I need you all to step up please to get these WWII veterans on camera. They saved the world and deserve basically to live forever on camera. Please help me continue to interview these WWII Heroes. Please sponsor a future interview at www.rememberww2.org. Thanks and GOD BLESS THE WWII HEROES!
It's to late for my father to tell his story. RIP DAD ! I do remember stories, ones that I heard my accident I was very young and the adults didn't think I was listening. My uncle was a heavy equipment operator in the army. He was telling my dad that he used to push hundreds of dead Germans in to holes with his bull doser and the smell he will never forget. RIP uncle Bob m
My Uncle was in the first Negro Battallion to actually see combat under Patton in the Battle of The Bulge. His name was Leo Journet from St Martinville Louisiana. He had light skin and blue eyes but was more than 1% black. Same for my father. We're Creole and spoke Creole French as our first language. They changed Patton's mind about the fighting capabilities of "Negro" soldiers. He never ever talked about it. Always changed the subject to fishing and such. My Aunt Marie showed me his box of medals once. There was a purple heart medal she let me wear for just a moment before my uncle came home. He didn't like to show those medals. Called it showing off. We fished a lot. It was very quiet and peaceful fishing with him. I worshiped that man.
I'm from Louisiana and know exactly where St.Martinville is. That's a wonderful memory and I wish Patton would have gave every soldier the same equivalent respect as a warrior should be honored by.
I think maybe he was speaking to more of the men putting them into war. We HAD to fight in wwii or we might not have America. When you look at the other wars iam not so sure that was the case. However i am mo historian i just would think thats what he ment. Not that they soldiers had a choice but the country did.
@@carissalemire9683 in pretty sure he meant it as the United States had to go to war for a good reason for ww2, and every war after that were for an economic, a political or a financial gain.
One real American here, if only half of our country would share his values and patriotism. What an honor to hear the courage and sacrifice so many gave for our Freedom. Bless this man.
What's sad are legal immigrants standing up for our flag and freedoms; while citizens born here don't appreciate our CONSTITUTIONAL Freedom and GOD given rights. In Glendale CA, folks of Armenian descent are standing up for our flag and freedoms. They are questioning the school board about teaching K-3d grade about transgenderism and sexual preferences. Suddenly ANTIFA showed up to "back" members of the LGBTQ community pushing back against these families having the gumption to question them. One gentleman if Armenian descent was holding an American flag. A member of ANTIFA and the LGBTQ community wanted to destroy the American flag and chanting about injuring those who had the balls to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. The Armenian gentleman asked why they wanted to destroy the American flag but protecting the gay pride flag. This infuriated them especially when he told them no one was taking the American flag from him. The Armenian won. Where is this hatred for our country, values, constitutional freedoms and GOD given rights coming from? Why was a group of children singing the NATIONAL ANTHEM inside the Capitol Building in DC told to stop? They had permission to be there and perform. The Capitol Building Police declared our NATIONAL ANTHEM as a "song of protest". This is egregious and shameful. May GOD bless America. More importantly, may God bless GOD while we still can.
@Nelson Vecchione . The purpose of our military is to protect our country from attack and defend our CONSTITUTIONAL freedoms and GOD given rights. This oath includes attack from an outside force or from within (tyranny on the part of our own government). As Teddy Roosevelt said America should walk quietly but carry a big stick. Meaning: we will leave folks alone but don't push our buttons. Eisenhower tried warning of the military (Pentagon types) colluding with defense contractors (supported by media to spread the "right information") which isn't the purpose of our military. Our military is to be feared. Unfortunately, no one paid attention to Eisenhower. Now we have a single source defense contractor charging $400,000 per Stinger missile. When we had 2/3 contractors trying to make them, these same weapon systems cost $25,000. That's quite a difference. We have Generals retiring who are to wait 5 yrs before getting high paying positions with defense contractors. They receive a waiver instead allowing them to take these jobs. Their insight from the Pentagon makes them a much wanted employee. Or they become lobbyists for these contractors. Once again, their connections at the Pentagon make them invaluable. No waivers should be granted. Return our military into a fighting machine and we'll equipped. Forget the WOKE LGBTQ climate change BS. Their role is to protect and if necessary fight to win. Why are we in Ukraine? We have zero insight into the billions of dollars funneled there. Nothing was done to Russia when they invaded during the Obama yrs.
@@jessestinson9252it wasn’t for nothing, concentration camps were liberated and helped stopped the Führer from actually possibly succeeding on his plan of world dominance. Don’t think they were really thinking of todays degenerates..
twenty years ago while in church, that Sunday was on the 6th of June, one of the older members interrupted the preacher and asked if he could speak, it was 11:00 am, he said at this very time on June 6th, 1944 I was a driver of a landing craft and dropped my first load of soldiers on Omaha Beach, the hardest part for me was going back for the next group after seeing all the first killed on the beach
Oh this hit me like a load of bricks and couldn’t breath for a few trying not to cry. God, I want to hug this veteran so badly. Really, what else could he have done??? These were his orders and there was a job to do, a huge one. What we ask of our soldiers seems like too much sometimes for any human to take.
Being cannon fodder is what we agree to do as a soldier. We go onto battlefield already accepting we are going to die, that's the mindset you have. And you're okay with that
I am a doc and had the honor of taking care of one of these landing craft pilots from D-day.... He told me about having to drive over American soldiers to deliver his soldiers onto the beach... He had never told anyone about having had to do that. Today's youth and older have no appreciation for what these men did.
