"Vincent, for my 100th birthday, came here and cut out a piece of this runway . . . I have a piece of this runway in my study at home." Damn right you do, sir.
My buddy Art from cleveland has a chunk of his helicopter hanging in his garage. shot down or crashed i think 5 times. Once got trapped under his heli after a crash in enemy territory for 3 hours. I asked him how he withstood the terror. he said it was one of the few times he wasn’t scared. Because ‘THEY ALWAYS CAME FOR THEIR GUYS.’ bronze star w valor and multiple purple hearts. he was a door gunner. His namesake and uncle died in WW2. American hero.
@@TheHistoryUndergroundI don’t know what 102 looks like but I’ve rehabilitated a lot of elderly and it’s rare that people look as good as he does at that age! If only some of the guys he lost back then could see him now. 😢
In the name of my grandparents, parents and myself, I would like to thank Ed and Bud and their many comrades for their sacrifices they did. Otherwise we wouldn't be here. Thank you! Warm greetings from Belgium!
These videos of these Great Men from WWII , returning to Europe and discussing what they went through & had to do to ensure the "World's" FREEDOM , are just fabulous !!! I get choked up watching them every time !!! To those HEROES , I would like to just say THANK YOU !!! Our debt to you can never be repaid !!! God Bless you all !!!
2 Amazing men who made it home. We need to listen to them and learn from them. Greatest Generation is leaving us and soon they all will be gone. Hearing them talk about their experiences is something we should cherish because when they are gone so will their stories. Thank you JD for sharing these Veterans and their stories with us.👍♥️😊
Both my parents served during WWll,(RN, and RAF) and as a child, I did ask them about their stories. Most of the time they were obliging, but always held back I think on the more scarier details. I just didn't ask enough and now they're both gone. I miss them very much and I find watching your videos (especially WWll ones) makes me feel closer to them. It's so important that we record all the stories from the eye witnesses, before they are gone, rather than research history after the fact.
@@dukecraig2402yes but it is very important for survivors to be witnesses to what really happened. If they don't want to include all the details they can include in wrong journals, letters or videos now for later, after they die.
@@nancymilawski1048 First off it's not like we lack documentation of WW2, it's the single most documented event in the history of mankind. And just because someone was in a war does not make them morally obligated to convey or record their experiences, it's their experiences and if they don't want them recorded that's entirely their business, sometimes people see and hear things they figure no one else should experience and if that's the way they feel about it then that's their call.
I was a US Army Military Policeman from 1982-85 in Mainz Germany, which is 45 mins down the Rhine from Koblenz. The Rhine River between these 2 cities is on of the most beautiful places on earth. Wine country, rolling hills, and more castle per sq mile than anywhere else in the world.
I was stationed in Manheim in February 1984 right out of AIT, a few months after I got there they were looking for volunteers to be on a team from our battalion to go to Nijmegen Holland and do the annual 100 mile march there which happens in late July every year, half of my battalion was about 30 minutes down the road in a little town called Germersheim, that's where they decided to have all of us spend the next months training for the march because it was in the countryside instead of bringing those guy's up our way to Manheim which is a city about the size of Pittsburgh. Germersheim is a little town right on the Rhine river, we started training in about the 2nd week of April when thing's were about like you see here, late winter/early spring with no leaves on the tree's yet and still a bit on the cool and rainy side, throughout the next couple months I spent it walking all through the Rhine Valley out there in the countryside in the spring time, what an incredible experience that was, every day on foot watching the Rhine Valley come alive from it's winter sleep, watching it go from what you see here to everything being in full bloom, all the tree's that flower like cherry and apple trees, all the farmer's starting to work their farms for the year including the countless vineyards that dotted the countryside in that region. It was actually very much like the Monongahela Valley where I'm from in Pennsylvania but instead of steel mills and coke batteries dotting the countryside it was orchards and vineyards, which smelled a lot better than the steel mills and coke batteries and looked like something from a postcard instead of that one author's description of the steel industry in the Monongahela Valley "Hell with the lid off". Ever since then every spring I think about how lucky I was to be able to have seen the Rhine Valley come to life in the spring time on foot, stopping to get something to drink in those little towns we'd walk through and sit there watching the local Fraulein's walking around, don't get me wrong it's not that I don't appreciate where I'm from but something about it was juuuuust a little bit better than the steel mills and the local girls wearing their Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys. I wish I'd have had the sense back then to carry a camera around everywhere I went like my buddy did, but now that we live in the digital age he's been scanning some of them and sending them to me, which is great because from not having them all these years to look at it's almost like getting to do it all over again each time I see one I haven't seen in 40 years. One last note, and I just realized this the other day when someone on the news mentioned that this year will be the 80th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy, I remember the particular day of June 6th 1984 when I was stationed over there because Stars and Stripes magazine had a big front page story about it being the 40th anniversary of D-Day, as soon as I realized something I called my old Army buddy with the pictures who'd been on that team with me, I told him "Do you realize that it's the same amount of time from D-Day to when we were stationed in Germany as it is from the time we were stationed in Germany until now?" Man, talk about realizing your age, I'm now the same age as one of those guy's who fought on D-Day was on that day when I was in Germany looking at that Stars and Stripes. But what's screwed up, is that now that we're that age in life we don't get the same respect from young people that we gave to people the age we are now, for some reason young people think it's their place in life to mouth off to and even lecture people 3 times their age, I'll be 60 in a year and a half and not once in life have I had even so much as a little kid address me as "Mr", when I was a little kid if I'd have addressed someone my age by their first name I'd have gotten a thumping I'd remember, yea, just like countless generations before us we spent our youth being respectful to older people even if we didn't like them and now that it's our turn to be respected it's "None for you".
