Former Enemies of WWII Meet 78 Years Later | History Traveler Episode 339

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  • Опубліковано 25 гру 2024

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  • @TheHistoryUnderground
    @TheHistoryUnderground  8 місяців тому +31

    🌟If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out.
    Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com.

    • @10dfreed
      @10dfreed 7 місяців тому +1

      Really great work and moving the video and the fact such a visit or reunion happened. There are no politics in fox holes.

  • @DivAgent556
    @DivAgent556 9 місяців тому +743

    Bud recently passed. I'm glad he was able to have this closure and this will be available for future generations to see. Thanks for all you and GMOH and Andrew do for these men and for us to learn and see.

    • @bradmiller3367
      @bradmiller3367 9 місяців тому +20

      What a life! So glad he was able to share with us what he did! Requiescat in Pace!

    • @dbach1025
      @dbach1025 9 місяців тому +16

      what a great, intelligent, and well spoken hero. How old was Bud?

    • @MittenStateArchery
      @MittenStateArchery 9 місяців тому +9

      Rip hero! Thank you for your service! You were part of the greatest generation to ever live!

    • @pmccoy8924
      @pmccoy8924 9 місяців тому +8

      When did he pass? I am not seeing a death notice anywhere for Paul 'Bud' Haedike.

    • @gergemall
      @gergemall 9 місяців тому +10

      God Bless these gentleman from the Greatest Generation ❤

  • @Melior_Traiano
    @Melior_Traiano 8 місяців тому +394

    My grandfather was 17 when he fought in WWII during 1945. He passed in 2022. They are quickly fading away now, which is why interviews such as this one are all the more important...

    • @Susiecat24
      @Susiecat24 8 місяців тому +22

      Men nowadays don’t hold a candle to men like your grandfather. It’s a sad truth but I look around and no one live like my grandparents and their values my grandfather born 1915 and my grandmother 1920. It blows my mind to think of things they had to go through and look at these newer generations and I shake my head. Don’t know if you are a believer but please take it as full love and respect when I say God Bless your grandfather and the men and women of their generations.

    • @StefanWinchester
      @StefanWinchester 8 місяців тому

      ​@Susiecat24 by that token, you are inferior to these men too.the whole human race should just give up now because they were as good as it gets right ?

    • @m42037
      @m42037 8 місяців тому +4

      Life is short it's the absurdity of life we don't live long. 90 years isn't that long

    • @doylejodi7502
      @doylejodi7502 8 місяців тому +5

      Yes recording their thoughts and memories on this is a treasure.
      So sad for the remaining that they are present to witness today’s world. So different for what they fought for.

    • @RobertRobinson-dy3rj
      @RobertRobinson-dy3rj 8 місяців тому

      All of my relatives are dead

  • @simonsmith1974
    @simonsmith1974 9 місяців тому +398

    The nurse meeting the veterans was the sweetest.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  9 місяців тому +44

      Yes, it was. She is amazing.

    • @pmccoy8924
      @pmccoy8924 9 місяців тому +27

      It's been 80 years and the emotions are just as raw as if were yesterday. Very special moment.

    • @simonsmith1974
      @simonsmith1974 9 місяців тому +13

      @@TheHistoryUnderground I can imagine she was a good nurse. War sucks big time.

    • @ccmaxWW2
      @ccmaxWW2 9 місяців тому +7

      It's like the Paths of Glory ending, but in Real life.

    • @palaver40
      @palaver40 9 місяців тому +11

      Absolutely outstanding presentation. Couldn't help but tear up at times. Thanks for your hard work.

  • @darrinsmith1588
    @darrinsmith1588 9 місяців тому +227

    The part with the nurse and the bombardier singing a song it German brought tears to my eyes. Priceless

  • @oscarmadison8530
    @oscarmadison8530 9 місяців тому +183

    I'm glad that Gerhard was able to meet with his former enemies. The fact that all four of the Americans agreed to speak with him as friends was absolutely priceless.

    • @amarranazo
      @amarranazo 7 місяців тому +21

      Indeed. Remember, Germany never wanted war with the UK or the USA. They always had their sights on the USSR, the bloodiest regime in history.

    • @maobfh
      @maobfh 7 місяців тому +5

      That goes both ways and is very healing for all of them.

    • @capt.6644
      @capt.6644 6 місяців тому +8

      @@amarranazoThat’s seriously your reasoning? I think you have an extremely wrong view of the reality of history. They invaded most of Europe to go to war with Russia?