This is the second veteran interview I've heard mentioning the ships moving in close to get direct hits on the pillboxes. The last one mentioned he had never seen such a big ship get so close, almost catching his keel on the sand. They turned so they could get all guns on target, sacrificing their safety to help these brave men on the beach. Just astounding all around
USS Laffey is a destroyer that went in until scraping the bottom ,, It is in Charleston harbor at Patriots point with German pilboxes painted on its side
No disrespect to his service that helped give me the freedom I have enjoyed all my life but, the first V1 (buzz bomb) fired in anger was against London on June 13th 1944. ???
Did this guy say he shot Hitler though? Idk man. That memory might be a little suspect. Also hard to believe he was the first guy on the beach... what are the odds? Also why would there have been so much blood already if he was the first on the beach? Why would he say their were dead bodies everywhere when he stepped out if he was the first on the beach?
@@TheMapman01 He said he'd shot a chalk figure of Hitler that he thought was an actual person at the time and that his buddies kidded him about shooting Hitler from then on.
@@TheMapman01, I’m not trying to confirm or disprove his story, but lots of guys got hit in the landing craft before they ever got to the beach. Some went over the side of the L.C.’s and got shot while trying to get to the beach. That would explain why the water was red and the bodies were washing in, especially if the tide was coming in. 🤷🏻♂️
I'm eating a box of cookies in bed while watching this, and it struck me how easy it is for me right now because of men like this. I can lay here and watch my internet videos because of that red water he talks about. Thank God we had warriors like this, we can't let their stories be lost to time. What a treasure this man is, I hope to have just a pinch of the bravery this guy did before I die. Beautiful.
This is really well put. You juxtaposed stark contrasts. The fact that we get to vote, and have constitutional rights, and not be bullied for our race, religion or sex, is thanks to these men. Hell they were boys when they saved the world so that we could live in it free. We owe it to them to defend the Constitution, democracy, and justice for all.
There are millions here in Europe. I live in the Netherlands and we have waiting lists to care for fallen heroes’ graves. My son and I regularly bring cans of Heineken to the graves of a bomber-crew that crashed in our village.
Thank you for your service Bill. A true hero of mine. My Great Grandfathers brother John Michaels, served as a rifleman in Co. A, 1st Bn., 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. On June 6th, 1944, my Uncle John was in the 1st Assault wave at Dog Green sector. Though he survived he’d be killed at the battle of St. Lo, on July 11th, 1944. Am greatly appreciative to hear Bills story. May God bless
Awesome! My father was a WWII Veteran. He was an air mechanic in the Army Air Force and was stationed in England. He saw action over England, France, Belgium and Germany. My father took most of his secrets to his grave. I am a Vietnam Veteran. Recently one of my brothers and also my granddaughter talked me into telling my story so that it would not be lost forever like my father's story was mostly lost.
Hey, although that may have been difficult to recount, I salute you(figuratively) for doing so. Let me say from PERSONAL experience in which my grandfather fought in the Korean (War), yet never recorded, through print or voice media, a narrative of any length or depth of detail about his experiences. When I was very young, I asked him questions multiple times and got stories that appeared to deliberately exclude the actual combat experience he had. He focused on the fun and hilarity they had in bar fights with troops from a rival service or experiences in the boxing ring he had fighting in the Navy. His nickname was K.O., for obvious reasons and I learned alot about heart, bravery, timing, precision, and courage from his recounting of many of his bouts. He was very modest, in nature, so I had to pry details from him. My great uncle, who actually fought in the Korean War as well, was great for filling in all the blanks so I could get a more detailed and complete documentation of all the knockouts he got on people. Anyway, he, a hero, did indeed fight in the war, but he passed away when I was 14 years old and I wish with all of my heart that I had those accounts and achievements. If for nothing else, to just hear his voice again. Please do not underestimate the value you represent for your loved ones. Dont be afraid to appear in any negative light or way. Its not for you. Its for the family that want to know where they fit in the world, where they are from, and what you did to pave the way and how, It gives them that sense of belonging to a group and they are proud that you tried to do your part. Most of all, the later generations will want to be able to HEAR YOUR VOICE. Be corny and tell them you love them and encourage them to get everything they can out of life and to leave the Earth better than they found it or whatever you want them to hear.
I was born in 1955 and had many teachers, coaches & co-workers who were veterans of WW2. None would ever talk about what they saw. Now I know why. GOD Bless you sir for your service.
Trauma never really goes away. As he is telling his story sometimes he pauses with that thousand yard stare, he is reliving every moment of it. God bless you sir, and thank you
The story of “the little girl” and what the toy she gave him meant to him hit me hard, very hard!! What an amazing interview. Thank you sir. Much respect for you and the generosity of your generation.
This interview is interesting on so many levels. That a man lived through one of the most pivotal battles in modern history is still alive. That at his advenced age he's still lucid and remembers so many details. His non chalant delivery of the horror. And finally his accent and syntax. There are not many people left with a pre-WWII western accent like his.
That's the way most of the southerners speak still to this day😂, everyone around my area still has a hillbilly accent, and I live in South western Virginia
@@shable1436 This guy's accent and word use is really different. I grew up in Texas and this guy's accent was common with older fold but it's rare to hear it now.
Very grateful to the folks who took out time to sit with Bill. To Bill for his service that spans decades. This interview is one of many to ask our veterans for sharing these experiences and details that take great strength and heart to tell.
