Battle of The Bulge / Hurtgen Forest Recollections 1 of 2

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  • Опубліковано 28 сер 2024
  • This is part one of my father's wartime recollections of some of the fiercest fighting of the Second World War.
    My Dad served with the 28th Division "Bloody Bucket" in Europe through December 1944.
    He received his "Million Dollar Wound" in the Hurtgen and endured one year in recovery from his injuries.
    This is my tribute to my Dad's service, patriotism and sacrifice - and ALL who served with honor, and is an inspiration to us all.
    God Bless America!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 554

  • @williamkisse
    @williamkisse  16 років тому +91

    Many thanks for your courteous comments.
    I am tremendously proud of my Dad - especially as he returned from such awful experiences an emotionally whole and wonderful man.
    I have always been and always be tremendously proud to be his son!

    • @73gmiller
      @73gmiller 3 роки тому +1

      Thank you for your Dad's service. Both my Grandfathers fought and my grandma worked at Oak Ridge.

    • @alainvosselman9960
      @alainvosselman9960 3 роки тому +3

      This video is very old. If this message should reach you i want you to know your dad is a great story teller and i could listen for hours to him speaking. He looks like a very kind and certainly brave man. It's an honor to have him be present in our country at one point in time. I'm Belgian and grateful !

    • @frankotragesser1321
      @frankotragesser1321 2 роки тому +1

      Omg what a hero!!!!!!

    • @joeymc5272
      @joeymc5272 2 роки тому

      @@alainvosselman9960 Like this for a little while but as soon as I start drinking water and I stop sweating it’s all coming back babe I’ve always been like this is some weight and then as soon as my body gets I wish it weren’t true but it is thank you yeah yeah well I feel energetic today because I slept in and got that extra sleep that was nice yeah oh man I was so happy when you said he’s not going to school today I was like thank the Lord I can kids his age like to sleep well kids just Etheridge they like to sleep in specially boys boys love sleep I used to sleep a lot when I was his age yeah I mean I can’t I don’t even know if I think I knew of one person at our age that didn’t like to sleep everybody else loved it hopefully in another day or two this thing will be backed up it’ll be you know sealed up and I can you know I think it’s gonna be more like four or five more days but whatever discard is it is it I know but I can’t rip the stuff off fertile open the cut back up I’m talking about the superglue babe I can’t rip it off my skin that’s got to fall off naturally no looks way nicer it’s just you know how I am I’m always expecting everything to look brand new again after I do it nothing you’re gonna do is make this house brand new looking again nothing nothing you do is it going to expectations I guarantee they’re thinking of coming back to a brand new home maybe not I mean Amarillo

    • @philobetto5106
      @philobetto5106 2 роки тому +2

      boy! oh! boy! 'what a guy ... 'If had to be in some god-forsaken place, there's no other person I would want there with me.
      'he's one of the great ones!

  • @zthetha
    @zthetha 13 років тому +19

    I watched this last night and find myself playing it again today. This old soldier reminds me very much of my beloved uncle Ed - who died too young as a result of damaged health from the war. He was in tank recovery with the 8th army against Rommel and told stories very similar to Sparky's. He was a powerful and fiercely truthful man whose fiery temper scared his brothers and sisters - but not me. I never felt safer or more loved than when I was with him. A beautiful man.

  • @andyjohnson3146
    @andyjohnson3146 Рік тому +2

    Mr. Kisse offers excellent insight to what soldiers experienced during those times. He is a wonderful story teller and so easy to listen to.
    So many veterans do not want to speak about what they saw and experienced because of the terrible memories. Thank you Sparky.

    • @j.dunlop8295
      @j.dunlop8295 4 місяці тому

      It's good but also important to remember, they're not allowed to order you to commit suicide, don't say "No!" they can shoot you! But you can explain it's not survivable! Uncle Olen, 82 nd airborne, all WW2! And don't bunch up, make small targets,!🤔

  • @williamkisse
    @williamkisse  17 років тому +45

    Yes, it is and absolutely true.
    My Dad was one of six survivors out of 167 in a battle in Vossenak, Germany.
    I was able to find four of the remaining five and got them all together with my Dad for a reunion about six years ago.
    I never had my doubts, but my Dad's buddies all confirmed his stories and it was a pleasure to make five great vets happy.
    Warmest Regards.
    Bill Kisse

    • @michaeljohnchristophet3949
      @michaeljohnchristophet3949 3 роки тому +3

      Truth, Justice, and the American Way ! I love it !

