My Uncle was in the Merchant Marines during WW2. He WAS in combat as a Merchant Marine, his ship was sunk in the Mediterranean. He was rescued by another ship in the convoy.
You can see how Charles Schultz wartime experience influenced his work in "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, when Snoopy imagines himself making his way through the French countryside after he's shot down. Schultz was in France during World War Two. So, he saw the country first hand.
My dad served as a medic during World War II and was stationed in England. He commented once that most of those he treated - and the highest casualties - were from the 8th Air Force. Thanks for highlighting their service.
I find it so fitting as you continue to shine light on these little known histories of service of so many beloved actors and characters from the past. Each account is so inspiring and truly fascinating. God bless all these amazing Heroes and great talents. Thank you to all at TDIH for the research involved and the dignity and respect given in telling these patriotic accounts of service. Riveting stuff as usual. 👍❤️
Another awesome remembrance video of the finest generation! And Thank You for clearing up the rumors of Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Rogers. They were still awesome in their own right.
If anyone doubts how dangerous serving in the US Merchant Marine was, look up the MM runs to Murmansk. Submarines, mines, and saltwater so cold it fractured steel, broke welds on the Liberty Ships’ hulls, and survival time, if thrown into the sea, is measured in just a few minutes.
Yeah I'm sorry, many of them were also: emotional midgets, alcoholics, philanderers, sexual predators, and people that beat the crap outta their kids. Oh and I'm pretty sure Mr. Caine cheated on his wife left and right. ( I may be wrong, but not about all of it) So yeah there were some really good people, but...we have more now I think. We can barely afford families nowadays. And yet millions of people do and they're much better at it than their grandparents. Sorry. I love your channel. It just had to be said🤔🫤
These actors and actresses morales were different than today. Country first careers second. With our Allies they were all heros and true Americans. May they rest in peace.
Wow thanks! Appreciate it. Thank you! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
Attitude about the Chinese Communists, North Vietnamese, Pathet Lao, Hucks, Cubans, and anything, anyone Communist changed for my dad and his children when he had to deal with them directly and their bloody aftermath. In counter intelligence and overseas clandestine service, he is a legend. He and mom, no slacker herself in undercover work, are now in the Arlington National Cemetery.
True casualty rates for many bomber groups.... Was 60% imagine VOLUNTEERING for a job the majority of those who did it died .... Salute to the greatest generation ❣️
Thank you! We appreciate it! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
Love your channel. The heroic actions of famous people- men and women- from wartime service. Equally all your takes on ordinary people and those who gave their lives are just as important. Thank you.
I am SO glad I made a comment about the wonderful Audrey Hepburn and got directed to this video! I am the daughter, sister, cousin, niece, daughter-in-law, aunt, ex-wife X 2, grand daughter, and godmother of U.S. veterans. I am immensely proud of my family, and I volunteer at various veteran groups. There is a famous picture online of my late father-in-law as an Army lieutenant with a Korean POW. His full military honor funeral is also on TH-cam. I really enjoyed this video and I subscribed to your channel. I'm watching the other parts now!
@@ThisDate Thank YOU for these great shows! It's evident you do a tremendous amount of research - and that takes a lot of time. Kudos to y'all for making them so interesting, too.
Thank you!!!! We appreciate it! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
Dude, you are an amazing person. As a vet, I am personally touched by these videos. I'm almost 60 and grew up knowing most of these heroes served. I think a Chuck Norris story might be in the cards. Just saying, a fellow blue vet.
My hat's off to the members of the Merchant Marine !! A lot of these guys were in their 40's and 50's serving in war zones around the World . Couldn't have won without them ! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
One of my uncles served in the Merchant Marines during WWII and made many transatlantic crossings. Both of my grandparents were machinists at the torpedo factory in Arlington, Virginia.
My Daddy was a Merchant Marine. He rarely spoke about it, but when he did, you could always see it in his eyes, that he was very proud of serving in this way. He was 16-17, too young to serve in any other branch armed forces. In fact, he had to do some creative dodging of questions, as it was being too young to enter into kind of combat. The man always had a silver tongue and never met a stranger. Just a "Good Guy" that people truly enjoyed his company. He also was extremely brave and being a 6'4" muscled Viking, not many challenged him. He stayed in the Merchant Marines until he was drafted for service in The Korean War. It was just his luck, if you can call it luck, that he was in Korean waters at the time. They docked the ship and he and 3 others, jumped ashore and walked about a mile and was then in a whole new kind of hell. He never spoke of his time in Korea. I never pumped him for information, and he never had that spark of pride in his eyes. In fact, quite the opposite, he just seemed sad about the whole huge mess, that the Korean War was. All he would say was that he really didn't enjoy being in the Army. Even though he was recommended, by more than one important big wig, for West Point. He was accepted, but decided that the Army was not a career choice that he wanted. Although, he did decide to go to another prestigious University in California's San Francisco Bay Area. He grew up in the Napa Valley, and loved it there. He left the Army behind him and went on to other adventures that is life. He, and eventually my mom and my sister and I, always traveled. Lived in Europe and enjoyed other places around the Globe. He was one hell of a man and I miss him every day, with every heart beat. Mom joined him a few years later. Now they travel in the Cosmos together.