Thank you for your service Sir. Also, thank you Rishi for what you are doing here with these videos. I work in a Veterans Care Program in Canada where most of those we care for are still WW2 Vets, but that will not be the case for much longer, we are losing them so quickly. Videos like this are so important for building a living memory of the sacrifices made for our freedom, so that we will never forget.
I can’t even imagine what you went thru landing on that beach, especially being in the first wave, then also the rest of the war and all the other battles and horrors you had experienced. I am in awe and in complete respect and I deeply thank you for putting your life on the line so that I might have a better life. Thank you so very much!,,,,,🎉❤❤❤❤❤ I don’t think I can ever re pay your efforts. RESPECT.
Just finished. This is absolute and complete. If this man’s stories of bravery and courage under circumstances unforeseen were never documented, and others like him as well, then I’m thinkin what a massive loss it would be for the generations to come. Remember this man. This man is a shining example of a heart made of true light, and a soul of the true potential, that man can be.🇺🇸 Also, an everlasting thanks to the people and production of this documention. Your work is appreciated and valued.🇺🇸
You sir are a true hero 🙏 I had an uncle Elmer who was also on Omaha and at the Bulge , he was a forward artillery observer. Thankfully he survived the war
The greatest generation, God Bless you sir, we only give these men one day to remember them, other groups we give whole months, very sad times we are living in!!!!
this made my day on this 80th anniv. i have to say thank bill your life really mattered and we wouldnt even be writing these words if it wasnt for the courage and sacrifices of so many never to be forgotten by the generations who came after ......
My 2nd cousin 4 times removed was killed in action on D-Day. His name was John Trent Kincer from Wythe County, Virginia. He was 23 years old. God bless these men who have their lives and fought for the USA. ❤️ Rest in peace, John and all of the men who died.❤️
My great granduncle william "Billy" bundy from kalamazoo, Michigan was a tailgunner on a bombing run in New Guinea. Japanese zero's shot the tailgun and he fell out without a parachute. Rest of his plane went down and his crewman parachuted out then the japanese strafed them all.
This Guy, Sheesh, I'm a Marine Combat Vet from the Middle East. It got bad at times - but what these WWII guys went through - dang. Harder for sure. We knew if we got wounded we would be medevaced ricky-tick. These guys were teetering on the brink of death every moment. Much Respect 👊🏻
Respect mate. I am sure you have your own tales to tell. Guys like you deserve everything in life. I can’t thank you enough for your service for our freedoms.
Yeah it’s incredible what ordinary men (and women) have endured for duty. It’s perhaps a needlessly negative thought on my behalf, but I feel our generations have let his down. No disrespect to you Gernansky.
I always like how a lot of men from this generation say "why" a lot when they talk. Like at 9:43 he says when talking about using bangalores to destroy barbed wire. Also at 10:48 he says "It got time to go, why, we went over the side and went down netting that looked like rope ladders." I've noticed this with the few audio recordings of civil war veterans being interviewed too.
I will always be more grateful than I could ever express, to men like this one, for making it possible to live my life. And I’ve had a long one so far. I’ll be 59 on September 10.
Thanks for your service and war stories Bill Mate my grandfather was in WWII in the Australian Army i have all his war certificates and discharge from the Australian Army in 1946 when the war finished he said the best year's of his life was in the Australian Army I'm very proud 🇦🇺
An amazing personal history. It was great to hear and I could picture the events as he described them. Very vivid recollections. A great American. Very much a man of his generation. Thanks.
I watched your story in fascinated awe Mr Parker. Your heroism is in inspirational and your conduct on the battlefield humbling. God bless you, and thank you, we are eternally grateful- Your British friends 🤝
With tears in my eyes...awe in my heart...and my mind is overwhelmed ...This insight is more than historical it is the greatest of gifts...Like that child's desire to offer a treasured toy...He has given us our treasured freedom and insight into all that was endured as the price paid for it...I am grateful...God bless our vets.
This is a fantastic story of WW2 soldiering. Let us thank this Gentleman Veteran for telling us what happened. His story is amazing in specifics. He led from a dozen to soon later up to 30 men as a Private. Led them off away inland from the D-Day Landing itself. His fellow GIs followed him, asked him what are we to do. He was understood in life and death conditions as a Leader by others. The officer saw him with all the men following him. He said, I'm just a Private as the rest of the men here. The officer said, You're a Sargeant now. His is a fascinating description of being trained as a wire cutter and tasked with the bangalore torpedo on The Landing to free the infantry into initial combat off the sand. D-DAY! A fellow GI rifleman right behind him shoots an enemy rifleman who was a split second from shooting him point blank dead. Soon right after that the fellow GI was killed in action. "He saved my Life. He died later that day. I never got me a chance to thank him. For saving my life. That bothers me."
Around 2015-16 I had the rare privilege of being in the house of a WWll veteran 94yrs old he walked everyday and was in great shape for his age. I made sure to talk with him as much as I could and had my boys 4 and 8 yrs at the time talk and ask ?'s knowing that when they were older it would no longer be possible.
Sir thank you for being an excellent example of an American. You can tell by how humble he speaks he has integrity. Thank you to the channel these stories are priceless and very important for posterity.
This is a long one but worth the time! Thank you so much for recording this interview. His stories were amazing and right out of a movie at times!!! Obviously, God blessed this man and I'm glad to have gotten to hear is story.
I have listen to each and every soldier tell there story here and this is one of my favorite, all of these men amaze me, God bless each and everyone of them and God bless America. Thanks Rishi, another excellent job.
