Tank-On-Tank Combat: Destroying Hitler's Panzer Division | Battle of the Bulge | Harry Miller
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 พ.ค. 2024
- While growing up during the Depression, Harry Miller would watch with admiration as Civil War veterans marched in parades in his native Ohio. The sight inspired him lie about his age and join the military. When he applied for active duty, Miller was assigned to Ft. Knox, Kentucky where he joined a mechanized unit.
During WWII, Harry served with the 740th Tank Battalion as a tank crewman. On Oct. 29, 1944, Miller's battalion departed England and arrived in France via Utah Beach. Seeing little combat at first, Miller feared he had missed most the action. That all changed on December 16, when German forces launched their last great offensive or World War II - The Battle of the Bulge.
Interview recorded on November 3, 2023
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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Luke Ryan
Director of Photography - Umit Gulsen
Editor - Megan Maggi
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My uncle was a Sgt. In the 671st
Tank Destroyer Battalion. 13:34
This was amazing to me. My dad served in the Pacific and refused to tell us anything about what he went through. After his death when he was in his 90’s and we had access to his service records we found out he had bee shot down twice and captured by the Japanese. He and several of the other captured airmen escaped back to safe lines. He was nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor but turned the honor down because he felt it was his duty to do what he was nominated for. We were always proud of him as a dad but I gave him so much more forgiveness for our personality differences and head butting throughout my upbringing. Mom always said I was just like him. I was proud when I found out what he had the courage to do.
AMAZING!!! Humility is a quality in limited supply these days...
My grandpas were also in the Pacific. Neither would talk about it, and I need to get their Army service records. My dad told me that his dad was a bomb loader who was burned terribly twice when Japanese planes were shot down and came to rest over where he was in his defensive position. Both times were 6 month hospital stays, and both could have been his ticket home, but he refused, going back to his unit until the end of the war. I saw the thick, twisted ropey scars on his back a few times. It was horrible. I married a man who reminded me of my grandpa, and 25 years later, I know I made a great choice!
Been chatting with ww2 vets for 50years +.
PTO vets are way more tight lipped about their experiences than ETO vets.
😅@@astra1653
From Belgium: in the name of my grandparents, parents and myself: Thank you, Mr. Miller for what you did during the second World War in Belgium. Without your dedication, courage and the sacrifice of your many brothers in arms, we wouldn't exist today. It's the plain truth. People were afraid in december '44 when the nazi's tried to come back, during the battle of the Bulge.
You did a hell of a job. Thank you!
Agreed! From the military perspective, the Bulge Wermacht/SS campaign was very well conceived. Only real, true soldiers, could had survived all that
I could listen to stories from Vets all day. Thank you for your service Mr. Miller.
Wow, that was the fastest 26 minutes of my life! I could just listen to these old veterans for hours. As long as they wanted to talk.
Me too... it's mesmerizing what the WWII vets went through!...My dad built Sherman tanks at the PULLMAN STANDARD MOTOR COMPANY in INDIANA during WWII.
@@JEFFREYcjones-xg2cy Its real! Unlike Hollywood, CGI and pretence of
of soaps. I much prefer reality.
You better listen while you can. There are less than 100,000 WW2 vets left. In 5 years there will only be a few hundred. In 10 years, I doubt there will be any left.
Agree
Miller is sharp as a tack. He is a national treasure and I could listen to him all day. All the best to you Mr. Miller...you have served your Country well.
Sgt Miller is the most articulate veteran his age I've heard on this channel. My hearing isn't sharp, so I usually have to CC these interviews. Not this one. Excellent.
I was thinking of posting the same thing. He is as sharp and articulate as any man half his age.
My thoughts exactly!
His body may have aged but his mind seems to be doing just fine. Soon there won't be any of them left so we better listen as long as we can to the ones able and willing to talk.
Yes, he's a good orator.
