The respect you show this generation is awesome imo...I'm from Britain my grandad was a gunner during ww2 on a very famous British battleship HMS HOOD I only discovered that many years after he died as I was young when he passed...but the generation of heroes as I call them should never be forgotten and for you to keep them alive by doing these vlogs is brilliant to see...from the bottom of my heart thank you sir..hands across the sea 🇬🇧--🇺🇸
The HOOD?? Famous Battleship,sunk by the German's Bismarck. You should have a great deal of pride to be tied to the HMS HOOD...and don't worry, it was British Torpedo Planes vintage WW1 that sought vengeance on the German Bismarck 😊
I'm not crying, you're crying!!! JD, you calling Reid Stephens from the woods and hearing his laughter was priceless, and I could feel your emotions after that call. My eyes leaked! Wow, One of your absolute best, and I think they are all good!!! I'm glad you have that conversation on film! Priceless! Thank you to all those that served! Thank you JD for preserving History!
My friend, you don't know how I cried with this video, you look 100% excited, especially this PERSONAL video, which reached deep into your heart and that of many more. Your channel inspires us and recreates all those intense moments of the Second World War, you do not know how much I thank you for all your work and dedication so that all those heroes are never forgotten. Thanks once again, you deserve a medal of honor.
God Bless You for your series...I just lost my Uncle Gil to Covid-19 one week short of his 101st Birthday...He was a lead Bombardier-Navigator in the B 26 Martin Marauder and flew 37 missions over Germany...his most harrowing mission however was after the war. He had volunteered to stay with the occupation and had been tagged to navigate a flight to Italy for a wine/liquor run...on the return, with the plane full of booze, the weather closed in and my Uncle got the plane back to base strictly by dead reckoning. He said it was stupid...after all he'd been through to almost get killed hauling hootch!
Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear about your Uncle Gil. Every time I hear about one of these guys passing, it hurts my heart a little bit. Thank you for sharing a bit of his story.
Excellent episode! As I mentioned my grandfather fought hard there with the 38th Inf 7th armored and was shot in those frigid woods. My mother told me he had extreme frost bite and spent time in the aid station... My mother told me before he died when the ambulance came to pick him up in 2015, he refused to ride on the stretcher and walked his way to the ambulance because of the flashbacks he had to dozens of soldiers who were torn apart and horribly wounded laying all over that hospital.
My cousin Jack Rain was captured at St. Vith. He never really liked talking about the war. But I have always had an extra measure of respect for him. He's gone now, but I will always remember his sacrifice.
I cannot even fathom standing in the presence of these heroes let alone sharing the same air they breathe. I am always moved to tears to hear them speak. What a great honor and thank you for sharing.
Wow... what a great episode. It brought tears and sent chills up and down my spine. My father was captured at the Battle of the Bulge. As a history nerd, I'd try to pump my father for details... he would clam up as it was to painful for him to recall the details. I'm for ever indebted to you for documenting this tumultuous account. I now have a much better understanding and so much more respect for what my father and his fellow service men did for all of us to remain free. Thank You, Denis
Thank you. That really does mean a lot. I've got the full interview with Reid in my Echoes of War series (also on this channel). Perhaps you might find some more insight through his story.
Quote: A soldier dies two deaths when his physical body leaves this world and when his name is forgotten: lest we never forget the sacrifices and names that these soldiers did fighting in world war 2
My Grandfathers served in the Canadian Army during WW2 and my Grandfather that was still alive when I got back from a deployment just looked into my eyes and started to cry and apologize that his generation didn't do enough to end the need for us to fight. It was a bad deployment for me, and he knew it simply by my eyes. And when he said that to me, I started to cry, cause I knew one day I may have a grandchild that deploys and it will be the same thing all over again. I did disagree with my grandpa, I told him that he and his buddies are heroes...to which he replied if I felt like a hero, I said hell no. He said that he and his buddies feel the same as I do. I do wish I can one day walk his footsteps through Europe like you are doing, until then, thanks for showing the history that some grandson wishes they could see. God Bless all the Veterans of WW2 (and all wars for that matter).
Thank you for your service Frank N' Beans, and Thank you to your Grandfather's for serving. Two men of the greatest generation. To all Canadian's that served, and to those that paid the ultimate price, particularly those Canadian's at Juno Beach on D-Day. One of the best conversations that I've ever had about WW2, was with Mosquito pilot that flew for the RCAF.
Absolute masterpiece! I love the payoff from your first videos. That phone call to Mr Reed probably made his whole world. For him to have met someone who cared so much about his story that you went to exact place where he fought must be a priceless feeling for him. Much respect to him and all the men who fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice in those woods!
That phone call was one of the best that I've ever made. Couldn't believe that I was standing where I was and talking to him. Felt fortunate in that moment.
In Vietnam (101st. Airborne Division 'Screaming Eagles') on a little chapel where our chaplain was there was a small sign which read; "For those who fought for it. Freedom has a taste the Protected will NEVER KNOW." Thus, NEVER feel bad when you are unable to find the words when talking of these American heroes since your holy silence speaks volumes. God bless and keep up this AWESOME series. It should be taught in EVERY SCHOOL in America.
Thank you for that. And the students coming up through the schools today are the primary reason why I'm doing these videos. Hopefully people will share them to help connect the disconnected to our past.
This is by far my favorite video that I have viewed so far. It moved me to tears. I had a favorite uncle who was at the Battle of the Bulge, was captured and was a prisoner of war. He was not even 18 years old when he left to fight, wanted to do his part. For many, many years he never talked about his experiences, spoke only briefly, and trying to talk with him about it upset him. Until about 50 years after, he would speak of it only briefly, and mostly then to say how much he wished that people understood what it was like for a young men to go and be trained to shoot and kill that other young man who was your enemy. To look down the barrel of your rifle at someone and kill them. And also very briefly how the experience of being a prisoner of war affected him. I wish I knew more. Thank you, thank you for sharing these stories, for traveling and showing us. For keeping the memories of all of those who died alive for us.
My Dad was at St Vith too. First sergeant of a medium automotive maintenance company. They fought there like infantry until the large withdrawal was done to reform and later retake it. I did a bicycle tour in 2014 that included this area, entered along the old rail line that is now a rail trail. I didn't know until I actually visited the town that St Vith was a German speaking area of Belgium. on some businesses are still in German. My father thought all the folks who fought so hard in this area were never given their due, Bastogne grabbed the headlines and kept them. Thank you for this video.
JD you are a good man to call up your veteran friend and tell him that you are in the very same area he was. I bet that put a smile on his face when you called. Much respect for you and your friend. You made me proud to be a subscriber to your channel. I've been a subscriber for over a year and haven't seen ANYTHING that comes ANYWHERE near the professionalism that you and Eric have done 👍👍. Keep it up!!!!!!! Raise one up for you and Eric and your friend. Salute from a veteran myself Feb 89-Dec 92
I always spend time after December 15 watching movies and documentaries regarding Battle of the Bulge. Came back to this video today because I remembered how well done it was. Being a 58 year old, I remember hearing so much about this battle in school. Having several WW2 vets as teachers was priceless. Years later, as a nurse, I have cared for many WW2 vets at the end of their lives. I don't think today's generation even is aware of most of this history. My husband and I enjoy watching. Hopefully international travel becomes easier and we can get to France and Belgium soon to see these sites in person. Thank you JD for what you do. I hope you understand the positive impact you have!
All of your History Traveler episodes have been fantastic. As a WWII history buff, seeing those episodes has been especially fascinating. I agree with "Jack the Canuck" in that you do an incredible job of honoring the men who fought and those that gave their lives. The views of the cemeteries never fails to put a lump in my throat. Thank you very much!
One of your best, yet. Love the personalization. Thought it was also cool to have the local guide help out. 75 years later, the locals have not forgotten.
I used to fish with a guy on Long Beach Island, NJ. Barnegat Light to be specific. His name is Bob Gorman. He is a "Battle of the Bulge" veteran. A total outdoors man Bob would hunt deer and fish and make the catch for his buddies in the Army. A remarkable man.
From the son of soldier of Third Army Seventh Armored Division (Lucky 7th), Thank You for your efforts in putting this video together. I was fortunate enough to meet many of the members of the Seventh Armored Division during two of their reunions years ago. Truly remarkable men. I think of them often and they are in my prayers.
Thank you for this video. My father was captured at the Battle of the Bulge, but never talked about it for the rest of his life (my mother found out information from other GI's that were there while she was at an Army reunion). I'm so glad that you were able to talk with somebody that was there - what a great historical record!
