Easy Company Veteran on combat from D-Day to the Eagle's Nest | Ed Shames
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 лип 2021
- Become an AVC Patreon member to receive an annual calendar, early access to videos, exclusive content, and several other perks. This funding goes directly into helping us capture more incredible stories with our nation's veterans: / americanveteranscenter
Colonel Edward "Ed" Shames was the last surviving officer of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. A unit that would be made famous by the miniseries Band of Brothers.
Trained at Toccoa, Shames would make his first combat jump as an NCO into Normandy on D-Day. For his actions in Normandy he would earn a battlefield commission to second lieutenant.
After D-Day he would lead his men through Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and ultimately be the first platoon into Hitler's "Eagles Nest".
Colonel Edward D. Shames, age 99, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2021.
Learn more about the American Veterans Center: www.americanveteranscenter.org/
Help us tell more heroes stories and preserve the legacy of our Veterans. Support our mission: bit.ly/2UmsEj7
Like us on Facebook: / americanveteranscenter
Follow us on Twitter: / avcupdate
Follow us on Instagram: / americanveteranscenter
Subscribe to our podcast: www.spreaker.com/show/2980518
Took a marked bottle of Cognac labeled for Hitler only and drank it for a Bar Mitzvah. What an absolute legend!
My thoughts exactly. Talk about poetic justice. That is what real antifascism looks like.
Ehhhh idk man sounds like a pretty good story to me…
RIP Lt. Shames June 13th 1922 - December 3rd 2021. You were a great man and an excellent army officer. You were one of the first to receive a battlefield commission from your battalion for your exceptional leadership. You expected nothing short of perfection from your men. You were tough on your men, but that's because you were trying to make sure they got the job done and got back home to their families. You were one of the last members of the greatest American generation to ever live. We will never forget your sacrifice, your story, and your legacy. I will definitely tell your story and the story of Easy company to my kids and grandkids one day. Rest in peace, colonel.
Slip away Trooper AATW.
I think of these guys at this time of year. I miss my dad. He was there too, but with the 501st PIR saw the same stuff. It's like listening to my dad talk. God bless em.
December 3rd is my birthday, thank you for your service sir 🇺🇲
GOD Bless thank you sir for the good words about a true AMERICAN!!!!
Wow he lived a long life! It would have to feel like a whole different life from then to now. Rest In Peace sir, your sacrifice will not be forgotten!
Just Heard The Sad News, Folks. Colonel Edward Shames, The Last Surviving Member Of Easy Company, Has Passed Away At The Age Of 99. The Last Of The " Band Of Brothers "
Has Passed. Rest In Peace, Colonel Shames. Rest In Peace, Richard Winters, Lewis Nixon, Buck Compton And All Of The Other Honored Members Of Easy Company. Thank You, For Your Service. Thank You, For Your Sacrifice. We Will Always Be Indebted To You And All Of
" The Greatest Generation " Who Won The Second World War.
Currahee!!!! 506 pir woot woot
When you hear the saying, "respect your elders", this is the generation that comes to mind.
Very true
Yep!
Hen Landed in a bunch of cows
Thank you! Today's youth can learn from what you said. Respect must always be earned.
These were my dad and uncles generation. We were the ones saying respect your elders to our kids.
21 gun salute would never do this man justice… rest in peace soldier and patriot. Thank you
"They were all scared to death...and I wasn't exactly happy." - Ed Shames
"I didnt want to show them i was scared as hell to death either" lol
Repeated 3X! :) It got funnier every time
Can I have a tea
I love everything about this interview! My man Shames drives Hitlers Mercedes around for three days and then pushes it OFF A CLIFF!! Grabs Hitlers whiskey brings it home and finally opens it a BAR MITZVAH!!!!! He had me rolling Shames YOU ARE MY HERO!!!!
Despite all the things they have seen and perhaps some done by decree, they are still so innocent at heart ❤
"I wasn't exactly happy'...understatement of the year. What a Man.
Well….. he wasnt exactly happy
I truly respect this man. RIP Sir. They don’t make them like that anymore.
