The Rifle: Stories From the Last WWII Veterans | History Traveler Episode 324
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- Опубліковано 10 гру 2023
- When Andrew Biggio returned home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he started to learn the story of his namesake uncle who had been killed in WWII. The letters of his uncle compelled him to go get an M1 Garand that would go on to become the object that hundreds of other WWII veterans would tell their story through. In this episode, we're paying a visit to Andrew Biggio, who went on to write "The Rifle" and "The Rifle 2", to learn a little bit more behind the story of a unique M1 Garand.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
To pick up a copy of The Rifle and The Rifle 2, go here: tinyurl.com/buytherifle
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JD I've told you that I'm a vet, son of a vet, grandson of a vet who lost his leg in NE France, Sep '44. This is such an amazing story and it grows daily. I'm not sure how many of the Greatest Generation are still with us, but people like Andy are doing Yeomans work, God's work, to get their messages out. My grandpa didn't talk about what happened, my grandma had to tell me what happened to him. Like So many of the vets.....Safe travels to Andy and of course you too JD. Thank you for all you do to share history so we don't forget....
These two, among others, are rightfully honoring The Greatest Generation by revealing their WWII experiences. I cannot get enough of them!
May God bless you and all those in your lineage! We owe you all dearly and are eternally grateful.
If anyone can watch this without welling up in tears, I feel sorry for you. These men and women that signed this rifle are some of the best and bravest our country ever produced. We owe them a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid.
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After seeing this I think it's easy for the younger Andrew to understand why he lived-
So that those who have passed away, and their memory may live forever. Keep up the great work!
i was looking for the right words to say the same thing,i think you nailed it perfectly
@@peacemaker-du4hz I think we are brothers- from another mother!
As always,J.D. delivers nothing but the absolute dankest of content! Seriously man, killer video!
Andrew would have loved talking with my dad who was a veteran and who saw action in Sicily, Corsica, Italy, France, and Belgium. I heard his war stores 1000s of time and never got tired of them.
Absolutely amazing! A resident of the assisted living facility my father lives in named Julius fought with Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. He’s 100 years old now and wheelchair bound but still has his faculties!
Update: I was talking to Julius and found out he actually landed on D Day at Omaha Beach in a tank!
Maybe Rishi Sharma can interview him about his WWII experience.
Absolutely. There is always a reason.
My Father in law whom is Deceased also was with Patton as an Communications ,CP ,Wired phones ,set up Command posts ,So knew Patton Personally.
@@darylhoskins5696 That is awesome. I’m sure he had some great stories about the war. It’s sad that there’s so few of them left to tell those stories.
@@darylhoskins5696 That is awesome. I’m sure he had some great stories about the war. It’s sad that there’s so few of them left to tell those stories.
My father was a member of the 34 Division. He fought in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. His brother was also in the 34th.
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My late father was a WWII Purple Heart Veteran of the 95th Infantry Division. Something he was always proud of. He was wounded in action on December 4, 1944 near Saarlautern Germany. He lost a Soldier trying to come to his aid against Dad's orders. That always kind of bothered him.
I am both an Airman and Soldier. Vietnam Era. Cold War. Operation Iraqi Freedom. I used Dad's story of being wounded in a training class at Camp Grayling. I used Dad's story to remind my fellow Soldiers that when us Sergeants tell you to do something, obeying may just save your life. Dad was still alive then. I think using his story brought him a bit of peace as the lesson learned that day in German was passed on.
Dad was always proud of me serving.
Thank you for your service. I was born in 1949 so WW2 was over. My brother & brother-in-law served in Vietnam & made it home! Grammy from Texas
Jackie, Thank You! I enjoyed serving. Maybe where I was wasn't on my top 10 bucket list of place to be, but I did it.
I did my Air Force basic training in Texas at Lackland AFB.
I am 4 years younger than you. I enlisted in the USAF in 1971. I didn't go to Vietnam by Uncle Sam's choice. At age 49 in the MI Army National Guard, I did go to Iraq in 2003-04. I am a student of history. Between that and my Dad, I well knew the crap that can happen. Thankfully, it didn't. It is possibly a good thing for the bad guys it didn't. Back then I was an expert with the M-16 rifle. I just might have hit the poor sucker!
