I'd hate to die in war, but if I were to die on a battlefield, I think I would want ole Mel giving me a little shot and saying "Oh Shucks, looks like you got a little splinter in your side, you rest up."
yes he did do the right thing. anybody would..........I hope.......make somebody feel better and ease their pain BUUUT admit to murder? some things should go left unsaid.
@@luckygamermemberofvma7903 He loved him so much that he willingly tore out his own soul from his own heart to set his friend free and let him be free of pain and fear; once and forever. Ugly business, war; don't you think?
Jelly Man yes he does. And sometimes he acts like he’s in his teens...Mel can be a goofball :D He’s a great guy. So much humor and life at 96 years old.
@@MemoirsofWWII wow, he's 96? He looks and sounds sooo much younger! Would u be able to film a video of him talking about his lifestyle & what he does to remain youthful?? He is truly an inspiration. Thanking you, my father, my hubs, and ALL the Veterans of the U.S.A🇺🇸❤🇺🇸
He was in the same infantry as my Grandfather. My Grandfather was injured by shrapnel from a mortar, so, depending on when Mel got injured, he could have been one of the medics to help my Grandfather! 😮
My father was a marine, 1st marine division in the Pacific he said the bravest men he saw was the Navy Corpsmen, going into machine gun fire, artillery fire, mortar fire to treat wounded Marines. He passed away March 18, 2018 at 95 years old the marines gave him a full honors funeral. I was comforted and humbled by this great tribute to my father William E Caine!
@@MemoirsofWWII thank you my Daddy was in the worst battles there was in the Pacific and he told me all he could about every invasion he was in. If I were to tell you all about every invasion you might not believe me. My father was the finest example of a marine. Semper Fi
Thank you so much for the comment, it means so much to me. I know I'll will come to grips with his death, but all through my life he was my hero. I watched super man and batman, but I knew my true hero was in our house I'm 66 years old and he is still my hero.
@william III thanks so much I know I could never fill his shoes but I have had a wonderful life and I love my father he is still with me although he passed away March 18,2018.
My Grandpa was in the Navy . During operation dragoon, he had to put down one of his buddies because of burns during a battle. I found that out after his death.
We were always told not to ask my Uncle Milo (great-uncle) about his time at St Vith during the Battle of the Bulge. Once I was old enough to understand how important it was I DID ask him, and I also asked why he never talked about it. He said "Nobody ever asks me." That broke my heart that for 40+ years he had stayed silent, thinking nobody cared about his story. #106thGoldenLion #424th #LionInTheWay
Wow. That comment hit. I feel so bad. I imagine a lot of these vets wanted to tell their story but it seems for the most part no one ever asked because it was considered rude. But honestly I feel the more they tell it helps them find a little more peace from the horrors of war
The best way to start the weekend is watching a real Hero telling his story! People like him are a inspiration to all people who try to help one another!
THEY DONT MAKE THEM THIS TUFF ANYMORE, GROWING UP I COULD REMEBER THESE WWII VETERANS BILL, AL, GRANDPA EDDIE, JOE, UNCLE MANNY ARRELIO, GREG AND MR. BENSON. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND PRESIDENT TRUMP
Vincent Vargas They still do, but the Beta male is becoming popular with the far left liberal wackos. We need more ppl who believe in our country. If ppl think “ America was never great” then fuck em... they should leave right? Ppl take out Constitution and rights for granted. Guys like this kept our country great. Let’s hope trump wins in 2020, I know I’m voting for him again!
@@davidpfeifer9489 And these men came back from war, and worked their asses out for the prosperity of the nation and their families. They didn't complain much, they had a debt to pay back for their fallen buddies. I still have a copy Arthur Millers - All my sons and I am not an American either..
I know a man in Michigan who's now 95yrs old. He served with the 101st airborne and was dropped on D Day. He said he landed right next to his CO and never left his side and says that's how he survived. I really wish he would talk on video about his experiences. He's obviously in the last of his life and his mind is still clear. I don't want that bit of history lost. He refuses to talk about it though. I can't blame him for he had to have been through hell. I appreciate all soldiers for giving like they do. I've never met a veteran who didn't love the medics. I used to work with a guy who had been a helicopter medic in Afghanistan. He had saw some horrible things. The body has to absorb what the eyes are allowed to see.
Charles Merrill if he is ever willing to tell his story we would be honored to capture it. You can fill out a veteran form on our website www. Memoirsofwwii.com
big WW2 buff (at least for 36yrs old) and watching these interviews both equally warms my heart to see a man who survived the war and saddens me that the WW2 survivors dont have much time left. I want to also add that there is something truly wonderful about medics. In all the chaos of war, the medic is the one guy trying to save lives while most are trying to take them. addendum : i wish i could shake that mans hand, i teared up a couple times in this damn video.
It would be really nice if you could briefly state what these heroes did after the war. For example, did Melvin go into medicine? It would be cool to find out what they did as civilians. My Dad flew B-17 Bombers in the 366th Bombardment Squadron flying out of Chelveston, England, but after the war he stayed in the Army Air Corps (converted to US Air Force in 1947) where he remained for 30 years. His service gave me the most rewarding life possible as an Air Force Dependent. We lived in Morocco, Germany, and Japan. I couldn't have asked for a more rewarding life because of my Dad's service. Thank you for doing these videos.
dojmike Thanks for the suggestion! Interestingly enough, Mel went on to various jobs following the war, but - to my knowledge- none in the medical field. But you’ll be glad to know that next month’s episode goes into detail about what the veteran went on to after the war :) Thanks again, and thanks to your father for his service.
