My Dad was in the 1st Marine Division and was wounded in Peleliu. He was a scout and he and one other guy would walk ahead of the platoon to make sure it was safe for the rest of the platoon to move up. I remember him talking about the gasoline drums being used for drinking water. I also remember him saying that the smell of rotting dead bodies and the flies and maggots in the hot humid sun was almost unbearable. I remember as a young kid seeing shrapnel being picked out of him now and then when it worked it's way up to the surface under his skin. My Dad was a hell of a good warrior and a hell of a great Dad and a hell of hard working provider for our family of six. I miss him!
My Dad was on initial landing on Talagi. Guadalcanal and three Purple Hearts. Died in 2019. Despite incredible hardship, he said this; “It was the best thing I ever did.” These guys were as heroic as could ever be. Love you Dad. Would be 100 years old today.
@@flapoverspeed My Dad was wounded on Bloody Nose Ridge. He died from results of that battle. Marine doc said he wouldn't live past 37. He turned 37 on 11 June 1961 and died July 1 from massive heart attack due to shrapnel from his legs working its way to his heart. He didn't talk about it but his pic is in National Museum at Quantico of a Wikipedia pic on Bloody Nose Ridge. My Hero
I read Sledge's book twice and just finished watching the miniseries "The Pacific," for the third time. And now I've added this incredible documentary. It's amazing that these men who survived Peleliu and Okinawas came home with their sanity intact.
My Dad was part of a mortar team on Peleliu, he never talked about it until the later years of his life. Sledge's book was on his bookshelf and I wish I had read it while he was still alive. It is so humbling to watch this, and think of the normal, wonderful family life he provided us! He said a couple of times that after the war everything else in his life was a bonus.
What I love about Sldege was the fact that he was totally honest about his feelings. This was a guy who most would consider totally unsuited to war, yet he did his job and he didn't have an ego about it. In fact, he hated what happened. He struggled with it his whole life. What they went through is unimaginable. Absolutely awful it must have been.
Your dad was the Sledge Hammer. I read his book twice it was so good. I bet you he ran in to a guy named Lee Marvin. He was there also. He became a Doctor if I'm not mistaken. The greatest generation was named correctly. My mom was in the Army Air Corp. Based in NY, old base ball field. Then in a Mash unit in Korea. No generation will ever top them!
My dad fought the Japanese in the Philippine Islands and then into manilla. He once told me he had been many places in the world. But the Japanese were the cruelest race of people he had ever come across. Without men like these I can't imagine what our lives would be today.thanks dad.
I have met two men who survived the Bataan Death March. The look in their eyes when talking about the Japs......I could see fire in their eyes, they hated them with such intensity.
My grandfather joined the Marines at age 15 and went to Peleliu with the 7th division. He was a radio operator giving coordinates to gunners on ships to fire on enemy positions early before they hit the beach. He said his radio was a vacuum tube type and had a tripod it had to stand on outside of the fox hole he had to hide in. Naturally that radio didn't last and he was back to being a riflemen. He was shot and nearly died there . His name was Thomas Crawford, he was out of San Antonio Texas.
@@juliefeasal8878 thanks you! My son just finished his crucible yesterday morning on my 44th birthday. I’m sitting here waiting for my new Marine to call for the first time in 3 months.
we owe that generation everything. as a Marine who fought in vietnam, I was trained by those who saw combat in the islands. tough people who trained us tough.
I’ve watched countless docs on WW2 battles & campaigns but none have affected me as this one. I wish I could meet all these guys & hug them & thank them for their sacrifice. Not enough people realize that combat survivors have their trauma stuck in their minds for the rest of their lives, remembering it every day, & having it intrude on life events that should not be tainted by horror & sorrow.
You are absolutely right. You can't go through a war without it being just under the surface for the remainder of your life. It may fade in and out, but it is always there in the back of your mind. A loud noise, a smell, the sound of a chopper flying by - - - - it comes rushing back and it is vivid.
I read the book by E.B. Sledge, 'With The Old Breed'. A fascinating insight into the battle for Peleliu. So many graphic accounts of what those men went through, and what they witnessed. Sheer terror beyond description. Its hard to believe that men could suffer so much in the most dire of circumstances, but they did. Their legacy and bravery will never be forgotten. Lest We Forget.
It was moving to see and hear Eugene Sledge. Didn't know he'd been interviewed on film. Half the vets featured broke down at some point and after all these years. Thanks for this compilation.
Same here!I didn't know Sledge was on video either. He's in at least one other/same film crew I suppose. I read Sledges book um/20 years ago?Then a second time later. I said the first time/ EVERY PERSON IN SCHOOL SHOULD HAVE TO READ THIS! I got an F from my test on TO kill a mockingbird/ Hec,I had to grab my ankles and take 5 links with a board for sticking a penny to my forehead and tell miss skinner/ look/I'm Stevie Copperhead.Guess I was the only one that didn't have the money for that book? MAKE UM READ WITH THE OLD BREED! LOVE UOU GUYS! G
I was trying to find the words in my head for what I've just listened to and I think you've said it best. This was so heart breaking to hear these men describe that they went through. I just can't imagine the horrors. I too am truly grateful for all there sacrifice.
Notice that Eugene Sledge said that the island was an essential part of MacArthur’s strategy, but it could easily have been bypassed. Other people who studied it said essentially the same thing. The men who died could have been saved for more important objectives. I’m glad that my dad missed it. He just lived with PTSD from Sugar Loaf Hill for the rest of his life, and the dread that when that was over, that the mainland was next.
had seen what the brutal enemy had done to my sister brother uncle mother cousin but I had not tell what I had done to them - Average hick marine. 天皇陛下万歳
My pop was a sargeant in the army in the invasion of Okinawa. He was wounded by mortar fire and walked with a severe limp the rest of his life. He never spoke a word of his experience. I learned everything by looking through his foot locker with his uniform, medals and reading a stack of letters between him and my mom. Thanks pop and thanks to all those of our finest generation.
I’m a woman from Wales Uk who knew nothing about Pelileu - but I’m glad I do now. I’m a huge history fanatic and the stories told here are both incredibly moving and fascinating in equal measure. It’s a miracle that anyone made it through. People looking back at the horror and tactics used have zero understanding of what these brave young men went through and what it took to just survive, let alone fight. When it comes down to it - it’s him or you, and in the heat of battle you want it to be him and that’s it. When you’ve seen your friends killed next to you, the sheer anger and determination to make that person pay is the most human emotion you’ll ever experience. I’m sorry you went through that for practically no reason and lost so many good men in a fight that didn’t really end up mattering to people like it should. We who have listened here will remember what you did and what you were fighting for. Thank you for your service to all of us, we owe you more than we can ever repay…
Hello, it is my recommendation you read Eugene Sledge’s fine book, “With The Old Breed” and Robert Leckie’s “Helmet For My Pillow.” My mom’s oldest brother was a SeaBee, running a D9 Caterpillar bulldozer with a Ma Deuce .50 cal mounted on one side of the driver’s cockpit, cutting small strips for fighter planes in the South Pacific. He never talked about it when he was alive, but on the rare occasion that he would have a drink, he would get very quiet and have a far off look, in his eyes. When I would ask him if he was OK, he never said a thing but would simply nod. I miss you, Uncle Bob.
We have a LHD Carrier Named "Peleliu" LHD 5. Frequently inhabited by embarked 1st Mar Div Marines going on float to wonderful places. It's namesake the Battle of Peleliu is little known like many hard fought battles. Now days though there are historic recountings of various battles through history expertly put together. One site that has done so is Kings & Generals, I think it's on youtube also.