My dad served in the British 9th Parachute Battalion, 3rd Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne on D-Day, helping take the German gun battery at Merville. He would never talk much about his experiences, but he was right there in the midst of it. He died in 1981, aged 56. Although he rarely spoke of that day and beyond, he did leave me enough to write a book about it. The book is called 'Eight Seconds'; entitled so because that's how long it took for him to reach the ground after jumping from his C-47. After publication, a copy of the book was later parachuted into the battery and signed by all the people who took part in that jump. I will be eternally grateful to him and all the other young men like Colonel Shames for their service and sacrifice.
Damn, that's a helluva story, respect to you old man. My grandfather was there with the 501st, he died about the same time as your pops. Sadly, it was before I was born. I really wish I could have met the man. He never really talked about it either.
From an airborne veteran, thank you for his service, airborne sky god……Utrinque Paratus
Wow your 12 year old dad landed in Normandy? AUUUMAZIN.
@@Airbornefighter-hr7ltlooks like you can’t math either boomer. Bet you never did a combat jump either like literally any Airborne dope after 44
The only living officer of easy company passed away yesterday on December 3rd 2021, may his soul RIP, Edward Shames Rip
Bradford Freeman too..😢
wow. 100 YO and clearly has the composure of a soldier and memory of a genius. Knows his missions like they were executed just yesterday. Respect.
Next June 13th. He was born in 1922.
True soldier through and through.🫡🇺🇸
As a Romany Gypsy, it makes me smile that he relates looking smart in the clean uniform hé had only tried on once, as looking "like a Gypsy". It's not often people refer to us that way, thankyou Lt. Shames for your kind expression but also a MASSIVE THANKYOU and enormous respect for your sacrifice to save us all from the Nazis. God bless you.
Out of curiosity is the word gypsy offensive in anyway?
@@raymondbaldwin4905that’s what I thought but us Americans only know of gypsies as gypsies
My grandmother used to tell me I dressed like a Gypsy. Now I know it wasn't exactly a bad thing. I think she just meant "flashy." Always hard to tell if I was being praised or not with her. Lol.
@raymondbaldwin4905 It has recently become less acceptable/ considered rude in US English.
In US English, it has a history of being used as an adjective that means free-spirited, artistic, unconventional, or bohemian. This is considered incorrect and moderately offensive.
It has also been turned into a verb - to “gyp” means to swindle or take advantage of im a transaction. This is even more offensive.
As far as referring to the actual ethnic group, Roma or Romany/ Romani would likely be more appropriate. I believe some members self-identify with the term “gypsy” (according to internet sources) but it is not polite for others to use.
They are Romani people (gypsy is like a slur) but they’re very colorful in their dress, but here is an example, of reasons why many Romani ppl are looked “down” upon..while facing their own oppression-
Many Romani children are sent to classes for pupils with learning disabilities. They are also sent to so-called "delinquent schools", with a variety of human rights abuses. Romani in European cities are often accused of crimes such as pickpocketing. Also, this:
In August 29, 2002, Madalin Voicu, one of the most well known Romani politicians in Romania and one of two Romani representatives in the Romanian parliament, made the following statement:
Our gypsies are stupid. They could at least be crafty but they aren't. They are just primitives and they manage to irritate the entire society which is already watching them closely [...] They run through the country and Europe barefoot, slimy and dirty, wearing clothes which are more likely to disgust you than make you feel sorry for them [...] Begging, soliciting and being disorganized will never bring them any advantages.
That is a DISGUSTING representation of a people they know NOTHING of! Shame on those Romanian politicians! And holy racism I thought the U.S was bad..🤦🏻♀️🙄
The veterans are great storytellers
I love these guys
Men like him are the reason why we live in a free world and aren’t speaking German. This is what a true hero looks like. Thank you for your service sir. I hope he’s doing well🫡
Why does it matter what language we speak? I wish I spoke 100 languages.😊
@@willamestrada1121 it’s just a figure of speech , meaning if we didn’t stop the Nazis back in Europe they might have taken over America and the rest of the world on the future. I speak 3 different languages, English, Spanish and Japanese
He passed away unfortunately but his story and service lives on
They taught German at my highschool
@@matthewswan9419 yeah they teach multiple languages in high school , what’s your point?