    • @votewaldo9876
      @votewaldo9876 5 місяців тому

      Hitler invaded Poland in a fake pact with the soviets. He knew he had to eventually invade them, or they would invade Germany. He knew the UK hated communism. And He was utterly surprised when they declared war on Germany. The silent war at the beginning was that Hitler didn’t want to bomb nor kill British people. The Brits started booming Germany first and Hitler still waited 8 months and asked for peace. But, that war monger Churchill wanted war so Hitler went all out.

    • @DrugStari-tl6jf
      @DrugStari-tl6jf 4 місяці тому

      ​@@amarranazoyou must be delulu

  • @RockGuitarist1
    @RockGuitarist1 9 місяців тому +377

    Jeez. All in their 90s and 100s at this point. We really don't have much time with this generation. So happy you could get this stuff on video so that their stories are preserved forever.

    • @mikemontgomery2654
      @mikemontgomery2654 9 місяців тому +19

      Yeah. I’ve been through this with the WW1 vets and, now the WW2 vets. All we can do is cherish the time we do have with them.

    • @Muldoon93
      @Muldoon93 8 місяців тому +5

      We have lots to learn from them and if we listen they have a lot to teach us too these folks have learned to let go of the past and to live in peace with each other they were once enemies now they share peace they show us forgiveness and most importantly how to live peacefully.

    • @da_pawz
      @da_pawz 8 місяців тому +5

      @@mikemontgomery2654 Yes I was following and learned about Florence Green, Frank Buckles, Claude Choules and rem they were all went past 100 yo ... And now the WW2 vet's age are in their 90s and 100s
      Man there are only short time remaining to learn more about their life.
      I realized when my dad left me in 2019... He was growing up in the 50s and when he left this world, I lost access to his untold stories, experiences, wisdom and skills... We need to learn more from people from older generations...

    • @m42037
      @m42037 8 місяців тому +1

      Don't forget anyone over 79 remembers something about the war that were in the camps. Not everyone is 100 years old smh

    • @maryellengrayberg9146
      @maryellengrayberg9146 8 місяців тому +2

      Very moving vid. God Bless these men. RIP Bud.🙏 Time may not heal all wounds but, it can make then easier to bare. Bless all nurses. ❤

  • @michaeldellorso889
    @michaeldellorso889 8 місяців тому +83

    RIP to US Navy WW2 veteran Frank Dellorso. 1919-2004. My hero. Miss you, Grandpa.

    • @floriandugoli5923
      @floriandugoli5923 6 місяців тому +7

      As a frenchman and grandson of a french resistant during WW2, my upmost respect to your grandad. Rest in peace Mr Dellorso and all of the great men that died during that war and never had chance to come back home

    • @crystalheart9
      @crystalheart9 6 місяців тому +6

      RIP Mr. Dellorso.🙏💖

    • @yeedbottomtext7563
      @yeedbottomtext7563 6 місяців тому +1

      RIP Frank Dellorso!

  • @tomnorman2668
    @tomnorman2668 9 місяців тому +158

    Thank you for bringing all these vets together. Bless them all in their final days that they may enjoy peace and no bitterness.

  • @jw7019
    @jw7019 8 місяців тому +91

    The fact that this is only a month old and there are still WWII vets alive makes me sad. Soon they’ll all be gone, and history will be lost to us. No better testimony of history than those who witnessed it.

    • @TheCommieKilla
      @TheCommieKilla 7 місяців тому

      Sadly they are already attempting to rewrite history in saying the holocaust never happened

  • @captncorndog6823
    @captncorndog6823 9 місяців тому +44

    When he said "i meet people & Soliders not enemy today" i cried...this is so beautiful...thank you for everything you do JD

  • @rhondarandle6110
    @rhondarandle6110 9 місяців тому +76

    My Father was in the Battle of the Bulge. They were mostly young men doing what they were told to do. He would have loved to meet like you are doing here. Thank God for those who survived.

  • @reneeochoa1015
    @reneeochoa1015 8 місяців тому +44

    If they can make peace with their enemies before passing, no words, brings me to tears. This is absolutely beyond awesomeness ❤

  • @stephenpegum9776
    @stephenpegum9776 9 місяців тому +98

    I can say without fear of any contradiction JD that this was the most moving episode of HT that I've ever watched. I'm not ashamed to admit that it had me in tears for most of the episode.

  • @Ronaldl2350
    @Ronaldl2350 9 місяців тому +70

    Bud summed it up. "It was a blessing from God to meet him" Especially this time of year to hear about forgiveness. Jack kneeling down to meet the former nurse, just brought me to tears. The joy she has was so sweet. Thank you JD for sharing.