What words, what words can truly convey what the Greatest Generation experienced and endured during the carnage of WW2. You had to have been there. Thankfully there are great people such as JD who can break down the War to understandable levels. Thanks JD.
My Dad flew in the Navy in WW2-he was stationed in the South Pacific in '44 and '45. He would have been 103 this year. I am very proud of his service, and very proud of you, Ed and Bud. We are humbled by your bravery-thank you men!
I dont know you, but am also proud of your family. My Gramps passed some time ago, but would be 99. He was AAF 42-45 In the B17. 301st Bombardment 419sq, Africa/Europe
This was probably my favorite episode. I love Bud’s hair joke! But he has wise words about criticizing something you weren’t there to experience. Hindsight is always 20/20 and people now think they know better.
This gentleman, Mr Cottrell is twice my age and he is a lot sharper than people I know half my age. What a great video, JD. Thanks for sharing these living national treasures with us.
So thrilled that someone is preserving so much history for the next generation. Gramps was 8th/12th/15th AAF 301st BG 419sq. MSgt engineer in the mighty B17
Amazing these 2 are still here today to tell their story. Imagine seeing the same ditch you were hiding in 70 some odd years later. The piece of runway cutout years before had me laughing. That's when you know the place had an impact on you. Great video just don't know how you put this all together. Preserving history is priceless!
As someone who follows your videos, religiously, I always find them so much more educational and entertaining when you interview veterans from, the ground war, from the Air Force and navy in World War II. There’s nothing like hearing from their mouths exactly what happened. They were great men and women, they WERE the greatest generation, my father was among them, and I thank God every day that they had the courage to do what they had to do! 🇺🇸🇺🇸👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
I want to thank these two amazing heroes for their service! It was just wonderful to hear your account of the war.God Bless you both. I was born in 1949. I worry about the majority of the younger generations who don't know the history of the wars America has been involved in and why. Grammy from Texas
Man, that was epic. I don’t think it ever gets better than hearing from the veterans themselves…being on location is the cherry on top. Thank you so much for capturing this, JD!!
I can't even imagine what they are seeing and truly feeling as they stand there and look at everything as it is now and what it was 80 years ago. Wish I could see it like they do!! What a great episode J.D.! Thank you!
Hearing these stories hit home. Also it hit home that I had a 4th cousin who was in the 361st fighter group and part of the “Mighty 8th” he was a P-47 thunderbolt pilot and got shot down over Germany his name is 3rd LT Collier W Todd Jr. Thanks JD for bringing us these hard worked and informative videos and sharing these vets stories! 🙏🏻
I’m constantly left speechless by your videos. My only wish would be that my Grandfather and Great Grandfather could have seen your videos. Amazing, my utmost respect and gratitude to your guests in this video. “They certainly don’t make them nowadays, like they used to!” Thanks for another wonderful video! Greetings from Germany
I love listening to these gentlemen and their experiences! My own father was a WWII vet that told us so.e of his experiences but not much. He passed 10 years ago but would have loved watching these! Thanks!
Thanks JD for letting Vincent, Bud and Andrew speak of what happened. I especially appreciate what Bud said about the results of the bombing campaign was. My Dad volunteered for the invasion of Japan, to go back to the infantry from the engineering company he was in. If they had invaded Japan instead of dropping the atomic bombs, I probably wouldn’t be here with my family along with some good folks in Japan. It’s a terrible thing to say, but we should salute the people who ended the war by any means necessary.
JD, I don't know what I'd do without your channel and videos. Thank you for bringing these fine gentleman's stories to life and document them for years/generations to come. The world does not need to forget their voices and stories. Thank you for all that you do.
JD, this is incredible. I teared up thinking about how special it was that you are actually there with vets that used that airfield. Wow!!!!! When they gave him that photo?- just wow! This is such a special episode
WOW! incredible video about two incredible Pilot's . what a generation these men came from, I love hearing their stories, thanx a Million for this episode!
J.D. I've just watched this through and I have to say, the video is OUTSTANDING. To listen to those pilots (both the Thunderbolt pilot and the B17 Crewmember is truly remarkable. It's even more so when he talks about his 100th birthday! He is still sharp and articulate and the very amusing tale of the B17 Crewmember being asked "What the hell is that big-ass bird doing here!" I watch so many of your videos and much praise to you. You are giving many people like me a lot of enjoyment with your thoroughly brilliant work. I salute you Sir and look forward to future videos. With best wishes from England.
