As somebody who is wheelchair bound I cant tell you how much people like me appreciate these videos. For a lot of us this is as close as we will ever get to the history we love to study.
I spent a summer traveling Europe when I was 15 as an exchange student and was able to go to Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands , Germany, France, and England. I wish I took more in but it felt like it started to blur after a bit because it was church, church, church, museum, church… lol and so on. The biggest surprise was how utterly stunning Switzerland was. Blew everywhere else out of the water! There was a restaurant on top of this huge mountain (there was a Bond movie shot there) but you took multiple trains and cable cars to get there. It was a single restaurant on top of a mountain peak and it revolves. They had like an observation deck and could walk out and even jump down onto the rocks below (if you wanted to be risky). But you were so high up that you were literally in the clouds and it was snowing mid July. Different place was a multistory waterfall inside of like a cavern. Everything there didn’t look real. Went to Omaha beach and stuff like that, also Flanders Field. But alas trouble found us and we were given a “free day “to go explore London in pairs and that’s when their 9/11 happened. But the WW1 sites and museums seemed forgotten about because WW2 gets all the attention. RIP to all the vets of all the wars.
My late father-n-law was there. His ame was John L Bidwell . He was supposed to jump on D-Day, but they wouldn’t let him because he had a severe ear infection and as soon as that was better, they sent him out to re-join the company. Dad passed away in 1999. He would never talk about the war, but he would sing the parachute song or the paratrooper song and he sang it all the time he taught it to all of us. He was very proud of his service. When my husband went to Vietnam. He had a map over his desk so he could keep track of every place Bob in been. I want to say thank you for what you do for the veterans and what you do for history.
I literally got goosebumps knowing that banner went back to the exact same place that "Mr. B" held it up in that picture so so many years ago. Thank you both.
They gave their all for us, God bless these men and women and as the chapter closes on WWII and POW's we can only live the history that they created. Thank you for your bravery and service. Thank you JD
My grandfather was in the British parachute regiment and fought at the Battle of Arnhem and I went back there with him on the 50th anniversary of the battle. My grandfather passed away nearly two decades ago but its videos of this nature which are making me think I should return back to Arnhem now as a older and hopefully wiser person.
I have to say when seeing reunions of the ACTORS that portrayed these heroes invokes emotions, they were beyond legendary. "I wasn't a hero, but I served in a company of heroes..." -Major Dick Winters
As a veteran of Desert Storm, Somalia, Operation Iraqi Freedom and who now currently lives in Germany right down the street from Buchenwald Concentration Camp , I really love seeing your videos. My grandfather and my father before me were my inspiration to join the Army back in 92. I really love watching how you bring this history to life. This was truley the greatest generation.
I can't say how much I appreciate you two honoring the memory of these men and doing so in a format that will hopefully last forever. Thanks JD and Erik 👍
This has been one of the very best series’s I’ve got to watch. I can’t wait to show my dad this. I can’t believe this is free on RU-vid. This is better than Netflix. Thanks man.
I read Band of Brothers back in the 90's before it was a hit mini-series and the world was introduced to the men of Easy Company. Your videos have given me the visual reference to go along with the story of these men. I can't say thank you enough for what you do JD. This series has been fantastic and the historical value of what you and Erik do together is priceless. Hats off to you guys!
Kudos for keeping their memory alive. Walking in the footsteps of giants! This has been an amazing series for those of us who adore Easy Co and its representation of the Greatest Generation.
Hard to believe these men landed at Normandy on June 6th and fought their way across Europe. My Father also landed at Normandy, in October, part of an artillery battalion, initially on the Bridge Too Far campaign up through the Netherlands and then through Germany all the way to the Elbe River, the farthest point of the American advance. He was awarded 2 battle stars, one for each campaign. Never spoke about the War, only the funny things. Amazing man. Miss you, Dad!
“Mr B” holding the flag in the picture and then being the last man standing in life! You couldn’t of planned that better. May he rest in peace with all of the veterans who have served and now passed. 🙏🏻
Fantastic. I grew up in Zell am See prior to immigrating to the Wilkes-Barre area in PA. All I can say is thank you for putting an end to these dark times. I am actually here right now visiting my family. I have nothing but admiration for these GIs who put their lives on the line to give me a better life.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Indeed! I have read everything I can get my hands on about him, Winters etc. All of Easy Company, so much to learn from all of them! They were great men to be sure!
This video just quickly rose to the top as one of my favorites. I am sitting here at work with tears in my eyes and my partner won't quit staring at me as I'm sniffling! What a great tribute to your dear friend and American hero, Mr. B! The love and respect you both have for these guys is moving- thank you for always sharing their stories. Phenomenal, phenomenal video! Wearing that hat and sharing those photos.. such an honor. Thank you, JD and Erik!