When listening to WWII veterans talking about their experiences, it never ceases to amaze me how nonchalant they sound as if it wasn't a big deal. I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for every one of those combatants. May those who are gone be blessed with a special place in heaven and the living be blessed with long life and many who love them.
Truly a different breed of men. We may never see this caliber of manhood again.
Just another Tuesday, gramps would always say when I asked him about his service in WW2. I was probably 10 when I realized the war lasted more than a day. Later, obviously, I learned these fine men did not talk about their service much and he was nicely changing the subject. Not long before he died at 94, he shared one story about a good friend dying inn his arms. I had never seen him weep before, but I instantly realized his silence was from humility and his way of not remembering the horrible events that formed the foundation of his life. A great man, as they all were.
@@dbach1025 My grandfather died in 1996. He was drafted in Feb. 1942, fought as an infantryman from the landings in North Africa (Operation Torch), through Sicily, the landings at Anzio, was wounded at Monte Casino, and was discharged in Nov. 1945. (I have a copy of his service record.)
As a young man (35 +/-) I once asked him if he had any friends killed in the war. He answered with a single soft spoken word: "Many." We never spoke of it again.
The Greatest Generation, indeed.
The greatest generation. They had a harder life before the war, so they knew hardship. They didn't know the other part of war-- but they found out. Not speaking of it is how they pushed down the horror.
My mom told me grandfather Stan used to wake up screaming sometimes. He was one of the founding officers of the original US Army Airborne Rangers Battalion-- often called Darbys Rangers. They are quite different than Rangers that are jump qualified. RIP Major Stanley Thompson Farwell
@@williampope3531 Your grandfather was a hero, along with the rest of them. My father served in USMC in Vietnam era. Best he could describe my grandpa's feelings on the war was their heart's were shattered. Many were able to get over it. A lot had more difficulties than others. My father's way of dealing with his memories were always telling us the great times hea had with his friends. That was it.
It's bad when a man tells the world the he stop dreaming about the things he seen 3 year's before this was made....it took this man the better part of a life time...to not see things that most people now day's just don't even think is humanly possible....
Thank you sir for what you gave for us
It’s always amazing how they can recall every small detail. Then again, nothing would impact him more than going to War
You wouldn't forget that either.
Ever.
Combat is the most intense experience of a man's life. It isn't something you forget.
lol, you figure he’s making this crap up? He’s probably older than the president, and ol Joe can’t even say the stuff on the teleprompter right half the time!
@@khaldrago911 no. I know he’s telling the truth.
I mean it’s been a longtime, so some things are probably misremembered, which is why memoirs post wars can only be used so much as a valid source of information.
This gentleman brings back to my childhood memories in the early 2000s at the local VFW post. The stories that those men would tell would knock your socks off. And when I was too little to really understand, I remember standing there, looking them in the eyes, and nodding my head. I just felt lucky to be in their presence. I will never forget them as long as I live.
I could listen to this gentleman talk all day. My father was in WWII and was charged with repairing and cleaning up the tanks that were damaged in combat and reading them to be redeployed. Some were filled with body parts from being struck by German tanks. Those who were in our tank corp had a rough time and I give all of them my utmost respect.
I thought my WW2 veteran Grandfather was going to live forever. He walked more at 93yo than I do daily… and I walk. Sadly he has since passed. Makes me grateful for each one of these stories you record. Brings me (OEF vet) a great sense of peace hearing these war stories. My grandfathers was lost so each one of these that have been captured is a real treasure trove.
Same here. My uncle was in the train service. Toward the end the tales he spoke of was mind boggling
Right on.
This man with many others is a national treasure.
And each day these men dissapear. A shame to lose them.
yeah these brave heroes fought against evil nazi germany so you can live free now and become a minority in your own country, also you are allowed to perform transgender surgery on 4 year olds, you truly own this man a lot. These brave men fought for the lgbtq community to have parades with children in every town, we thank them so much.
I'm half this man's age and unlike me, he's still razor sharp!! Thank you sir for your service and recall of these amazing and tragic events!! I could literally sit for days on end listening to your incredible life!
