My Dad was an ambulance driver for the 307th engineering, part of the 82nd. He never talked much about his time in Europe. Finally, I visited along with my daughter, several years after his passing. As I surveyed the terrain at La Fiere, I was in awe. I broke down. It was a day that helped me understand my father just a little more.
Thank you for this. My cousin was one of the first men to get across the La Fiere bridge and survive. He was later killed in Operation Market Garden in Holland in September. Rest in peace, Noah, and all the men who lost their lives there.
My father was part of the 82nd 1st Battalion A company. This is so wonderful seeing exactly where he fought, and I greatly enjoy all the back story and detail. Thank you!
mine too. a 21y/o 1st lt . said there were a bunch of guys yelling to their mothers they were sorry and then dying. never needed to ask him another question. i was probably 12 years old. can't imagine what it was like living another 50 years hearing the voices of men you had commanded to certain death. sicily/salerno/normand. blown up and shipped home from the bocage.
I spent 3 years at Ft. Bragg in the 80's in the Eighty-Deuce. Every year in May, we celebrate All-American Week when all the old time paratroopers come for a reunion. Back then there were still a lot of WW2 airborne soldiers alive. Most of them had 2 or 3 combat jump stars on their wings. Normandy and Holland were the big jumps but there were guys who'd jumped in North Africa, Italy, Southern France, and Germany as well. There were also a few who jumped in the Pacific theater (Phillipines and New Guinea). My old 1Sgt used to say there's only two types of soldiers, those that jump and the rest of the Army. Airborne All the Way!
I was in the 1/504 at the same time. My wife had a customer who jumped into Normandy. He bought me a hat when he found out I had been in the 82nd. I told her I have to stand on her shoulders to kiss his ass. AATW.
Served in the 82nd in the late 70s. During my second tour of Germany, we did the tour of Normandy. First...I didn't know then that "The Longest day" was filmed on location. Then, when we got to St. Mere Eglise, I mentioned I was 82nd.....I was an instant hero. Had to tell them I wasn't actually involved in 1944...but still liked the attention.
at the 1986 AA week celebration LT Gen Gavin made a appearance to accept a Parachute that was found by a wife of a farmer after the jump. She kept it in her house until donating it to the 82nd ABN Museum. When Gavin received it he knew exactly what unit (507) jumped it and explained the entire action of the battle. At the ceremony was Funk, Cook, (who I got to meet), and a ton of WW2 troopers. Gavin still knew the names the Troopers in attendance. LTC Cook was amazing to talk to,.
I didn’t get to Division until a couple of months All American Week in ‘86. That would have been very memorable event to see. I was 1/508 until they deactivated at Bragg to reactivate in Panama in Oct ‘86, and then of course we became 3/505.
It's just STUNNING, all these incredible monuments, plaques & such that European countries have erected honoring American fighting men. Unbelievable. And not a single one defaced by morons with spray paint. I wish I could go spend about a year driving around to see all the sights your videos show. God bless you sir for doing this. 🙏 ❤😊
Absolutely superb episode , although I am British I follow US Airborne at D day (I have to admit to be a 101st ‘but’!) I never stop learning about both 101st and 82nd bravery and admire everything that was accomplished in June 1944, not forgetting the British and Canadians as well . The quality of your channel is 100% and the input of Paul Woodage is invaluable, keep up the good work.
As an American, I take my hat off to the British paratroopers of WW2. The Battle of Arnhem always strike a chord of awe and respect for these men. They really and truly fought like lions against their enemies.
What an awesome illustration. As a Paratrooper and Combat Veteran I'm proud and honored to me a Paratrooper and I give respect and thanks for all the Paratroopers that served in WWII. Airborne!!!
That had to be one frightful run to retrieve the bazooka ordinance. Those men deserved the medals and the lasting appreciation they have. Great segment, thank you
My uncle, Louis DiGirolamo served here in Co. I, 505th, 82nd. Ive had the privilege to talk with several of the veterans who served with him, as well as their children. Sadly he was KIA at Fosse, Belgium on January 3, 1945. His brother Thomas DiGirolamo, 11th Airborne 221st Medical, was KIA one month later in March 1945 at Nichols Field in Luzon Philippines. My poor grandmother never got over their deaths. Many of the vets said they tried for years to track down Louis’s family. Im glad I was able to do it, even if it was 75 years later.
