You need to stop cutting these men off, “we only have 2 min left” is BS. They’re the greatest Americans left, we need to give them all the time they need to tell their stories.
@@TheBigMclargehuge yup, you got it! They should be immune to time limits. Some of them have waited almost 80 years to tell these stories, the interviewer can afford to indulge a few extra minutes of his time. Time spent recording these heroes stories is more valuable than nearly anything else.
Ridiculous! 1: These gentlemen you interview deserve more time to tell their stories. 2: Their stories about American life and the character of American citizens reveal more than battle scenes. I am annoyed that you constantly interrupt their stories to redirect them back to the combat. “Tell us about landing on the beach. “ and “More combat.” Geeze ! Meanwhile, their stories about simple American life were good and heartwarming.
Is it weird that because my dad is from Alabama I’m looking at this mr Rodgers here and thinking that’s probably a 4th great uncle, he’s got the ears the brow and the eyes
I befriended a sweet meek man at our church years ago. The pastor asked him to speak at one of our Veterans Day services. He spoke about how he stormed the beaches at Omaha beach. Everyone ones jaws dropped as he was talking and crying about scaling those cliffs and seeing his buddies being picked off. He was a Texas cowboy before the war, and the most humble, kind man after the war. He later moved to Delaware to be with his daughter, where he died about 10 years ago. Rest in peace my sweet hero friend John Elwin Holleyman, silver star recipient.
I cried when he told the story of the 2 Marines that were best friends. The beach of Okinawa is nowhere to die alone. The bond that Marines share especially.Marines that have served in combat together, it's a Brotherhood and I am glad he told their story. Semper Fidelis Marine. It was an absolute honor to listen to your words you are a hero and I am so grateful for everything you did to defend America and avenge the dead from Pearl Harbor. Have a wonderful day Sir
I attend Church with a 97 year-old Dauntless Dive Bomber pilot from that era. What a gentleman and treasure he is. I was born in 1945 while my Dad was repairing tanks in Europe for General Patton. I love that generation!
Me, too! I was born in '43, and the values and working ethics these people taught us were amazing! They didn't walk around swearing, they respected their women, feared our God, and were more patient and guiding to us children! What more could a kid ask for? Nothing, it was post war, and the fabulous fifties!
My father and uncles were in WW2 as well. I think the depression helped prepare these people. They came out as tough as possible, but with their humanity. Then they and the allies defeated two empires at the same time.
Most people from the 1930s are still to this day very stingy, and save even a piece of paper. They knew how to save when they had money, and horded it big time. I worked or a man from the depression era, he even ate moldy food, his daughter told me keep the fridge cleaned out so he wouldn't eat moldy and rotten food.
@carla5830 my grandfather and grandmother often would cut mold off of bread. Because lack of food during depression, this was when older . Another thing they always told you eat all you want but don't waste any. Always clean your plate. They would watch your helpings even though there was plenty. Afraid you would waste it.
Wow! Born in 1925..child of the depression, lost is mother, and he just wanted to better himself..so he joined at 16 yrs old! What a MAN! For those who fought in the Pacific, had challenges different than the European front. Those from that generation surely were special! GOD Bless you sir and thank you for your bravery and service!
Growing up my neighbor was a WWII devil dog veteran. He was a DI at Paris island. He was my fishing buddy when I was a youngster. Greatest generation for sure.
Joe is fantastic, a real American hero. I wish the AVC would not cut interviews short. I suspect we could learn so much more about the veterans' experiences and insights if they were given more time to talk.
Amazing life of a dedicated soldier, citizen, and finally Christian. I am also a vetern with service in Iraq. Much praise and thanks to this man for his life and love! ❤😊❤😊
BTW thank you all for doing these veterans chronicles! They truly mean the world to many of us Americans so we can actually hear the words from the men and women that were there fighting for our freedom that so many take for granted!
No we wont, he deserves to remembered for eternity. I got my 15 year old son to watch this and he was so impressed. My son has been prepping for the Marines corps as soon as he graduates.
Thank you @JB GTO, he amazes me with his dedication to working out and studying. His dream is to be a Marine Raider. I just pray he serves under good men.
