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

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  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,2 тис.

  • @TheHistoryUnderground
    @TheHistoryUnderground  7 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 6 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.

  • @Melior_Traiano
    @Melior_Traiano 7 місяців тому +388

    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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 місяців тому

      All of my relatives are dead

  • @DivAgent556
    @DivAgent556 8 місяців тому +731

    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 8 місяців тому +20

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

    • @dbach1025
      @dbach1025 8 місяців тому +16

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

    • @MittenStateArchery
      @MittenStateArchery 8 місяців тому +9

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

    • @pmccoy8924
      @pmccoy8924 8 місяців тому +8

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

    • @gergemall
      @gergemall 8 місяців тому +10

      God Bless these gentleman from the Greatest Generation ❤

  • @simonsmith1974
    @simonsmith1974 8 місяців тому +394

    The nurse meeting the veterans was the sweetest.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  8 місяців тому +44

      Yes, it was. She is amazing.

    • @pmccoy8924
      @pmccoy8924 8 місяців тому +27

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

    • @simonsmith1974
      @simonsmith1974 8 місяців тому +13

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

    • @ccmaxWW2
      @ccmaxWW2 8 місяців тому +7

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

    • @palaver40
      @palaver40 8 місяців тому +11

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

  • @RockGuitarist1
    @RockGuitarist1 8 місяців тому +373

    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 8 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 місяців тому +81

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

    • @floriandugoli5923
      @floriandugoli5923 5 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 5 місяців тому +6

      RIP Mr. Dellorso.🙏💖

    • @yeedbottomtext7563
      @yeedbottomtext7563 5 місяців тому +1

      RIP Frank Dellorso!

  • @darrinsmith1588
    @darrinsmith1588 8 місяців тому +224

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

  • @oscarmadison8530
    @oscarmadison8530 7 місяців тому +179

    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 6 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 6 місяців тому +5

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

    • @capt.6644
      @capt.6644 5 місяців тому +7

      @@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 4 місяці 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 3 місяці тому

      ​@@amarranazoyou must be delulu

  • @captncorndog6823
    @captncorndog6823 8 місяців тому +43

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

  • @jw7019
    @jw7019 6 місяців тому +89

    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 5 місяців тому

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

  • @americanschweitzer45
    @americanschweitzer45 8 місяців тому +170

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

    • @mikemontgomery2654
      @mikemontgomery2654 8 місяців тому +5

      True that!

    • @trainencounters586
      @trainencounters586 7 місяців тому +9

      It made me cry right along with them.

    • @maryellwood3653
      @maryellwood3653 7 місяців тому +7

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

  • @tomnorman2668
    @tomnorman2668 8 місяців тому +157

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

  • @fixfalcon2628
    @fixfalcon2628 8 місяців тому +52

    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.

  • @jennyzoliver6718
    @jennyzoliver6718 8 місяців тому +129

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

  • @donnamarsh3474
    @donnamarsh3474 8 місяців тому +214

    Nobel Peace prize for journalism material here!

  • @rhondarandle6110
    @rhondarandle6110 8 місяців тому +74

    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.

  • @Ronaldl2350
    @Ronaldl2350 8 місяців тому +69

    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.

  • @stephenpegum9776
    @stephenpegum9776 8 місяців тому +96

    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.

  • @PathfinderHistoryTravel
    @PathfinderHistoryTravel 8 місяців тому +44

    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 😢

  • @reneeochoa1015
    @reneeochoa1015 7 місяців тому +44

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

  • @ChristyD067
    @ChristyD067 8 місяців тому +44

    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 8 місяців тому +5

      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 5 місяців тому +1

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

  • @BradDrakePN
    @BradDrakePN 6 місяців тому +14

    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 3 місяці тому

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

  • @undrwtr84
    @undrwtr84 7 місяців тому +23

    The nurse was just precious

  • @chrisanderson9856
    @chrisanderson9856 8 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!!!

  • @cindymcmurray6879
    @cindymcmurray6879 8 місяців тому +28

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

  • @paulfeise3972
    @paulfeise3972 8 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.

  • @scottspaine4864
    @scottspaine4864 8 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.

  • @arielcabalin2746
    @arielcabalin2746 8 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 !

  • @your_royal_highness
    @your_royal_highness 8 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 6 місяців тому

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

    • @annekpr2009
      @annekpr2009 5 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..

  • @carylichtman-w6x
    @carylichtman-w6x 8 місяців тому +25

    This may be the best episode you made.

  • @dbach1025
    @dbach1025 8 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.

  • @bmcg5296
    @bmcg5296 8 місяців тому +15

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

  • @tanker335
    @tanker335 8 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.

  • @antonioperez2623
    @antonioperez2623 8 місяців тому +11

    The reunion with former nurse gave me tears.