My neighbor was an aviator, "Don't know exactly what his title was". However he was in England and on a B17 that flew missions over Germany in WWII..His name was Robert Bob Evans, I was youngster in Texas and his son was a couple years older than me. Bruce his son and I would scrap copper and Mr.Evans would take us to McDonalds and boy was I disappointed.. Anyway Mr.Evans taught me the value of a penny... He never said anything about the war..I just knew as a machinist that worked for Phillips. I wish I had been a little older to really appreciate what he did in the war.. He did say one thing or Bruce told me he said it."The flack was so thick that it seemed you could walk on it.." and "The old saying about being overly.....and over here ..".. He was a very nice and intelligent man... R. I.P.
It's amazing how many actors and athletes served in WWII. Pat Tillman is the only one I remember from Afghanistan. I'm sure there were others. Are there enough to make a video like this?
I smiled at the myths about Keeshan and Rogers. I had been told that Fred Rogers had been a U.S. Navy SEAL and that he always wore sweaters to cover up the tattoos all over both arms. Yeah, go ahead and laugh.
Finally someone who gets it right with Fred Rogers. A few years ago I was in a discussion with a co- worker about Mr Rogers. I was asked if I knew why mr Rogers always wore long sleeves, I replied no and was immediately told it was because he had sleeves of tattoos on both arms. I was then told he had been a Marine Corps scout sniper that had more confirmed kills than Carlos Hathcock, then I was told he was a Marine Raider, then it finally ended up with him being a Navy Seal. Looking into the matter I found out that Fred had been in College for the most part of his adult life. He had more Degrees in teaching and religion than any person I knew about, including the Pope !! Having served in the United States Marine Corps I knew about Captain Kangaroo and the inside joke was always as the ping pong balls fell around Mr Moose Bob would be standing over him with his Smokey Bear hat screaming “Answer me this maggot, how many @&$#% ping pong balls is that”???
You watch too much ultra pessimistic right wing TV. You’re also a civilian, otherwise you’d know ow how brave our young people are today. Our greatest Hollywood hero, John Wayne, was a draft dodger. Great people respond to challenging times. I’ve seen it first hand. Only a fool would judge people you don’t know based on a biased media echo chamber.
The majority of our actors today think that they are shit don’t stick. Those would help out in emergency. Are those that are willing to go to war are slimmer still
Near where I live is a Merchant Marine Cemetery 1899-1953, that has been further made into one of New Mexico's four State Veterans' Cemeteries. The nearby Fort Stanton State Historic Site has a ring binder that identifies all 1,200 of the Merchant Mariners whom are buried there. It would be interesting to see which of them were WWII Veterans. I'm not sure if there's any further stories on those men. They are there because Fort Stanton as a frontier fort, 1855-1896, became in 1899 the first federal tubercular sanatorium.
4:20 the mercant marine was exculed from honors and bennifits becuase they were getting union scale pay. and in the states union means comunisim and we cant have that
My father graduated from high-school at Woodlawn High School in 1943, had tried to get an appointment to West Point and Annapolis joined the Merchant Marines Academy becoming a radio officer. During the Korean War he was drafted and sent to Okinawa where he was assigned to the Communication Center. It was during this time his Captain asked my father if he would be interested in an appointment for West Point. He was elated but by this time Dad had married and I was born. He really wanted to be an Officer of the U S Army.
Lee Marvin was wounded at Saipan. The wound was serious enough to require hospitalization until the end of the war. I don't think he made it to Okinawa.
These are wonderful stories of devoted Americans who claimed no special privileges due to their fame. I wish more people knew of the histories of those celebrities. Audrey Hepburn was savaged in Hollywood for taking on the Eliza Doolittle role in "My Fair Lady" which "belonged" to Julie Andrews. A. Jack Warner didn't want Andrews (stupidly) because she wasn't well known then. B. Hepburn, who had seen the play tried to convince Warner that Julie was THE person for the part. C. Jack Warner was considering all sorts of strange casting for the role (someone like Jayne Mansfield?). D. Andrews didn't suffer too much. She starred in "The Americanization of Emily" which had excellent reviews and "Mary Poppins" for which she won an Oscar (so Hollywood could punish Hepburn?). E. Julie Andrews then took "Mary Martin's role" in "The Sound of Music." But no one in Hollywood complained about that. F. Hepburn was an excellent Liza.
Another myth you ommitted was the one about Jerry Mathers the"Beaver" was killed in Viet Nam.I saw a photo of him in an Air Force uniform.Since we are more or less the same age I have always been interested in his carreer.I don't think he ever went to Nam.