Thank you Sir for your service and your willingness to share your story for it is part of our great nations history! Thank you to those that have sacrificed and dedication required to get to all these great men before the next chapter begins for them!
This man, having grown up in the mountains, sounds neatly exactly like my grandfather. Grandpa was from the hills of Kentucky. Papaw was a small man like this man. His speech makes me smile and feel good on the inside. Thank you for your service. The way he speaks is identical to papaw. I've never heard another man speak so much like papaw. Unreal.
He grew up in eastern Oklahoma on the Texas and Arkansas state lines....within 100 miles of the Ozark mountains, similiar to the Appalachians...Notice the saddle behind him....maybe a child hood like Sargent York from WWI.
All these years later and he is still reliving these truly savage times. Personally I am very grateful for all the sacrifices these young people Made during the war. These soldiers who fought are the ones who gave the most. I salute you kind sir.
Thank you for your service!! Your selfless sacrifice means more to me as a second generation immigrant to america. Thank you for playing your part so others can partake in the freedom this great nation stands for.
I have watched dozens and dozens of the interviews of our country’s heroes. These veterans command my respect as they should with all Americans. These men are definitely what all Americans should strive to emulate. I have been a law enforcement officer for 34 years and counting, and worked with many veterans who got into law enforcement after leaving the military. I am proud to have served with these veterans, both male and female. Mr. Bill Parker, I salute you sir. Thank You. Also deserving a big thank you is you Mr. Sharma. Thank you for interviewing our veterans from all eras. Having these interviews preserved to essentially give these heroes immortality is a priceless gift that you provide to not just Americans, but the world. God bless you all, as well as every man and woman that has, or is currently serving our nation. May the Lord protect us all.
Thank you sir for your service. My dad was also in a follow up unit after your unit went in and he passed away in 2002 and you are part of truly the greatest generation of our country! Thank you again for your service.
I need you all to step up please to get these WWII veterans on camera. They saved the world and deserve basically to live forever on camera. Please help me continue to interview these WWII Heroes. Please sponsor a future interview at www.rememberww2.org. Thanks and GOD BLESS THE WWII HEROES!
❤
This old gentleman is still sharp as a tack
Thank you for doing these interviews , my dad was on Omaha beach that morning and he was a Brit part of an RAF unit that got almost wiped out .
Pppa00
It's to late for my father to tell his story. RIP DAD ! I do remember stories, ones that I heard my accident I was very young and the adults didn't think I was listening. My uncle was a heavy equipment operator in the army. He was telling my dad that he used to push hundreds of dead Germans in to holes with his bull doser and the smell he will never forget. RIP uncle Bob m
My Uncle was in the first Negro Battallion to actually see combat under Patton in the Battle of The Bulge. His name was Leo Journet from St Martinville Louisiana. He had light skin and blue eyes but was more than 1% black. Same for my father. We're Creole and spoke Creole French as our first language. They changed Patton's mind about the fighting capabilities of "Negro" soldiers. He never ever talked about it. Always changed the subject to fishing and such. My Aunt Marie showed me his box of medals once. There was a purple heart medal she let me wear for just a moment before my uncle came home. He didn't like to show those medals. Called it showing off. We fished a lot. It was very quiet and peaceful fishing with him. I worshiped that man.
Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing.
Your uncle was a great man. Thank you!!
God bless him!
I'm from Louisiana and know exactly where St.Martinville is. That's a wonderful memory and I wish Patton would have gave every soldier the same equivalent respect as a warrior should be honored by.
@@whydahell3816 "given"
his closing comment about "we had to fight in WWII and all the others after were by choice." he is 1000000% correct.
What do you mean they had to?
not Veitnam they drafted the poor
No, that was his opinion. He is not correct.
I think maybe he was speaking to more of the men putting them into war. We HAD to fight in wwii or we might not have America. When you look at the other wars iam not so sure that was the case. However i am mo historian i just would think thats what he ment. Not that they soldiers had a choice but the country did.
@@carissalemire9683 in pretty sure he meant it as the United States had to go to war for a good reason for ww2, and every war after that were for an economic, a political or a financial gain.
"It isn't hard to remember, it's hard to tell." Wow... that just hit me
My dad was a Fighter/Bomber pilot in the South Pacific he never talked about it,either.
God bless all those good men. We owe them more than we will ever realize.
My father landed at Juno Beach. He never spoke about all the horrors that he experienced, although he suffered from nightmares all his life.
Heavy words for me too
This is my great grandfather
GOD Bless Him!!!
He’s lying
What is your yearly take home pay?
Can you tell us more about him? Thank you for your comment.
@@JeffreyWillemadolf Thats rich coming from you (Netherlands flag) . My people ( Canadians) saved your nation.
Bill Parker, 98, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away Sept. 11, 2023. Rest easy sir
😔🙏🏻
Stand easy, sir. We thank you.
❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸
May GOD Keep Him and give this Man Peace and Love through Eternity!
RESPECT.
@@JeffreyWillemadolfFor protecting our nation and nations future 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
One real American here, if only half of our country would share his values and patriotism. What an honor to hear the courage and sacrifice so many gave for our Freedom. Bless this man.
And will never go to war again.
Yep!!
War is wonderful, lets sing a song.
What's sad are legal immigrants standing up for our flag and freedoms; while citizens born here don't appreciate our CONSTITUTIONAL Freedom and GOD given rights.