Bless you for your respectful comments. So many civilians and military people from the British Commonwealth and the UK fought alone against the Axis in the dark early days of the war. Greatest of respect and honor to each, always.
to complement the book by Eugene Sledge recommended above, please watch the HBO miniseries "The Pacific", is extraordinary in its details and partly based in this book. I'll never forget the Peleliu episode😢
The part most don't think about is many of these survivors still had the hell of Okinawa ahead of them. The fact that they are here to tell their stories is a testament to their luck, courage, and their ability to function and persevere under the hellish conditions they were exposed to. The book by Sledge, With The Old Breed could easily have been titled With The Rare Breed. Thanks for my freedom.
Yes, my Dad died as a result of shrapnel in his legs received on Bloody Nose Ridge, but also fought and was wounded again on Okinawa. Passed at 37 from massive heart attach
Read sledge’s book. “With the old breed on Peleliu and Okinawa”. It’s hard to put down and has been described as the best book ever written on the infantrymen in battle.
I purchased this documentary on VHS back in the early’90s, it was my introduction to Eugene (Sledgehammer) Sledge. I was so humbled and impressed by him that I went on to read everything he wrote. He was an incredible man and marine. RIP Eugene Sledge. 6:13 Sad, when I first purchased this on VHS, most of these men were still alive to privilege me with their memories. Now they’re all gone. We must never forget, we owe everything to these brave men and the entire generation.
wow. That was one of the best documentaries I ever saw. Yes, I have watched "The Pacific" series many times over with the stories of Sledge, Lecky, Basilone. That was incredible. I read the book "The old breed" by Sledge. The incredible suffering and pain for those young Marines and their families. The horrible physical, mental, emotional scars left for the survivors brakes my heart. How can I ever complain about anything in my life after studying the horrors of war? So many wars. So many battles.
That was a great book 📖 “ the old breed” and the “pacific “was probably as close as we will ever know to what it was really like on the island of peleliu . the smells. the weather the filth it was disgusting 🤢.
As a former British soldier combat veteran of 12 years service at 63 years of age now l am in awe of what these men went through and how eloquently they spoke and the respect for there brothers in arms they conveyed respect to them all past and present
I’m 70 yrs old and I grew up knowing the greatest men of my generation were Marines, but they paid the price for our freedom and we owe them everything for freedom and I will never take it for granted.
@@str8cndian Yes did get all the vaccines and boosters . Hope to get more to keep up to date. Feel it's my duty to God ,Country and fellow man to do so. God bless the vaccinated who believe no conspiracy theories 🤗☺🙃🤓
I’m privileged to have known Bill Lakeland, who as a Marine Lieutenant, lost an eye on that island. Full respect and gratitude to these people for their service and testimonies.
Tottaly humbling to hear the testomonys of these men. Not sure how many are still with u s but they deserve the title of " the special generation ". Thank you for your service.
There aren't that many left anymore. To have been a combat Marine in WW2 one had to be born in 1925 at the latest. Too many fine young young men lost their lives on those damn islands.
Holy smokes this is brutal. I grew up in Southwest Mississippi and could listen to Sledgehammer talk forever. He has the perfect Southern educated accent. His book is excellent btw
Very glad to find this - having read Sldge's book 20 years ago and watched the Pacific so many times I almost know it word for word! To see the real men of K/3/5 talk about their war and their experiences fills in a lot of the gaps necessary in The Pacific series - Semper Fi, Marines - Duty Nobly Done! From a New Zealander who knows what the US Armed Forces did to save our little country in the South Pacific!
The WWII Marines of 'Peleliu and the 5th Reg. Paved the way for us future Marines of the 5th Marine Regiment. We carried the banner for those Marines in later years. Joined the Corps in November of 1965. And, later attached to Golf Co. 2nd. Bn. 5th Marines in March 1968. We had heard stories of these Marines from "Salts" were in total awe them. Still am to this day! G/2/5 An Hoa/Arizona Territory Quang Nam Province 68-69 Semper Fi!
My old man was mortar squad leader in G/2/5. He was awarded thr Bronze Star with the ‘V’ device for night recon and signaling the USMC mortars using flares and other means to take out a heavy machine gun and later a Japanese large mortar that was hitting the rear area containing munitions and needed supplies. He was, by all accounts, an excellent Marine. Dad absolutely despised McArthur.
With The Old Breed was required reading when I was in the Corps and i'm glad it was. Superb documentary on a brutal battle that is not as well discussed as Guadalcanal, Tarawa or Iwo Jima. It's such an honor to see Marines like Sledge, Bergie and Jay and to see their faces and hear their voices.
I am glad to see a video about this event. My Father, PO1 J. Doll, was on LST-66 as one of the many LST's that landed troops here. I have heard the stories from both his perspective, the perspective of his shipmates and of the troops he dropped off and evacuated out of the island. This landing needs to never be forgotten. They wrote a book about his ship and they mentioned this landing and it's horror.
I was born in 91 when this doc apparently came out. Our grand uncle who was also Mexican joined the Marines and served in this unit. He told all his stories to my mom and one thing I remember clearly is they let him go home to Mexico to bury his mother and went back to fight in the war. That is just intense on so many levels and with detail these men give it just cements it that much harder. I wish I had more info on our uncle. His name was Andreas Sanchez. Served from 1941 till 1945 all in the Pacific. He might of been put in another division because of casualties. That's as much as I know. God speed to these guys. In a category of their own
FYI, if you know his name and any specific details [emergency family leave to Mexico], he should be trackable, once you get him ID'd. Units, outcomes, discharge locations, etc. Marine Corps League might be able to know how/where to look. Good Luck in your search.
@@rhunter762i thanks I will do all my best to get the dates.We just gotta start looking at grave stones first. Will be the biggest help with dates. Thanks for all the info I'll make sure to put it to use
It's amazing that they caught this footage at the time! Most of the guys were still alive. Unfortunately, 10 years later, Sledge and Leckie died in 2001. Snafu died in 1991, I still can't find any interview with Snafu, he has kids though.
This is precisely why we call them The Greatest Generation. I could never do what these true heroes did: their bravery and determination is inspirational. True heroes, all of them.
This is such a heart-wrenching documentary. Peleliu was nothing short of the manifestation of Hell on earth. Man's inhumanity to man, taken to the depths of the worst horrors of which we were then capable. And the entire mission was of no consequence to the outcome of the war. The only flight of consequence that ever took off from Peleliu was a PBY Catalina that found the survivors of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Thank you for posting this. More people should know what happened on Peleliu, and why.
Hi everyone! I’m actually Palauan and my family is from Peleliu and I would just like to say, thank you for your courage and sacrifice and may those who’s family didn’t make it or have passed on, may they rest in the most peaceful and beautiful place 💛 seeing tanks, planes, guns and bunkers left where they were last used is a constant reminder of the courage and pride for their country everyone had out there. Blessings to you all ❤️
I have watched a lot of documentaries about the military and in particular WWII and I can honestly say that this one is probably in my top 3 of all time, not because of the film footage (although it is excellent), not for the narration but for the testimony that the Veterans are recounting, their memories of the events are so vivid and intense that you could almost hear the battle and the shouting of the men, but when they told us about the lack of clean water 💦 and the terrible foul and tainted water they were forced to drink from the oil/gasoline drums that had not been emptied,cleaned and sterilised I almost threw up, how could someone in the logistics division not have planned for the amount of water the men would need, running out of food is one thing but running out of water is a complete disaster, in the temperature and humidity becoming dehydrated can happen in minutes, not hours or days, minutes and once a fighting man goes down with dehydration, heat stroke or exhaustion only good clean water can save there lives, a combat infantry soldier is not just ineffective due to dehydration he is also a burden, he is a casualty as much as a man with a gunshot wound, it is just incredible that anyone could be so reckless in not ensuring a drinkable water supply. I have changed my opinion, this documentary is now my number 1 on my list of the best WWII documentary films I have ever seen, I don’t mind admitting I had some tears at the end when they were summing up their experiences. Lest We Forget. Thank you for your service and may you all rest in peace.