  • @fixfalcon2628
    @fixfalcon2628 9 місяців тому +53

    The fact that we're able to immortalize these moments on crystal clear video and audio is amazing. I hope future generations see this and appreciate it.

  • @americanschweitzer45
    @americanschweitzer45 9 місяців тому +170

    When Jack met the nurse, if you didn’t get goosebumps then you’re not paying attention!!

    • @mikemontgomery2654
      @mikemontgomery2654 9 місяців тому +5

      True that!

    • @trainencounters586
      @trainencounters586 9 місяців тому +9

      It made me cry right along with them.

    • @maryellwood3653
      @maryellwood3653 8 місяців тому +7

      Yeah, made me tear up too, you could almost feel the memories flooding back, their journey was palpable

  • @donnamarsh3474
    @donnamarsh3474 9 місяців тому +216

    Nobel Peace prize for journalism material here!

    • @williamthompson5504
      @williamthompson5504 9 місяців тому

      Research the Nobel Prize. It's BS

    • @bryanfields5563
      @bryanfields5563 9 місяців тому +4

      YES!

    • @Verfassers
      @Verfassers 8 місяців тому +5

      Eine sehr gute Reportage.

    • @stephengiannone5449
      @stephengiannone5449 8 місяців тому +3

      No, that only goes to people who perpetuate war.

    • @schweizer1940
      @schweizer1940 8 місяців тому +3

      Mein Freund Friedrich Latendorf war auch einen Überlebender dieser Schiff der versunken wurde.

  • @cindymcmurray6879
    @cindymcmurray6879 9 місяців тому +28

    Thank you to all the veterans. It was great meeting.

  • @PathfinderHistoryTravel
    @PathfinderHistoryTravel 9 місяців тому +45

    19:56 Powerful. In 2024 American and German veterans apologizing to each other for the damage they took part in. People and countries mature and that is what gives me hope for the future.
    22:21 What a wonderful moment 😢

  • @Spielmanjon
    @Spielmanjon 9 місяців тому +124

    I am a U.S Army Vet, that has been living in Germany since 1997. My Grandpa, was a Airborne soldier for the Americans during the war, so there is a special history for me here. But once you live here long enough, and the Germans have accepted you. You start to hear the stories, of Uncles and Fathers, and soldiers from then. And more often than not, the Germans where happy when the Allied troops showed up. (NOT THE RUSSIANS) Or how the family hid Jewish people helping them escape. They were not all evil. Some of course were, but the majority was not. They were forced to go with what the government rhetoric was or face horrible punishment and or death. I have heard stories, (Stories unconfirmed mind you) that the Germans would simply march into an area and remove all the young men, and Men to basically conscript them to the war effort. Most of the people just wanted to live their lives, just as anyone else in the US, or the world wants to live theirs as well. Franklin D. Roosevelt - 'War is young men dying and old men talking'

    • @court5231
      @court5231 8 місяців тому +4

      I'm so glad you shared this! Thank you!! 🙂❤️

    • @blindenergy6694
      @blindenergy6694 8 місяців тому +14

      "We defeated the wrong enemy" -General George S. Patton

    • @EastBayNorCal
      @EastBayNorCal 8 місяців тому

      @@blindenergy6694 absolutely Joseph Stalin was the true winner of the war

    • @jenniferd6069
      @jenniferd6069 8 місяців тому +6

      My father was rounded up by German in 1942 when he was 18, he was in a forced labour camp but drove German officers around and to camps, he smuggled food into the Jews and he found out the German officers were also smuggling in food. He was born in Holland but his family were German, oma didn’t dare speak anything of the war on the streets , he told me the Germans didn’t want the war either.

    • @Shelly-lz9tm
      @Shelly-lz9tm 8 місяців тому

      Sorry the nazis don't get a pass even today

  • @chrisanderson9856
    @chrisanderson9856 9 місяців тому +33

    This is absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you for bringing us this wonderful meeting. These are the true patriots and heroes! These are the stories we should always remember!!!

  • @ChristyD067
    @ChristyD067 9 місяців тому +45

    Thank you for bringing these stories. My grandparents were from Germany - Opa was in the Kriegsmarine and Oma was a nurse. This brings tears to my eyes. I love the statement - the men were meeting other men, not soldiers. I’m often torn being an American with strong German roots. Love this! ❤

    • @simonsmith1974
      @simonsmith1974 9 місяців тому +6

      You can't help your roots, but you can help what kind of tree you grow into. Our own actions, and character are what define us. Not those of other people.

