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It would be helpfull to state what articles of war were violated that led to their execution. It's obvious to many, but there is a good backstory, for historical reasons. Thank you for the video, always interesting.
My mother was a US Army Nurse in the ETO. She was in the 3rd army after its activation. She told me the wounded men suffered greatly as their cases of frostbite were great and many men lost their feet due to cold conditions. Being in the war greatly impacted my mother. She was a 22 year old farm girl right out of nursing school when she went into the army. Off to Great Britain early 1943.
Thank you for making this time something more personal and tangible. So often it's easy to disassociate from the fact that these were individuals with emotions and who were human like the rest of us, responsive to the destruction going on around them. I can't imagine that, for me at least, that I'd have an easy time watching others' in that environment, regardless of what 'side' they were on. So, thank you for sharing.
It's freaky to see the video of these men being lead to their execution and then almost eighty years later seeing their final resting places. Great video J.D
There were two attempts at infiltration. Those captured in the first attempt were held and tried post war and released. Germany was warned not to do it again (probably via SWitzerland) and any repeats would result in executions. Germany tried again and you can see the result. The three were likely put in temp graves by US forces who just wanted to move on and then some farmer objected and the bodies/skeletons were removed to where you see them today. TE. Fidler
...It is great what info and the sense of real time. " Being There" for us that you bring. It would be more real for me if you give the date you are filming to place the season, spring " summer, fall. Also we do not know what bridge you were on or what River it goes over. ..or what country you are in. . You also need a German to give us the pronunciations and proper ranks. I hope I am not nitpicking... Thanks again, I did enjoy the video.
Due to Op Greif, the famous British actor David Niven was asked by suspicious American sentries during the Battle of the Bulge, who had won the World Series in 1943, he answered, "Haven't the foggiest idea, but I did co-star with Ginger Rogers in Bachelor Mother!"
I wouldn't put much store in Niven's war stories. His 2 "memoirs" are replete with very doubtful anecdotes....including the one concerning Prince Ranier and"Grace".
@@Baskerville22 He was an actual Hollywood 'star of the silver screen' at a time when celebrities were far rarer commodities than today. He no doubt had a very unusual life.
From what I read none of these men carried weapons. They were only used as a distraction. Wearing the US uniforms is ultimately what had them executed. Very sad!
@@Iazzaboyce...Niven had no fear. !!! I have read his two books " The Moon's a Balloon " and " Release the Wild Horses " ( or something like that., which was a quote from Michael Curtees the director. ) His life was non stop adventure and travel. His was best buddies and housemate with Erroll. Flynn, who other actors despised especially John Huston. Both books are recommended, but I like. " Moon" better.
Out of curiosity I googled Wilhelm Galland. He was a Luftwaffe Ace and credited with 55 aerial victories over the course of 186 combat missions. He was shot down and killed while attempting to intercept a flight of B-17's, however, they were intercepted by the escort of P-47's of the 56th Fighter Group. It's believed that Walker Mahurin was the American pilot who shot down Galland. As always, top notch content JD!
@@laurent214 He was also the brother of another ace, Paul. Another brother Fritz was also in the Luuftwaffe as a fighter pilot, he is credited with shooting down one of his own HE 111's was demoted and sent to Italy as a Feldwebel (Sergeant) He was an Hauptmann (Captain)
Wilhelm-Ferdinand "Wutz" Galland (23 October 1914 - 17 August 1943) was a German Luftwaffe military aviator and fighter ace during World War II. He is credited with 55 aerial victories achieved in 186 combat missions. All his victories were claimed over the Western Front and in Defense of the Reich. This figure included seven four-engine bombers and 37 Supermarine Spitfire fighters. Born in Bochum, Galland grew up in the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany. He joined the military service in the Wehrmacht in 1935, initially serving with the anti-aircraft artillery of the Luftwaffe. Upon his request in late 1940, he transferred to the Jagdwaffe (fighter force). Following flight training, he was posted to Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" (JG 26-26th Fighter Wing) in June 1941. Flying with this wing, Galland claimed his first aerial victory on 23 July 1941 on the Western Front over a Royal Air Force fighter aircraft. He was made Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) of 5. Staffel (5th squadron) of JG 26 in May 1942 and in January 1943, Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) of II. Gruppe of JG 26. Following his 34th aerial victory, he was nominated and awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 18 May 1943. Galland claimed his last aerial victory on 12 August 1943. On 17 August 1943, during the Schweinfurt-Regensburg mission, he was killed in action following combat with Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighters from the 56th Fighter Group.
