@@maxlange5517never too late to delete this crap. the browning was pretty damn good Automatic Rifle for its time a held its uses across multiple wars. 30.06 would tear you tf up dude. Very reliable and much easier to maneuver than the 30 cal that usually needed a fire team.
I was lucky enough to go to a Bob Hope Show when i was in the Navy in 1985 San DIego, felt an attachment to the WWII Korean and Vietnam War era, I was in the Cold War years ending with Panama invasion and Gulf War I
My grandfather was a BAR gunner in the first marine division. Fought at Okinawa and Peleliu. He died when I was 12 always wish I could’ve heard his stories. Guys like Mr. Shipe are a national treasure
@jccook5353 My uncle Cal was BAMF 3Bat/4th Marines he told me the only weapons he carried WWII & Korea (yes, he was on the frozen Chosin) was the 1911 .45, Tommy .45 subMG and the 30-06 BAR with weapons stood the challenge and were ahead of their time.. He could with the BAR drop a triple row of Japanese in a charge at Okinawa. He was separated from his BAR after he was critically wounded. He always shed a tear for the weapon that got him through the islands... he prayed that his BAR would save many more Marines.
You would be shocked how many actors served. Lee Marvin, Eddy Albert, Bronson, Stewart, Garner… it is a remarkable list. Like how he smiled when they gave him the rifle.
My pap was first wave Iwo Jima and he was a bar man also he loved his weapon the only downside he had was keeping it clean in volcanic ash and it’s weight but he was also carrying his own ammo because his ammo man found a bar from a fallen marine so they figured two was better then one
@ awsome they where definitely special people to go threw all that and be completely stable and head strong Amazing still think of him when I think I can’t do something
@ ya pops said officers flamethrowers machine gunners bar men then targets of opportunity he said you could find 1911’s everywhere that the officers got rid of so they didn’t stick out
It actually frightens me. Think about it. They are still 20 in thier mind but stuck in that prison of an aging body. No disrespect intended of course but it's always been an aspect of mortality that truly disturbs me
Some of them. My elderly relatives suffered through the isolation of Covid and it didn't do them any good at all. Memory problems and Alzeimers diagnosis etc
Thank you Sir, you may not consider yourself a hero. But, not 1 day of my life goes bye without the greatest admiration for the greatest generation! I am forever grateful to all who sacrificed and served!
Its incredible seeing these guys who are so old, but still sharp as a tack mentally. This dude recalls what happened 79 years ago, I forgot what I ate for breakfast....
The M-60 is a support weapon it’s not like the BAR. The BAR was a weapon men ran with and fired on the run. The m-60 had tripods for a reason it was placed on the ground and used for suppressing fire. I’m sure you could run and shoot with it but you wouldn’t be very accurate with it.
This is what a real man looks like. Thank you sir for fighting for, defending and securing our freedom. May we learn to be more like you in heart, deed and spirit. 🦅🇺🇸❤️
Absolutely. I'd pay to sit around guys like this in awe of their experience but also out of respect. Nobody told them you have to go, they knew the calling
They fought and died for nothing but a rich mans power struggle to control the world. theirs a reason our founding fathers warned against getting involved overseas. Look at our freedom getting stripped year after year. they fought for NOTHING.
Loved this video. My grandpa was a BAR man in Company G, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. He once told me that he'd melted the barrel of his BAR during the Battle of the Bulge from all the shooting that he did. He said that his sergeant told him "You really did it this time" and had to go off and find a replacement BAR for my grandpa to use.
The absence of a changeable barrel was a problem for maintaining the rate of fire with a B.A.R. The barrel would overheat and suffer damage. My father (WWII, Korea, Vietnam) told me it was difficult for a B.A.R. gunner to avoid "shooting the barrel out" when things got hot.
@@franktatom1837 Thanks for that tidbit of information! I knew that the barrels on the BAR would get hot, not only from what my grandpa had said, but also I'd learned from another WWII veteran that was also a BAR man in Europe (I don't remember his division) that said that the barrel of his BAR would glow red from prolonged shooting. However, I didn't realize that "shooting the barrel out" was so common of a problem. It makes sense though, because like you said, there wasn't a changeable barrel which would have been super helpful in maintaining the weapon. When one barrel starts to glow from the heat, changing to a second barrel so that the first barrel could cool would have been really helpful. Thanks again, it's also nice to learn the term for that!
@JayEvans1911A1 My father said the gunner would know when this occurred because the bullets would go in all sorts of crazy directions, and you couldn't aim the gun anymore.
@@franktatom1837 Thanks for that as well! I didn't hear it, but one of my relatives remembered hearing my grandpa say that he could "mow the grass" with a BAR. He'd turn the rifle on it's side and use the gun's recoil to strafe.