Nick I’m sure you’ve given me the answer to this question before but can you tell me who narrates your short videos? Is it you? I must say what an amazing voice the gentleman has. Also are you aware of any organization that may facilitate or help me find someone who served many years. This was overseas and this person stayed by my side till a MedEvac team picked me up and took me to the base hospital. I know a few important things about him but have no idea where to start looking for him to thank him. ✌🏽🇺🇸❤️🙏
You need to remember liberal and democracy especially with norman leer was vastly different and not as crazy as the woke bs and semi communism masking as democracy we have now norman leer doesn't surprise me at all and I knew he was patriotic..and leers democracy was closer to FDR'S and he's more conservative compared to todays snowflake B's..but I loved Archie Bunker..carol o connor served in WW2 and norman made archie a air plane and tank mechanic as a nod to his military service and connors service
@@ThisDate yeah a lot of people forget that and if I'm not mistaken I think leer and o Connor actually met either in service or basic but they knew each other before the hit show.. and I don't think they grew up in the same part of NY but if I remember the story and I think I saw it on a old show maybe a dick cavet rerun .but they grew up I think in neighboring cities..and I think now bunker and dingbat actually went to HS together not sure on that story but those two were friends and when leer was looking for someone to play dingbat ironically one of his choices I think was Betty white and Debbie Reynolds and I think imogene coca and even Carol burnette..but o Connor specifically requested his old friend he couldn't think of anyone better to play her..but it would have been funny to see how the others would play her especially Burnette lol..but if I'm not mistaken I think o Connor might've been one of the guys that worked on leers plane or they first met in basic or something..
@@ThisDate yeah I think I heard that on the history channel before it became garbage..so yeah pretty cool and pretty funny and honestly when you think about it Leer wrote most of the scripts for all in the family so when you see bunker sticking it to meathead about showing respect for the military and the men who fought and died for his freedom to be a bum pretty much those are leers words and when he has Archie talk about the big one and fogia Italy it's a history lesson but his and connors experience they often script collaborated..so when you see bunkers patriotism your seeing leers too and some of o Connors so yeah norman leer wasn't a surprise at least to me but still pretty cool
No complaints but the mortality rate of 20% for the Mighty 8th was over the course of their service, not per mission. A 20% mortality per mission would have wiped out 90% entire Air Force inside of 10 missions.
How could you leave out Charles Napier AGAIN?!?!?! You promised in your last two video comment replies you'd honor him. I'm very disappointed. If there is a part 4, he had better get top billing. He was a wonderfully nice man, nothing like his on screen persona. He loved his fans, always had time to talk to them or sign an autograph. His wife is still around, you should contact her. I spoke to her recently.
Nick this is sort of strange but I know you from somewhere. I never forget a face and between that and your voice we have absolutely met. Oh well huh! Have a good weekend, and respect for your content, right on the money!
I look like every b-list italian actor - scott baio, ralph macchio, denunzio from Caddyshack! Have you bought my new book yet, you'll love it: www.amazon.com/Thats-How-Goes-Greatest-Generation-ebook/dp/B0D5L7T8QG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2A7S6MQXTIA3V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aDqHSPkPDdcjGgUfzRQ2Pqx1GNNj4yDCQuiB26Bu1YppE36lJo5u-BOmL1N6XBAZTLqOIqPm2paTMsP25e1y1r0hHQ54uFgWqlSJEBN8j48.J0tQKXQLTgn-Tx3MHwQ1Vp8oXg9tY4EGPVELUOh_5fk&dib_tag=se&keywords=nick+ragone&qid=1718451779&sprefix=%2Caps%2C58&sr=8-1
As a veteran, I always enjoy watching your well documented videos Nick. I am definitely ordering your book! Thanks so much for highlighting all of our countries war hero's stories! 👍👍
Nick, these are my favorite videos on TH-cam. My grandfather served in WWII as a Sherman tank commander, island hopping all over the Pacific. Luckily, as an adult and my time in the Army, I appreciated what my grandfather had to go through and had several long talks about the war with him before he died. I had a realization years after, that my grandparents had come to visit when I left for basic training. I thought they were just down to visit the family. I realized Grandpa came to see me off. He dropped me off on that day at my recruiters office. Damn, I miss him.
During WWII, my dad, Edward Kueffer (1922 -- 2003) was a Navy Ensign posted on Saipan, I have his navy uniform, medals, and two Japanese swords that he took home. He had a card deck used for learning to identify WWII aircraft.
@@ArmenianBishop that is so cool. My old man was a PT Boater in the south Pacific. I have the underway flag of PT 168. It's all tattered. A piece of Americana. Can't be many left. Now I am the old man!!! Yikes. I should donate the flag, but I can't bear to part with it. It is beautiful and a reminder of my papa!!!! I could die tomorrow and it could end up in the trash!!! ?????
@@ArmenianBishop I guess this would be Hollywood anti hero anecdote. I once had a chance to meet John Wayne. A friend of my father was the manager of the Duke's tennis club. She offered to introduce us to him. My father a WW2 PT Boater, Motor Mack refused to meet him. He had avoided the draft.. flat feet!!! Just sayin'
@@VincentConti-m5jif you have a will you could specify that you want to donated or let a family member know you want to donate it or at least put it in writing. Maybe you could donate it to the World War II Museum in New Orleans unless you have something local. Just a thought
Being a crew member in a B-24 during WWII was extremely dangerous, because the B-24 was not as sturdy as as the B-17, one anti-aircraft hit & it would go down.
Point of order here regarding Lee Marvin; I believe Mr Marvin was wounded on Saipan and saw no further action in the war. Your content is great, keep it coming. Massive history lesson in under 15 minutes...what a great lesson plan. Well done!