My grandfather was near Bastonge in the battle of the bulge. 5th infantry I believe 3rd armor division. He hated snow all the years I knew him when I was a kid and my early 20s. He passed in 1997. I hope someday I can go there and see where he fought too. Great work sir, thank you for keeping these brave men's sacrifice and stories alive.
3rd Armored Division was the unit that blunted the farthest advance of the Battle of the Bulge by the Germans. They ambushed the 2nd Panzer Division at Celles and forced them back. 3rd AD, along with the 2nd AD, were "Heavy" Divisions. They never reconfigured to the 1943 TO&E that the other Armored Divisions in the U.S. Army did. They were twice as strong as the others with over 500 tanks in their 2 Armored Regiments vice 3 Tank Battalions (212 tanks) in the 1943 Divisions.
My uncle Frank Mahoney, Dorchester, MA was there. He went on to sing with the 4 Esquires. He was, I think either 99th recon of the 99th division. He never got over what he experienced at the Bulge. RIP 2007
Please, please keep doing these videos. You do an awesome job and have just the right input as you go about these videos. This stuff needs to be remembered, or it will be repeated. I grew up spending a bunch of time with a WWII vet. He was in the 28th Infantry at St. Vith. He was wounded and captured but escaped the same day. He was a very humble man and I miss him dearly.
Thank you for taking time to hear and share stories from these veterans. I have heard these stories for years from many individuals as a nurse working in nursing homes including a lady from Bohemia that spoke several languages and was an interpreter for General Eisenhower. Another lady was a WAC and was involved in the intelligence of the Atomic Bomb. So many from this generation have stories to share and thank you for keeping their memories alive
Wonderful tribute. My wonderful (late) father landed on D-Day and was there in Patton's army at the Bulge. In my old age (2nd of 4 generations of vets) maybe I can piece together a few facts/dates to pass on.
Hello JD, writing from California. My dad and uncle were born in Canton, Ohio in the early 1930s and went back to Greece just before WWII, and lived in Aigion, during the German Occupation. They both told me stories about the things they endured and survived, but more importantly they taught me to respect those who had fought so bravely during WWII and every war. I went to Greece at the age of 22 in 1984, and visited the village near Aigion, and was amazed that even 40 years after the war, there were still remnants of the occupation. I also met several of the other relatives who had lived through WWII, and was told many other amazing stories, which I had not heard before. What a treasure to know these things!. I have these memories and like you, visiting the place Reed has served made me appreciate how much was sacrificed to survive. It really brought it home so much more for me. I have several photos from this trip (I also went to Kalavryta, where the Germans slaughtered about 700 Greek Men and their sons..Google it, There's a memorial there) and am still in touch with many of my cousins, and we continue to talked about these things and share them with the younger family members. They need to know. They need to understand how so many put so much on the line for them. Your videos continue to document so many stories that might get lost with time. I'm overwhelmed with so much emotion most every time I watch one of your videos. God Bless you and your family for your efforts, so many can understand how important and valuable the lessons of remembering others and their history is so important and reminds us how lucky we are to have the freedoms we do today. You also did a great service for Reed. To visit and honor his friend...just an amazing gesture on your part. Just want to say Thanks. DG
I’ve actually interviewed a lady who grew up in Greece during the war. Crazy stories about what they went through. Never ceases to amaze me no matter how many people I talk to who witnessed it firsthand.
I have just stumbled upon your channel tonight and have to say your videos are amazing. I am a current serving member of the british army for 15 years now. i love ww2 history , i have been on a few battlefield tours over germany but have to say what you are doing is inspirational in keeping the memory alive of those soldiers who gave their lives. Keep up the good work mate. You are a legend like the soldiers you show on your videos.
I just discovered and finished watching your video on Battle of the Bulge in St. Vith. My father served in the 7th AD and about the only information he shared with me was "The Bulge was tough". My father did say that he had to be very careful moving the tank as men would seek shelter from the weather and protection under them. I've visited the Ardenne forest near Bastogne just outside of Voy and walked among the fox holes there. It is a very moving experience. At the time I had a fantastic tour guide who lived through the battle as a young boy. He is a Belgium native and lost his father to the Germans early in the battle. I spoke to him about St. Vith and he, like I, believed it was a battle that has never received the notoriety or praise it rightfully deserved. He mentioned the soldieries leaving St. Vith looked horribly beaten. He recommended a book to me (Dark December) that covers the Bulge and pays some tribute to the 7th AD holding the line long enough to stall the German offensive even for a short period. Thank you for this excellent video. I hope one day to return to Belgium and the forest east of St. Vith.
We visited Bastogne with our teenage kids last year to show them the history of WWII. It’s such an unforgettable experience. We sat through the exhibition of night raid at 101st division museum. It’s very horrible to live through it almost nightly. I’m very thankful for our freedom. My utmost respect to the Greatest Generation who saved us and gave us the freedom. P.S. we also visited the National Cemetery in Luxembourg and Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. I’m thankful to be able to show my children the history of WWII.
I really enjoy your series. Our Uncle survived the Battle of the Bulge. He was a Battle Baby with the 99 Division, 394th Infantry Regiment. He was killed on March 3, 1945 on the Cologne Plain while chasing retreating Germans. Your series on WWII is just great. I envy you.
Thank you for putting these videos together and honoring the lives of these men and women. Words cannot express what they did for us. I'd love for you to do a video about Belleau Wood in WWI and the American Cemetery there. My grandfather was the caretaker of that cemetery before and after WWII and my dad grew up there. I remember visiting with him twenty years ago and having him explain what happened much like you do in your videos. Thanks for keeping those memories alive and for allowing generations to better understand what happened in history.
My Grandfathers Brother was in 106th 422nd reg I Co at St. Vith. He was captured and spent the war in a POW camp. I've always wanted to research this more. This video. is. very well done. Thank you.
Thanks Mr. Reed. Every video you do surpasses the one before. Great that you began your channel and have talked to some of the men who fought for freedom some 75 years ago. I live in a peaceful community and sleep in a warm bed because of guys like Mr. Reed. Really makes one think of how easy our lives tend to be today.
My grandfather served in St. Vith with the 106th 424th. Thank you for the video. In 2017 I got the privilege of standing in the fox holes of the 424th and it was serene. Greatest generation! Thank you again sir for doing these videos I look forward to them.
My father, like your grandfather, also fought at St. Vith with the 106th in the 424th- my dad was in B Co. and received a battlefield commission later during the Bulge. We lost him in 2005. The greatest generation, indeed.
Absolutely fantastic video! My Dad was captured at the Battle of the Bulge, Edward J. Kawtoski. Wouldn't speak about it much,but I believe it was near St. Vith.(106th Recon.) My understanding was that radio communication broke down because of the weather and they were told to keep falling back because they had support advancing toward them,and they were to retreat until they met up with the support,but the communication was so bad that they thought they had to dig in until support arrived. And they were relatively inexperienced and soon they were surrounded by German tanks and had to surrender. I could be wrong though because my Dad wouldn't talk about it much. What a great guide you had! Knows his stuff! And God bless Reid!
These stories from the men who served are stories you’ll never read in a history book. The men in those foxholes experienced the war first hand. Their stories are more important than you know. Their personal story tells us what it was to experience the battle and what it felt like to feel those rounds overhead. Thank you for documenting their stories, they mean more than you know to people like me.
I've just kind of stumbled onto your channel and I'm glad you did. My Dad was in Germany during WW2. It was very hard for him to talk about his experiences and he didn't share much with me until I came home from Vietnam. Then we had some rousing conversations. THANK YOU for doing these documentaries. I can now begin to see and "feel" a little of what Dad was into there. If you ever get there, do a documentary on the An Khe Special Forces Camp. That's where I was....
So glad that you are liking them. I appreciate the kind words. And I would really really like to get over to Vietnam. Just have to find the means to do so. :)
The History Underground 🇺🇸 Agree..... My Father (now past) was there 82nd Air Borne / WWII /Korean War vet. My Son Served US Army 177 Steel Tigers in Iraq. I tip my hat to All our service men & women and to you for your wonderful work to keep history alive. For if we don’t remember and learn from history. We are but condemned to repeat history. I’m retired career firefighter/Arson Investigator. (29years) my Best to you🚒
Eight years ago I walked thru the Henri Chappel Cemetery and just last night I was rereading the information that I brought back My mother's uncle is buried in Luxemburg Cemetary. I got to see his grave. This video has brought back the tears. Thank you for your work
You do such a great job honoring the men who fought those wars. My father fought in Italy & Holland, along with being a part of the raid on Dieppe. My maternal grandfather fought & was wounded in France in WW1. It is men like you who ensure that we don't forget their sacrifices. Thank you.
