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I may be the president, but this guy doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to beat IRS and gun charges as a crackhead, only to get away with a few misdemeanors. Only a REAL American could beat all that.
FYI... Frank is and will always be a dear close friend of our family.. Sadly I'm here to let everyone know that he has passed, gone to be with his wife Dottie who has been patiently waiting 10 yrs now, this past Saturday the 12th of March, 2022,quietly at home.. He was 96 yrs young.. May God watch over, comfort, and strengthen his family and friends at this time.. Another hero gone but never forgotten.. We'll take it from here sailor, fair winds and following seas, Salute.. God Bless and Thank you for your service.. Give Dottie and Kenny our love and a big hug from all of us, we miss you all dearly.. 🙏🏻❤️🇺🇲.. Until we meet again..
.... everything ends, like, it's just another conflict that we NOW have the ability to spread stories about them with the internet, every soldier from every conflict is another "Frank" with their side of the tale...
My interpretation is that whilst they were similar ages at the time, Frank as an older man came to understand that they were all just boys. Frank himself would have been just 18 or 19 years old on D-Day (depending on exact birthday). Bless these soldiers.
I think he's 95 here. The interviewer says at one point "76 years later, what do you think, etc" So D Day was June 6, 1944. That would make this video from this year. 1944 + 76 = 2020. Another video on YT said he was 19 at the time of D Day, making him born around 1925. So yea, thats how I did the math, lol.
@@josephdial387 as soon as the vets die, the baddies enact their plans. soldiers from wwii would have sided with the Germans if they'd caught glimpse of 2021
@@mackk123 you should be ashamed of that last comment.... You should know better than to use veterans as a political pawn... No, they wouldn't have... You misunderstand what the war was about... Please just be less insulting when trying to make a point in the future.
Take a moment and try to imagine yourself in that boat when the gate went down. I did that and I started to feel sick as well. I watched actual real footage on a youtube video of them unloading off the Higgens boats on D-Day, and that was enough so when I tried to imagine being in that boat, I knew what to imagine in my mind. I started to feel sick as well, and I was just imagining it. I spent most of my young life in the military but it still made me feel sick. My Uncle was on the last Carrier that was sunk during WWII. The USS Bismark Sea. There is a pic online of when it exploded. They were hit by 2 kamikaze planes. After the first hit, they thought they were going to be OK. Then when the 2nd hit it got real bad and there was a huge explosion. The Captain had to give the abandon ship order. My Uncle and his buddy jumped. He tried to get his friend to swim to the middle of a fire ring. His logic being they might not strafe in that area thinking no one would be there. He went, his buddy didn't follow and apparently didn't make it. My Uncle was pulled out 8+ hours later. Covered in oil from the ship. We have a picture of when they pulled him out. He never would talk about it. I only found out about it 10 years ago because my father told me. My Uncle passed in 1996. He was definitely one of my inspirations for joining the military. I joined 3 years after Vietnam ended. I was 18 yrs old at the time and everyone thought I was crazy. I came from a family of 4 Uncles and a Father who were in the military. It seemed like the right thing to do at that time. I have no regrets.
“If I don’t go, they’ll send a replacement, and if they get killed, how can I live with myself?” That hit my heart. Teared up immediately... mad respect for Frank.
He’s a product of a generation of people that truly, genuinely and without any extra coercion simply cared for their fellow countrymen. Respectable no matter what. That kind of high quality man is hard to find today.
@@DG-mv6zw Yea but the brits were never as involved in some of the worst battles in europe and the pacific. The US had 50,000 more casualties and entered the war 2 years after the brits, so if you do the math on the deaths per year and the US joined when britain did they would have around 500,000 deaths where as britain only had 383,000
@@ZurkeyTurkey also think about how the US was fighting in two completely different theaters of war at the same exact time, and still managed to turn the tide of both of them.
There are almost ten thousand comments here, so I'm sure my comment will be buried. But goddamn, what an amazing man, and sailor. I broke down multiple times watching this video. RIP Frank DeVita. You are an incredible influence.
@@mcrdl76 god has never existed and is a human construct. I have literally zero respect for a deity that claims to be all knowing and all powerful but has allowed the most horrific tragedies to happen since he was invented. God sucks and literally is the worst. But thanks for your service.
Your comment will not be buried, it will be read for years... Humans NEED to watch this kind of video... I'm just here on a random Thursday night browsing UA-cam and it got me, RIP Frank... Hero, and gentleman
@@mizzury54 Yeah, the humanity of one guy surviving versus the guy right next to you dying is so incredible. I literally can't fathom how I'd deal with a situation like that.
*My great grandfather was on the first wave, same beach as this guy, he was shot twice, but still made it out, received 2 Purple Hearts* *He died in 2008*
That applies to any war, I find it sad how jingoistic the world is becoming again. Especially as a man in prime military age. I do not want to end up like my Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
We have a very clean sterile view of WWII in the US. We don't think about how brutal it really was because. In retrospect, we won decisively and it all looks like a nice easy victory. We forget that not only was the war on the ground brutal, but the people living at that time had no idea what the future would bring. They didn't know who would win or how long it could last. They lived through a terrifying time.
The “fourteen more times” line just made my heart drop. From the infantryman’s perspective (which is what is most commonly portrayed) it was one awful push onto the beach; I had no idea the landing boats were re-used for wave after wave. Incredible.
Could you imagine being the first waves… as soon as that ramp opens, hundreds of bullets are flying in and just slaughtering everyone inside. it’s truly one of the most horrifying scenes humanity has ever created
What a beast this man is. 1st wave to Omaha Beach, went back for 14 more, then southern France, to Philippines and then Okinawa. I have no words for this man. Just pure admiration.
I don't mean to undermine him, but I don't get how he participates in 15 waves, like did he raid the beach 15 times? I don't get it, I mean once you're on the beach don't you stay there?
@@SimonB. the other troops didn't need "bringing" I do t understand why they would need him to go back and bring them, that doesn't make sense. He could just stay on the beach, and they could all just flood the beach with troops.
@Peekle we never should have been in Vietnam...I had 3 friends killed there....I just missed getting drafted...the whole war was a waste of lives on both sides...sad!!!
@Bill Those kids are still Americans. Many of them surely lost family in WW2. I did. Don't believe everything you read on the f****** internet. They want to divide us.
I’m 28 and live in France, and it’s just breathtaking to be reminded that the reason why my country and most of Europe is free today, is those men that gave their life during D Day and the rest of the liberation campaign. We haven’t had a major conflict in 75 years and should all appreciate how lucky we are not having to step in those men’s shoes.
After that war, really smart and forward looking people put together NATO and SEATO to keep the peace, and to bring the former Axis powers back into civilization. In America, I don't think our current batch of politicians are up to the task of maintaining what was so had won.
My grandfather was one of the soldiers in the 29th division that he speaks of. I’m doing research on my grandfather & I’m honored to be his granddaughter. Growing up I didn’t realize what he had gone through. I wish I would’ve been more aware of it. He married my grandmother who was an English war bride. My uncle & my dad were both born in England. I cried listening to Frank as he went through the details of what he witnessed. My father is a Vietnam Veteran. I thank a soldier whenever I see one 🇺🇸
@Grape Juice hey troll I think you got your dates confused this guy isn’t talking about the 2000 generation. So c’mon back under your bridge and stop trying to hump the blender
I work at Walmart and met a vet while on the job he was buying pain meds and told me he has bad ptsd from the war and they help him sleep , at one point he begins talking about some of the most horrific experiences he had , he was beginning to tear up so I said , I’m sure you had a lot of down time in between things , what were some of the things you and your brother did to pass the time .. he responded with how they would play cards using cigarettes as currency , he explained his hand and how he took a big pot from his friends .. the whole time he was talking you could see the mannerisms of his old self coming out . Anyways if you see this - Jose you were in a Walmart in Indiana in 2022 buying meds I’m 6ft skinny Latino with a man bun , I’ll never forget you and i hope to one day play a hand of poker if not with you on earth they I hope in another life . Take care brother ❤
@@jflinn7401Absolutely. That is the least that we can do for these heroes😢 every person is struggling through tragedy like everyone else, we must be kind to each other as deeply as we can
Extremely well said. To be fair, I fought in Iraq and Afghanistan (I'm not comparing my service to these brave men btw) and for memorial day, all I want is Americans to have a happy day with their families. No matter what, I will personally recognize the lives sacrificed that made this way of life possible. That's all that matters to me. Memorial day always makes me sad. It's hard to live a normal and care free life once you've seen coffins with American flags draped over them. I'm not religious, but God bless our servicemen, and my brothers, who sacrificed everything for our country. If you want to honor us, invite your entire family over, hug your kids, drink a beer with some friends, and cook some god damn amazing wieners.
The fact that he admits to being scared out of his mind, but doing his job anyway, is to me, the definition of courage. And his humility radiates. He earned the right to be a hero, but humbly rejects the mantle and gives it to the ones who gave all, and never came home.
All heroes say that. This guy was already heroic before this moment but he officially stopped being a survivor when he got back on the boat so a replacement didn't have to do it. That's raw courage and the definition of heroism. Willingly putting yourself in harm's way so others don't need to...
Hes for sure a hero, what a great recollection. Wow. But so is everyone in war, everyone thinks their cause is the right one unfortunately. Here's to world peace.
Remember, though he said he was scared, recognized that if he did not go (into the meat grinder) one of his mates would have to go in his place. So, he went back, again and again, to spare his mates from his fate. That's heroic!!
As an Iraq war vet and an Infantryman, men like Mr Devita are the utmost of heroes to me. What these men endured on that day is incomprehensible. I look forward to the day I reach Heaven so I can shake his hand.
11 bang bang! What's up brotha fellow 11b 1 tour in Afghanistan 2006, and graduated sandhill 2005! I Feel the same about Men like Devita they are true Alphas! Stay safe and stay free brotha!
I read as many comments as I could and my heart is so full. Frank is my great grandfather and was truly the greatest man i’ve ever met. so beyond grateful to have him in my life for 20 years. he will be dearly missed by so many. our family will never stop spreading his story 💕 our hero
What a great man. Feel honoured that I got to listen to him. His actions make him immortal. His mental fortitude, love and pain that he felt. I am grateful heros like Frank existed.His memory will live on.
Your Great Grandfather is a great man. I know he's in a better place and can now rest easy. You're living proof of one of the many blessings he's given this world. I'm so thankful for his testimony and I'm sure you loved him with all your heart and soul.
