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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.
@@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.
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..
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.
@@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.
.... 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.
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.
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 RU-vid 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
@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
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.
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
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!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
@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.
“ 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
@@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.
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.
@@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?
@@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.
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.
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!
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.
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
"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 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. ✝️☮️
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.
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.
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 🥺🙏🏼❤️
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 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 ❤
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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.
@@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'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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Holy s***! I saw combat in Vietnam but nothing like those guys did. It seems trivial to say but thank you for your service. My father repaired tanks for Patton's 3rd Army but got there too late for D day. Those men and women saved the world.
its a shame that they saved the world from the real nazis just to have nazis spring back up (antifa) and call us nazis for being Patriotic. I think human history has a pattern to repeat itself.
My dad was a Tanker during Korea, but stationed in Germany. His job was putting newly arrived tanks through their paces before they were allowed in service. Factory tests them...then the Army tests them again. I think by then he would have been working on "Patton" tanks as they were introduced. He tossed a guy out of one one day. When you drive, the commander will kick you right or left shoulder, middle of the back etc. to tell you what to do. Dad's barreling down this hill at top speed and the commander keeps kicking him to go faster. "That's all she's got!" Kick kick kick....He's also sticking halfway out his hatch. Dad slammed it into reverse...(by accident of course). Tank did a nose stand, commander did a Superman.
@Robert Biondo Hey Navy, First...thanks. I have a question. My uncle who died a few years ago. I find different meanings for what his job might have been. His stone reads ATCS USN WWII KO VN. He never talked about it that I know of.
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.
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.
@@DogWater2011 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"
@@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...
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 💚
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Wow, he explained it so well, I could picture the scenery and moments he described but it's not comparable with the reality he went through. Such tough, brave men. Rest in piece all.
The fact that…he’s alive to tell us these incredible stories, is nothing short of Incredible. God bless you sir! It’s because of people like you that my kids enjoy the life they do today.
My Dad was serving on USS Auk (AM-57). He told me his story of D-Day - he cried when he did. I'll never forget it! Dad I miss you. Thank you for your service.
No need to use the Lord's name in vain, it doesn't make you sound tough, plus you may need his help some day. Trust me on that, and yes , I am a US Air Force veteran.
@@mcrdl76 That's not "using the lords name in vain"! God is not a name, it's a title. That commandment isn't about swearing or saying GOD in those terms. It means don't put yourself into the role of God. Learn your religion!
@@mrrooster4876 The Commandment reads: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” What you stated about God not being a name is your interpretation..
@@mcrdl76 No it's not GOD is a TITLE. Get a damn education. God has had many names in the bible. None of which are GOD. Sort of like how DAD isn't a name. You fail at your own damn religion just another sad excuse for a Christian.
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.
@@thedick8243 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.
Uggghh...I'm sobbing. Poor man. I still can't even imagine the horror of those days. How do you steel yourself to drop that gate knowing the second you do, everyone is getting mowed down?
It is so important to have someone else there who has their responsibilities too and reminds you of yours. His retelling of how the Coxswain became more adamant and loud that Mr. Devita drop the ramp was powerful; i could see the picture of it in my mind.
@@billgonzales2339 Yet it IS always created because there is money to be made at war. This IS why i completely despise money and anything to do with it......j.m.o.
All this at eighteen years old...I was still drinking cider and going to to discos. Thank you so much to all the veterans from WWII, we owe you so much,
My Grandaddy was a WW2 Navy vet too, though he wasn't part of the Normandy invasion. He was born in Seymour TX in 1923 and lied about his age so he could enlist. His service was in the Bering Sea and the Pacific where he was a signalman and then a pharmacist's mate. A kamikaze pilot tried to take out their ship but survived, and my Grandaddy nursed him back to health. When Grandaddy got home from the war he went to college and met my Granny, became a United Methodist pastor, and proceeded to touch the lives and hearts of thousands and thousands of people across west Texas and beyond for the remainder of his life. Even though he maintained a fitness regiment his entire adult life (he did 10 pull-ups for his 80th birthday), he passed away in January of 2010 after battling a very rare neurological wasting disease called Shy Draeger Syndrome. He was the best and the finest human being I've ever known and I'd be lucky to ever be even a quarter of the man he was. Love and miss you both, Granny and Grandaddy. RIP E. Bruce Parks 1923-2010 RIP Mary B. Parks 1929-2019
My grandmother's spouse was a runner in the Continuation War. He never talked about his experiences except to my grandmother and even then, only a little. I've only heard that he was wounded by a shrapnel in his calf and that he had seen his comrades around him die. He had seen a lot of violence. His mental health in his last years was declining as, for example, he used to have nightmares of dead bodies under his bed. I'm sure that he had seen a lot of violence, stuff that no one should experience. He was an energetic and happy old man until his last couple of years, as his physical health declined rapidly to the point that he couldn't walk anymore. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 93.