I just want to say thank you for your awesome film about mr harolds experiences in St. Vith. I grew up and still live here. I reconize every single spot in the video and still learn something new!
I'm new to your channel. But I love all of your videos. You have done an incredible job of bringing to light, the stories of these brave men. Doing all you can to never ever let us forget what this generation did for us. Thank you !
Well mate I take my hat off to you, what an incredible job you have done continuing the stories of these great men and women. You convey the scenes so well and it's a pleasure to watch. I myself have a great grandfather and many great uncles involved in WW2. Keep up the great work, from Jason in Christchurch, New Zealand.
My father was a half-track driver and 81 mm mortar operator in the 7th Army 38th Armored Infantry. He and others that I met before they died were captured in Cronbach about 3 miles SW of St. Vith. I so wish I could go there and find that railway near where they were captured. Dad ended up in Stalag IV-B
I was only a kid in those days. In USA, these people are called "the greatest generation"I have an older friend who was a radio man in a B-17. He became a POW but was returned safely.
My family and I met Marcel 7 years ago and he also provided us a tour over two days, he was great. We are glad to see he is well. We were following in my dad’s footsteps, he fought in the 9th Armored Division CCB 16th Field Artillery Battalion. The 9th Armored CCB was instrumental in defending St Vith and almost never gets recognized for this. We were at a reunion over 25 years ago where Colonel Brand disclosed that CCB was finally awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its defense of St Vith. Colonel Brand and many others worked for over 40 years to make this happen. There was not a dry eye in the place.
Sometimes the survivors feel guilty, but somebody has to survive to tell the story. Somebody must live on so their loss is not in vain. Thank you for telling their stories.
This reminds me of the documentary on Easy Company. Thank you, gentlemen, for your service. May we never forget your and your fallen comrades sacrifices. My maternal grandfather was serving in the Navy, in South Pacific during World War II, and my paternal grandfather was a dough boy in the Great War. I salute you, gentlemen.😎
One of the best episodes on The Battle of the Bulge. I was able to take a tour of the battle area a few years ago. One of the places we visited was Elsenborn Ridge. My dad’s division, the 99th, had been deployed around Losheimergraben, Belgium before the start of the Bulge. On the 3rd night of the battle, Dad lead survivors of the 394th Regiment in a “strategic withdrawal”. They ended up on the Elsenborn Ridge. I was struck by the similarity of the foxholes there and the ones in this episode. The forest was very similar, too. The artillery on Elsenborn Ridge was the factor that turned the tide of the battle for the Americans. The 99th Division was just north of the 106th Division. The 106th had literally just gone on line before the Bulge started. When the 106th surrendered, it opened the entire southern flank of the 99th’s area. This made the withdrawal necessary to re-establish a line of resistance. Thanks for a great episode. Not many veterans still alive from the Bulge.
It gave me goosebumps you found Funkhouser's grave, amazing!! Marcel's knowledge of the area was also amazing and very grateful he could take you around. I would love to here the stories and history that is in that man's brain. Thank you both Marcel and you for another amazing video. The phone call with Reed and his reaction was beautiful and to hear his history was amazing too. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
They did their jobs. Many survived, like the man you interviewed. As I know from speaking to WWII Veterans, Reed would not call himself a hero, yet HE/they are!!! They'll call those who are buried in Europe and in Arlington, Heros....but these men who are still with us are Heros!! Reed has lived with his experience for his entire life. We must always remember and never forget!!! EXCELLENT history lesson.
My father was in the 101st at the Bulge. His rank was Sargent and prior to that, he was part of "D" day, Sicily, and North Africa. He finished his tour liberating the concentration camps. He came home with five bronze stars and the medallion showing the 101st dropping onto Bastogne. It's the General McAuliffe NUTS plaque. He was never wounded however, he was a damaged man. He never wanted to talk or brag about the war. He did tell me that he lost so many of his friends there. It took me many years to find some of his information because of the fires that destroyed most of the Army's records in 1973. In 2014 my wife and daughter went to Germany and I was able to visit Bastogne, Belgium. I never was able to thank my father for his sacrifice. However, he was a proud man and didn't need to be thanked. He just was there to serve like so many.
I wasn't too big on ww2 much(I was mainly into civil war and vietnam). Now because of your videos I am looking into it more. Thank you. And my US History teach,Coach Meyers, would be happy that he made me love history. I still remember watching the movie Patton the 2nd semester.
Such a touching and moving video. Thank you JD for honoring your friend Reid. To be honest I am jealous of your trek through the history of WWII...wish I was there. God Bless you
Kind of stumbled into your posts, Boy am I glad I did. Thank you for taking the time to make and post these videos. His story is amazing!! My grandfather on my moms side, served on Eisenhower’s staff, and he had something to do with getting Werner von Braun out of Germany and into the US. He was also a recipient of Frances highest military awards. He never really opened up about the war. Again, thank you so much for posting!!
I was born in 89 and my dad was a veteran of the first gulf war, when he left the army and we moved back to his hometown from fort Knox.. he joined the local VFW anf later bwcame the commander.. as a kid to a single oarent i would often go with him to the VFW and even at my young age it would give me chills and tears listening to the old men talk about wars anf what they seen... How vivid these old mens memory of the sights sounds smells anf the heavy heavy baggage these men carried with them for life is so moving.... Veterans are true superheroes and ill forever be in debit to each anf everyone Edit: I wrote this as a reply on another persons comment. But after rereading and my heart anf mind filling with memories of those men i decided to copy and paste this as a stand alone comment... Please if you see a veteran thank them and buy them a round and shake thier hand
J.D to see you lost for words seemed that the connection, of seeing the graves of men who never came home. To your veteran friend you have a real treasure there many of us will never get to see and thank them for their sacrifice. That’s what makes the wooded area you stood in that special moment!
@@TheHistoryUnderground It really did seem you felt like you where there for those men, who died in the cemetery. And for those surviving members who’s number are less than 100,000 now with the youngest 95 years old. As I said for you to have that special veteran a man of extraordinary character and resilience. Makes it all the more personal compared to the likes of I doing this instead. Because I’ve not met or seen a veteran of WWII ever. The closest I’ve had to that experience is a late aunt who’s family fled Nazi Germany as child of 12 with her family. The things she told us as children would scare you in how bad it was. The saddest part J.D. of it, I will explain in another post when I get time to do it. That has left a profound effect on how I behave in trying to sway others away for what she seen herself.
I can relate how you must have felt about interviewing former veterans. I also did a few interviews (1012) with former prisoners from a small concentrationcamp in Amersfoort (the Netherlands) between 2010 en 2014. I started working at the site of this former conentrationcamp on april 8th 2008 en have been there ever since. Became real good friends with most of them and unfortunately attended loads of funerals. They were survovors from camps like Amersfoort, Vught, Buchenwald, Dachau, Neuengamme, Natzweiler, Riga and loads of other smaller camps in Germany. One of my former directors always told me never to get close to these guys, because it`ll effect you once they past away and he was right about that, but I`ve never regreted getting real close to them and will always cherrish the friendship I`ve had with them. Keep up the good work JD!
Wow, what a super cool story! I had an Uncle that was captured in Italy. Tanks rolled up on them when they were in foxholes. He was sent several places but the last place was to work on a German family’s farm. Well him an the family formed a friendship. He stayed in touch with them and even went back to Germany many years later and visited the family.
You are going places i soooo much always wanted to go. Im green with envy. Those men who fought that war are definitely The Greatest Generation the world has ever seen
It’s kinda surreal to think that The Bulge started on my birth date, just only a few decades prior. That people were risking and losing their lives fighting for causes they believed in only a few decades before. Regular people. Every year when it’s my birthday I think on this, and take a second to remember them and honor them. May they all rest in peace, may all the ones that fought never be forgotten.
I’ve visited that place three times when I was stationed (1986-1989) in West Germany. I was very fortunate that I was able to visit some famous WWII battle. Since the battle of Waterloo is not that far from St Vith it’s another interesting place to see.
The heaviness of these videos is striking, I wish more people today would reflect on these events. To understand what can happen when government powers become too strong, when people do not question the direction those government powers take them, it has a profound impact.
My God I cannot leave these videos without tears and a very heavy heart. Thank you for keeping this history going. It is essential. Please do not stop!
My great grandpa was in the 7th AD/31st tank battalion. I never got to meet him but watching videos about what he went through in the war and especially at St. Vith, makes me feel closer to him in some way. Wish I could find more info on his time
Browsing through UA-cam for videos this morning to show my 13 year year old son and wow, my Grandpa Harry E. Hicks was a tank commander in the 23rd Armored infantry division, 7th Armored division so Reed and Harold were his fellow soldiers and these were his same footsteps. Like most, he did not talk much about this time of his life for obvious reasons and I’ve only learned through reading and now UA-cam since he passed away in 2004.