“ The guy 2 feet away from me, machine gun blew his helmet and a part of his brain, He was crying help me help me, he was just a little boy, i couldn’t do anything to help him”. Imagine reliving that every single day. Dreaming about that every single night. My heart sank just by listening to the story and this man sitting here lived that. I am crying ngl. RESPECT.
And what isn't recognised enough these days is that the sacrifices made by these incredible Americans were for the freedoms of other countries...love and respect from the uk
This gentleman has me sobbing. Over 75 years later and it still moves him the way it does... Every story I hear reminds me why they are The Greatest Generation
The story of the redheaded man who died in his arms and the sheer sadness and sobbing with which he expressed it, showed that after this point Mr DeVita didn't want to do this anymore... But he kept on regardless and went back 14 more times, despite bringing back 300 men of his age back as dead. He wasn't just a survivor, as he said he was, but a true, courageous hero. We will always remember him. Rest in peace.
@@KraveSanity If it were pointless, it wouldn't have been fought. The point on the german side was to take over as much territory as they could so they had control of europe. The point of the allies was to stop the german war machine. If you mean, it doesn't matter which side wins, we just keep fighting forever anyway, then I can sort of see where you're coming from, cuz our history is painted with constant wars going back and forth. And even if you win one, you might lost the next, etc. Otherwise, no dude. There was a point.
@@KraveSanity war is pointless yes, but when your duty calls you go, no matter what. It's either that or get your family slaughtered and your lady's raped by the enemy. So yeah war is bad but the warriors are our hero's who did what they had to do so one day you could come here and type BS.
@@michelrood2966 So, are you saying you'd rather have had Hitler conquer Europe and beyond unapposed? Didn't know people were still Nazi sympathizers, huh. Sure Politicians might have been the one to declare the wars, but it doesnt take away the sacrifice and effort of those fighting. Everyone had their own reasons for enlisting, but it doesn't deminish the fact they fought so others wouldn't have to, and so a tyrant could be stopped.
I'm not even American, but there's something about this gentleman that brings me an unmeasurable sense of pride. Thank you, sir. Your generation saved the world. Maximum respect!
Or as Lindbergh said. The British,the Jews and the Roosevelt administration. Those were the group of people agitating for American to get involved in a European war.
I’m an Army vet, 3 tours to Iraq. After all I’ve seen, my hat is still off to all WW2 and Vietnam vets. Their experience makes mine look like a cake walk. I couldn’t imagine fighting war like this...
@Woobie If my statement is confusing to you. Perhaps you are an idiot. I simply observed his statement and viewed his channel. A man who serves in any army represents his country with dire dignity and utmost responsibility. I find his channel to not match his profession
Its life man. You realize if you are younger right now probably in your lifetime we will be in another conflict just like this. It's sad but history repeats itself. We are not learning from our mistakes very well.
@@pnpdynamic9720 Fortunately we are in the longest period of uninterrupted peace in the west. Ever. I really hope you are proven wrong, but only the future will tell. My father was born just after the war and his generation has known no conflicts (Im from the Netherlands) and he is 75 now. 75 years of uninterrupted peace, lets hope it stays like that for another 75 years.
@@Truthseeker9393 he was a hero but we can’t act like a majority of those men’s that fought back then were mentally physically and emotionally broken by that war
He did what he had to do, without thinking about it…he just did it. You can’t think about it during that moment. That is what makes him a hero. Then he had to live with the memories of that unspeakable horror, for the rest of his life…that is what also makes him a hero…or in his words…a survivor.
@James Henderson ok so let's say Germany did destroy the USSR and china, then what? Trade one demon for another? The nazi party was a communist policy in terms of economic, they just used racial warfare instead of the marxist class warfare.
@James Henderson Isn't it sad how most people are completely oblivious to how we have been paying the price for allying with Marxism since WW2? Blinded by the delusions of "my granddaddy was a hero who saved the world" total nonsense.
hearing him speak about being with that boy who died while he said the prayer made me sob. I cannot even begin to imagine the horrific mental images this left him with. honored to be able to hear his story.
It’s wild, you’d think the stress would have an affect but they’ve been through so much and power through, tough as nails. I know a vet that had a heart transplant and prob has more energy than me
@@georgyzhukov6409 1) "Fake news" is more frequently the reality, particularly in the case of the Donald J Trump, easily the most dishonest and cowardly president in US history. 2) Who makes you chief censor?
After listening to him (only got about 12min in and couldn't continue, it's just too hectic), I don't know what is worse, living through it or dying in it.
"It's the big people who make wars. Not the common people, they're the ones that get hurt." Honestly, that's the realest thing anyone could ever say. Rest in Peace Frank DeVita. No one deserves to go through that.
Yep, conscription was big back then, you had a lot of people sending men to their deaths… over practically no reason. Vietnam especially, the war with NK shouldnt have happened. We have incompetent leaders, yet people never seem to fight back against politicians, and follow their orders, from police, to common people, and I do not understand why.
My Dad landed in the first wave with the British army on Gold Beach, and made it all the way to Hamburg at the end of the war. He was never wounded. 🇬🇧🍷🍺👍
@James Henderson there's always one! And you're it... good on you and your virtue signalling for trying to politicise the sacrifices these "everyday" brave men made for us.
My grandpa was in the Bulge. I remember as a kid being woken at night by the sounds of his nightmares. Thank god all we have to fight about is SJW morons burning their own communities. Imagine having REAL dangerous fascists to deal with like the heroes of WW2. Count your blessings, my friends, for we truly live in remarkable times.
@James Henderson Great! Well done for pointing out the horror of warfare and win at any cost actions. Like we didn't know, it's sad you think WW2 was a game of cricket played by gentlemanly rules! Not the largest mechanised destruction of humanity in all of human history.... All is fair in love and war. And you're tarnishing the sacrifices of these heroes with your need for virtue seeking, attention.
My dad was on LST-289 and described men just dropping as they tried to hit the beach, Dad has passed on but my respect for all the courage in service grows daily!
It’s Unbelievable to imagine the pain these men walked around with for the last 77 years. And this just shows here why you shouldn’t discredit any branch of the service.
It’s amazing how sharp he is at his age. He looks like he still Works out. You can tell he has his bouts with survivors guilt but I’m glad he honored his fallen brothers by living a long life.
I work at the VA in Loma Linda CA. Most WW2 vets still look and function very well it always makes me smile. Our last true generation of American pride, and they carry it on to this day.
"I'm not a hero: I'm a survivor." Sorry, old man, but you are wrong. You saw death threatening to take you as it had all those other boys and you could have stayed on the ship, letting fear grip you. But no...you went back...you went back 14 times...14 times. THAT is what heroes do.
That's just your 21st internet and call of duty ''culture'' stating that. Everyone knows he's a hero, but he meant exactly that. His personal feeling matter more than anybody's outside of what he lived through. If that man says he's a survivor, he has his reasons. I bet he tried to say something about destiny and god, so he's being humble and I like him for that.
My grandfather was a sailor stationed at Pearl Harbor during the attack and stayed in until after the war was through (1937-1945.) He was one of the survivors. Many of his friends and even his cousin weren’t so lucky. My grandfather had photos with FDR shaking his hand. Sadly, this is about all I know. My grandfather died in 2012 when I was 15 and he had Alzheimer’s for years prior to his death so I never had a chance to ask him everything I should have, I was too young. By the time I was 12 he had lost most of those memories. To me, the most tragic thing that has happened in my life was my grandfather not living long enough for me to ask him everything I should have. He grew up poor as dirt on a Texas farm in the Great Depression. He served in the biggest war in history and saw every moment of that war from the absolute first second to the last. He was there when Pearl Harbor was attacked, he was there when Hirohito was ousted from power. He had an amazing, unbelievable life and I just wish I could have known him better. I knew him as my kind-hearted granddad and I’m happy for that but I wish I could’ve got to know him as a man as well. Sit down and have a drink, ask him everything I’ve wanted to. If I had one wish it would probably be that. Rest in peace to my grandfather, Chester Lee Harris. You were and will always remain my hero. The greatest man I’ve ever known.
I feel the same about my grandfather too. He was a medic in the Korean War. I wish I had talked to him and asked questions. He got sick and passed when I was just becoming an adult. You feel a lot of regret. RIP to your grandpa too 🥺🙏🏼❤️
My grandfather landed at Omaha. Chokes me up hearing this and wondering what his experience was like. This is why these people were the absolute greatest generation. He was afraid to die and went back 14 times just so that he wasn’t leaving his countrymen hanging. Unreal.
They really ought to show these videos in school. They are raw, first hand accounts of pivotal moments in history. This isn't something you get in textbooks. Thank you all for your service and to the fallen soldiers for their sacrifice.
They really should. The sad reality is a lot of the kids probably don’t know what D-Day was and some would tune this out and go onto social media fishing for likes and thumbs up.
When I was in elementary school, this material WAS in the textbooks, on TV, in newspapers, books, on radio, and just about everywhere one looked. Patriotism was rampant, and uniform, throughout the country; So was respect and appreciation for the sacrifice of our founding fathers, Washington, Lafayette, and the common men, women, and even children of the colonies who shed their blood to win Independence and to establish for us a nation under God, possessing the greatest freedom and democracy ever bestowed upon a people. TRAGICALLY, in just a few short decades, we've allowed an unpatriotic, America-hating element to rise up, take over, and remove all patriotic inspiration. SHAME ON US for allowing this tiny, radically fringe element, to exercise control over the rest of us, a GIANT MAJORITY who outnumber them 1000 to 1. If we lose our beloved Republic, and by that, I mean lose our democracy though a future of corrupt elections thus falling permanently under the thumb of despotic rulers...then alas, the rise and fall of America, the "great miracle of democracy," will go down in history as a shameful, disgraceful, cautionary tale of the dire price to be paid for patriotic laziness, political slothfulness, and civic apathy in maintaining a Republic. Above all, the lesson will be painfully evident of the hellish result of forsaking the very God under which this nation was originally created, and who showered incalculable blessings upon it, of "milk and honey" in quality and excess not seen since the Israelites crossed the River Jordan into the Promised land.
My Dad was in WW11. He hardly talked about his experience. He spent 7 years of his life in the Army Air Force. Every Memorial Day he would put on his uniform, which still fit him like a glove, and we would go to the cemetery to visit the graves of his buddies that were in the war. I was so proud of him. He was a very handsome man still. Some people would come up to him and shake his hand and thank him for his service in the war. Now I do the same when I see someone with a hat or uniform. My Dad was a wonderful husband, father and friend to many. And I thank God he spared his life. He passed away at the age of 91. I miss him terribly but I also know he is in Heaven because he loved the Lord Jesus, and I will see him again. ✝️☮️
I'm a marine vet, did 3 tours, 1 Iraq and 2 Afghanistan, but what this man went through i could never imagine. 2000 dead is a sight I can't even fathom.