    • @phillamoore157
      @phillamoore157 5 місяців тому +1

      Wow….I’d have loved to have been a fly on the wall on that reunion. But, I digress…. I wanted you to know that every after 17yrs, you’re still getting views of this amazing interview! The world needs this history lesson more now, than ever. The horrifying reality is that we’re horrifyingly close to repeating the exact same ideology this man fought to defeat. I’m sure 17yrs ago when you posted this, you never would’ve thought in a million years, America would be in the broken state that it’s in as of this comment. 60million people fought and died along side amazing men like this man, and we’re one horrible, corrupt decision away from doing it all over again, but we’ll be fighting the corrupt, fascist, globalist, western leaders (with America leading the way) this time. It’s such a disgusting slap in the face to these soldiers.

    • @j.dunlop8295
      @j.dunlop8295 4 місяці тому

      It's good but also important to remember, they're not allowed to order you to commit suicide, don't say "No!" they can shoot you! But you can explain it's not survivable! Uncle Olen, 82 nd airborne, all WW2! And don't bunch up, make small targets,!🤔 🇺🇦🩵

  • @leo230643
    @leo230643 9 років тому +153

    I was a twelve yr old kid for 6 months in the frontline between the Germans British Canadians an then was liberated by the 35th Santa Fe Division who landed in Normandy Omaha Beach clawed their way to St.Lo France then the Battle of the Bulge and the bridges at Remagen. On March 1st 1945 they freed us from the Germans One of the happiest days of my life. No more bombs and shelling and hunger, Thank you again and for allways US Infantry Army,.35th Division, This year we will hold a memorial 70 anniversary city of Venlo. Not far from my town is Cemetery Margraten more than 8000 GI's are burried there all the graves are adopted by Dutch families. There is a waitinglist now to adopt a grave. So AMERICA you still live on in our hearts, Thanks again.

    • @leo230643
      @leo230643 9 років тому +16

      I am 82 now

    • @namafarm
      @namafarm 7 років тому +3

      +Ethernetist I agree, God let's them live to tell us the story... that we might learn.. Amen

    • @eclay432
      @eclay432 7 років тому +1

      leo Simon u

    • @richbutler7828
      @richbutler7828 6 років тому +6

      My Grandfather also served with the 35th Santa Fe Infantry Division in a Anti Tank Co. 320th Inf. Reg. of the 35th Inf. Div. he ran a mine sweeper. fought from the Normandy breakout all the way to the end of the war in Germany. he once told me that he never thought about home because he did not think he would ever see home. he did make it back in one piece and raised a family and lived a good long life. he's gone now but will never be forgotten. I have all his Military records and his metals. plus a pistol, cap badge & coins he took from a Luftwaffe officer. after they over ran a German airbase. R.I.P. Grandpa i will always miss you!

    • @lauraj8389
      @lauraj8389 6 років тому +8

      Thank you for remembering and caring for our lost men, and for your kind words. Xo

  • @hopakera
    @hopakera 9 років тому +203

    this wonderful man passed away 2/12/15 at the age of 97. he will be missed by many.

    • @sartainja
      @sartainja 7 років тому +12

      hopakera Amen. May he rest in peace.

    • @FalseHoodx
      @FalseHoodx 6 років тому +3

      Jeff Sartain Amen

    • @jackspizza8155
      @jackspizza8155 6 років тому +7

      hopakera Hero. It's that simple. Back with his buddy now.

    • @jameslisk4154
      @jameslisk4154 6 років тому +7

      RIP mate..sounds like he was an amazing guy..

    • @zerofriends5592
      @zerofriends5592 5 років тому +10

      I was doing the math. I would've enjoyed his company immensly. Asking him things about the war until he said 'I'm tired kid. Enough of the war, for now".
      Thnx for posting the date hopakers. We've lost just about all our WW2 veterans. Soon they'll all be gone.
      I'm deeply thankful we have archives. I extend you a posthumous SALUTE soldier. Rest well.

  • @ravok23
    @ravok23 10 років тому +61

    An honor to hear this gentleman talk and hear his accounts.. I wish the interviewers didn't interrupt him so much.

  • @jmcf8404
    @jmcf8404 12 років тому +8

    The greatest generation amaze me. I've read stories and watch documentaries on WWII and what these men have gone through is beyond comprehension. To go to hell and back and still be able to smile and laugh is truly inspirational. When i was in Iraq i thought of these men often and can say with out hesitation that men like Mr. Kisse are extraordinary. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to your Father's stories and have found myself mesmerized by his personal courage and strength. Thank you.