In Glendale CA, folks of Armenian descent are standing up for our flag and freedoms. They are questioning the school board about teaching K-3d grade about transgenderism and sexual preferences. Suddenly ANTIFA showed up to "back" members of the LGBTQ community pushing back against these families having the gumption to question them.
One gentleman if Armenian descent was holding an American flag. A member of ANTIFA and the LGBTQ community wanted to destroy the American flag and chanting about injuring those who had the balls to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. The Armenian gentleman asked why they wanted to destroy the American flag but protecting the gay pride flag. This infuriated them especially when he told them no one was taking the American flag from him. The Armenian won.
Where is this hatred for our country, values, constitutional freedoms and GOD given rights coming from?
Why was a group of children singing the NATIONAL ANTHEM inside the Capitol Building in DC told to stop? They had permission to be there and perform. The Capitol Building Police declared our NATIONAL ANTHEM as a "song of protest". This is egregious and shameful.
May GOD bless America. More importantly, may God bless GOD while we still can.
@Nelson Vecchione . The purpose of our military is to protect our country from attack and defend our CONSTITUTIONAL freedoms and GOD given rights. This oath includes attack from an outside force or from within (tyranny on the part of our own government). As Teddy Roosevelt said America should walk quietly but carry a big stick. Meaning: we will leave folks alone but don't push our buttons.
Eisenhower tried warning of the military (Pentagon types) colluding with defense contractors (supported by media to spread the "right information") which isn't the purpose of our military.
Our military is to be feared. Unfortunately, no one paid attention to Eisenhower.
Now we have a single source defense contractor charging $400,000 per Stinger missile. When we had 2/3 contractors trying to make them, these same weapon systems cost $25,000. That's quite a difference.
We have Generals retiring who are to wait 5 yrs before getting high paying positions with defense contractors. They receive a waiver instead allowing them to take these jobs. Their insight from the Pentagon makes them a much wanted employee. Or they become lobbyists for these contractors. Once again, their connections at the Pentagon make them invaluable.
No waivers should be granted.
Return our military into a fighting machine and we'll equipped. Forget the WOKE LGBTQ climate change BS. Their role is to protect and if necessary fight to win.
Why are we in Ukraine? We have zero insight into the billions of dollars funneled there. Nothing was done to Russia when they invaded during the Obama yrs.
These men are so precious. They are a treasure to our nation.
To the free world.
well said!
Just to see what everything has come to. I feel disgusting to have them see what they all died for. For nothing
@@jessestinson9252it wasn’t for nothing, concentration camps were liberated and helped stopped the Führer from actually possibly succeeding on his plan of world dominance. Don’t think they were really thinking of todays degenerates..
@@jessestinson9252 A lot of us feel the same way. Pray that true warriors will RISE from the ruins. GOD SAVE THE WEST!
twenty years ago while in church, that Sunday was on the 6th of June, one of the older members interrupted the preacher and asked if he could speak, it was 11:00 am, he said at this very time on June 6th, 1944 I was a driver of a landing craft and dropped my first load of soldiers on Omaha Beach, the hardest part for me was going back for the next group after seeing all the first killed on the beach
Oh this hit me like a load of bricks and couldn’t breath for a few trying not to cry. God, I want to hug this veteran so badly. Really, what else could he have done??? These were his orders and there was a job to do, a huge one. What we ask of our soldiers seems like too much sometimes for any human to take.
I hope he found peace that’s a ruff thing to live with
Being cannon fodder is what we agree to do as a soldier. We go onto battlefield already accepting we are going to die, that's the mindset you have. And you're okay with that
@@shable1436lemme tell you like an old Marine told me. "War isn't about dying for country.. it's about making the other SOB die for his"
I am a doc and had the honor of taking care of one of these landing craft pilots from D-day.... He told me about having to drive over American soldiers to deliver his soldiers onto the beach... He had never told anyone about having had to do that. Today's youth and older have no appreciation for what these men did.
This is the second veteran interview I've heard mentioning the ships moving in close to get direct hits on the pillboxes. The last one mentioned he had never seen such a big ship get so close, almost catching his keel on the sand. They turned so they could get all guns on target, sacrificing their safety to help these brave men on the beach. Just astounding all around
The USS Texas
@@synapse1able thank you. I wanted to look further into it, but it slipped my mind
@@synapse1able floods half the ship to hit targets
USS Laffey is a destroyer that went in until scraping the bottom ,, It is in Charleston harbor at Patriots point with German pilboxes painted on its side
79 years ago and this soldier remembers like it was yesterday. Amazing!
No disrespect to his service that helped give me the freedom I have enjoyed all my life but, the first V1 (buzz bomb) fired in anger was against London on June 13th 1944. ???
Did this guy say he shot Hitler though? Idk man. That memory might be a little suspect. Also hard to believe he was the first guy on the beach... what are the odds? Also why would there have been so much blood already if he was the first on the beach? Why would he say their were dead bodies everywhere when he stepped out if he was the first on the beach?
@@TheMapman01 He said he'd shot a chalk figure of Hitler that he thought was an actual person at the time and that his buddies kidded him about shooting Hitler from then on.
@@TheMapman01He said that was when he looked back later
@@TheMapman01, I’m not trying to confirm or disprove his story, but lots of guys got hit in the landing craft before they ever got to the beach. Some went over the side of the L.C.’s and got shot while trying to get to the beach. That would explain why the water was red and the bodies were washing in, especially if the tide was coming in. 🤷🏻♂️
I'm eating a box of cookies in bed while watching this, and it struck me how easy it is for me right now because of men like this. I can lay here and watch my internet videos because of that red water he talks about. Thank God we had warriors like this, we can't let their stories be lost to time. What a treasure this man is, I hope to have just a pinch of the bravery this guy did before I die. Beautiful.