My Uncle Lancen from Ranger, West Virginia fought at the Battle of the Bulge, I think he served in the 75th Infantry Division. He has passed away and I'm so proud of him.
I used to visit St. Vith every couple months to buy Belgian Trappist beer (Chimay and Leffe) while I was stationed at Baumholder, Germany from 2002-07. I also participated with the WWII living history group on our base and had a complete uniform and weapons. Participating in the annual anniversary events each December was a wonderful experience and I count myself fortunate. I spoke with a couple staff Officers that were there and learned the truth about what General McCauliffe actually said in response to the Germans request for our surrender. In 1986-1993 I was in D Co. 2/502nd INF, 101st ABN so I knew the history of the battle and where our unit was so walking the perimeter we held was like walking on sacred ground, just incredible. The Belgian civilians treated us like rock stars, when they learned that we were actual American Soldiers and Infantrymen and tankers, they went nuts and bought the men beer all night but I warned them about Belgian beer but did they listen? Nope, lol. Nearly all of the WWII reenactors in those annual events are French, Belgian and Dutch and all of them are great people. If you’re wondering where to sleep while there, go to the Bastogne exposition center and they’ll let you set up your cot/mattress for the night free of charge. They have a big museum in Bastogne now that’s a waste of your time, I don’t recommend it, especially at the price they want for admission! That damn museum even erected a huge fence that goes all around the forest near Foy where the Band of Brothers were at during the battle and your museum ticket is needed to get into the forest, there’s a scanner at the entrance gate. Many have officially protested to this so let’s see if they open it back up. And yes, it gets damn cold there so bring a good Goretex coat with liner because it’s a wet cold, there’s a lot of humidity there and it feels colder then you’d guess. Thanks for this great video, I’m impressed that you took time to speak with the Veteran and include him in your terrain walk where he fought from. I heard that it was a pain to dig their foxholes because the ground was frozen solid so hacking into the ground with an E-tool for a few hours doesn’t sound very fun to me.
Shoutout to UA-cam's algorithm for recommending something good. Stumbled across your channel yesterday and watched most of them. These are great and well done man, love em. Especially these done in the Ardennes, seeing those foxholes still there in a quite forest, (despite the road) is like looking back in time, its awesone.
My father was in the 99th infantry , he was a Sargent. He told me many stories about everything, his memory was very clear about it. What a. experience.he could have been a history teacher....
I hardly ever comment on videos. Love your content. Big history buff here. The reason I'm leaving a comment was to see if Mr Stevens knew my grandfather. My grandpa was also in the 7th armoured division and was there in St. Vith. His name was Harold Emigh. Most guys called him Red because of his hair. Didn't know if there was a way for you to ask him. Its probably a long shot but it never hurts to ask. Keep making great content, I really have enjoyed all the videos I've watched. Take care
Unfortunately, Reid passed away this past year. Broke my heart. Do you know any details beyond the division level? Also, thank you for the kind words. I appreciate that. If I don't respond on here, shoot me an email (address in the About tab of the main UA-cam page).
@@TheHistoryUnderground that's terrible, I'm so sorry. My grandfather died in the summer of 2015. He was 98. Watching your videos, I had so many questions I wanted to ask him, but I couldn't. I want to go over there someday and retrace where he went. That's something I wanna do since he never got the chance to go back. And thank you for appreciating history like I do. I wish more people loved it like I do. I looked it the 7th armoured division units and was trying to figure out which one he was in. You might know more than me, he drove supply trucks either filled with ammo or troops and he told me they used to get shot at by German aircraft. And I also first hand had seen pictures of St Vith in his photo album. I'm still trying to find out what unit he was in.
I used to love talking to the old veterans in the lobby at the VA hospital in Minneapolis. During the Gulf War most enemy units we encountered were broken and ready to surrender from being bombed by the Air Force for a few months. But the Germans and Japanese soldiers in WWII were still quite formidable and capable of putting a hurt on Allied troops. Those guys in the wheelchairs hooked up to oxygen tanks had some great stories. 💪
Thank you for sharing your videos of WWII. As a Canadian, I also follow American history of WWII in Europe as well as the pacific . Keep up the great work.
Just subscribed to you after randomly seeing one of your videos the other night ..... amazing to go into such detail and retread the places these great men once fought ...... this is a real eye opener and I will makesure I watch each one of your videos! .... incrediblely thoughtful! You’re a great guy 👍🏼
Aaron Archermonster - Oh wow! That is great. Could you maybe send me an email so that I can ask you a question? The address is in the About tab (may have to use a desktop to see it).
Ha! Well, as long as people are learning and getting something out of it and helping me learn in the process, then I'm happy. That being said, the more that we can work together to share this history out and help others to be aware of what's out there, the better :)
I havent commented on any of your videos before, but this one compelled me to do so. All of your videos are great, but this one was special. The location with your friends story being told at the same time brought it home. None of my family fought in Europe but a great uncle was wounded and eventually died in the battle of leyte in the phillipines. I likely will never get to visit, but i hope too someday
Thank you soo much for the excellent production. My grandfather was there for the bulge...but was reluctant to talk about it for understandable reasons. Thank you for showing me where ( near) where he was. Now I have a much clearer picture . Hard time understanding why a history documentary would be held up by you tube.. keep up your fantastic work...
The respect you show this generation is awesome imo...I'm from Britain my grandad was a gunner during ww2 on a very famous British battleship HMS HOOD I only discovered that many years after he died as I was young when he passed...but the generation of heroes as I call them should never be forgotten and for you to keep them alive by doing these vlogs is brilliant to see...from the bottom of my heart thank you sir..hands across the sea 🇬🇧--🇺🇸
Thank you for those words. And HMS Hood. Wow!
The HOOD?? Famous Battleship,sunk by the German's Bismarck. You should have a great deal of pride to be tied to the HMS HOOD...and don't worry, it was British Torpedo Planes vintage WW1 that sought vengeance on the German Bismarck 😊
You’re Grandfather was a true hero sir!!
Much respect!!
I'm not crying, you're crying!!! JD, you calling Reid Stephens from the woods and hearing his laughter was priceless, and I could feel your emotions after that call. My eyes leaked! Wow, One of your absolute best, and I think they are all good!!! I'm glad you have that conversation on film! Priceless! Thank you to all those that served! Thank you JD for preserving History!
Thank you. This will always be my most favorite episode. Not because of anything that I did, but rather for the connection with my friends.
My friend, you don't know how I cried with this video, you look 100% excited, especially this PERSONAL video, which reached deep into your heart and that of many more.
Your channel inspires us and recreates all those intense moments of the Second World War, you do not know how much I thank you for all your work and dedication so that all those heroes are never forgotten.
Thanks once again, you deserve a medal of honor.
God Bless You for your series...I just lost my Uncle Gil to Covid-19 one week short of his 101st Birthday...He was a lead Bombardier-Navigator in the B 26 Martin Marauder and flew 37 missions over Germany...his most harrowing mission however was after the war. He had volunteered to stay with the occupation and had been tagged to navigate a flight to Italy for a wine/liquor run...on the return, with the plane full of booze, the weather closed in and my Uncle got the plane back to base strictly by dead reckoning. He said it was stupid...after all he'd been through to almost get killed hauling hootch!
Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear about your Uncle Gil. Every time I hear about one of these guys passing, it hurts my heart a little bit. Thank you for sharing a bit of his story.
Memory Eternal! and I proudly stand and say, thank you Sir, for your service!
Excellent episode! As I mentioned my grandfather fought hard there with the 38th Inf 7th armored and was shot in those frigid woods. My mother told me he had extreme frost bite and spent time in the aid station... My mother told me before he died when the ambulance came to pick him up in 2015, he refused to ride on the stretcher and walked his way to the ambulance because of the flashbacks he had to dozens of soldiers who were torn apart and horribly wounded laying all over that hospital.
Wow. That is heavy.
Thank you for sharing. Respect for him and the many others
My father Webb Kemp was in Hq Co what was yours?
@@pillpilot If I remember right he was C company of the 38th Battalion. He even remembered what squad he was assigned to.
The hell these brave men went through...✝️
My cousin Jack Rain was captured at St. Vith. He never really liked talking about the war. But I have always had an extra measure of respect for him. He's gone now, but I will always remember his sacrifice.
Harold was my great uncle, like a lost Grandfather. RIP Harold.
Oh my goodness! Seriously? What are the chances of that?
I wonder if he knew my grandfather, Harold "Red" Emigh who was also in the 7th armoured division
I cannot even fathom standing in the presence of these heroes let alone sharing the same air they breathe. I am always moved to tears to hear them speak. What a great honor and thank you for sharing.