I was thrilled to see this video. I knew Marcus Heim and his wife Gloria for many years as they lived one town over from me. I first met him when we all took and EMT class together back in the 70's. He became a local magistrate and was very well respected by all. He spoke of his experiences at LaFiere at one of our Veterans Day Programs. This was the first time I have seen the actual site where this battle took place. He was a living testament to the fortitude and humility of the Greatest Generation. Sadly he has passed, but will be remembered for years to come. There are a number of sites and roads named after him in Normandy btw. Thanks for doing this!!
Thanks for the great information. Sounds like an amazing guy. I looked into what became of these 4 young men and found out 3 of them had survived the war but can’t seem to find out anything about Lenold C. Peterson beyond being awarded the DSC. Just curious if Marcus ever mentioned anything about what may have became of him?
@@mako88sb He did talk about him in the context of the battle, but I never inquired (foolishly) if he stayed in contact with any of his fellow soldiers. My assumption knowing him is that he likely did. Marcus passed about 3 years ago. He still has a daughter in the area. He was a really nice guy and like many of his generation, rather humble.
I don't think I have ever watched a series of stories that have moved me as much as yours. My allergies kick up on almost every one of them.lol Thanks so much and thanks to the men that are helping with it.
Thanks for the video! Great history lesson, 'Jumpin' Jim Gavin' a paratrooper legend. I was in the 307th Airborne Combat Engineer Bn in my time in the 82nd.Abn. Hooah! AATW!
When you got ground level.. they really had no line of sight at all. Which makes their actions even more heroic. You really immerse your viewers into the events of the day.. Great job.
My name is John Payet Valandingham , my uncle John Payet was with the 508 PIR 82nd Airborne and was KIA in the Battle of the Bulge. I look at his photo and thank him everyday. Disabled Nam Corpsman.
Thank you J.D. for another moving and informative video. We often have family discussions surrounding your videos and recently had one with my own mother. We discussed if my father was at Normandy during the war. I thought he was at Normandy but due to the amount of years gone by I wasn't sure. In our discussion she corraborated what I knew he was in Normandy. He would talk to me a little when I was younger about experiences he faced. He saw a buddy get killed right before him. He was wounded himself. He never went into a great detail. He came home from WWII and reenlisted for the Korean War. While he didnt talk about it much we both knew he had witnessed a lot of tragedy. He passed away a young man of 50 partially due to what he experienced during both wars. Your videos brings back a closeness to him we have not experienced in a long time. We thank you for that. Much respect for all those who battled to save the world freedom from tyranny.
Thank you JD, Paul and Erik. This series is amazing. The one thing that struck me in this video is the youthful faces as the men receive their cross. I am certain their opponent was just as young. Appreciate the perspective from all sides. Thank you for being their voices so these stories are not lost to time.
Been here a few times. Deserted unfortunately. The first time I rented a GPS tour in St M E. Took me to many excellent locations. It was superb. This was the first place. I recall the unit having an option to see vintage pictures and moving images if there were any. Whoever had devised it was really knowledgeable. It was possibly 10 years ago. What a fantastic show you made! Paul's input was riveting. Thanks. (The music always fits perfectly too)
Excellent episode!! I'll forgive the 101st shirt!! I was proud to see my unit crest on the Gen. Gavin memorial. On the lower right you will see the "Loyalty" crest, which belongs to the 319th FA Regiment. At the time I'm sure they were glider artillery, but during my time we were airborne.
We Americans will never forget our Canadian brothers in arms, such damn good soldiers, fight like tigers, I served a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division as an infantryman with 3rd Bn 325th Infantry in the 1980's, We have nothing but admiration and respect for the Canadian military.
Excellent video! Thank you for covering some 82nd Airborne Division history during your Normandy series. A relative of mine fought at La Fiere (in Company A, 505th Parachute Infantry), and I appreciate any effort to share the La Fiere story with the public.
JD...... Yet another superb vlog about Normandy. You have skillfully created this series and by doing so have left a permanent record for generations to come. Thank you for all that you have done
Love that you guys covered this battle, I've been researching this action for some time now and just a couple things to note. The battle lasted for 3 days and two german tank platoons where repulsed. The german armor included 3 French Renault tanks the Germans had captured in 1940. Not only did the 505 fight here but also the 507, and the first battalion of the 325th GIR. Charles Deglopper of the C/325 received a posthumous medal of honor not far from where you guys are. At one point only 14 Americans were still physically able to hold the eastern bank of the river. The battle "ended" with the 325th leading a suicide charge across the bridge with only around 12 men being able to get across without being killed, wounded, or pinned down these few men slowly began to pick off the german defenders while around 90 men from the 507 reinforced them.