Whenever I see videos like these, I always get reminded of one of my great family friends who I've known for a long time. But here is the kicker, since I lived in Germany, he was a kreigsmarine wwii veteran. His story is like Nothing I've seen or heard from the American wwii vets I've met. He actually escaped a Yugoslavian POW camp in I believe August of 1947 with 4 or 5 of his friends and went on a 6 month trek to Austria to get to the Austrian Embassy to get their freedom. He served on the Admiral scheer from 1941 to 1944 and was captured in Cyprus while training to be a senior Morse code operator. He also talked about polishing the antenna bulbs and had to climb 30 feet to reach them, especially when he was in Norway. Also he turned 100 last year in December.
I do impressed with these Airmen remaining this Air Field and there service to our country. Loosing friends and yet pressing forward with the mission at hand. Loved listening to them recounting there missions. Thanks for sharing this special time. ❤️💯👍👊
Oh wow! It’s cool to hear about Ted Smith-I go to Wenatchee almost every summer because I love the atmosphere. Maybe I’ll send some emails in to the mayor and see about setting up a memories for him 🤔 either way, I’m very grateful to this veteran for protecting my life and my future (even though I wasn’t born until 50+ years after the war 😂) but still… there’s no saying whether any of us would be here if men like him hadn’t stepped up to the plate when duty called. Thank you for sharing your stories with us! 🫡🇺🇸
Been getting caught up on your videos JD and I have to say this is what I think is one of the best you've done on WWII with having both of these gentlemen tell their stories.
JD, so important a work. Thanks to you and everyone who made this possible. This connects all my lifetime together; everyone I knew growing up had direct experience of what I still call “the war”. To hear this discussed again by people who were there is breathtaking to me. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to hear and see this at this time in my life. My POV is no longer that of a bombarded young person trying to gain a first understanding of the world around her. The effort invested and the brilliant use of technology and the power of the mind invested to create this jewel is an example of the agency of human beings to give enlightenment to the human family.
What a great video thank you Vincent for your service 🇺🇲 my grandfather was with General George S Patton 3rd Army in Bastone I remember him telling us how cold it was on Christmas Day 1944 he said those guys with the 101st airborne were some of the toughest son of u know what he said he was talking to a few of the guys and they said they had everything under control lol but they were happy that general Patton made through i always got a good laugh when he would tell us that story love you grandpa God Bless America And Her Allies 🇺🇲👍👍
It's so awesome to hear these stories right from the men who were there 👍 Heck of an opportunity JD. I'm glad you're sharing it with all of us. I watched the first two episodes of Masters of the Air last night and can't wait for the next one. Those men are true heroes.
JD. These interviews with these veterans they are just PRICELESS !!! WE LOOSE WWW 2 VETERANS FAST . You are preserving history through your work. Just think if we could have videos like this from civil war vets ( on either side ) what that would mean today.
My Dad's brother was a US Marine that was to be part of the invasion force of Japan, had they not surrendered. He ended up part of the occupation force of Japan after the surrender. My Dad was Army, stationed in the Aleutian Islands during the war.
Amazing stories from extraordinary men. I flew in the USAF. There is no comparison between OIF/OEF and WWII. We had it easy and so many complained. I want to thank them for saving us.
My hometown, great to see the history of the airfield being relived with these brave men. Also Hendrik really nice intro to the history of the airfield. We played soccer together when we where younger. Thank you so much for this great episode.
Me as a now 32 year old having stories told to me by my Grandma about the war back in the day and having a interest in WW2 eversince, its great seing you cover this especially THIS close to home. Enjoy the now peacefull little Limburg while ur here 🙏. A little further north in my home town on the bank of the Meuse we have a modest monument dedicated to a crew of a Stirling MkIII EE873 ‘WP-D’ of 90th Squadron.
Such a different place and time. These are ordinary guys who were called on to do extraordinary things. My dad was in 15th Air Force stationed in Italy 44-45.
My mother's cousin was a navigator on a B24 in the 15th Air Force, he didn't make it, shot down and killed Aug 27th 1944, they were on their 20th mission.
You always do a spectacular job 💪🏻🇺🇸 all respect, dad was in the Navy USS New Jersey, he only made it to 78 years old 😢 God Bless these men, ✝️ yes I'm watching Master's of the Air and crying the whole time 😞
Thank you for this great presentation. It's so powerful to hear these stories, while at the exact location, with the men who actually lived them. AMAZING!
What lovely gentlemen recalling their memories. It was something that Mr Haedike said that really jumped out, about people today thinking they know better, because there is a lot of revisionary material written today. Remember the bomber crews were following direct orders, their task may have been unpleasant but it was necessary. The one criticism i have of my own country, Churchill and the politicians treated commonwealth air crews appallingly at the end of the war, and effectively turned their back on men who were carrying out direct orders from above, and even denied them campaign medals. God bless these two gentlemen.
Thanks JD, another impressive story told by the men who were actually there. Soon they will all be gone, but these interviews will survive and hopefully so will the memory of what they did.