Memory is variable in all people. My oldest cousin did 3 tours in Vietnam and had troubles but he had brain damage from a mortar round that nearly killed him. Damaged hearing and eyesight as well plus a fractured jaw and teeth.
Harry is a great American, that saw so much history in person and fought to protect our way of life now. It’s sad so many today don’t recognize and honor the sacrafices his generation made. A true hero that was only doing what was needed during those years.
He’s about 95 during this interview and sharper than most a third his age. Thank you Harry and all that were with you.
Thank you for your service Mr. Miller. Although I was born a long time after the war was already over, the effects of the actions of men like yourself are still felt and play a big role in the world today. We wouldn't be where we are now without you having done what you did, and I am grateful for that. God Bless you sir 🫡🙏
Wow that dude dont look in his late 90s he is sharp as a tack God Bless him I love these guys such admiration and respect
Every American should watch this video. This man has only had the last 3 years free of dreaming about the people he was sent to help in a German concentration camp. He can barely get through talking about it.....even now. He is one of many, many who have served that struggle with memories of war, so often, for the balance of their life. Thank you sir for your service and sacrifice. Thank you, thank you.
To all the Holocaust deniers, listen to this mans emotional story of liberating Dachau and what he found there, there are many more stories from other veterans just like it. To witness Mr. Millers tears, even after all these years, as he recalled the horrors he saw, broke my heart that he and his fellow GIs had to experience this. Thank you so much for your service Mr. Miller, you are one of the best of The Greatest Generation.
A respectable and great man. He was so casual about all the stuff he did and the only thing that got him to show emotion was talking about the camps. I don't know how anyone can deny what happened. Especially when you consider that the Germans were known for keeping excellent records. Nobody should need a first hand account to believe it, but if you do here it is.
Why are there other vets stories saying the opposite? Either way a bunch of shoes in a box isn't gonna make me throw my country away.
Boy, this Hero has such a great memory--priceless to get this account. What these men did for us. I did my own part, but I pay all homage to the True Heroes like Harry.
yes thank to this true heroes you are allowed to have transgender children now, god bless them, they are true heroes of the lgbtq community
Thank you so much for your service Mr. Miller! I'm sure you're not too happy with the country that you fought for right now but I'm sure you know that most of us appreciate everything you did for us.
Grew up in Edinburgh in the 60s, all my male teachers were former forces men. Amazing individuals, just like this fella Harry Miller.
Two things: First, It is amazing a century old guy keep his memory so alive recalling city after city names, and his heart so warm crying when reliving Dachau's scenery 80 years after. Secondly, let me thank Mr. Miller in defending and getting rid of the nazis in Belgium where my mom was born and was fighting the nazis "dans La Resistence" the entire war. After the war she has worked for the english Germany occupation army in Cologne. Transferred to the newborn UN in 1947 she was sent to Brazil, where she, as an immigrant, has raised her family, passing away in 2019.
It's a shame today's generation doesn't know just how close Every country in the world came to being Destroyed Or irreparably transformed into something very awful and evil
Thank you. It's a pleasure to listen to Harry Miller. He was both articulate and literate and a tribute to American public schools before the 1950's.
American schools in 50s and 60s were excellent
To me what is equally impressive besides his war experiences is the fact that he can remember seeing soldiers that fought in the Civil War. Amazing.
This is a humble and decent man.
Thoroughly enjoyable story teller. It’s good work capturing this man’s experiences in the biggest conflict in world history.
Excellent interview. What a fascinating life he had in the military--and all before age 38!
Seems like a man that knows he lived quite a life and is happy to recount some of it for us. Thanks for sharing!
This might be the best one I've seen yet on AVC - GREAT interview .. wow
You are the reason we must see what we are doing to the Country you were willing to give everything for . Thank you in no way is enough. You ARE a hero sir just as those who did not come back. As for the rest of us we have let this country down failing to realise there are things worth dying for just as you did so many years ago. We learn from those who were there and did that and the fact that you did this interview tells me you are still giving and I wish I had your courage and your incredable sense of Patriotism.