@@joshwelner1951 Yes, he is an American hero. It is very sad and a shame that the president elect thinks this man and millions like him are suckers and losers.
Transported a patient last week due to having a slip and fall at his LTC. He is a 108 years old army veteran (sergeant) retired from the Canadian Airforce. Impressive he didn't break a single bone and is still alive at 108. He teared up telling me stories about his experiences during the world war. Forgetful on the short term of course, but held a conversation extremely well. Said that he never smoked or drank alcohol.
God bless you Mr Shipe and wishing you a very merry Christmas!! Forever thankful for the service and sacrifice of those who answered the call to action for our great nation and so thankful to be able to hear their stories
The greatest generation. This man exemplifies it. Modest but dedicated. My uncle was a Marine on Iwo and he carried a BAR. He owned a lot of guns and even brought home a Samurai sword that he had taken from an officer during battle. When I first saw that sword in his glass front gun case (nobody had gun safes) I asked about it. And if I could hold it? He said ok, but don’t pull the sword out of the sheath. So he laid the sword across my two hands. I examined it and was in complete awe. He then slowly took it back. I asked him if he would take out the sword out? He said he would but not to touch the blade, that it’s sharper than any knife you will ever see. He slowly pulled the sword from the sheath and it actually made that sound you see in the movies. I looked at the edge blade up close and it was so thin that it almost seemed transparent. Simply amazing craftsmanship. You knew that many people died by the edge of this blade. My cousin has it now. Not sure what will happen to it but my uncle was offered $100k for it. He turned down the offer.
You're story is BS. Japanese soldiers carried shin gunto. These were cheap modern swords mass produced during the war. They were no sharper or better than any other sword, and certainly not worth 100k even to this day as a war relic. Now, its possible an antique katana could've been acquired directly from Japan but you specifically said it was taken off of an officer, and they wouldn't have been carrying antique katana into battle.
@@preparedsurvivalist2245He said he took it from an officer. Higher ranking officers could carry their own swords. It may well have been his family's sword as opposed to the standard officer's issue.
@@preparedsurvivalist2245Some of the swords were family heirloom weapons, passed down from father to son for generations. That sword may be hundreds of years old. Only the markings on the blade could say for certain.
@@TheAKgunner The thing is, even if it was old and a family heirloom, it still doesn't mean it will be worth a lot to a collector. It would need to come from a reputable swordsmith, in which case, the family would've known that and likely would've protected the sword and not let it get lost in battle... considering the Japanese lost almost every battle.
My grandfather was an MG gunner in WWI and he told my dad he always respected he’ll out of the BAR - don’t think he was issues one but he spoke to my dad about it’s reliability and portability ( probably compared to his heavy water cooled MG.). It was still on service in the 50s when my Dad was in the Marines and he said same thing. Despite its shortcomings I never heard anyone say it wasn’t a solid reliable weapon - just heavy and the 20 rd mag wasn’t enough in a firefight...
My Dad was a combat veteran in Korea from 1952-53. He was in the 2nd ID, 38 Inf. Reg, 8th Army. He told me the BAR was a crucial weapon for them on top of the hill outpost Princeton. Nothing better he said. Only slight drawback was the weight.
I own a live-firing BAR and with a 20 round loaded mag, the thing is a pig. Its so damn heavy. I cannot imagine carrying it during combat with all that additional ammo and my other equipment. Some of these men were like 5'6 -5'7, 150lbs, carrying a 20lb rifle with 200+ rounds of ammo and all their equipment... That is a wild thing to think about.
They were intended to mostly be fired while lying on the ground, using a short bipod near the front of the barrel. When firing it, the assistant would continually be either handing new magazines to the shooter or may have been popping out the empty ones and jamming full ones into the weapon himself. I could never understand why they didn't make a 30-round magazine or even bigger.
@ When they were first produced during WW1, they were designed to be used in a concept called walking fire. Soldiers would hold them and walk across no mans land shooting at trenches to suppress the enemy while others ran towards enemy lines. Americans still practiced walking fire during WW2 but instead of walking slowly, the entire firing squad would light a position up while moving to ensure whatever they were shooting at stayed put until they got to it
Respectfully sir, no, YOU were the greatest weapon. The BAR was just your paintbrush. What an amazing person of service and amazing video. God bless this gentleman 96 years old and not a day over 36.
My father carried the BAR as a Marine in the Korean war. He loved his Browning; gave him much comfort at night when his platoon was dug into their foxholes waiting for the Chinese and North Korean human wave attacks. Said the stopping power of the .30-.06 rounds was tremendous.
My Dad, was a BAR man in Italy. Though his stature was small with a weapon nearly as tall as he was, he like it because he did not have to carry his ammo which was assigned to another man. He landed at Anzio but was wounded outside of Pizza. After getting, by himself, to the forward aid station his wounds were so great that he was put into an induced coma until April of '45 after the surgery.