We are a couple hours away. Our HQs still has teams do the march. It’s still a big event and props to you for doing it. That is no small accomplishment
@@johnauten6111 Between the training, two 100 mile qualification marches we had to do and the actual march itself my team walked just over 820 miles in 3 months, but it was worth it to be in Nijmegen the night of the last day, wow, what a party, Golden Earring even had a free concert in the large square in the middle of the city, what a night that was. I'd love to go back to Nijmegen to visit, I've always wanted to, maybe one day I'll have the resources to do it, every year since I've had internet access I've kept track of the news coming out of Nijmegen about the march, I've seen where several years they've had abbreviated versions of it because of the heat.
Those two are very special, along with the rest of the veterans from all wars! I found my self getting emotional while listening to both of them. What a blessing to hear their stories and what they went through! God Bless them and the rest that gave their all! JD, I say it all the time, it's from my heart! Thank you for keeping History Alive! It is so important for all to learn from the past! Great Job Brother, thank you for sharing this!
JD….. I say this after every new video you post. The best! But this one sure brings it to reality listening to these veterans who were there. They both look great and both sharp minds. God Bless them for what they did and can still tell us their experiences. It would be great to post that photo of Ed visting his buddies grave site. Thank you as always for bringing us this rich American history. 🇺🇸👍💪
Another great video! I’m always taken back hearing the stories from our amazing veterans. History at it’s best, and very well presented. Thanks for sharing JD!
You should make a trip to the East Anglia region of the UK (England) and look at the many air fields / air stations that were here during WWII, most of which were operated by the USAAF. Near the city where I live we have three alone, the famous BOXTED Air Field, WORMINGFORD and BIRCH, which was the last airfield to be built for the USAAF in WWII and saw action for Operation Market Garden. Both BOXTED and Wormingford have great memorials and museums. Wormingford is still in use, by a local glider club. So yes, it would be worth your time to visit the airfields dotted around East Anglia. I'm sure you'd be able to make a very interesting video..
sadly that more WWII veterans never told their stories like these men did...my dad never spoke of his time and i had to learn from family and old high school buddies of his
You’re my absolute most favorite historian! You explain everything so perfectly. I applaud you for your hard work! I love these incredible men who gave everything selflessly ❤
It’s always all about the fighters and bombers. The small liaison airplanes, where more effective than all the B17’s Spotting enemy and directing the Artillery to fire upon these positions, where so effective, the Germans rewarded their soldiers with a 2 weeks off the line, when they took a one out of the air. In the attempts doing so, they immediately found out, not to try anymore, because they where treated with some will aimed hits of shells! If you want, check out some footage I make. This one is showing some eyes in the sky during a liberation tour in the south west of the Netherlands. th-cam.com/video/uOuY44FiHFE/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
"Vincent, for my 100th birthday, came here and cut out a piece of this runway . . . I have a piece of this runway in my study at home." Damn right you do, sir.
👍🏾🫡🇺🇸❤️
My buddy Art from cleveland has a chunk of his helicopter hanging in his garage. shot down or crashed i think 5 times. Once got trapped under his heli after a crash in enemy territory for 3 hours. I asked him how he withstood the terror. he said it was one of the few times he wasn’t scared. Because ‘THEY ALWAYS CAME FOR THEIR GUYS.’
bronze star w valor and multiple purple hearts. he was a door gunner. His namesake and uncle died in WW2. American hero.
Was that the best comment, or what? Love it!
He deserves it! I am so glad he has that! Wow!
Watching this again JD, I can’t help myself-great episode, hearing their stories ~soooo special
These men of the Greatest Generation have such clear and concise memories. Their stories are well worth hearing. Thank you for this episode.
Right , current American generation is not that good.
He is remarkably coherent and physically mobile for his age. I was shocked when he said "for my 100th birthday"
He just turned 102. 😅
@@TheHistoryUndergroundI don’t know what 102 looks like but I’ve rehabilitated a lot of elderly and it’s rare that people look as good as he does at that age! If only some of the guys he lost back then could see him now. 😢
In the name of my grandparents, parents and myself, I would like to thank Ed and Bud and their many comrades for their sacrifices they did. Otherwise we wouldn't be here.
Thank you!
Warm greetings from Belgium!
He’s a 100 with a better memory than me at 58! Bless this man’s history
These videos of these Great Men from WWII , returning to Europe and discussing what they went through & had to do to ensure the "World's" FREEDOM , are just fabulous !!! I get choked up watching them every time !!! To those HEROES , I would like to just say THANK YOU !!! Our debt to you can never be repaid !!! God Bless you all !!!
2 Amazing men who made it home. We need to listen to them and learn from them. Greatest Generation is leaving us and soon they all will be gone. Hearing them talk about their experiences is something we should cherish because when they are gone so will their stories. Thank you JD for sharing these Veterans and their stories with us.👍♥️😊
Both my parents served during WWll,(RN, and RAF) and as a child, I did ask them about their stories. Most of the time they were obliging, but always held back I think on the more scarier details. I just didn't ask enough and now they're both gone. I miss them very much and I find watching your videos (especially WWll ones) makes me feel closer to them. It's so important that we record all the stories from the eye witnesses, before they are gone, rather than research history after the fact.
No, it's good that you didn't press them on the things they didn't want to talk about, some things are better off taken to someone's grave.
@@dukecraig2402yes but it is very important for survivors to be witnesses to what really happened.