I would bet my life savings on the fact that we ARE about to see this, and we won’t have to go overseas to see it. It’ll be happening in our backyard by the end of 2021
What a sad and touching story of the 2 men "Mutt and Jeff". What a dear man. It's remarkable the memory these men have of the battles - even 75 years later.
An old family friend served in the 4th Marines. He told me all five islands. Saipan was bad. Landed on Iwo Jima on day two. Stayed the whole time. 235 guys in their company and only 25 lived. He drove a truck running supplies up to the front and hauling dead and wounded back to the beach head.
How strange my father had the same job but in Europe. Somehow he ended up at the battle of the bulge. Almost died from a closed head wound. Spent months in the hospital and was given a 100 percent discharge and he kept trying to stop it because he could still work. He was a remarkable man but would never talk about his experience except a few tidbits now and then. He kept a picture of a beautiful woman he met in France and fell in love with. I ask him one time why he didn’t marry her and he said that he’d already asked my mother to marry him. So he stuck by his word. Poor man
One of my biggest regrets is not having more conversations with my father regarding his wartime experiences. When I was younger, 13 or so in 1960s, and first aware of his record, he was not ready to talk. Looking back, I believe he would have spoken more to me about it after I was discharged from my time in the Navy. He asked me a few questions about my time but I failed to recognize those questions as him, possibly, willing to open up. We did have a few conversations and I got a small sense of what he endured during his time landing in Normandy and the continuous fighting though the Battle of the Bulge. The one recurring theme was his wondering why he survived when so many others did not. 26th Infantry, 328th Regiment, K Company- CIB, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Impossible for me to imagine the horrors that he experienced but wish I could have helped him put his mind at ease. He's no longer alive, but someday we'll talk.
So many more things I wish I could of asked and said to my dad and to know I could of done better to show him I loved him by the little things. Dad passed away December 15, 2018. Korean War Veteran.
I could not AGREE with you MORE. It is a privilege and pure blessing to hear this wonderful man tell his story. The thing that hit me kinda hard was when he said he had to wait on his mama to die..to go to war. I took it as he didnt want to cause her any worry during the end of her life with whatever her illness was...probably cancer.
Jimmy...from your post...are u considering going into the military? Please comment on this video if u decide to so I can say an extra prayer for u...even if it is years from now. If I am not understanding your post correctly...all you have to do to make your family proud..is be the very best man you can be and try your best in everything you do..no one can expect anything more that your very best. As a mom of one son who turns 24 today (June 12th, 1996)....your mama will be proud of you no matter what profession you choose as long as you do your very best and be the best man you can be. Sincerely, a mom from West Virginia.
Feb 42 is when my father got recalled back to the Marines. He was originally discharged two weeks before Pearl Harbor. Ended up serving on Tarawa and Iwo Jima.
I went to Kwajalein Atoll in July of 2019. I explored the entire island and to this day, there are still lot's of WWII remnants all over the atoll. I took my snorkeling gear and you can still find lots of items in the water all around the island. It is an amazingly beautiful place and the local people are truly wonderful. They still have pictures in the Military Headquarters of the WWII action and later buildup of Kwaj. Unfortunately, most people will never get the opportunity to visit this location.
Thank you for your service brother. My grandfather was dropped into a German training exercise in France and was patched up and ended up in a French hospital and all his records were lost . And even was listed as killed in action on a monument in Fremont Michigan. He told me to go look at the memorial and come back if I see any names I recognize. And I saw Adolph C Salacina . He had taken shrapnel in both arms and cut his chute and broke his ankles. I wouldn't be here without the toughness and pride of the greatest generation. Thankyou grandpa
I bet that was a hell of a story to hear..I love hearing the stories, the history but I hate to see a veteran upset when they talk about it. I am so glad your family all survived. Thank your family for their service. My family has a long line of combat vets.