@@klsc8510 I'm just thankful you made it home! My brother is your age.
One of my uncle's fought in the Pacific during world war 2. Even though he was a gunner on a TBF Avenger torpedo bomber he trained with an M-1 Grand in basic. He always mentioned that it was an excellent weapon and was a pleasure to hold and shoot. I ended up purchasing one also and one year decided to take it deer hunting. Well my uncle asked me if we could switch rifles and I said sure. Well he ended up taking a nice buck with it and the smile on his face is one etched in my memory. When he passed away I told the funeral director the story I just mentioned and asked if he could give me his permission to have my M-1 Garand buried with him. My uncle now peacefully rests with my M-1 Garand by his side, the rifle he bagged a nice buck with and loved.
Wow, outstanding story, As a Marine, Andrew brings a new meaning to the words “Semper Fidelis”
I just ordered The Rifle 2. The stories in one 1 were both amazing and sad at the same time. These men and women are the true heroes and we should never forget what they did for us. ♥️🇺🇸💙
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About 20 years ago I bought an M1 Grand and took it to the range a few days later. There was an older man there with his son and grandson teaching the boy how to shoot his new .22. As soon as the bolt slammed shut on the old Grand I heard toe older guy say " that was a Garand " and instantly walked over. He said the last time he had one in his hands was 1945 in Germany! I handed it to him and said it's locked and loaded and I'd be honored if you'd take the first 8 shots with it. He ended up going through about 5 clips and hadn't forgotten a thing about the old Garand! He had tears in his eyes and I was never so happy to let someone fire my new rifle in my life, that old rifle made two peoples day. It was a day I'll never forget!
The veterans of WWII and their experiences need to be remembered and preserved. My family has served in the military since the Revolutionary War. Both of my grandfathers and all my great uncles served in WWII. They are my heroes and inspired me and my little brother to to serve. Despite my asking, none who survived the war ever felt comfortable talking about it.
Met Mr. Biggio twice at both book signings at the collings foundation museum, what a great man and I am continuously amazed at how humble he is
So much respect for these men! My husband is a MSG in the Army and I used to be in the military, I have so much pride and respect for our country’s soldiers!
That's why I could never be racist. I'm a African American who has so much respect for the veterans who fought for us and the freedom we have now. I Love this video!!! Thanks for your service as well
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WOW absolutely amazing! What an honour to speak with so many veterans from different branches of military service. So much respect and thank you for your service
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Ex British Army, the son of a Soldier 1937 to 1972, Grandson of 3 WW1 Veterans and father to an Army Medic. Some weeks ago I started watching from Episode 1, and have watched every one up to 322. Just bought both of Andy's books on Kindle. I don't know what I'll do when I've seen all the History Traveler episodes. I was widowed nearly 2 years ago & have not had a TV since 2009. My cat , radio & laptop are my constant companions. Keep on doing what you do JD.
JD, thank you for sharing this story. My hat is off to Andrew for taking on such a incredible journey. For him to take the time and trouble to take the vets back to where the served and to put their stories into a book says a lot about the person he is.
The excitement and passion in his voice is unreal when talking about what he's been doing with the rifle. Truly passionate about what he's doing... much respect!
Hearing Andrew talk about all the great vets literally gave me goosebumps because he has so much passion and love for all of these hero's. Keep it up sir!!!
I m glad this veteran find his way..to give back ! Full respect !
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I have read the book. Very well done and a great read! Highly recommend reading it. Thanks for sharing and Andy cant thank you enough for relating the soldiers stories. My Father was in the merchant marines and was torpedoed and sunk three times and one of his brothers Uncle John was in the 101st airborne from D-day to the end of the war. I interviewed Uncle John for 2 hours and need to post it to UA-cam.
I’m just a retired Army Grunt (MOS 11H/11B) and I’m grateful how young people take time to speak with the men who fought in previous wars and battles. Many of my mentors from my youth were WWII, Korea and Vietnam Infantry Veterans and I feel that I was fortunate to know them, I enjoyed their stories and lessons which helped me later in life. As I see WWII Vets pass away it feels that part of something precious to me is going with them.