I remember in the 80's seeing the posts in the ground . The wall, I believe behind a garage, was covered in vines, and the ground was extremely muddy. I was on a reconnaissance looking for points of interest for a battle field tour, and we were told at breakfast in St. Vith that the posts were still in the ground. In the muddy pasture we turned and the wall, vines, and posts were just there. What an amazing site. It was entirely open. No fences or shipping containers. We then headed to Henri- Chapelle. Amazing day!
I can’t imagine being a young 20 something and walking so stoically and calmly to my own execution. A walk through that cemetery reminds us that the millions of lost soldiers were boys. On both sides. That Komba was 17!
There's a video on YT called Radical Evilm it's about the Einsatzgruppen. It's letters home, diary entries, testimonies, and sime commentary on how the Holocaust proceeded and how people become mass murderers. One of the things that struck me was jow young they were. They had grown up ubder Hitler, were Hitler Youth members, and had been indoctrinated in Naziism since childhood. It really messed with their heads.
3 p.m. here in the UK. And that is the time when everything stops for a cuppa tea. Excellent timing, JD. Thank you for the time and effort that you put into these brilliant and informative videos.👍
This has to be one of my favorite History Traveler episodes! From the actual footage of the execution of the German saboteurs to the tidbit about Gen Bradley...so very interesting!
"...I think I mispronounced that correctly..." JD 😂🤣 I've only gotten this far, but THIS was too good to not comment on immediately. Great stuff JD. I love it!
JD: Wilhelm Galland was a brother of the German fighter ace, Adolf Galland, and was killed by a Thunderbolt from the 56th Fighter Group. And another excellent video!
this comment needs a heart and reply of thanks from the content creator. Wutz Galland was even known by his enemies at the time, from poor radio security.
That's why older men are supposed to be wise enough to stop war and all it's waste. It seems our current leaders have neglected their duty to the young.
@@richardpate4732that's the thing about the occult. They need human sacrifice to hold o to, or increase, their power. No matter the cost (of everyone else).
It was a desperate plan launched too late to properly plan, staff, rehearse, and equip. Thanks for the on site view of the actual sites JD. It compliments what may be read in a book.
That being said, it was an amazing feat of logistics by the Germans, especially that late in the war, to even be able to launch such a large operation.
I was surprised to see that out of the 39K+ graves, you stumbled across the grave of Wilhelm Galland, a Luftwaffe ace with 55 victories, but whose older brother Adolf Galland was one of the most famous Luftwaffe aces with 104 victories and Luftwaffe General of the Fighter Arm for most of WW2 until he was dismissed in early 1945 after a well-known "Fighter Pilots Revolt" against Göring. Wilhelm died in air combat with the USAAF in Defense of the Reich during the infamous Schweinfurt-Regensburg bombing mission on August 17, 1943. Another great video JD!
It's amazing & tragic to see so many young lives cut short during that tragic time, and visiting the actual grave sites as I was lucky enough to do in Normandy just makes you speechless because when you are there you see thousands of crosses ✝️ headstones & that is just at one Cemetery, a lot different of actually being there because its actually more headstones than what you would actually see & imagine on TV or the internet for soldiers regardless what side they were on, and fascinating seeing the headstones of the Germans who were executed for being spies impersonating American soldiers extremely fascinating when looking at the footage of the German soldiers being led to the firing squad by American troops than seeing their resting place 80 years later , it's really a honor of sharing so many of these videos because most people will never have the opportunity to see them , themselves including me even though I been to Europe three times now & planning to return in 2025 theres still so much to see that you will not get a chance to see everything.
