Amazing my uncle Given was in the 29th Infantry Division and landed there, He was 19, He fought all the way through the war and as he said I walked and fought in Europe, He won the Silver Star in The Hurgten Forest in November of 1944. He fought in The Battle of The Bulge and survived the war. He graduated number ONE from MIT as and engineer married his love Aunt Beverly and had three amazing children. His major accomplishmenys were global. He was the senior engineer for the Space Shuttle Suits for the Austronats and lived a wondergul life. He passed away in 1998 and was my fathers best friend {11th Airborne 1953 1955} and I just thought someone should know. Thank you very much for your videos.
What a wonderful story, Mikey! Your uncle was a wonderful gent and a fantastic citizen. I had a good friend who jumped into D-Day. When he jumped out of the C-47 his tommy gun whipped around and knocked out his front teeth! Forever after known as "Smiley". He was an extremely successful engineer and became a very wealthy man, but he loved talking with me about our Army experiences.....I was a Vietnam era guy and a grunt too.
It is really incredible to visit these historical places of the Second World War, places that I would remotely visit, not because I did not want to go, but it is very difficult to go there, impressive places, where many lives were lost for the sake of freedom , that freedom that we enjoy until today, thanks to all those brave people who offered their lives to have this world that we have today, with all due respect. A very good video and congratulations, for taking us to places like these and remaking history and living the moments of those heroes who were there.
Excellent quality video, thank you for the time in sharing this enormous event that happened in our history for people who can't go there to see for themselves. Would definitely go there one day to pay my respects.
Awesome video I can’t wait to go there myself and see this. Crazy to think that out of the 16 million US service members who served during the war only around 300,000 are still with us.
My dad's teacher was one of the guys going into the town. A lot of the people asked them if they were the Texas Rangers. They heard the stories of the Texas Rangers and thought they were the same people.
I have walked this beach twice. As a former soldier, I am amazed at the bravery of our soldiers given the interlocking fires and understand how the carnage unfolded. My dad crossed this beach D+30, his first memory was the temporary cemetery and what he described as an endless line of ambulances dropping off the dead. Graves were being dug 24x7, at night they used lights and would only turn them off if an air raid alarm went off. Freedom is not free and we must never forget this.
I'm from Alabama, USA and my grandfather and three of his brothers were in WW2. Including DDAY and Battle of the Bulge. By the grace of God, they all made it home alive. I cannot imagine what they went through on this day. I thank this chanel for continuing to share these pictures so that we may never forget what once was. God Bless. ❤️🇺🇲
I've been to all of them places many times over the last 16yrs. I also found the hidden bunker with the German water colour paintings of the beach area and gun coordinates
Meh probably modern day leftist liberals. They really dislike history if it isn't adjusted to what they believe. Facts don't matter to them. Oh and some of them aren't exactly pro U.S. military.
@@brad25000 Or Trump supporters - they see cemeteries full of dead American Heroes and dismiss them as "Losers!". I've been there and seen those white crosses and stars of David, line after line of them. Those men weren't Losers, they were WINNERS.
It's my contention that the same Bolshevik communist fake small hats who attacked Japan and Germany in World War II are the same communist Bolshevik fake small hats who are now Waging War on the entire world with their new world order/great reset which is a one-world communist government one world luciferian religion if you don't already know this I suggest doing some research so you know what's going on that this so-called pandemic is a planned gimmick to usher in communism kill small businesses destroy the middle class flasher in a digital dollar controlled by a social credit system inoculate everyone with a poisonous vaccine to attack their immune system chicken and kill as many people as possible the survivors will be sterilized it's what is called a genocide it happened before at the hands of the Bolshevik communist in World War 1 also research the holodomer .
Never been there but i have been on the Margraten cemetery in the Netherlands. 18000 American soldiers have been buried there, still 8300 are there now, very impressive place. nl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amerikaanse_Begraafplaats_Margraten#/media/Bestand%3ADe_mist_zorgde_voor_een_serene_rust.jpg
I feel bad for the Germans, they were born brainwashed with Hitler’s ideology, and drafted to join the Hitler’s youth. And they are just sacrificing their life for their country.
To think it was all luck of the draw whether I was to be be getting torn apart by hellfire among a graveyard of limbs and fallen brothers...or holidaying with my family. Life is disgustingly unfair.
Videos like these goes into my "history for my kids" collection. I want to educate my children in a way I never could for myself. I thank you for your time and effort for the thorough research you've done, and the stories you told about each photo and location.
@@thelonesoldier4518 yes he did. At the time, of course, they didn't call it that, but he gave his heart to Jesus and became a pastor. He said thats what saved his sanity.
