Mr Tatum always looked about 30 years younger than he was. What a man he was. I think what kept him so young in spirit is the exhilaration he chased for so many years. A legendary Marine, a legendary racer, a legendary man. From bow to stern he was a truly remarkable man. Warms my heart to have come across this video today.
This guy is in great shape for a ww2 vet! His head is so clear and he looks young as hell. If I didn't know any better I would've thought he was a vietnam vet
Anyone who could survive an inferno like Iwo Jima is beyond our simple understanding. I think we all have a duty never to forget what they did and what they suffered.
Most likely this statement will always seem to come off as hyperbole, or making them out to be ‘supermen’ of one type or another. The men themselves without fail would deny it or redirect it to someone else - But generally (and also sometimes specifically) speaking, it also is the unavoidable & absolute truth. The ‘Greatest Generation’ very much earned that nickname. Because looking at WW II & what actually WAS at stake as a whole, Mr Tatum & his comrades from each & all of our armed services quite literally saved the world. As time passes we need to make a point of ensuring that our younger generations are never allowed to not know what these men did. Their actions in battle both individually & also with each other. What they sacrificed and too often lost as a result. Sounding as if it’s ‘hyperbole’ after all is only possible due to the immense task they each had in front of them. Men such as Mr Tatum, Gunny Basilone, and the countless others that were just like them… well, they deserve much more than a paragraph in a textbook or a bank holiday or a parade. They deserve every honor we could bestow them with. And so incredibly sadly, with every day that passes we lose the opportunity to let them hear/see/know just how much we appreciate them.
Semper Fi Chuck Tatum, wish I could have met you. Also among the Iwo Marines was a BAR Man named Burt Taylor my sweetheart's Dad. I was fortunate to know him for a few years. Also a humble Marine, you wouldn't a thought he'd been a Marine BAR man but of course he was. Evelyn his daughter, and I were their when he was given full military honors at the Phoenix National Cemetery, Semper Fi Burt, Chuck, John, and All the Marines! Also Semper Fi to My Dad John Hall.
Your nervous laughter says it all. You're remembering hell and damn happy that you lived through it but at the same time it seems like you're about to cry. Thank you, Mr. Tatum and all the vets who had to do what no one should have to do but they did it anyway for their buddies and for us. (though at the the time they were only trying to stay alive)
I knew him. I had no idea he did any of this. He never talked about it. My stepsister was best friends with his daughter Rhonda. He was a great guy and was very creative.
pfdrtom yes sir, very true. However, if you may be aware, John Basilone was awarded the MOH at Guadalcanal but insisted on returning to his boys at Iwo Jima.
I live 8 miles from Basilone's hometown of Raritan, NJ. Greatly revered there.Statue, yearly parade, bridge, school, hs football game, section of library, US postage stamp, NJ HOF much more .Even better known for MOH action on Guadalcanal. My brother met his brother Salvatore in a medical center. Tatum's bronze star was for saving a wounded marine on Iwo before getting wounded and evacuated himself. If I recall l,he was on TV once promoting his book. Love his passionate historical eyewitness account of what happened back then for following generations to learn and know.
What an amazing story, the courage of those young men is unbelievable. Because of them we are free.im glad most of them are not around to see what's happening to this country.
Incredible courage and humility. To survive that he'll and then thrive in life the way he did. Basilone came close to making it back to his men. Legend
it's the first time i have heard from anybody who was with basilone and how he actually died. all of these guys deserve the medal of honor. i once worked for a man who was on iwo jima. his brother died there. he was an alcoholic. no wonder. glad to hear from someone who was there and can tell it like it really was.
We are thankful for the heroic action of this man and so many others who gave their lives for our freedom. Men like this are what inspired me to serve 6 Years also, along with my father who served in Korea in Army 7th division.
I didnt know he had died, I didn't realize he was the Famous Chuck Tatum Car Builder from L.A. . You feel so grateful that they had a great life after the War but I read his Obituary and it says that three of his five Kids died or were Killed, ? His Boy and two Daughters. but has ten Grandchildren and eight Great grandchildren.
At about 1:03, Mr. Tatum mentions his friend's name: Was that name "Wendel" or "Mendel" ? My last name is Wendel. My Uncle Ernest Wendel passed from injuries sustained after being MIA for 70 days on Guadalcanal. I wonder if it's a cousin. BTW, Hand Salute, MARINE!