  • @tarkwright6511
    @tarkwright6511 5 років тому +11

    My Dad was there with your Dad. 28th Infantry, only he was with the 109th, not the 112th. Dad was also a replacement and joined in September. My Dad was just 19. He got hit in Huertgeon and lost his right arm. He is going on 94 and doing pretty well. I really enjoyed hearing your Dad talk. He connected a lot of the dots I have never been able to get out of my Dad. Thanks for putting this out!

    • @billshooter6033
      @billshooter6033 5 років тому +4

      My Dad was in the 109th Reg. as well. Came ashore in Normandy with the 28th in late July as a Pfc. 3 months later as a Sgt. injured on the 1st or 2nd day of the 28ths attack(11/2/44) in the forest. Lost a lung and his baseball career to mortar shrapnel. He thought he was lucky to miss the Battle of the Bulge.

  • @ozzycheebo1
    @ozzycheebo1 11 років тому +5

    I salute you Sparky! And i would also like to thank you so very much for your service! $14.00 a month to put your ass on the line for this country and to have suffered so much to me is a hell of a price you paid up for us! Thanks again and God bless you and all your buddies too! You are a true American!!

  • @marthaarnold8432
    @marthaarnold8432 7 років тому +9

    I watch this once a year. Everyone loves your dad. I bet he made you laugh. I love him calling her hon. Everybody gets aggravated at her, but she probably loves him too.

  • @jlpicardUSS1701e
    @jlpicardUSS1701e 14 років тому +3

    I am a scholar of WWII (particularly the later part in NW Europe) and any document can be important, especially when one is writing a book about the Battle of the Bulge, viewed from both sides of the fence.
    I am researching the life of the common soldier in the field, from Aachen to Remagen and an interview like this one is truly a rare treasure.
    This is exactly what I need to fill the gaps in my knowledge about those events.
    Thanks a bunch!

  • @kansaspatriot2051
    @kansaspatriot2051 9 років тому +48

    It still amazes me to see how some things never change. My grandfather was a veteran of WWII and Korea, my Dad and Uncle are Vietnam Vets, I was in the Marine Corps in the late 80's and my son is in the Marine Corps now. When we're all together we all have 'war' stories and its amazing how much the life of a frontline serviceman is the same throughout history.
    This would have been a GREAT interview if they would have told that lady to "shut up" and let the guy talk.

    • @patrickq6062
      @patrickq6062 9 років тому +13

      I agree, when you interview a veteran you should NEVER ever interrupt… and if there is silence you wait, don't rush them or move on to the next question because they may have a memory that they are getting together to share.

    • @theygaveitallofficial
      @theygaveitallofficial 9 років тому +2

      Patrick Q AGREED

    • @arthurengelbert788
      @arthurengelbert788 7 років тому +3

      I agree, the interviewers were idiots. Completely disorganized, and constantly interrupted him.

    • @jackspizza8155
      @jackspizza8155 6 років тому +3

      She was very monotone and comes across as rude and uncaring to me. Very disrespectful in my opinion.

  • @Jamestele1
    @Jamestele1 3 роки тому +4

    Rest in peace Alexander "Sparky" Kisse: My grandfather was a Navy vet of WW2, after surviving the Great Depression- like most of the young men of this era. Many of these men were very stoic about the war and poverty. True citizen soldiers.

  • @subterfusion4005
    @subterfusion4005 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you Mr. Kisse for serving and helping to protect our Freedom.

  • @worldhistoryteacher
    @worldhistoryteacher 10 років тому +21

    I am showing this interview to my World History class today in honor of Veterans Day. Our Veterans Day assembly is this afternoon. I teach in Owasso, Oklahoma north of Tulsa.

    • @YouT00ber
      @YouT00ber 5 років тому +1

      Kids will remember this interview. One of the best I came across

    • @j.dunlop8295
      @j.dunlop8295 4 місяці тому

      It's good but also important to remember, they're not allowed to order you to commit suicide, don't say "No!" they can shoot you! But you can explain it's not survivable! Uncle Olen, 82 nd airborne, all WW2! And don't bunch up, make small targets,!🤔 🇺🇦🩵🇺🇲

  • @williamkisse
    @williamkisse  16 років тому +8

    Part2
    I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to contact me. During the three trips I took with my Dad to the areas he fought we also found a number of places that have been untouched since WW2. Let's pray that man can someday avoid this type of conflict. Your students are very lucky to have you as their teacher. Bill & Sparky

  • @toolman1975
    @toolman1975 16 років тому +1

    my 10 year old son watched the whole video with me!! He just, Now went in the other room to tell his mother want a BRAVE man this guy on youtube was!! I hope this makes your dad PROUD. that young childern are proud of thier fore-fathers.......