    • @Buce-ku9vx
      @Buce-ku9vx 6 місяців тому +1

      Opa was captain,Oma was a nurse , My daddy was a bank robber . Sounds like a Clash song.

  • @arielcabalin2746
    @arielcabalin2746 9 місяців тому +24

    What a great story !
    Literally I just got so emotional to see those old warriors making peace after so many years !
    Thank you so much for sharing this amazing story !

  • @BradDrakePN
    @BradDrakePN 7 місяців тому +15

    The interaction of the American gentleman of German descent with the German nurse is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. This man had probably not spoken German since his parents passed and the more he speaks with her, the more it comes back. You can see his eyes light up as he sings with her in German. If you watch close enough during this exchange, it's no longer two people in their 90s anymore; it's a young German girl and a young American boy sharing a song, some laughs, and lots of smiles. This absolutely made my day!

    • @RobertBee-fs8hv
      @RobertBee-fs8hv 4 місяці тому

      The German guy has no problem standing for multi minutes . I at 74 can stand comfortably for one minute

  • @jennyzoliver6718
    @jennyzoliver6718 9 місяців тому +130

    It would have been interesting to have pictures of each of these veterans as they looked 78 years ago.🇺🇸

  • @markchiz64
    @markchiz64 9 місяців тому +23

    This was fascinating JD.
    So touching to see these old warriors respecting each other.
    The segment with the Nurse was so sweet and touching.
    God Bless all who gave theirs lives, and God bless the remaining WWII Veterans.

  • @stephenrrose
    @stephenrrose 9 місяців тому +71

    I'm not crying, You're crying! I was smiling and crying at the same time! Thank you for keeping History Alive! What a great and touching video! Great job to all those involved to bring this together for the Greatest Generation!!!! Well Done JD, Well done!

    • @court5231
      @court5231 8 місяців тому +1

      OMG, me too!!! 🥰

  • @tanweekok1
    @tanweekok1 9 місяців тому +19

    JD, Thank you for this clip. It definitely brings tears to my eyes. Thank you to all the veterans, Americans and Germans.

  • @dbach1025
    @dbach1025 9 місяців тому +16

    This was a huge blessing, JD. Hate destroys. It was fantastic to see these Great Great grandpas showing there is more to their lives than being a soldier. The nurse's welcoming to Jack was as sincere as one can be. God bless these folks.

  • @robynw6307
    @robynw6307 9 місяців тому +12

    In the care facility where I work there is a man of 103 who is a inspiration to us all. This beautiful nurse at 102 is doing just as well. What a delight both she and the SS soldier were. So glad the four veterans had this opportunity.

  • @fredv7487
    @fredv7487 9 місяців тому +38

    My veteran father who passed away at 97 had spent a lot of time in Germany and met a great number of Germany veterans. Many of them were friends for years. There was nothing they couldn't solve over a few beers and good food. Loved growing up and hearing their stories. Another fantastic video JD. Thanks for all you do.

  • @jackthecanuck6736
    @jackthecanuck6736 9 місяців тому +23

    What a beautiful ending to that video JD. My father served in the Canadian army, Italy, Dieppe & ended the war in Holland. He never talked about it much & passed away in 1999. You have enlightened me so much on things that happened during the war & I am much indebted to you. I don't think that you might realize how much that you have given us with these series. I am in your debt. Your UA-cam channel is a great source of knowledge but how you share the humanity of it all is truly touching. Great work sir.

    • @annekpr2009
      @annekpr2009 6 місяців тому

      Canadians liberated my North Dutch town on 13 April '45, god bless your grandfather 🙏

  • @bmcg5296
    @bmcg5296 9 місяців тому +15

    Absolutely great episode J.D.
    Letting these people speak is what is history preserving at its best. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • @mkenels
    @mkenels 9 місяців тому +16

    Incredibly touching to see how these people can come together in forgiveness. What an amazing experience this must have been

  • @jackiemontogmery125
    @jackiemontogmery125 9 місяців тому +13

    I couldn't help but shed some tears during the meeting with the nurse. Just so special and amazing. JD, Eric & Andrew can't thank you all enough for these episodes with the veterans who are still alive. They are tough cookies! Sorry to hear that Bud passed away. Grammy from Texas

  • @Marauder92V
    @Marauder92V 7 місяців тому +10

    Really happy I found this video. My father was 82nd Airborne, 325th Glider Infantry and fought in the Bulge. What made this video special was that my mother was a German nurse and also a war bride. She met my Father when he was part of the Army of Occupation in Berlin.
    This generation exemplified a level of decency that we all can learn from.