Horror of any kind is hard to describe!!! Thanks so much for being a soldier!!! Veterans Day salute to the fallen. Poem titled "Are you still there." Are you still there waiting - soldier? Is the sound of wind comforting to you. Is the mountains peaceful for resting? An orchestra is coming there soon, To help pass some of your time. The music of a deep love can help Wait for the orchestra. An orchestra is coming.
Never call a Marine a soldier ,he worked very hard to claim the tittle of United States Marine,it's in the Marines hymn just saying not calling you out on it or anything like that
Just checked my dad's old 5th Marine Division Book. It shows PFC. Charles(Chuck) Tatum 27th Marine Regiment awarded Bronze Star. My father fought the whole battle as well - he was with 5th Marine Div, 26th Marine Regiment. GySgt Basilone posthumously awarded Navy Cross. Word was some thought he should have been awarded a second MOH but due to the fact that he was of Italian heritage and we had been at war with Italy it was not to be.
It is of the highest priority to play these vet memory videos to our kids and grandchildren and so on. Many people killing many people because few d***s in power say so - should never ever happen again on this planet between our kind!
I wish that he would have said about how long he was on Iwo Jima. I can only hope that I will look that good at his age. Hell, I can only live to that age !!!!
I think of these men, 85%are under 21, most just 19 years of age, fighting, leading others, flying fighters and bombers. I look at what's running around America today and wonder what would happen if we had to fight for our very lives today. Would there be enough MEN to step up and save our country?
@@tokenjoy he`s not even in power yet bonehead , and besides he`s gonna be real busy fixing pres tv-guys charades. good luck watching reruns of the apprentice lmao.
Mr Tatum always looked about 30 years younger than he was. What a man he was. I think what kept him so young in spirit is the exhilaration he chased for so many years. A legendary Marine, a legendary racer, a legendary man. From bow to stern he was a truly remarkable man. Warms my heart to have come across this video today.
This guy is in great shape for a ww2 vet! His head is so clear and he looks young as hell. If I didn't know any better I would've thought he was a vietnam vet
The man is 86 in this interview.
@@MuttTheHoople was he sadly passed away if I'm correct
@@xlibshua yes he passed in 2014, a legend
@@MuttTheHoople that’s amazing...I initially figured this was filmed in the 1980s since he looks about 60
@@MuttTheHoople still looked good
Ive always admired this guy...he chuckles when you know he wants to cry...RIP
Still affected by the memories of that awful time and place. God bless you and thanks for your service .
For life!
Anyone who could survive an inferno like Iwo Jima is beyond our simple understanding.
I think we all have a duty never to forget what they did and what they suffered.
George Oberlander every school student should be taught about these battles and the sacrifices made for our peace and freedom
Most likely this statement will always seem to come off as hyperbole, or making them out to be ‘supermen’ of one type or another. The men themselves without fail would deny it or redirect it to someone else - But generally (and also sometimes specifically) speaking, it also is the unavoidable & absolute truth. The ‘Greatest Generation’ very much earned that nickname. Because looking at WW II & what actually WAS at stake as a whole, Mr Tatum & his comrades from each & all of our armed services quite literally saved the world. As time passes we need to make a point of ensuring that our younger generations are never allowed to not know what these men did. Their actions in battle both individually & also with each other. What they sacrificed and too often lost as a result. Sounding as if it’s ‘hyperbole’ after all is only possible due to the immense task they each had in front of them.
Men such as Mr Tatum, Gunny Basilone, and the countless others that were just like them… well, they deserve much more than a paragraph in a textbook or a bank holiday or a parade. They deserve every honor we could bestow them with. And so incredibly sadly, with every day that passes we lose the opportunity to let them hear/see/know just how much we appreciate them.
Semper Fi Chuck Tatum, wish I could have met you.
Also among the Iwo Marines was a BAR Man named Burt Taylor my sweetheart's Dad. I was fortunate to know him for a few years. Also a humble Marine, you wouldn't a thought he'd been a Marine BAR man but of course he was. Evelyn his daughter, and I were their when he was given full military honors at the Phoenix National Cemetery, Semper Fi Burt, Chuck, John, and All the Marines! Also Semper Fi to My Dad John Hall.
I had the honor of meeting Mr Tatum; he is a true American hero, very humble and very brave....
God Bless Chuck Tatum and his family. A true American hero.