If they don't want to include all the details they can include in wrong journals, letters or videos now for later, after they die.
@@nancymilawski1048
First off it's not like we lack documentation of WW2, it's the single most documented event in the history of mankind.
And just because someone was in a war does not make them morally obligated to convey or record their experiences, it's their experiences and if they don't want them recorded that's entirely their business, sometimes people see and hear things they figure no one else should experience and if that's the way they feel about it then that's their call.
These types of videos need to be saved and cherished at all cost. We will never see another Generation like the Greatest.
I was a US Army Military Policeman from 1982-85 in Mainz Germany, which is 45 mins down the Rhine from Koblenz. The Rhine River between these 2 cities is on of the most beautiful places on earth. Wine country, rolling hills, and more castle per sq mile than anywhere else in the world.
I was stationed in Manheim in February 1984 right out of AIT, a few months after I got there they were looking for volunteers to be on a team from our battalion to go to Nijmegen Holland and do the annual 100 mile march there which happens in late July every year, half of my battalion was about 30 minutes down the road in a little town called Germersheim, that's where they decided to have all of us spend the next months training for the march because it was in the countryside instead of bringing those guy's up our way to Manheim which is a city about the size of Pittsburgh.
Germersheim is a little town right on the Rhine river, we started training in about the 2nd week of April when thing's were about like you see here, late winter/early spring with no leaves on the tree's yet and still a bit on the cool and rainy side, throughout the next couple months I spent it walking all through the Rhine Valley out there in the countryside in the spring time, what an incredible experience that was, every day on foot watching the Rhine Valley come alive from it's winter sleep, watching it go from what you see here to everything being in full bloom, all the tree's that flower like cherry and apple trees, all the farmer's starting to work their farms for the year including the countless vineyards that dotted the countryside in that region.
It was actually very much like the Monongahela Valley where I'm from in Pennsylvania but instead of steel mills and coke batteries dotting the countryside it was orchards and vineyards, which smelled a lot better than the steel mills and coke batteries and looked like something from a postcard instead of that one author's description of the steel industry in the Monongahela Valley "Hell with the lid off".
Ever since then every spring I think about how lucky I was to be able to have seen the Rhine Valley come to life in the spring time on foot, stopping to get something to drink in those little towns we'd walk through and sit there watching the local Fraulein's walking around, don't get me wrong it's not that I don't appreciate where I'm from but something about it was juuuuust a little bit better than the steel mills and the local girls wearing their Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys.
I wish I'd have had the sense back then to carry a camera around everywhere I went like my buddy did, but now that we live in the digital age he's been scanning some of them and sending them to me, which is great because from not having them all these years to look at it's almost like getting to do it all over again each time I see one I haven't seen in 40 years.
One last note, and I just realized this the other day when someone on the news mentioned that this year will be the 80th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy, I remember the particular day of June 6th 1984 when I was stationed over there because Stars and Stripes magazine had a big front page story about it being the 40th anniversary of D-Day, as soon as I realized something I called my old Army buddy with the pictures who'd been on that team with me, I told him "Do you realize that it's the same amount of time from D-Day to when we were stationed in Germany as it is from the time we were stationed in Germany until now?"
Man, talk about realizing your age, I'm now the same age as one of those guy's who fought on D-Day was on that day when I was in Germany looking at that Stars and Stripes.
But what's screwed up, is that now that we're that age in life we don't get the same respect from young people that we gave to people the age we are now, for some reason young people think it's their place in life to mouth off to and even lecture people 3 times their age, I'll be 60 in a year and a half and not once in life have I had even so much as a little kid address me as "Mr", when I was a little kid if I'd have addressed someone my age by their first name I'd have gotten a thumping I'd remember, yea, just like countless generations before us we spent our youth being respectful to older people even if we didn't like them and now that it's our turn to be respected it's "None for you".
These men are amazing. Their memory is flawless and their willingness to tell their stories so they won't be lost is heartwarming.
The fact these two gentlemen are with us and able to share their stories is fantastic. Thank you for your service and God bless you both.
What words, what words can truly convey what the Greatest Generation experienced and endured during the carnage of WW2. You had to have been there. Thankfully there are great people such as JD who can break down the War to understandable levels. Thanks JD.
This veteran pilot from WW2 is amazing
Those pilots were very brave souls that protected our American freedoms! Thanks for your service gentlemen.
Our 'freedoms', really?...how about freedom?...
Until you need to pay $400,000 to get an ambulance
As a RAF Bomber command nut, Saint Trond is a special airfield. Thanks for showing
My Dad flew in the Navy in WW2-he was stationed in the South Pacific in '44 and '45. He would have been 103 this year. I am very proud of his service, and very proud of you, Ed and Bud. We are humbled by your bravery-thank you men!
I dont know you, but am also proud of your family.
My Gramps passed some time ago, but would be 99. He was AAF 42-45 In the B17. 301st Bombardment 419sq, Africa/Europe
This was probably my favorite episode. I love Bud’s hair joke! But he has wise words about criticizing something you weren’t there to experience. Hindsight is always 20/20 and people now think they know better.
Bud is the man.