The honest, heartfelt love they shared, along with the never-ending pain and suffering they endured .......makes me PROUD to be able to live life as an AMERICAN Citizen......and maybe those of us...no matter our age.... will be called upon to secure that FREEDOM ...once again !!!! LOVE RESPECT and BROTHERHOOD for all of our warriors....Past and Present .....
Much respect, US Marines. Thanks for saving NZ's bacon on Guadalcanal, by the way. There are no "old" Marines, only Marines who might not be on active service at the moment, but would stand up if needed. As I said, much respect to the Corps.
One of the best WW2 documentaries I've ever watched. Really offers incredible insight into the battle of Peleliu and the hell that these brave men went through. Would also highly recommend E. Sledge's book, great to hear accounts from so many of the vets. Massive respect and god bless the Marine Corps.
'The War', a documentary of WWII by Ken Burns is a must see. There was a separate chapter called 'Peleliu' that featured excerpts of Sledge's book in the narration. The documentary also features Sledge's buddy and fellow "old breed" veteran Sid Phillips.
I worked with a WWII Marine at American Seating in Grand Rapids, MI. He was also my uncle's father in law. He fought on Guadalcanal and a few of the other islands as a Marine. He was burnt out and had severe PTSD. The company kept him on out of respect and his fellow workers supported him and watched out for him. It was their way of honoring him even though WWII had ended some 18 years ago. May he rest in peace.
Fantastic documentary. My fullest respect goes out to all those heroes that fought there . I hope any that may have passed on since this documentary was made can now finally rest in peace .
The invasion was bungled: the Navy wouldn't continue shelling the dug-in Japs and General Rupertus wouldn't accept Army involvement when the situation demanded it.
I was in K Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment in Vietnam between 1966 and 1967. Fighting lots of battles south-west of Danang. In the year I was there we had 95% casualties. It sounds like the Peleliu Battle was equivalent in terms of total casualties but it was condensed into one month. I'm sure that one month seemed like one year to the Marines fighting there. I have a great deal of respect for them and don't doubt that they were just as brave as the men I fought with in Vietnam. Semper Fidelis.
My grandfather was in the Assult Plt for 3/5 on Peleliu and Okinawa, he was acquainted with these men, incredible he survived. Was hit crossing the airfield and later crawled through the swamp at night FULL of Japanese. I'll never forget sitting with him hearing him recall such intense destruction. God Bless all these men🙏🏻
I've read "With The Old Breed..." it was harrowing. A few years ago I spent time in Mobile Al (Sledge's home town) in the company of a retired Marine. He became very emotional talking about his time in the Corps I think about him a lot.
I am so glad I stumbled across this documentary. I've read "With The Old Breed" so many times I've lost count. It's wonderful hearing the voices of the men who gave flesh to that autobiography of Sledge's. What a great treat it was to watch this. A generation of heroes.
My favorite uncle was there on Peleliu. I'm always looking for him in the videos of that battle. No luck so far but I still have 45 minutes left to go in this video. He was the inspiration which drove me to go into the Marine Corp. during the Vietnam war.
My uncle Michael Cardone of New Brunswick NJ died there, a brave First Division marine. He was awarded the Purple Heart. I'm almost afraid to watch this as I might see him. My mother and sisters all kept his picture. So many lost. Such courage and fortitude. They will never be forgotten and our gratitude is eternal as are their souls. I was 5 months old when he was killed, the last generation of my family to remember.
God bless these men and may they rest in piece, and bask in their glory forever. There's not much left of these WWII vets. Fair winds and flowing seas, Semper Fi!
I am an Australian son of a veteran who served in the Middle East and Papua New Guinea (2/1 Aust PLY CONSTR COY (MECH EQPT) RAEAIF)). I am forever grateful for the service and sacrifice for any allied country that served for the freedom that my family and now enjoy. Thankyou for this moving and sobering story of the experience of the K company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment. I eternally appreciate their service and sacrifice. Lest We Forget.
This might be one of the better documentaries ive seen on this subject. I think the word Hell is too nice of a description for this environment. I am greatful for all these men, and I thank god that their story is still being shared all these years later. Thank you veterans! Thank you for this doc!
My Dad was a Sea Bee on Bougainville Island in the Pacific during WW2. Also served in Navy during Korea and on the USS America Aircraft Carrier during Viet Nam. He was my hero.
In 2006 I buried a Marine who fought on Peleliu and various other locations during WWII. The man was buried on a slope right by his home in upstate NY in Little Falls. He left behind a beautiful family and a legacy that I hope lives on and on. He never spoke of his time in the Marine Corps, this was more common than I had thought, or I had just never considered. He had a battle chest in his upstairs with items saved from the many days, months, and years he ended up serving in the Pacific theatre. The man had received several bronze stars and I believe a silver star back when they surely weren't being handed out like stickers for doing a good job on your essay. I realized that people that fought that war were a bit different than most people enjoying their lives today. I do not know what has crafted the change whether it be attributed to what we are taught, what we are eating, or a combination of the two, but I suspect both cycle through each other. What I know is though people may be augmented by tech today, and might seem "able" there has been a deviation from what makes us healthy. Today there is war in the Middle-East. Today is one of those moments in history where somehow we just know that escalation is inevitable. If WWII was tough on the men who fought then, what will WWIII be for the weaker, more unhealthy, less equipped, socially unsure, people of today?
As I said, I purchased this documentary on VHS back in the early ‘90s. This is the first time I’ve located it online and this was a series of documentaries about these men and their memories of WW II ,in the pacific. Eugene Sledge went on to talk about his fighting on Hacksaw Ridge, his memories of that battle are something only he has the right to tell. These documentaries are the best I’ve seen about Marines Island fighting in the Pacific Theater. Thank you for posting this video documentary, I’m very pleased I finally found it, now I just need to find the others.
This is History the way it should be told. Uncensored. Honest. Upon hearing their stories, so well told, my respect for these Marines has increased tenfold. Excellent!!
My uncle on my dad's mom's side served in the First Marine Division for 20yrs.1937-57, He was at Guadalcanal,he never spoke about the battles but it bothered him later on. SEMPER FI
Semper Fi my brothers. Welcome home. I served with 2/9 WPNS Co HMG from 91 to 94. I am proud of my time in the Corps. Even more when I see documentaries like this to see and remember what my Brothers went through before me. God Bless you.
What can you say after watching this documentary? It reminds me of the inscription on a Zippo lighter of an Air Force buddy of mine that served in Vietnam as a door gunner on a Huey that their sole mission was to go in after Green Berets and SOG guys doing LURP missions in Cambodia when they had been comprised and were calling for extraction. I was on the air base at Bien Hoa and did not meet him until we were both stationed at our next assignments in the States. The inscription read as follows: "You have never lived until you have almost died. Those that have never fought for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know." The men in this documentary and all the other men that served in combat, whether WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, et. al. deserves the respect and admiration of our entire country. The mini-series "The Pacific" follows these men as they island hopped across the Pacific in WWII. If you haven't watched this series, it pulls no punches as to what war in the Pacific was like.