Your nervous laughter says it all. You're remembering hell and damn happy that you lived through it but at the same time it seems like you're about to cry. Thank you, Mr. Tatum and all the vets who had to do what no one should have to do but they did it anyway for their buddies and for us. (though at the the time they were only trying to stay alive)
I'm currently reading Chuck's book. His writing is so personal. I will watch the interview after I finish.
Rest in peace, sir.
This exact situation with Basilone and Tatum on Iwo Jima was portrayed in the HBO series The Pacific.
They did an excellent job at portraying it
This is one of the most detailed iwo jima accounts i have seen.
semper fidelis!
RIP. Man aged like wine, he looks 70 here
Jun 22, 2014 - Charles William Tatum Obituary - Charles W. “Chuck” Tatum, of Stockton, CA, died on Sunday, June 22nd, 2014 at Dameron Hospital.
Hell I'm 54 and he looked way better than me! lol. R.I.P. Chuck.
@@romani008 His C.O. Upstairs finally gave him permission to Die. Semper Fi Marine !
@@Gitarzan66 I’m pretty sure this was an older interview that was posted years later. He looks too young right?
@@COACHWARBLE Everything I've seen with him he just looks young. I guess he took care of himself.
What a true Hero God bless you sir and thank you from the bottom of my heart
Red Blood,Black sand is a great book reading it right now
I highly recommend his book. He was quite a character...and a real Marine.
Thank God for men like Chuck Tatum.
I read his book. All respect to you and your fellow marines
I knew him. I had no idea he did any of this. He never talked about it. My stepsister was best friends with his daughter Rhonda. He was a great guy and was very creative.
What an awesome guy this guy is!
Many thanks for everything..
You were an awesome human being.
I absolutely salute you!
basilone was a badass
They all were, antra, all of them.
pfdrtom yes sir, very true. However, if you may be aware, John Basilone was awarded the MOH at Guadalcanal but insisted on returning to his boys at Iwo Jima.
@@pfdrtom And look at today's 17 to 20 something youth....Embarrassing !
I live 8 miles from Basilone's hometown of Raritan, NJ. Greatly revered there.Statue, yearly parade, bridge, school, hs football game, section of library, US postage stamp, NJ HOF much more .Even better known for MOH action on Guadalcanal. My brother met his brother Salvatore in a medical center. Tatum's bronze star was for saving a wounded marine on Iwo before getting wounded and evacuated himself. If I recall l,he was on TV once promoting his book. Love his passionate historical eyewitness account of what happened back then for following generations to learn and know.
I thank God for the men of the Greatest Generation. May they R.I.P.
What an amazing story, the courage of those young men is unbelievable. Because of them we are free.im glad most of them are not around to see what's happening to this country.
Incredible courage and humility. To survive that he'll and then thrive in life the way he did. Basilone came close to making it back to his men. Legend
it's the first time i have heard from anybody who was with basilone and how he actually died. all of these guys deserve the medal of honor. i once worked for a man who was on iwo jima. his brother died there. he was an alcoholic. no wonder. glad to hear from someone who was there and can tell it like it really was.
These first hand accounts of what happened are incredible an survivor of the first wave is even better
Real man, thank you
And all like you
We are thankful for the heroic action of this man and so many others who gave their lives for our freedom. Men like this are what inspired me to serve 6 Years also, along with my father who served in Korea in Army 7th division.
My grandfather was in the 7th division and was in Korea.
Rest In Peace. Job well done. That’s a hell of a citation.
I'm currently reading his book rite now, great book
What amazing acts of selflessness. Never forget what these heroes sacrificed!!!
I didnt know he had died, I didn't realize he was the Famous Chuck Tatum Car Builder from L.A. . You feel so grateful that they had a great life after the War but I read his Obituary and it says that three of his five Kids died or were Killed, ? His Boy and two Daughters. but has ten Grandchildren and eight Great grandchildren.
THANK YOU FOR SERVICE SIR. SEMPER FI!!!
Gunny Basilone.....incredible
God Bless your soul and all who serve as you did. RIP
I happened to see this video on February 9th, 2023. Long live the memory of the veterans of the Pacific theater.
Wow, incredible story!
Truly legendary.
Thank God for men like him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a MAN!!
At about 1:03, Mr. Tatum mentions his friend's name: Was that name "Wendel" or "Mendel" ? My last name is Wendel. My Uncle Ernest Wendel passed from injuries sustained after being MIA for 70 days on Guadalcanal.