@@hanoitripper1809 I would have to assume so, it wouldn't of made sense for them to be completely unarmed. I'm guessing they had some type of lighter gun like an M1 carbine or a Thompson as to not weigh them down too much.
@@GilbertJones-cv9yf I think more often, an assistant to the BAR gunner might have used a much lighter-weight M-1 carbine, which could have been more easily carried with a shoulder-strap.
@@stevemcdonald1033 Generally the M1 was lighter with a clip of 5 rounds while the BAR had 20 rounds. As this man stated his 20 round clips were held anyway he could pack them into his personal gear on his body. Spiting out rounds at 300 or 500 per min was fast even when just 3 or 5 round bursts.
These men are who helped shape our country! They carry such kindness, courage,humility and love of family and country. We owe them our total graditude. My father served in WW2 also. They were called the greatest generation for a most patriotic reason! They will never be forgotten or replaced!! Thank you sir for your honor and commitment to our country!! I wish you the happiest and healthiest of New Year! Forever indebted!
I thank him for his service. I hope somebody gave that to him as a Christmas gift.😅😅 merry Christmas to all watching this hero of our country. And happy new year to him and everybody watching this video.😊😊
My father carried a BAR on Okinawa in Company I 382nd Regiment of the 96th Infantry Division. If you’ve seen the movie “Hacksaw Ridge”, it depicts the EXACT time my father was in combat with the Japanese. He was one of many, many replacements in that division as it took horrendous casualties. He joined the division when it was pulled off the line for rest and replacements in early May 1945. They moved back to the front lines around May 10th. It is a miracle he survived Okinawa. The replacements got slaughtered because they were poorly trained and had no combat experience.
Unreal. Mel Gibson did a great job of depicting the hell on earth that was Okinawa. It's a miracle you are here, your father could have been killed easily. Merry Christmas from 🇭🇲 Australia
We do. It's called a "squad automatic weapon". It was replaced by the SAW M249 which is a badass weapon. They just switched over to the XM250. The light machine gun role absolutely did not disappear after the BAR was retired.
I am watching this on Christmas 🎄 day 2024 and this would not of been possible if it wasn't for this brave man and countless others like him.. What I would give to be able to sit down and have a long talk with this amazing man.. Thank you for your service 🙏 ❤️..
My Grandad, British 6th Airborne, fought alongside the American 82nd at the Ardennes offensive. The greatest generation. We owe this gentleman such a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. Freedom and Democracy is such a fragile thing. So hard to fight for and keep, but so easily lost. Great respect, and best wishes to this fine man. I hope he lives forever, as he has earnt it.
Thank you for your service, sir! My Dad was a 19 year old buck sergeant and his squad’s BAR man when he and his comrades in arms hit Normandy Beach June 6, 1944. We are forever grateful to all of you, the greatest generation. 🙏🙏🙏
Blows my mind how young he looks and how sharp his mind is . There are people who come back from war with PTSD there are people that come back ten times happier healthier wiser . This guy probably accomplished more in life then he ever dreamed of . Just the level of intelligence that’s instilled in mind is astounding. Reciting his stories so accurately has to be related with how profound and serious. The moments are in the midst of a combat. My grandfather was the first person to enlist in World War II in his town in Ohio, and he absolutely enjoyed and loved every day he served he got the purple heart. He saved wounded soldiers in the middle of combat kinda like Forrest Gump. He was only a 5 foot four Italian and he hadsuch a one of a kind personality. I miss him and his stories so much.
As a fellow history enthusiast, I wanted to give props to @American Veterans Center for taking the time and effort to create these recordings. Listening to recordings of those who lived through world events is a priceless piece of knowledge. Learning and understanding . . . educating one's self by listening to the experiences of others is a special thing.
My Grandfather served in Korea during the war. He carried a BAR. He loved it as much as Robert does! My grandfather also had a ammo bearer but he told me that he stopped that quickly because he just wanted to carry the ammo himself so he doesnt have to put another mans life at risk. My grandpa was a heavy weapons specialist so he also got to use 50 Cals, 105mm recoiless rifles and other heavy weapons. Thank you for your service Robert!! I enjoyed the stories!! Reminds me of when my Grandpa Jack would tell me about Korea. I sure do miss him.🦅🇺🇲
God Bless this Man!! Thank you for your service. Because of him and men like him, we are watching this in a warm, comfortable house in the USA speaking English. Not German or Japanese.
"It was heavy, but you endured." I carried a M60 in OIF3 from 11/2004 to 12/13/2005 and I felt the same way. If you need it, God forbid you ever need it. It's there, your ready, and it's the right tool for the job. These men paved our way. The love and respect never ends for the brothers before me.
Sir I'm so sorry what you went through. Thank you so much sir for our freedoms today. You are a true hero. And I hope people recognize that. The brave. Are true heros.Thank you Sir for you service.