Actually, as I understand it, the destroyed tanks were two Renault R35s and one Hotchkiss H39 - a minor detail perhaps, but important in the context that the Germans relied heavily on captured (but often obsolete) equipment to bolster their defenses. Also worth noting as at least one was referred to in the video as being a German mkiii panzer - which, I believe (epecially given the post-engagement photos) it was not.
Correct on the 3 French Renault tanks. There were no German Mark 3 tanks in this battle!! The picture of the 3 tanks that were knocked out are all Renaults!!
I WAS WRONG!! There were 4 tanks in this battle and the lead tank was a German MK 3. The Murphy book makes an error by omission by not mentioning the first tank as being a MK 3 or acknowledging the 4th tank's existence in a subsequent attack. Evidence to this error can be found in the photo of the 3 knocked out tanks. In the foreground is a tank tread that the book clearly says was knocked off the lead tank by the bazooka team. In addition the book says that the tank commander was killed when he opened the hatch for a look. With a dead commander the tank continued to engage the troopers. something that could not have happened in a two man Renault light tank. Thanks goes out to the "expert" in the video for bringing this to my attention.
Thier was a 57 mm Anti tank gun from the 80th ABN Bn which would have came in early of the morning in the 6th. The crews names have been lost to time. We do not know if they Kia or wounded and fell back . Glad you made it to LaFarie .I’m historian for the 80th. No better place to Die is a excellent book to read on this battle!!
Tommy, I replied to JD's video a little while ago, telling him that my father was assigned to the 80th Airborne AA Battalion and crash landed near the La Fiere bridge. He was wounded and captured by the Germans and taken to Cherbourg and later liberated by US infantry. There was a jeep and 57mm piece in his glider.
Glad to know that Thiers more of us to remember the 80th ABN men!!! My Grandfather Stokes was in Normandy also. Every chance we get….we should mention them!!! I would think your father was an oringnals 80 ABN man like stokes.nice to hear from you!!!!
Pretty amazing. To be able to get up and go against not one, but three tanks with a bazooka in the middle of a huge firefight took some serious stones. Another great video JD 👍
Thank you for this episode. I always enjoy all of your work, but this one hit home personally for me. My dad was a member of the 82nd during World War 2, and served in all the campaigns from North Africa to Germany. He was a glider man assigned to the 80th Airborne AA Battalion and landed near the La Fiere Bridge on D Day morning. His glider crashed and dad was severely wounded and captured by German soldiers. You mentioned Cherbourg and that is where the German soldiers took him for treatment. Dad remained there for several days and was liberated when elements of the 9th Infantry Division found him. He returned to England and recuperated in time to land in Holland for Market-Garden. When I saw that crashed glider that was engraved on the bronze display that you explained on the video made me think of my father. Thank you.
JD, another excellent history lesson, thanks to you and your team. It so sad to think there are only about 2000 veterans still alive from that day. National D-Day Memorial Director of Education John Long estimates that only about 2,500 D-Day veterans are still alive. “We want to make sure that what the Greatest Generation did during World War II, the freedoms that they helped secure for the world, that must be remembered.” The quote is from John Long and you and your team are doing a great job on helping to keep the stories of that day alive. Thank you.....
I've just recently discovered your videos, and being a history buff myself, I can't get enough of watching them, as I'm really learning a lot. Thanks for all your hard work, dedication and teachings. And please, don't even THINK about stopping! (Not anytime soon, anyway!)
@@timothyogden9761 - Agree! I actually lose sleep because I’m too caught up in his videos to go to bed. How many times have I made the statement, “Just One More Video!” LOL!
I was wondering if you would ever get to the 82nd…. Due to the band of brother series people are big fans of the 101st, and they are a tough unit, but they weren’t the only ones in Europe. The 82nd had been fighting well before the 101st made their d-day jump. And the 82nd’s own personal hell crossing the Waal river during market garden should never be forgotten. Great job as always, and keep up the great work.
Leaning more history at the age of 50. Thank you so much for sharing history with us. And … the way you do it is just plain awesome. Great work and God bless.
Our next door neighbor when I was growing up in the 70s, was there. When I was a kid my mom would fix him a big platter of food on holidays and I would take it to him. He rarely spoke of the war but he did show me a shoe box full of medals. Later, when I got my driver's license I would take him to the VA, wait all day, and take him home. I'm forever grateful I had enough sense to spend time with this heroic man.