My ggg grandfather was at Cold Harbor and he saw 10k men lay on that battlefield crying for days. Some 6k fell within the first few minutes. He spoke of it one time, so im told.
@@houstonswisha143 WWI they were all kids ill prepared just like today. Many believed it was just some joke overseas, until they got there. Would be the same story now. Truly would be history repeating itself.
When he described how he took the hand of the kid who got shot right in front of him... that hit hard. You can tell he has lived with that memory for his entire life. Absolutely heartbreaking. Bless this man, and all the others who fought and died for us to be here today.
He made 15 trips in the Higgins boat to Omaha Beach carrying troops...after having 12-14 slaughtered on the first trip. He went back time and time again not wanting someone else to die in his place. I can't wrap my head around the level of courage and heroism this man possessed. My god!
And today noone respects the legacy of those who sacrificed themselves for us.... How sad they will be when they see what the world has become on the very land they poured their blood. We are a disgrace.
@@putin2918 I wouldn't say "no one respects" - but not enough take the time to honor these great men. As a veteran myself and and deep family heritage of service, I often attend ceremonies at our local cenotaph on Remembrance Day to pause and reflect on their sacrifices. I wish the crowds were bigger.
@@dunno6442 If all the young men refused to 'serve' by giving their lives in a senseless fashion to those lucky enough to be in power - who would never actually fight themselves - then there would be no wars in the first place.
The number of times, and how he says “I don’t/didn’t wanna die.” Is the most sincere and human statement. None of us want to die, and he showed true courage and bravery. I’m in the Marines and I always tell ppl, the enemy doesn’t care what color you are, we’re American first.
Your goverment doesn't care for you also they wanna give you that sense that they appreciate you and that we're all American but how about outside of military in the streets and schools they try to say no one is the same white black brown even in jail they teach to separate but oh no when it comes to hoodwinking people to join there military they say we're are all American don't give your life for old men in offices not brave enough to do the bidding you are not defending your country by going to other counties invading no one in invading America if they were then you can stand up and fight to protect one's you love but in a foreigners country who are you protecting? the old men in power political agenda is what your protecting
My grandfather landed on D-Day and was at the battle of the bulge. Thankfully the war had finished as he was on his way to Japan. He was a wonderful man like this gentlemen. He passed away in 2014 at 93. Rip pops
My great Uncle landed on Omaha on Dday and also fought at the battle of Ardennes (bulge). They may have fought together. I'm glad your Grandfather lived a long life, as did my Uncle, he passed away in 2008. He told me a few stories about the war. My Aunt told me he never spoke to anyone about the war before. I'll never forget what he told me and what I would give to be able to sit and speak to him one last time.
These men not only gave their life for America. I'm german, and they gave their lives for my country too. And for France, for Italy, for the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, the Soviets gave their lives for Poland, and the east, and so on and so forth. Im eternally grateful for all allied forces sacrifice to stop the evil regimes that sent young men to die for lunatic reasons. I live in a free country with democracy, rights, art and expression now, free to say and work what I like, free to love whom I love, and to be exercise any religion and belief, due to the sacrifice of these men.
But why did they drop them there in an open area and they had to be dropped off not only in an open area but in waist deep waters where they had a hard time moving. Those guys were sitting targets! I salute their bravery but poor guys.
@@Matakui2011 The technology and intelligence gathering to know exactly what the German defenses were like and where they were located simply did not exist in that era. A lot of Allied misdirection was planned to draw German defensive forces away from the Normandy area and to make Hitler think that Calais, which was closer to Britain, would be the target. And so German defenses of the Normandy beaches were actually relatively patchwork and incomplete, as they were not able to fully build up defenses all along the French coast (the so-called Atlantic Wall). Some of the beaches in the Normandy invasion were thus hardly defended at all, and others were only lightly defended and casualties were generally much, much lower than in all the other beaches. Omaha beach just happened to be the one beach with the strongest concentration of German defenses, and the one with the highest casualties. In the fog of war, neither side ever knows exactly what the other side has in store, and so as a result, there's always going to be an element of just feeding the soldiers into the meatgrinder and hoping for the best, while acknowledging that there will be casualties.
@@redrocket9861 Well, I guess you just don't appreciate the enormous sacrifices that they made just so you could still have the freedom of speech to post a comment like that on the internet, instead of bowing deeply to the ground and saying in Japanese かしこまりました, or clicking your heels and saluting and saying "Jawohl"
The people who deface our veterans memorials ought to watch this and understand the magnitude of what these brave men went through. To any veterans reading this comment thank you graciously for your service 💚
My grandpa landed on Omaha . He wouldn’t tell me what happened . Just some stories once they made it inland . He was the best man I’ve ever known . He died in 2013 . He was 95. My hero
Its because of guys like this throughout the war from all involved that we are able to read this ..... God bless you Frank and all those that didn't make it too ❤
The luckiest day of my life, was when my Girlfriends father was at a nursing home and hos roommate was a 95 year old man that was part of the D-day invasion. To be able to talk to him, was like Christmas and winning the lottery all in one. If you were 18 in 1945 that would make you 95 as of 2022. There's not many left, let alone one who was involved in D-day God bless this man and this generation.
This is the most detailed, gut wrenching interview I have heard in the 25 or so years I've been watching WWII docs. To maintain his composure while relating all of his most minute recollections... What a sailor. Frank, I know you don't think of yourself as a hero. None of you guys ever do. But you are a hero to me. Thank you so much for your time, candor, and service.
Very true. But, when something this monumental and horrifying happens in front of you, your brain won’t let you forget. Search your soul, you’ll find the moments of trauma are much clearer memories.
You will never forget an experience like this. It rewires your brain to never ever forget, a side effect of us having many millions of years of evolution and survival: due to memories.
Saving Private Ryan when they had the private showing for the guys that were there and then saying that’s the closest to how it was. Many left the theater just remembering it.
I thought about that when I turned 18, but at 18, I didn't fully realize it basically couldn't happen to me due to the politics of the time, but, I didn't know that.
Damn I was under the impression that troops generally saw one theater or another. Crazy to think that someone saw Normandy, the south of France, the Philippines, and Okinawa.
@A C H what the hell are you talking about. He fought the entire European theater then smoked out and killed all what was left of the Japanese. The guy was an all out badass. Worked all who stood before him. God bless America....
My great uncle James said that on his way to the beach, they couldn't figure out what all the logs were floating in the water. It turned out they were arms and legs. When the ramp was lowered, all my uncles friends were gunned down in front of him. He fought all the way through the rest of the war, and made back home somehow. For the rest of his life he never set foot outside the community where we live. He never talked about what he went through until my grandmother asked him to give me an interview for a school project. That was the first time in my life that I ever saw a man weep. Those men went through hell.
My dad was in the Philippines 2yrs2mos.and2days Army Airborne 13th division. He earned 4 bronze stsrs,stars, medals and ribbons. The medal he was most proud of was the medal of good conduct.He was hopped around 8 islands. They were on one island that was 10 miles long. One night they were bombed over 100 times. He said the thing he didn't like about the beaches were they left you exposed. When he came home from the war a relative wanted him to relocate from Philadelphia to the Jersey shore. My dad wouldn't go he had enough of sand is what he said.
My dentist was from Bedford VA. They had the highest casualty rate per capita on D day. . He went to college and his friends went to war. he lost all of them. Some that were deemed not fit for duty were so distraught, they committed suicide.
@@shirleylake7738 My great grandfather fought in WW2, Philippine Army. I don't know what his division was but he was part of the Bataan death march. Cheers to my great grandfather and your dad, good sir.
If you Google the name of this brave man it shows you a picture of him and how young he really was when all of that happened right in front of his eyes. Such bravery and valor.
My father landed on Omaha among the first assault of waves with the Big Red 1 on D-day and survived by jumping over the side of the landing craft into the water and shucking his pack. That man echoed what little my father told me. God bless these men.
@Claudia Juarez He was an American who fought for his country, and I'm proud of him. I doubt you know anything but to be a two legged disrespectful animal.
@@delprice3007 Whatever helps you sleep at night. He wasnt fighting against evil, he was fighting for it (unknowingly). Look at the condition of western civilization now. Lol
The worse part is knowing that while hes telling these stories, its being played in his mind like some kind of bad movie you cant turn off. Thats whats gets me, some men carry humongous burdens that we dont know.
@@bryanrowder1831 Really? I took away from my near seath experience (after an accident, nothing heroic) dying is total panic and I never want to experience that again. Unfortunately we all have to some day...
As someone who didn't serve, I really appreciate this interview. We're closing in on the last of the WW2 vets and to hear that this man's story has been recorded gives me hope that we may never forget how horrible WW2 was. Quite a story.
I hope every vet gets an opportunity to tell their story if they wish to share,they won’t be around for long and story’s like this are better than any history lesson imo no matter who you are or what age when a veteran starts talking you automatically shut up and listen upmost respect for every single one of them hero’s
He’s the type of man who makes me ashamed of this country and it’s lack of care towards our veterans. People like him should need for nothing. Yet so many do. Man, he’s every bit a superhero.
Yes, it's riciculous how fellow americans like to bash upon, for an example, the Vietnam War, Vietnam veterans did as much as any other veterans did in other wars, but because we were the ones who drew first blood and we lost to a very poor equiped army Vietnam veterans aren't treated like WW2 and Afeghanistan veterans.
I read a book in the early 90's about a wwII hero and I looked him up and called him to say thank you..he was so humble and seemed shocked that someone called him to thank him...all these men were just amazing for lack of a better word.
That’s pretty cool. And inspires me to do more - I try to always speak to the men when I see them wearing a hat. And if they have a moment I like to ask a question or two. Its led to a few really memorable conversations & moments. I try to teach these things to my kids
@@colinsmith484 that's so cool honestly I am gonna start doing this with my son. He would think it's so cool, and I have nothing but love for veterans. They fought for us. They love us all as if they would go to war again for us.
I used to feel the exact same way you do until someone explained to me that the dislikes are from people that aren't interested in the video and if you hit dislike that genre will not be on your feed. Nothing towards the man personally.
@@Richard.oglesby I see mate. But was the thumbs down really necessary? Could have just ignored the video or didn't click it. Anyway, watching videos like this is a great reminder of the liberty we enjoy through these veterans' sacrifice. Watching them tell their tales, listening to their message is the least that we can do after all their sacrifices for us.