I could spend all day watching these stories. My Dad was part of the Normandy invasion, he was a Combat Engineer assigned to Utah Beach, though he passed in 1989, I thought I'd share a story that I learned about after his passing. I watch everything I can about WWII in hopes of learning more about his involvement. In 1996 I moved with my Son to Wyoming, where he wrestled and played football in Jr and Sr HS. On both of these teams he had a teammate with the last name of Toye. Like myself this boys parents were quiet and pretty much kept to themselves. Today I wish we would have exchanged more than just some congratulatory remarks regarding our sons athletics. A few years later when I was watching the series "Band of Brothers" I was introduced to Joe Toye, a member of this glorious group of heros and wondered if there was any connection to my son's teammate. Then later on while watching a documentary about the Band Of Brothers I learned just how instrumental Joe Toye was in taking out the big German guns that were shelling Utah Beach where my Dad was making his way ashore. I thought "Wow, this guy probably saved my Dad's life"! In a few minutes more into the film, Joe Toye's Son was interviewed, low and behold he was the parent of my Son's team mate. What a small world. Since then I tried contacting the Toye family to share the story, but they have since left WY. Maybe someone reading this will have some information about them or the Combat Engineers that landed on Utah Beach. God Bless all of our fallen hero's from all wars!
Hello sir, let me briefly introduce myself then throw an idea at you on how you may be able to track down the Toye family. I served in the United States Navy from 1992 to 1996. When I first joined the Navy, I had no idea that the ship I would be assigned to would turn out to be the greatest honor of my lifetime. After completing boot camp and short training for my job, I was then assigned to USS Normandy (CG 60) based in Staten Island New York. I obviously probably don't have to tell you what that ship is named after. I served on board from December 28th 1992 through September 15th 1996. We were tasked, or should I say, given the honor of, going to Portsmouth England for the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. We spent the best part of a week in Portsmouth, then on June 6th transited the English Channel to the beaches of Normandy, following the exact path our great Heroes, your father included, took on that fateful day. I must say that it was a very humbling yet eerie experience Crossing that channel then seeing the beaches and the imposing cliffs on the other side where the attack was made. That experience left a permanent mark on me seeing where this great piece of military history took place. And I can tell you that myself and every crewmen of that ship is humbled to have served on her, and hold your father and all the other Heroes of that day in the highest regard. We feel it is no greater honor then to serve on that ship and keep the memory of your father and his brothers alive. As for finding the Toye family, have you considered looking on Facebook? You said your son was teammates with one of them in high school. I'm sure he remembers his name. A quick search on Facebook could very well find him, then of course lead you to the people you'd love to speak to. I don't know you or them, but reading your story and knowing what I know and how I feel about D-Day, it would be so cool to find out that you folks somehow reconnected and could have the moment and conversations that I'm sure you would love to have with them. If you try that and have any luck please let me know. I sure would love to hear about it.
@@garymorris216 Dear Eagle View, first off thank you for your service to our Nation. Secondly thank you for your response, i did not know there was a ship named the USS Normandy. What an experience that must have been. I would love to go and visit this hallowed ground. I have tried Facebook and we found the grandson, but he seems to have abandoned his page. He had not been on the site for a few years, I did leave a message but never got a response. Thanks Again and God Bless You.
don't give up the search,there are many ways through the services that may help.good luck and God bless from an old army engineer 926th combat engineers 1971-1977.
How terrible that must be. Fighting a war overseas....19 and probably never been outside of the county you lived in. Grew up in simple times only to find yourself mortally wounded....knowing that your dying.....in a foreign land....and all your thoughts are about your family mom dad, brothers and sisters friends and high school....... and you are dying. Gives me chills to even try to imagine that. Thank you for your service Sir. That was very kind hearted of you to not let your friend suffer his last minutes on earth. This is why we stand for the National anthem and pledge allegiance to the flag. Because of men like this. The ones in this story....living and dying.
Reminds me of a member of my old church who died a few years back. Was with Pattons 3rd Army and was on the race across France when somewhere around dday plus 6 he was wounded in the leg when a German shell hit his armored car. He was sent to hospital for several weeks and when he was okayed to go back to fight he was sent to the Hurtgen forest. He wouldn't talk about the Hurtgen. God bless you and rest easy Jim Potter.
A True American hero, still wearing his dogtags, more worried about his buddies then himself..makes me proud to know, we have freedom because of guys like this
"Everybody was tryin' to do everybody in for some reason" says a WWII vet about his experience on the battlefield, a grin to boot. Strong man. The medics don't get enough credit. Thanks for doing this.
My grandfather was a medic in France. I sometimes wonder how many people he experienced a few moments of life, and death with. He never talked about the details of much of anything. Godspeed grandpa, Harold Lorenz. My own hero. Sir, thank you endlessly for your service and may God bless you always!!!!! ✝️🇺🇸✝️
The selflessness it takes to sit with your best mate on a battlefield knee deep in snow while he is in agony and having the compassion and courage to give that man enough morphine to rest is incredible.
These are the people who we should be celebrating , these are the hero's of the world , NOT actors or singers or sports stars and certainly NOT THESE FAKE SO CALLED CELEBS that are called hero's by the media just for opening a door themselves, He is the type of person I would be happy and proud to shake his hand and tell him he is a HERO.