  • @StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY
    @StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY 7 років тому +28

    This man and millions like him are the genuine heroes of war, if there is such a thing. They all have one thing in common. When they talk about their experiences in the front line they are fine - until it comes to talking about the death of their buddy. There are many terms for buddy - colleague, friend, comrade etc etc but the real fighting men have this devastation in common. Nationality doesn't matter. If you have watched The History Channel, The World at War, or any of the hundreds of programmes made about War you will have seen, Americans, Russians, Japanese, Germans, French, Poles, Italians, Scots, Welsh Irish, English and every other nation's fighting men regretting the same thing, the loss of a buddy. My personal hero is a man called Harry Patch. At 111 years old Harry was the last surviving fighting man from the British Army of World War 1. His words were:
    "I felt then, as I feel now, that the politicians who took us to war should have been given the guns and told to settle their differences themselves, instead of organising nothing better than legalised mass murder."

    • @j.dunlop8295
      @j.dunlop8295 4 місяці тому +1

      It's good but also important to remember, they're not allowed to order you to commit suicide, don't say "No!" they can shoot you! But you can explain it's not survivable! Uncle Olen, 82 nd airborne, all WW2! And don't bunch up, make small targets,!🤔

  • @tarkwright6511
    @tarkwright6511 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for keeping this up. I still forward this to people & everyone really enjoys listening to your Dad. He was a great story teller and very likable.

  • @johnyoung4747
    @johnyoung4747 5 років тому +11

    Thanks for this great interview, and thanks to your Dad for his candor. My Dad was in the Hurtgen, 83rd Infantry, 331st, and died in 2002 at age 90. He would talk some about Army experiences but never about actual combat. Your interview helps me understand what my Dad went through.

  • @cappnzak
    @cappnzak 9 років тому +28

    I like this guy.He's the."every man". He's probably long gone now,though.Thank God for him and men like him.Thank you for the post.

    • @mechanicalturk5202
      @mechanicalturk5202 9 років тому +10

      Passed away in February this year, 97 years old. What a guy.

  • @liljgoneman
    @liljgoneman 16 років тому +1

    if your father is still with us, pass along my sincerest thanks. we owe him and his an un-payable debt of gratitude. i wish we were more like his generation. thank you sir for fighting and vanquishing the greatest evil this planet has ever known.
    john mann

  • @andyboog2010
    @andyboog2010 2 роки тому +2

    My grandfather served in Patons 10th armored division. And fought as a machinist of all things in Bastogne with the 101st airborne. Sorry for your loss. The world is a lesser place without these men to keep us in line for sure.

  • @cronanmaxwell5315
    @cronanmaxwell5315 11 років тому +4

    So grateful to have found this. Thank you Mr. Kisse and son. My dad fought in the Huertgen. Won 2 Bronze Stars along with a battlefield commission (seems all the original lieutenants were either killed or wounded in his sector). Post war he continued his career in the Army and than took his own life in 59' . Never really knew him (born in 1955) but will always honor his memory. War = insanity

  • @magicmike6157
    @magicmike6157 5 років тому +12

    This gentleman is a national treasure!

  • @traker01mtp
    @traker01mtp 13 років тому +3

    Both my grandfathers fought in world war 2.One for the Australian Imperial Forces in the jungles of papua new guinea on the infamous kokoda trail and the other as a filipino guerrilla freedom fighter in northern philippines both fighting the might of the japanese that was sweeping through asia at the time...I have the biggest respect for these brave warriors...Always in awe at the war stories.Lest we forget.

  • @robertwhathisname5676
    @robertwhathisname5676 8 років тому +7

    I sent for my old man war record it shows he was with the German parachute regiment , and actually fought in this battle , this was when he got injured for the third time , and yet still tried to walk home to east Germany . Three months before the war ended his unit surrendered to the US troops

  • @frankotragesser1321
    @frankotragesser1321 2 роки тому +1

    I was born 1981 I remember my grand parents generation talking about WW2 !!
    I keep listing to your father what a great man !! I remember hearing about the German's when I was a little kid

  • @GENOBURRITO1
    @GENOBURRITO1 6 років тому +1

    My grandfather served in the 109th 28th division in that battle. He died in Nov.1944. What a battle they had to endure. Your father was indeed a hero as was my grandfather. God bless them all.

  • @shannoncrosby442
    @shannoncrosby442 11 років тому +3

    My grandfather fought Omaha Beach and Hurtgen Forest. He was a Sgt in the Army Air Corps. Both events scarred him greatly, he had PTSD for the rest of his life. He passed away in 2006.