This poor kid probably held onto that guilt all these years of being responsible for dropping that ramp & all his men were killed.... its mind blowing how watching him tell the story it’s like he’s back on that beach 75 years ago. My uncle who was there that day wrote a short story about D-day he said he could close his eyes and smell the beach & the smell of burning flesh like it was yesterday.
Most American teens have had combat experience just surviving our daily school shootings at this point. The people who need to see this are the adults, and the GOP in particular. But we’ve seen with McCain that they would just attack and demonize this man instead of humbling themselves to admit their mistakes and what it’s cost us.
@@MasterShake9000 I would rather go through a school shooting then getting my head blown off with an mg42 anyday thank you very much not a very good comparison
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I may be the president, but this guy doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to beat IRS and gun charges as a crackhead, only to get away with a few misdemeanors. Only a REAL American could beat all that.
😢😢😢😢😢😢
🫡🫡🫡
Qq
Frank passed away last month. We will never forget your service. Rest In Peace
🇺🇸 🕊️
🙏
Rest in Peace Frank *Salute*
Sorry to hear that … my 2 grandpas also served in ww2 both dies last 2 months ago
He can finally rest
This guy passed away in 2022 at age 96. RIP Frank DeVita (1925-2022), thank you for your service 🫡
True American
RIP Frank, a true American
😭
RIP
Thank you for your service.
FYI... Frank is and will always be a dear close friend of our family.. Sadly I'm here to let everyone know that he has passed, gone to be with his wife Dottie who has been patiently waiting 10 yrs now, this past Saturday the 12th of March, 2022,quietly at home.. He was 96 yrs young.. May God watch over, comfort, and strengthen his family and friends at this time.. Another hero gone but never forgotten..
We'll take it from here sailor, fair winds and following seas, Salute..
God Bless and Thank you for your service.. Give Dottie and Kenny our love and a big hug from all of us, we miss you all dearly.. 🙏🏻❤️🇺🇲.. Until we meet again..
RIP
RIP Gunner! We have the watch!
God bless Frank and all those heroes that fought and died for this country❤🤍💙
Hero.
A generation of warriors
There's only 167,000 WW2 veterans still alive as of 2022. Cherish all of these priceless moments and stories.
I just want a Time Machine so I can fight aside them 😢
Priceless human beings!! The bravest of the brave
however more holocaust survivors are born each day
No you don’t lol
.... everything ends, like, it's just another conflict that we NOW have the ability to spread stories about them with the internet, every soldier from every conflict is another "Frank" with their side of the tale...
"He was just a boy," hurt me in a way I can't express. They were just boys, but Frank, so were you. Thank you for all you gave, may you rest in peace.
My interpretation is that whilst they were similar ages at the time, Frank as an older man came to understand that they were all just boys. Frank himself would have been just 18 or 19 years old on D-Day (depending on exact birthday). Bless these soldiers.
I did I lose it when he said that. I cried like a baby.
That hit me, too..
They were just boys...
God bless you soldiers and thank you for freedom.
Nope
America has made soft men cause they didn’t grow up when they were boys
Days when men were men
God he looks GOOD to be 90 and very articulate .
I think he's 95 here. The interviewer says at one point "76 years later, what do you think, etc" So D Day was June 6, 1944. That would make this video from this year. 1944 + 76 = 2020. Another video on YT said he was 19 at the time of D Day, making him born around 1925. So yea, thats how I did the math, lol.
I'll be happy if I'm still alive at 90, and ecstatic if I look half as good as this guy does at 90.
TheMattc999
No joke man , I’d be happy with 75 haha
He looks in his early 60's. Man he lives with some major ghosts 😮
That's exactly my thought I started doing the math like wow !!!
These WWII stories need to be shown in schools. We have little to no appreciation for human life or the sacrifices and mistakes of past generations.
What’s important is to hear these stories while the veterans are still alive to tell them. One day there will be no more ww2 or Vietnam vets.
Ditto
too busy focusing on 6 million deaths and demonizing our grandfathers for that one... who owns the media?
@@josephdial387 as soon as the vets die, the baddies enact their plans. soldiers from wwii would have sided with the Germans if they'd caught glimpse of 2021
@@mackk123 you should be ashamed of that last comment.... You should know better than to use veterans as a political pawn... No, they wouldn't have... You misunderstand what the war was about... Please just be less insulting when trying to make a point in the future.
He went back 14 more times because he was afraid someone else would die instead of him. That is a true Hero.
Yeah.. good man. He saw how horrible it was and he took it on himself to spare one life and do it himself.
He went from high school having that kind of desire to fight for his country. Wow!
As an 18 year old I’m really starting to appreciate these stories because I’m so lucky they aren’t my stories.
Great way to look at it brother. I feel blessed as well and I'm 27, and thankful for men like frank.
Take a moment and try to imagine yourself in that boat when the gate went down. I did that and I started to feel sick as well. I watched actual real footage on a youtube video of them unloading off the Higgens boats on D-Day, and that was enough so when I tried to imagine being in that boat, I knew what to imagine in my mind. I started to feel sick as well, and I was just imagining it. I spent most of my young life in the military but it still made me feel sick.
My Uncle was on the last Carrier that was sunk during WWII. The USS Bismark Sea. There is a pic online of when it exploded. They were hit by 2 kamikaze planes. After the first hit, they thought they were going to be OK. Then when the 2nd hit it got real bad and there was a huge explosion. The Captain had to give the abandon ship order. My Uncle and his buddy jumped. He tried to get his friend to swim to the middle of a fire ring. His logic being they might not strafe in that area thinking no one would be there. He went, his buddy didn't follow and apparently didn't make it. My Uncle was pulled out 8+ hours later. Covered in oil from the ship. We have a picture of when they pulled him out. He never would talk about it. I only found out about it 10 years ago because my father told me. My Uncle passed in 1996. He was definitely one of my inspirations for joining the military. I joined 3 years after Vietnam ended. I was 18 yrs old at the time and everyone thought I was crazy. I came from a family of 4 Uncles and a Father who were in the military. It seemed like the right thing to do at that time. I have no regrets.
They might be soon.
We have an administration loyal to china so who knows how long until they invade.
Tell your friends, then tell them again
The lgtb community took over
“If I don’t go, they’ll send a replacement, and if they get killed, how can I live with myself?”
That hit my heart. Teared up immediately... mad respect for Frank.
He’s a product of a generation of people that truly, genuinely and without any extra coercion simply cared for their fellow countrymen. Respectable no matter what. That kind of high quality man is hard to find today.
This is what makes him a hero, even if he doesn't claim it. What a powerful story!
He went back 14 more times... men aren’t made like this anymore
@Kjell Johnsson That wasn't a very good comparison.
Very very true
Jesus...he was on Omaha AND Okinawa....two of the worst battlegrounds in WWII. This guy is amazing.
Not if you were British Forces. We fought through the whole of WW2. The Americans came a lot later in tbe game, unfortunately.
D G It’s because GB were running out of money and weapons, it was sad that that was the case but it was.
@@DG-mv6zw Yea but the brits were never as involved in some of the worst battles in europe and the pacific. The US had 50,000 more casualties and entered the war 2 years after the brits, so if you do the math on the deaths per year and the US joined when britain did they would have around 500,000 deaths where as britain only had 383,000
@@ZurkeyTurkey also think about how the US was fighting in two completely different theaters of war at the same exact time, and still managed to turn the tide of both of them.
@@frenchfryman6 this is simply not true. Everyone was tired and the americans joining helped with the final push, but germany was already defeated.
There are almost ten thousand comments here, so I'm sure my comment will be buried. But goddamn, what an amazing man, and sailor. I broke down multiple times watching this video. RIP Frank DeVita. You are an incredible influence.
I would ask that you would not swear like that and use the Lord's name in vain, you may need him some day. I am a veteran of the US Air Force .
@@mcrdl76 god has never existed and is a human construct. I have literally zero respect for a deity that claims to be all knowing and all powerful but has allowed the most horrific tragedies to happen since he was invented. God sucks and literally is the worst. But thanks for your service.
Your comment will not be buried, it will be read for years...
Humans NEED to watch this kind of video...
I'm just here on a random Thursday night browsing UA-cam and it got me,
RIP Frank... Hero, and gentleman
I lost it when he told of the guy who was killed next to him.
@@mizzury54 Yeah, the humanity of one guy surviving versus the guy right next to you dying is so incredible. I literally can't fathom how I'd deal with a situation like that.
*My great grandfather was on the first wave, same beach as this guy, he was shot twice, but still made it out, received 2 Purple Hearts*
*He died in 2008*
Rest in piece to your grandfather, hopefully he knew that everyone was so thankful for him.
I thank your great grandfather for his service .
Explains why you’re here today.
My great grandfather was also in ww2 in Italy, morter shrapnel almost took his arm off also got a purple heart.
I feel old. My grandparents were too young for World War I and too old for World War II. I never knew my great grandparents. They died around 1910.
"I'm not a hero. I'm a survivor."
This line really depicts how bad the war was
and also; "It's the big people that make war, not the common people. They're the ones who get hurt."
That applies to any war, I find it sad how jingoistic the world is becoming again. Especially as a man in prime military age. I do not want to end up like my Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
I absolutely lost it as soon as he said that
We have a very clean sterile view of WWII in the US. We don't think about how brutal it really was because. In retrospect, we won decisively and it all looks like a nice easy victory. We forget that not only was the war on the ground brutal, but the people living at that time had no idea what the future would bring. They didn't know who would win or how long it could last. They lived through a terrifying time.
Repent to Jesus Christ
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6 NIV
J
This man right here is the reason why we celebrate memorial day and Veterans Day God bless❤️
And why we stand for flag!!
@@Freedomlawnservice87 kneeling is just as respectful, in fact it was a soldier who recommended it. Dont add your politics into this man’s story
@@WillPittamshaha stupid biden support
@Roberta Rodriguez yes true they are so stupid
Only Israel should celebrate them! Others celebrating is total stupidity! ♥️
The “fourteen more times” line just made my heart drop. From the infantryman’s perspective (which is what is most commonly portrayed) it was one awful push onto the beach; I had no idea the landing boats were re-used for wave after wave. Incredible.
Fuckin wild dude
The amount of shame I feel listening comparing his life to mine I’m grateful for. Shame on me for ever feeling sorry for myself
First wave you had maybe less than half of the deployed to make it to land.