5:57 "There was no more time for bullsh- for that" 😂 I love how you can know how they talked in the field but in public or around women/children they were taught to use respectful language!
Wow my Father had the Thompson and I met his BAR buddy. When he was old he opened up and said they tore the hell out of the Japanese . 32nd Army Infantry Division most time in combat 43 percent of WWII I believe was 666 days in
Join the fight and help honor our military heroes' sacrifice at the Purple Heart Foundation - purpleheartfoundation.org/
Seek salvation.
John 1:1-14
John 3:16
Romans 10:9
Still sharp at 97. 😂
You better have given him that rifle
Fäßzinnatink his Face lvx diffrent zen büllitz thö ^^
May God bkess yiu American Warriors!
Dude is 96 years old...crisp and clear headed still
And his voice still sounds so young!
@@maxlange5517 for its time it would of been great
@@maxlange5517never too late to delete this crap. the browning was pretty damn good Automatic Rifle for its time a held its uses across multiple wars. 30.06 would tear you tf up dude. Very reliable and much easier to maneuver than the 30 cal that usually needed a fire team.
@@maxlange5517 the few guys I've had the luck to speak with that used one, all loved it
@@maxlange5517 Compared to what at the time? You have something better?
The smile on his face when he held it again is priceless.
Yeah, that was like hello my old friend, we are back in business..
His face lit up, like he was given a small puppy
It, in fact, is quite sad all the same.
@@doh4828Is not sad, it's poignant.
That thing probably saved his life countless times vs the m1
On Christmas Eve of 2024 we still have veterans like this that we should should be eternally thankful for!
Very few, unfortunately. Even the Korea vets are in their 90s now.
Trump's "losers" are amazing, last great generation. Both my GPs...
Hell ya!!! This is what it is about.
Man has never forgotten!
@@bdpage2023 Your the loser lib.
Hell yeah ! He’s a true hero
This man is living history. Bob hope you found peace in life after the war.
Amen! Thank you for your service.
I was lucky enough to go to a Bob Hope Show when i was in the Navy in 1985 San DIego, felt an attachment
to the WWII Korean and Vietnam War era, I was in the Cold War years ending with Panama invasion and Gulf War I
Bob Hope, now that's a great American
Bob Shipe?
From England - My greatest respect and best wishes to Mr Shipe. We owe so much to these young men who stepped up back then. God bless.
Absolutely 🏴👍🫡
This fine Gentleman, ROCKS! Thank you dear Sir for your Great Service ♥️🫶🕯🇺🇲🕯🫶♥️
My grandfather was a BAR gunner in the first marine division. Fought at Okinawa and Peleliu. He died when I was 12 always wish I could’ve heard his stories. Guys like Mr. Shipe are a national treasure
My stepfather was a Marine and carried a BAR at Peleliu too. Great guy. But he would not talk about the war at all.
@jccook5353 My uncle Cal was BAMF 3Bat/4th Marines he told me the only weapons he carried WWII & Korea (yes, he was on the frozen Chosin) was the 1911 .45, Tommy .45 subMG and the 30-06 BAR with weapons stood the challenge and were ahead of their time.. He could with the BAR drop a triple row of Japanese in a charge at Okinawa. He was separated from his BAR after he was critically wounded. He always shed a tear for the weapon that got him through the islands... he prayed that his BAR would save many more Marines.
Thank you sir for your service and your story.
Merry Christmas Mr Shipe, thank you for your service to America. 🇺🇸
No politician, no sports star, no rock star, no billionaire tech dude can hold a candle to this man…thank you sir
You would be shocked how many actors served. Lee Marvin, Eddy Albert, Bronson, Stewart, Garner… it is a remarkable list. Like how he smiled when they gave him the rifle.
Humbling to watch a real hero
Why do you have e candles?
I wish I could up vote this comment way more than once.
@@dudermcdude9245I don’t know any of those people
My pap was first wave Iwo Jima and he was a bar man also he loved his weapon the only downside he had was keeping it clean in volcanic ash and it’s weight but he was also carrying his own ammo because his ammo man found a bar from a fallen marine so they figured two was better then one
My Dad was on Iwo too. He was a BAR man too.
@ awsome they where definitely special people to go threw all that and be completely stable and head strong Amazing still think of him when I think I can’t do something
Yes 2 bars are better than one.
A BAR man who was in the pacific said you didn't want to run them wide open because the Japanese would kmow you had one and take you out first.
@ ya pops said officers flamethrowers machine gunners bar men then targets of opportunity he said you could find 1911’s everywhere that the officers got rid of so they didn’t stick out
It always amazes me how sharp their memories are.