When I was contracting in Iraq, one of our guys swore his girlfriends college roommate was Fred Rogers niece and he WAS in the military. I told him to google Fred Rogers. From high school to college and into the ministry, his whole life was laid out and NO military service. There was no way to convince him. As for Lee Marvin, he was a badass, but I don't know if he ever made it to Okinawa as he was shot in the ass on Saipan and had his sciatic nerve severed then sent stateside for treatment and recovery.
My father had to funnel into the Navy via the Merchant Marines. The Navy was so overwhelmed with inductees. My father's graduating class was graduated early,March 1942, three months after Pearl was bombed. All the young men were quitting school and joining up, so his class was graduated early. He was directed to the Merchant Marines by the Navy and ended up serving in the Navy for 10 years. Got out to get married. Went back in the Military in 1959 or early 1960, the Air Force, and retired Air Force, in 1971.
Haha thanks! I never wonder! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
You missed the rest of the urban legend about Fred Rogers. He was supposedly a UDT with over 25 hand to hand kills who wore his cardigans to hide sleeve tattoos.
I don't know if this is correct. I can't remember either the source or when I heard the story. Wayne Morris was too big a man to fit into the space allocated for the pilot. He was already a trained pilot when he enlisted. His family had the means to pay for the necessary modifications. So he got to fly.
My Uncle was in the Merchant Marines during WW2. He WAS in combat as a Merchant Marine, his ship was sunk in the Mediterranean. He was rescued by another ship in the convoy.
God bless your uncle!
So was my uncle. He met my aunt in what is now known as Macau.
Yes I am a Navy Veteran and in my opinion Merchant Marines had one of the most dangerous missions in the War period. Carry On!🙂🤠
Woody Guthrie and fellow folk singer Cisco Houston served in the Merchant Marine and survived a couple of shipwrecks between them.
My Father was on a DE ( 321 ) in the Med during WWII.
No matter where they were the MM never got the Acknowledgement nor the respect they deserved.
You can see how Charles Schultz wartime experience influenced his work in "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, when Snoopy imagines himself making his way through the French countryside after he's shot down. Schultz was in France during World War Two. So, he saw the country first hand.
Absolutely!
My dad served as a medic during World War II and was stationed in England. He commented once that most of those he treated - and the highest casualties - were from the 8th Air Force. Thanks for highlighting their service.
God bless your Dad
I'm amazed at how many of these celebrities saw major action.
Totally amazing right?
The Merchant Marine is nothing to be dismissed. They faced all the dangers of Navy sailors, with less means of fighting back.
Amen!
I am humbled by the heroes among us who remain silent.
Same! 👊 Check out our Hollywood Heroes part 2: th-cam.com/video/BLrPnMzOSXk/w-d-xo.html
I find it so fitting as you continue to shine light on these little known histories of service of so many beloved actors and characters from the past. Each account is so inspiring and truly fascinating. God bless all these amazing Heroes and great talents. Thank you to all at TDIH for the research involved and the dignity and respect given in telling these patriotic accounts of service. Riveting stuff as usual. 👍❤️
Thank you! Have you read our book yet, you will LOVE it!
Another awesome remembrance video of the finest generation! And Thank You for clearing up the rumors of Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Rogers. They were still awesome in their own right.
Thank you and yes!
If anyone doubts how dangerous serving in the US Merchant Marine was, look up the MM runs to Murmansk. Submarines, mines, and saltwater so cold it fractured steel, broke welds on the Liberty Ships’ hulls, and survival time, if thrown into the sea, is measured in just a few minutes.
Very true!
Not to mention the attacks by airplanes.
Plus merchant ships were the primary targets of uboats because they carried soldiers, tanks, supplies, etc.
Thank you
There is a reason that they are called
The Greatest Generation
If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ our novel, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
Yeah I'm sorry, many of them were also: emotional midgets, alcoholics, philanderers, sexual predators, and people that beat the crap outta their kids. Oh and I'm pretty sure Mr. Caine cheated on his wife left and right. ( I may be wrong, but not about all of it) So yeah there were some really good people, but...we have more now I think. We can barely afford families nowadays. And yet millions of people do and they're much better at it than their grandparents. Sorry. I love your channel. It just had to be said🤔🫤
These actors and actresses morales were different than today. Country first careers second. With our Allies they were all heros and true Americans. May they rest in peace.
Beautifully said!
You have got to be kidding me . Your lectures are amazing . I knew them all from childhood . And they were great.
Wow thanks! Appreciate it. Thank you! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
Attitude about the Chinese Communists, North Vietnamese, Pathet Lao, Hucks, Cubans, and anything, anyone Communist changed for my dad and his children when he had to deal with them directly and their bloody aftermath. In counter intelligence and overseas clandestine service, he is a legend. He and mom, no slacker herself in undercover work, are now in the Arlington National Cemetery.
Amazing heroes!
Thanks for actually touching on Roger's and the myths. Ive repeatedly had to give the facts and its so ingrained people refuse to believe it.
Yes and odd Urban Legend.
True casualty rates for many bomber groups.... Was 60% imagine VOLUNTEERING for a job the majority of those who did it died .... Salute to the greatest generation ❣️
Amen! Wow!