This gentleman, Mr Cottrell is twice my age and he is a lot sharper than people I know half my age. What a great video, JD. Thanks for sharing these living national treasures with us.
So thrilled that someone is preserving so much history for the next generation.
Gramps was 8th/12th/15th AAF 301st BG 419sq. MSgt engineer in the mighty B17
Amazing these 2 are still here today to tell their story. Imagine seeing the same ditch you were hiding in 70 some odd years later. The piece of runway cutout years before had me laughing. That's when you know the place had an impact on you. Great video just don't know how you put this all together. Preserving history is priceless!
As someone who follows your videos, religiously, I always find them so much more educational and entertaining when you interview veterans from, the ground war, from the Air Force and navy in World War II. There’s nothing like hearing from their mouths exactly what happened. They were great men and women, they WERE the greatest generation, my father was among them, and I thank God every day that they had the courage to do what they had to do! 🇺🇸🇺🇸👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
I could listen to these men tell their stories all day long
I want to thank these two amazing heroes for their service! It was just wonderful to hear your account of the war.God Bless you both. I was born in 1949. I worry about the majority of the younger generations who don't know the history of the wars America has been involved in and why. Grammy from Texas
I really appreciate hearing Veterans tell their stories. I've had the privilege of listening to Veterans in person as well. Much respect for them.
Man, that was epic. I don’t think it ever gets better than hearing from the veterans themselves…being on location is the cherry on top. Thank you so much for capturing this, JD!!
I can't even imagine what they are seeing and truly feeling as they stand there and look at everything as it is now and what it was 80 years ago. Wish I could see it like they do!! What a great episode J.D.! Thank you!
Thanks!
Hearing these stories hit home. Also it hit home that I had a 4th cousin who was in the 361st fighter group and part of the “Mighty 8th” he was a P-47 thunderbolt pilot and got shot down over Germany his name is 3rd LT Collier W Todd Jr.
Thanks JD for bringing us these hard worked and informative videos and sharing these vets stories! 🙏🏻
I’m constantly left speechless by your videos. My only wish would be that my Grandfather and Great Grandfather could have seen your videos. Amazing, my utmost respect and gratitude to your guests in this video. “They certainly don’t make them nowadays, like they used to!” Thanks for another wonderful video! Greetings from Germany
I love listening to these gentlemen and their experiences! My own father was a WWII vet that told us so.e of his experiences but not much. He passed 10 years ago but would have loved watching these! Thanks!
Thanks JD for letting Vincent, Bud and Andrew speak of what happened. I especially appreciate what Bud said about the results of the bombing campaign was. My Dad volunteered for the invasion of Japan, to go back to the infantry from the engineering company he was in. If they had invaded Japan instead of dropping the atomic bombs, I probably wouldn’t be here with my family along with some good folks in Japan. It’s a terrible thing to say, but we should salute the people who ended the war by any means necessary.
J.D. you have had a lot of great episodes, but this has to be one of the top three, thanks!
Probably because I didn’t talk as much. 😅
Seriously, thank you. Glad that you enjoyed hearing these men’s stories. Feel free to share it out.
Absolutely amazing video.
Those two men are incredible.
JD, I don't know what I'd do without your channel and videos. Thank you for bringing these fine gentleman's stories to life and document them for years/generations to come. The world does not need to forget their voices and stories. Thank you for all that you do.
Thank you you 2 Veterans for your service.
Hearing there stories by the veterans is priceless...
Especially when they tell the story
We so need to remember our history lest we are doomed to repeat it. Those airmen were amazing! Thank you once again for sharing their experiences!
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JD, this is incredible. I teared up thinking about how special it was that you are actually there with vets that used that airfield. Wow!!!!!
When they gave him that photo?- just wow! This is such a special episode
WOW! incredible video about two incredible Pilot's . what a generation these men came from, I love hearing their stories, thanx a Million for this episode!
What a guy true warrior, great stories. Thank you JD.
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God Bless them ! and your channel for bringing the Vets to Europe.
J.D. I've just watched this through and I have to say, the video is OUTSTANDING. To listen to those pilots (both the Thunderbolt pilot and the B17 Crewmember is truly remarkable. It's even more so when he talks about his 100th birthday! He is still sharp and articulate and the very amusing tale of the B17 Crewmember being asked "What the hell is that big-ass bird doing here!" I watch so many of your videos and much praise to you. You are giving many people like me a lot of enjoyment with your thoroughly brilliant work. I salute you Sir and look forward to future videos. With best wishes from England.
Glad that you enjoyed it.
Whenever I see videos like these, I always get reminded of one of my great family friends who I've known for a long time. But here is the kicker, since I lived in Germany, he was a kreigsmarine wwii veteran.
His story is like Nothing I've seen or heard from the American wwii vets I've met. He actually escaped a Yugoslavian POW camp in I believe August of 1947 with 4 or 5 of his friends and went on a 6 month trek to Austria to get to the Austrian Embassy to get their freedom. He served on the Admiral scheer from 1941 to 1944 and was captured in Cyprus while training to be a senior Morse code operator. He also talked about polishing the antenna bulbs and had to climb 30 feet to reach them, especially when he was in Norway. Also he turned 100 last year in December.