Such an interesting, intense battle. Some of our guys were killed by friendly fire from one of our P-47’s if I’m not mistaken. And our guys later made a charge directly up that road. Such bravery by those guys! Great video, thanks so much. One day I will get to see that in person as well!
Thank you for this amazing series ! Have always wanted to go to Normandy and visit the historic sites . Your videos are like actually being there ! Look forward to many more. Thanks.
Hello from England I've just found your videos I visited Normandy in the 1980s spending time with my family at all of the places you have visited Your work has brought back such good memories for me Also you're work is excellent with lots of well researced information Thank you again
Thank you for this video and all of your library. As I’m writing this, it could well be that Europe is on the brink of another war with Putin trying to bully Ukraine. How poignant it would be if we have to build more memorials for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I really hope that viewers look beyond the “excitement” of war and understand the rivers of tears that every war brings. It’s perhaps easier for me to comprehend the cost of war. My family has service with the Royal Marines going back 140 years and more. My great grandfather served from 1880 seeing service in sail warships; hybrid sail and steam warships; finally full steam ships. My grandfather served in WW1 and my father landed with 47 commando on DDay. Today, we have one of our sons serving in 43 Commando.
Much respect and admiration for your family's tradition in the Royal Marines... From one US Marine to another Brother Marine, "Per Mare Per Terram" and Semper Fi. May God keep you all safe and well.
Hey JD, Great job buddy. I love watching your videos and I have my morning coffee. I am so envious of you guys, yourself, Eric and Paul must have an absolute blast doing what you do. I am hoping one day that I can go to many of the places that you present. You guys make it fun to watch, and I am truly a history nerd!!!
My father in law who passed away in 2008 on his 84th birthday served as an artillerymam in support of the 82nd Airborne. He and a buddy who also survived contacted each other EVERY year on Christmas the rest of their lives. So many of that generation who lived and sacrificed during the Depression gave their all to overthrow the evils of their younger days. Profoundly grateful
Another brilliant video and an amazing series. These are the stories that never get told or shown in movies or documentaries. Keep telling the stories of the men who no longer can.
As always, JD, fantastic video!! The small pieces of the actions taken by all of the men, here and there, really shows us how the Normandy invasion push, slowly took hold and stuck! Thanks again for doing these videos!
I've never had an opportunity to drive to France and visit these sites, but thank God you bring these places alive and remind us of the brave young men and their sacrifices. Just imagine driving past and not knowing about the action. We must Never forget, and take our life's as a given. God bless everyone of them. 🇺🇲
Great story! So often the men of the 82nd are over shadowed by the exploits of the 101st. As usual JD you and your associates illuminate the work of all on that amazing day. Thanks again!
Great video! The selfless actions of the men of WW2 never cease to amaze me. Having a plan of how you're going to liberate France is one thing. Having the brave men willing to do it is another. These men were real super hero's.
Just another example of the sheer toughness and determination of the American servicemen. So many taking the initiative to see victory to the end. Always moving and inspiring. Thanks once again🇺🇲
Excellent episode! Great cameo Eric! I had never heard of this battle before so the details were very interesting. The bravery of these men always astounds me.
Guys, so glad i happened to find your video; inspiring & moving and well documented... we owe so much to these brave men, great stuff & we owe them our freedom
@@TheHistoryUnderground as a matter of fact i am staying at "Patton Patrimony" guest-house just facing the bridge, you will be welcome next time you will be coming to Normandy, your video is awesome
Thank you for doing what you do. Recording these memories, actions and events of the greatest generation for all the future generations. You do an amazing job, your passion and professionalism is very much acknowledged and appreciated. Keep it up!
My mom's grandfather jumped into New Guinea in 1943 and was wounded in one of his eyes from shrapnel but his wound was not that severe and his eye healed perfectly back to normal. He sadly died in 1984 I wish I could have gotten to meet him.
Of all the trips to Normandy, I've yet to get to La Fiere Bridge. Thank you so much for this video! I'm so ready to go back again just to get to this area.
Very moving stuff, especially your summary at the end. Such relentless bravery - respect to all who were there and suffered. I wish I had known this story when I visited the area. It’s on my next ‘Normandy List of Places to Visit!
I absolutely love this RU-vid channel. My grandfather flew P-47 during D-day George L Jones was his name and he really didn't make a name for himself until the Korean Conflict where he became an ACE. I have a lot of pictures of him during d-day he took plus his gun camera footage
In Siciliy nearby Ponte Dirillo where 82nd Airborne Division fought there's a commemorative plaque where you can read the name of Mike Scambelluri later surnamed "Iron Mike"