I met Ed Shames at my local supermarket in VA and spoke with him in the parking lot for over an hour. He is one of the most dynamic individuals I have ever met! I hope to run into him again soon! Thank Mr. Shames for your dedicated and faithful service sir!
indeed :)
Yes! Would Love to be in Virginia Beach far away from the Antichrist hordes running interstates Victimizing Americans and Others at will to Destroy from within and through Several + Administrations now....
& Meet the Fine Colonel there^^🌞🇺🇸🗼💌🗽
All of my Comments via UA-cam Kentucky Legend Whiskey-glazed Ham Recipe & on additional Videos
@@tWoforgamenot1 + All of my Comments via UA-cam Father Mark Goring 26+ July 2021
Thank you AVC for recording this brave man’s story for future generations to hear!
This channel ought to have 100 million subscribers. So underrated.
Listening to Lt. Shames is like listening to my grandfather again. He was in Belgium at the same time.
God Bless the Greatest Generation.
As of August 2, 2021 Brad Freeman and Ed Shames are the sole survivors of The Band of Brothers E. Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, U.S. Army serving in World War II. I am grateful to all those who served. I owe my liberty to them.
Rod Strohl is alive too l understand
Now they’re all gone.😢
my great Gdad was col sink, retired general sink, of the 506. lucky we have their stories I had never met sink as he was long gone by then. I only have stories from my g dad. good ole Lexington nc boys
Any word on that bottle ? My curiosity is running wild lol
I'm from Randolph county nc
Good ole Lexington style bbq down at the bbq centre
@MichaelKingsfordGray It is the North Carolina , public school system to blame . They suck so bad .
I am also kin to Col. Sink. I am from Rowan County.
Ladies and Gentlemen, what you are watching and listening to,…Is what the definition of HERO!!!…actually is!
Correct
Absolutely this Vietnam vet salutes him.
BAD ASS AMERICA HERO
Lt. Shames was considered a yeller. Maj. Winters didn't think he'd make a good leader bc of his yelling. But Sgt. Malarkey thought he'd make a good leader - however, Lt. Spiers got the job. Bottom line is he is a brave man who was awarded the Bronze Star & Purple Heart. It would be the honor of my life just to be in the same room as him.
Know a Retired Full Colonel who started out a Private E- nothing out of the Corn Fields of iowa who Yelled All the Time & made himself into a Great Leader^^🗽🗼🌞🇺🇸❤️🎆⚓💌✨
@MichaelKingsfordGray what do you mean ?
@MichaelKingsfordGray You want to go fishing ass hole, go to the lake and jump in. Make sure you got full pack on.
@MichaelKingsfordGray a coward? You must be crazy! I bet you are the coward! You have never been in the military! One day you will be punished by God for calling this soldier a coward!
@MichaelKingsfordGray what sickness do you have to call him a coward.
Being a former NCO, I love how so many NCO’s during WW II did amazing feats and how officers, like when I served, depend on us. We’re the backbone of the American military, for centuries. Sgt Shames was among the best of the best 🇺🇸
I ended up with the 101st in 2003 in Mosul Iraq. I saw this series for the first time while on that deployment and these fellas story got me through a few rough nights..... They were all heros but we're to humble to say it.... True grit from true men...
I managed to meet Ed in England many years ago and he had all the time in the world for me and my family,I brought he’s book and he signed it,I wrapped it up and to this day never opened it, he is a complete legend and I’m so glad I met him.
I have a few books like that. Not sure why I bought them with no real intention of reading them. Maybe just knowing they are there is enough. I can't say I'll never open them, but I sure as Hell can't say I will either. We Humans are interesting Critters, no?
What a true soldier.. not only a true soldier but a true man and true friend.