Me too my mom was born during the war and can’t remember what she had for breakfast
It actually frightens me. Think about it. They are still 20 in thier mind but stuck in that prison of an aging body. No disrespect intended of course but it's always been an aspect of mortality that truly disturbs me
Experiences like these, you don't ever forget.
Some of them. My elderly relatives suffered through the isolation of Covid and it didn't do them any good at all. Memory problems and Alzeimers diagnosis etc
Even if you wanted too
Thank you Sir, you may not consider yourself a hero. But, not 1 day of my life goes bye without the greatest admiration for the greatest generation! I am forever grateful to all who sacrificed and served!
Its incredible seeing these guys who are so old, but still sharp as a tack mentally. This dude recalls what happened 79 years ago, I forgot what I ate for breakfast....
Long term memory is different from short term memory..the neuronal connections are different
did your breakfast try to kill you? 😂
@@Jacob-zv7xwamazing work 😅
I started my army career with the M-60. Some people hated it, some loved it. I was no fan of its weight, but it was awesome for firepower.
They heavy but kicks ass
It takes a real man to go in the field with that much weight. No complainers need apply.
The pig. I packed one 84-86.
The M-60 is a support weapon it’s not like the BAR. The BAR was a weapon men ran with and fired on the run. The m-60 had tripods for a reason it was placed on the ground and used for suppressing fire. I’m sure you could run and shoot with it but you wouldn’t be very accurate with it.
Three to five round burst release, three to five round burst release
The price of freedom is never free. God Bless our Great Veterans.
This is what a real man looks like. Thank you sir for fighting for, defending and securing our freedom. May we learn to be more like you in heart, deed and spirit. 🦅🇺🇸❤️
Absolutely. I'd pay to sit around guys like this in awe of their experience but also out of respect. Nobody told them you have to go, they knew the calling
They fought and died for nothing but a rich mans power struggle to control the world. theirs a reason our founding fathers warned against getting involved overseas. Look at our freedom getting stripped year after year. they fought for NOTHING.
Loved this video. My grandpa was a BAR man in Company G, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. He once told me that he'd melted the barrel of his BAR during the Battle of the Bulge from all the shooting that he did. He said that his sergeant told him "You really did it this time" and had to go off and find a replacement BAR for my grandpa to use.
Saw that with the saw it’s no lie. Gets so hot it turns white and you can see the flashes of black flying through the barrel.
The absence of a changeable barrel was a problem for maintaining the rate of fire with a B.A.R. The barrel would overheat and suffer damage. My father (WWII, Korea, Vietnam) told me it was difficult for a B.A.R. gunner to avoid "shooting the barrel out" when things got hot.
@@franktatom1837 Thanks for that tidbit of information! I knew that the barrels on the BAR would get hot, not only from what my grandpa had said, but also I'd learned from another WWII veteran that was also a BAR man in Europe (I don't remember his division) that said that the barrel of his BAR would glow red from prolonged shooting. However, I didn't realize that "shooting the barrel out" was so common of a problem.
It makes sense though, because like you said, there wasn't a changeable barrel which would have been super helpful in maintaining the weapon. When one barrel starts to glow from the heat, changing to a second barrel so that the first barrel could cool would have been really helpful. Thanks again, it's also nice to learn the term for that!
@JayEvans1911A1 My father said the gunner would know when this occurred because the bullets would go in all sorts of crazy directions, and you couldn't aim the gun anymore.
@@franktatom1837 Thanks for that as well! I didn't hear it, but one of my relatives remembered hearing my grandpa say that he could "mow the grass" with a BAR. He'd turn the rifle on it's side and use the gun's recoil to strafe.
The veneration for the weapon that his life depended on. God bless this man for all the sacrifices.
What an amazing American hero!!
Yes
Hey, @@joshwelner1951 nice to see you here, have a Merry Christmas!
@seth1704 Merry Christmas to you and family as well
@@joshwelner1951 Yes, he is an American hero. It is very sad and a shame that the president elect thinks this man and millions like him are suckers and losers.
@@diffened no the current "president" thinks that.
Thank you, sir!
That gentleman helped keep the whole world safe thank you for your service
TBF he didnt keep the world safe. he MADE the world safe.
when he got involved, the world was a very UNSAFE place.
I wonder how the world would look if America never got involved sometimes
@@ripvanwinkle2002 But now it's SO much safer huh? they fought for elite oligarchs that just wanted power, he fought for nothing. look at America now.
Hasn’t held one in 78 years and he can take that gun apart , name every piece and put it back together. Incredible. WW2 was yesterday for him
Transported a patient last week due to having a slip and fall at his LTC. He is a 108 years old army veteran (sergeant) retired from the Canadian Airforce. Impressive he didn't break a single bone and is still alive at 108. He teared up telling me stories about his experiences during the world war. Forgetful on the short term of course, but held a conversation extremely well. Said that he never smoked or drank alcohol.
did he tell you about his mulato grandkids?