    • @megancrager4397
      @megancrager4397 6 місяців тому

      That dynamic is very interesting

    • @Marauder92V
      @Marauder92V 6 місяців тому

      @@megancrager4397 You should have seen what it was like to grow up as their kid. Every month when my Dad’s disability check would show up (he was wounded several times in battle), they went through this routine. My mother would ask for half of the check. And when he protested, she will call him by his full name and say “if it wasn’t for my side, you would be getting nothing”.
      It’s amazing what both of them went through, and yet, they were able to put it behind them and live full happy lives.

  • @joerussell9574
    @joerussell9574 8 місяців тому +16

    These men deserve the utmost respect...ALL these men do!

  • @stefanelzenga2584
    @stefanelzenga2584 9 місяців тому +13

    What is better then to bring two former enemies together and get to talk to each other? Well done guys

  • @antonioperez2623
    @antonioperez2623 9 місяців тому +11

    I was very touched to hear that both veterans apologize to each other for what they did in war.

  • @robertbrannon6909
    @robertbrannon6909 9 місяців тому +22

    This channel is amazing. I love to see these kinds of videos where they meet each other from enemies to friends.

  • @jameswalker1982
    @jameswalker1982 9 місяців тому +13

    While stationed in Germany in the early to mid 80's, I ran across quit a few vets, that seemed to all want to apologize for the war. watching this episode brought that memory roaring back to me.

  • @antonioperez2623
    @antonioperez2623 9 місяців тому +11

    The reunion with former nurse gave me tears.

  • @abigalinjail
    @abigalinjail 8 місяців тому +11

    I was crying from the moment they all met with the German soldier. There's so much humanity in all of this

  • @carylichtman-w6x
    @carylichtman-w6x 9 місяців тому +25

    This may be the best episode you made.

  • @scottspaine4864
    @scottspaine4864 9 місяців тому +43

    This brought tears to my eyes. A senseless war depriving the world of too many people. A clear example of when people get sucked in to an ideology and can become dangerous. God bless the people of the greatest generation.

  • @ljartz1004
    @ljartz1004 9 місяців тому +11

    So emotional. Got a bit teary. Thank you for this, JD.

  • @johngray9669
    @johngray9669 9 місяців тому +51

    They met as "people and soldiers and not enemies today."
    We can remember our history while putting aside the resentment of the past.
    It was great to hear the view from the German perspective.

    • @simonsmith1974
      @simonsmith1974 9 місяців тому +2

      Exactly. If only more of us took that perspective on the past. Learn from the past. But don't build a house and live there. That's unhealthy for anyone

    • @yaboyflvckor456
      @yaboyflvckor456 7 місяців тому

      yea and people say all germans were evil and horendous... no. the ideology simply brainwashed you and the government. the only enemy was CCCP until this day.

    • @ernestclary6035
      @ernestclary6035 2 місяці тому

      Imagine the hate rhetoric that divided them -

  • @undrwtr84
    @undrwtr84 9 місяців тому +23

    The nurse was just precious

  • @bradmiller3367
    @bradmiller3367 9 місяців тому +10

    Absolutely outstanding episode, brought a tear to my eye! Some of my family on my mother’s side came from Wolfau, Austria in the 1920s and there are stories at hat have been passed down about cousins and such, and so there has been an interest in this kind of thing for nigh on 50 years. It simply felt correct to witness these past enemies come together in Peace. Thank you,JD and all of the soldiers and nurse.

  • @heatherwilson9717
    @heatherwilson9717 9 місяців тому +10

    The only people that it really matters what they think of the veterans getting together are the veterans who went. Kudos to you for helping to facilitate it.

  • @toddgreve6587
    @toddgreve6587 9 місяців тому +5

    The meeting of our vets and the nurse was quite moving! It brought tears to my eyes!

  • @tanker335
    @tanker335 9 місяців тому +33

    The look on two of the American veterans faces when they first meet speaks volumes. You can read about the animosity but seeing it is a whole other ballgame.

  • @AwesomesauceME08
    @AwesomesauceME08 9 місяців тому +20

    When Ohla (The Nurse) Said "It's a happy day" It looked like Jack experienced every single name of each of his buddies killed on the western front. Every horror came pouring into his mind, from seeing death to every bullet that wizzed by him to memories he made with them that were the happiest moments with his buddies. It looked like it took every ounce of strength to repeat that sentence back to her. Tragically beautiful moment!