Very impressive. A man's reminiscing actually covered some of the most pivotal battles of the Second World War. I recall seeing pictures of tanks tearing up the concentration camp fences and to think this soldier was there, doing an important act so matter of fact. The crushing of the 1st SS Panzer Division spearhead was Pieper's kampfgruppe. The Ruhr pocket battles trapped 317,000 German troops. Thank you sir. My own parents greeted the 7th Infantry Division in the liberation of Korea at the end of the war in the Pacific.
its a shame that fewer if any other these legends are still around today. Love hearing these stories!
Harry is as sharp as a tack in his perfect recall of events. What a great story teller!
Greetings from Australia. What a great old bloke. Just doing his job and believing in his country. I really admire his humble attitude and sincerity Growing up doing it hard. Thank you old mate youre the best of what has come out of America. Australia should never forget the USA saved our arses in WW2 in the Pacific War. Lest we forget my friend.
Japan had no capabilities of invading Australia and the Aussies fought their own battles defending their country such as New Guinea.
Dont fall for Hollywood and American tv rewriting of history.
My neighbor (101 years old), was a Sherman tank commander in Europe. He, and three other Shermans, were traveling down a narrow country road in Alsace-Lorraine. Muddy fields were on either side of the road. He said a "turretless" German vehicle was on a hillside, it knocked out the first Sherman, then the last Sherman. The crews of the other two tanks bailed out and ran for cover.
He said they rarely used the .50 Browning because it was so heavy to lift onto it's mount.
In the spring of 1945 (?), they were driving in a valley. There was a single haystack sitting in the middle of nowhere about 600 yards away. He fired a few bursts from the .50, the final burst went into the haystack. At least one person (presumed German soldier) ran out of the haystack. He did not go to investigate.
During the winter/spring 1945, he observed the Germans using oxen to pull an artillery piece through a muddy field. The mud was up to the oxen's knees, but they just pulled it along at a steady pace.
Glad he can tell the story. We grew up around a lot of Vets in the DC area and only heard a few stories that they shared with our Dad. Understandable considering what many of them went through. But I think it's good for my generation and the ones behind us need to know these parts of history.
Harry Miller
👍👍
😎
🙏
Thank you for your service and for taking the time to talk to us about an amazing journey and liberation of towns and historical events. 💪💪💪
Just Wow. I am grateful for all his service and his articulate sharing of his memories.
My father was German, but he fought in the British infantry to liberate Italy and Germany from the Nazis. He never wanted to talk about his war experience. His parents, my grandparents, were very patriotic Germans, but were shot for refusing to support Nazis. My father at 15 escaped, and he was understandably bitter about the whole thing. Well, these interviews help me understand a little what it may have been like for him in the war, what he may have seen and did. They are also just incredibly interesting, with cool people. Thank you for these.
I sure hope America doesn't become fascist.
Though i know you've heard this ,many times before, my absolute respect. For service to country, and a life well lived.
Mr Miller, you mentioned that your tank unit joined up with the 63rd ID to cross the Siegfried Line. My Father was in the 63rd and was involved in that action you mentioned. I also recall him frequently speaking of fighting against the 1st Panzer Div and how tough they were.
What a sharp memory ! Greetings from Brazil Sgt. Miller. You are a true hero !
Really enjoyed the interview. I did 27 years and it was an adventure that I can only appreciate now. I wish the same adventure could be found by young people today. There was both good and bad, anger and wonder.
I am absolutely mesmerized by how he described his tour like it was yesterday. Though I’ve never been in combat I was battle ready for a couple of operations. My old unit destroyed 34 Iraqi tanks and only had 1 casualty. Just because a war has ended the soldiers tour doesn’t . Like this gentleman he can’t unseen the horror of war and I can attest that to my big brother who died young so many can live their lives free. He wasn’t killed in combat - he died from the visions of what he saw.this Memorial Day please pray for the souls of these soldiers
“Only the dead have seen the end of war.”