Thank you for your service! Grammy from Texas
What a wonderful way to pay tribute and preserve the sacrifice that so many men fought and gave their lives for this country. My dad and uncle were both in the US Army, they both survived the war, neither my dad or uncle ever wanted to talk about it. My hats off to Andrew Biggio for all he has done and is doing. I am looking forward to the videos of the upcoming trip.
Thank you, Andrew, for your service, "The Rifle," and the passionate dedication to your project. Truly moving. Great thanks to all of our service men and women.
My grandfather was at Saarbrücken and Völklingen in the 70th Infantry. Would love to visit someday, thank you for this amazing work.
What a great story. Thanks. A healing experience.
OUTSTANDING JOB Andy Biggio!!! Thanks for having the forethought to have these heroes of WW2 autograph this Garand and give us a lasting memorial to them and what they did. And thank you JD for documenting this story!!! Awesome as always!!
JD my grandfather was in the 10th amor division. This episode hit me right in the feels sir. My grandfather passed in 2013. Thank you sir for everything you do. I just bought both of his books
Hey Andy, don't know if you'll see this, but my grandfather was in CCB of the 10th Armoured Div, he was an Assistant Tank Driver with team Roberts during the siege at Bastogne. This action is detailed in the book Seven Roads to Hell by Burgett. I've read that part of the reason the 10th didn't get the recognition they deserved is that Patton didn't want the Germans to know he was down an armoured division so they removed the insignia from their uniforms to avoid being identified. I probably read that in Patton's Unsung Armor of the Ardennes by Patterson. I've got the Nutz letter he sent home to my grandma, I wonder if Eric would be interested...
Wow! That’s amazing. As far as the letter, shoot an email to info@gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!
Thanks to Andrew Biggio for keeping the memories alive of so many vets and for sharing your backstory. Boston, "not counting the politics," is a great place to visit. Love walking the Freedom Trail, great food along the way. Thanks again to Andrew Biggio for keeping the memories alive of so many vets and for JD for posting this video.
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I just finished the book. It's absolutely amazing. Both my grandfathers fought in WW2.Officer Biggio knocked it out of the park. Thankyou brother.❤
Gotta get his books! Fantastic work to you for sharing and for Andrew for keeping history alive and taking such pride in his families legacy. Thank you for your service
The books are definitely worth getting.
Phenomenal. Nothing better than to hear the excitement in someone’s voice that’s filled w passion
Salute to you, Andrew 🫡
Thank you so much for honoring and your awesome work 💪🇺🇸
The episode is probably my favorite. Being a dual service vet Marines/Army i love all of the weapons of the wars. I have a1943 Garrand that is a sweet shooter. I have in my collection everything used in the Wars except the BAR and the M1903. Of course not the machine guns. I do have a deactivated Thompson. I love the idea that Andrew had. Keep up the good work.
I'm not trying to tickle you with smoke up your underside, but these are some of the best videos on UA-cam. Every story makes me think of what my grandfather had to go through. I guess nobody will truly know, but these give a glimpse of what made "Greatest Generation" the greatest generation. Thank you for doing what you're doing and keep them coming!!
Thanks! I appreciate that.
Outstanding episode JD. I love what Andrew was able to do with The Rifle Project. God Bless you both on your upcoming trip. 🫡🇺🇸💪
I never get tired of hearing the stories that the vets experienced from their time in WW2. Both British and American. Hell, I’ve even been fortunate enough to hear the story of a German fighter pilot in the Afrika corps. That man’s story was quite eye-opening. As were the relics he kept from his service.
What a tremendous effort-can’t wait to read the book!
Beautiful work JD! Very interesting, my father was in WWII and it has always interested me. He brought back a Nazi flag, German medals and SS bayonet that I have. Great work Andrew on your part. Thank you for honoring the vets. I am going to purchase the book, can't wait to read it.
Thanks! You’ll enjoy it.
I bought the book and read it. Wow, you couldn't make up stories like this. I savored reading it like drinking fine wine! Now on to the next book. Thank you for opening my eyes to Andrew's work.
Thanks JD. Great respect for your work and your attitude towards it. Humble, respectful and passionate to name a few aspects of it. Also, your choice of music is sublime.