He seems like a genuinely happy guy. but when he started talking about walking over dead bodies every day, that took the smile right off his face...even the happiest of guys are no match for the realities of war. He is a better man then most anyone living today.
The old doctor was incredible in looking death in the face and smiling. He had a very tough job and he did it with flying colours. What an American icon
I love and cherish every ww2 memoir here man. Thank you for allowing me to listen to real men. 🙏 may God have mercy on every American soldier who never made it back home
My grandfather was on a doctors ship at the end of WWII. He turned 18in March 1945, joined the Navy and was on the ships USS Benevolence and USS St. Paul. Both were in the Philippines, I believe, to test the results of the atomic bombs. He’s 91 years and still kicking. :)
Thw fact that he was a surgeon working the front lines in WW2 is amazing to me!! He's gotta be a pretty smart guy to learn all of that crammed into mere months of training
This guy is great. The things he has seen and had to deal with are incredible but he is a refreshing soul. His attitude is the same way we were raised and taught to emulate. Men did what they had to do and then moved on. No complaining, no whining. It had to be difficult to hold peoples lives in your hands but this man did what he had to do and there are probably people alive today that might not be if it hadn't been for him. Patriotism wasn't called dirty nationalism and you spoke the truth, even if someone got offended. God bless Melvin Young and all the other heroes of our patriotic past and present. 🙏🏼
I heard a story from a ww2 medic who said when he first went into battle he made sure he had enough gauze and all the medic stuff and his second time going back to war he just wanted as much morphine as he could carry cause he’d rather have his boys die easy and painless than die in pain and agony..
Each of these veteran videos just about makes me want to cry. To think that these amazing, selfless men we willing to sacrifice their all for the defense of freedom and liberty makes me proud to be an American. To all the men and women who have served this country in the armed forces, thank you so much.
Thank you so much for these videos, I get goosebumps every single time. I will never ever understand what these men went through for the good of everyone else and their homelands, and I am so grateful for their service. Incredibly brave Men. What a terrible thing it must have been to put your best friend to sleep, and yet what an unbelievably heartwarming gesture not letting him die in pain. A nice dreamless, painless end is the best anyone can hope for.
As a hospice nurse I admire this man's compassion to alleviate whatever suffering he could under horrific circumstances. I would only hope my friends would be so merciful. Many WW2 Vets that I've cared for were still very hesitant to receiving morphine because of its compassionate use in the war. I always had to assure them that we would not speed things up, as they weren't on the battlefield anymore and didn't have to do those things. Amazing man. Thank you so much for your service and dedication to saving our soldiers
This is one of my favorite series shows on utube. And this one is a real peach. Thank you Let us pray for strength to stand to our trials. And not to avoid them. They are what teaches us to be better people.
No thank you is enough for saving our world. I am a veteran of another time period so I salute all through all these conflicts. WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam & Desert storm. Thank you for selfless duty.
My grandfather was in the 82nd Airborne, and was also at the Battle of the Bulge. He said he never like cold nights after that. It's a good thing he lived in the South.
Thank you for posting this video. My grandfather also served in the 94th infantry BOTB. I had the honor of going back to Europe with him on a WWII tour when he was 91 years young. All of these men fulfilled what God created them to be... true hero's. Keep up the good work
My Great Grandfather was a tank commander for the US and he survived 4 of his tanks getting blown up. Met my Great Grandma in Germany and then my Nana came along with her 2 brothers and then my Nana has my mom and here i am. Much respect to this man much much respect.
@@MemoirsofWWII They were a pleasure to watch. Thank you for taking the time to make them. I'm not sure of your background, but I'd like you to know that these videos are just as good if not higher quality than any mainstream/high budget doc I've seen. Really great work.
My great grandpa would’ve been with him he traveled with the 94th as a tank driver into the battle of the buldge with them. It’s really odd to think but they may have just known each other. He’s long since past but men like him keep his herioc legacy live on.
I've been a present day paramedic for 24 years I can't imagine doing this under the threat of being fired at everyday you have I respect SIR. From one medic to another you are a true hero friend
Such amazing men who served our country, they gave everything and I salute all who have served our United States of America. God bless all of our Veterans!!! 🇺🇸
When I was working at my last job one of our frequent customers was a World War 2 vet with the Marines. I can't tell you how small I felt when I shook his hand and said thank you the appreciation that beamed on his face. One of the best days of my life.
What an absolute doll of a man. Still smiling even as he recounts almost being mowed down. My god. My grandfather was a medic in the Pacific for four years. He died when I was eleven and I had no idea the kind of experiences he must've had. You'd never have known he'd been in war -- just like this man, he was the sweetest person in the world. It almost makes me wonder if they had a sense about which guys would be the best medics -- which would be the most kind, the most loving, the most compassionate. They picked exactly that when they chose my grandfather for that job. It also makes me wonder if medics had the advantage as veterans in that...they were there to help people survive in the moment, rather than being there to kill the enemy. Maybe you come home feeling like you at least did something positive...I don't know. I don't doubt that the horrors still stick with you; that there's survivor's guilt just like anyone else would have...but I wonder if there's any solace in being tasked with saving people in war vs killing.
I wish every teenage kid had to listen to these men recall their time at war. I have had my 12 year old grandson sit a watch. I can tell some of the recollections get to him. I’ve told him to be very thankful for the sacrifices our military has made. God Bless them all.