Enjoy your cookies...
This is really well put. You juxtaposed stark contrasts. The fact that we get to vote, and have constitutional rights, and not be bullied for our race, religion or sex, is thanks to these men.
Hell they were boys when they saved the world so that we could live in it free. We owe it to them to defend the Constitution, democracy, and justice for all.
What a great interview. I'd like him to know there are still people who appreciate what they did.
There are millions here in Europe. I live in the Netherlands and we have waiting lists to care for fallen heroes’ graves. My son and I regularly bring cans of Heineken to the graves of a bomber-crew that crashed in our village.
@@JeffreyWillemadolf Een van de rijkste landen, gelukkigste kinderen, hoogste levensstandaard, ik denk dat jij wat meer moet lezen en reizen.
Thank you for your service Bill. A true hero of mine. My Great Grandfathers brother John Michaels, served as a rifleman in Co. A, 1st Bn., 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. On June 6th, 1944, my Uncle John was in the 1st Assault wave at Dog Green sector. Though he survived he’d be killed at the battle of St. Lo, on July 11th, 1944. Am greatly appreciative to hear Bills story. May God bless
my great uncle was killed at St. Lo too
Sir, there isn't any way that I could respect you more.
Awesome! My father was a WWII Veteran. He was an air mechanic in the Army Air Force and was stationed in England. He saw action over England, France, Belgium and Germany. My father took most of his secrets to his grave. I am a Vietnam Veteran. Recently one of my brothers and also my granddaughter talked me into telling my story so that it would not be lost forever like my father's story was mostly lost.
Happy to hear it.
Hey, although that may have been difficult to recount, I salute you(figuratively) for doing so. Let me say from PERSONAL experience in which my grandfather fought in the Korean (War), yet never recorded, through print or voice media, a narrative of any length or depth of detail about his experiences. When I was very young, I asked him questions multiple times and got stories that appeared to deliberately exclude the actual combat experience he had. He focused on the fun and hilarity they had in bar fights with troops from a rival service or experiences in the boxing ring he had fighting in the Navy. His nickname was K.O., for obvious reasons and I learned alot about heart, bravery, timing, precision, and courage from his recounting of many of his bouts. He was very modest, in nature, so I had to pry details from him. My great uncle, who actually fought in the Korean War as well, was great for filling in all the blanks so I could get a more detailed and complete documentation of all the knockouts he got on people. Anyway, he, a hero, did indeed fight in the war, but he passed away when I was 14 years old and I wish with all of my heart that I had those accounts and achievements. If for nothing else, to just hear his voice again. Please do not underestimate the value you represent for your loved ones. Dont be afraid to appear in any negative light or way. Its not for you. Its for the family that want to know where they fit in the world, where they are from, and what you did to pave the way and how, It gives them that sense of belonging to a group and they are proud that you tried to do your part. Most of all, the later generations will want to be able to HEAR YOUR VOICE. Be corny and tell them you love them and encourage them to get everything they can out of life and to leave the Earth better than they found it or whatever you want them to hear.
I was born in 1955 and had many teachers, coaches & co-workers who were veterans of WW2. None would ever talk about what they saw. Now I know why. GOD Bless you sir for your service.
Trauma never really goes away. As he is telling his story sometimes he pauses with that thousand yard stare, he is reliving every moment of it. God bless you sir, and thank you
I could listen to him for hours and hours.
This man is part of MAJOR history. What a gem of a person.
The story of “the little girl” and what the toy she gave him meant to him hit me hard, very hard!! What an amazing interview. Thank you sir. Much respect for you and the generosity of your generation.
Reminds me so much of my grandfather. Just as soft spoken. Also on Omaha beach during H hour. Thank you for your service sir! God bless you!
That is one true American hero thank you
This interview is interesting on so many levels. That a man lived through one of the most pivotal battles in modern history is still alive. That at his advenced age he's still lucid and remembers so many details. His non chalant delivery of the horror. And finally his accent and syntax. There are not many people left with a pre-WWII western accent like his.
I was thinking that as well. There are videos of regional American English dialects , and this is a great example. His diction should be preserved.
That's Oklahoma.
That's the way most of the southerners speak still to this day😂, everyone around my area still has a hillbilly accent, and I live in South western Virginia
@@shable1436 This guy's accent and word use is really different. I grew up in Texas and this guy's accent was common with older fold but it's rare to hear it now.
@@Atitlan1222
People get around more than they did back in his day so different dialects from all over the country are becoming more and more rare.
Very grateful to the folks who took out time to sit with Bill. To Bill for his service that spans decades. This interview is one of many to ask our veterans for sharing these experiences and details that take great strength and heart to tell.
Nothing will scare this Gentleman. Humble, brave, hero, true American.
It’s not about being not afraid or scared. It’s about what you do when you are scared.
Thank you for your service Sir.
Also, thank you Rishi for what you are doing here with these videos.
I work in a Veterans Care Program in Canada where most of those we care for are still WW2 Vets, but that will not be the case for much longer, we are losing them so quickly.
Videos like this are so important for building a living memory of the sacrifices made for our freedom, so that we will never forget.
What service .. You mean you have not discovered what the war was about yet..
@@dominiclarosa489 Tell me you are braindead without telling me you are braindead.
Make the videos there!