Perhaps one of the finest documentaries about the Marines and the Pacific War I've ever seen. I was fortunate to grow up in the '60s and got to meet many vets including my Mom and Dad who met in Paris in 1944. Folks today look at this as ancient history, but we all owe an unpayable debt of gratitude to the sacrifice these great Americans made.
Thanks for uploading. I've seen plenty of clips of this over the years but never the whole thing. Perfect thing for The Pacific/ With the Old Breed/Helmet for my Pillow/Islands of the Damned fans
I don't know why or how, but after buying a random WW2 book on Amazon, I found dozens more I could buy for Kindle for $0.99. I find myself easily immersed in history with so many good books easily in reach.
These guys really were the greatest generation. My grandfather was a tail gunner on a Flying Fortress in the Pacific. Shot down twice & POW in Japan the last few months of the war. He never talked about the war. Shot down his share of zeros & I had to find out from his brother, who was a marine in the Pacific. 🇺🇸🫡
My Dad was on Peleliu with the first Marine Division, wounded landing on Negesebus. He was a Japanese interpreter. He didn't tell many stories but when I was old enough to understand what that was I asked him what it was like to interpret for the prisoners. He said "there were no prisoners, the men never brought any back". I was about to be drafted into Vietnam when that war ended. He never encouraged me to join the service. He spent the rest of his life as a Professor teaching existentialist literature trying to understand how humanity could be so cruel.
I’m a 70yo Disabled Veteran and my Dad & Uncle were in WW2. My Dad was in the Army Air Corps in Europe and my Uncle was in the Navy on Battleship in the Pacific. I remember learning a song as a kid about sinking the Bismarck to the bottom of the sea. We sang the song a lot one summer. I was probably 8 or 9 yo. I’m a BabyBoomer and they were called the GREATEST GENERATION . They certainly deserved that name.
My dad was in the 1st Marine Division 1st Marines on Peleliu. We can’t imagine the horrors those brave young men witnessed ……or the gallantry it took to take that island…….
This was well put together. The emotion I could feel from these men and to know that what I feel is only a fraction of what they feel every day. Thanks so much for your service
After watching The Pacific series, listening the the real guys tell you about the real campaign. This is Americas best generation, these boys knew what they were up against and they never backed down. Even when the job became unbelievably barbaric, they never gave up or backed down. I'm proud my daddy is a Marine.
I am not American, I am Italian, but I always had an enormous respect for war veterans and I mean REAL war veterans, those who really fought. I found this video excellent and very moving. I shall try to get the book from Sledge "With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa" Thank you very much for uploading this brilliant documentary. PS: I remember reading that the 1st regiment of Marines commanded by "Chesty" Puller was practically destroyed in Peleliu, losing nearly 60% of its men (1.749 dead and wounded).
Great posted video. I spent my whole career taking care of American Veterans. Was a Navy Corpsman 8404 in the FMF First Marine Division, then spent 34 years of bedside care as a Nurse at Veterans Hospitals. Heard stories you cannot find in a book and some stories I cannot repeat because of the heinous nature of human behavior during war. Greatest generation of Americans the country will ever know. To much sacrifice for the living and the dead. The young generations of Americans have been denied the history of American combat Veterans. Good to see this one on YT for all to see.
My Dad was in the 1st Marine Division and was wounded in Peleliu. He was a scout and he and one other guy would walk ahead of the platoon to make sure it was safe for the rest of the platoon to move up. I remember him talking about the gasoline drums being used for drinking water. I also remember him saying that the smell of rotting dead bodies and the flies and maggots in the hot humid sun was almost unbearable. I remember as a young kid seeing shrapnel being picked out of him now and then when it worked it's way up to the surface under his skin. My Dad was a hell of a good warrior and a hell of a great Dad and a hell of hard working provider for our family of six. I miss him!
My Dad was on initial landing on Talagi. Guadalcanal and three Purple Hearts. Died in 2019. Despite incredible hardship, he said this; “It was the best thing I ever did.” These guys were as heroic as could ever be. Love you Dad. Would be 100 years old today.
@@flapoverspeed My Dad was wounded on Bloody Nose Ridge. He died from results of that battle. Marine doc said he wouldn't live past 37. He turned 37 on 11 June 1961 and died July 1 from massive heart attack due to shrapnel from his legs working its way to his heart. He didn't talk about it but his pic is in National Museum at Quantico of a Wikipedia pic on Bloody Nose Ridge. My Hero
I thank that brave father of yours for his service and sacrifice…🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Great memories and recollections!!
Thank you for your father's service.
I read Sledge's book twice and just finished watching the miniseries "The Pacific," for the third time. And now I've added this incredible documentary. It's amazing that these men who survived Peleliu and Okinawas came home with their sanity intact.
Well, they have bad dreams.
I cant even imagine how horrible that has to be. These men were hard and tough guys, even after those long years the memory brings them to tears...
Many didn't come home in their right minds.
They can never "un see " the horror .... they may appear "sane" but they are forever changed ....God knows how they process it.
I have 2 box sets The Pacific and Band of Brothers ( its both together ) one not opened and still wrapped.
Hey ya'll i'm palauan here. I have relatives who are actually from peleliu. I just wanna say thank you all for your service and sacrifice🙏🙏🙏🙏
God bless you 🌹
🫡❤️✌🏼
That's so kind of you to say..God Bless Ameruca! And Peleliu!!!
Thank you for saying this, very kind.
Your gratitude would feel a bit more sincere if youd also made a sacrifice say with your life🤔
My Dad was part of a mortar team on Peleliu, he never talked about it until the later years of his life. Sledge's book was on his bookshelf and I wish I had read it while he was still alive. It is so humbling to watch this, and think of the normal, wonderful family life he provided us! He said a couple of times that after the war everything else in his life was a bonus.
Awesome documentary
My grandfather James Perrott was there. He was the greatest man I ever knew. Calm, organized, smart. Different generation for sure.
There is a spot just to the south-west of Death Valley that is covered with empty 81mm mortar cans.
I wonder if your Dad was there.
What I love about Sldege was the fact that he was totally honest about his feelings. This was a guy who most would consider totally unsuited to war, yet he did his job and he didn't have an ego about it. In fact, he hated what happened. He struggled with it his whole life.
What they went through is unimaginable. Absolutely awful it must have been.
Your dad was the Sledge Hammer. I read his book twice it was so good. I bet you he ran in to a guy named Lee Marvin. He was there also. He became a Doctor if I'm not mistaken. The greatest generation was named correctly. My mom was in the Army Air Corp. Based in NY, old base ball field. Then in a Mash unit in Korea. No generation will ever top them!
My dad fought the Japanese in the Philippine Islands and then into manilla. He once told me he had been many places in the world. But the Japanese were the cruelest race of people he had ever come across. Without men like these I can't imagine what our lives would be today.thanks dad.
I have met two men who survived the Bataan Death March. The look in their eyes when talking about the Japs......I could see fire in their eyes, they hated them with such intensity.
That man that sat in the shade and thought about leaving, then went back to his outfit: Greatest generation indeed. Incredible Doc!!!❤
My grandfather joined the Marines at age 15 and went to Peleliu with the 7th division. He was a radio operator giving coordinates to gunners on ships to fire on enemy positions early before they hit the beach. He said his radio was a vacuum tube type and had a tripod it had to stand on outside of the fox hole he had to hide in. Naturally that radio didn't last and he was back to being a riflemen. He was shot and nearly died there . His name was Thomas Crawford, he was out of San Antonio Texas.
I am grateful for his service. Long may his memory live!