Listening to this story makes me sad that I know nothing of my great grandfathers story as a sniper in the war. He took it with him to his grave. I never asked him because I was told not too, and he never talked about it either. I wish I knew his story, so I knew what to be thankful for. He served as a sniper, and fought in Italy
Zulfburht I feel the same about my grandfather. He was in the Navy in the South Pacific...but that’s pretty much all I know. I wish I had asked him about it.
We were always told not to ask my Uncle Milo (great-uncle) about his time at St Vith during the Battle of the Bulge. Once I was old enough to understand how important it was I DID ask him, and I also asked why he never talked about it. He said "Nobody ever asks me." That broke my heart that for 40+ years he had stayed silent, thinking nobody cared about his story. #106thGoldenLion #424th #LionInTheWay
My grandfather died when I was young, so I didn't get a chance to know him. He too was in the Navy as a radio operator. I've searched and searched records and can't find anything. I have one pic of him in San Francisco with my grandmother, returning from war. He died young, at 59, after years of hard drinking/alcoholism... I often wonder if it was due to the war.
Having done palliative care as part of my nursing career, I have great respect for him putting his friend to sleep. It was the most humane and loving thing he could have done. God Bless you sir and thank you for your service. 🇨🇦
Thank you Sir God bless you. My Grandfather faught against the Japanese, and my Uncle against the Germans. My father also served during Vietnam. Thank you all
I'd hate to die in war, but if I were to die on a battlefield, I think I would want ole Mel giving me a little shot and saying
"Oh Shucks, looks like you got a little splinter in your side, you rest up."
Andrew Hall favorite comment
yer no doubt he did the right thing in my book to
yes he did do the right thing. anybody would..........I hope.......make somebody feel better and ease their pain BUUUT admit to murder? some things should go left unsaid.
@@johnwinters8 is it murder if the guy was dying anyway? Not being a dick, genuinely curious to other's thoughts on that
If someone said that to me I'd get annoyed 😂
Putting his best friend asleep was a profound act of love.
Your dam right it was
Strong dude !! I wouldnt have been able to do that. Real act of human respect.
But I bet it was hard. Sooo much kindness. ❤️
ya but it must be hard to do that
@@luckygamermemberofvma7903
He loved him so much that he willingly tore out his own soul from his own heart to set his friend free and let him be free of pain and fear; once and forever. Ugly business, war; don't you think?
“I was a good doc”
Yes you are sir and will always will be the angel in the battlefield.
I thought I heard him say duck
This guy looks like he could be in his 70's.
Jelly Man yes he does. And sometimes he acts like he’s in his teens...Mel can be a goofball :D He’s a great guy. So much humor and life at 96 years old.
Jelly Man I was thinking the same thing
IKR he acts younger too and smiles more.
@@MemoirsofWWII wow, he's 96? He looks and sounds sooo much younger! Would u be able to film a video of him talking about his lifestyle & what he does to remain youthful??
He is truly an inspiration. Thanking you, my father, my hubs, and ALL the Veterans of the U.S.A🇺🇸❤🇺🇸
Reminds me of a boss I had. Really sweet guy, endlessly likable, and at 86 he looked like he was 60, moved, and acted like one
He was in the same infantry as my Grandfather. My Grandfather was injured by shrapnel from a mortar, so, depending on when Mel got injured, he could have been one of the medics to help my Grandfather! 😮
Saxmast3r your grandfather could’ve been the one he warned about the rocket?
jiggums that would be amazing
If it wasn't Mel it coulda been a fellow medic Mel mentored. Either way a part of Mel may very well have touched your Grandpa.
If that’s true, then that would be amazing
You should show your grandfather this video!!
My father was a marine, 1st marine division in the Pacific he said the bravest men he saw was the Navy Corpsmen, going into machine gun fire, artillery fire, mortar fire to treat wounded Marines. He passed away March 18, 2018 at 95 years old the marines gave him a full honors funeral. I was comforted and humbled by this great tribute to my father William E Caine!
We're so sorry for your loss, but so thankful for his service.
@@MemoirsofWWII thank you my Daddy was in the worst battles there was in the Pacific and he told me all he could about every invasion he was in. If I were to tell you all about every invasion you might not believe me. My father was the finest example of a marine. Semper Fi
@@kennethcaine3402 our hope is that these videos will be honoring to all veterans, living and passed on.
Thank you so much for the comment, it means so much to me. I know I'll will come to grips with his death, but all through my life he was my hero. I watched super man and batman, but I knew my true hero was in our house
I'm 66 years old and he is still my hero.
@william III thanks so much I know I could never fill his shoes but I have had a wonderful life and I love my father he is still with me although he passed away March 18,2018.
To have to put your friend to sleep for good is rough. What a strong brave man. Such a amazing man
ninjastomp1 I couldn’t imagine. But they did what they had to do.
To be able to do it, and at the same time soothe the dying man knowing what you knew and he didn't, takes more guts and character than I can imagine.
The last man Harold saw was his best friend
Poor guy wish he couldv saved him :(
My Grandpa was in the Navy . During operation dragoon, he had to put down one of his buddies because of burns during a battle. I found that out after his death.
"I gave him enough to sleep" ... I cried
That made me tear up too. Can you imagine?