  • @artemisapaulina29
    @artemisapaulina29 8 місяців тому +5

    I'm 56 and these guys have a better memory than mine! Thank you for doing this History Underground!!!

  • @tinaboissonneau
    @tinaboissonneau 9 місяців тому +7

    This video was amazing, how 2 sides can come together after 78 years and talk about their experience in the war, and to see them hug and talk with one another was so amazing, thank you J.D. this video brought tears to my eyes!! Just amazing!!!!

  • @4urluvjones155
    @4urluvjones155 9 місяців тому +50

    Anybody who would criticize this episode should have their head examined. Very touching, specially the end when they visited the nurse. I had tears in my eyes.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  9 місяців тому +4

      🙂

    • @Vbnklll
      @Vbnklll 8 місяців тому

      A lot of people normies have no conscious today. It's all because of social media screwing with their Heads so there Walking like robotic Zombies. They also want to eat insects in the future instead of meat.😮 God save us all.

  • @paulfeise3972
    @paulfeise3972 9 місяців тому +10

    This was the best show.
    The German veteran and nurse were great. The American Veterans they seem to really be glad to meet the Germans.

  • @davidwillis4839
    @davidwillis4839 9 місяців тому +99

    Excellent, excellent, excellent! This episode is like none I've seen on your channel. Who wouldn't like a story of once young combatants meeting as much older/wiser men and women?! Heartwarming to see the nurse and her joy to meet our guys. I was stationed in Germany during the Cold War and have returned several times. Love the country and the people have been nothing but kind.

    • @debbieskrletts725
      @debbieskrletts725 8 місяців тому

      It's hard to believe in 2024 people the human race still engages in warfare.....

  • @oldtanker4860
    @oldtanker4860 9 місяців тому +7

    This was a wonderful video. It was a real heart tugging experience to see the Vets on both sides meeting as friends. The war is over, it was a terrible time but the world now is a better place than that in which they fought and lived.

  • @JonathanSparks-ht4vq
    @JonathanSparks-ht4vq 8 місяців тому +3

    The 75th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg comes to mind. Former confederate and Union soldiers, enemies in battle meeting up. Shaking hands. Sharing memories and singing songs. So beautiful.

  • @your_royal_highness
    @your_royal_highness 9 місяців тому +24

    I read the book about Don Malarkey and a German soldier meeting; they became great friends and they really helped each other heal some of those emotional wounds of war. Nice book

    • @ace9924
      @ace9924 7 місяців тому

      Doesn't that German soldier get executed in Band of Brothers ?

    • @annekpr2009
      @annekpr2009 6 місяців тому

      I read about German and US pilot aces that met and become good friends that would meet often. I believe the German saw this crippled plane, and while in full sight, he decided to not engage..

  • @kdub6800
    @kdub6800 9 місяців тому +8

    This is so wonderful. Made me cry. Thank you for bringing them together and sharing with all of us.

  • @Thefoxsaiddingding
    @Thefoxsaiddingding 7 місяців тому +5

    True gentleman when meeting the nurse. Such a different class from back then.

  • @57Banjoman
    @57Banjoman 9 місяців тому +7

    This series has been amazing-more tears-we are human-what a blessing for these men to meet.

  • @thomashudgins996
    @thomashudgins996 9 місяців тому +8

    Wow! What an incredible video JD. I was brought to tears several times. I never get tired of your videos. I wish you had your own network history show. People should know and understand not only the sacrifice of the past but the cost. You bring it alive to your viewers. Please, do not stop making your videos.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  9 місяців тому

      Thank you. Appreciate that. Too ugly for network tv though. :)

    • @thomashudgins996
      @thomashudgins996 9 місяців тому

      @@TheHistoryUndergroundNot at all. Don't sell yourself short.

  • @wesb2823
    @wesb2823 9 місяців тому +6

    Wow! What an awesome video! Thank you for brining these veterans together. It is good to see old enemies become friends.

  • @ginozucotti
    @ginozucotti 8 місяців тому +3

    This brought me to tears. Incredible to see that these people are/were still around to tell their stories.