@@deidraedwards2313 sorry for your loss. Again you should be proud that your father fought for the freedom of millions of people for generations to come. That's a achievement no one can ever achieve to this day and no one can ever take away from him and your family.
I went there in 63, thanks for this great video, not much was fixed then, churches still wrecked, danger signs everywhere, live ammo/bombs etc still on the beaches and landing craft tanks etc, outside the bunkers thousands of bullet holes from machine gun fire, inside the bunkers massive claw like gouges where the shells had gone right through and then round and round inside the 4 foot plus thick walled bunkers .... must of been hell on earth for all involved :(
Having visited Normandy I've seen a number of videos providing a 'tour' of the area. This is certainly one of the best, well thought out and the presenter has clearly researched the detail. I shall be subscribing as enjoyed this very much.
Like many I'm sure, I have been on these beaches, with my back to the sea, and stood in awe and with tears in my eyes at the thought of what this generation of soldiers faced - if they made it off the landing craft. We should never forget their sacrifice
I took my dad to this area 5 years ago. We couldn't believe the size of Omaha with the tide out. It must of been petrifying for those young men. What a generation.
I went to Juno beach in 1976 I couldn’t believe how they ever took the beach! 18 to 25 year olds staring death in the face and not flinching! Incredible!
The USS TEXAS (shown shooting in this video) is docked today at the San Jacinto battlegrounds (where Sam Houston won Texas Independence from Mexico). I have visited the beautiful lady many times over the years and she still puts me in awe!
I have been at there Omaha Beach Monument this September. The evening before we watched the opening scene of a famous D-day movie. Of course over the time, the scene there changed, but it was a very poignant moment there. Standing at the beach where so many young man lost their lives and health only because this damed war had to be stopped. People had picnics there, playing with their dogs where years before, dead bodies layed in the waves and blood colored the ocean into red. For me, it seemed to me very disrespectful to the victims which lost their life there. But maybe that was the exact reason why they lost their lives. That this beautiful place belongs to the people, for a picnic, for having fun.... I don't know. Even the visit of the nearby US cemetery remembered me for their holy sacrifice. May their souls rest in peace and peace between our countrys last on. Tom, born 1967,Germany.
@Cian MacGana and particulary, France today...I don't recognize my country ! Nobody stand up To stop this tragedy... for the moment ... All GI's who landed on this beach are on my mind To my death.
My grandfather was one of the first to step on to Omaha beach in the invasion, he would be lucky to survive the landings, move off of the beach, fight on through the war, and survive to come home. He used to tell me some stories about the war, not the gory killing parts, though. I went on one vacation tour to france where they take you on a soldiers point of view. It's quite amazing!
Eventho this history didnt put up on my studies in singapore. Im eager to looking forward of this kind of history. Bless up to those veteran who survive this war. SALUTE TO THOSE HEROES
I just came home from my first trip to Normandy, so your video came as a lovely surprise. Thank you very much! I thoroughly enjoyed the then and now comparisons, but I must say I really liked all the additional information to those photo's. Great stuff!
I am german. I have been there 2 years ago to Visit what „we“ have done to this wonderfull place. Sad. Only sad. To stay at the Omaha Beach in the Dark at the memorial was mind blowing.
@@Wheelabarraback you are Right. War always sad. But the Place where it happened was Really telling a Story when you only sit there and Listen to the water in the Dark. One Night ive been there for 3 Hours with my dogs and my girl. Amazing i say.
This was truly amazing! Awesome work! And thank you to those soldiers who died on D-day risking their lives for the country. If it weren’t for them we wouldn’t be living the way we are right now. Who knows what the world would look like if those soldiers failed to take back Omaha beach. And thank you for giving the knowledge school wouldn’t have given!
This is a very impressive video. It’s also very impressive of your knowledge of what occurred on D-Day. It’s nice to see that a young person understands what those guys went through on that day So far from home and their love ones.
You guys are brilliant! My father fought for caen, battle of Normandy, then up to Nijmegen, the bulge northern shoulder, down into Germany, liberated Belsen with the Royal Artillery , then down to the Elbe. They had been told the Russians had been ordered to stop at the Elbe. And anything trying to cross was to be sunk. And they did sink some boats! Brilliant stuff guys, you do the soldiers memories a big service by reminding the world of the men who fought and died bravely in these battles. Thankyou seems not enough! 👍🇬🇧
I was on Omaha Beach in 1956 with my mom and dad I was 3 years old. And yes even in my 70 now I still remember visiting that beach and the feelings that you got at the beach and in the cemetery. Our dad was stationed at Soulier.