I do impressed with these Airmen remaining this Air Field and there service to our country. Loosing friends and yet pressing forward with the mission at hand. Loved listening to them recounting there missions. Thanks for sharing this special time.
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Oh wow! It’s cool to hear about Ted Smith-I go to Wenatchee almost every summer because I love the atmosphere. Maybe I’ll send some emails in to the mayor and see about setting up a memories for him 🤔 either way, I’m very grateful to this veteran for protecting my life and my future (even though I wasn’t born until 50+ years after the war 😂) but still… there’s no saying whether any of us would be here if men like him hadn’t stepped up to the plate when duty called. Thank you for sharing your stories with us! 🫡🇺🇸
Been getting caught up on your videos JD and I have to say this is what I think is one of the best you've done on WWII with having both of these gentlemen tell their stories.
God bless these veterans and the things they had to see and do our great freedom. Love hearing their stories. Thanks for sharing, J.D.
What a sharp memory. Absolutely loved the video. Thank you JD, for allowing us to hear his stories.
Glad you enjoyed it
A truly beautiful episode. So wonderful listening to the old guys & their stories. Thank you so much for the upload.
So terrific to hear history in the first person.
JD, so important a work. Thanks to you and everyone who made this possible.
This connects all my lifetime together; everyone I knew growing up had direct experience of what I still call “the war”. To hear this discussed again by people who were there is breathtaking to me. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to hear and see this at this time in my life. My POV is no longer that of a bombarded young person trying to gain a first understanding of the world around her.
The effort invested and the brilliant use of technology and the power of the mind invested to create this jewel is an example of the agency of human beings to give enlightenment to the human family.
What a great video thank you Vincent for your service 🇺🇲 my grandfather was with General George S Patton 3rd Army in Bastone I remember him telling us how cold it was on Christmas Day 1944 he said those guys with the 101st airborne were some of the toughest son of u know what he said he was talking to a few of the guys and they said they had everything under control lol but they were happy that general Patton made through i always got a good laugh when he would tell us that story love you grandpa God Bless America And Her Allies 🇺🇲👍👍
It's so awesome to hear these stories right from the men who were there 👍 Heck of an opportunity JD. I'm glad you're sharing it with all of us.
I watched the first two episodes of Masters of the Air last night and can't wait for the next one. Those men are true heroes.
my farther was very grateful - he could not understand why they didn't do better in remembering and being grateful
JD. These interviews with these veterans they are just PRICELESS !!! WE LOOSE WWW 2 VETERANS FAST . You are preserving history through your work. Just think if we could have videos like this from civil war vets ( on either side ) what that would mean today.
My Dad's brother was a US Marine that was to be part of the invasion force of Japan, had they not surrendered. He ended up part of the occupation force of Japan after the surrender. My Dad was Army, stationed in the Aleutian Islands during the war.
Amazing stories from extraordinary men. I flew in the USAF. There is no comparison between OIF/OEF and WWII. We had it easy and so many complained. I want to thank them for saving us.
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These old guys, they are truly great!...wow these stories give me goose-pimples!
My hometown, great to see the history of the airfield being relived with these brave men. Also Hendrik really nice intro to the history of the airfield. We played soccer together when we where younger. Thank you so much for this great episode.
The best videos for me are the ones you link with tv shows, like MOTA and BoB. Keep them up they’re amazing
Me as a now 32 year old having stories told to me by my Grandma about the war back in the day and having a interest in WW2 eversince, its great seing you cover this especially THIS close to home. Enjoy the now peacefull little Limburg while ur here 🙏. A little further north in my home town on the bank of the Meuse we have a modest monument dedicated to a crew of a Stirling MkIII EE873 ‘WP-D’ of 90th Squadron.
Such a different place and time. These are ordinary guys who were called on to do extraordinary things. My dad was in 15th Air Force stationed in Italy 44-45.
My mother's cousin was a navigator on a B24 in the 15th Air Force, he didn't make it, shot down and killed Aug 27th 1944, they were on their 20th mission.
Well done boys thank you for saving our world, great video and tribute to all who served
You always do a spectacular job 💪🏻🇺🇸 all respect, dad was in the Navy USS New Jersey, he only made it to 78 years old 😢 God Bless these men, ✝️ yes I'm watching Master's of the Air and crying the whole time 😞
I was glued to these fantastic stories. Thanks to both of you for your service.
I appreciate hearing the stories of those who served, and I appreciate those who bring their stories to us.💜💜Thank you, gentlemen.
Another great one, JD! Seeing these gentleman reliving their experiences, even in this small way is a priceless gift.
Glad to share it.
Truly remarkable episode. Thank you JD and crew.
Just when I thought I’ve seen your best video this one blows me away! Speechless. I need so many people to see this.
I agree absolutely.
Thank you for this great presentation. It's so powerful to hear these stories, while at the exact location, with the men who actually lived them. AMAZING!
Another great video! These videos with “those that were there” are so important.
What lovely gentlemen recalling their memories.
It was something that Mr Haedike said that really jumped out, about people today thinking they know better, because there is a lot of revisionary material written today.