Wow... what a great episode. It brought tears and sent chills up and down my spine. My father was captured at the Battle of the Bulge. As a history nerd, I'd try to pump my father for details... he would clam up as it was to painful for him to recall the details. I'm for ever indebted to you for documenting this tumultuous account. I now have a much better understanding and so much more respect for what my father and his fellow service men did for all of us to remain free. Thank You, Denis
Thank you. That really does mean a lot. I've got the full interview with Reid in my Echoes of War series (also on this channel). Perhaps you might find some more insight through his story.
I know the feeling, my dad never discuss it with me, I’m a retired military man and he still wouldn’t talk about it
Quote: A soldier dies two deaths when his physical body leaves this world and when his name is forgotten: lest we never forget the sacrifices and names that these soldiers did fighting in world war 2
My Grandfathers served in the Canadian Army during WW2 and my Grandfather that was still alive when I got back from a deployment just looked into my eyes and started to cry and apologize that his generation didn't do enough to end the need for us to fight. It was a bad deployment for me, and he knew it simply by my eyes. And when he said that to me, I started to cry, cause I knew one day I may have a grandchild that deploys and it will be the same thing all over again. I did disagree with my grandpa, I told him that he and his buddies are heroes...to which he replied if I felt like a hero, I said hell no. He said that he and his buddies feel the same as I do. I do wish I can one day walk his footsteps through Europe like you are doing, until then, thanks for showing the history that some grandson wishes they could see. God Bless all the Veterans of WW2 (and all wars for that matter).
Amen to that. Glad that I could share a bit of the experience with everybody and learn some more myself.
Thank you and your family for their service sir. God Bless.
Thank you for your service Frank N' Beans, and Thank you to your Grandfather's for serving. Two men of the greatest generation. To all Canadian's that served, and to those that paid the ultimate price, particularly those Canadian's at Juno Beach on D-Day.
One of the best conversations that I've ever had about WW2, was with Mosquito pilot that flew for the RCAF.
Noice
Absolute masterpiece! I love the payoff from your first videos. That phone call to Mr Reed probably made his whole world. For him to have met someone who cared so much about his story that you went to exact place where he fought must be a priceless feeling for him. Much respect to him and all the men who fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice in those woods!
That phone call was one of the best that I've ever made. Couldn't believe that I was standing where I was and talking to him. Felt fortunate in that moment.
We should never ever forget
In Vietnam (101st. Airborne Division 'Screaming Eagles') on a little chapel where our chaplain was there was a small sign which read; "For those who fought for it. Freedom has a taste the Protected will NEVER KNOW." Thus, NEVER feel bad when you are unable to find the words when talking of these American heroes since your holy silence speaks volumes. God bless and keep up this AWESOME series. It should be taught in EVERY SCHOOL in America.
Thank you for that. And the students coming up through the schools today are the primary reason why I'm doing these videos. Hopefully people will share them to help connect the disconnected to our past.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Gee what a pleasant surprise! Thanks for the reply and God bless!!!
This is by far my favorite video that I have viewed so far. It moved me to tears. I had a favorite uncle who was at the Battle of the Bulge, was captured and was a prisoner of war. He was not even 18 years old when he left to fight, wanted to do his part.
For many, many years he never talked about his experiences, spoke only briefly, and trying to talk with him about it upset him. Until about 50 years after, he would speak of it only briefly, and mostly then to say how much he wished that people understood what it was like for a young men to go and be trained to shoot and kill that other young man who was your enemy. To look down the barrel of your rifle at someone and kill them. And also very briefly how the experience of being a prisoner of war affected him. I wish I knew more.
Thank you, thank you for sharing these stories, for traveling and showing us. For keeping the memories of all of those who died alive for us.
My Dad was at St Vith too. First sergeant of a medium automotive maintenance company. They fought there like infantry until the large withdrawal was done to reform and later retake it. I did a bicycle tour in 2014 that included this area, entered along the old rail line that is now a rail trail. I didn't know until I actually visited the town that St Vith was a German speaking area of Belgium. on some businesses are still in German. My father thought all the folks who fought so hard in this area were never given their due, Bastogne grabbed the headlines and kept them. Thank you for this video.
Life in the 5-0 - Completely agree. This was a critical area though.
JD you are a good man to call up your veteran friend and tell him that you are in the very same area he was. I bet that put a smile on his face when you called. Much respect for you and your friend. You made me proud to be a subscriber to your channel. I've been a subscriber for over a year and haven't seen ANYTHING that comes ANYWHERE near the professionalism that you and Eric have done 👍👍. Keep it up!!!!!!! Raise one up for you and Eric and your friend. Salute from a veteran myself Feb 89-Dec 92
I always spend time after December 15 watching movies and documentaries regarding Battle of the Bulge. Came back to this video today because I remembered how well done it was. Being a 58 year old, I remember hearing so much about this battle in school. Having several WW2 vets as teachers was priceless. Years later, as a nurse, I have cared for many WW2 vets at the end of their lives. I don't think today's generation even is aware of most of this history. My husband and I enjoy watching. Hopefully international travel becomes easier and we can get to France and Belgium soon to see these sites in person. Thank you JD for what you do. I hope you understand the positive impact you have!
All of your History Traveler episodes have been fantastic. As a WWII history buff, seeing those episodes has been especially fascinating. I agree with "Jack the Canuck" in that you do an incredible job of honoring the men who fought and those that gave their lives. The views of the cemeteries never fails to put a lump in my throat. Thank you very much!
Thank you. They're some pretty humbling places to visit. Glad that I could share a bit of the experience.
One of your best, yet. Love the personalization. Thought it was also cool to have the local guide help out. 75 years later, the locals have not forgotten.
They are very appreciative of what was done over there. Thanks for the kind words. I enjoyed putting this one together.
I used to fish with a guy on Long Beach Island, NJ. Barnegat Light to be specific. His name is Bob Gorman. He is a "Battle of the Bulge" veteran. A total outdoors man Bob would hunt deer and fish and make the catch for his buddies in the Army. A remarkable man.
Pretty amazing guys that fought that thing.
So much respect for veterans. I cant get enough of their stories. Thank you for posting this.
From the son of soldier of Third Army Seventh Armored Division (Lucky 7th), Thank You for your efforts in putting this video together. I was fortunate enough to meet many of the members of the Seventh Armored Division during two of their reunions years ago. Truly remarkable men. I think of them often and they are in my prayers.
Thank you for this video. My father was captured at the Battle of the Bulge, but never talked about it for the rest of his life (my mother found out information from other GI's that were there while she was at an Army reunion). I'm so glad that you were able to talk with somebody that was there - what a great historical record!
I feel pretty fortunate to have him as a friend. Hopefully his story helped fill in some gaps for you.
My grandfather was near Bastonge in the battle of the bulge. 5th infantry I believe 3rd armor division. He hated snow all the years I knew him when I was a kid and my early 20s. He passed in 1997. I hope someday I can go there and see where he fought too. Great work sir, thank you for keeping these brave men's sacrifice and stories alive.
3rd Armored Division was the unit that blunted the farthest advance of the Battle of the Bulge by the Germans. They ambushed the 2nd Panzer Division at Celles and forced them back. 3rd AD, along with the 2nd AD, were "Heavy" Divisions. They never reconfigured to the 1943 TO&E that the other Armored Divisions in the U.S. Army did. They were twice as strong as the others with over 500 tanks in their 2 Armored Regiments vice 3 Tank Battalions (212 tanks) in the 1943 Divisions.
My uncle Frank Mahoney, Dorchester, MA was there. He went on to sing with the 4 Esquires. He was, I think either 99th recon of the 99th division. He never got over what he experienced at the Bulge. RIP 2007
Please, please keep doing these videos. You do an awesome job and have just the right input as you go about these videos. This stuff needs to be remembered, or it will be repeated. I grew up spending a bunch of time with a WWII vet. He was in the 28th Infantry at St. Vith. He was wounded and captured but escaped the same day. He was a very humble man and I miss him dearly.
Thanks. I won't be able to do the WWII content perpetually, but I intend to keep the history content rolling. Appreciate the kind words.
Thank you for taking time to hear and share stories from these veterans. I have heard these stories for years from many individuals as a nurse working in nursing homes including a lady from Bohemia that spoke several languages and was an interpreter for General Eisenhower. Another lady was a WAC and was involved in the intelligence of the Atomic Bomb. So many from this generation have stories to share and thank you for keeping their memories alive
Wonderful tribute. My wonderful (late) father landed on D-Day and was there in Patton's army at the Bulge. In my old age (2nd of 4 generations of vets) maybe I can piece together a few facts/dates to pass on.