Well done Recondo (although methinks that the war was winding down and not up) - didn't realize that sticky notes existed in 1945.... MMM would be proud. Just B-busting. Love the Winters goat hunting - have tooth, will get me goat. Nice poignant point - and well said - the WASTE of life in war. And RIP Mr. B 😓. Wish Mr. B's story could still be told as it should the lack of which leaves a void. But, thank you Eric for sharing.
Another wonderful tribute to the men of Easy Co.. I’m hoping to return just one more time before I leave this Earth. Your travels and commentary have been so incredible to both me and my two Sons who originally accompanied. Thanks you again for your dedication to the men and women in uniform here and abroad.
This is a incredible location and I remember reading in Winters book, he said whenever he ordered the Germans to place all guns in one area to be collected, he couldn't believe the amount of weapons. The Germans took orders literally and took every single gun from military and even civilian firearms. Even though Winters only wanted military weapons, he respected the effort they put in and although many Germans were now prisoners, they still walked with pride and discipline. Winters did remember that if the German revolted, that his men would've been overrun by them but they never did. As soon as I wrote this comment, you mentioned this. Brilliant video brother.
Erik, your Tribute to Brad Freeman shows respect and your friendship. Another member of the Greatest Generation is now with the Lord above. Thank you Erik for all you do to keep history alive for us all.
And soul crushing at the same time. The one generation that deserved to live forever but are mostly all gone now. It might be a good thing that none of them lived to see what this country is turning into.
I found the last episode of Band of Brothers to be very moving. Where Dick Winters talked about the men's lives after the war. If the solder had since passed on and if not, where they still lived. In 2000 there will still many of these vets alive. Now in 2023, they are all gone. Looking at the photo of easy companies last group photo in this video from 1945 was moving. All those young men in the photo now having passed on into history. Yet another reminder for us all of how fast time passes. I'm sure those guys didn't think thousands of folks would view that photo 78 years later. Again, I love the background music on this channels videos. It really sets the mood.
Wow,I can't say enough thank you's for sharing this story. I've been studying E Co for a few years myself. Would have considered a lifetime achievement to have met/known any of that glorious Band of Brothers. Sad to know he was the last of 'em, but couldn't have closed out that chapter any better with the "triumphant return". Thank you for your commitment to the mission! Curahee!!
I had just finished binge watching Band of Brothers for the umpteenth time over the Easter weekend and I’m always caught off guard by how easy the tears flow watching the end credits and the interviews of these great men. It’s so sad that they have all passed now, so these videos and interviews with the men from Easy are a treasure to see over again. While living in Germany as a teen, I’ve had the fortune to visit so many of these places and played hockey numerous times in Hagenau and never the history at the time
What a beautiful ending to a horrific and costly war. It is amazing to think of the lives beyond that photo. Mr. B holding the flag and being the last man to represent those in the photos. A tear falls for those that served and to those we lost throughout both theaters.
Knocked another one out of the park!! Can't say thank you enough for these videos, I love seeing artifacts make their way back to the place it started.
To be completely honest, it’s a shame how little WWII knowledge I have. I had never heard of any of this history you covered here until this series. I think the video that most impacted me was the Dachau tour…or maybe the one about that German pastor. The story of Mr. Freeman brought tears to my eyes. I am so appreciative of the history education you provide!
I've been skiing in Kaprun for 4 years now and I've actually been staying in Mitteregger every year. The hotel has been partially rebuilt (I believe in the late 80's, not sure) but the rear of the hotel and the basement are still intact. Never knew that easy company has been there, really cool. I've been to the spot where the group photo with Winters and Welsh on it has been taken en I've retaken the photo. On a clear day you can still see the same mountain ranges in the background. I love these videos and every year I come to Kaprun I learn a little more about the history, thank you for this video!
@@justineisje Thanks. Kitz was my favorite...but the glacier above Kaprun looks great (never skied it). I learned to ski at Garmisch in 1983, skied there 83 84 85, then at different places in the US. Skied Austria for about 10 years, 1999 - 2009... Only bad thing about Garmisch is TOO MANY Americans; I prefer the Austrians. (Don't EVER have back surgery!) Good luck!
I have followed your videos for a while now. My uncle Walter Hendrix is in that picture in the end of the video. I'm honored to have gotten to know him before he passed away. I thank you for helping Easy Company's legacy continue to live on.
Thank you so much for doing what you do! It is because of you that I finally have pulled the trigger on a vacation to Hawaii to visit hanger 79 and Pearl Harbor! I’ve been an avid history fan of wwii since a small kid and I envy what you’re able to do and do it well!
@@riverbedoverland Great place! We hope to retire there, but it may have to be DC. But we will definitely get back to Oahu again. Pearl Harbor is a special place. Brings tears to your eyes.
Man it's so cool that you also came to my hometown! I live about 250 m southwest of the castle :) I can still remember when I watched Band of Brothers with my Dad for the first time and all of a sudden he says he remembers the name "Winters" - my Dad was 6 years old when then Easy came to Kaprun and he always spoke of them very kindly. They gave them chewing gum, chocolate and all those other things he never had until then. Thanks for this video!! Greetings from Kaprun :)
I have been following your videos now for about a month. Sir, you bring a level of respect to the very important war places, this needs to be done this day and age. I am retired Navy due to injury, and do not get the opportunity to travel. Except this summer I get to go to Gettysburg, cannot wait. And I will obviously hit the museum there. Thanks for the great videos.