Remember the bomber crews were following direct orders, their task may have been unpleasant but it was necessary.
The one criticism i have of my own country, Churchill and the politicians treated commonwealth air crews appallingly at the end of the war, and effectively turned their back on men who were carrying out direct orders from above, and even denied them campaign medals.
God bless these two gentlemen.
It is so amazing to hear the stories from these honored veterans! And it is all on film thanks to you and your crew JD!
Our pleasure!
Thanks JD, another impressive story told by the men who were actually there. Soon they will all be gone, but these interviews will survive and hopefully so will the memory of what they did.
That airfield is 50 minutes west of me here in the Netherlands. Thanks for bringing it to light with the Vet’s and their stories
How far are you from Nijmegen?
I was stationed in Germany in 1984 and did the 100 mile march in Nijmegen that year.
We are a couple hours away. Our HQs still has teams do the march. It’s still a big event and props to you for doing it. That is no small accomplishment
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Between the training, two 100 mile qualification marches we had to do and the actual march itself my team walked just over 820 miles in 3 months, but it was worth it to be in Nijmegen the night of the last day, wow, what a party, Golden Earring even had a free concert in the large square in the middle of the city, what a night that was.
I'd love to go back to Nijmegen to visit, I've always wanted to, maybe one day I'll have the resources to do it, every year since I've had internet access I've kept track of the news coming out of Nijmegen about the march, I've seen where several years they've had abbreviated versions of it because of the heat.
I had the honor of meeting Ed Cottrell a few times. Really great guy!
Those two are very special, along with the rest of the veterans from all wars! I found my self getting emotional while listening to both of them. What a blessing to hear their stories and what they went through! God Bless them and the rest that gave their all! JD, I say it all the time, it's from my heart! Thank you for keeping History Alive! It is so important for all to learn from the past! Great Job Brother, thank you for sharing this!
The 10 year wait was definitely worth it i watched the first two episodes and its awesome
JD….. I say this after every new video you post. The best!
But this one sure brings it to reality listening to these veterans who were there. They both look great and both sharp minds. God Bless them for what they did and can still tell us their experiences. It would be great to post that photo of Ed visting his buddies grave site.
Thank you as always for bringing us this rich American history. 🇺🇸👍💪
My bad, I meant to say Ed, not Vince. Apologies.
JD.your work is impeccable Thank you they get better and better with every episode... THANK you FRANK FROM MONTANA.....
Another great video! I’m always taken back hearing the stories from our amazing veterans. History at it’s best, and very well presented. Thanks for sharing JD!
You should make a trip to the East Anglia region of the UK (England) and look at the many air fields / air stations that were here during WWII, most of which were operated by the USAAF. Near the city where I live we have three alone, the famous BOXTED Air Field, WORMINGFORD and BIRCH, which was the last airfield to be built for the USAAF in WWII and saw action for Operation Market Garden. Both BOXTED and Wormingford have great memorials and museums. Wormingford is still in use, by a local glider club. So yes, it would be worth your time to visit the airfields dotted around East Anglia. I'm sure you'd be able to make a very interesting video..
Amazing video. It is great to hear first hand experiences from those who were there. I would love to visit these placesfor myself some day.
sadly that more WWII veterans never told their stories like these men did...my dad never spoke of his time and i had to learn from family and old high school buddies of his
Another BEAUTY JD. Well DONE.
Killer video man! For real though, i appreciate your dedication to your channel and your absolutely incredible content,i love this!
The P-47 Thunderbolt was one bad ass airplane! It was huge and solely designed for destroying tanks.
Awesome video JD. I loved hearing Ed and Bud`s stories. I loved buds hair joke. I`m going to have to use that one. LOL
20:22 I'm not crying, must be someone cutting onions in here.
I’m not crying, you’re crying!
Try chewing a piece of bread the next time and your eyes won't water, it also works when you're chopping onions.
You’re my absolute most favorite historian! You explain everything so perfectly. I applaud you for your hard work! I love these incredible men who gave everything selflessly ❤
This was excellent JD. Thanks
Jd you are making me cry ! What a great show. Keep it up
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Amazing episode! Places where I often fly over and land with my 1945 Grasshopper! Thanx!
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It’s always all about the fighters and bombers. The small liaison airplanes, where more effective than all the B17’s Spotting enemy and directing the Artillery to fire upon these positions, where so effective, the Germans rewarded their soldiers with a 2 weeks off the line, when they took a one out of the air. In the attempts doing so, they immediately found out, not to try anymore, because they where treated with some will aimed hits of shells!
If you want, check out some footage I make. This one is showing some eyes in the sky during a liberation tour in the south west of the Netherlands. th-cam.com/video/uOuY44FiHFE/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
Great episode JD! 👍Thanks for posting.
That was a great episode. Loved listening to their stories. keep bringing us this amazing stuff.
I have to say that thank you for what you did,
Extraordinary video! Mesmerizing. Awe inspiring. Tear jerking.
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Great video. Thank you once again!
Damn.. What an episode. Wow.
Really enjoyed the video mate really last two episodes of masters of the air can't wait for the next episode 👍👍