  • @risatzinberg1170
    @risatzinberg1170 9 місяців тому +4

    Thank you for all you do. Thank you for this treasure video. God bless the men of the greatest generation that ever was. I had 3 uncles who served with 2 of them in the European theater and one in the Pacific and a cousin who flew with Jimmy Stewart. I love this channel and all your hard work to bring us history thru the eyes of fought and humanizing one of the most horrific wars in human history. Time heals and hearts soften and with that comes wisdom and compassion. As a collective, we must heed the warnings and come together in peace. Otherwise, the sacrifices of these millions of men and women of the greatest generation will have all been in vain. Thank you to all veterans and all who serve today for your service. God bless 🙏❤️

  • @mmotorhead
    @mmotorhead 9 місяців тому +10

    8:20 not only you sir... Jeez... I got very emotional watching this episode.

  • @EricRush
    @EricRush 9 місяців тому +7

    This one moved me more than any other on your channel or any channel.

  • @professorwhat2704
    @professorwhat2704 9 місяців тому +7

    I've been enjoying this series, and this was the best episode yet. Keep up the good work.

  • @PSB-900
    @PSB-900 9 місяців тому +4

    My father was a member of America's greatest generation in the Pacific arena. This particular episode shook me to the core. War is hell but I'm glad that these soldiers/nurse were able to get some closure with these meetings. God Bless all of them.

  • @VayaconChupacabra
    @VayaconChupacabra 9 місяців тому +3

    heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. Tragically beautiful. I am glad that these men and woman had this opportunity to reconnect and possibly get closure, helping each other heal any remaining wounds after all of these decades..

  • @karen-3871
    @karen-3871 16 днів тому

    It's wonderful to see forgiveness so clearly demonstrated. The nurse is absolutely delightful and it was clear that our soldiers were happy to have talked with her. What a heartwarming episode!

  • @emphotoz5450
    @emphotoz5450 9 місяців тому +5

    What a beautiful acene with the nurse and jack! Really lovely, tears in my eyes.
    Thank you for your work and those amazing videos! Regards from South Germany

  • @rustynail8484
    @rustynail8484 8 місяців тому +3

    A wonderful video!! My mother was an army nurse of the army of occupation stationed at the 98th general hospital in Munich. Some of her patients were former German soldiers.

  • @danferrell674
    @danferrell674 9 місяців тому +9

    What a wonderful thing you did for these veterans. I'm sure they appreciated doing this. Keep up the good work. By the way, the quality of your video resolution is outstanding.

    • @danferrell674
      @danferrell674 9 місяців тому

      Could you ever imagine actually talking to an SS Officer! Now to get off your cloud.

    • @danferrell674
      @danferrell674 9 місяців тому

      Got goose bumps when they met the nurse.

  • @old_school_death_metal
    @old_school_death_metal 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for this video! I am german, and deeply touched by it. Hearing Paul saying: "we all should be friends, we are all human beiings with a heart" is beautifull. And yes, he is right.

  • @justinmcmahan5285
    @justinmcmahan5285 9 місяців тому +15

    As a veteran of a foreign war, I’d love the opportunity to go back and meet some of the men we fought against. Thank you for sharing this 🇺🇸🫡🙏🏻

    • @terminallumbago6465
      @terminallumbago6465 8 місяців тому

      Many thanks for your service to our nation. May I ask what conflicts you participated in?

  • @AntiPlatitude
    @AntiPlatitude 7 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for doing this. My grandmother was a Polish Jew who was one of just 2 of our family to survive. I had the pleasure of having her speak to me once about her experience, and it was indeed not easy to hear. This conversation took place about 9 months before she passed away in April of 2022. She told me that she didn’t hate the German soldiers anymore. She admitted that she did for many years, but holding onto that hate didn’t do her or anyone else any good. Not anymore. She, in a way, felt the way that Gerhard did about those Americans. They weren’t enemies anymore. Just people.

  • @roywatkins4654
    @roywatkins4654 9 місяців тому +3

    JD that was possibly the best episode so far. great to see old enemies' sharing a beer. In the eighties i was based in Germany we had a local driving the ambulance he was also SS, he was a lovely man. Sad to read below of Bud's passing. Thank you

  • @edthered1971
    @edthered1971 9 місяців тому +21

    There are no winners in a war, it was a terrible war for the whole world, time does heal and those men are so brave to do what they did with that German solider and replace old horrors and dreadful memories with eternal peace, well done to all who participated to make this happen for them

    • @124Outdoor
      @124Outdoor 9 місяців тому

      Politicians. Arms dealers. Contractors. If there were no winners, there’d be no more wars.