@@juliefeasal8878 thanks you! My son just finished his crucible yesterday morning on my 44th birthday. I’m sitting here waiting for my new Marine to call for the first time in 3 months.
GrandPa was badass!!! Greatest Generation that ever lived!!
we owe that generation everything. as a Marine who fought in vietnam, I was trained by those who saw combat in the islands. tough people who trained us tough.
7th Regiment, not Division.
I’ve watched countless docs on WW2 battles & campaigns but none have affected me as this one. I wish I could meet all these guys & hug them & thank them for their sacrifice. Not enough people realize that combat survivors have their trauma stuck in their minds for the rest of their lives, remembering it every day, & having it intrude on life events that should not be tainted by horror & sorrow.
Totally Agree
Indeed
So true.
Amen
You are absolutely right. You can't go through a war without it being just under the surface for the remainder of your life. It may fade in and out, but it is always there in the back of your mind. A loud noise, a smell, the sound of a chopper flying by - - - - it comes rushing back and it is vivid.
I'm not American, my grandfather fought in Africa and Monte casino. All these men deserve our respect and prayers
Makes me proud to know we had men like this at this time in history. My dad was a rifleman in the 1st division in the Pacific for 3 years.
7:09
7:16 7:16
7:21 7:22 :21
Much much respect to your Father !
Bullshit
I read the book by E.B. Sledge, 'With The Old Breed'. A fascinating insight into the battle for Peleliu. So many graphic accounts of what those men went through, and what they witnessed. Sheer terror beyond description. Its hard to believe that men could suffer so much in the most dire of circumstances, but they did. Their legacy and bravery will never be forgotten. Lest We Forget.
A 'Must' read!
I downloaded that to my ebook reader last week, have yet to start it.
29:59
This is what's known in the Corp as "good medicine"
I had his book great read
I read that book too
It was moving to see and hear Eugene Sledge. Didn't know he'd been interviewed on film. Half the vets featured broke down at some point and after all these years. Thanks for this compilation.
You are very welcome and glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for that, I heard the name SNAFU and thought are these the guys in the TV programme
Sledgehammer!!!!
♥♥♥♥♥
Same here!I didn't know Sledge was on video either.
He's in at least one other/same film crew I suppose.
I read Sledges book um/20 years ago?Then a second time later.
I said the first time/ EVERY PERSON IN SCHOOL SHOULD HAVE TO READ THIS!
I got an F from my test on TO kill a mockingbird/ Hec,I had to grab my ankles and take 5 links with a board for sticking a penny to my forehead and tell miss skinner/ look/I'm Stevie Copperhead.Guess I was the only one that didn't have the money for that book?
MAKE UM READ WITH THE OLD BREED!
LOVE UOU GUYS!
G
My heart breaks for these men, and the burden they carry for all of us. Thank you to all Veterans.
I was trying to find the words in my head for what I've just listened to and I think you've said it best. This was so heart breaking to hear these men describe that they went through. I just can't imagine the horrors. I too am truly grateful for all there sacrifice.
My grandpa was there. Drafted 2 weeks outta high school. Straight to the marines and then straight there
Notice that Eugene Sledge said that the island was an essential part of MacArthur’s strategy, but it could easily have been bypassed. Other people who studied it said essentially the same thing. The men who died could have been saved for more important objectives.
I’m glad that my dad missed it. He just lived with PTSD from Sugar Loaf Hill for the rest of his life, and the dread that when that was over, that the mainland was next.
Always asking myself"why didn't they just bypass them or starve them out"
No truer words.
I thank them all for their service and sacrifice. SEMPER FI MARINES! May God bless them all.
Hoo Ra !
@@Horsemanray Deed I do
had seen what the brutal enemy had done to my sister brother uncle mother cousin but I had not tell what I had done to them - Average hick marine. 天皇陛下万歳
dam right...
And the army too
My pop was a sargeant in the army in the invasion of Okinawa. He was wounded by mortar fire and walked with a severe limp the rest of his life. He never spoke a word of his experience. I learned everything by looking through his foot locker with his uniform, medals and reading a stack of letters between him and my mom. Thanks pop and thanks to all those of our finest generation.
I’m a woman from Wales Uk who knew nothing about Pelileu - but I’m glad I do now. I’m a huge history fanatic and the stories told here are both incredibly moving and fascinating in equal measure. It’s a miracle that anyone made it through. People looking back at the horror and tactics used have zero understanding of what these brave young men went through and what it took to just survive, let alone fight. When it comes down to it - it’s him or you, and in the heat of battle you want it to be him and that’s it. When you’ve seen your friends killed next to you, the sheer anger and determination to make that person pay is the most human emotion you’ll ever experience. I’m sorry you went through that for practically no reason and lost so many good men in a fight that didn’t really end up mattering to people like it should. We who have listened here will remember what you did and what you were fighting for. Thank you for your service to all of us, we owe you more than we can ever repay…
Hello, it is my recommendation you read Eugene Sledge’s fine book, “With The Old Breed” and Robert Leckie’s “Helmet For My Pillow.” My mom’s oldest brother was a SeaBee, running a D9 Caterpillar bulldozer with a Ma Deuce .50 cal mounted on one side of the driver’s cockpit, cutting small strips for fighter planes in the South Pacific. He never talked about it when he was alive, but on the rare occasion that he would have a drink, he would get very quiet and have a far off look, in his eyes. When I would ask him if he was OK, he never said a thing but would simply nod. I miss you, Uncle Bob.
We have a LHD Carrier Named "Peleliu" LHD 5. Frequently inhabited by embarked 1st Mar Div Marines going on float to wonderful places. It's namesake the Battle of Peleliu is little known like many hard fought battles. Now days though there are historic recountings of various battles through history expertly put together. One site that has done so is Kings & Generals, I think it's on youtube also.
Bless you for your respectful comments. So many civilians and military people from the British Commonwealth and the UK fought alone against the Axis in the dark early days of the war. Greatest of respect and honor to each, always.
to complement the book by Eugene Sledge recommended above, please watch the HBO miniseries "The Pacific", is extraordinary in its details and partly based in this book. I'll never forget the Peleliu episode😢
The part most don't think about is many of these survivors still had the hell of Okinawa ahead of them. The fact that they are here to tell their stories is a testament to their luck, courage, and their ability to function and persevere under the hellish conditions they were exposed to. The book by Sledge, With The Old Breed could easily have been titled With The Rare Breed. Thanks for my freedom.
Yes, my Dad died as a result of shrapnel in his legs received on Bloody Nose Ridge, but also fought and was wounded again on Okinawa. Passed at 37 from massive heart attach
Hi, could you shed some lights about the meaning of 'the old breed' Sledge meant? They were young at the time.
@@duniagowesprobably the marines that battle before Peleliu.
True and the fact that so many civilians were killed in Okinawa, in large part due to the propaganda of the Japanese army, is tragic.
@@duniagowesthe first marine division is "The Old Breed".
Wow! Now, that's the best Peleliu documentary in existence.
Read sledge’s book. “With the old breed on Peleliu and Okinawa”. It’s hard to put down and has been described as the best book ever written on the infantrymen in battle.
Watch the series Pacific too very well done.
@@theprofiler8531 I listened to the audio book here on UA-cam. A classic.
@@ronaldsinclair6837 Yes, very good.