This guy is just an incredibly Brave really likable guy. Guys like this were the backbone of our society back in the day and we have a sorry lack of that right now. Both my parents were World War era vets. My dad was a veteran of the South Pacific, Navy and my mom was a WAC in the Army Air Corp and was part of a crew and program that flew B-17s from the Boeing plant in Everett Washington down to various bases in California for deployment in the Pacific. She absolutely loved those B17's! LOL! She even got the fire the 50 caliber machine guns and was just thrilled with that! My father was stationed in anywhere from the Solomons to the Philippines and Guam. We owe this generation so much for the unbelievable courage that they had and the ability to rise to the call to basically save the world from fascism and tyranny.
I fear that call will be made once again soon. I can guarantee the young men of drafting age these days need safe spaces and are too entitled and soft. Not like your parents or the man you hear in this video.
@@kathyh4804 I couldn't agree more! Younger people today are so coddled! It seems like they feel this sense of entitlement, and whatever they want, they want now, and for free! There was no free ride back in the day. I grew up in poverty just like my parents that went through the Great Depression went through poverty. Think that that gave me the backbone that I have to this day and I'm in my mid-60s and God willing I'll continue on this journey! I'm so grateful that my parents were part of the greatest generation because I know that that rubbed off on me and that's something that I'm very grateful for!
@@adamcox6960 yeah, I have that same feeling too. Between the gutless politicians that we've had for decades, the indecisive military brass, and I don't mean to knock on the soldiers of today, but look at what they have compared to what their counterparts of World War 2 had. There was no night vision, flak jackets, helicopters, Hi-Tech weapons with scopes, Etc. I don't know, I hate to say it but I think that we were in better hands back then. Hopefully the call to war doesn't go out!
Hard times make strong men. We've had good times for a long time and that creates weak men. The hard times are coming the strong men will rise. Have no fear. The only question you must answer is are you one of the strong men? Age has nothing to do with what is most likely coming. The strength to stand up is the only factor that matters. I'm 26 I've built my own home I have a wife and kids. I'm the bread winner of my family. I live a life style relegated to the 50s I promise you there are many like me. Don't write off the millennials and definitely don't write of gen Z. The generation after mine is the future of the country. They are polling majority conservative first time that has happened in generations. That alone should give you hope for the future. The winds of change are blowing it's up to us to direct the wind into a change we want.
Tom Socia my grandpa was also in the 4th marine division. He got shot in the stomach on Iwo Jima. Wish I had known him better, he died when I was a kid. If he hadn’t survived the war my dad wouldn’t have been born and neither would I.
Joe - I salute you. A true hero. Words can't communicate how grateful we are to you and your fellow service men for all that you did for us. You're truly an American hero. God Bless.
Yes, indeed...he certainly earned his time to speak! I find him very entertaining and informative, and he reminds me so much of all the fathers of that generation, who are now gone...
Johnny Fire it’s because this is formatted for a radio show. In some episodes you hear the lead-ins that you typically hear Radio DJ’s do. We’re just seeing the incidental video from the radio broadcasts.
My Dad dropped out of High School and Joined the Navy during WW 2. His 3 older brothers all served: Tom flew bombers, Bill was a medic and saw action in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, Calvin was in Army Intelligence..he saw plenty of action behind enemy lines. I remarked about his distinctive broken nose. I once asked him, "Did you break it playing ball?" He replied with a smile, "I wish. Had a German Grenade ( potato masher) hit me right in the nose. Fell backwards dazed as hell and rolled down into a shallow hole..." Thankfully, they all it made it home, attended College and had successful lives. Miss them all.
Tragic how anyone could thumbs down this historic Iwo Jima veteran! Maybe they haven't saw the video of the marines going in by Higgins boats, commencing the attack!
What a man thank you sir for your service to our beautiful country and thank you from Fort Mitchell Alabama we love our beautiful state and we love all of our military men and women God bless each and every one of them
When he talks about LT Barber being “commended” during the action on Hill 362 he never mentions that commendation was actually the Medal Of Honor. This gentleman is so humble. Proud to have been an Infantry Marine and serve in the Corps like this hero who came before me.