Sledstorm same
“Hard-hearted no i was kind hearted. I was a good doc”
Yes you were sir. Yes you were
Thank you
That made me sad :(
We were always told not to ask my Uncle Milo (great-uncle) about his time at St Vith during the Battle of the Bulge. Once I was old enough to understand how important it was I DID ask him, and I also asked why he never talked about it. He said "Nobody ever asks me." That broke my heart that for 40+ years he had stayed silent, thinking nobody cared about his story. #106thGoldenLion #424th #LionInTheWay
Cerridwen7777, that’s heartbreaking 😢. “Nobody ever asked me”. I’m so proud of and sorry for all that these brave men and women went through.
Cerridwen7777 care to share his story ?
Omg that’s so sad
Wow. That comment hit. I feel so bad. I imagine a lot of these vets wanted to tell their story but it seems for the most part no one ever asked because it was considered rude. But honestly I feel the more they tell it helps them find a little more peace from the horrors of war
Cerridwen7777 I’m so glad you asked him to share.
I hope I too can develop a bright reflective personality like this gentleman
Air-headed Aviator me too!
Air-headed Aviator Yeah, a lot of ppl would be emotionally crippled after seeing what he saw. He is at peace 100% though
The best way to start the weekend is watching a real Hero telling his story! People like him are a inspiration to all people who try to help one another!
Heartless Agreed. Thank you for watching :)
THEY DONT MAKE THEM THIS TUFF ANYMORE, GROWING UP I COULD REMEBER THESE WWII VETERANS BILL, AL, GRANDPA EDDIE, JOE, UNCLE MANNY ARRELIO, GREG AND MR. BENSON. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND PRESIDENT TRUMP
Vincent Vargas They still do, but the Beta male is becoming popular with the far left liberal wackos. We need more ppl who believe in our country. If ppl think “ America was never great” then fuck em... they should leave right? Ppl take out Constitution and rights for granted. Guys like this kept our country great. Let’s hope trump wins in 2020, I know I’m voting for him again!
@@davidpfeifer9489 And these men came back from war, and worked their asses out for the prosperity of the nation and their families. They didn't complain much, they had a debt to pay back for their fallen buddies. I still have a copy Arthur Millers - All my sons and I am not an American either..
At the end when he says “I was a good doc” and the camera cuts to his old medic arm band that shit is too powerful, life’s crazy great vid
I know a man in Michigan who's now 95yrs old. He served with the 101st airborne and was dropped on D Day. He said he landed right next to his CO and never left his side and says that's how he survived. I really wish he would talk on video about his experiences. He's obviously in the last of his life and his mind is still clear. I don't want that bit of history lost. He refuses to talk about it though. I can't blame him for he had to have been through hell. I appreciate all soldiers for giving like they do. I've never met a veteran who didn't love the medics. I used to work with a guy who had been a helicopter medic in Afghanistan. He had saw some horrible things. The body has to absorb what the eyes are allowed to see.
Charles Merrill if he is ever willing to tell his story we would be honored to capture it. You can fill out a veteran form on our website www. Memoirsofwwii.com
big WW2 buff (at least for 36yrs old) and watching these interviews both equally warms my heart to see a man who survived the war and saddens me that the WW2 survivors dont have much time left. I want to also add that there is something truly wonderful about medics. In all the chaos of war, the medic is the one guy trying to save lives while most are trying to take them.
addendum : i wish i could shake that mans hand, i teared up a couple times in this damn video.
Solid comment boss, god bless all our vets and the U.S.A
what these boys saw in war, scared them for the rest of their lives. "Thank you for your service" seems meaningless
Forgive me if I’m wrong but
That last bit was totally taken from hacksaw ridge
Forgive me if I’m wrong but
That last bit was totally taken from hacksaw ridge
"scarred", I know that some people will think you meant scared, as in afraid.
I'm a medic and I hope I can be as strong as this man and do my job to the best I can to help others
SurXShadow how do you become a medic when you enlist
@@maxia4584 i think they pick you cant pick idk though. I could be wrong
William farmer wrong actually you can pick the job you just have to have a good asvab score
RIP Mel... so sad to hear of his passing.
It would be really nice if you could briefly state what these heroes did after the war. For example, did Melvin go into medicine? It would be cool to find out what they did as civilians. My Dad flew B-17 Bombers in the 366th Bombardment Squadron flying out of Chelveston, England, but after the war he stayed in the Army Air Corps (converted to US Air Force in 1947) where he remained for 30 years. His service gave me the most rewarding life possible as an Air Force Dependent. We lived in Morocco, Germany, and Japan. I couldn't have asked for a more rewarding life because of my Dad's service. Thank you for doing these videos.
dojmike Thanks for the suggestion! Interestingly enough, Mel went on to various jobs following the war, but - to my knowledge- none in the medical field. But you’ll be glad to know that next month’s episode goes into detail about what the veteran went on to after the war :) Thanks again, and thanks to your father for his service.
What you’re doing is amazing Josh. Thank you so much.
Luke Halpern thank you, Luke. And thanks for watching!
I could spend all day watching these stories.
My Dad was part of the Normandy invasion, he was a Combat Engineer assigned to Utah Beach, though he passed in 1989, I thought I'd share a story that I learned about after his passing.
I watch everything I can about WWII in hopes of learning more about his involvement. In 1996 I moved with my Son to Wyoming, where he wrestled and played football in Jr and Sr HS. On both of these teams he had a teammate with the last name of Toye. Like myself this boys parents were quiet and pretty much kept to themselves. Today I wish we would have exchanged more than just some congratulatory remarks regarding our sons athletics.