@@Agent-kb3zb Watch “Hell in the Pacific” documentary it’s really good
I purchased this documentary on VHS back in the early’90s, it was my introduction to Eugene (Sledgehammer) Sledge. I was so humbled and impressed by him that I went on to read everything he wrote. He was an incredible man and marine. RIP Eugene Sledge. 6:13
Sad, when I first purchased this on VHS, most of these men were still alive to privilege me with their memories. Now they’re all gone. We must never forget, we owe everything to these brave men and the entire generation.
wow. That was one of the best documentaries I ever saw. Yes, I have watched "The Pacific" series many times over with the stories of Sledge, Lecky, Basilone. That was incredible. I read the book "The old breed" by Sledge. The incredible suffering and pain for those young Marines and their families. The horrible physical, mental, emotional scars left for the survivors brakes my heart. How can I ever complain about anything in my life after studying the horrors of war? So many wars. So many battles.
Glad you enjoyed it!
That was a great book 📖 “ the old breed” and the “pacific “was probably as close as we will ever know to what it was really like on the island of peleliu . the smells. the weather the filth it was disgusting 🤢.
Sledge was such a great author and talker
@@germany456 He managed to become a professor for a reason, he's got great mind.
With the Old Breed was written by Robert Leckie.
As a former British soldier combat veteran of 12 years service at 63 years of age now l am in awe of what these men went through and how eloquently they spoke and the respect for there brothers in arms they conveyed respect to them all past and present
I’m 70 yrs old and I grew up knowing the greatest men of my generation were Marines, but they paid the price for our freedom and we owe them everything for freedom and I will never take it for granted.
I would like to know how you feel about how our country has appreciated that sacrifice
are u vaccinated?
@@str8cndian Yes did get all the vaccines and boosters . Hope to get more to keep up to date. Feel it's my duty to God ,Country and fellow man to do so. God bless the vaccinated who believe no conspiracy theories 🤗☺🙃🤓
WHAT THE HELL DOES THE FUCKING JAB HAVE TO DO WITH WHAT THIS INCREDIBLE DOCUMENTARY IS ABOUT?
I’m privileged to have known Bill Lakeland, who as a Marine Lieutenant, lost an eye on that island. Full respect and gratitude to these people for their service and testimonies.
Best documentary on UA-cam…Thankyou! No blurring of images, no sugar coating, just raw well put together footage 👌
Tottaly humbling to hear the testomonys of these men. Not sure how many are still with u s but they deserve the title of " the special generation ". Thank you for your service.
Yes, Unfortunately None of them are left, they’ve all passed on..
The greatest generation
There aren't that many left anymore. To have been a combat Marine in WW2 one had to be born in 1925 at the latest. Too many fine young young men lost their lives on those damn islands.
Incredible documentary about incredible people. Thank you very much for posting 🙏
Very much welcome!
Holy smokes this is brutal. I grew up in Southwest Mississippi and could listen to Sledgehammer talk forever. He has the perfect Southern educated accent. His book is excellent btw
Very glad to find this - having read Sldge's book 20 years ago and watched the Pacific so many times I almost know it word for word! To see the real men of K/3/5 talk about their war and their experiences fills in a lot of the gaps necessary in The Pacific series - Semper Fi, Marines - Duty Nobly Done! From a New Zealander who knows what the US Armed Forces did to save our little country in the South Pacific!
France complains about the USA, who pulled their cowardly asses out of the fire. They should be ashamed.
Such beautiful Philippines woman they are gourgest
Japanese would never quit.yhsmh.gof.for a bn
Now we would never win
And hats off to the brave Kiwis, Aussies, South Africans, Rhodesians, Canadians, Indians….all who fought against evil in both theaters of WWII
Outstanding video, ty. The Great Generation saved our country and the world.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The WWII Marines of 'Peleliu and the 5th Reg. Paved the way for us future Marines of the 5th Marine Regiment. We carried the banner for those Marines in later years. Joined the Corps in November of 1965. And, later attached to Golf Co. 2nd. Bn. 5th Marines in March 1968. We had heard stories of these Marines from "Salts" were in total awe them. Still am to this day!
G/2/5 An Hoa/Arizona Territory Quang Nam Province 68-69 Semper Fi!
5th Marines in I Corps upheld that standard for damn sure, good job. Thanks L 3/1 87-91
They sure earned their stories. As did you. Semper Fi Devil dog
Devils Dogs never waver in the face of adversity, you can’t kill that spirit…
My old man was mortar squad leader in G/2/5. He was awarded thr Bronze Star with the ‘V’ device for night recon and signaling the USMC mortars using flares and other means to take out a heavy machine gun and later a Japanese large mortar that was hitting the rear area containing munitions and needed supplies. He was, by all accounts, an excellent Marine. Dad absolutely despised McArthur.
I was a Corpsman with 2nd MAR DIV in the 80's. We had NCO's that were Vietnam vets and we were in awe of them.
With The Old Breed was required reading when I was in the Corps and i'm glad it was. Superb documentary on a brutal battle that is not as well discussed as Guadalcanal, Tarawa or Iwo Jima. It's such an honor to see Marines like Sledge, Bergie and Jay and to see their faces and hear their voices.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Yes!
Semper fi, Brother.
"The Old Breed", one of the greatest books you'll read on the Pacific Theater and Marines. Thanks for the video!
Presentations such as this should be required high school viewing. Nothing but awe and respect for those men...
Unfortunately that’s a valid point user…
Amen!!
Thank You,I agree heart and my soul!!!...
I am glad to see a video about this event. My Father, PO1 J. Doll, was on LST-66 as one of the many LST's that landed troops here. I have heard the stories from both his perspective, the perspective of his shipmates and of the troops he dropped off and evacuated out of the island. This landing needs to never be forgotten.
They wrote a book about his ship and they mentioned this landing and it's horror.
I was born in 91 when this doc apparently came out. Our grand uncle who was also Mexican joined the Marines and served in this unit. He told all his stories to my mom and one thing I remember clearly is they let him go home to Mexico to bury his mother and went back to fight in the war. That is just intense on so many levels and with detail these men give it just cements it that much harder. I wish I had more info on our uncle. His name was Andreas Sanchez. Served from 1941 till 1945 all in the Pacific. He might of been put in another division because of casualties. That's as much as I know. God speed to these guys. In a category of their own
FYI, if you know his name and any specific details [emergency family leave to Mexico], he should be trackable, once you get him ID'd. Units, outcomes, discharge locations, etc. Marine Corps League might be able to know how/where to look.
Good Luck in your search.
@@rhunter762i thanks I will do all my best to get the dates.We just gotta start looking at grave stones first. Will be the biggest help with dates. Thanks for all the info I'll make sure to put it to use
It's amazing that they caught this footage at the time! Most of the guys were still alive. Unfortunately, 10 years later, Sledge and Leckie died in 2001. Snafu died in 1991, I still can't find any interview with Snafu, he has kids though.
This is precisely why we call them The Greatest Generation. I could never do what these true heroes did: their bravery and determination is inspirational. True heroes, all of them.
This is such a heart-wrenching documentary. Peleliu was nothing short of the manifestation of Hell on earth. Man's inhumanity to man, taken to the depths of the worst horrors of which we were then capable. And the entire mission was of no consequence to the outcome of the war. The only flight of consequence that ever took off from Peleliu was a PBY Catalina that found the survivors of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Thank you for posting this. More people should know what happened on Peleliu, and why.
Thank you, Oppenheimer and Groves. If not for your team, Operation Downfall would have been another Peleliu, but on an incomparably larger scale.
Hi everyone! I’m actually Palauan and my family is from Peleliu and I would just like to say, thank you for your courage and sacrifice and may those who’s family didn’t make it or have passed on, may they rest in the most peaceful and beautiful place 💛 seeing tanks, planes, guns and bunkers left where they were last used is a constant reminder of the courage and pride for their country everyone had out there. Blessings to you all ❤️
6:08 - "Sledgehammer" Eugene Sledge
Just finished The Pacific and seeing him in this 1992 documentary holds so much importance. Thank you.