Could you imagine being the first waves… as soon as that ramp opens, hundreds of bullets are flying in and just slaughtering everyone inside.
it’s truly one of the most horrifying scenes humanity has ever created
Imagine going into the boat which came back filled with blood and all
What a beast this man is. 1st wave to Omaha Beach, went back for 14 more, then southern France, to Philippines and then Okinawa. I have no words for this man. Just pure admiration.
😭
Absolute machine of greatness and work for the next generation
I don't mean to undermine him, but I don't get how he participates in 15 waves, like did he raid the beach 15 times? I don't get it, I mean once you're on the beach don't you stay there?
@@SimonB. the other troops didn't need "bringing" I do t understand why they would need him to go back and bring them, that doesn't make sense. He could just stay on the beach, and they could all just flood the beach with troops.
@@SimonB. oh I thought each wave had their own landing craft
"I relive it every day in my life"
Let that sink in.
@Peekle we never should have been in Vietnam...I had 3 friends killed there....I just missed getting drafted...the whole war was a waste of lives on both sides...sad!!!
@@mikeforte7585 yeah, it wasn't our fight to fight
@Peekle pickle, the other side in the nam. Committed far more atrocities.
@Peekle the pink's committed many "mi-lai's"
@Bill Those kids are still Americans. Many of them surely lost family in WW2. I did. Don't believe everything you read on the f****** internet. They want to divide us.
I’m 28 and live in France, and it’s just breathtaking to be reminded that the reason why my country and most of Europe is free today, is those men that gave their life during D Day and the rest of the liberation campaign.
We haven’t had a major conflict in 75 years and should all appreciate how lucky we are not having to step in those men’s shoes.
After that war, really smart and forward looking people put together NATO and SEATO to keep the peace, and to bring the former Axis powers back into civilization. In America, I don't think our current batch of politicians are up to the task of maintaining what was so had won.
My grandfather was one of the soldiers in the 29th division that he speaks of. I’m doing research on my grandfather & I’m honored to be his granddaughter. Growing up I didn’t realize what he had gone through. I wish I would’ve been more aware of it. He married my grandmother who was an English war bride. My uncle & my dad were both born in England. I cried listening to Frank as he went through the details of what he witnessed. My father is a Vietnam Veteran. I thank a soldier whenever I see one 🇺🇸
@Grape Juice and also thank them for your mom's ability to drink while pregnant
@@huhumart I agree! What the hell is he talking about & who the hell is he!?
@Grape Juice hey troll I think you got your dates confused this guy isn’t talking about the 2000 generation. So c’mon back under your bridge and stop trying to hump the blender
I work at Walmart and met a vet while on the job he was buying pain meds and told me he has bad ptsd from the war and they help him sleep , at one point he begins talking about some of the most horrific experiences he had , he was beginning to tear up so I said , I’m sure you had a lot of down time in between things , what were some of the things you and your brother did to pass the time .. he responded with how they would play cards using cigarettes as currency , he explained his hand and how he took a big pot from his friends .. the whole time he was talking you could see the mannerisms of his old self coming out . Anyways if you see this -
Jose you were in a Walmart in Indiana in 2022 buying meds I’m 6ft skinny Latino with a man bun , I’ll never forget you and i hope to one day play a hand of poker if not with you on earth they I hope in another life . Take care brother ❤
Good on you, bro. You probably did a lot of good just by being there for him and listening to what he had to say.
@@jflinn7401Absolutely. That is the least that we can do for these heroes😢
every person is struggling through tragedy like everyone else, we must be kind to each other as deeply as we can
Gracias por tomar su tiempo por cuidar ese veterano 💪🏽 thats way cool man, and hope you’re alright Jose 🙏🏽
Suffer from ptsd it's something people really don't seem to understand.
This is why Memorial Day is more than just a cookout.. all my respects for these brave men & women
But the cook out is a big part tho
@@alphaturtle3806 😂😂
Absolutely & Amen!! Thank You!! Xoxo
The greatest generation was raised from children in lead painted cribs and no childhood vaccinations
Extremely well said. To be fair, I fought in Iraq and Afghanistan (I'm not comparing my service to these brave men btw) and for memorial day, all I want is Americans to have a happy day with their families. No matter what, I will personally recognize the lives sacrificed that made this way of life possible. That's all that matters to me. Memorial day always makes me sad. It's hard to live a normal and care free life once you've seen coffins with American flags draped over them. I'm not religious, but God bless our servicemen, and my brothers, who sacrificed everything for our country. If you want to honor us, invite your entire family over, hug your kids, drink a beer with some friends, and cook some god damn amazing wieners.
The fact that he admits to being scared out of his mind, but doing his job anyway, is to me, the definition of courage. And his humility radiates. He earned the right to be a hero, but humbly rejects the mantle and gives it to the ones who gave all, and never came home.
Beautifully said.
He didn’t got to kill
He went to save
Nazis would have taken Europe most likely
You saw it in a meme or something, same place I saw the quote like 10 years ago I never forget..
@@1truthbegettingtold275 lol did you just catch someone stealing meme quotes??🤣
@@kodykindhart5644 no sadly everyone thinks this they would've never had the fuckin soviet union was to much for them
"I'm not a hero, i'm a survivor"
Man, that's deep.
+Bayu Krisna Heroes are made out of selflessness and that is what he was.
All heroes say that. This guy was already heroic before this moment but he officially stopped being a survivor when he got back on the boat so a replacement didn't have to do it. That's raw courage and the definition of heroism. Willingly putting yourself in harm's way so others don't need to...
Hes for sure a hero, what a great recollection. Wow. But so is everyone in war, everyone thinks their cause is the right one unfortunately. Here's to world peace.
He is most definitely a hero
Remember, though he said he was scared, recognized that if he did not go (into the meat grinder) one of his mates would have to go in his place. So, he went back, again and again, to spare his mates from his fate. That's heroic!!
As an Iraq war vet and an Infantryman, men like Mr Devita are the utmost of heroes to me. What these men endured on that day is incomprehensible. I look forward to the day I reach Heaven so I can shake his hand.
God bless you sir✝️☮️
Same.
God Bless you sir
God bless you sir.
11 bang bang! What's up brotha fellow 11b 1 tour in Afghanistan 2006, and graduated sandhill 2005! I Feel the same about Men like Devita they are true Alphas!
Stay safe and stay free brotha!
“The big people make wars, not the common people, they are the ones that get hurt”
Straight Truth, still true to this day.
2022 VISION 👍👍👍...BIG FACTS... 🤔
"Politicians hide themselves away...
They only started the war..
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave that up to the poor.."
Ozzy
War is old men talking and young men dying.
Realest comment section on yt
The big people or the little hat people? Definitely the latter.
I read as many comments as I could and my heart is so full. Frank is my great grandfather and was truly the greatest man i’ve ever met. so beyond grateful to have him in my life for 20 years. he will be dearly missed by so many. our family will never stop spreading his story 💕 our hero
✌️and ♥️ to you Bella.
I am so heartened to know he was loved, respected, and appreciated by those around him. Thank you for sharing his story.
What a great man. Feel honoured that I got to listen to him. His actions make him immortal. His mental fortitude, love and pain that he felt. I am grateful heros like Frank existed.His memory will live on.
I wish I could have met him.
Your Great Grandfather is a great man. I know he's in a better place and can now rest easy. You're living proof of one of the many blessings he's given this world. I'm so thankful for his testimony and I'm sure you loved him with all your heart and soul.
“ The guy 2 feet away from me, machine gun blew his helmet and a part of his brain, He was crying help me help me, he was just a little boy, i couldn’t do anything to help him”. Imagine reliving that every single day. Dreaming about that every single night. My heart sank just by listening to the story and this man sitting here lived that. I am crying ngl.
RESPECT.
And then after all he went through in that first wave, he went back 14 times!
most forbidden documentary. Europa The Last Battle at archive . org
My eyes shed one single tear as I was hearing that😢
@EEuphoria What are you talking about?
As father, that part was hard to hear and to see his emotion. This guy deserves the most respect.
Imagine the burden of carrying that around with you your entire life. There is not enough gratitude to express for the sacrifices these men made
And what isn't recognised enough these days is that the sacrifices made by these incredible Americans were for the freedoms of other countries...love and respect from the uk
This gentleman has me sobbing.
Over 75 years later and it still moves him the way it does... Every story I hear reminds me why they are The Greatest Generation
Truly are the greatest generation...Generation of Gigantic Balls
Yup. You can see in his eyes the true sorrow and even trauma from it all as he relives it...
God bless him
@4th Chairman That's right. He should delete his comment, immediately.
@@thezerastora there is stories. Because he is American doesn’t mean he isn’t a hero
No they fought for the communists instead of against, and raised the most self indulgent generation (boomers).
The story of the redheaded man who died in his arms and the sheer sadness and sobbing with which he expressed it, showed that after this point Mr DeVita didn't want to do this anymore... But he kept on regardless and went back 14 more times, despite bringing back 300 men of his age back as dead. He wasn't just a survivor, as he said he was, but a true, courageous hero.
We will always remember him.
Rest in peace.
truth
People idolize actors, athletes, musicians. This man is what a real hero looks like.
@@KraveSanity so you're saying this great man is not a hero? Is that really what you are saying here?
@@KraveSanity If it were pointless, it wouldn't have been fought. The point on the german side was to take over as much territory as they could so they had control of europe. The point of the allies was to stop the german war machine.
If you mean, it doesn't matter which side wins, we just keep fighting forever anyway, then I can sort of see where you're coming from, cuz our history is painted with constant wars going back and forth. And even if you win one, you might lost the next, etc.
Otherwise, no dude. There was a point.
@John Fonseca Fighting a politicians war is not saving any country you dingle.
@@KraveSanity war is pointless yes, but when your duty calls you go, no matter what. It's either that or get your family slaughtered and your lady's raped by the enemy. So yeah war is bad but the warriors are our hero's who did what they had to do so one day you could come here and type BS.
@@michelrood2966 So, are you saying you'd rather have had Hitler conquer Europe and beyond unapposed? Didn't know people were still Nazi sympathizers, huh. Sure Politicians might have been the one to declare the wars, but it doesnt take away the sacrifice and effort of those fighting. Everyone had their own reasons for enlisting, but it doesn't deminish the fact they fought so others wouldn't have to, and so a tyrant could be stopped.
I'm not even American, but there's something about this gentleman that brings me an unmeasurable sense of pride. Thank you, sir. Your generation saved the world. Maximum respect!
*"It's the big people who makes the wars, not the common people, they're the ones that get hurt."* -Frank Devita
Isn't that the truth! Damn straight.
Those words were the best way to finish this incredible interview.