The captain and Mr. Green jeans!!! I grew up watching!!!!
Nice!
Me too.
🙏🏻
This is how sabotage is working by making conflicts within the persons [edited]of a relationship and the meddlers then become anonymous.
Love your work. Should be mandatory viewing in our schools! How few actors and athletes stand up today? I will share this with my grandson. Thank you!
Thank you! We appreciate it! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
Ordered kindle!
Awesome!!!! Thanks! Leave a review at amazon
Love your channel. The heroic actions of famous people- men and women- from wartime service. Equally all your takes on ordinary people and those who gave their lives are just as important. Thank you.
Thank you, we greatly appreciate it. We're gonna continue telling these important stories♥️🇺🇸🙏🏼
I am SO glad I made a comment about the wonderful Audrey Hepburn and got directed to this video! I am the daughter, sister, cousin, niece, daughter-in-law, aunt, ex-wife X 2, grand daughter, and godmother of U.S. veterans. I am immensely proud of my family, and I volunteer at various veteran groups. There is a famous picture online of my late father-in-law as an Army lieutenant with a Korean POW. His full military honor funeral is also on TH-cam.
I really enjoyed this video and I subscribed to your channel. I'm watching the other parts now!
Wow thank you♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
@@ThisDate Thank YOU for these great shows! It's evident you do a tremendous amount of research - and that takes a lot of time. Kudos to y'all for making them so interesting, too.
Thank you ♥️♥️If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ our novel, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
@@ThisDate I just bought the Kindle ebook on Amazon! Wow - have you seen the ratings on it? Over 4.8 stars! Congratulations!
Thank you! Please leave a review at amazon!
Incredible series!! Greatest Generation Ever by far 👍🇺🇸
Thank you!!!! We appreciate it! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
God Bless them All. Great video.
Thank you🙏🏼♥️🇺🇸
Dude, you are an amazing person. As a vet, I am personally touched by these videos. I'm almost 60 and grew up knowing most of these heroes served. I think a Chuck Norris story might be in the cards. Just saying, a fellow blue vet.
Thank you and thank you for your service! We did a short video on Chuck but might be time for a long video! Thank you🇺🇸♥️👍🏼
@@ThisDate Morgan Freeman is a blue suiter to.
The Merchant Marines were certainly valiant members of the war effort!!!!!!!!!
Absolutely!
Thanks for telling us their stories. Its always good to hear the backgrounds of our well known celebrities.
Thanks for watching. Part 4 coming soon!
It’s quite fitting the Merchant Mariners of the United States Maritime Service became Veterans given their noteworthy contribution to the war effort.
Amen. Amen. Heroes.
My hat's off to the members of the Merchant Marine !! A lot of these guys were in their 40's and 50's serving in war zones around the World . Couldn't have won without them ! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Amen!
One of my uncles served in the Merchant Marines during WWII and made many transatlantic crossings. Both of my grandparents were machinists at the torpedo factory in Arlington, Virginia.
♥️
My Daddy was a Merchant Marine. He rarely spoke about it, but when he did, you could always see it in his eyes, that he was very proud of serving in this way.
He was 16-17, too young to serve in any other branch armed forces.
In fact, he had to do some creative dodging of questions, as it was being too young to enter into kind of combat. The man always had a silver tongue and never met a stranger. Just a "Good Guy" that people truly enjoyed his company.
He also was extremely brave and being a 6'4" muscled Viking, not many challenged him.
He stayed in the Merchant Marines until he was drafted for service in The Korean War. It was just his luck, if you can call it luck, that he was in Korean waters at the time. They docked the ship and he and 3 others, jumped ashore and walked about a mile and was then in a whole new kind of hell. He never spoke of his time in Korea.
I never pumped him for information, and he never had that spark of pride in his eyes. In fact, quite the opposite, he just seemed sad about the whole huge mess, that the Korean War was.
All he would say was that he really didn't enjoy being in the Army. Even though he was recommended, by more than one important big wig, for West Point. He was accepted, but decided that the Army was not a career choice that he wanted.
Although, he did decide to go to another prestigious University in California's San Francisco Bay Area. He grew up in the Napa Valley, and loved it there.
He left the Army behind him and went on to other adventures that is life.
He, and eventually my mom and my sister and I, always traveled. Lived in Europe and enjoyed other places around the Globe.
He was one hell of a man and I miss him every day, with every heart beat.
Mom joined him a few years later. Now they travel in the Cosmos together.
Beautiful @@runeseeker8663
Michael Caines read of "IF" by Rudyard Kilpling is epic.
Absolutely!
Amen!!
My neighbor was an aviator, "Don't know exactly what his title was".
However he was in England and on a B17 that flew missions over Germany in WWII..His name was Robert Bob Evans, I was youngster in Texas and his son was a couple years older than me.
Bruce his son and I would scrap copper and Mr.Evans would take us to McDonalds and boy was I disappointed..
Anyway Mr.Evans taught me the value of a penny...
He never said anything about the war..I just knew as a machinist that worked for Phillips.
I wish I had been a little older to really appreciate what he did in the war..
He did say one thing or Bruce told me he said it."The flack was so thick that it seemed you could walk on it.." and "The old saying about being overly.....and
over here .."..