Thumbs up for the Battle Guide mention. One of my favorite history channels, besides yours of course. The detailed way they use maps and archives lay out and describe the battle is very informative and revealing.
The thing that’s always affected me in the footage is Manfred on the right, the way he swallows and his mouth hangs open. The enormity of what’s about to happen obviously hits him. He’s about the same age as one of my sons, very sad.
Excellent episode. If anything, it shows how terrible war is, on both sides. So many young lives ended too soon. My dad was in the 99th Infantry Division in the northern shoulder of the Bulge. There was an incident with a 2nd Lieutenant and an MP in that sector. While the MP questioned the Lieutenant, the MP noticed that he had his bars on. Often times officers would remove rank insignia while on the line. The Lieutenant knew all the answers to the MP’s questions, including current passwords. After a period of time, the MP relaxed a bit and offered a cigarette to the Lieutenant. As they were smoking, the MP said, “ Where did you go to OCS?” The Lieutenant answered, Ft. Benning.” The MP asked, “ Ft. Benning, where?” The Lieutenant answered, “Ft. Benning, Texas.” Another German infiltrator was captured.
German spies stop to pass the time of day and have a smoko break with the enemy sure they were begging to be captured and shot keyboatd warrior get a life
Thank you for sharing! When I was in Europe, I didn't get to visit the Lommel German war cemetery. It looks nicer and more well kept than the cemeteries I was able to visit. Its nice to see that each soldier has their own grave.
That was a crazy video, JD. Your stroll through that cemetery had my mind going about the possibility, that some of those early blitz casualties may have come across my Great Grandfather’s unit.
Was watching another contributor a while back and he mentioned that the "torch" monument represents the center of the cemetery. It has moved a couple of times in years after the war as more remains were found/relocated/consolidated. By far I've watched your channel back to when you were covering more of the civil war points of interest. Great Job!
Most excellent work JD! So grateful that you are sharing moments in history as you are. So valuable. Thank you for the invitation to join you as you continue to share your work. Well done sir. Well done! Any hope we will see videos regarding the economic toll citizens and communities took during the war? Hint hint.
Great video JD. The OSS and SOE personnel faced a similar fate if caught by the Nazis. Torture for confessions committed by the GESTAPO was guaranteed for any allied agent or commando. I don't think that we, in turn, tortured those three German commandos. You gotta admit though, those men had guts.
@@TheHistoryUnderground We Brits might say something more like "veercle" never sounding the 'H'. It's all good mate it's just a bit of "potato/potah-to"! . Keep up the great work, I love your videos. x
Very, very well done. Thank you. Most of us who have studied World War II have seen the movie clips of the execution of these men. Like most things in life, the backstory fills in so many gaps. Again, thank you for your hard work creating this episode.
I've always been struck by how bravely the three men met their end, even marching in step to the execution scene. I've read a last request was granted to them: to hear Christmas carols sung by German nurses on the eve of their death.
Would be interesting to be able to obtain a list of the questions the servicemen were to ask at checkpoints. Informative video JD. And Joey does have a fascinating channel as well. Enjoy content from each of you.
Thank you for detailing the lives and executions of the three men. I have seen videos of these being lined up and one or two showing more. This gives clarity to this story. Again thanks for your research into part of the Battle of the Bulge most never touch.
This channel is the best! I have been binge watching like crazy! The music, cinematography, information is all at Ken Burns level. Also love the drone shots and editing!
JD, you do such an awesome job! I'm always learning from your video's. Always making me dig even deeper! I love it! Very tastefully done. Thank you for all your time, effort, and thank you to your family while you do this thing called History!
My first german War Grave visit was on the Somme from 1914-18. It was a mass grave that had been dug. I had been to see the grave of my great uncle, who was a New Zealander, buried at Bertrancourt Military Cemetery. That part of France and the old battlefields are a very moving and emotional experience.