God bless you sir.
Merry Christmas to everyone as well ❤️
Thank ya'all for serving. Merry Christmas ya'all! 💚 ❤️ ❤️💚❤️💚
God bless you Mr Shipe and wishing you a very merry Christmas!! Forever thankful for the service and sacrifice of those who answered the call to action for our great nation and so thankful to be able to hear their stories
Seeing that BAR was just like he had laid eyes on a best friend he hasn't seen in 78 years! Sad yet beautiful! 😢😊
Incredible man. I love the way he talks about his BAR like a baby’s loving father. Holds it like a baby as well!
Thank You so much for your service and lovely dedications to Our Beautiful USA Dear American Sir.🥰😍🤗❤🤍💙💯
The greatest generation. This man exemplifies it. Modest but dedicated. My uncle was a Marine on Iwo and he carried a BAR. He owned a lot of guns and even brought home a Samurai sword that he had taken from an officer during battle. When I first saw that sword in his glass front gun case (nobody had gun safes) I asked about it. And if I could hold it? He said ok, but don’t pull the sword out of the sheath. So he laid the sword across my two hands. I examined it and was in complete awe. He then slowly took it back. I asked him if he would take out the sword out? He said he would but not to touch the blade, that it’s sharper than any knife you will ever see.
He slowly pulled the sword from the sheath and it actually made that sound you see in the movies. I looked at the edge blade up close and it was so thin that it almost seemed transparent. Simply amazing craftsmanship. You knew that many people died by the edge of this blade. My cousin has it now. Not sure what will happen to it but my uncle was offered $100k for it. He turned down the offer.
You're story is BS. Japanese soldiers carried shin gunto. These were cheap modern swords mass produced during the war. They were no sharper or better than any other sword, and certainly not worth 100k even to this day as a war relic. Now, its possible an antique katana could've been acquired directly from Japan but you specifically said it was taken off of an officer, and they wouldn't have been carrying antique katana into battle.
@@preparedsurvivalist2245He said he took it from an officer. Higher ranking officers could carry their own swords. It may well have been his family's sword as opposed to the standard officer's issue.
@@preparedsurvivalist2245Some of the swords were family heirloom weapons, passed down from father to son for generations. That sword may be hundreds of years old. Only the markings on the blade could say for certain.
@@TheAKgunner The thing is, even if it was old and a family heirloom, it still doesn't mean it will be worth a lot to a collector. It would need to come from a reputable swordsmith, in which case, the family would've known that and likely would've protected the sword and not let it get lost in battle... considering the Japanese lost almost every battle.
@ They probably thought it would never happen to them. You’d be amazed how often that mindset afflicts people.
My grandfather was an MG gunner in WWI and he told my dad he always respected he’ll out of the BAR - don’t think he was issues one but he spoke to my dad about it’s reliability and portability ( probably compared to his heavy water cooled MG.). It was still on service in the 50s when my Dad was in the Marines and he said same thing. Despite its shortcomings I never heard anyone say it wasn’t a solid reliable weapon - just heavy and the 20 rd mag wasn’t enough in a firefight...
BAR was a turd...
My Dad was a combat veteran in Korea from 1952-53. He was in the 2nd ID, 38 Inf. Reg, 8th Army. He told me the BAR was a crucial weapon for them on top of the hill outpost Princeton. Nothing better he said. Only slight drawback was the weight.
Thanks to all our Veterans who served. Semper Fi.
You don’t forget the means that kept you alive, and saved the lives of others … he knows it inside and out… God bless…
You don't forget the lives you had to take either i would assume.
Thank you for this holiday season!
Eyes lit up when he held it again! Love that generation.
I own a live-firing BAR and with a 20 round loaded mag, the thing is a pig. Its so damn heavy. I cannot imagine carrying it during combat with all that additional ammo and my other equipment. Some of these men were like 5'6 -5'7, 150lbs, carrying a 20lb rifle with 200+ rounds of ammo and all their equipment... That is a wild thing to think about.
30-06
They were intended to mostly be fired while lying on the ground, using a short bipod near the front of the barrel. When firing it, the assistant would continually be either handing new magazines to the shooter or may have been popping out the empty ones and jamming full ones into the weapon himself. I could never understand why they didn't make a 30-round magazine or even bigger.
@ When they were first produced during WW1, they were designed to be used in a concept called walking fire. Soldiers would hold them and walk across no mans land shooting at trenches to suppress the enemy while others ran towards enemy lines.
Americans still practiced walking fire during WW2 but instead of walking slowly, the entire firing squad would light a position up while moving to ensure whatever they were shooting at stayed put until they got to it
I have the hunting rifle version in Remington 7mm magnum, with a 3 rnd internal mag.