What a delightful gentleman! I would love to hear him tell more of his service to our country. 😊
Salute Sir for your Service , Dedication , and Determination
Glad you made it home Harry. God Bless You.
Thank You For Your Service Blessings And Please Be Safe ✌️
This brave man has carried those horrors haunting him still. Can't imagine his pain, and so many that saw things... We that have not served would not imagine a person could do to another person.
It's sad he had to suffer even after the war was over.
It’s amazing how well spoken he is and how clear his mind is. And his memory is also amazing. What a true American hero. ❤ could listen to him tell stories for hours.
I could listen to that gentleman for hours. What a blessing you have spent 20 some odd minutes hearing his story.
Truly you are a member of the Greatest Generation. Thank you for your Brave service sir.
Hearing this reinforces my pride of when I served with the First Armored. God Bless.
pretty interesting but begs the question what he did after he retired - something interesting no doubt #still learning
❤🤍💙🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 The Greatest People in the World lay their lives on the line to Defend Life, Liberty and Freedom
Yes, they do! Because Freedom isn't free
My grandfather was one of the first in at the Battle of the Bulge. He killed 13 people and made it home.
Every young person in America needs to hear your story! Thank you for your service my friend
Thanks you sir for your service 🙏🙏
First, I want to thank Mr. Miller for his service.
I’m amazed by his recall and vivid descriptions. I am sure that the visual memories would be with you forever.
They were truly the greatest generation!
God bless those Tankers of WW2. I was a tanker in Vietnam, A Troop 2/1 Calvary Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Division.
Thank you for your service
I was D Troop Areorifle Platoon 2/1 cav. Welcome home my brother and thank you for your service!
I served on Sheridans and M60A3 in the '80's and early '90's . Tanker tough,brothers.🇺🇸
@@genedove2792 welcome home to you also Gene.
@@jeffreym.keilen1095 Jeffrey, be a Tanker " best job I ever had " ( movie, Fury)
Excellent video from a real hero. I really wasn’t completely clear that he was a tank man until the middle of the interview. What was his rank?
You mean besides 1:50 when he mentions going to Ft. Knox and being trained as a tank crewman...and the beginning which gives his rank as Senior Master Sergeant at 1:01 AND 11:38 AND 17:05 etc on the screen
@@bch5513 You will be much happier if stop letting goofy things bother you so much.
@@MHollywood5he's not wrong, he's simply responding to the original comment's claim of it not being clearly stated he was on a tank crew until the middle of the video. He provided multiple instances.
I was an armored crewman from 1971-74.M60 tank was my home.Stationed in Germany during the Vietnam war.3rd amored division,32 nd battalion.
I love this channel. I'm like "26 min? Nah, maybe later ... [5 minutes in] .. ok, I can take a break," and then I watch the whole thing. Friendly suggestion: maybe add a few time stamps for sections, if it isn't too much trouble. Sections like: Where I'm from, Joining, "Hit the fleet," Main stuff, Later in life.
Thank you so much for your service.
Thank you mr. Miller for my freedom. Truly a hero from the greatest generation. Much respect.
thank you sir for your sacrifices so I could live a normal life I truly appreciate your generation
This guy has had a very interesting adventurous life. Fighting in Europe in WWII, serving under MacArthur before and during Korea, joined the Air Force after the army, and went to Vietnam but never was there long enough to get the darn ribbon for serving over there. What advantageous spirit
Its So Nice To Hear Stories From WW2 From Men Who Were There And Can Still Remember All The Details As If Were Yesterday. My Uncle Served Under Patton And Was There For The Battle Of The Bulge. Came Back All Shot Up And Disabled The Rest Of His Life. He Spent Weeks In McGuire VA Hospital In Richmond VA.
I bet that hat is pretty heavy with all those medals on it. Thank you Sir. Awesome interview.