Grat video. My grandpa was in 1st division 16th infantry regiment I company from 42 to 45. North Africa, Sicily, Normandy aachen hurtgen forest and was wounded 2x and bronze star I'm troina Italy. He got wounded the second time on his birthday in 1945 and spent til end of war in hospital. I miss him and his stories. Lived to 95 yrs young and was tough as nails
Outstanding....VERY well done. It's a shame that many Americans will never get the opportunity to visit Normandy. These videos are as close as many of us will ever get. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Great video, thanks! I was there in 1994 as part of a Honor Platoon out of Hastings, Nebraska. I was selected to go, two weeks, for the 50th Celebration because I had a great uncle who took part in the Battle of St. Lo. We would do parades and ceremonies in the morning and then tour the towns for the rest of the day. Spent a day at Omaha Beach. I called my grandfather who served in the war, England, from a pay phone on the beach near the restaurant on the hill. I let him know I was there for him and his brothers. I promised myself that day I would go back for the 100th Celebration. Greatest Generation!!!
Don't know if I'll ever get to visit in person, but thank you for preserving and showing the history that so many probably don't think about at all during their daily lives.
I love your dedication to the subject, and so glad I found your site ! My father landed there 2 weeks after D-Day fought through France and Germany and ended up at Belsen ! He never spoke about the war until he was in his 80’s , and my jaw dropped when he told me what he and his tank crew had seen and witnessed! Sadly he’s gone now , but he was the best father anyone could have , I’ll miss him until we meet again ,and my faith says I will !
The older I get the more in awe I am of that generation. My dad landed on omaha beach the morning of d-day. He was with the 147th combat engineers, 6th engineers special brigade. Today is Memorial Day, I'm going to the cemetery where he & my mom are buried. They were extraordinary people. We are lucky to have parents from the greatest generation.
The soldiers of all nationalities sacrificed their lives for our freedom & generation. Although some of our today’s generation are disrespectful of guy’s that have made this amazing video. A lot of time & effort goes into making these memories of the fallen. Thank you for this excellent production to show the world. We will remember the fallen that gave their lives from the second world war.
I enjoyed your video. I paused the video and read the news paper article about Cap. Dawson. I learned that I live not far from where he was from. He was also born not far from where my father was born and raised. Thank you for taking your time to share this history with us.
I am from, and live in Bedford VA. I knew some of the "Bedford Boys" while they were still around. Sadly they have all passed on. A good visit for anybody who loves this type of history. National D-Day Memorial it is called.
Your passion and original pure interest shows so well in your presentations here.. Superb.!! Do as many as you can.! I know you enjoy. Being myself in the states throws a curve and hurts for me to go to these historical places personally but your posts really put a healing bandage on it and makes me feel good.. Thanks You !!! (which I know you don't need)..
Very interesting video that allows to go back in history where some places are still almost identical! I am always so moved when I see the few rare images that we have of the Normandy landing and these soldiers who touch the French soil and fall under the German bullets, it makes me infinitely sad for these soldiers and their families that they came from so far for some and to die in France! A big thank you from a Frenchman for all these soldiers who came to liberate France and the world from Nazism.
As a french it is a pleasure to be able to honor the combatants and to say thank you, the american cemetery is something to see in his life, a field of death, we cannot see the end of it. Everyone respects this haven of peace. Not a sound, just you, alone, imagining this horrible event. May our ancestors rest in peace. may god bless america, england, canada and france.
This channel is so underrated, I hope more viewers can come and watch this content. Too many people regard wars as some video game materials and do not give the weight to it as it should be.
Outstanding work. Especially that last photo/location gives a perspective on the beach and what the Germans saw, and really gives you an idea of just why Dog Green was such a charnel house for the 116th Infantry Regiment. Thank you for this.
If it were not so tragic it would be funny how often Omaha beach is mentioned, many more Brits died on DDay that Americans but they don’t constantly bleed about is, we do!
Fascinating and thank you - I've subscribed! I remember visiting Point du Hoc decades ago and when I returned some years later, the site was largely fenced off due to sea erosion - it's only when you visit these sites that you realise what these heros were asked to do. You feel the same if you visit Nijmegen (one 'bridge' of the Arnhem story) and see for yourself how wide and fast flowing the river is there...
It's a good video. However I can't help but feel a deep sense of sadness as well as appreciation to the soldiers & sailors who were part of the operation that eventually freed Europe.
My uncle was in Co F, 116th Inf, 29th Div. He said they did not land at their designated place, but it was in front of one of the few places where engineers had cleared through the obstacles. They ran as fast as they could to get where the Germans couldn't shoot them. He made it across France but was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.