@uhtred7860 that's actually a different rifle altogether
Genuinely thankful for your service. Badass
He was, although the BAR was heavily flawed as a squad light machine gun, but they had nothing else at the start of the war.
putting together a gun blindfolded. :o wow that's impressive.
I love this man's spirit. He's sharp as a tack and has a good sense of humor.
Thank you for your service!! 🙏 You are an invaluable source of information to the men in their twenties and thirties right now
Respectfully sir, no, YOU were the greatest weapon. The BAR was just your paintbrush. What an amazing person of service and amazing video. God bless this gentleman 96 years old and not a day over 36.
My father carried the BAR as a Marine in the Korean war. He loved his Browning; gave him much comfort at night when his platoon was dug into their foxholes waiting for the Chinese and North Korean human wave attacks. Said the stopping power of the .30-.06 rounds was tremendous.
God bless you, sir, and thank you for your service to our country!
My Dad, was a BAR man in Italy. Though his stature was small with a weapon nearly as tall as he was, he like it because he did not have to carry his ammo which was assigned to another man. He landed at Anzio but was wounded outside of Pizza. After getting, by himself, to the forward aid station his wounds were so great that he was put into an induced coma until April of '45 after the surgery.
Did the ammo carriers also have their own rifle of some kind?
@@hanoitripper1809 I would have to assume so, it wouldn't of made sense for them to be completely unarmed. I'm guessing they had some type of lighter gun like an M1 carbine or a Thompson as to not weigh them down too much.
@@hanoitripper1809 Usually he carried his M1.
@@GilbertJones-cv9yf I think more often, an assistant to the BAR gunner might have used a much lighter-weight M-1 carbine, which could have been more easily carried with a shoulder-strap.
@@stevemcdonald1033 Generally the M1 was lighter with a clip of 5 rounds while the BAR had 20 rounds. As this man stated his 20 round clips were held anyway he could pack them into his personal gear on his body. Spiting out rounds at 300 or 500 per min was fast even when just 3 or 5 round bursts.
These men are who helped shape our country! They carry such kindness, courage,humility and love of family and country. We owe them our total graditude. My father served in WW2 also. They were called the greatest generation for a most patriotic reason! They will never be forgotten or replaced!!
Thank you sir for your honor and commitment to our country!! I wish you the happiest and healthiest of New Year! Forever indebted!
thank you Sir, for all you have done for us
This gentleman still sounds as sharp as ever. You would think he was a Vietnam vet not WW2 based off his looks. Incredible.
Respect
This is fantastic! Merry Christmas 🎄
I really can't wish these men any better verbally, as there are no words to describe how much I love these men and how they served out nation.
I thank him for his service. I hope somebody gave that to him as a Christmas gift.😅😅 merry Christmas to all watching this hero of our country. And happy new year to him and everybody watching this video.😊😊
My father carried a BAR on Okinawa in Company I 382nd Regiment of the 96th Infantry Division. If you’ve seen the movie “Hacksaw Ridge”, it depicts the EXACT time my father was in combat with the Japanese. He was one of many, many replacements in that division as it took horrendous casualties. He joined the division when it was pulled off the line for rest and replacements in early May 1945. They moved back to the front lines around May 10th. It is a miracle he survived Okinawa. The replacements got slaughtered because they were poorly trained and had no combat experience.
Unreal. Mel Gibson did a great job of depicting the hell on earth that was Okinawa. It's a miracle you are here, your father could have been killed easily. Merry Christmas from 🇭🇲 Australia
No doubt, the greatest generation. Happy Holidays and God Bless
The kind of man we want in our forces. This man is still a warrior. His mental sharpness is unbelievable for his age. Thank you sir🫡
Wish we still had BAR men! Respect to this badass legend and hero! Americas finest!
@@Onlyusemesuede every soldier is a BAR man now, given the firepower each soldier possesses.
We do. It's called a "squad automatic weapon". It was replaced by the SAW M249 which is a badass weapon. They just switched over to the XM250.
The light machine gun role absolutely did not disappear after the BAR was retired.
@@brad238899 M60 mostly replaced the BAR way before the M249
I am watching this on Christmas 🎄 day 2024 and this would not of been possible if it wasn't for this brave man and countless others like him..
What I would give to be able to sit down and have a long talk with this amazing man..
Thank you for your service 🙏 ❤️..
Thank you for your service!
My Grandad, British 6th Airborne, fought alongside the American 82nd at the Ardennes offensive. The greatest generation. We owe this gentleman such a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. Freedom and Democracy is such a fragile thing. So hard to fight for and keep, but so easily lost. Great respect, and best wishes to this fine man. I hope he lives forever, as he has earnt it.
A hero.
Thank you, sir, for fighting for America's freedom.
God Bless this Man and his whole lineage. A true American for sure.