No sports hero, rock star, politician, or anyone they hold up high these days can hold a candle to this man
I can’t get enough of these stories! The respect for those men that were over there fighting and the women who took on all that was thrown at them here at home, is a respect that I feel down to my soul. That was a special time, a time that should never be forgotten.
We just lost him? That's so sad. Bless his heart. Band of brothers...was an amazing piece of art, the interviews were my favorite part.
The fact that he and his men were the ones that took the eagles nest is amazing i bet that felt unreal when they got to the top
This man is a legend not many left of that generation all of you are hero's
Brought to you by Qatar
God damn right friend! So heartbreaking they are all going away. They are the reason our beautiful country still exists........ heartbreaking............
I had the opportunity of meeting Mr. Shames twice in Pennsylvania at the WW2 Weekend. He’s amazing to talk with and can be very intimidating as well.
Agreed I met him there aswell!
Just watching this interview you knew in his prime he was a tough son of a b****
He was scared as he'll but still did his job! God bless this man.
A time when men were men.
I can only imagine what the future holds. Since I still see grown adult males walking around outside with masks on. Simply because of what the ENEMEDIA propaganda machine tells them.
I don't think he was exactly happy about Normandy.
He wasn’t exactly happy at all
I thought the video kept getting rewound somehow lol
Thank you for your service sir. It because of you and men like you that I live in a free country. Freedom isn’t free!!
I am floored and so relieved to see that Ed is still with us. How incredibly sharp his recall remains. Looks phenomenal also! What a stud. Should’ve been given more print by Ambrose and therefore more screen time on Band of Brothers. Incredible man!
Definitely one of the best interviews yet!!
That man hasn't mentally aged a day (and hardly physically) you know that man talked just like that and acted just like that on jump day
I have a question to you !
How old are you ?
@@FullFrontalExposure why the best testimony ? What about the others especially I am recalling myself of an other undearing testimony from Antonio T RUGGIERO D Company 2nd Rangers Battalion .
Why ?? Why ?? No labels no prices were given .
@@MrBlysko he’s 99.
I’m fresh off the back of my yearly Band of Brothers re-watch. As always, I go and watch a load of interviews with WW2 veterans afterwards. I’ve seen so many by now and this has to be the best yet. Sending respect to Edward Shames from the UK! 👍
I watch it every year too. Sometimes it's by accident or I watch a UA-cam clip & it makes me watch again.
I'm wondering if this gentleman knew Major Winters cuz their stories sound so similar!!
❤🇺🇲
@@bernardsalvatore1929winters was his commander
I will forever be grateful to these men and AVC for sharing their stories 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I could listen to that man talk about his war experiences for a year great man who did a great thing
Look who this is sponsored by.
Myself!
I could listen to this man all day talking about cutting grass or talking about nothing at al....l awesome stuff
Rest Easy sir, your service to this country will never be forgotten. Long live Easy Company🦅♠️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
It breaks my heart knowing that the brave men of the greatest generation are almost all gone. Thank you for all that you have done.
But can you imagine the reunion in Heaven!
This man deserves our thanks for preserving the liberties we enjoy as Americans.
My salute to you sir I could listen to you for hours it's because of you that we can now live
Many of these southern guys grew up in incredible poverty, tar paper shacks, working for a pittance if lucky. Guys working in factory towns in N. Caroline got only 9th grade educations since high school wasn't mandatory. They were hard, yet gentle just men. God and family were strong. That is the Greatest Generation.
The vast majority of the Greatest Generation were FDR New Deal Democrats. They came back and took advantage of the GI Bill and other benefits that came out the New Deal.
@@barrybarnes96 much different to be a Democrat back in those days, dude. If you think our generation has anything on these guys then you are sorely mistaken.
A 9th grade education back then is superior to a college degree today. Now a days schools just babysit children.
True. My grandparents were all New England mill workers. My parents, aunts, and uncles never talked about the past except to say, "we had nothing." My maternal grandfather insisted that his seven kids go to high school, very unusual at that time. For the most part, they did. My mother knew Latin and Greek at 16. I miss the people of that generation.