  • @Highspeed_216
    @Highspeed_216 9 місяців тому +4

    To be in the presence of these gentleman had to be truly amazing

  • @bobreece5842
    @bobreece5842 9 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for what should be an award-winning film. Your productions just keep getting better and better, and this one will be hard to surpass.
    An incredible experience to witness former enemies sharing a beer 80 years later. This film was just unbelievable.

  • @chuckmeadows1581
    @chuckmeadows1581 9 місяців тому +9

    JD, absolutely brilliant video! Exceptionally well done. This is a very important history lesson and should be shown in schools everywhere! Thats for all your hard work to bring this content to us.

  • @ArAkBmttd
    @ArAkBmttd 9 місяців тому +12

    I got goosebumps watching this!

  • @liberationpocket7950
    @liberationpocket7950 8 місяців тому +3

    At this point in their life, they're more than happy to know that others have survived the war, regardless if they were enemies or not. Really beautiful

  • @mistersurrealist
    @mistersurrealist 8 місяців тому +1

    I don't cry easily, but when the nurse and the bombardier started singing together I burst into tears.
    There was a childlike joy and connection between all of them, it was really heartwarming.

  • @RK57AZ
    @RK57AZ 9 місяців тому +17

    This had to be one of my favorite episodes to date!
    The grace displayed by these former opponents was nothing short of amazing.
    The nurse singing with the US vet was the best!
    I’ve seen the exact opposite from other veterans from 3 of the last 5 conflicts we have been in.
    I don’t have anything bad to say about those who can’t stand arm in arm with a former foe with an extended hand.
    They earned the right to feel the way they do!
    It’s just really moving to see the warriors meet and greet a former foe with an open hand.
    As always stay safe and healthy.

  • @unclemonkey7001
    @unclemonkey7001 9 місяців тому +3

    Hats off and Hearts out to these gentlemen. It takes a HUGE heart to let bygones be bygones from both sides. We need more men like them.

  • @oifiismith
    @oifiismith 9 місяців тому +8

    Aloha and Mahalo! JD, for another great and touching video. As a warfighter and being wounded in Iraq,OIF2, I had no problem getting rid of evil in this world. My heart cried for the innocent and friends that were killed. War is never a good answer. Leaders need to do everything possible to avoid it. War only destroys everything/everyone involved in it. Don't get me wrong I wanted to be a soldier most of my life. Always be prepared to go to war, but a last resort and only for JUST reasons.
    Much love, bruddah🤙

  • @harryshriver6223
    @harryshriver6223 8 місяців тому

    Thanks!
    I was truly inspired as mesmerized by the story which left genuine tears in my eyes😢I was so touched by watching the German nurse and former American soldier sing that song in German, it was truly sweet and beautiful❤

  • @jesse7579
    @jesse7579 9 місяців тому +7

    Your absolute best work yet JD. What a special piece

  • @wb4367
    @wb4367 8 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for this moving video. I'm impressed by the english skills of the german elders. They remind me of my (german) grandparents that passed away some years ago. Mine however were never really able to talk about the war and their feelings about it. I remember when I was a kid my grandma cleaned up her attic and found a letter from 1945, telling her that her brother has fallen on the eastern front. She broke into tears immediately even 60 years later. Truly a generational trauma.

  • @whitneydodson2757
    @whitneydodson2757 9 місяців тому +3

    This was absolutely beautiful and heartwarming. Blessings, love, honor, and respect to not only everyone in this video but to the men and women who were and are in every area of the military. Even those we saw in this video who served in the German military. This may not have sounded right but my heart means well.

  • @csaint6780
    @csaint6780 9 місяців тому +2

    Thanks JD for bringing these WW2 vets together, one of my favorite episodes!! and that touching moment when the Nurse was singing with the Bomber, it left a lump in my throat ,again thanks JD and Respect to all involved

  • @beanhavok2287
    @beanhavok2287 9 місяців тому +27

    I'm 48 years old now, and I remember when these guys were in their 50s.
    Tough MFrs....

    • @John-mf6ky
      @John-mf6ky 6 місяців тому

      I'm 30, I remember when the Vietnam guys were in their 40s and 50 and the WW2 guys were in like their 70s and 80s. Now most of the second world war guys are gone and the Vietnam guys are all in their 70s.

  • @charlesmullins3238
    @charlesmullins3238 9 місяців тому +7

    Man o man…very powerful…the tears…feelings hard to describe

  • @thomaskipfer1008
    @thomaskipfer1008 7 місяців тому +3

    It was a great privilege to see former enemies on such good terms. The good old human spirit made this meeting such a tremendous success.