0:30 The two British flags at the start showing the 5 beach heads are the First Union Flag that was the British flag up until 1801. The diagonal red cross was then added to represent Ireland. The other crosses represent England (incl Wales) and Scotland.. A significant error for an otherwise interesting history film.
That 'massif bloc of concrete' (14.08 and 14.44) is a concrete pontoon , part of the Mulberry harbour (wich was destroyed by a storm). It is now the base for the pier/bridge. It is still there were it was in 1944. The hotel behind the bunker was also there in '44.
Just here in our little midwest village we had family, close friends in this first day at Normandy. First on the Omaha beach, RANGER at the cliff, PARATROOPERS WITH THE 101, and proud to have had the opportunity to hear their stories, and to have known them.
That was great! And thanks for showing the first photograph I've seen of a naval support ship's log during D-day. The USS McCook's log showed the commanding admiral ordered fire on Omaha resistance nests at 1400 hours. We know H-hour was 0630 so for all those hours, morning and afternoon, the US landing forces had been pinned down by the resistance nests.
I like how a lot of these small towns appreciate that the US was willing to die in the 100s for there freedom and liberation and they embrace it they don't want to get rid of that part of there history they are proud of it
Great comparison with photos. Did you get down to where General Norman Cota came ashore and started the push inland? Further east from Dog Green sector I think?
Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Thank you my brother. Why do I call you my brother? Because war is cruel, and its wrong. Imagine there is war and nobody would go there... And we are all brothers and sisters. We share this little beautiful planet.. My grandfather was there. He would be 99 this year. Many years after he died in 2006 I understood why he was always so happy, eventhough he faced so horrible things. Because he decided to. Nothing and nobody could take that away from him; to live life in a state of gratitude and happiness, no matter what.
I participated in ex-Yugoslav war and visited our former battlefield 2 times - just to understand if that really happened some 30 yrs ago. Hills were still there but it looks so different. I didn't find all my spots and familiar places I looked for. I was interested in and I still want - need or must to go there again. I need to see. My father asked me why I risk my nerves to go to see such a place of a bad memory. Am I stupid or weird to go there? In other hand, mines are still there, not taken from the ground but I think I know where is safe to go. I was surprised to see that even people who were imprisoned in concentration camps visited them to see. We need to see a part of our life. But I am asking you who visit battlefields from 1st and 2nd World Wars why this places attract you who even didn't live in that time? What is your motivation? What is interesting there? School class history? I am just curious. Don't mind.
Thank you for your comment. Our biggest motivation is to keep this history alive and show other people how normal young men did some pretty unnormal things. We want to honor the veterans who gave their all and tell their stories to as many people as possible. By visiting these sites with the Then & Now comparison, we find that a long of people like watching these videos. The places do also attracts us because after we spend time researching, we learn about these individual stories and become connected to the veterans and their unit.
@@SNAFUDOCS thank you for your answer. It is true, this places should be remembered but in my country almost every valley was a battlefield from some period. We have a war almost every 50 years. We even didn't open or discover mass graves of our relatives from WW2. We don't commemorate sacrifice of our own soldiers in many cases, of we don't commemorate our allies and specially not sacrifices of our enemies. For example, we completely miss our national memory of 1st WW - it was overlooked as we were not at the winner side. But there were some shiny moments at each side. Behind great ideas were just geopolitical interests of neighbouring countries and suffering of soldiers. In ww2 we were split at 2 or more sides in the same population. My relatives were on other side of history. Official history is one thing and personal history of each private is very different. We even were forced to learn false official history during communism period. In fact, history here is perceived in subjective way and it depents on actual official policy. I'd like to give respect even to my enemies in last war. Interesting, I didn't hate them while we were shooting to each other. Can you imagine that?
You stir my soul. My father could not read or write, but he was part of the 116th Infantry of the 29th Division. He was one of the few who survived the Omaha Beach landing. He told me he ran for 100 yards across dead bodies on the beach before he stepped on French soil. His pain never left him, though it dulled some over time. He died at 69 years of age, 40 years after this war in 1985. These men gave all they had for our freedoms. I pray we never forget. Dad was in there 3 and a half years, but never wrote home because he could not. He did dictate a short note one time to his mother. She walked to the mailbox everyday in those years hoping to find a letter from him. What she got was a letter of "Missing In Action" when he was wounded on Normandy Beach. War is cruel. I know it has to exist, but it is always painful and costly. God help us!
It gives some sadness to see in the photos people who are no longer among the living, and that now the relatives of the new generation can see them in the photos now and before, you imagine that lady in the photo was your great grandmother and in videos like this you can see her there alive and standing in front of what was once her home, it is sad and melancholy ....awesome work you guys!