I have watched a lot of documentaries about the military and in particular WWII and I can honestly say that this one is probably in my top 3 of all time, not because of the film footage (although it is excellent), not for the narration but for the testimony that the Veterans are recounting, their memories of the events are so vivid and intense that you could almost hear the battle and the shouting of the men, but when they told us about the lack of clean water 💦 and the terrible foul and tainted water they were forced to drink from the oil/gasoline drums that had not been emptied,cleaned and sterilised I almost threw up, how could someone in the logistics division not have planned for the amount of water the men would need, running out of food is one thing but running out of water is a complete disaster, in the temperature and humidity becoming dehydrated can happen in minutes, not hours or days, minutes and once a fighting man goes down with dehydration, heat stroke or exhaustion only good clean water can save there lives, a combat infantry soldier is not just ineffective due to dehydration he is also a burden, he is a casualty as much as a man with a gunshot wound, it is just incredible that anyone could be so reckless in not ensuring a drinkable water supply.
I have changed my opinion, this documentary is now my number 1 on my list of the best WWII documentary films I have ever seen, I don’t mind admitting I had some tears at the end when they were summing up their experiences. Lest We Forget. Thank you for your service and may you all rest in peace.
If you have time can you please post links to your other two favorite documentaries? I would like to see those as well. Thank you.
The honest, heartfelt love they shared, along with the never-ending pain and suffering they endured .......makes me PROUD to be able to live life as an AMERICAN Citizen......and maybe those of us...no matter our age.... will be called upon to secure that FREEDOM ...once again !!!! LOVE RESPECT and BROTHERHOOD for all of our warriors....Past and Present .....
This is one of the best war documentaries I’ve ever seen. That has to be some of the most intense battle footage that exists
The United States Marines and Navy Corpsman that fought in the Pacific are the greatest men that ever walked the face of this earth.
Don't forget about the Army
I found myself overwhelmed with emotion many times listening to these Marines. Thank you for this.
I love these proud brave men. God Bless all of them, their sacrifice totally humbles me.
Much respect, US Marines. Thanks for saving NZ's bacon on Guadalcanal, by the way. There are no "old" Marines, only Marines who might not be on active service at the moment, but would stand up if needed. As I said, much respect to the Corps.
One of the best WW2 documentaries I've ever watched. Really offers incredible insight into the battle of Peleliu and the hell that these brave men went through. Would also highly recommend E. Sledge's book, great to hear accounts from so many of the vets. Massive respect and god bless the Marine Corps.
'The War', a documentary of WWII by Ken Burns is a must see. There was a separate chapter called 'Peleliu' that featured excerpts of Sledge's book in the narration. The documentary also features Sledge's buddy and fellow "old breed" veteran Sid Phillips.
@@CitiZENCAT-ie5dt Thanks for the recommendation, I will definitely give that a watch!
This is EASILY the best documentary on WWII I have ever seen, All I can say is WOW! What an exceptional documentary. So well done!
21:40 watching that old man start to break....stop....gather, sip his coffee, and continue is that old style mentality missing from men
I worked with a WWII Marine at American Seating in Grand Rapids, MI. He was also my uncle's father in law. He fought on Guadalcanal and a few of the other islands as a Marine. He was burnt out and had severe PTSD. The company kept him on out of respect and his fellow workers supported him and watched out for him. It was their way of honoring him even though WWII had ended some 18 years ago. May he rest in peace.
Fantastic documentary. My fullest respect goes out to all those heroes that fought there . I hope any that may have passed on since this documentary was made can now finally rest in peace .
They're guarding the streets of Heaven.
What a horrible experience may this never happen to anyone again. Truly terrifying.
News flash.. it’s happening today by America. Look at bombs dropped by USA website. Educate yourself.
Something similar is happening in Ukraine right now.
@@R281 yeah and America is supporting a Real Nazzi Country,Ukraine. Using billions of tax dollars!
The invasion was bungled: the Navy wouldn't continue shelling the dug-in Japs and General Rupertus wouldn't accept Army involvement when the situation demanded it.
@@R281let’s pray the world doesn’t explode into total war again. If everyone watched this documentary the appetite for war would dissipate
I was in K Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment in Vietnam between 1966 and 1967. Fighting lots of battles south-west of Danang. In the year I was there we had 95% casualties. It sounds like the Peleliu Battle was equivalent in terms of total casualties but it was condensed into one month. I'm sure that one month seemed like one year to the Marines fighting there. I have a great deal of respect for them and don't doubt that they were just as brave as the men I fought with in Vietnam. Semper Fidelis.
My grandfather was in the Assult Plt for 3/5 on Peleliu and Okinawa, he was acquainted with these men, incredible he survived. Was hit crossing the airfield and later crawled through the swamp at night FULL of Japanese. I'll never forget sitting with him hearing him recall such intense destruction. God Bless all these men🙏🏻
I love these guys! Americas finest. I can't imagine what they went through. True Heroes.
This is an amazing documentary told by true Americans . We owe a lot to those men . God bless each one of them .
Glad you enjoyed it!
These were tough men, my Grandfather was one of them. He fought in Okinawa.
I've read "With The Old Breed..." it was harrowing. A few years ago I spent time in Mobile Al (Sledge's home town) in the company of a retired Marine. He became very emotional talking about his time in the Corps I think about him a lot.
I was born in Mobile Al. I haven't been there since I was 3 but knowing that a man like Sledge also came from that place makes me proud.
I am so glad I stumbled across this documentary. I've read "With The Old Breed" so many times I've lost count. It's wonderful hearing the voices of the men who gave flesh to that autobiography of Sledge's. What a great treat it was to watch this. A generation of heroes.
As a Vietnam Marine Corps veteran, this really choked me up. My deepest sentiments are touched by these men. They truly were America’s finest.
My favorite uncle was there on Peleliu. I'm always looking for him in the videos of that battle. No luck so far but I still have 45 minutes left to go in this video. He was the inspiration which drove me to go into the Marine Corp. during the Vietnam war.
You both served with distinction… thank you for your service
God bless you, Sir.
My uncle Michael Cardone of New Brunswick NJ died there, a brave First Division marine. He was awarded the Purple Heart. I'm almost afraid to watch this as I might see him. My mother and sisters all kept his picture. So many lost. Such courage and fortitude. They will never be forgotten and our gratitude is eternal as are their souls. I was 5 months old when he was killed, the last generation of my family to remember.
God bless these men and may they rest in piece, and bask in their glory forever. There's not much left of these WWII vets.
Fair winds and flowing seas, Semper Fi!
I am an Australian son of a veteran who served in the Middle East and Papua New Guinea (2/1 Aust PLY CONSTR COY (MECH EQPT) RAEAIF)). I am forever grateful for the service and sacrifice for any allied country that served for the freedom that my family and now enjoy. Thankyou for this moving and sobering story of the experience of the K company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment. I eternally appreciate their service and sacrifice. Lest We Forget.
This might be one of the better documentaries ive seen on this subject. I think the word Hell is too nice of a description for this environment. I am greatful for all these men, and I thank god that their story is still being shared all these years later. Thank you veterans! Thank you for this doc!
My Dad was a Sea Bee on Bougainville Island in the Pacific during WW2. Also served in Navy during Korea and on the USS America Aircraft Carrier during Viet Nam.
He was my hero.