He was a very nice and intelligent man...
R. I.P.
Wow amazing. Amazing! Wow! Check out Parts 1 and 2!
Walter Matthau played Charley Varrick, a role that showed a tough side, needed against Germans.
Yes he did!
Dan Blocker (Hoss Cartwright) was awarded a Purple Heart, and a Bronze Star for his service during The Korean War.
Definitely gonna do a video on Big Hoss!
@@ThisDate heck yeah! He definitely deserves to be up there on the list for sure!
Yup!If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ our novel, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
It's amazing how many actors and athletes served in WWII. Pat Tillman is the only one I remember from Afghanistan. I'm sure there were others. Are there enough to make a video like this?
Good question. Need to look into it. Great idea!
I love how Audrey Hepburn used her good looks to distract enemy soldiers. Something you'd see in the movies.
True!
Thanks for letting us know all those facts about those brave men
Thanks Phyllis for watching! th-cam.com/video/19wD_LhS-D8/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Nick, great work and information.
Thank you. We're gonna keep telling these important stories.
I smiled at the myths about Keeshan and Rogers. I had been told that Fred Rogers had been a U.S. Navy SEAL and that he always wore sweaters to cover up the tattoos all over both arms. Yeah, go ahead and laugh.
A common myth!
Brian Kieth was my favorite actor to play Teddy Roosevelt. "The Wind and the Lion" was the movie.
Yes!!!
Maybe you could do a video on Sports athletes that was in the military Roger Staubach the Dallas Cowboys quarterback was in the Navy and Vietnam.
We did one: th-cam.com/video/K0OjamKBeP8/w-d-xo.html
Finally someone who gets it right with Fred Rogers. A few years ago I was in a discussion with a co- worker about Mr Rogers. I was asked if I knew why mr Rogers always wore long sleeves, I replied no and was immediately told it was because he had sleeves of tattoos on both arms. I was then told he had been a Marine Corps scout sniper that had more confirmed kills than Carlos Hathcock, then I was told he was a Marine Raider, then it finally ended up with him being a Navy Seal. Looking into the matter I found out that Fred had been in College for the most part of his adult life. He had more Degrees in teaching and religion than any person I knew about, including the Pope !! Having served in the United States Marine Corps I knew about Captain Kangaroo and the inside joke was always as the ping pong balls fell around Mr Moose Bob would be standing over him with his Smokey Bear hat screaming “Answer me this maggot, how many @&$#% ping pong balls is that”???
Funny how these urban legends begin and get passes around.
God bless our military heroes! Nick, thanks for reminding us of those sacrifices. Hank Grover, LTJG, USN (ret.)
Thank you for your service!🗽🇺🇸🙏🏼
I don't think actors today would do this.🤔
I'm sure they wouldnt!
Today's actors care more about themselves, their careers, and their fame and fortune than putting America first. 🇺🇸
You watch too much ultra pessimistic right wing TV. You’re also a civilian, otherwise you’d know ow how brave our young people are today. Our greatest Hollywood hero, John Wayne, was a draft dodger. Great people respond to challenging times. I’ve seen it first hand. Only a fool would judge people you don’t know based on a biased media echo chamber.
I know of two, Rob Riggle and Adam Driver served in the Marine Corps.
The majority of our actors today think that they are shit don’t stick. Those would help out in emergency. Are those that are willing to go to war are slimmer still
Near where I live is a Merchant Marine Cemetery 1899-1953, that has been further made into one of New Mexico's four State Veterans' Cemeteries. The nearby Fort Stanton State Historic Site has a ring binder that identifies all 1,200 of the Merchant Mariners whom are buried there. It would be interesting to see which of them were WWII Veterans. I'm not sure if there's any further stories on those men. They are there because Fort Stanton as a frontier fort, 1855-1896, became in 1899 the first federal tubercular sanatorium.
Wow, amazing!
Thank you again!
That was awesome
Thanks!!!! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ our novel, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
Thanks!
Welcome! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
Really great job...love your take on this.
Thank you! Part 4 coming soon!
Just read your book and loved it!
Thank you! Can you please write a review at Amazonm🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you
You're welcome👊 Check out our Hollywood Heroes part 2: th-cam.com/video/BLrPnMzOSXk/w-d-xo.html
Excellent
Thanks!
My father in law was in the national guard but went to Normandy !
God bless him!
If you ever visit The State New York Maritime University you would see the names of all the graduates who died during WW2
Wow!
4:20 the mercant marine was exculed from honors and bennifits becuase they were getting union scale pay. and in the states union means comunisim and we cant have that
Amazing heroes, they deserve the best!
My father graduated from high-school at Woodlawn High School in 1943, had tried to get an appointment to West Point and Annapolis joined the Merchant Marines Academy becoming a radio officer. During the Korean War he was drafted and sent to Okinawa where he was assigned to the Communication Center. It was during this time his Captain asked my father if he would be interested in an appointment for West Point. He was elated but by this time Dad had married and I was born. He really wanted to be an Officer of the U S Army.
next time, do Mel Brooks !
Lee Marvin was wounded at Saipan. The wound was serious enough to require hospitalization until the end of the war. I don't think he made it to Okinawa.
