anyhow, the bronze statuettes were clearly precious to her and at least I retained that important bit.
I can't even imagine how terrifying it must have been for the men flying into combat. We had a scare flying home into tail end of a heavy storm from a holiday in a big jet in comfort a few years ago getting tossed about droping down and forced to land at a different airport. Not even a glimpse how their lives must have been in prop engines with fighters, flak and having to navigate across enemy countries to return home safe.
It's no wonder we all hold these men of both the USAAF and RAF Bomber Commands in awe, even after 80 years. There will likely never be another era like it and to have such a moving story being told to us about the last raid left me speechless at times. I, like our host Woody was spellbound for most of it. Now I must get a copy of this very human story. It makes me want to know of what the last RAF Bombing Raid might have been.
@@loreleikomm5802 It was a good one, wasn't it. BTW, I'll be doing my presentation about my grandfather on Brad's channel Saturday the 9th of march. I have a few slides that you will appreciate concerning the typhoon in which "Papa" Russ's vessel was thrown ashore. It will be 12 PM Central time. I hope you may attend. I hope to tell a story that many may never have heard before. Thanks for the kind reply.
Outstanding presentation by Mike. Explains what really happened in combat from both sides. The15th Air Force is not as well known as the 8th Air Force. Another new light on our allies the Soviets. Thanks Woody.
Mr. Croissant-what a thoughtful, well spoken and interesting man. I cannot wait to purchase and read his book. And thank you again Mr. Woodadge for this splendid channel.
A very detailed presentation by Mike, I watched on a rerun, very well presented, and the presentation told to us watching in a very easy to follow thoughtful manner to all those involved. Yet again another unknown subject to me. The cruelty of the Russian troops,to the American airman is tragic and appalling. Also the cruelty to surrendered airmen is beyond belief, the inhumanity to fellow human beings.I look forward to reading Mikes book. Thank you Mike and Woody
Wonderful narrative of this book. Clearly the author was very moved from many of the stories and interviews of these “The Greatest Generation”. Stories of men doing a job that had to be done. Lots of sadness and stories where these men compartmentalized their horrors and in twilight of their lives only to be encouraged to break their silence. A tremendous cathartic experience. Well done guys. I’ve become a big fan of your show.
Woody/Mike, FABULOUS presentation. It both interesting and at times emotional. I love the human element from WW2 presentations and Mike did not disappoint! Only wish I could have watched it live! Regards, Bob
I have read an account of some Russian soldiers abusing an American flyer, I wonder if this might be that account, probably not, but I never forgot it because I was really brutal
Took a DNA test last year and discovered my genetic Grandfather was FL/Lt R W Greenaway (I was able to tell my Dad of nearly 80 years old who his dad was and show him photos). Ron came top in class during training in Canada and was retained to train others mainly to fly Spits. He returned to the UK in 1944 joining the 91 Squadron Manston in early 1945, he was then involved in Ramrods and escorting Lancs on bombing raids, there is even a story of him having to land in enemy held Holland and hid in a cellar, his Wing Commander was Bobby Oxspring - Oxo. He also escorted Monty's Dakota to Belgium, and met, him. Now researching everything he was involved with as his family say he never really talked about it. Looking for his Log Book as I have just a few pages copied from the original, and his medals lost from the family after he died.
I'd read all [EDIT - the one] Paul Brickhill fighter pilot biography[ EDIT - ies] by age twelve, about the time the "Tora Tora Tora" and the "The Battle Of Britain" mwfis came out. This interesting, informative, impressive presentation is a bit hard/unpleasant to me now but fifty years ago I coulda coped. "Kids these daes, they got live Ukraine real war, in their pockets. 24/7"
Thank you, Woody, for having me on the show! I enjoyed it and appreciate you giving me the time and space to tell the story. Many thanks as well to those who watched, participated in the chat, and are commenting here. I am reading every comment. Much appreciated!
Mike - It is we who thank you
"You know, you guys saved the world." What a great and true thing to remind a veteran of WW2 about when they were struggling.
I'll never forget the first time I showed my oldest child a picture of American airborne jumping from a C-47. I told her, they jumped into the dark when other men were waiting on the ground trying to kill them.
Her eyes lit up, "we're they scared? Why would they do that?"
I replied, "I'm sure they were scared, but they did it to save the world from tyranny." She was about ten then, she's 23 today and we still talk about WW2 quite often.
This is one of the best of the best of WW2tv's shows. Thank you, Paul, for finding Mike Croissant and bringing him to us today. Mike's tender passion for these boys is evident in how beautifully he honors their stories. Don't miss this show, it is a true masterclass.
What a good presentation and I like the different way Mike went about telling what he had learned. Didn't shy away from the emotional content.
Brilliant presentation, what an incredible story. Another great video, thanks!!!
Back in the early 1990s, I had a German language instructor at Arizona State University who had grown up during the war. I can see his face and hear his voice. During the semester I was in his class, he started numerous stories with the phrase, "When I was in the Hitler Youth..." I can't recall a single one of the stories, he was a nice guy, I wish I'd written them down. The gist was that he, like every German boy his age at the time, had to be in the Hitler Youth, it was similar to the boy scouts but with political indoctrination. The other thing I recall is that he was young enough that serving in the last ditch Volksturm units was a choice for him and thankfully his parents said no.