Hello JD, writing from California. My dad and uncle were born in Canton, Ohio in the early 1930s and went back to Greece just before WWII, and lived in Aigion, during the German Occupation. They both told me stories about the things they endured and survived, but more importantly they taught me to respect those who had fought so bravely during WWII and every war. I went to Greece at the age of 22 in 1984, and visited the village near Aigion, and was amazed that even 40 years after the war, there were still remnants of the occupation. I also met several of the other relatives who had lived through WWII, and was told many other amazing stories, which I had not heard before. What a treasure to know these things!. I have these memories and like you, visiting the place Reed has served made me appreciate how much was sacrificed to survive. It really brought it home so much more for me. I have several photos from this trip (I also went to Kalavryta, where the Germans slaughtered about 700 Greek Men and their sons..Google it, There's a memorial there) and am still in touch with many of my cousins, and we continue to talked about these things and share them with the younger family members. They need to know. They need to understand how so many put so much on the line for them. Your videos continue to document so many stories that might get lost with time. I'm overwhelmed with so much emotion most every time I watch one of your videos. God Bless you and your family for your efforts, so many can understand how important and valuable the lessons of remembering others and their history is so important and reminds us how lucky we are to have the freedoms we do today. You also did a great service for Reed. To visit and honor his friend...just an amazing gesture on your part. Just want to say Thanks. DG
I’ve actually interviewed a lady who grew up in Greece during the war. Crazy stories about what they went through. Never ceases to amaze me no matter how many people I talk to who witnessed it firsthand.
My grandfather was a 101st airborne paratrooper. It’s always been extremely fascinating to see these videos and learn about what happened.
Hope that some of these can help fill in the gaps. I’ve got a few more on this channel that show where the 101st fought.
what an honor to listen to Reed tell his story...a true American hero. Thank you for posting.
Very much a hero although he denies it. He told me that the heroes are all still over there.
I have just stumbled upon your channel tonight and have to say your videos are amazing. I am a current serving member of the british army for 15 years now. i love ww2 history , i have been on a few battlefield tours over germany but have to say what you are doing is inspirational in keeping the memory alive of those soldiers who gave their lives. Keep up the good work mate. You are a legend like the soldiers you show on your videos.
Thank you, sir. I appreciate that more than you know.
I'm a 75 year old disabled Vietnam veteran. Thank you for what you do.
I just discovered and finished watching your video on Battle of the Bulge in St. Vith. My father served in the 7th AD and about the only information he shared with me was "The Bulge was tough". My father did say that he had to be very careful moving the tank as men would seek shelter from the weather and protection under them. I've visited the Ardenne forest near Bastogne just outside of Voy and walked among the fox holes there. It is a very moving experience. At the time I had a fantastic tour guide who lived through the battle as a young boy. He is a Belgium native and lost his father to the Germans early in the battle. I spoke to him about St. Vith and he, like I, believed it was a battle that has never received the notoriety or praise it rightfully deserved. He mentioned the soldieries leaving St. Vith looked horribly beaten. He recommended a book to me (Dark December) that covers the Bulge and pays some tribute to the 7th AD holding the line long enough to stall the German offensive even for a short period. Thank you for this excellent video. I hope one day to return to Belgium and the forest east of St. Vith.
We visited Bastogne with our teenage kids last year to show them the history of WWII. It’s such an unforgettable experience. We sat through the exhibition of night raid at 101st division museum. It’s very horrible to live through it almost nightly. I’m very thankful for our freedom. My utmost respect to the Greatest Generation who saved us and gave us the freedom.
P.S. we also visited the National Cemetery in Luxembourg and Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. I’m thankful to be able to show my children the history of WWII.
I really enjoy your series. Our Uncle survived the Battle of the Bulge. He was a Battle Baby with the 99 Division, 394th Infantry Regiment. He was killed on March 3, 1945 on the Cologne Plain while chasing retreating Germans.
Your series on WWII is just great. I envy you.
Thank you for putting these videos together and honoring the lives of these men and women. Words cannot express what they did for us. I'd love for you to do a video about Belleau Wood in WWI and the American Cemetery there. My grandfather was the caretaker of that cemetery before and after WWII and my dad grew up there. I remember visiting with him twenty years ago and having him explain what happened much like you do in your videos. Thanks for keeping those memories alive and for allowing generations to better understand what happened in history.
My pleasure. Hope that it helps someone latch onto a part of history that they may not have known.
My Grandfathers Brother was in 106th 422nd reg I Co at St. Vith. He was captured and spent the war in a POW camp. I've always wanted to research this more. This video. is. very well done. Thank you.
Thanks Mr. Reed. Every video you do surpasses the one before. Great that you began your channel and have talked to some of the men who fought for freedom some 75 years ago. I live in a peaceful community and sleep in a warm bed because of guys like Mr. Reed. Really makes one think of how easy our lives tend to be today.
Ray Ross - Amen to that
My grandfather served in St. Vith with the 106th 424th. Thank you for the video. In 2017 I got the privilege of standing in the fox holes of the 424th and it was serene.
Greatest generation!
Thank you again sir for doing these videos I look forward to them.
My father, like your grandfather, also fought at St. Vith with the 106th in the 424th- my dad was in B Co. and received a battlefield commission later during the Bulge. We lost him in 2005. The greatest generation, indeed.
Absolutely fantastic video! My Dad was captured at the Battle of the Bulge, Edward J. Kawtoski. Wouldn't speak about it much,but I believe it was near St. Vith.(106th Recon.) My understanding was that radio communication broke down because of the weather and they were told to keep falling back because they had support advancing toward them,and they were to retreat until they met up with the support,but the communication was so bad that they thought they had to dig in until support arrived. And they were relatively inexperienced and soon they were surrounded by German tanks and had to surrender. I could be wrong though because my Dad wouldn't talk about it much. What a great guide you had! Knows his stuff! And God bless Reid!
These stories from the men who served are stories you’ll never read in a history book. The men in those foxholes experienced the war first hand. Their stories are more important than you know. Their personal story tells us what it was to experience the battle and what it felt like to feel those rounds overhead. Thank you for documenting their stories, they mean more than you know to people like me.
I've just kind of stumbled onto your channel and I'm glad you did. My Dad was in Germany during WW2. It was very hard for him to talk about his experiences and he didn't share much with me until I came home from Vietnam. Then we had some rousing conversations. THANK YOU for doing these documentaries. I can now begin to see and "feel" a little of what Dad was into there. If you ever get there, do a documentary on the An Khe Special Forces Camp. That's where I was....
So glad that you are liking them. I appreciate the kind words. And I would really really like to get over to Vietnam. Just have to find the means to do so. :)
Love and respect to all those who answered the call to serve and liberate 🇺🇸 My best always to remember 🇺🇸
Much that we have to be proud of as a country for what they did.
The History Underground 🇺🇸 Agree..... My Father (now past) was there 82nd Air Borne / WWII /Korean War vet. My Son Served US Army 177 Steel Tigers in Iraq. I tip my hat to All our service men & women and to you for your wonderful work to keep history alive. For if we don’t remember and learn from history. We are but condemned to repeat history. I’m retired career firefighter/Arson Investigator. (29years) my Best to you🚒
@@DRFelGood Thanks to your family for serving. Very grateful
Sue Prov 🇺🇸Thank You 🌹
P
Eight years ago I walked thru the Henri Chappel Cemetery and just last night I was rereading the information that I brought back My mother's uncle is buried in Luxemburg Cemetary. I got to see his grave. This video has brought back the tears. Thank you for your work
Thank you sir ... never forget ... another example why those folks are the Greatest Generation
Very touching. My heart is full of gratitude. God Bless these soldiers who fought to preserve freedom.
You do such a great job honoring the men who fought those wars. My father fought in Italy & Holland, along with being a part of the raid on Dieppe. My maternal grandfather fought & was wounded in France in WW1. It is men like you who ensure that we don't forget their sacrifices. Thank you.
Oh wow. That's quite a legacy. I'd love to visit Dieppe one of these days. Thanks!
The History Undergr
und
০জ "
I just want to say thank you for your awesome film about mr harolds experiences in St. Vith. I grew up and still live here. I reconize every single spot in the video and still learn something new!
I'm new to your channel. But I love all of your videos. You have done an incredible job of bringing to light, the stories of these brave men. Doing all you can to never ever let us forget what this generation did for us. Thank you !