That sentence will stick with me forever. It hits hard coming from a guy like him.
Or as Lindbergh said. The British,the Jews and the Roosevelt administration. Those were the group of people agitating for American to get involved in a European war.
"when the rich wage war it's the poor who die"--Jean-Paul Sartre is another good one of similar spirit
@@bryanfarts822 Thank you I tell people this all the time
I’m an Army vet, 3 tours to Iraq. After all I’ve seen, my hat is still off to all WW2 and Vietnam vets. Their experience makes mine look like a cake walk. I couldn’t imagine fighting war like this...
Imagine a russian veteran.
thanks Boss you to are am American hero just like my WW11 Dad and my VietNam brother both Army.
Just by looking at your UA-cam channel you did not serve in Iraq lol
@Woobie If my statement is confusing to you. Perhaps you are an idiot. I simply observed his statement and viewed his channel. A man who serves in any army represents his country with dire dignity and utmost responsibility. I find his channel to not match his profession
@@williamacheson3569 who the F are you to question this man?
Man sometimes it's hard to believe these people actually did this, and people witnessed and fought and died on d-day. It's crazy.
Yup
Its life man. You realize if you are younger right now probably in your lifetime we will be in another conflict just like this. It's sad but history repeats itself. We are not learning from our mistakes very well.
As I get older, the more I realize this.🙏❤️
And just the fact that it was literally kids. 18 year olds dude. I can’t even imagine it
@@pnpdynamic9720 Fortunately we are in the longest period of uninterrupted peace in the west. Ever. I really hope you are proven wrong, but only the future will tell. My father was born just after the war and his generation has known no conflicts (Im from the Netherlands) and he is 75 now. 75 years of uninterrupted peace, lets hope it stays like that for another 75 years.
When he said he went back 14 times I got chills down my spine. Wow what an absolute hero of a man
Superhero.
Poor guy. He has been traumatized his entire life, but kept on living, never gave up. Thats why he is a hero. Respect!
Poor guy?!? Not the best way to describe a hero
@@Truthseeker9393 he was a hero but we can’t act like a majority of those men’s that fought back then were mentally physically and emotionally broken by that war
@@Truthseeker9393 He said himself he doesn't consider himself a hero, but a survivor.
So true
He did what he had to do, without thinking about it…he just did it. You can’t think about it during that moment. That is what makes him a hero. Then he had to live with the memories of that unspeakable horror, for the rest of his life…that is what also makes him a hero…or in his words…a survivor.
Frank DeVita, thank you for sharing your story, Thank you.
James Henderson what
@James Henderson they were already community
@James Henderson ok so let's say Germany did destroy the USSR and china, then what? Trade one demon for another? The nazi party was a communist policy in terms of economic, they just used racial warfare instead of the marxist class warfare.
@James Henderson it would have lead to it, if the germans hated communism so much then that's what would have happened
@James Henderson Isn't it sad how most people are completely oblivious to how we have been paying the price for allying with Marxism since WW2? Blinded by the delusions of "my granddaddy was a hero who saved the world" total nonsense.
As I look around, I'm not sure America deserves this man.
america doesn’t deserve this man. But this man deserves America
Well said.
True that man.
Also, O-H!!
@@chazmichaelmichaels88 I-O!!!! Goi Bucks!!
@@BuckeyeIn541 Go Buckeyes!!!
hearing him speak about being with that boy who died while he said the prayer made me sob. I cannot even begin to imagine the horrific mental images this left him with. honored to be able to hear his story.
Passed away at 96, I swear these old school vets have some serious longevity
It’s wild, you’d think the stress would have an affect but they’ve been through so much and power through, tough as nails. I know a vet that had a heart transplant and prob has more energy than me
Every year more and more ww2 vets leave us. These men are gems, it’s gonna be sad when the last remaining pass on.
Some do, most don't.
They sure do! My grandpa who was in the air force during ww2 passed away at 99 (a few months shy of 100) due to friggin Covid in his nursing home.
They do indeed. I like to think God grants them long life so they can tell as many people their stories.
"I'm not a hero: I'm a survivor."
Donald Trump prefers to call him a sucker and a loser.
@@rjlchristie stop listening to your fake news lies, he never said that. and get politics out of this
@@georgyzhukov6409 1) "Fake news" is more frequently the reality, particularly in the case of the Donald J Trump, easily the most dishonest and cowardly president in US history. 2) Who makes you chief censor?
@@rjlchristie moron
@@wasntborn9969 Gee an insult, very original, well done.
The story of the red headed kid broke my heart. The pain in this mans voice
Must of been horrendous just cant imagine what that poor bloke has been through defo a hero in my eyes although he said he isnt bless him .
i got a lump in my throat, can’t imagine
Being a redhead makes the story that much closer.
thank you
I know, you can tell he felt so bad about it.
I am just glad they got all these interview before these heroes passed away.
Imagine fighting in Omaha and Okinawa and living to tell the tale, what an absolute legend.
After listening to him (only got about 12min in and couldn't continue, it's just too hectic), I don't know what is worse, living through it or dying in it.
Lets not glorify it, those who died aren't irrelevant for not survivng. It was all luck, depressing luck.
Yani, Are you the yani from another comment string I've going on another video where we debate if you're alive or not?
@KetoFatty your handle lmao
@@JamBadguyIt's not glorifying it either way.
"It's the big people who make wars. Not the common people, they're the ones that get hurt." Honestly, that's the realest thing anyone could ever say. Rest in Peace Frank DeVita. No one deserves to go through that.
Yep, conscription was big back then, you had a lot of people sending men to their deaths… over practically no reason. Vietnam especially, the war with NK shouldnt have happened.
We have incompetent leaders, yet people never seem to fight back against politicians, and follow their orders, from police, to common people, and I do not understand why.
The way he’s saying it is that’s just what it is not that the higher ups are evil or bad
@@BvngeeGvm stop sucking off the elites
My dad landed there. Eisenhower gave him a Bronze Star. RIP Dad.
My Dad landed in the first wave with the British army on Gold Beach, and made it all the way to Hamburg at the end of the war. He was never wounded. 🇬🇧🍷🍺👍
@James Henderson there's always one! And you're it... good on you and your virtue signalling for trying to politicise the sacrifices these "everyday" brave men made for us.
@James Henderson James Henderson is a war criminal.
My grandpa was in the Bulge. I remember as a kid being woken at night by the sounds of his nightmares. Thank god all we have to fight about is SJW morons burning their own communities. Imagine having REAL dangerous fascists to deal with like the heroes of WW2. Count your blessings, my friends, for we truly live in remarkable times.
@James Henderson Great! Well done for pointing out the horror of warfare and win at any cost actions. Like we didn't know, it's sad you think WW2 was a game of cricket played by gentlemanly rules! Not the largest mechanised destruction of humanity in all of human history.... All is fair in love and war. And you're tarnishing the sacrifices of these heroes with your need for virtue seeking, attention.
My dad was on LST-289 and described men just dropping as they tried to hit the beach, Dad has passed on but my respect for all the courage in service grows daily!
You can still hear the youth in his voice. God bless this man.
Yes ☹ when he said "so I asked my mom" I can literally picture a very young brave man speaking 💯🥺🙏
It’s Unbelievable to imagine the pain these men walked around with for the last 77 years. And this just shows here why you shouldn’t discredit any branch of the service.
Cripples on both sides. Nothing to be proud of.
Never discredit any branch of service, but you could make fun of them for old times sake
@@nomadicle6867 They were serial killers. What is so great about that?
Why would anyone discredit our military, especially in time of war?
Vivian S I think it’s pretty common for young dudes to poke fun at Air Force, navy, and especially coast guard as if they don’t endure any hardships.
It’s amazing how sharp he is at his age. He looks like he still
Works out. You can tell he has his bouts with survivors guilt but I’m glad he honored his fallen brothers by living a long life.
I work at the VA in Loma Linda CA. Most WW2 vets still look and function very well it always makes me smile. Our last true generation of American pride, and they carry it on to this day.
But the poor guy probably has sleeping disorders stemming from the fact, that he can't forget what happened.
@@copperfish543 you can tell by when his voice changed when he talked about being scared to die.
Wonder if any of the purple and green haired liberal LGBTQ alphabet people of today would fight their freedom
What did you expect lol
This brings so much life to WW2. It’s not just history, it’s real people.
“It’s the big people that make wars, not the common people. They’re the ones that get hurt.”
Incredible.
That’s right, I think it’s great we have started a war in the last 4 years.
@Chris Farley not entirely the ""brazilians"", but they do play a significant part.
"I'm not a hero: I'm a survivor." Sorry, old man, but you are wrong. You saw death threatening to take you as it had all those other boys and you could have stayed on the ship, letting fear grip you. But no...you went back...you went back 14 times...14 times. THAT is what heroes do.
An ordinary man who did extraordinary things
That's just your 21st internet and call of duty ''culture'' stating that. Everyone knows he's a hero, but he meant exactly that. His personal feeling matter more than anybody's outside of what he lived through. If that man says he's a survivor, he has his reasons. I bet he tried to say something about destiny and god, so he's being humble and I like him for that.
I think he says this because he wants people to remember those that died, and also the fact that he survived by just random chance really
Yeah he's wrong he's definitely a hero.
@Robert Easterbrooks the guy in the video is the most badass human being
I read that this man just passed in March 2022, two months ago. What a hero and honorable man - RIP - to this man.
Wow! That's amazing.
My grandfather was a sailor stationed at Pearl Harbor during the attack and stayed in until after the war was through (1937-1945.) He was one of the survivors. Many of his friends and even his cousin weren’t so lucky. My grandfather had photos with FDR shaking his hand. Sadly, this is about all I know. My grandfather died in 2012 when I was 15 and he had Alzheimer’s for years prior to his death so I never had a chance to ask him everything I should have, I was too young. By the time I was 12 he had lost most of those memories. To me, the most tragic thing that has happened in my life was my grandfather not living long enough for me to ask him everything I should have. He grew up poor as dirt on a Texas farm in the Great Depression. He served in the biggest war in history and saw every moment of that war from the absolute first second to the last. He was there when Pearl Harbor was attacked, he was there when Hirohito was ousted from power. He had an amazing, unbelievable life and I just wish I could have known him better. I knew him as my kind-hearted granddad and I’m happy for that but I wish I could’ve got to know him as a man as well. Sit down and have a drink, ask him everything I’ve wanted to. If I had one wish it would probably be that.
Rest in peace to my grandfather, Chester Lee Harris. You were and will always remain my hero. The greatest man I’ve ever known.