  • @johngray9669
    @johngray9669 8 місяців тому +49

    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 8 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 5 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 27 днів тому

      Imagine the hate rhetoric that divided them -

  • @abigalinjail
    @abigalinjail 7 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

  • @Marauder92V
    @Marauder92V 6 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 5 місяців тому

      That dynamic is very interesting

    • @Marauder92V
      @Marauder92V 5 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.

  • @robynw6307
    @robynw6307 7 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.

  • @AwesomesauceME08
    @AwesomesauceME08 7 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!

  • @joerussell9574
    @joerussell9574 7 місяців тому +16

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

  • @stefanelzenga2584
    @stefanelzenga2584 8 місяців тому +13

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

  • @Spielmanjon
    @Spielmanjon 8 місяців тому +123

    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 7 місяців тому +4

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

    • @blindenergy6694
      @blindenergy6694 7 місяців тому +14

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

    • @EastBayNorCal
      @EastBayNorCal 7 місяців тому

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

    • @jenniferd6069
      @jenniferd6069 7 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 7 місяців тому

      Sorry the nazis don't get a pass even today

  • @markchiz64
    @markchiz64 8 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 8 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 7 місяців тому +1

      OMG, me too!!! 🥰

  • @robertbrannon6909
    @robertbrannon6909 8 місяців тому +22

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

  • @Smonkey320
    @Smonkey320 6 місяців тому +5

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

  • @jackthecanuck6736
    @jackthecanuck6736 8 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 5 місяців тому

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

  • @jackiemontogmery125
    @jackiemontogmery125 8 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

  • @jameswalker1982
    @jameswalker1982 8 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 8 місяців тому +10

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

  • @heatherwilson9717
    @heatherwilson9717 7 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.

  • @tanweekok1
    @tanweekok1 8 місяців тому +18

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

  • @beanhavok2287
    @beanhavok2287 8 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 5 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.

  • @ljartz1004
    @ljartz1004 8 місяців тому +11

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

  • @mmotorhead
    @mmotorhead 8 місяців тому +10

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

  • @edthered1971
    @edthered1971 8 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 7 місяців тому

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

  • @professorwhat2704
    @professorwhat2704 8 місяців тому +7

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

  • @artemisapaulina29
    @artemisapaulina29 7 місяців тому +5

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

  • @TheRagratus
    @TheRagratus 8 місяців тому +75

    This reminds me of the interview of Shifty Powers in BoB, "I like to fish, maybe he liked to hunt, if not for the war we might have become good friends".

    • @Finncastv
      @Finncastv 7 місяців тому +1

      Such a good series

    • @naraaway
      @naraaway 6 місяців тому

      Its a series or is a real interview? If is a interview I would like to see it

    • @Finncastv
      @Finncastv 6 місяців тому +1

      @@naraaway well it’s all acted, however all of those characters are based on real ww2 vets

    • @richardc-ex7rt
      @richardc-ex7rt 5 місяців тому

      @@naraawayBoth. Shifty talks about it in the last episode.

  • @JonathanSparks-ht4vq
    @JonathanSparks-ht4vq 7 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.

  • @ArAkBmttd
    @ArAkBmttd 8 місяців тому +12

    I got goosebumps watching this!

  • @rustynail8484
    @rustynail8484 7 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.

  • @4urluvjones155
    @4urluvjones155 7 місяців тому +49

    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  7 місяців тому +4

      🙂

    • @Vbnklll
      @Vbnklll 7 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.

  • @57Banjoman
    @57Banjoman 8 місяців тому +7

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

  • @toddgreve6587
    @toddgreve6587 8 місяців тому +5

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

  • @bradmiller3367
    @bradmiller3367 8 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.

  • @charlesmullins3238
    @charlesmullins3238 8 місяців тому +7

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

  • @Highspeed_216
    @Highspeed_216 8 місяців тому +4

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

  • @oifiismith
    @oifiismith 8 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🤙

  • @ginozucotti
    @ginozucotti 7 місяців тому +3

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

  • @EricRush
    @EricRush 8 місяців тому +7

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

  • @tinaboissonneau
    @tinaboissonneau 8 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!!!!

  • @RickJZ1973
    @RickJZ1973 8 місяців тому +11

    I really enjoy hearing the German perspective. Gerhart wrote a book. I have an autographed copy.

    • @backpain4ever505
      @backpain4ever505 8 місяців тому +1

      what is the name of the book?

    • @RickJZ1973
      @RickJZ1973 8 місяців тому +3

      @@backpain4ever505 My time as an Untersturmfuhrer in the Waffen SS pioneers by Gerhard Femppel. Book was a limited edition printing with an autograph and signed card.

    • @seanodwyer4322
      @seanodwyer4322 7 місяців тому

      @@RickJZ1973 would it be in the Auckland city public library on Lorne street.- ???????- ahh have read all 16 books off - Sven Hassell- Dane.- Butt ahh not sure iff his over the Top Books are True, or iff he and his wife made it all upp.- ????????