My father was a Navy Corpsman on Bougainville in the Solomons, South Pacific in 1943-1944. He was with VMF-212, 1st Marine Air Wing, MAG 14, and drove the ambulance at Torokina Airstrip near Empress Augusta Bay. Later in 1945 he served on the USS Cowie, DD632 renamed DMS 39 as a Hospital corpsman. He finally got out of the Navy in 1/1947 after serving 4 years 1 month. His rank was Petty Officer 1st Class. My dad died in 2013, at 87. He is missed still.
As a wartime Marine, Chad, I can assure you that we Marines will always love our Corpsmen! "Devildocs" were some of the most courageous men on the battlefield. Much respect to your Father! TreeTop Sgt. USMC 1968-72
Chad - during WW2 the ratings were HA2c, HA1c, PhM3c, PhM2c, PhM1c, CPhM. They came out of corpsman school a HA2c. They adopted a new rating system in 1947. My Dad was a PhM1c when the war ended. He was attached to the 28th regiment, 5th MARDIV. He served in combat on the sea, a heavy cruiser, in the air, a seaplane scouting squadron, and on the ground, 28th Regiment, 5th MARDIV.
@@roderickstockdale1678 Hi Roderick… he told me he tried to sign at 16… had to wait Til he was 17 with his mothers consent signature. On his 17th birthday he signed of for the US Navy, 11/7/1942.
What a hero, husband and father ! I’m sure his girls are so proud ! It was an honor to listen to him . Thank you for your service and God Bless America !🇺🇸
Tremendous interview. Reminds me of my father and four uncles all combat vets from WWII. They have all passed but their memory is alive. And this fellow reminds me of the type of things I learned from the men of that generation. Thanks.
Wonderful testimony at the end. My dad was a little older than this guy. He said that when he went into the Army that was the first time he got to eat until he was satisfied. My dad missed the last two years of highschool to go into the Army.
Mike Dancula.....All of those who served and made it home are true heros.I always sat quietly and listened to the ''old guys'' talk of their stent in the Wars.these men should have been treated like heros all of their lives.The guys that made it back from Vietnam should have been treated as heros.Anyone who has gone to war and made it back...I salute you.....
I love these interviews. I feel really small when I listen to these guys. They're all giants and I am very grateful for what they did for this country.
My dad was an only son and in 1943 after high school he wanted to join the Marines. His dad would not sign for him, but let him join the Navy. My dad participated on Okinawa. Thank you Joe Rodgers for your Service! I joined the Marines after high school. Semper Fi Mr. Rodgers!
I am sixty two years old I had two uncle's that served in world war ii. JB messer. And Howard messer they are both gone now they would be ashamed of what is going on in this country.
What a wonderful human being. Obviously brave beyond words but the way he talks about his late wife and daughters shows a deep love and sense of decency. Can't imagine his daughters being scared of him, I'm sure they weren't really. Probably just strict in some ways but that's fine. Huge respect to these brave men from this viewer in the UK.
Sir: I salute your magnificent sense of honour, your patriotism, and your many sacrifices on behalf of the nation and its' people. You are a truly inspirational figure and we are forever in your debt sir.
I love watching these videos, I love hearing the Veterans talking about there story! My Great Grandpa passed when I was just a little boy so I didn’t know much about WWII but all I know from my parents is he didn’t like to talk about his experience in Iwo Jima. God Bless all these brave men and women for sacrificing their lives for our freedom!!
He’s telling of his experiences in such detail that it was like witnessing everything first hand. I can’t say enough about the gratitude I feel for those brave men. God bless them all. ❤️🇺🇸
A great interviewer asks a question then lets the person answer without interrupting. 👍 I can't even imagine the hell he has been through. It's the old saying " When he dies at the gates to Heaven he will say another Marine reporting sir I've done my time in hell."
Dad was close to his uncle's that served in WW2 and it has been realized that other extended family from mom's family served. Little has ever been discussed of the service during the war year's. NOW when I listen I'm linking some various part when I hear of the " 9 virgin's" and it connected with my dad's mentioning one's passing and virgin's never passed his lips! Thank you for your service and leaving your personal statement for future generation's to regard further the affect's of war on humankind!