  • @williamkisse
    @williamkisse  16 років тому +5

    Thank you for your comment!
    The horror of war should not be something that anyone should face.
    The heroes of these battles are both the men who lost their lives and those that became good citizens of their country and put these horrors behind them.
    Regards.
    Bill

  • @HereIsRick
    @HereIsRick 11 років тому +4

    I'm begging you to buy Sparky a camera and let him turn it on and just talk. He has to be one of the most interesting men I've ever had the pleasure of hearing.

  • @PaulMikolasuk-ue6gq
    @PaulMikolasuk-ue6gq 8 місяців тому

    My father served alongside you let me say thank you and all who did personally thank you for keeping the world free from tyranny thank you I'll do my best to keep it so don't think it would be that way if things went the other way again thank you

  • @lessd685
    @lessd685 5 років тому +1

    Great storyteller for sure. Thanks for his service and all the other from the greatest generation. He is the reason we live in freedom today.

  • @steviegr36
    @steviegr36 11 років тому +2

    I salute you "Sparky"....Thank you for defending America..You and your fellow servicemen and women truly were a part of the "Greatest Generation"...

  • @williamkisse
    @williamkisse  17 років тому +20

    On two of my trips to the Hurtgen I walked the forest and found foxholes with tents still intact covering them and many rounds of ammunition scattered about.
    Still many areas that can't be accessed due to unexploded munitions.

  • @taj74va
    @taj74va 16 років тому +1

    My Grandpa was a non-combatant,
    Grandpa always told me that it took ten nc's to support each combatant. Now I know what he was supporting. He always revered the combatants. Now I know something about the guys my grandpa was trying to help. Thanks for the post.

  • @uwieske
    @uwieske 4 роки тому +2

    Since you have published your dad's story I have been watching every year on May 5th (Liberation's day in Netherlands) this video as a tribute to your dad and all others who fought to liberate the world. Every time I am in the Ardennes region (Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany) I always think of your dad's story.

  • @nickk332
    @nickk332 8 років тому +4

    I have lost count of how many times I've watched these two videos. Never gets boring. "That son of a bitch is good"

    • @nickk332
      @nickk332 3 роки тому

      Best part of the entire story other than look at that roll of money. Ive lost count as well

  • @ritamalik
    @ritamalik 16 років тому +2

    Thank you so much for sharing this video with us. It is so great to be able to listen to the memories of these brave men who practically saved the world by risking so much! My respects and honor to your brave father and all of his fellow veterans!

  • @bodunchar
    @bodunchar 14 років тому +1

    grandad one didnt want to talk about the war.
    Grandad two didnt want to talk about the war.
    I guess you are lucky to able to talk to this guy who is very entertaining.
    As close to war as you want to get.
    Big Thanks for this vid.

  • @timshull59
    @timshull59 5 років тому +2

    William I have a father who served in the Pacific. You and I were blessed to be raised by such men.

  • @williamkisse
    @williamkisse  16 років тому +3

    Mark:
    Many thanks for your kind words.
    I DID find out about the film and contacted the producer and one is on the way to my father. I am very pleased that you enjoyed my Dad's recollections and since I placed this on UA-cam have received many positive comments.

  • @sr633
    @sr633 8 років тому +32

    Do you know how important this man's memory is so important to REAL WW2 history ? The real stuff.

  • @HPBrowningBoy
    @HPBrowningBoy 12 років тому +6

    Thank your grandfather for his service, Hurtgen is one of the hardest battles fought on the Western front. I live close to the Hurtgen Forest and have walked those fields and forests a lot of times, the landscape is still scarred and their are many remnants of the battle still lying around. This is truely a great video, we need more of these interviews with WWII veterans. Thank you for putting this up.

  • @williamkisse
    @williamkisse  14 років тому +11

    To all that have viewed and enjoyed this interview my Dad has been in a rehabilitation facility for three weeks recovering from knee replacement surgery.
    It's been a difficult time for him as he has always physically been a BEAR of a man and when younger just "worked through" any health issues.
    He should be at the facility for a minimum of two more weeks.
    He's having a rough time, and if anyone would care to call him his cellphone number is: 301-467-9723.
    My most sincere thanks.
    Bill Kisse

  • @mikefox4247
    @mikefox4247 9 років тому +4

    I've come back and re-watched this interview several times over the past few years.
    It's an incredible look at what a common infantry soldier had to live through. Thanks for sharing it.

  • @KarmaCollin
    @KarmaCollin 14 років тому +1

    Your Dad is a hell of a man! You must be very proud!