Have a great trip and if you remember, pay my respects to the veterans who will be travelling with you. Lots of love from the Netherlands. ❤
Two of the best WWII books ever!
Outstanding video don’t even have the words except thank you Andrew and JD and all the veterans
Thank you for bringing this story back. It would all be lost if it wasn't for people like you for doing this work. I never knew this rifle existed. God bless you all.
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Just starting watching this.. Am a homeschool mom, and just from the beginning I am going to use this book as a lesson!!❤❤❤❤
Awesome!
Most iconic rifle of all time. I own four of them. They date from 41 to 53. It’s awesome what you did. I own the book. Thank you sir
Both great books which I bought on Audible. Great stories and a great service in telling the stories. Sad that there wont be a WWII 'Rifle 3' but hopefully Andrew will do something in the future. Well done to Andrew as the books were superb.
Fabulous video,maybe it’s time to start talking about lesser known divisions who played very important roles in the war
So much, and so many have been lost to time. Thanks for bringing parts of their stories back to life.
The 101st couldn’t have held Bastogne without the 10th Armoured Division. Looking forward to your battlefield experience with the veterans.
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this is amazing. i cried, esp when talking about his 90 yr old neighbor holding & signing that rifle. Andrew is an amazing man, thank you so much to him for his service 😭
This channel should really be called the War History Traveller.
I’ll consider that.
I could read the rifle over and over I have read both and absolutely love them and what andrew has done is amazing to get the story's out of the men that fought I hope he does another book I also had. A great grandfather serve in ww2 and died in 1961 do to the army leaving a bullet in his leg and caused complications later
My father was navy WW2 he carried the scars of the war, a bayonet scar on his left shoulder, from a Japanese knife , tiny pieces of shrapnel from his leggs, he was a tough strong man who died at 93 years old .
So much history in that little room, I'd pay just to see the stuff in there. Another great and moving video JD, Thanks mate, superb.
This is so awesome man. Thanks for doing all of the work you do for this channel!
Wow! This was so interesting. So glad he did this and captured their stories for generations to come. Thanks for chatting with him. ❤❤❤
2 i agree 1000% about that memorial. MLK's work was incredible. That memorial is just...odd. This story got me right in my feelings. Thanks to you and Andrew for putting it together.😊
They need to throw that memorial in the harbor. 😅
Yes, yes they do.
What a great tribute and story JD!
I'm definitely going to buy the books!
For sure the GREATEST GENERATION! I can't imagine what these men went through. Hats off to all of them!
That is one of the coolest episodes you have ever done. Can't wait to see the trip you talked about at the end.
My great uncle served with the 504 PIR 82nd airborne A company 1st battalion. He was awarded the distinguished service cross for his actions at St.Vith during the battle of the bulge
Bought that book because of you. Great channel! You truly bring history alive!
Awesome!
this is amazing, thank you for bringing this to your audience. there will never be another generation like this. what they went through, for complete strangers. the things they had to endure for the rest of their lives. greatest generation
Great job JD! I have both of Andy's books. It was nice of him to share his collection of history! Very cool! Have a great trip!
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Outstanding!!! Just Outstanding!!! What a wonderful tribute and highlights the need to never forget and always remember.
Our C-47 Skytrain (Dakota) was involved in operation Varsity - She actually served all the way from DDay through to Op. Varisty - Then went on to the Berlin Airlift, then became the king and Queen royal flight for the Danish royal family.
If you are ever in Florida - We would be more than happy to work with you in seeing her, she is still flying to this day.
Wow! Maybe shoot me an email at thehistoryundergroundchannel@gmail.com.
I've been looking forward to this series 👍 Busy morning, I'll have to catch it at lunch.
Phenomenal episode… as it should be for that generation! You did it.
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Such an amazing story. God bless our precious veterans, alive and fallen
having heard you mention this book, the rifle, before i was totally not sure what it was...and now i am amazed and ordering the books. Andrew is a gem...what a good human being. these stories, his collection, are top tier. thanks for this one!
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I really enjoyed this video. I liked how Andrew showed items in his man cave. Love seeing other people's collections.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Oddly enough even though I have never served I have always been curious about, fascinated with war, especially WW2.