Having served in the Marine Corps nine years, I was with L Co, 3dBn, 4thMar in Vietnam, and I tried to live up to the standards of Marines like Col Rogers, the Marines on Iwo set the standard for all Marines that came after them... What a great interview...Semper Fi
God Bless all these men who gave all us marines a standard to try and emulate. My uncle Charlie served in the island-hopping campaign and fought on Guadalcanal and Tarawa and others but he only talked to me about his experiences one time, and very briefly. I don’t think he thought it was a subject an 8 year old boy needed too many details about. And thank you to the folks conducting these interviews too. They’re priceless pieces of history that need to be remembered. When I was a kid the WW2 vets were all in their 30s. Their sacrifices must be preserved for future generations. Semper Fi to all my fellow vets. Keep your powder dry and stay healthy. 👍❤️
@@marinegrunt6633 I heard in a documentary series done on PBS that our guys in WW2 on average saw about 45 days of combat, and in Vietnam saw over 300? I was absolutely shocked to hear that. Much respect.
*RESPECT IS MADE OF EQUAL PARTS OF LOVE AND FEAR!!!!!!!* THIS WAS A GREAT VIDEO OF A TRUE AMERICAN, A GOOD SOLDIER, AND A GREAT FATHER, BRAVO!!! AND.......MAY THE LORD GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR VETERANS!!!!!!!
My father (rip) told me horror stories as a wee kid. I began to realize I was his therapist of sorts. "Be a man" didn't allow ptsd. So, it was me and his bottle. A Platoon Sergent. At first so young I thought it was a movie. Landing craft rear doors open. Floating marines. Blood red water. Grabbed his dazed best friend into a mortar blast hole. His friend kept saying he could make it out. My dad kept telling him to stay put. His friend stood up. Got shot by a sniper right between the eyes. Fell back and bled all over my dad. Had to sit there for another 8 hours. That was his first day. Killed his first japanese soldier. I saw the letter written to the guys wife. Bullet hole and blood all over it. Hand to hand with a guy jumped out with a bayonet. Reached in and grabbed brass knuckles and a short knife he made killed the guy. Came across several soldiers that committed suicide. Tore his arm carrying a marine out of the line of fire. Still fought until the end. Was part of leading a tank with a flame thrower at the caves. I bought him a cheap tape recorder told him turn it on when thoughts came up late nineties. I have about an hour and a half of war stories. My mom's workplace had her as a Rosie the riveter. Working on assembling fighter plane wings. My dad raised 8 kids. We never missed meal my mother cooked. My dad never missed a day of work ever. Sometimes working 3 jobs. Always worked to improve and take whatever tests/learn to raise up to make more money. I was in the bed next to him at the hospice. 4am he woke up calling me, "Jimmy.Jimmy. I love you...". Grabbed his hand, "I love you and appreciate you. Died an hour later. Glad i stayed next to him close.
Amazing man Both my Grandads BRITISH fought the First WW1 all through . One got a battlefield commission as several of his battalions were literally wiped out ,One was wounded during the Somme the other taken prisoner 6 months before the end of the War. He was leading his men when the mist cleared a German soldier was about to shoot him from a trench but didn't. My grandfather was the only one left, they were all down . He had a pistol but somehow each had respect for the other. So he lived my father was born and ended up fighting the Japanese, and hardly ever spoke of it but gave me small snippets as a young boy. Like this gentlemen they were something else,. It's amazing how so many people take everything for granted these days..
Still an imposing figure you are, old warrior. Thank you for your service, your courage and your sacrifice for our country. 80 years later, it's no exaggeration to say we civilians still are enjoying the freedom you fought for.
Thank you sir for your dedication and service you paved the way for so many more Marines and service members. We salute you.I promise to preserve your history. I for one who will always house your history forever at NPRC. It means more to ME than you’ll ever now. Thank you sir from the bottom of my heart
Here this man is at 16 he was ready to fight for his country, NOW you have a bunch of 20+ year olds who are too scared to even fist fight and running around burning buildings and creating problems and generally being a bunch of losers who have no accomplishments and STILL living with their parents. This man's generation is what this country was built on. This man represents perhaps the greatest American generation. Bless him and as REAL Americans we salute him! Thank you for your service sir, you are appreciated very much!