@@pamelaoliver8442 they do
I can’t even imagine what you went thru landing on that beach, especially being in the first wave, then also the rest of the war and all the other battles and horrors you had experienced. I am in awe and in complete respect and I deeply thank you for putting your life on the line so that I might have a better life. Thank you so very much!,,,,,🎉❤❤❤❤❤ I don’t think I can ever re pay your efforts. RESPECT.
Just finished. This is absolute and complete. If this man’s stories of bravery and courage under circumstances unforeseen were never documented, and others like him as well, then I’m thinkin what a massive loss it would be for the generations to come.
Remember this man. This man is a shining example of a heart made of true light, and a soul of the true potential, that man can be.🇺🇸
Also, an everlasting thanks to the people and production of this documention. Your work is appreciated and valued.🇺🇸
Incredible. He remembered such fine details.
You sir are a true hero 🙏 I had an uncle Elmer who was also on Omaha and at the Bulge , he was a forward artillery observer. Thankfully he survived the war
The greatest generation, God Bless you sir, we only give these men one day to remember them, other groups we give whole months, very sad times we are living in!!!!
We even elected a draft dodger in 2016. Pathetic
What ' groups ' are you referring to?
He is a tougher man than I could ever hope to be.
this made my day on this 80th anniv. i have to say thank bill your life really mattered and we wouldnt even be writing these words if it wasnt for the courage and sacrifices of so many never to be forgotten by the generations who came after ......
Awesome human being! I am privileged to have heard his story God bless him
It was so hard getting dad to talk about his time on this beach. Too late now. Thanks for bringing this gentleman’s story back to me.
Thank You Sir!! You are true Hero!! your Courage is always Remebered, and never Forgotten!❤
My 2nd cousin 4 times removed was killed in action on D-Day. His name was John Trent Kincer from Wythe County, Virginia. He was 23 years old.
God bless these men who have their lives and fought for the USA. ❤️
Rest in peace, John and all of the men who died.❤️
I live in wytheville I'll have to look up his name at the park if it's not there it needs to be
@@sleepnsouth how nice of you! I believe his name cool be there, I’m not exactly sure though. I do know his name is at the museum in Washington D.C
My great granduncle william "Billy" bundy from kalamazoo, Michigan was a tailgunner on a bombing run in New Guinea. Japanese zero's shot the tailgun and he fell out without a parachute. Rest of his plane went down and his crewman parachuted out then the japanese strafed them all.
This Guy, Sheesh, I'm a Marine Combat Vet from the Middle East. It got bad at times - but what these WWII guys went through - dang. Harder for sure. We knew if we got wounded we would be medevaced ricky-tick. These guys were teetering on the brink of death every moment.
Much Respect 👊🏻
Respect mate. I am sure you have your own tales to tell. Guys like you deserve everything in life. I can’t thank you enough for your service for our freedoms.
Yeah it’s incredible what ordinary men (and women) have endured for duty. It’s perhaps a needlessly negative thought on my behalf, but I feel our generations have let his down. No disrespect to you Gernansky.
Reminds me of when I was a young boy sitting at the feet of men who had fought in WWII. Real men, each and every one!🙏💪❤️🇺🇸
Thank you for your sacrifice and service. Men like you are as rare as hens’ teeth!! God Bless you and yours!!
I always like how a lot of men from this generation say "why" a lot when they talk. Like at 9:43 he says when talking about using bangalores to destroy barbed wire.
Also at 10:48 he says "It got time to go, why, we went over the side and went down netting that looked like rope ladders."
I've noticed this with the few audio recordings of civil war veterans being interviewed too.
I think that these older generations use the word “why” like younger generations use the phrase “um”!
Powerful story of a committed soldier. Interesting little details that he shared. Thanks to all our Veterans who served.
Thank you guys, you had balls! 🙏💐from France 🇫🇷
I will always be more grateful than I could ever express, to men like this one, for making it possible to live my life. And I’ve had a long one so far. I’ll be 59 on September 10.
Thank you sir my life has been good thanks to hero's like you we are forever grateful. i cannot imagine what you went through :(
God Bless each and every one of them 😊
Thanks for your service and war stories Bill Mate my grandfather was in WWII in the Australian Army i have all his war certificates and discharge from the Australian Army in 1946 when the war finished he said the best year's of his life was in the Australian Army I'm very proud 🇦🇺
He’s a great soldier and human
Thank you for your service. God Bless!
An amazing personal history. It was great to hear and I could picture the events as he described them. Very vivid recollections. A great American. Very much a man of his generation. Thanks.
Freedom isn't free. Thank you for you're service sir!
He is a true soldier that served our country and I believe he is still serving with his positive actions
He served not just your country.❤
Thank you for your service.
Thank God you made it through, and thank you for the testimony
I watched your story in fascinated awe Mr Parker. Your heroism is in inspirational and your conduct on the battlefield humbling. God bless you, and thank you, we are eternally grateful- Your British friends 🤝
With tears in my eyes...awe in my heart...and my mind is overwhelmed ...This insight is more than historical it is the greatest of gifts...Like that child's desire to offer a treasured toy...He has given us our treasured freedom and insight into all that was endured as the price paid for it...I am grateful...God bless our vets.
What a great soldier!
The last 5 min. or so says it all. That's why him, my father and thousands more, from that time period, were "The Greatest Generation".
Thank you for your service. I am a fellow Oklahoman, my grandfather was in the Army fought in WWII and Korea.