  • @chrisreed663
    @chrisreed663 Рік тому +1

    This man is an American Jewell. This video is a gift.

  • @sixpacknl
    @sixpacknl 8 років тому +8

    This is better than any war movie I've ever seen, or will ever see. A gem of an interview. Thank you very much for posting it up here

  • @BeachBoysJanDean1
    @BeachBoysJanDean1 12 років тому +3

    This is all about my fathers generation. What my dad, his brothers, and all men from that generation accomplished is simply amazing. .

    • @vivians9392
      @vivians9392 5 років тому

      My father's generation, too. Men were truly men back then and at an early age. I always believed it was due to the times they were born in; a lifelong strong faith in God, and growing up in the '30s depression era. You had to work for everything you got back then!

  • @PepperWhite62
    @PepperWhite62 14 років тому +2

    These first hand memoirs are priceless. Thank you for posting.

  • @marthastevens8030
    @marthastevens8030 8 років тому +9

    thank you so much for this. My Dad was a Staff Sgt., same Bloody Bucket , 28th Dv., Infantry,, captured behind enemy lines at Battle of Hurtgen Forest.... December 1944... no room left in the prison camps so they marched him during winter across Germany Luxembourg and back again... God Bless your father and mine and may they finally rest in peace.

    • @lauraj8389
      @lauraj8389 6 років тому

      Martha Stevens My grandfather was in L Company, 3rd Battalion, 112th Infantry, 28th Division. He was taken as POW at Schmidtt. God bless all these men!

    • @sheriffjohn2498
      @sheriffjohn2498 6 років тому

      Oh my, My father was a staff sgt in the 28th too! captured, perhaps at the same time and stayed in prison camps for 8 months. I don't know where they put him right off, but they moved him as Germany shrunk. It was probably good that they were captured early in this battle. So many were killed in this battle. Note: After 8 months of being a prisoner, he was being prepped for the invasion of Japan. Personally, I'm glad the bomb was dropped, it probably saved my dad's life.

    • @lizb8499
      @lizb8499 5 років тому

      Martha do you happen to know what camp your father ended up in? My grandfather was also in the 28th division. He was captured Dec 24/25, 1944, in this forest as well.

  • @shauncurwen6850
    @shauncurwen6850 8 років тому +15

    Thank you Sparky. May you rest in peace.

  • @letsgostate87
    @letsgostate87 10 років тому +5

    God Bless Your Dad! My Pop never opened up. He was a Marine, enlisted in '41. I recall his nightmares yrs. later.

    • @harris1234100
      @harris1234100 9 років тому

      My Grandpa would fight the war in his sleep till the day he died.

  • @coopersbullhorn
    @coopersbullhorn 5 років тому +6

    What a character! Great story teller and tough as nails. His stories illustrate how many dumb decisions were made in combat that cost men their lives. Respect

  • @theway3058
    @theway3058 Рік тому

    This video is amazing. I’m so glad it was produced. My grandmothers are both over 100 and I constantly think of my grandfathers lately. One grand pa was in the pacific an got real banged up. The war was over for him and my other grandfather was in Italy. When I watch this vid make me feel so much emotion. They never really spoke of the war with us so hearing this great American tell about his life experiences in the war somehow brings me back to sitting with my grandfathers. What a Great Generation.

  • @Alexn1067
    @Alexn1067 12 років тому +1

    God bless him....I am eternally grateful for his service and for what he endured for this country. Be sure to let him know how much we appreciate and respect him

  • @SteveMontes1988
    @SteveMontes1988 17 років тому +2

    Wow.
    I am filming a man named Luther Gordon who was in K Co, 75th Infantry Division. I watched this video for some insight. Amazing job. Thank you for preserving these stories for the generations to come.
    Steve

  • @warwolfii
    @warwolfii 12 років тому +4

    Thank you for this post. Thank you. It's great to see anything at all on the Hurtgen. Imagine a battle of that size and no one has ever heard of it! The battle of was one of the largest in the history of the US Army and no one ever talks of it. You have every reason to be proud of your father. I'm proud just to come from the same country.

  • @whackman5355
    @whackman5355 Рік тому

    Please please never take these videos down, so informative and entertaining.

  • @VBL-
    @VBL- 13 років тому +5

    31:00 He's talking about the Kall Trail, the path between Vossenack and Schmidt, two towns seperated by a huge valley. I was there recently, walking the trail. At one part there's still a tank belt embedded in the road.