I wonder if it's a cousin.
BTW, Hand Salute, MARINE!
I appreciate that these interviews took place to hear how it actually transpired and feel fortunate that I did not have to go through such Hell.
Might want to remind that to the democrats. Seems they are looking for war and have no clue the sacrifice and horror war causes...
First time I saw him I legit thought he was 60
Truly the most amazing generation!
He looks to be in really good shape to have been on Iwo,god bless him for his valor and sacrafice
Every American must know the stories of these heroes.
And today's kneelers think they have a cause. I'm embarrassed for them. Semper Fi!
Stephen Carpenteri
And we have a draft dodger as president. Go figure.
They kneel to honor the troops, numb nuts.
God bless him and all that sacrificed every ting for us.
Hell of a story. Hell of a man. His voice and mannerisms remind me of Dennis Hopper a little.
The heavy breathing tells it all in my opinion. Hes getting so worked up remembering it all
Can't dislike this
Horror of any kind is hard to describe!!! Thanks so much for being a soldier!!!
Veterans Day salute to the fallen.
Poem titled "Are you still there."
Are you still there waiting - soldier?
Is the sound of wind comforting to you.
Is the mountains peaceful for resting?
An orchestra is coming there soon,
To help pass some of your time.
The music of a deep love can help
Wait for the orchestra.
An orchestra is coming.
Never call a Marine a soldier ,he worked very hard to claim the tittle of United States Marine,it's in the Marines hymn just saying not calling you out on it or anything like that
Where is the rest of the video ?
A Hell of a man
Just checked my dad's old 5th Marine Division Book. It shows PFC. Charles(Chuck) Tatum 27th Marine Regiment awarded Bronze Star. My father fought the whole battle as well - he was with 5th Marine Div, 26th Marine Regiment. GySgt Basilone posthumously awarded Navy Cross. Word was some thought he should have been awarded a second MOH but due to the fact that he was of Italian heritage and we had been at war with Italy it was not to be.
RIP hero
Guy looks about 55
The Japanese had the whole island preregistered for their mortar rounds. No place was safe.
Semper Fi. Uncommon valor was a common virtue.
Chuck always looked a lot younger than what he was
No way he was a WWII vet. When was this recorded?
It is of the highest priority to play these vet memory videos to our kids and grandchildren and so on. Many people killing many people because few d***s in power say so - should never ever happen again on this planet between our kind!
Respect respect brave men 👍👍
semper fi
“The #1 hero in the marine core is dead by 10:30 in the morning” so sad RIP
I wish that he would have said about how long he was on Iwo Jima. I can only hope that I will look that good at his age. Hell, I can only live to that age !!!!
My father saw Basalon killed by mortar he was in Basalons outfit. 27th marines
I think of these men, 85%are under 21, most just 19 years of age, fighting, leading others, flying fighters and bombers. I look at what's running around America today and wonder what would happen if we had to fight for our very lives today. Would there be enough MEN to step up and save our country?
👍👍👍
Damn if he’s 80 something then damn
This man looks better than some 50 year olds I know...
Was he born in 1950s?
1926, at the time of the battle Tatum was 18 years old.
Bobby Allen back then if you were 18 or 19 years old in combat you are a baby. You’re an old man once you turn 21.
This guy does not look old at all.
He was about early to mid 80s in this interview! Great genes!
The dislikes must be from hipsters
Dude looks late 50s early 60s damn
A Hero!
Chuck looks like he's only old enough to be a Vietnam vet.
These guys were so hardcore. This damn generation Z has no idea of the history of these guys and what they did
this guy is a WWII vet? Jesus, he looks like a 55-60 year old man!
Holy crap! He barely looks and talks 60 years old!
This guy talking gives me anxiety
Corey Feldman's father. Is that you???
His memory is off because Basilone was killed by a sniper not a mortar round.
Now confused Americans look at Trump as a hero. God help us.
yea, unlike China Joe who is is selling us out to the Chinese Communist Party.
@@tokenjoy he`s not even in power yet bonehead , and besides he`s gonna be real busy fixing pres tv-guys charades. good luck watching reruns of the apprentice lmao.
@@MrMAC8964 Good luck kissing Xi JingPing's a$$ because China Joe and his crackhead son sold you out for Beijing's cash. Enjoy.