Thank you sir for what you had to go through it must have been hell. I caint even imagine it. My grandfather who has long passed away was in WWII also
I am so honored to live in a country with such heroes!! Mr. Bill Parker is a true American hero and I will remember him as long as I live.
This is a fantastic story of WW2 soldiering.
Let us thank this Gentleman Veteran for telling us what happened.
His story is amazing in specifics.
He led from a dozen to soon later up to 30 men as a Private.
Led them off away inland from the D-Day Landing itself. His fellow GIs followed him, asked him what are we to do.
He was understood in life and death conditions as a Leader by others.
The officer saw him with all the men following him.
He said, I'm just a Private as the rest of the men here.
The officer said,
You're a Sargeant now.
His is a fascinating description of being trained as a wire cutter and tasked with the bangalore torpedo on The Landing to free the infantry into initial combat off the sand.
D-DAY!
A fellow GI rifleman right behind him shoots an enemy rifleman who was a split second from shooting him point blank dead.
Soon right after that the fellow GI was killed in action.
"He saved my Life.
He died later that day.
I never got me a chance to thank him. For saving my life. That bothers me."
Nothing but respect and admiration for him and all of the others. Thank you sir.
Around 2015-16 I had the rare privilege of being in the house of a WWll veteran 94yrs old he walked everyday and was in great shape for his age. I made sure to talk with him as much as I could and had my boys 4 and 8 yrs at the time talk and ask ?'s knowing that when they were older it would no longer be possible.
Sir thank you for being an excellent example of an American. You can tell by how humble he speaks he has integrity.
Thank you to the channel these stories are priceless and very important for posterity.
This is a long one but worth the time! Thank you so much for recording this interview. His stories were amazing and right out of a movie at times!!! Obviously, God blessed this man and I'm glad to have gotten to hear is story.
I have listen to each and every soldier tell there story here and this is one of my favorite, all of these men amaze me, God bless each and everyone of them and God bless America. Thanks Rishi, another excellent job.
thank you so much for your service and all sacrifices !! we love you guys
Thank you for my freedom.
Thank you for your service, your duty, your sacrifice. A true American!
What an absolute legend man... Seriously, this man deserves my respect. RIP sir and thank you for your service!
My uncle was there too, functioning alcoholic rest of his days! Good guy! Thank you!
Great video documentation. Well done.
Now this Gentleman is someone you admire and respect and look up to 🇺🇸💪🏻
I really can’t find the words right now, thank you Sir.
Thank you for your service, sir! 🇺🇸
Thank you, Mr. Parker for serving our country and freedom.
Thank you Sir for your service and your willingness to share your story for it is part of our great nations history!
Thank you to those that have sacrificed and dedication required to get to all these great men before the next chapter begins for them!
This man, having grown up in the mountains, sounds neatly exactly like my grandfather. Grandpa was from the hills of Kentucky. Papaw was a small man like this man. His speech makes me smile and feel good on the inside. Thank you for your service. The way he speaks is identical to papaw. I've never heard another man speak so much like papaw. Unreal.
He grew up in eastern Oklahoma on the Texas and Arkansas state lines....within 100 miles of the Ozark mountains, similiar to the Appalachians...Notice the saddle behind him....maybe a child hood like Sargent York from WWI.
Brave men. Very brave men.
A first class gentleman. Thank you and everyone who served with you. Never forgotten. Incredible interview.
What a wonderful man.
Thank you thank you thank you 👍🇨🇦
My mother's uncle was on Omaha Beach, these were truly brave Men.🇺🇸
All these years later and he is still reliving these truly savage times. Personally I am very grateful for all the sacrifices these young people Made during the war. These soldiers who fought are the ones who gave the most. I salute you kind sir.
This soldier is a national treasure. I could listen to him forever.
Thank you for your service!! Your selfless sacrifice means more to me as a second generation immigrant to america. Thank you for playing your part so others can partake in the freedom this great nation stands for.
Amazing human. Thank you.
Great video. This is prolly the most detailed interview I have heard. This guy has no problem remembering his experience. Thanks.
You are a legend sir!
I have watched dozens and dozens of the interviews of our country’s heroes. These veterans command my respect as they should with all Americans. These men are definitely what all Americans should strive to emulate. I have been a law enforcement officer for 34 years and counting, and worked with many veterans who got into law enforcement after leaving the military. I am proud to have served with these veterans, both male and female. Mr. Bill Parker, I salute you sir. Thank You. Also deserving a big thank you is you Mr. Sharma. Thank you for interviewing our veterans from all eras. Having these interviews preserved to essentially give these heroes immortality is a priceless gift that you provide to not just Americans, but the world. God bless you all, as well as every man and woman that has, or is currently serving our nation. May the Lord protect us all.
Thank you for your service to a FREE and grateful nation.
Thank you, Sir, for my freedom.
Much gratitude and even more respect Sir. You have no idea, even if people don't act like it today, we are in your debt.
Wish I could sit down in person and listen to him. This is the best stuff. What an honor to listen to him true hero. And a Veteran
The sense of battlefield humor he has amazing. The part about the prettiest dimples I'd ever saw, had me spitting out my drink😂
Loved hearing this man telling his story. He still remembers what happened..
THANK You sir for your service!!!
Thank you for your service Sir. Im so grateful 🙏 your still here. Thank you for sharing your story..😢❤
Thank you sir for your service. My dad was also in a follow up unit after your unit went in and he passed away in 2002 and you are part of truly the greatest generation of our country! Thank you again for your service.