I had always thought asking who won the World Series was more of a TV sitcom joke than anything else. But, if true as you mentioned, I'd be in a lot of trouble. I don't follow sports!
Wilhelm Galland was a VERY famous fighter ace. THAT VERY picture is attached to his wiki page etc... I'm surprised he has such a typical headstone given his fame in the Reiche! Birth and death dates 100% align as well. What a find!!!
in 1969, Skorzeny claimed in an interview (in French) that he had 300 infiltrators it's on YT, in the series Les Grandes Batailles, "La Bataille D'allemagne"
History you can touch and feel - the closest thing we have to a time machine. Nice job. It's a chilling thought, but somewhere in the ground close by are the very bullets that did the deed.
18:40 JD I think you hit the nail on the head about the "diamond" in the iron cross. Clearly with some of the graves of the fallen dated from the early 1940's, it's easy to suggest that the column was constructed during the Nazi regime only to be denazified after the war.
Another great episode! Technical question: I've noticed that your dolly shots are very smooth. Perchance you're using your drone to shoot these in 'tripod mode'?
Nice video again JD. When I was there it was easier to get to the wall. I made then and now photo about the execution side. And you should one day visit the Ysselsteyn German cemetery. Its impressive eswell
My dad was an MP in Patton's army. Looking carefully at the footage of the execution, one of the MP's in this video (the tall guy at 10:38) may possibly have been him. ..
I hope we can remember that the guys on both sides of the fence were young men in their 20's, and just soldiers fighting for their countries. God bless America.
Very well done segment, I always love your presentation, and how you present it to your listeners well done it’s almost like being there with you, thank you
Thanks for blacking out the execution when you did. Of course, I'd seen the uncensored version decades ago on TV. In that version, the soldier in the middle (with the glasses) defiantly shouted something about Adolf Hitler an instant before the rifles discharged. Then he remained amazingly at attention for a considerable time while the other two immediately slumped over. RU-vid viewers certainly are sensitive and gentle souls, aren't we?
@17:05 this is what i found: Galland was killed in action on 17 August 1943 during the Schweinfurt-Regensburg mission, shot down in his Fw 190 A-6 (Werknummer 530125-factory number) 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) west of Maastricht.[48][49] Unteroffizier Heinz Gomann, Galland's wingman on this mission, had yelled out a warning too late. Galland disappeared after the first P-47 attack.[50] His body, still in his aircraft, was found two months later north of Liège.
I think that’s great that you don’t have access to it and neither does anybody else that would probably go there and try to remove that stone for an artifact or something stupid. Great video.
As with any conflict, sad days indeed, these soldiers died bravely for what they believed in and this was a great tribute to all the German soldiers in this cemetery who lost their lives in the belief that the world would be a better place, sadly, not for them. RIP to all the victims of war.
Thanks, very interesting and well done. As a Canadian now living in Munich, Germany for several years, I am very interested in the stories of WWII on both sides.
very interesting J.D and so glad some others were able to help you out as far as the location of where the the german spies were executed, and where they and others that did the same thing, also are now buried.
What surprises me is that the German soldiers were interned with military honors and the cemetery is very dignified. It is of note that not all German soldiers were NAZI's and they answered the call for arms of their country. I'm glad to see that they were all treated with dignity and honor.
Incredible to still see the bullet holes in the wall after all this time. Its sobering to see how young these lads were.. My uncle was a Hurricane pilot and got shot down and killed when he was just 19.
Adolf Galland had 2 brothers killed as mentioned : His two younger brothers also became fighter pilots and aces. Paul claimed 17 victories, before being shot down and killed on 31 October 1942. Wilhelm-Ferdinand, credited with 55 victories, was shot down in Aug 43 (Wikipedia)
I just love Bastogne❤ Its great to see content that has solid research. It's amazing what men would do for their country. Some humorous stories came about the roadblocks and Security checkpoints.