We’d never do it today. The anti-American liberalism has destroyed our culture and weakened us as a unified country. If China decides it’s time for us to go we are doomed. America could use a good dose of “toxic masculinity “ before it’s too late.
One of the best interviews I’ve heard. I truly miss these WWII vets. They were the backbone of our country
Indeed they were and their fathers the Great War vets before them.
Now, look what we have! These kids today have no respect for anyone else much less themselves.
@@mynameis3568 oh be quiet you absolute knob
@Dave L he is speaking bollocks. glorifying young men and kids going to war and dying horrifically to justify his bigotry. the men of that era deserved the empathy and kindness that young men and kids today deserve.
@Dave L 'i miss the old days when young men and kids went off to die in agony in inhumane conditions and when you could be openly racist without people telling you it's bad' quiet boomer
Dude Ed Shames! I didn’t know he had interviews. Such a treat. Sharp as a tack until the end. RIP 🇺🇸🫡
Very humorous story teller. One of the best stories and best tellers I've ever heard, and completely natural. Great guy!
LETS GET THE HELL OUTTA HERRRE, love it. Man these guys didn't have brass balls they had STAINLESS STEEL BALLS. May they all RIP. Mr. Shames I hope you live as long as you want, thank you for literally helping to save the world, you and all the men and women who served during WWII. You and your family be safe.
Maybe even titanium
Read Donald Burgett's books on his 101AB experiences. Those guys entertained themselves with knife fights, blowing up each other's quarters and of course the old mumblety peg. Crazy tough men.
@@fazole thanks for the book. I love reading anything about WWII. Whether it's about battles or biographies, like Patton's or MacArthur's, Nimitz or Halsey. I would be remiss if I only looked at it from our point of view so I've read Rommels as well, but nothing from the Soviet side never found anything from their generals and Stalin was a complete liar. But hey thanks again for the book. You n yours be safe.
@@chevyon37s Diamond
@@Mrs.IndiYoung Adamantium
Wow... this is the intriguing, thrilling war story I ever heard. The 101st joined the 82nd who finally liberated us here in Nijmegen, the Netherlands in a bloody, devistating fight. Today we have everywhere monuments of those heroes...
Thank you for honoring those Dear Men.
These men keep me silent every year for a few minutes (plus the time it takes to see these documentaries)
Thank you for honoring these incredible men. I'm sorry for the years of occupation you suffered at the hands of the Nazis. But I'm incredibly proud that it was my country that liberated your country and gave you your freedom back! Prayers and good wishes to you from Jim in Seattle Washington
Support to Netherlands from USA.
My great uncle was in the 82nd and helped liberate a camp. I think he helped liberate Dachau.
Met Ed in 2004 in Norfolk ,Virginia for Easy Company reunion. Went with my dad for the weekend to meet these men. The Greatest Generation!!! Had a great time I’m glad he’s doing well looks great!God Bless him and his family!
my family has directly fought in every single conflict our great nation has faced since the 1776 first war. all my kin have always served. we will always be of service. both my grandfathers and their brothers fought and made it home in WW2. my grandmother made tank bolts in a factory while her husband fought. uncles aunts, all soldiers... we came from mountain men.. . all the wives either went to to the front to be nurses or worked in factories at home. my kin served in 1776, the civil war WW1 and 2, korea, nam and me and my brother are both rangers and served in afghanistan and iraq. no matter the war we americans fight together. long live the fighters.
Americans are proud of and respect you and your family.
I read that and the first thing I thought of was Lt Dan. But jokes aside much respect.
Thank you for sharing your amazing Legacy with us! Seems like there's a book in there somewhere!
@@matthewestrada5217 haha i thought that too! That little clip in forest gump of all the men in his family getting shot throughout all the pat wars
Thank you for your service
Without men like this, we might all be speaking a different language today. Thank you for your service and thank you for protecting the freedoms I enjoy today. God bless you sir and all that served. I live in your debt every day of my life.