I'm Canadian also.
My Dad was too young for WW2 and a farmer, so a protected occupation, but he hunted deer when I was a kid with a sporterized Lee-Enfield - very possibly a war surplus rifle. I was in awe of it, in love with it. It's long gone unfortunately.
My son now hunts and was able to purchase a WW 1 vintage pattern 17 Enfield in 30-06 - and holding it is just an awesome experience.
So, I understand the draw of the rifle. Good stuff.
Wow! Very cool! Thank you for sharing this story! Thank you to all those men who served!
What a fantastic video and amazing story! Thank you, Andrew Biggio, and thank you for sharing it with us, JD!
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JD, all of your videos are incredible. This one may be the best ever though. What an incredible story and the prompting for Andy to bring about the work known as "The Rifle". Amazing.
Thanks!
As their numbers dwindle every day, it's never been more important to capture the stories of these men and women 🇺🇸
100% agree.
I wish my uncle Staff Sergeant L. Q. Ingersoll could have seen and signed this rifle. He was with the U.S. 1st Army, 309th Infantry, Company "E" . He was wounded in the First Battle of Kesternic in Germany on December 13, 1944 and earned a CIB/EIB in addition to his Purple Heart. His unit basically ran into the great Wehrmacht forces posed for the "Battle of the Bulge" strike. He never spoke of the battles to us kids. But in my eyes he was a hero as were many others who fought for our freedom. May he and the many others Rest in Peace.
I'm halfway through his second book, The Rifle 2, right now. Highly recommended. Thank you for this video.
JD, you have produced so much great content. This video is flat out my favorite. Well done.
What a beautiful way to show respect and appreciation.
My grandpa worked in the Holston Army Ammunition plant in Kingsport TN from 1941 through 45 he was 4f but that was his way to serve. Everyone in that time served in some way. He always said he only made bombs and bullets during the war. No doubt the greatest generation.
Thanks JD, you're videos get me through 8 hours of Chemo, keep up the great work!
Thank you. And stay strong through your chemo treatments. You got this. 👊🏻
I got this book when it first came out, and I have to say, it was an outstanding read.
I love this so much brother thank you for reaching out to these ppl that are making sure all these sacrifices are remembered and the stories are told and documented its a piece of history that will live on for our future generations
Thank you for your service and family. My father was a capt. Flew a B-17-B24. 😊
This is incredible, and those stories are invaluable
J.D. you always have the best videos, what an amazing video, I love what Andrew Stands for and his love for the veterans who served our country, thank you both for keeping history alive, can't wait for the next video and I hope there will be a Rifle 3 they are amazing books! 😊
My father never saw action in WWII. He was in the Navy on support ships in the pacific. He and a friend went and enlisted at 17 (lied) and went places and had experiences even at my point in life are far more than I have had.. He was in Hawaii, Phillipines, Japan. He left pictures and some artifacts, but I was not really knowledgeable enough to ask him more. Both my parents lived more life before they were thirty than I think I have at 58. The war, the depression, and the ravaging impacts of both of those things.
So very humbling. Thank you gentlemen.
Fantastic episode!! I hope Mr. Biggio finds an appropriate building to house his incredible historical collection of WWII (temperature and light controlled environment). It’s worthy of protecting, or being placed in the WWII museum or the Smithsonian?
Really good idea with the monument near Wesel Germany. And as a german son of an in 1923 born father and a grandson of an in 1897 born grandfather in the name of my family i remember the brave allies fighting for Freedom and Democracy as liberators and not as enemies. A shame for every german in 2023 to see or feel it otherwise. Thank You for my Freedom and the Freedom of my children dear allied soldiers of WW 2.
I just finished reading his 2nd installment. Both books are a real testament to the "greatest generation". It would be very cool to follow this up with an AR-15 in A1 configuration and get the Vietnam vets!
Amazing artifacts with an absolutely fascinating history behind them. Great work, JD. 👍
Excellent episode! Thanks for all the hard work put into the making! Keep it up!!!
Very cool and thank you all for your service 🇺🇸
Another brilliant one JD yet again and it made me cry again 👌👍
Amazing, no words….thanks, Andrew