In 1981 after my parents divorced, my father moved in with a woman he'd met in 1950 while serving with the American occupation forces in Germany. She was living in Arkansas in 1981, and so I spent the summer there with her and my father. Her name was Else, she'd grown up in Germany during the war. In 1981, I was 10 and bored out of my mind, dad was working a lot of overtime that summer and the last thing I cared about was this lady with a strange accent who wasn't my mother. If only I could go back and kick my young self into paying attention to someone who might have had a lot of interesting stories to share.
The only thing I can recall about Else is that she showed me these two bronze statuettes she had on her mantel. She said that during the war, when the air raid warning would sound, she and her sister would make sure to grab those bronze statuettes before rushing down to the shelter in the basement of their building. I took that information so matter of factly, I'm amazed I still remember the story at all.
If only I'd asked her, why were those important to you then? Where is your sister today? Did your home make it through the war? Did your family survive? I couldn't even conceive of the fear of being in a city during an air raid. I didn't even ask her what that was like. Anyhow, the bronze statuettes were clearly precious to her and at least I retained that important bit.
I can't even imagine how terrifying it must have been for the men flying into combat. We had a scare flying home into tail end of a heavy storm from a holiday in a big jet in comfort a few years ago getting tossed about droping down and forced to land at a different airport. Not even a glimpse how their lives must have been in prop engines with fighters, flak and having to navigate across enemy countries to return home safe.
It's no wonder we all hold these men of both the USAAF and RAF Bomber Commands in awe, even after 80 years. There will likely never be another era like it and to have such a moving story being told to us about the last raid left me speechless at times. I, like our host Woody was spellbound for most of it. Now I must get a copy of this very human story. It makes me want to know of what the last RAF Bombing Raid might have been.
just watched it and oh, how I wish I had been able to join all of you on the sidebar chat earlier. superb show!
@@loreleikomm5802 It was a good one, wasn't it. BTW, I'll be doing my presentation about my grandfather on Brad's channel Saturday the 9th of march. I have a few slides that you will appreciate concerning the typhoon in which "Papa" Russ's vessel was thrown ashore. It will be 12 PM Central time. I hope you may attend. I hope to tell a story that many may never have heard before. Thanks for the kind reply.
@@davidlavigne207 Ty for letting me know, I’ve put it on my calendar/ I think Dave Patterson is on at 2 pm CT with Brad, the same day
Outstanding presentation by Mike. Explains what really happened in combat from both sides. The15th Air Force is not as well known as the 8th Air Force. Another new light on our allies the Soviets. Thanks Woody.
Mr. Croissant-what a thoughtful, well spoken and interesting man. I cannot wait to purchase and read his book. And thank you again Mr. Woodadge for this splendid channel.
Great piece Paul!
A very detailed presentation by Mike, I watched on a rerun, very well presented, and the presentation told to us watching in a very easy to follow thoughtful manner to all those involved. Yet again another unknown subject to me. The cruelty of the Russian troops,to the American airman is tragic and appalling. Also the cruelty to surrendered airmen is beyond belief, the inhumanity to fellow human beings.I look forward to reading Mikes book. Thank you Mike and Woody
Wonderful narrative of this book. Clearly the author was very moved from many of the stories and interviews of these “The Greatest Generation”. Stories of men doing a job that had to be done. Lots of sadness and stories where these men compartmentalized their horrors and in twilight of their lives only to be encouraged to break their silence. A tremendous cathartic experience. Well done guys. I’ve become a big fan of your show.
Woody/Mike, FABULOUS presentation. It both interesting and at times emotional. I love the human element from WW2 presentations and Mike did not disappoint! Only wish I could have watched it live! Regards, Bob
Thank you!
The thing that impressed me the most was that despite the immensness of the mechanics of modern war, it is still ultimately an individual experience.
very much enjoyed this episode. thank you WW2TV
Fantastic presentation and discussion. Thank you Mike and Paul.
Terrific Presentation and wish Mike great success with his book.
Excellent and well researched show!
Great interview - Will definitely look to get the book once it’s out
I have read an account of some Russian soldiers abusing an American flyer, I wonder if this might be that account, probably not, but I never forgot it because I was really brutal
Took a DNA test last year and discovered my genetic Grandfather was FL/Lt R W Greenaway (I was able to tell my Dad of nearly 80 years old who his dad was and show him photos). Ron came top in class during training in Canada and was retained to train others mainly to fly Spits. He returned to the UK in 1944 joining the 91 Squadron Manston in early 1945, he was then involved in Ramrods and escorting Lancs on bombing raids, there is even a story of him having to land in enemy held Holland and hid in a cellar, his Wing Commander was Bobby Oxspring - Oxo. He also escorted Monty's Dakota to Belgium, and met, him. Now researching everything he was involved with as his family say he never really talked about it. Looking for his Log Book as I have just a few pages copied from the original, and his medals lost from the family after he died.
I'd read all [EDIT - the one] Paul Brickhill fighter pilot biography[ EDIT - ies] by age twelve, about the time the "Tora Tora Tora" and the "The Battle Of Britain" mwfis came out. This interesting, informative, impressive presentation is a bit hard/unpleasant to me now but fifty years ago I coulda coped.
"Kids these daes, they got live Ukraine real war, in their pockets. 24/7"