I'm researching it a bit more. Thanks!
These are wonderful stories of devoted Americans who claimed no special privileges due to their fame. I wish more people knew of the histories of those celebrities. Audrey Hepburn was savaged in Hollywood for taking on the Eliza Doolittle role in "My Fair Lady" which "belonged" to Julie Andrews. A. Jack Warner didn't want Andrews (stupidly) because she wasn't well known then. B. Hepburn, who had seen the play tried to convince Warner that Julie was THE person for the part. C. Jack Warner was considering all sorts of strange casting for the role (someone like Jayne Mansfield?). D. Andrews didn't suffer too much. She starred in "The Americanization of Emily" which had excellent reviews and "Mary Poppins" for which she won an Oscar (so Hollywood could punish Hepburn?). E. Julie Andrews then took "Mary Martin's role" in "The Sound of Music." But no one in Hollywood complained about that. F. Hepburn was an excellent Liza.
Wow! Nice! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ our novel, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
Another myth you ommitted was the one about Jerry Mathers the"Beaver" was killed in Viet Nam.I saw a photo of him in an Air Force uniform.Since we are more or less the same age I have always been interested in his carreer.I don't think he ever went to Nam.
Jerry actually served in the California Air National Guard!
Don't worry about the accent... I heard it in my head.
Ah, thank you! Still wish I could do it!
I can’t wait until I can get your book on Kobo. I have their eReader.
Thank you! Leave a review at Amazon!
Nick I’m sure you’ve given me the answer to this question before but can you tell me who narrates your short videos? Is it you? I must say what an amazing voice the gentleman has.
Also are you aware of any organization that may facilitate or help me find someone who served many years. This was overseas and this person stayed by my side till a MedEvac team picked me up and took me to the base hospital. I know a few important things about him but have no idea where to start looking for him to thank him.
✌🏽🇺🇸❤️🙏
Let me look into the second question, wow! As for our narrator, it's a professional voice-over artist we use.
Wasnt Humphry Bogart in the Merchant Marines?
He was! Part 4!
Michael Caine pronounces his real first name like we say “Morris”.
Wow!
The Merchant Marine is a division of the Navy, ocean truckers
Amazing Heroes
WW2 merchant mariners died in the thousands trying to deliver supplies.
So true. Amen.
Liberal are patriots too. So there is no surprise about Norman Lear.
Man was a true hero and legend.
Audrey Hepburn's family were socially close to Anne Frank's family.
Wow didn't know that!!!!!!!!
The non-John Waynes
If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
Who are they?
Who are who? Watch the video!!!!!!
Frank Sutton is a war hero
True!
Isn't that a picture of the actress Ann Blythe?
Huh? This is a video of top WWII heroes
@@ThisDate I know it is but look her up on Wikipedia. That is a picture of Ann Blyth. I don't know why they used it.
There is no picture of Ann Blythe in anything.
Pappy was a third cousin.
Wow!!!!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks! Check out parts 1 and 2!
You need to remember liberal and democracy especially with norman leer was vastly different and not as crazy as the woke bs and semi communism masking as democracy we have now norman leer doesn't surprise me at all and I knew he was patriotic..and leers democracy was closer to FDR'S and he's more conservative compared to todays snowflake B's..but I loved Archie Bunker..carol o connor served in WW2 and norman made archie a air plane and tank mechanic as a nod to his military service and connors service
Great point, absolutely correct!
@@ThisDate yeah a lot of people forget that and if I'm not mistaken I think leer and o Connor actually met either in service or basic but they knew each other before the hit show.. and I don't think they grew up in the same part of NY but if I remember the story and I think I saw it on a old show maybe a dick cavet rerun .but they grew up I think in neighboring cities..and I think now bunker and dingbat actually went to HS together not sure on that story but those two were friends and when leer was looking for someone to play dingbat ironically one of his choices I think was Betty white and Debbie Reynolds and I think imogene coca and even Carol burnette..but o Connor specifically requested his old friend he couldn't think of anyone better to play her..but it would have been funny to see how the others would play her especially Burnette lol..but if I'm not mistaken I think o Connor might've been one of the guys that worked on leers plane or they first met in basic or something..
Wow
@@ThisDate yeah I think I heard that on the history channel before it became garbage..so yeah pretty cool and pretty funny and honestly when you think about it Leer wrote most of the scripts for all in the family so when you see bunker sticking it to meathead about showing respect for the military and the men who fought and died for his freedom to be a bum pretty much those are leers words and when he has Archie talk about the big one and fogia Italy it's a history lesson but his and connors experience they often script collaborated..so when you see bunkers patriotism your seeing leers too and some of o Connors so yeah norman leer wasn't a surprise at least to me but still pretty cool
No complaints but the mortality rate of 20% for the Mighty 8th was over the course of their service, not per mission. A 20% mortality per mission would have wiped out 90% entire Air Force inside of 10 missions.
Yes thats true. Point is, it was insanely dangerous. Brave men, all.
Bobby who? I’m from Oklahoma City. What’s his name
Not sure what you're referring to?
I think I've fallen for every myth you have debunked! 😕
Haha love it!