He was and is a hero for us all.....GOD Bless AMERICA
Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart. Sadly my father passed in 2002 and I think of him every day. Steve
In 2006 I buried a Marine who fought on Peleliu and various other locations during WWII. The man was buried on a slope right by his home in upstate NY in Little Falls. He left behind a beautiful family and a legacy that I hope lives on and on. He never spoke of his time in the Marine Corps, this was more common than I had thought, or I had just never considered. He had a battle chest in his upstairs with items saved from the many days, months, and years he ended up serving in the Pacific theatre. The man had received several bronze stars and I believe a silver star back when they surely weren't being handed out like stickers for doing a good job on your essay. I realized that people that fought that war were a bit different than most people enjoying their lives today. I do not know what has crafted the change whether it be attributed to what we are taught, what we are eating, or a combination of the two, but I suspect both cycle through each other. What I know is though people may be augmented by tech today, and might seem "able" there has been a deviation from what makes us healthy. Today there is war in the Middle-East. Today is one of those moments in history where somehow we just know that escalation is inevitable. If WWII was tough on the men who fought then, what will WWIII be for the weaker, more unhealthy, less equipped, socially unsure, people of today?
As I said, I purchased this documentary on VHS back in the early ‘90s. This is the first time I’ve located it online and this was a series of documentaries about these men and their memories of WW II ,in the pacific. Eugene Sledge went on to talk about his fighting on Hacksaw Ridge, his memories of that battle are something only he has the right to tell. These documentaries are the best I’ve seen about Marines Island fighting in the Pacific Theater.
Thank you for posting this video documentary, I’m very pleased I finally found it, now I just need to find the others.
This is History the way it should be told. Uncensored. Honest. Upon hearing their stories, so well told, my respect for these Marines has increased tenfold. Excellent!!
My uncle on my dad's mom's side served in the First Marine Division for 20yrs.1937-57,
He was at Guadalcanal,he never spoke about the battles but it bothered him later on. SEMPER FI
As a veteran I used to talk to a few veterans from WW2, they are very few of them left now. It was a honor to talk to them.
Semper Fi my brothers. Welcome home. I served with 2/9 WPNS Co HMG from 91 to 94. I am proud of my time in the Corps. Even more when I see documentaries like this to see and remember what my Brothers went through before me. God Bless you.
What can you say after watching this documentary? It reminds me of the inscription on a Zippo lighter of an Air Force buddy of mine that served in Vietnam as a door gunner on a Huey that their sole mission was to go in after Green Berets and SOG guys doing LURP missions in Cambodia when they had been comprised and were calling for extraction. I was on the air base at Bien Hoa and did not meet him until we were both stationed at our next assignments in the States. The inscription read as follows: "You have never lived until you have almost died. Those that have never fought for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know." The men in this documentary and all the other men that served in combat, whether WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, et. al. deserves the respect and admiration of our entire country. The mini-series "The Pacific" follows these men as they island hopped across the Pacific in WWII. If you haven't watched this series, it pulls no punches as to what war in the Pacific was like.
Highly recommend E B Sledge's book "With the Old Breed"
One of the best documentaries there is on the Pacific war in WWII!!
Perhaps one of the finest documentaries about the Marines and the Pacific War I've ever seen. I was fortunate to grow up in the '60s and got to meet many vets including my Mom and Dad who met in Paris in 1944. Folks today look at this as ancient history, but we all owe an unpayable debt of gratitude to the sacrifice these great Americans made.
That dead to prisoner ratio has to be one of the highest ever, in modern wars.
Great documentary of our unbelievably heroic Marines on Peleliu. Thank you!
Thanks for uploading. I've seen plenty of clips of this over the years but never the whole thing. Perfect thing for The Pacific/ With the Old Breed/Helmet for my Pillow/Islands of the Damned fans
I don't know why or how, but after buying a random WW2 book on Amazon, I found dozens more I could buy for Kindle for $0.99. I find myself easily immersed in history with so many good books easily in reach.
These guys really were the greatest generation. My grandfather was a tail gunner on a Flying Fortress in the Pacific. Shot down twice & POW in Japan the last few months of the war. He never talked about the war. Shot down his share of zeros & I had to find out from his brother, who was a marine in the Pacific. 🇺🇸🫡
Unbelievable heroism .... What an amazing generation ....
My Dad was on Peleliu with the first Marine Division, wounded landing on Negesebus. He was a Japanese interpreter. He didn't tell many stories but when I was old enough to understand what that was I asked him what it was like to interpret for the prisoners. He said "there were no prisoners, the men never brought any back".
I was about to be drafted into Vietnam when that war ended. He never encouraged me to join the service. He spent the rest of his life as a Professor teaching existentialist literature trying to understand how humanity could be so cruel.
I hope this remarkable man found some peace in his life.
I hope this remarkable man found some peace in his life.
God Bless the Old Breed.
Legends for all time.
Semper Fi and thanks.
I’m a 70yo Disabled Veteran and my Dad & Uncle were in WW2. My Dad was in the Army Air Corps in Europe and my Uncle was in the Navy on Battleship in the Pacific. I remember learning a song as a kid about sinking the Bismarck to the bottom of the sea. We sang the song a lot one summer. I was probably 8 or 9 yo.
I’m a BabyBoomer and they were called the GREATEST GENERATION . They certainly deserved that name.
My Dad was a frozen Chosin. These marines are a different cut of men. We owe them so much gratitude.
If you like this documentary, you’ll love the book “With The Old Breed” by Gene Sledge. He’s a wonderful writer…
My dad was in the 1st Marine Division 1st Marines on Peleliu. We can’t imagine the horrors those brave young men witnessed ……or the gallantry it took to take that island…….
This was well put together. The emotion I could feel from these men and to know that what I feel is only a fraction of what they feel every day. Thanks so much for your service
After watching The Pacific series, listening the the real guys tell you about the real campaign.
This is Americas best generation, these boys knew what they were up against and they never backed down.
Even when the job became unbelievably barbaric, they never gave up or backed down.
I'm proud my daddy is a Marine.
I never knew this doc existed. Amazing to see these actual men who were portrayed on film. Amazing.
That was a very heartfelt story from the men of 3/5 K Co.
Semper Fidelis Boys. 🇺🇲🏁
Without a Doubt..The Greatest Generation indeed..🙏🇺🇲
Salute and prayers for the fallen men in that war rather in all wars. 😢
Now THIS, This - Is A Great Piece Of Documentary Work !
Yes it is and glad you enjoyed it!
Nothing but admiration and respect for WW2 vets
I am not American, I am Italian, but I always had an enormous respect for war veterans and I mean REAL war veterans, those who really fought. I found this video excellent and very moving. I shall try to get the book from Sledge "With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa" Thank you very much for uploading this brilliant documentary.
PS: I remember reading that the 1st regiment of Marines commanded by "Chesty" Puller was practically destroyed in Peleliu, losing nearly 60% of its men (1.749 dead and wounded).
My dad was at Peleliu and other island invasions and said Peleliu was the worst, and that Tarawa should never have been fought.
ditto my father
The Marines Always “Bring It” 🔫🔫🔫 Semper Fi ❤
Excellent doc. No censorship. And an actual human narrator. Guess UA-cam missed this one👍
Great posted video. I spent my whole career taking care of American Veterans. Was a Navy Corpsman 8404 in the FMF First Marine Division, then spent 34 years of bedside care as a Nurse at Veterans Hospitals. Heard stories you cannot find in a book and some stories I cannot repeat because of the heinous nature of human behavior during war. Greatest generation of Americans the country will ever know. To much sacrifice for the living and the dead. The young generations of Americans have been denied the history of American combat Veterans. Good to see this one on YT for all to see.