A few years later when I was watching the series "Band of Brothers" I was introduced to Joe Toye, a member of this glorious group of heros and wondered if there was any connection to my son's teammate. Then later on while watching a documentary about the Band Of Brothers I learned just how instrumental Joe Toye was in taking out the big German guns that were shelling Utah Beach where my Dad was making his way ashore. I thought "Wow, this guy probably saved my Dad's life"!
In a few minutes more into the film, Joe Toye's Son was interviewed, low and behold he was the parent of my Son's team mate. What a small world.
Since then I tried contacting the Toye family to share the story, but they have since left WY. Maybe someone reading this will have some information about them or the Combat Engineers that landed on Utah Beach.
God Bless all of our fallen hero's from all wars!
Hello sir, let me briefly introduce myself then throw an idea at you on how you may be able to track down the Toye family. I served in the United States Navy from 1992 to 1996. When I first joined the Navy, I had no idea that the ship I would be assigned to would turn out to be the greatest honor of my lifetime. After completing boot camp and short training for my job, I was then assigned to USS Normandy (CG 60) based in Staten Island New York. I obviously probably don't have to tell you what that ship is named after. I served on board from December 28th 1992 through September 15th 1996. We were tasked, or should I say, given the honor of, going to Portsmouth England for the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. We spent the best part of a week in Portsmouth, then on June 6th transited the English Channel to the beaches of Normandy, following the exact path our great Heroes, your father included, took on that fateful day. I must say that it was a very humbling yet eerie experience Crossing that channel then seeing the beaches and the imposing cliffs on the other side where the attack was made. That experience left a permanent mark on me seeing where this great piece of military history took place. And I can tell you that myself and every crewmen of that ship is humbled to have served on her, and hold your father and all the other Heroes of that day in the highest regard. We feel it is no greater honor then to serve on that ship and keep the memory of your father and his brothers alive.
As for finding the Toye family, have you considered looking on Facebook? You said your son was teammates with one of them in high school. I'm sure he remembers his name. A quick search on Facebook could very well find him, then of course lead you to the people you'd love to speak to. I don't know you or them, but reading your story and knowing what I know and how I feel about D-Day, it would be so cool to find out that you folks somehow reconnected and could have the moment and conversations that I'm sure you would love to have with them. If you try that and have any luck please let me know. I sure would love to hear about it.
@@garymorris216 Dear Eagle View, first off thank you for your service to our Nation. Secondly thank you for your response, i did not know there was a ship named the USS Normandy. What an experience that must have been. I would love to go and visit this hallowed ground.
I have tried Facebook and we found the grandson, but he seems to have abandoned his page. He had not been on the site for a few years, I did leave a message but never got a response. Thanks Again and God Bless You.
don't give up the search,there are many ways through the services that may help.good luck and God bless from an old army engineer 926th combat engineers 1971-1977.
"Right up to where your ding dong is..." Hahaha what a lad! His enthusiasm is invaluable!
How terrible that must be. Fighting a war overseas....19 and probably never been outside of the county you lived in. Grew up in simple times only to find yourself mortally wounded....knowing that your dying.....in a foreign land....and all your thoughts are about your family mom dad, brothers and sisters friends and high school....... and you are dying. Gives me chills to even try to imagine that. Thank you for your service Sir. That was very kind hearted of you to not let your friend suffer his last minutes on earth. This is why we stand for the National anthem and pledge allegiance to the flag. Because of men like this. The ones in this story....living and dying.
Reminds me of a member of my old church who died a few years back. Was with Pattons 3rd Army and was on the race across France when somewhere around dday plus 6 he was wounded in the leg when a German shell hit his armored car.
He was sent to hospital for several weeks and when he was okayed to go back to fight he was sent to the Hurtgen forest.
He wouldn't talk about the Hurtgen.
God bless you and rest easy Jim Potter.
A True American hero, still wearing his dogtags, more worried about his buddies then himself..makes me proud to know, we have freedom because of guys like this
No arms no legs, just a body. That is the reality of war. God bless this man who did his duty
And bless the guys who clean out those tanks..
@@brianjschumer Read the book by Belton Cooper: Death Trap. He was the officer in charge of Tank recovery.
“You trip that thing it would shoot right up to your ding dong” 🤣 I love this guy. Thank you Melvin ❤️
These ARE the few remaining people from the truly greatest generation. Lives with such a past and can still keep a smile on his face. Bless this man!
Respect the people who fought for us to have our freedom
THANK YOU TO ALL THE "DOCS"WHO HELPED MANY OF OUR SOLDIERS COME BACK HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES.
This is probably the best channel on youtube. All these war vets need to be remembered for what they went through.
RESPECT , HONOR, ADMIRATION,
"Everybody was tryin' to do everybody in for some reason" says a WWII vet about his experience on the battlefield, a grin to boot. Strong man. The medics don't get enough credit. Thanks for doing this.
I can't believe that there's videos don't have more views history good or bad can never be erased
My grandfather was a medic in France. I sometimes wonder how many people he experienced a few moments of life, and death with. He never talked about the details of much of anything. Godspeed grandpa, Harold Lorenz. My own hero.
Sir, thank you endlessly for your service and may God bless you always!!!!! ✝️🇺🇸✝️
The selflessness it takes to sit with your best mate on a battlefield knee deep in snow while he is in agony and having the compassion and courage to give that man enough morphine to rest is incredible.
What a man. Hero.