Rest in peace to your grandfather bro 💯
So?
He lives on through you..
A beautiful tribute.
I feel the same about my grandfather too. He was a medic in the Korean War. I wish I had talked to him and asked questions. He got sick and passed when I was just becoming an adult. You feel a lot of regret. RIP to your grandpa too 🥺🙏🏼❤️
It was 77 years today. How can anybody ever repay any of the men that invaded Omaha Beach, of Normandy France? Thank you so much.
Firstly fight the ideological psychological war plaguing us today . We'll see who's who
My grandfather landed at Omaha. Chokes me up hearing this and wondering what his experience was like. This is why these people were the absolute greatest generation. He was afraid to die and went back 14 times just so that he wasn’t leaving his countrymen hanging. Unreal.
@@puddynuts men like that need to come back in a hurry
We cant
Only way we can repay these brave men is to be an American who is worth sacrificing so much for 🙏🏼
"And I went back...14 more times." That's an honorable man right there.
That surprised me when he said that.
Can’t put it into words.
Its
Ahen
Just another wanker. Nothing honorable about it.
They really ought to show these videos in school. They are raw, first hand accounts of pivotal moments in history. This isn't something you get in textbooks. Thank you all for your service and to the fallen soldiers for their sacrifice.
They really should. The sad reality is a lot of the kids probably don’t know what D-Day was and some would tune this out and go onto social media fishing for likes and thumbs up.
If they showed the horror stories of what war is really like the recruiters wouldn’t have fresh meat at the end of the year.
@@Orangejuice864 good. Than only those who could handle war, or at least what they saw, would join.
My history teacher showed us videos like this, he was a bamf
When I was in elementary school, this material WAS in the textbooks, on TV, in newspapers, books, on radio, and just about everywhere one looked. Patriotism was rampant, and uniform, throughout the country; So was respect and appreciation for the sacrifice of our founding fathers, Washington, Lafayette, and the common men, women, and even children of the colonies who shed their blood to win Independence and to establish for us a nation under God, possessing the greatest freedom and democracy ever bestowed upon a people.
TRAGICALLY, in just a few short decades, we've allowed an unpatriotic, America-hating element to rise up, take over, and remove all patriotic inspiration. SHAME ON US for allowing this tiny, radically fringe element, to exercise control over the rest of us, a GIANT MAJORITY who outnumber them 1000 to 1.
If we lose our beloved Republic, and by that, I mean lose our democracy though a future of corrupt elections thus falling permanently under the thumb of despotic rulers...then alas, the rise and fall of America, the "great miracle of democracy," will go down in history as a shameful, disgraceful, cautionary tale of the dire price to be paid for patriotic laziness, political slothfulness, and civic apathy in maintaining a Republic.
Above all, the lesson will be painfully evident of the hellish result of forsaking the very God under which this nation was originally created, and who showered incalculable blessings upon it, of "milk and honey" in quality and excess not seen since the Israelites crossed the River Jordan into the Promised land.
My Dad was in WW11. He hardly talked about his experience. He spent 7 years of his life in the Army Air Force. Every Memorial Day he would put on his uniform, which still fit him like a glove, and we would go to the cemetery to visit the graves of his buddies that were in the war. I was so proud of him. He was a very handsome man still. Some people would come up to him and shake his hand and thank him for his service in the war. Now I do the same when I see someone with a hat or uniform. My Dad was a wonderful husband, father and friend to many. And I thank God he spared his life. He passed away at the age of 91. I miss him terribly but I also know he is in Heaven because he loved the Lord Jesus, and I will see him again. ✝️☮️
Sounds like a great man , happy he lived and you had a great father!❤
@@PRR-ny6eq you know what I meant. Glad you had a good laugh
❤
I'm a marine vet, did 3 tours, 1 Iraq and 2 Afghanistan, but what this man went through i could never imagine. 2000 dead is a sight I can't even fathom.
Imagine being a Roman legionnaire, hacking each other with swords 30k in a single battle. Or being in the Battle of the Somme.
Would you recommend being in the army or the marines?
My ggg grandfather was at Cold Harbor and he saw 10k men lay on that battlefield crying for days. Some 6k fell within the first few minutes. He spoke of it one time, so im told.
Thank you as well Casey!
@@kuya_jae well what are your goals? I’m active army I’d be happy to help
ngl i cried a little bit
Same
I had a lump in my throat when he was telling the story of going back to see his mother
Same dude you're not alone.
currently balling watching the people who fought for this country to be what it is today. true heros
Damn right, anyman who doesn't has no soul
When he said "He was just a little boy" I cried like a child, can't imagine the suffering this war caused, just props to the men and their bravery
I started crying too....
I can't imagine how many teenagers were out there fighting. The young fight the wars
Same, this man himself was a little boy out there seeing these horrors, true hero
Y’all wouldn’t have made it 😂😂
@@houstonswisha143 WWI they were all kids ill prepared just like today. Many believed it was just some joke overseas, until they got there. Would be the same story now. Truly would be history repeating itself.
I just wanted to hug him when he started getting emotional 😔 Living hero deserves more recognition
76 years later and the emotion from the trauma is still as raw as the day he experienced it. God bless this entire generation.
When he described how he took the hand of the kid who got shot right in front of him... that hit hard. You can tell he has lived with that memory for his entire life. Absolutely heartbreaking. Bless this man, and all the others who fought and died for us to be here today.
Every time he sees a redhead.. Every time he sees a Youth.... He remembers...
He has left this world and those horrible memories he kept with him. I hope he is truly resting in peace
I cried when he cried telling that...I'm not emotional but fk that hit me hard in the feels
They really wer the greatest generation
Repent to Jesus Christ
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6 NIV
J
He made 15 trips in the Higgins boat to Omaha Beach carrying troops...after having 12-14 slaughtered on the first trip. He went back time and time again not wanting someone else to die in his place. I can't wrap my head around the level of courage and heroism this man possessed. My god!
The Greatest Generation , friend!
it's sad to think most young men today would cower at the idea of fighting for their country, god bless these soldiers.
And today noone respects the legacy of those who sacrificed themselves for us.... How sad they will be when they see what the world has become on the very land they poured their blood. We are a disgrace.
@@putin2918 I wouldn't say "no one respects" - but not enough take the time to honor these great men. As a veteran myself and and deep family heritage of service, I often attend ceremonies at our local cenotaph on Remembrance Day to pause and reflect on their sacrifices. I wish the crowds were bigger.
@@dunno6442
If all the young men refused to 'serve' by giving their lives in a senseless fashion to those lucky enough to be in power - who would never actually fight themselves - then there would be no wars in the first place.
My great Grandpa was a part of
D-Day. I am so proud of what he did for his country. Every veteran should be given the respect that they deserve.
The number of times, and how he says “I don’t/didn’t wanna die.” Is the most sincere and human statement. None of us want to die, and he showed true courage and bravery. I’m in the Marines and I always tell ppl, the enemy doesn’t care what color you are, we’re American first.
AMEN.
THANK YOU.
🇺🇸
Semper Fi, from an ol Air Det Seabee!
Many Thanks fer yer Service, Brother!
Your goverment doesn't care for you also they wanna give you that sense that they appreciate you and that we're all American but how about outside of military in the streets and schools they try to say no one is the same white black brown even in jail they teach to separate but oh no when it comes to hoodwinking people to join there military they say we're are all American don't give your life for old men in offices not brave enough to do the bidding you are not defending your country by going to other counties invading no one in invading America if they were then you can stand up and fight to protect one's you love but in a foreigners country who are you protecting? the old men in power political agenda is what your protecting
people, branding people where they live is just as stupid as branding them as their colour of skin
My grandfather landed on D-Day and was at the battle of the bulge. Thankfully the war had finished as he was on his way to Japan. He was a wonderful man like this gentlemen. He passed away in 2014 at 93. Rip pops
God bless you and your family
My great Uncle landed on Omaha on Dday and also fought at the battle of Ardennes (bulge). They may have fought together. I'm glad your Grandfather lived a long life, as did my Uncle, he passed away in 2008. He told me a few stories about the war. My Aunt told me he never spoke to anyone about the war before. I'll never forget what he told me and what I would give to be able to sit and speak to him one last time.
These men not only gave their life for America. I'm german, and they gave their lives for my country too. And for France, for Italy, for the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, the Soviets gave their lives for Poland, and the east, and so on and so forth. Im eternally grateful for all allied forces sacrifice to stop the evil regimes that sent young men to die for lunatic reasons. I live in a free country with democracy, rights, art and expression now, free to say and work what I like, free to love whom I love, and to be exercise any religion and belief, due to the sacrifice of these men.
Thank you for your sincerity sir. Greetings from Holland 🇳🇱
I teared up just reading this.... Although I'm already quite emotional from this man's story...lol... I just wanted to say thank you for your words...
“The 9,400 soldier laying in the ground at Normandy are my heroes. They gave their life for their country.” 🤞🏻🇺🇸. God bless these legends
Damn right!
But why did they drop them there in an open area and they had to be dropped off not only in an open area but in waist deep waters where they had a hard time moving. Those guys were sitting targets! I salute their bravery but poor guys.
@@Matakui2011 The technology and intelligence gathering to know exactly what the German defenses were like and where they were located simply did not exist in that era. A lot of Allied misdirection was planned to draw German defensive forces away from the Normandy area and to make Hitler think that Calais, which was closer to Britain, would be the target. And so German defenses of the Normandy beaches were actually relatively patchwork and incomplete, as they were not able to fully build up defenses all along the French coast (the so-called Atlantic Wall). Some of the beaches in the Normandy invasion were thus hardly defended at all, and others were only lightly defended and casualties were generally much, much lower than in all the other beaches.
Omaha beach just happened to be the one beach with the strongest concentration of German defenses, and the one with the highest casualties.
In the fog of war, neither side ever knows exactly what the other side has in store, and so as a result, there's always going to be an element of just feeding the soldiers into the meatgrinder and hoping for the best, while acknowledging that there will be casualties.
They went there to murder for the government and ended up getting murdered not hero's at all just dumb kids doing what they were told
@@redrocket9861 Well, I guess you just don't appreciate the enormous sacrifices that they made just so you could still have the freedom of speech to post a comment like that on the internet, instead of bowing deeply to the ground and saying in Japanese かしこまりました, or clicking your heels and saluting and saying "Jawohl"
The people who deface our veterans memorials ought to watch this and understand the magnitude of what these brave men went through. To any veterans reading this comment thank you graciously for your service 💚
👍
My grandpa landed on Omaha . He wouldn’t tell me what happened . Just some stories once they made it inland . He was the best man I’ve ever known . He died in 2013 . He was 95. My hero
God bless him
Its because of guys like this throughout the war from all involved that we are able to read this ..... God bless you Frank and all those that didn't make it too ❤
The luckiest day of my life, was when my Girlfriends father was at a nursing home and hos roommate was a 95 year old man that was part of the D-day invasion. To be able to talk to him, was like Christmas and winning the lottery all in one.