Great video. I love the sentimental side of Erik's relationships with the guys. I met you both yesterday in Normandy at the DDay experience museum and Dead Man's Corner. You both do great work. It's a gift to us.
another great video JD... so envious of you being able to follow in the steps of the Greatest Generation.... having of course, watched Band of Brothers... and other such series of the exploits of these great men... to see where these guys, who survived, finished up the war in Europe... in such a beautiful location... is both a happy and sad feeling... happy the survivors survived, sad the originals did not...
I’m always looking for something to watch while at work and at home and I’m going to have to watch this series and most likely this channel from beginning to end
How ironic it would have been if such an inspirational man as Dick Winters had have met with a fatal accident hunting goat! Lovely tribute to Mr B by Eric, beautiful scenery shots and historical placement. Excellent episode
They truly were the greatest generation! It is just so heartbreaking to me to see what’s happening in this country now, the country from whom, so many gave their lives to protect and preserve. Great video, thanks so much! God bless America! 🇺🇸🙏
Nearly finished up with Hang Tough as I type this. Thanks for the mention many many videos ago of the book, and the continued recognition for Americas Greatest Generation.
What a wonderful legacy, and I have a few antique tools that belonged to my Grandpa, either before or after his time in WWII. And, I can always remember him whenever I'm working on any project, using them.
Great videos. These remind me of my vacations across historical Europe. My son and I were in Bastogne 5 years ago before he finish high school. visit the Bois du Jaque with a Belgium Commando. I myself served ten years in the US Army, Including 2/75, 103dMI 3ID, and C 2/505 PIR. We'0ve traveled all over Europe and visited so many places where the war took place. Not only American but also German, as my son's mother is German.
One of my favorite videos sir!!! Thank you, thank you!!!! As a map geek, to see Dick Winters map is like laying eyes on the shroud of Turin...almost!😂❤️❤️
Watching your videos made me purchase 2 round trip tickets for my wife and I and head back to Germany. We have been kicking it around for the past 5 years since our last child left for college. My wife and I were JAG lawyers in Germany and absolutely loved it and have not returned since we both PCS'd back to CONUS(Continental United States) so thanks for giving us an excuse to go back!! Love your video!
Beautiful country and very scenic to say the least. I'm sure the soldiers were amazed. Great history lesson again. Thank you JD for doing this and sharing this with us. Larry
Thank you for your history travels/education. Love your channel. 👍 I recently moved to Germany, to the Stuggart area. Walking here is off the chain! So many hills!
@@TheHistoryUnderground It’s a very big area. Lots of things to do. Cannot wait to get to the Normandy area in France. So much history in Europe for this history nerd.
These video's are so amazing to watch! I hope and pray that we see many more covering the greatest generation that ever lived! I would love to travel to Europe and see these site's! Keep up the GREAT work gentlemen! Much respect and support from Yuma, AZ. 👍👍
Thank you for these amazing series... I hope you're able to come to the Netherlands to visit the sites where the 506th fought in september /october 1944
That's so cool. I've been there skiing a few times. I love the people there and they are so friendly. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see what's next.
I am so envious of you JD, to have truly walked in the footsteps of the Band of Brothers from Toccoa all the way to Kaprun.... Keep up the amazing work!
My wife used to work at Taccoa Falls College, which was very close to Camp Toccoa, the Currahee run, and the excellent museum. If you’re ever in the Toccoa, Georgia area, I highly recommend all of the above……
Hi THU, I’ve recently come across your channel and just had to show some appreciation. I’ve watched just about every WW2 documentary on big streaming platforms, and was looking for something new. I’m so glad I found your channel! Your editing, content and passion is second to none. Keep up the good work, really enjoying working my way through your episodes 👍
I’m so fascinated with the history of the world wars especially since Canada 🇨🇦 had significant roles in winning battles. I know you are American-centric but I love the history and your command of the information plus the side stories. I loved Band of Brothers.
It’s sad bc this is the end. As much as these soldiers wanted to go home, I selfishly want this to continue. I spent the last years of the last members of Easy Co. lives building my family and was unable to afford to travel much, but at 51, I’m now steeping myself in this rich history. I have every intention of visiting some of these places very soon - thank you for giving all of us a road map of places to visit.
Such beautiful scenery and church! I see the Hofer brothers is up there on that wall. Makes one think. As you said, there is such a waste of human life's in this war business. Like now here in Europe, the body count just never stops. When will we learn..? There is a sort of glorifying of wars. Specially in the movie business. French horns playing, flags waving in the smoke, people doing extra ordinary things and sure, there are acts of heroism to remember but we tend to forget just the sheer madness of it all.