Thank you all that have served are serving and those who will serve.🇺🇸❤️
Thank you for your service, sir! My Dad was a 19 year old buck sergeant and his squad’s BAR man when he and his comrades in arms hit Normandy Beach June 6, 1944. We are forever grateful to all of you, the greatest generation. 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks!
Thank you sir. Thank you to all that served. Merry Christmas to you and all those around you 🎄🎅
Thank You for your service Mr. Shipe.
It brought tears to my eyes thinking of this man’s service. Thank you, Sir. God Bless you
He’s a proud veteran . And he should be proud . These people
Need to be cherished
Thank you for your service and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for you service sir.
Thank you sir for your service, above and beyond.
My grandfather was a tail gunner on a flying fortress . These guys were amazing.
You should read "Masters of The Air" excellent book.
Blows my mind how young he looks and how sharp his mind is . There are people who come back from war with PTSD there are people that come back ten times happier healthier wiser . This guy probably accomplished more in life then he ever dreamed of . Just the level of intelligence that’s instilled in mind is astounding. Reciting his stories so accurately has to be related with how profound and serious. The moments are in the midst of a combat. My grandfather was the first person to enlist in World War II in his town in Ohio, and he absolutely enjoyed and loved every day he served he got the purple heart. He saved wounded soldiers in the middle of combat kinda like Forrest Gump. He was only a 5 foot four Italian and he hadsuch a one of a kind personality. I miss him and his stories so much.
it needs a bigger magazine and quick change barrel
then it's an lmg, not an automatic rifle. it seems silly to make that distinction, but that's where our doctrine was at the time.
Built in 1918.
Thank you sir for your service! God Bless You!
🇺🇸
Wonderful weapon...U.S. Army ...ret.
What a great interview! What a great American, Bob is! Thank you for sharing this with us!
We owe these brave men EVERYTHING
As a fellow history enthusiast, I wanted to give props to @American Veterans Center for taking the time and effort to create these recordings. Listening to recordings of those who lived through world events is a priceless piece of knowledge. Learning and understanding . . . educating one's self by listening to the experiences of others is a special thing.
Love this guy. John Browning was a genius. .
My Grandfather served in Korea during the war. He carried a BAR. He loved it as much as Robert does! My grandfather also had a ammo bearer but he told me that he stopped that quickly because he just wanted to carry the ammo himself so he doesnt have to put another mans life at risk. My grandpa was a heavy weapons specialist so he also got to use 50 Cals, 105mm recoiless rifles and other heavy weapons. Thank you for your service Robert!! I enjoyed the stories!! Reminds me of when my Grandpa Jack would tell me about Korea. I sure do miss him.🦅🇺🇲
Thank you, Sir, for your service
God Bless this Man!! Thank you for your service. Because of him and men like him, we are watching this in a warm, comfortable house in the USA speaking English. Not German or Japanese.
God bless this man !!
"It was heavy, but you endured." I carried a M60 in OIF3 from 11/2004 to 12/13/2005 and I felt the same way. If you need it, God forbid you ever need it. It's there, your ready, and it's the right tool for the job. These men paved our way. The love and respect never ends for the brothers before me.
Wow just thank them all
Thank you sir for your sacrifice your loyalty your dedication and your service to our great country.
The 97th Infantry Division of the United States Army was nicknamed the "Trident Division".
Sir I'm so sorry what you went through. Thank you so much sir for our freedoms today. You are a true hero. And I hope people recognize that. The brave. Are true heros.Thank you Sir for you service.
RESPECT SIR
Thank you for your service Sir!🇺🇸 It baffles me there is only a single Veterans Day, yet there is an entire pride month. Our veterans deserve more!
5:57 "There was no more time for bullsh- for that" 😂 I love how you can know how they talked in the field but in public or around women/children they were taught to use respectful language!
I caught that too. As his memories of that time came back, so did the language. Now a gentleman, he caught it. “I wish I could take it home with me!”
Merry Christmas sir!
Thank you for your service!
USAF veteran...
2:51 heres a vet that called it a "clip" for those ppl who love to say "it's not a clip. it's called a mag" 😂
There were two versions, one with a 20 round box MAGAZINE and the belt fed version with an ammo box.
Get on google and save yourself the embarrassment
@@LorisSawmillIt wasn't belt fed. Look it up.
@goobers_garage_ there's no embarrassment to be had but thanks. If og say clip I'll take his word for it over Google.
Thanks for all these videos, guys.
My dad was a Thomson sub machine gun but he said he and his buddy had BAR and put them to together and not much could get by.
Wow my Father had the Thompson and I met his BAR buddy. When he was old he opened up and said they
tore the hell out of the Japanese . 32nd Army Infantry Division most time in combat 43 percent of WWII
I believe was 666 days in
God Bless this man... sharp as a tac with a sense of humor..WW2 vets were just built differently....
A true American warrior.
Thank you and God Bless you sir!