If you were 18 in 1945 that would make you 95 as of 2022. There's not many left, let alone one who was involved in D-day
God bless this man and this generation.
About the time you wrote this is about the time of his passing. He was just shy of 97.
This is the most detailed, gut wrenching interview I have heard in the 25 or so years I've been watching WWII docs. To maintain his composure while relating all of his most minute recollections... What a sailor. Frank, I know you don't think of yourself as a hero. None of you guys ever do. But you are a hero to me. Thank you so much for your time, candor, and service.
I agree. Story StoryCorps has some good ones too. Like "Germans in the Woods."
@@cwoza5 Thanx, I'll check it out!
ua-cam.com/video/jetsBwWXCA8/v-deo.html
This man is incredibly sharp with an amazing memory. No hesitation in his speech, very concise and direct.
Very true. But, when something this monumental and horrifying happens in front of you, your brain won’t let you forget. Search your soul, you’ll find the moments of trauma are much clearer memories.
You will never forget an experience like this. It rewires your brain to never ever forget, a side effect of us having many millions of years of evolution and survival: due to memories.
Praise God. Glory be to God. Amen.
Clearer in thought and mind than his current President…
Yeah crazy considering he was about 20 years old in the early 40s.... almost seems like bullshit huh?
What a strong man, imagine carrying this pain for nearly 80 years, may his soul rest in peace🙏🏼
You can see the pain is this man's eyes. As a 25yo I couldn't imagine being dropped in that situation. Our veterans have all my respect.
Saving Private Ryan when they had the private showing for the guys that were there and then saying that’s the closest to how it was. Many left the theater just remembering it.
I would've just simultaneously cried, crapped myself, vomited, peed my pants, and spontaneously combusted.
Nah they’re are clown puppets 🤡
Gullible naive morons fighting a pointless war for profit.
I thought about that when I turned 18, but at 18, I didn't fully realize it basically couldn't happen to me due to the politics of the time, but, I didn't know that.
not a single 25yo was ready for that, you just do it and die
Damn I was under the impression that troops generally saw one theater or another. Crazy to think that someone saw Normandy, the south of France, the Philippines, and Okinawa.
Yeah.. back then unless you were wounded really bad. You were in for the duration.
Especially with the Coast Guard guys, they got sent everywhere that the Army or Marines needed to land.
I know one of these men. He told me the Japanese were tougher that the Germans. What a stud.
@A C H what the hell are you talking about. He fought the entire European theater then smoked out and killed all what was left of the Japanese. The guy was an all out badass. Worked all who stood before him. God bless America....
Landing craft of various types were a scarce commodity so they were moved around as needed.
My great uncle James said that on his way to the beach, they couldn't figure out what all the logs were floating in the water. It turned out they were arms and legs. When the ramp was lowered, all my uncles friends were gunned down in front of him. He fought all the way through the rest of the war, and made back home somehow. For the rest of his life he never set foot outside the community where we live. He never talked about what he went through until my grandmother asked him to give me an interview for a school project. That was the first time in my life that I ever saw a man weep. Those men went through hell.
My dad was in the Philippines 2yrs2mos.and2days Army Airborne 13th division. He earned 4 bronze stsrs,stars, medals and ribbons. The medal he was most proud of was the medal of good conduct.He was hopped around 8 islands. They were on one island that was 10 miles long. One night they were bombed over 100 times. He said the thing he didn't like about the beaches were they left you exposed. When he came home from the war a relative wanted him to relocate from Philadelphia to the Jersey shore. My dad wouldn't go he had enough of sand is what he said.
My dentist was from Bedford VA. They had the highest casualty rate per capita on D day. . He went to college and his friends went to war. he lost all of them. Some that were deemed not fit for duty were so distraught, they committed suicide.
@@Imachowderhead my grandpa told me about that.🙏
@@shirleylake7738 My great grandfather fought in WW2, Philippine Army. I don't know what his division was but he was part of the Bataan death march. Cheers to my great grandfather and your dad, good sir.
@@cyanity76 I salute your Grandfather a war hero.
If you Google the name of this brave man it shows you a picture of him and how young he really was when all of that happened right in front of his eyes. Such bravery and valor.
My father landed on Omaha among the first assault of waves with the Big Red 1 on D-day and survived by jumping over the side of the landing craft into the water and shucking his pack. That man echoed what little my father told me. God bless these men.
crazy to think that he would even say anything about what happened. most keep it quiet.
I can imagine how brutal it was. God bless these heroes.
@Claudia Juarez who's your daddy? I really don't care...
@Claudia Juarez He was an American who fought for his country, and I'm proud of him. I doubt you know anything but to be a two legged disrespectful animal.
@@delprice3007 Whatever helps you sleep at night. He wasnt fighting against evil, he was fighting for it (unknowingly). Look at the condition of western civilization now. Lol
These guys that served in the coast guard during WW2 don't get the recognition they deserve. RIP Frank, thank you for your service.
Semper Paratus
"An' i reached down, an' i squeezed his hand.. i wanted 'im to know he wasn't alone."
That got me bad
"He was just a little boy"
I couldnt take it :(
Oooof... same here.
That bit hit me real hard
The worse part is knowing that while hes telling these stories, its being played in his mind like some kind of bad movie you cant turn off. Thats whats gets me, some men carry humongous burdens that we dont know.
Knowing he faced certain death and chose to send himself rather than a replacement is the most heroic thing I could ever imagine
These stories are priceless. I'm glad this man and his memories are immortalized in this video.
@Gary Daniel hahaha
"...so I went back, fourteen more times."
I literally shook and cried when he said this. I don't know if I could have done it even twice. I am in awe.
I too had to pause and take in that he made 15 trips.
Y. Amazing man
I’m literally shaking and crying rn
yes me too. What I learned from my own near death experience is that life is tough and it is easier to die. Total peace.
@@bryanrowder1831 Really? I took away from my near seath experience (after an accident, nothing heroic) dying is total panic and I never want to experience that again. Unfortunately we all have to some day...
As someone who didn't serve, I really appreciate this interview. We're closing in on the last of the WW2 vets and to hear that this man's story has been recorded gives me hope that we may never forget how horrible WW2 was. Quite a story.
No. We’re about to experience worse. This is scary.
@@dcarts5616 calm down. Sad to live in such fear.
@@MrRpres0088 no fear sir. Just not happy about where the USA is headed. #NEVERTRUMP
I hope every vet gets an opportunity to tell their story if they wish to share,they won’t be around for long and story’s like this are better than any history lesson imo no matter who you are or what age when a veteran starts talking you automatically shut up and listen upmost respect for every single one of them hero’s
@@cjj2624 100% agree on every point.
I am a 26 year Navy veteran retired…and this man is an absolute HERO!
A true hero will never admit to it.
He’s the type of man who makes me ashamed of this country and it’s lack of care towards our veterans. People like him should need for nothing. Yet so many do. Man, he’s every bit a superhero.
"At that time, everybody wanted to do their part."
God, what happened to THAT America??
Yes, it's riciculous how fellow americans like to bash upon, for an example, the Vietnam War, Vietnam veterans did as much as any other veterans did in other wars, but because we were the ones who drew first blood and we lost to a very poor equiped army Vietnam veterans aren't treated like WW2 and Afeghanistan veterans.
What happened to America? I'll tell you. Liberal teachers, professors teaching antiamerica sentiments.
What happened:
Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.
@@webherring i dont know where the quote came from but it is extremely eye opening
We got hip to the bullshit
I read a book in the early 90's about a wwII hero and I looked him up and called him to say thank you..he was so humble and seemed shocked that someone called him to thank him...all these men were just amazing for lack of a better word.
That’s pretty cool. And inspires me to do more - I try to always speak to the men when I see them wearing a hat. And if they have a moment I like to ask a question or two. Its led to a few really memorable conversations & moments. I try to teach these things to my kids
They were, but then the only other choice was to let dictators enslave the world.
@Proud Straight White Christian Conservative Man It was life that I bought in a grocery store check-out aisle
Amen amen. I wish everyday to have the courage and humbleness these soldiers have. They are men. They are soldiers. They are survivors.
@@colinsmith484 that's so cool honestly I am gonna start doing this with my son. He would think it's so cool, and I have nothing but love for veterans. They fought for us. They love us all as if they would go to war again for us.
He’s so brave to talk about this. Thank God for not only what he did, but for the strength of spirit to share his horrific experiences
The DISRESPECT of those people who gave this video and this courageous man a thumbs down?!
They worship the rainbow flag but they wouldn't bleed for it. That's what happens when a person gets fed with a silver spoon.
I used to feel the exact same way you do until someone explained to me that the dislikes are from people that aren't interested in the video and if you hit dislike that genre will not be on your feed. Nothing towards the man personally.
Lex Luthor relax homophobe
Respect is not measured with likes, do not confuse yourself
@@Richard.oglesby I see mate. But was the thumbs down really necessary? Could have just ignored the video or didn't click it. Anyway, watching videos like this is a great reminder of the liberty we enjoy through these veterans' sacrifice. Watching them tell their tales, listening to their message is the least that we can do after all their sacrifices for us.
This poor kid probably held onto that guilt all these years of being responsible for dropping that ramp & all his men were killed.... its mind blowing how watching him tell the story it’s like he’s back on that beach 75 years ago. My uncle who was there that day wrote a short story about D-day he said he could close his eyes and smell the beach & the smell of burning flesh like it was yesterday.
PTSD. You won't forget the worst moment in your life..
Every teen in the world should be shown this in 2022 God bless this man and all who served 🇺🇸
Most American teens have had combat experience just surviving our daily school shootings at this point.
The people who need to see this are the adults, and the GOP in particular. But we’ve seen with McCain that they would just attack and demonize this man instead of humbling themselves to admit their mistakes and what it’s cost us.
@@MasterShake9000 Idiot Alert!
@@MasterShake9000 soy comment
@@MasterShake9000 I would rather go through a school shooting then getting my head blown off with an mg42 anyday thank you very much not a very good comparison
And yes I agree every teen needs to see this
I come back to Frank’s story about every 6-7 months. To once again, hear his accounts and I thank God for our veterans, and their sacrifices.