Thank you so much! That really does mean a lot. Feel free to share the channel out with others :)
Well mate I take my hat off to you, what an incredible job you have done continuing the stories of these great men and women. You convey the scenes so well and it's a pleasure to watch. I myself have a great grandfather and many great uncles involved in WW2. Keep up the great work, from Jason in Christchurch, New Zealand.
jason sinclair - Thank you, sir. I really hope to make it over to your country one day as well.
My father was a half-track driver and 81 mm mortar operator in the 7th Army 38th Armored Infantry. He and others that I met before they died were captured in Cronbach about 3 miles SW of St. Vith. I so wish I could go there and find that railway near where they were captured. Dad ended up in Stalag IV-B
Wow. Those men were something else.
I was only a kid in those days. In USA, these people are called "the greatest generation"I have an older friend who was a radio man in a B-17. He became a POW but was returned safely.
My family and I met Marcel 7 years ago and he also provided us a tour over two days, he was great. We are glad to see he is well. We were following in my dad’s footsteps, he fought in the 9th Armored Division CCB 16th Field Artillery Battalion. The 9th Armored CCB was instrumental in defending St Vith and almost never gets recognized for this. We were at a reunion over 25 years ago where Colonel Brand disclosed that CCB was finally awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its defense of St Vith. Colonel Brand and many others worked for over 40 years to make this happen. There was not a dry eye in the place.
Sometimes the survivors feel guilty, but somebody has to survive to tell the story. Somebody must live on so their loss is not in vain. Thank you for telling their stories.
🙏🏼
This reminds me of the documentary on Easy Company. Thank you, gentlemen, for your service. May we never forget your and your fallen comrades sacrifices. My maternal grandfather was serving in the Navy, in South Pacific during World War II, and my paternal grandfather was a dough boy in the Great War. I salute you, gentlemen.😎
One of the best episodes on The Battle of the Bulge.
I was able to take a tour of the battle area a few years ago. One of the places we visited was Elsenborn Ridge. My dad’s division, the 99th, had been deployed around Losheimergraben, Belgium before the start of the Bulge. On the 3rd night of the battle, Dad lead survivors of the 394th Regiment in a “strategic withdrawal”. They ended up on the Elsenborn Ridge.
I was struck by the similarity of the foxholes there and the ones in this episode. The forest was very similar, too. The artillery on Elsenborn Ridge was the factor that turned the tide of the battle for the Americans.
The 99th Division was just north of the 106th Division. The 106th had literally just gone on line before the Bulge started. When the 106th surrendered, it opened the entire southern flank of the 99th’s area. This made the withdrawal necessary to re-establish a line of resistance.
Thanks for a great episode. Not many veterans still alive from the Bulge.
It gave me goosebumps you found Funkhouser's grave, amazing!! Marcel's knowledge of the area was also amazing and very grateful he could take you around. I would love to here the stories and history that is in that man's brain. Thank you both Marcel and you for another amazing video. The phone call with Reed and his reaction was beautiful and to hear his history was amazing too. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I'm thinking about cutting together a video that's more of an unedited cut of what Marcel told us in St. Vith. His knowledge was crazy extensive.
@@TheHistoryUnderground that would be awesome, I love hearing the stories of people's experiences of war.
They did their jobs. Many survived, like the man you interviewed. As I know from speaking to WWII Veterans, Reed would not call himself a hero, yet HE/they are!!! They'll call those who are buried in Europe and in Arlington, Heros....but these men who are still with us are Heros!! Reed has lived with his experience for his entire life. We must always remember and never forget!!! EXCELLENT history lesson.
Amen. Thank you for that.
My father was in the 101st at the Bulge. His rank was Sargent and prior to that, he was part of "D" day, Sicily, and North Africa. He finished his tour liberating the concentration camps. He came home with five bronze stars and the medallion showing the 101st dropping onto Bastogne. It's the General McAuliffe NUTS plaque. He was never wounded however, he was a damaged man. He never wanted to talk or brag about the war. He did tell me that he lost so many of his friends there. It took me many years to find some of his information because of the fires that destroyed most of the Army's records in 1973. In 2014 my wife and daughter went to Germany and I was able to visit Bastogne, Belgium. I never was able to thank my father for his sacrifice. However, he was a proud man and didn't need to be thanked. He just was there to serve like so many.
konaok1 - Wow. That is an incredible story. Thank you for sharing that. Hard to say what all he saw in his time there.
I wasn't too big on ww2 much(I was mainly into civil war and vietnam). Now because of your videos I am looking into it more. Thank you. And my US History teach,Coach Meyers, would be happy that he made me love history. I still remember watching the movie Patton the 2nd semester.
Awesome! Glad to see that it's ignited an interest. There really are some incredible stories from that war.
Such a touching and moving video. Thank you JD for honoring your friend Reid. To be honest I am jealous of your trek through the history of WWII...wish I was there. God Bless you
It was an honor to be able to go find the place where he fought and where his buddy was buried and bring back the footage for him. He's quite the guy.
Kind of stumbled into your posts, Boy am I glad I did. Thank you for taking the time to make and post these videos. His story is amazing!! My grandfather on my moms side, served on Eisenhower’s staff, and he had something to do with getting Werner von Braun out of Germany and into the US. He was also a recipient of Frances highest military awards. He never really opened up about the war. Again, thank you so much for posting!!
Thanks! Pretty amazing what those guys accomplished.
I was born in 89 and my dad was a veteran of the first gulf war, when he left the army and we moved back to his hometown from fort Knox.. he joined the local VFW anf later bwcame the commander.. as a kid to a single oarent i would often go with him to the VFW and even at my young age it would give me chills and tears listening to the old men talk about wars anf what they seen... How vivid these old mens memory of the sights sounds smells anf the heavy heavy baggage these men carried with them for life is so moving.... Veterans are true superheroes and ill forever be in debit to each anf everyone
Edit: I wrote this as a reply on another persons comment. But after rereading and my heart anf mind filling with memories of those men i decided to copy and paste this as a stand alone comment... Please if you see a veteran thank them and buy them a round and shake thier hand
Will do. Thanks for sharing this.
J.D to see you lost for words seemed that the connection, of seeing the graves of men who never came home. To your veteran friend you have a real treasure there many of us will never get to see and thank them for their sacrifice. That’s what makes the wooded area you stood in that special moment!
Personally, I don’t know that I’ll ever too that moment. It was pretty special.
@@TheHistoryUnderground It really did seem you felt like you where there for those men, who died in the cemetery. And for those surviving members who’s number are less than 100,000 now with the youngest 95 years old. As I said for you to have that special veteran a man of extraordinary character and resilience. Makes it all the more personal compared to the likes of I doing this instead. Because I’ve not met or seen a veteran of WWII ever.
The closest I’ve had to that experience is a late aunt who’s family fled Nazi Germany as child of 12 with her family. The things she told us as children would scare you in how bad it was.
The saddest part J.D. of it, I will explain in another post when I get time to do it. That has left a profound effect on how I behave in trying to sway others away for what she seen herself.
I can relate how you must have felt about interviewing former veterans. I also did a few interviews (1012) with former prisoners from a small concentrationcamp in Amersfoort (the Netherlands) between 2010 en 2014. I started working at the site of this former conentrationcamp on april 8th 2008 en have been there ever since. Became real good friends with most of them and unfortunately attended loads of funerals. They were survovors from camps like Amersfoort, Vught, Buchenwald, Dachau, Neuengamme, Natzweiler, Riga and loads of other smaller camps in Germany. One of my former directors always told me never to get close to these guys, because it`ll effect you once they past away and he was right about that, but I`ve never regreted getting real close to them and will always cherrish the friendship I`ve had with them. Keep up the good work JD!
Wow, what a super cool story! I had an Uncle that was captured in Italy. Tanks rolled up on them when they were in foxholes. He was sent several places but the last place was to work on a German family’s farm. Well him an the family formed a friendship. He stayed in touch with them and even went back to Germany many years later and visited the family.
Oh wow! Interesting. Thanks for sharing that. Not the typical POW story.
Man this video just made me cry. I really love that the personal account by Reed was added. 🙏🏻😭
He was something else. I miss him dearly.
You are going places i soooo much always wanted to go. Im green with envy. Those men who fought that war are definitely The Greatest Generation the world has ever seen
Glad that I can share a bit of the experience with a fellow enthusiast :)
It’s kinda surreal to think that The Bulge started on my birth date, just only a few decades prior. That people were risking and losing their lives fighting for causes they believed in only a few decades before. Regular people. Every year when it’s my birthday I think on this, and take a second to remember them and honor them. May they all rest in peace, may all the ones that fought never be forgotten.
Remember.
I’ve visited that place three times when I was stationed (1986-1989) in West Germany. I was very fortunate that I was able to visit some famous WWII battle. Since the battle of Waterloo is not that far from St Vith it’s another interesting place to see.