My Uncle was 82nd Airborne in D-Day, he managed to survive the war as well. These men were beyond brave. God bless them all for their service and all the men that fell in combat to preserve our liberties. I can't imagine what my Uncle would say about the BS our current Gov't is pulling....he'd probably be reaching for his M1 Garand...
Stop larping, my dude. Your uncle was a proud anti-fascist who killed Nazis. Don't tarnish his name like that by acting like he'd defend current day fascism
I love this man, "i wasn't happy". God bless him. Thank you for your service.
I chuckle each time he says that lmao
Ed Shames is quite the character! It always amazes me how good their memory is so many years later. I hope my memory is half as good when I get to be his age.
Not only his memory. Judging from an interview with him 6 years ago, it appears he has had a stroke, and he's survived that pretty well too. Amazing, very durable guy.
Its easier to remember when it's the greatest upheaval in human history. Also the greatest adventure of your life.
They lived like everyday was their last. We can't thank them enough for their courage and determination to wipeout the enemy.
RIP Sir. When they talk about legends, these guys are what they mean. May his name live on forever.
Ed sure has a lot of energy for a hero his age!
I enjoyed listening to him.
My grandmother, who we just lost, was the same way. 94 years old and still mowing her lawn, working in her garden and moving wheelbarrows of snow from the front of her house to the back. As my cousin said, she'd be up there cleaning the gutters if we didn't take her ladders away. LOL
I think it has a lot to do with perspective. These guys were in their late teens and twenties and saw the worst of life and humanity, as well as unparalleled experiences. You probably appreciate everything which is good after that, do they view everyday of normalcy as a treat.
Guys like this are the reason America was at one time the best country in the world.. along with these men dying so are the traditions and values that were around during their time these interviews are crucial to American history guys like this has such a huge significant role in America
My dad was in the infantry and he said it was the toughest thing he’d ever been in, and he went through the depression and worked hard all his life. But the paratroopers went through jump school. Audie Murphy was plain infantry and was awarded every medal the military had, including the Medal of Honor. These people in the entire infantry were incredible people.
"I had a roll of money that'd choke a horse, and I was gonna spend it..." some things just don't change.
For sure.... I would have spent it too not knowing if I'd be around the next day or week....
When a captain tells a sergeant "I ll follow you" that sergeant is a badass.
Dropped into the darkness scared to death and cracked the fk on with the job at hand!! Different breed of men!!
He goes through all this and winds up cruising around in one of Adolf's limousines! Great interview
Ed would be famous, but he was in the wrong platoon. Story of most of us lol. Thank you for your dynamic service. Legend.
Thank you, Lt. Col. Ed Shames for your brave and courageous service to our Country. One of the Greatest Generation of WWII!❤️🙏🇺🇸
From one veteran to another, thank you…….for your service. It is because of great men like yourself……that I got see my son born in a free world and to raise him. Only because you and THE greatest generation to live…….made it so. A debt that we can NEVER repay.
Absolute legend. It breaks my heart that there aren't many of these great men left, and I'll probably never meet one of them.
Band of Brothers is the best mini series I have ever seen. It’s all about Easy company. 👍🏻
RIP Lt. Shames❤ We will never forget what the veterans, and those who lost their lives did for Europe!
This guy is a hoot. Love listening to him.
Sponsored by Qatar
Huge balls, Colonel! You are a hero to all of us soldiers that came after you!
Man this dude was not only a badass, but he seemed like he was funny and good hearted guy to be around. Rest in power my guy❤
Just love these old interviews, true Heros who stood up against Nizasim.
He is a great man, thank you for your service and sacrifice, so I can live the life I have, you are truly an American Hero
Col. Ed is quite a remarkable man. He has an excellent memory, and seems to be in good health for his advanced age. Probably because of the good physical shape he was in when younger, and it's paying off in later years. Thank you Col. for recalling your experience in Normandy, and for doing your duty no matter what was scaring you personally.
Lieutenant!
@@CityColourr AVC is listing him as Colonel (see above).
I’ve listen to this interview like three: or four times, each time I listen to it, it seems comical at times, but someone so brave, calm and cool, and doing what his duty, and what he was trying to do, rest in peace.