  • @simonwelch7899
    @simonwelch7899 Рік тому +1

    Beautifully eloquent and interesting. A joy to listen to ❤

  • @gixxerjace
    @gixxerjace 10 років тому +2

    My grandfather was there and lived. But he would never tell me any stories. ty for the post.

  • @darrellbesser3606
    @darrellbesser3606 8 років тому +6

    Great recollections! I could listen to this man for hours!

  • @greggd2027
    @greggd2027 7 місяців тому

    What a great man! I wish i could have met him. Some years ago, I had the honor of meeting and talking at some lenth with a man who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was supposed to receive a Bronze Star, but it didn't happen due to some sort of mix up. In his nineties, he finally received the medal. I asked him what specific actions led to him earning the medal. He chuckled and said "I fought like hell". He also told me that he believed Patton is the reason we won the war.

  • @Caylus1578
    @Caylus1578 15 років тому +1

    What a great character and what a great attitude...thanks for posting this gem

  • @williamkisse
    @williamkisse  16 років тому +7

    Enjoy the trip!
    This is beautiful country, and coupled with the history of WW2 a very pleasant walk.
    Not too hard to find "artifacts" in the forest, just look around.
    Bill

  • @600joe
    @600joe 16 років тому +1

    These men from this time deserve all our blessings and thanks everyday that they are still here. WW2 was vicious even by todays desensitized society. Thank you for saving the world, sorry it's screwed up now.

  • @stealth7usa
    @stealth7usa 9 років тому +5

    Rest in peace my friend. I will never forget you.

  • @sleeperawake9818
    @sleeperawake9818 10 років тому +18

    piss poor interview questions and direction but amazing stories from an obviously great man. Loved it! private first class was the highest you can go in the army and still have friends...Amen Sparky

    • @miketaylor5212
      @miketaylor5212 5 років тому +3

      its not a proffesional interview he is telling his recollections of the war to his family.

  • @harryhouck
    @harryhouck 8 років тому +5

    My Dad got hit on Nov 6, 1944 at this battle, 28th Division, 109th. God Bless your dad.

  • @gvrtwpkwy
    @gvrtwpkwy 15 років тому +2

    Thanks for making this video. It's priceless. My mother's brother died in Phillipines, my dad served in Africa, his brother flew 51 missions with 15th USAAF in Italy and was shot down and survived and evaded capture. My dad died in 1985, his brother passed July 28, 2007

  • @d.g.n9392
    @d.g.n9392 3 роки тому

    Thank you for the testimony. And thank you all veterans and families for your sacrifices.

  • @cpd95
    @cpd95 2 роки тому

    My dad was in Co H, 112th. My dad died when I was 20 so I never got to hear his stories. I’m listening to this man and I imagine my dad talking.

  • @steveinnepa
    @steveinnepa 14 років тому

    Great to hear those wartime stories in his own words. So many veterans can not bring themselves to talk about their WWII experiences. Their stories are lost forever. God Bless your father. He's a real treasure. I love his honesty ! Thank you for posting this video.

  • @Sabrejetsf86
    @Sabrejetsf86 11 місяців тому

    William, thank you for uploading these two wonderful conversations with your Dad. I knew two guys who were in the 28th and heard their recollections. It's easy to tell from listening to your Dad (and I have enjoyed multiple views of his interview) here that he was the real deal.

  • @williamkisse
    @williamkisse  12 років тому +21

    My Dad is doing well, thank you!
    Sparky will be 95 on June 18!
    A little older, a little slower but still in good health (for a 95-year-old that is!), but still has a sharp mind and good disposition.
    Please send me a private email and i will return a link where you can download these files.
    Warmest Regards.
    Bill

    • @arlenevandeveer2244
      @arlenevandeveer2244 2 роки тому

      What a wonderful soul. Thank you for your service. God Bless You 🙏❤️

  • @IndianaJew
    @IndianaJew 12 років тому +3

    From A Viet Nam Veteran, THANK YOU.

  • @hevnbound
    @hevnbound 14 років тому +5

    This is one of the best recounts I have seen. Honest, heartfelt, and informative. I pray that you have recovered from your surgery. Even in the midst of the horror of war, you retained a sense of decency, and I was impressed that you chose not to shoot the two young boys. God bless you......Ken John 3:16

  • @gasgasboy65
    @gasgasboy65 12 років тому +1

    Dear Mr. Kisse,
    Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing your experience with us!

  • @2008VauxhallVectra
    @2008VauxhallVectra 12 років тому +1

    i live close to the Hurtgen region,but in Holland.and always love to visit the Kall trail and vossenack/Hurtgen/Grossau/schmidt and other areas near the hurtgen forest.i also found alot of M1 garand ammo and german ammo,also found some german stahlhemen(helmets)
    this was the forgotten battle because the Ardennes offensive and before that Operation market garden.
    RIP to all that lost there lives for our freedom,But also to the German soldiers, now all are allies.