These are the people who we should be celebrating , these are the hero's of the world , NOT actors or singers or sports stars and certainly NOT THESE FAKE SO CALLED CELEBS that are called hero's by the media just for opening a door themselves, He is the type of person I would be happy and proud to shake his hand and tell him he is a HERO.
lythalls I don't think these people wanna be that famous
lythalls - absolutely agree!
And back then celebs JOINED the war effort. Totally diff time. :/
Who ever inspires people is a hero. Not only soldiers are heroes
THE GREATEST GENERATION
He seems like a genuinely happy guy. but when he started talking about walking over dead bodies every day, that took the smile right off his face...even the happiest of guys are no match for the realities of war. He is a better man then most anyone living today.
Sharp as a tack. It is our honour to not forget these men.
The old doctor was incredible in looking death in the face and smiling. He had a very tough job and he did it with flying colours. What an American icon
This guy is so full of life and energy I bet he could fight a couple more wars. Such a good story
How his outlook is so positive.
Notice how young he looks and how good his mind is ! This man words spoke to me.
I sure would want a man like Mel to have my back. A true hero.
I love and cherish every ww2 memoir here man. Thank you for allowing me to listen to real men. 🙏 may God have mercy on every American soldier who never made it back home
My grandfather was on a doctors ship at the end of WWII. He turned 18in March 1945, joined the Navy and was on the ships USS Benevolence and USS St. Paul. Both were in the Philippines, I believe, to test the results of the atomic bombs. He’s 91 years and still kicking. :)
maggs06 please tell your grandfather we said thank you. And thank you for watching :)
tell your gramps he is a good man for standing up and pick his brain and write things down for your kids
maggs06- If you get the opportunity you should record some conversations with him.👍
Thw fact that he was a surgeon working the front lines in WW2 is amazing to me!! He's gotta be a pretty smart guy to learn all of that crammed into mere months of training
Truly, the greatest generation. Grampy and my uncle were in WWII. They had that same spirit. :-) God bless Melvin. He's awesome. The best doc.
This guy is great. The things he has seen and had to deal with are incredible but he is a refreshing soul. His attitude is the same way we were raised and taught to emulate. Men did what they had to do and then moved on. No complaining, no whining.
It had to be difficult to hold peoples lives in your hands but this man did what he had to do and there are probably people alive today that might not be if it hadn't been for him. Patriotism wasn't called dirty nationalism and you spoke the truth, even if someone got offended. God bless Melvin Young and all the other heroes of our patriotic past and present. 🙏🏼
I heard a story from a ww2 medic who said when he first went into battle he made sure he had enough gauze and all the medic stuff and his second time going back to war he just wanted as much morphine as he could carry cause he’d rather have his boys die easy and painless than die in pain and agony..
RIP to a true hero and beautiful soul
When he said he put his best friend to sleep i can't stop but tear up he did the right thing but damn how can he be so professional he is a great man
This guy is extraordinary
Putting your best friend to sleep.. I can't imagine how painful it must've been!😟
Rest In Peace Doc
His energy is so powerful . Such a beautiful soul . One of a kind that guy is .
RIP to this man thank you sm for your service and god bless you
This gentleman is amazing. Bless him and his sacrifice. Mind boggling how calm and collected he is.
God bless Medic Young
I can hear the pain behind the humor and laughing. God bless you man.
Everybody was looking to do each other in, bouncing Betty, blow ding ding, etc. Only a true vet can smile and joke about war. God bless this guy!
Each of these veteran videos just about makes me want to cry. To think that these amazing, selfless men we willing to sacrifice their all for the defense of freedom and liberty makes me proud to be an American. To all the men and women who have served this country in the armed forces, thank you so much.
I am a Pediatric Intensive Care Flight Nurse. I only hope I can be half the man that this amazing man is.
Thank you so much for these videos, I get goosebumps every single time. I will never ever understand what these men went through for the good of everyone else and their homelands, and I am so grateful for their service. Incredibly brave Men.
What a terrible thing it must have been to put your best friend to sleep, and yet what an unbelievably heartwarming gesture not letting him die in pain. A nice dreamless, painless end is the best anyone can hope for.
PlainSailingWeather well said. Thank you!
As a hospice nurse I admire this man's compassion to alleviate whatever suffering he could under horrific circumstances. I would only hope my friends would be so merciful. Many WW2 Vets that I've cared for were still very hesitant to receiving morphine because of its compassionate use in the war. I always had to assure them that we would not speed things up, as they weren't on the battlefield anymore and didn't have to do those things. Amazing man. Thank you so much for your service and dedication to saving our soldiers
His sense of humor is incredible haha. "Everyone was trying to do everyone in for some reason." LOL
"Well, everbody was trying to do everbody in for something..."
I admire this man.
This is one of my favorite series shows on utube. And this one is a real peach. Thank you
Let us pray for strength to stand to our trials. And not to avoid them. They are what teaches us to be better people.
i love his attitude
I love when he said "I ENLISTED OF COURSE!"
He said "you trip that thing and it shoots a mine into your ding dong and blow you apart right there joe"😭🤣🤣 fucking legend
No thank you is enough for saving our world. I am a veteran of another time period so I salute all through all these conflicts. WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam & Desert storm. Thank you for selfless duty.
Thank you for your service, Daniel
My grandfather was in the 82nd Airborne, and was also at the Battle of the Bulge. He said he never like cold nights after that. It's a good thing he lived in the South.