I love and respect this man so much..TRUE AMERICAN HERO!
Wow, He's the last surviving officer of Easy Company.
I believe hes the last man period.
@@johnmagill3072 There are only two left :( Bradford Freeman is the last surviving Enlisted Man of Easy Company; Edward Shames is the last surviving officer of Easy Company.
@@daveed_0161 And now, sadly, there is only one. RIP Col Shames...
I'm 66. Was in the USMC. Had DI's walk on all parts of my body as I was crawling through mud. And worse. I was not a S-bird nor was I in a motivational platoon. It's a different world today.
Real men. I often wonder why I am, like many others, so interested in War. It's the men. They are a completely different breed to what we have today. So brave. Band of brothers is the best war series ever. Easy company will live forever. Love from England
I love to hear these stories. History that needs to be told and not forgotten.
Both my grandfathers served in the war. But one of them passed in 2002 and took most of his stories with him. But thank you for keeping their story alive.
The man drank a bottle of cognac that was "for the fuhrer's use only" at a bar mitzvah? It's poetic in the most beautiful way I could imagine. Thank you Ed for everything you've done. The world is a better place because of men like you. I raise a glass to your health and your resolve.
I wish I could stand before this great man and salute.
Thanks to these guys I have everything . My relatives in Latvia where exterminated like insects by the Nazis.
I can’t even imagine the depth of your sorrow. You’re safe now & in God’s arms.
Thank u sir for ur service and to all the ppl who fought rest easy man much love
I could listen to this guy for a long time. We need more interviews from this trooper.
You know you’re meant for the moment, the job, the war effort when a Captain tells you “no I’ll follow you” after trying to relinquish command. What a legend.
Ever notice how long these men of Easy Co lived? Most of them well into their 90's. Amazing.
The best first person WW2 story ever told.....👌 thank you " Ed "!
An amazingly brave man! I did not know Col. Shames but I am personal friends with his son Dr. Douglas Shames. They are a very dedicated, hard working family, who have all led very interesting lives. RIP Col. Edward Shames
Colonel Edward David Shames (June 13, 1922 - December 3, 2021) RIP 🙏 The last surviving of Easy Company.
I don’t have the vocabulary to express the gratitude and love I have for you and your men. Thank you LT.
I gotta say I'm only a minute into this and love the way this guy talks. Hes adding enough relevant info to be interesting but not so much hes getting off subject and rambling. The fact about the Pentagon being built but unoccupied is a good example.
Good bless this man! Thank you! Amazing story!
God bless sir.
😯
It's mind blowing. .this man probably brushed shoulders with my grandfather. .101st American Airborn screaming eagles
I had a Great Uncle somewhere in this.
All I know is he was dropped and his unit took and held a bridge until Patons Army crossed it.
He was promoted to Captain
( Battle field cometion )
For the rest of his days every one called him CAPTAIN
the suck that those 506th boys embraced i cannot imagine. they are definitely a rare breed of men. the best of us. they were a group of great men with solid leadership that did not let combat, weather, food, or anything else distract or impede them from doing what they needed to do as soldiers and unit cohesion remained solid no matter what. the greatest men. toccoa men!! curahee!!
I had the honor to talk at length with Ed several times over the phone. I've interviewed many WWII vets and Ed is the smartest and toughest they come. Despite being a royal bad ass his personality oozes with dignity, humility, honesty, intelligence and honor. He is so straight forward and honest that while BOB was being written he confronted Steve Ambrose for his many inaccuracies and for that he was basically nixed from the book and mini series. Ed was Dead Center in every single BOB battle and it's unfair how they excluded him. His book is a must read. I've bought a copy for many friends. Ed is truly one of a kind and we are all lucky that he has given so many interviews. He's the best they come.
@ David. Thanks for your info about such truth . Glad to know about this hero of heroes , Colonel Shames having all the facts , not the mini serials . I know Hollywood is good at twisting stories, omitting certain facts or adding things to a movie based on an incident for their own interests and current marketing .