    • @DroneLifeLelystad
      @DroneLifeLelystad 6 років тому

      Paddy McGowan i also went metal detecting at the Hurtgenforest a lovely place indeed much history, so many heroes died there

  • @S62bhas
    @S62bhas 3 роки тому

    Amen God Bless This Veteran And Family Abundantly

  • @cwilliams3567
    @cwilliams3567 8 років тому +1

    My Uncle was wounded there. Shot in the shoulder by a German sniper. He was awarded a Silver Stars for heroism and Valor in battle. I have that and his Purple Heart framed. It is one of my most cherished possesions.
    I heard first hand what these men went through and the utter stupidity and waste of fine American service men. I hope history remembers the valor and honor of the soldiers and shames the commanders who saw them as pawns instead of human beings.

  • @leeneale8776
    @leeneale8776 4 роки тому

    What an funny, amazing, brave character!!.....basically a total bad arse!!....utmost respect ALWAYS. Lee.UK

  • @carolancarey992
    @carolancarey992 3 роки тому

    thank you so much sir for your service, God bless you

  • @pR1mal.
    @pR1mal. 7 років тому +5

    My Grandfather was in the Hurtgen, crewing an anti air Bofors gun on a halftrack. He talked about the bitter cold, the ground frozen so hard that mines wouldn't detonate, how you couldn't build a fire because it would give away your position. He said that there were no tree tops in the forest because of incoming artillery and mortar fire. I can't imagine being in a frozen fox hole with no form of heat except your own body heat, hungry, scared, and with no end in sight. That generation was as tough as they come.

  • @mountainnewsnow1832
    @mountainnewsnow1832 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you for your dedication SPARKY

  • @rikijett310
    @rikijett310 2 роки тому

    Thank you endlessly for your service!! May God bless you always!! ✝️🇺🇸

  • @worldhistoryteacher
    @worldhistoryteacher 13 років тому +2

    This is an excellent interview. I am a world history teacher in Owasso, Oklahoma. I think kids need to see this. Students today have no clue of the sacrifices made during World War II by our "Greatest Generation." Thanks so much for posting this.

    • @YouT00ber
      @YouT00ber 5 років тому

      There’s a lot of wisdom in this interview

  • @Tark75ifty
    @Tark75ifty 2 роки тому +2

    As a Frenchman, I know how indebted I am to American soldiers and especially to Sparky. I guess he is dead now. Rest in peace. Respect to all veterans. God bless you.

  • @davedavidson8208
    @davedavidson8208 10 років тому +5

    Thank you for sharing this. My Grandfather was a Member of the 8th division, 121st Infantry. He earned his second purple heart and lost his left foot during this battle, on the 25th of November. If i am not mistaken his division fought alongside your fathers as a replacement, though not a green troop, he had participated in 3 campaigns prior.

  • @jamesmc4101
    @jamesmc4101 3 роки тому

    A Great American Hero, as are most WW2 Veterans, God Bless Him and may God shine upon all their souls.

  • @Yandaman-69
    @Yandaman-69 4 роки тому

    Must see document !! Changes my view when i walk(cycle) in that Forest

  • @TheOmnicell
    @TheOmnicell 12 років тому

    This was great... .My Dad served in the Hurtgen Forest. The Black Forests of Belgium in the Fall and Winter of 44. He Got hit by a tree burst and wounded.. He was left all day until picked up... Lots of snow...
    His troupe was shot up as well.. Out of 120 or 140 guys, only 20 made it... He was one of the wounded... He spend a year in the hospitals or recovery as well...
    My Father was ruined in the Battle of the bulge.. His mind!! It never left him.. He was not human any more..

  • @williamkisse
    @williamkisse  16 років тому +2

    Mark:
    My sincere thanks for relating these stories to me and all who read these posts.
    Bill

  • @therampanthamster
    @therampanthamster 8 років тому +4

    thank you so much for sharing this. Very interesting. I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing

  • @SunnyIlha
    @SunnyIlha 5 років тому

    This is among the best descriptions and explanations of what happened and how it happened in ground combat by a Second World War veteran ever recorded.
    Extremely revealing.
    The stark honesty and description of it.

  • @BiggMatt77
    @BiggMatt77 11 років тому +1

    God Bless him! My grand father was in 5th arm , div. drove a tank.. his gone now ,bout 10 yrs.
    go victory Div.