  • @davidwillis4839
    @davidwillis4839 8 місяців тому +98

    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 7 місяців тому

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

  • @jesse7579
    @jesse7579 8 місяців тому +7

    Your absolute best work yet JD. What a special piece

  • @oldtanker4860
    @oldtanker4860 8 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.

  • @kdub6800
    @kdub6800 8 місяців тому +8

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

  • @thomashudgins996
    @thomashudgins996 8 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  8 місяців тому

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

    • @thomashudgins996
      @thomashudgins996 8 місяців тому

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

  • @mkenels
    @mkenels 8 місяців тому +16

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

  • @justinmcmahan5285
    @justinmcmahan5285 8 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 7 місяців тому

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

  • @frantisekkovar5851
    @frantisekkovar5851 7 місяців тому +4

    Absolutely extraordinary! These beautiful people didn’t win a lottery, they are just happy to see each other after a looong time, experienced tough times. There is a lot a lot to learn from this! 😢👏

  • @emphotoz5450
    @emphotoz5450 8 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

  • @indy6781
    @indy6781 8 місяців тому +6

    your video's are so inspiring, so much history and sadness.

  • @wackmaster31
    @wackmaster31 8 місяців тому +5

    Your videos never cease to amaze me. OUTSTANDING!

  • @LotusFlöte
    @LotusFlöte 6 місяців тому +5

    It was moving to watch the old lady and all the old soldiers who were young people at that time. Now grown old and forgiving. They were victims of that time. 😢

  • @unclemonkey7001
    @unclemonkey7001 8 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.

  • @IrishTechnicalThinker
    @IrishTechnicalThinker 7 місяців тому +1

    I cried my eyes out at the end, so moving and extremely emotional to witness. Persevering history is so important. That woman is a beast, she survived a sinking worse than the Titanic and the joy in her face is awe-inspiring. Thank you JD and excellent work. Wow!

  • @PSB-900
    @PSB-900 7 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.

  • @deserteagle9025
    @deserteagle9025 7 місяців тому +1

    Fantastic and really moving story. The nurse lady aged 104 years was incredibly sharp!!!

  • @chuckmeadows1581
    @chuckmeadows1581 8 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.

  • @wesb2823
    @wesb2823 8 місяців тому +6

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

  • @thomaskipfer1008
    @thomaskipfer1008 5 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.

  • @zekesgirl100
    @zekesgirl100 8 місяців тому +5

    21:51. The gentleman going to the dog. Pulled my heartstrings

  • @roywatkins4654
    @roywatkins4654 7 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

  • @mocpehusrainey4961
    @mocpehusrainey4961 8 місяців тому +16

    My dad flew in the forgotten war of WWII flying cargo planes over the "HUMP" in the Himalayas from India into China to support the China against Japan from 1942 -1944. He always said if the Japanese Zeros didn't get you the altitude or weather would. They used to call it the aluminum highway because all you had to do was follow the crashed airplanes to get where you were going. His airplane was shot down over Burma where he parachuted, and after a week or so was captured by a headhunter tribe known as the Naga Hill head hunters. They traded him to a British outpost for opium and shiny things. You have a great channel but sometimes I think people tens to forget there was a viscous war in the pacific. God Bless the greatest generation.

    • @jeanineking7311
      @jeanineking7311 8 місяців тому +4

      Thank you for posting. I listen to the “Unauthorized History of the Pacific War” for information about the Pacific theater. God Bless your father and all who served.

    • @seanodwyer4322
      @seanodwyer4322 7 місяців тому

      Read that New Zealand troops carryed extra hand- grenade when fightin Japs in pacific islands.- iff they thought they were goin to be captured they would commit suicide with that grenade.- Charles Srimmegeor off Waipawa was one that did kill himself on soloman islands

    • @richardkirk5098
      @richardkirk5098 7 місяців тому +4

      Your dad was a hero

    • @christopherkucia1071
      @christopherkucia1071 7 місяців тому

      There was war on every continent except maybe North America lol…. Even in SA there were wars during that time. It REALLY was a WORLD war….

    • @John-mf6ky
      @John-mf6ky 5 місяців тому +1

      Respect, Such an interesting part of WW2 history! Also overlooked for the most part, unless you're into WW2 history. I bet he had crazy stories to tell!

  • @w0happ3l
    @w0happ3l 8 місяців тому +4

    Tnx JD and the rifle for doing this. We are all just human. Coming from a dutch/german family. Were my grandfather fought along side the english and my uncle served in the SS/hitlerjugend. I enjoyed this clip very much

  • @TheNeeblez
    @TheNeeblez 8 місяців тому +3

    All I can say is "wow" what a beautiful video. Thank you!

  • @whitneydodson2757
    @whitneydodson2757 8 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.

  • @claudio68097
    @claudio68097 5 місяців тому +1

    The singing was so wholesome! It's amazing that moment was captured in time

  • @liberationpocket7950
    @liberationpocket7950 7 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