Thank you Sir. God bless you forever and ever!🎉
Intelligent, sharp as a Wilkinson, and a superlative story teller. A full life lived well. Thank you for sharing.
Great interview! Please try to get additional footage from this veteran. These are great stories and are worth preserving. Such a great memory and good storyteller!!
Excellent interview, beyond brilliant; extremely articulate gentleman 👏 👌
thank you --- great story teller
What a memory, with no trace of bitterness, thank you for your service, Sir!
Wow! What a carrier . This stud American Warrior was all over the battle map. Intelligent sharp and clear exact memories. Full respect sent to you sir. 🫡 🇺🇸 I was in the 82nd. 1st of the 505th Abn. But after WWII. My Dad fought in the Pacific Campaign under McArther island hopping with the U.S.Army. He got home safe. His parents left Germany prior to WWI and opened a grocery store in August Ga. Be well God Bless you. 🙏🤝
It kind puts my head into a spiral when I listen to these great men describe their experiences during WWII, but when they talk about how they were inspired as kids by seeing veterans of the civil war that they would see in parades and such......Makes me think that all of this was not really that long ago, and that time is fleeting.
That man was remarkable and that's only the stories he could tell us imagine what he couldn't tell us!?!
Thank you for what you did from germany. it´s a shame that the ideology you fought is slowly rising up again. Didn't learn anythting from history. There are enough problems to solve but hate gets you nowhere.
I could listen to Mr. Miller forever.. what an amazing man he is, Thank you sir 🙏 for everything...
Thank you for this contribution.
Amazing storyThank you Sir !
Men like this are a true treasure! I was in for 15 years and truly love to hear the stories. I personally knew a soldier who dropped in on D-Day and another who served in the Army Air Corp. in Germany during WW2, and a sergeant who was a grunt in Vietnam!
Thanks to all our veterans who served. Semper Fi.
Great interview. One small suggestion though: Please ask more follow-up questions. It would've been interesting to know when/how they finally got proper sights and equipment for their improvised armor during the Battle of the Bulge --and also how they made do in combat without those critical pieces of gear.
Very nice and fluent storytelling. Most people half his age wouldn't be able to do it like this.
Very interesting. Thanks.
Even at his age he's still pretty sharp. A man that has experienced so many things, including war and firefights but the only time he got emotional was talking about the camps. 80 years later and it still effects him. You know that if he can't handle it, nobody who is sane and human could.
God bless you Harry. So glad you were there for us!
Thank you for your service Harry! I wonder if you knew my grandpa? His name was Charles Stanley Walker and he was a tank commander in the 740th Tank Battalion. I met one of his tank crewmen, Herchel "Herk" Wahl. Walker (grandpa) went on to serve in Korea and Vietnam. Sadly, he passed in 1972 after losing his battle with cancer. He was a full Colonel.
TY Harry Miller 🙏🙏
Thank you. Love and respect.
What an interesting guy. Retired at 37. You deserve it sir. Thanks for everything.
Amazing interview.
I rented a house from World War two veteran His name was Art Marty, one of the stories that he told me he was at Pearl Harbor across the bay from the battle wagons he was stationed on a light cruiser. He said I stood on the deck, watching the Japanese come in. He said they never came after his ship. very much. All they had was light arms, all the other arms were locked up. I asked him what was the scariest moment of all he told me it was ship to ship battle. All you could see was the flashes over the horizon. I
new shells were coming in. One hit next to a bulkhead where his friend was standing when shell went off, he said his friend disappeared was scattered all over. The battle went on for two days. He said we lost a lot of men that in those two days of battle, he said all we could do was throw them overboard and keep fighting . Just like many veterans of Wars It was hard for him to talk about all of the things that happened without tears.
I also am advocate of everyone serving at least 2 or 3 years in the military. I did a four stint in the Air Force from 1959 thru 1963. Was the best decision I ever made.
Thank you.
He remembers it all, the dates, the divisions and the details of every encounter.