I’ll have to hit that on the next trip. Thanks!
Incredible videos. thanks for doing this work!
Thanks! Much appreciated. Hopefully some people are getting some good out of them.
The heaviness of these videos is striking, I wish more people today would reflect on these events. To understand what can happen when government powers become too strong, when people do not question the direction those government powers take them, it has a profound impact.
My God I cannot leave these videos without tears and a very heavy heart. Thank you for keeping this history going. It is essential. Please do not stop!
We've only got a few WWII videos left, but then we'll be digging into some other parts of history. Thanks!
My great grandpa was in the 7th AD/31st tank battalion. I never got to meet him but watching videos about what he went through in the war and especially at St. Vith, makes me feel closer to him in some way. Wish I could find more info on his time
Glad that this video could fill in a few gaps.
Browsing through UA-cam for videos this morning to show my 13 year year old son and wow, my Grandpa Harry E. Hicks was a tank commander in the 23rd Armored infantry division, 7th Armored division so Reed and Harold were his fellow soldiers and these were his same footsteps. Like most, he did not talk much about this time of his life for obvious reasons and I’ve only learned through reading and now UA-cam since he passed away in 2004.
Had me choked up nearing the end. God bless all these men, and you also JD for sharing their stories.
Glad you enjoyed it
Reed's photo at the end, back in St. Vith, was a nice touch. Tear-jerker, but a nice touch. Well done as always!
Thank you very much! It was a privilege to visit where he fought to hold the line.
DJ you were in hollowed ground there my friend. Excellent vlog 👍🏻😎
Thanks 👍. It's quite the place.
my dad, who died 9 months ago at the age of 100, fought in WWII in Ramagem, germany, he would not talk about it
Sorry for your loss. Hopefully, these videos help fill in a few gaps.
Wow! I just lost it when you called Reid and told him where you were. You are such a Patriot 🇺🇸
My Uncle Lancen from Ranger, West Virginia fought at the Battle of the Bulge, I think he served in the 75th Infantry Division. He has passed away and I'm so proud of him.
🇺🇸
I used to visit St. Vith every couple months to buy Belgian Trappist beer (Chimay and Leffe) while I was stationed at Baumholder, Germany from 2002-07. I also participated with the WWII living history group on our base and had a complete uniform and weapons. Participating in the annual anniversary events each December was a wonderful experience and I count myself fortunate. I spoke with a couple staff Officers that were there and learned the truth about what General McCauliffe actually said in response to the Germans request for our surrender. In 1986-1993 I was in D Co. 2/502nd INF, 101st ABN so I knew the history of the battle and where our unit was so walking the perimeter we held was like walking on sacred ground, just incredible. The Belgian civilians treated us like rock stars, when they learned that we were actual American Soldiers and Infantrymen and tankers, they went nuts and bought the men beer all night but I warned them about Belgian beer but did they listen? Nope, lol. Nearly all of the WWII reenactors in those annual events are French, Belgian and Dutch and all of them are great people. If you’re wondering where to sleep while there, go to the Bastogne exposition center and they’ll let you set up your cot/mattress for the night free of charge. They have a big museum in Bastogne now that’s a waste of your time, I don’t recommend it, especially at the price they want for admission! That damn museum even erected a huge fence that goes all around the forest near Foy where the Band of Brothers were at during the battle and your museum ticket is needed to get into the forest, there’s a scanner at the entrance gate. Many have officially protested to this so let’s see if they open it back up. And yes, it gets damn cold there so bring a good Goretex coat with liner because it’s a wet cold, there’s a lot of humidity there and it feels colder then you’d guess.
Thanks for this great video, I’m impressed that you took time to speak with the Veteran and include him in your terrain walk where he fought from. I heard that it was a pain to dig their foxholes because the ground was frozen solid so hacking into the ground with an E-tool for a few hours doesn’t sound very fun to me.
That was simply fantastic. Reid - what a great American, that was very touching.
Tuba Dude 🙏🏼
The best thing about this video is seeing an American drive around a roundabout correctly. Well done sir
thank you for sharing this. As a Belgian myself, I'm proud that we and you guys remember what happened there.
Thanks! Love your country and people.
Shoutout to UA-cam's algorithm for recommending something good. Stumbled across your channel yesterday and watched most of them. These are great and well done man, love em. Especially these done in the Ardennes, seeing those foxholes still there in a quite forest, (despite the road) is like looking back in time, its awesone.
Awesome, thank you! Glad that the algorithm found something that you liked :)
My grandfather served in the 7th armored division. He was in company a 77th medical battalion.
Oh wow! That is awesome. The guys from. the7th Armored hold a special place for me.
My father was in the 99th infantry , he was a Sargent. He told me many stories about everything, his memory was very clear about it. What a. experience.he could have been a history teacher....
I think that all of those guys could have. I've learned a lot from the ones that I've talked to.
I hardly ever comment on videos. Love your content. Big history buff here. The reason I'm leaving a comment was to see if Mr Stevens knew my grandfather. My grandpa was also in the 7th armoured division and was there in St. Vith. His name was Harold Emigh. Most guys called him Red because of his hair. Didn't know if there was a way for you to ask him. Its probably a long shot but it never hurts to ask. Keep making great content, I really have enjoyed all the videos I've watched. Take care
Unfortunately, Reid passed away this past year. Broke my heart. Do you know any details beyond the division level? Also, thank you for the kind words. I appreciate that. If I don't respond on here, shoot me an email (address in the About tab of the main UA-cam page).
@@TheHistoryUnderground that's terrible, I'm so sorry. My grandfather died in the summer of 2015. He was 98. Watching your videos, I had so many questions I wanted to ask him, but I couldn't. I want to go over there someday and retrace where he went. That's something I wanna do since he never got the chance to go back. And thank you for appreciating history like I do. I wish more people loved it like I do. I looked it the 7th armoured division units and was trying to figure out which one he was in. You might know more than me, he drove supply trucks either filled with ammo or troops and he told me they used to get shot at by German aircraft. And I also first hand had seen pictures of St Vith in his photo album. I'm still trying to find out what unit he was in.
Beautiful moment when you talked to Reid on the phone from the woods. Just moving beyond words. Thank you!
I used to love talking to the old veterans in the lobby at the VA hospital in Minneapolis. During the Gulf War most enemy units we encountered were broken and ready to surrender from being bombed by the Air Force for a few months. But the Germans and Japanese soldiers in WWII were still quite formidable and capable of putting a hurt on Allied troops. Those guys in the wheelchairs hooked up to oxygen tanks had some great stories. 💪
Oh man, I'll bet. Crazy what they went through.
Rewatching these and adding your friend’s photo at the end was a very touching closure to your video.
Thank you. He was quite the guy.
Thank you for sharing your videos of WWII. As a Canadian, I also follow American history of WWII in Europe as well as the pacific . Keep up the great work.
Just subscribed to you after randomly seeing one of your videos the other night ..... amazing to go into such detail and retread the places these great men once fought ...... this is a real eye opener and I will makesure I watch each one of your videos! .... incrediblely thoughtful! You’re a great guy 👍🏼
Awesome, thank you!
My father earned his Purple heart there. He is still here at 95. these guys are amazing
Aaron Archermonster - Oh wow! That is great. Could you maybe send me an email so that I can ask you a question? The address is in the About tab (may have to use a desktop to see it).
@@TheHistoryUnderground just sent you an email
Your channel should (by now) have at least 100million subscribers. This is priceless stuff! Thank you!
Ha! Well, as long as people are learning and getting something out of it and helping me learn in the process, then I'm happy. That being said, the more that we can work together to share this history out and help others to be aware of what's out there, the better :)
@@TheHistoryUnderground This is EXACTLY what I'm referring to!
I havent commented on any of your videos before, but this one compelled me to do so. All of your videos are great, but this one was special. The location with your friends story being told at the same time brought it home. None of my family fought in Europe but a great uncle was wounded and eventually died in the battle of leyte in the phillipines. I likely will never get to visit, but i hope too someday
mrSarcastic1984 - Thank you for that. Feel free to comment any time. I’m always looking to learn more from people.
Thank you soo much for the excellent production. My grandfather was there for the bulge...but was reluctant to talk about it for understandable reasons. Thank you for showing me where ( near) where he was. Now I have a much clearer picture . Hard time understanding why a history documentary would be held up by you tube.. keep up your fantastic work...
RIP to ALL that fought, I'm 🇺🇸 (Gramps was 42, 43, 44 301st BG AAC), but many countries lost many brave people.
A lot of good men that fought in that war.
Happy you got to experience this and share it with us, but especially that you got to share it with a hero and friend.