Thank you for posting this video. My grandfather also served in the 94th infantry BOTB. I had the honor of going back to Europe with him on a WWII tour when he was 91 years young. All of these men fulfilled what God created them to be... true hero's. Keep up the good work
Thank you, Jason. What an amazing trip that must have been! Gratitude and respect for your grandfather's service.
God bless Jason, thank you for sharing your cherished memory. Your grandfather is a hero.
This guy tore my heart. Knowing his friend was going to die. He did what he had to so his friend wasn't in pain. I felt that in my heart.
A living Legend. America and her people thanks you.
My Great Grandfather was a tank commander for the US and he survived 4 of his tanks getting blown up. Met my Great Grandma in Germany and then my Nana came along with her 2 brothers and then my Nana has my mom and here i am. Much respect to this man much much respect.
I have watched these all day. Any service member has my respect. I wanna say more but dunno what else to say but thank you to all that have served.
R.I.P. Melvin Young. Thank you for your service. You are a legend and will never be forgotten.
He seems like such an incredible man!
He is an absolute legend
This channel has some of the best & most emotion invoking videos I've seen on youtube. Everyone of these men are heroes. True badasses.
UberSchnitzle thank you for watching!
@@MemoirsofWWII They were a pleasure to watch. Thank you for taking the time to make them. I'm not sure of your background, but I'd like you to know that these videos are just as good if not higher quality than any mainstream/high budget doc I've seen. Really great work.
RIP
My great grandpa would’ve been with him he traveled with the 94th as a tank driver into the battle of the buldge with them. It’s really odd to think but they may have just known each other. He’s long since past but men like him keep his herioc legacy live on.
I've been a present day paramedic for 24 years I can't imagine doing this under the threat of being fired at everyday you have I respect SIR. From one medic to another you are a true hero friend
Such amazing men who served our country, they gave everything and I salute all who have served our United States of America.
God bless all of our Veterans!!!
🇺🇸
When I was working at my last job one of our frequent customers was a World War 2 vet with the Marines.
I can't tell you how small I felt when I shook his hand and said thank you the appreciation that beamed on his face.
One of the best days of my life.
The men who served with Melvin were comforted in knowing that Melvin was there.
What an absolute doll of a man. Still smiling even as he recounts almost being mowed down. My god.
My grandfather was a medic in the Pacific for four years. He died when I was eleven and I had no idea the kind of experiences he must've had. You'd never have known he'd been in war -- just like this man, he was the sweetest person in the world. It almost makes me wonder if they had a sense about which guys would be the best medics -- which would be the most kind, the most loving, the most compassionate. They picked exactly that when they chose my grandfather for that job.
It also makes me wonder if medics had the advantage as veterans in that...they were there to help people survive in the moment, rather than being there to kill the enemy. Maybe you come home feeling like you at least did something positive...I don't know. I don't doubt that the horrors still stick with you; that there's survivor's guilt just like anyone else would have...but I wonder if there's any solace in being tasked with saving people in war vs killing.
Why would somebody dislike the video?
The narration most likely.
Grandchildren of dead German solders
Nazi’s
Fadil Langston ikr, sounds like he needs to move about two feet away from the mic and have some water
Probably dome SJW thinking they know shit about what this amazing man went through. They think they fight evil when they are.
My neighbor is a WW2 veteran. He's an amazing man. The stories he has told me are breath taking.
I hope when I pass, I can have someone like Mel there to see me through my last moments.
I wish every teenage kid had to listen to these men recall their time at war. I have had my 12 year old grandson sit a watch. I can tell some of the recollections get to him. I’ve told him to be very thankful for the sacrifices our military has made. God Bless them all.
This guy can tell story’s with out getting emotional, I appreciate it.
Thanks for your service sir
Listening to this story makes me sad that I know nothing of my great grandfathers story as a sniper in the war. He took it with him to his grave. I never asked him because I was told not too, and he never talked about it either. I wish I knew his story, so I knew what to be thankful for. He served as a sniper, and fought in Italy
Zulfburht I feel the same about my grandfather. He was in the Navy in the South Pacific...but that’s pretty much all I know. I wish I had asked him about it.
william III I can’t imagine the hardships he must’ve endured.
Zulfburht snipers were often viewed as a different breed, specialist and isolated.
We were always told not to ask my Uncle Milo (great-uncle) about his time at St Vith during the Battle of the Bulge. Once I was old enough to understand how important it was I DID ask him, and I also asked why he never talked about it. He said "Nobody ever asks me." That broke my heart that for 40+ years he had stayed silent, thinking nobody cared about his story. #106thGoldenLion #424th #LionInTheWay
My grandfather died when I was young, so I didn't get a chance to know him. He too was in the Navy as a radio operator. I've searched and searched records and can't find anything. I have one pic of him in San Francisco with my grandmother, returning from war. He died young, at 59, after years of hard drinking/alcoholism... I often wonder if it was due to the war.
Having done palliative care as part of my nursing career, I have great respect for him putting his friend to sleep. It was the most humane and loving thing he could have done. God Bless you sir and thank you for your service. 🇨🇦
Thank you Sir God bless you. My Grandfather faught against the Japanese, and my Uncle against the Germans. My father also served during Vietnam. Thank you all
This is the first time in a while that i couldn't hold back tears. Something about ww2 veterans gets me every time.
I love how this man chuckled when he mentioned machine gun fire went right over him, heck... I'd be screaming bloody murder.
It’s amazing how sharp his mind still is. I wouldn’t believe he was over 80 years old.