I think he's going to earn I got lost badge and I'm unprepared badge because I am hiking in flip-flops because my parents are idiots😊
Wrong video! Did you watch this one!!!!!!????
if wasn't for the me.r mar's., the boys in combat could not complete their missions
Amazing heroes indeed! Our video remembering the 16 medal of honor recipients from DDay: th-cam.com/video/1jbhqcvnwwc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HrlxC3YMsmR28Y3X
I amso tired of people telling me well known facts about famous people like I’m 12 years old.
How could you leave out Charles Napier AGAIN?!?!?! You promised in your last two video comment replies you'd honor him. I'm very disappointed. If there is a part 4, he had better get top billing. He was a wonderfully nice man, nothing like his on screen persona. He loved his fans, always had time to talk to them or sign an autograph. His wife is still around, you should contact her. I spoke to her recently.
15:45 That sounds like Audrey would do.
You forgot Steve McQueen, Eddie Albert, Neville Brand.
Didnt forget them. They're in part 1 (this is part 3). Here's part 1, enjoy:
th-cam.com/video/IRM4-mesfI4/w-d-xo.html
And here's part 2! 👊 Check out our Hollywood Heroes part 2: th-cam.com/video/BLrPnMzOSXk/w-d-xo.html
I love Norman Lear but then I am one of those liberals
A true legend!!!!!
All in the Family. All the women libers used that show as a staging point to beginWomen’s Liberation…for decades
True!
Nick this is sort of strange but I know you from somewhere. I never forget a face and between that and your voice we have absolutely met. Oh well huh! Have a good weekend, and respect for your content, right on the money!
I look like every b-list italian actor - scott baio, ralph macchio, denunzio from Caddyshack! Have you bought my new book yet, you'll love it: www.amazon.com/Thats-How-Goes-Greatest-Generation-ebook/dp/B0D5L7T8QG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2A7S6MQXTIA3V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aDqHSPkPDdcjGgUfzRQ2Pqx1GNNj4yDCQuiB26Bu1YppE36lJo5u-BOmL1N6XBAZTLqOIqPm2paTMsP25e1y1r0hHQ54uFgWqlSJEBN8j48.J0tQKXQLTgn-Tx3MHwQ1Vp8oXg9tY4EGPVELUOh_5fk&dib_tag=se&keywords=nick+ragone&qid=1718451779&sprefix=%2Caps%2C58&sr=8-1
Director/Producer Mel Brooks served in WWII and was at the Battle of the Bulge - might want to profile him -
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Brooks
He will be in part 4!
As a veteran, I always enjoy watching your well documented videos Nick. I am definitely ordering your book! Thanks so much for highlighting all of our countries war hero's stories! 👍👍
Thank you! Please leave a book review at amazon!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Nick, these are my favorite videos on TH-cam. My grandfather served in WWII as a Sherman tank commander, island hopping all over the Pacific. Luckily, as an adult and my time in the Army, I appreciated what my grandfather had to go through and had several long talks about the war with him before he died. I had a realization years after, that my grandparents had come to visit when I left for basic training. I thought they were just down to visit the family. I realized Grandpa came to see me off. He dropped me off on that day at my recruiters office. Damn, I miss him.
Wow, thank you. God bless your Grandfather and you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼♥️♥️🇺🇸🇺🇸
Yes, please keep making these, I love them ❤
Thank you! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
During WWII, my dad, Edward Kueffer (1922 -- 2003) was a Navy Ensign posted on Saipan, I have his navy uniform, medals, and two Japanese swords that he took home. He had a card deck used for learning to identify WWII aircraft.
God bless your Dad!
@@ArmenianBishop that is so cool.
My old man was a PT Boater in the south Pacific. I have the underway flag of PT 168. It's all tattered. A piece of Americana. Can't be many left. Now I am the old man!!! Yikes. I should donate the flag, but I can't bear to part with it. It is beautiful and a reminder of my papa!!!! I could die tomorrow and it could end up in the trash!!! ?????
@@ArmenianBishop I guess this would be Hollywood anti hero anecdote. I once had a chance to meet John Wayne. A friend of my father was the manager of the Duke's tennis club. She offered to introduce us to him. My father a WW2 PT Boater, Motor Mack refused to meet him. He had avoided the draft.. flat feet!!! Just sayin'
@@VincentConti-m5jif you have a will you could specify that you want to donated or let a family member know you want to donate it or at least put it in writing. Maybe you could donate it to the World War II Museum in New Orleans unless you have something local. Just a thought
Being a crew member in a B-24 during WWII was extremely dangerous, because the B-24 was not as sturdy as as the B-17, one anti-aircraft hit & it would go down.
Amazing!
Point of order here regarding Lee Marvin; I believe Mr Marvin was wounded on Saipan and saw no further action in the war. Your content is great, keep it coming. Massive history lesson in under 15 minutes...what a great lesson plan. Well done!
Thanks! We discuss Marvin in part one: th-cam.com/video/IRM4-mesfI4/w-d-xo.html
When I was contracting in Iraq, one of our guys swore his girlfriends college roommate was Fred Rogers niece and he WAS in the military.
I told him to google Fred Rogers.
From high school to college and into the ministry, his whole life was laid out and NO military service.
There was no way to convince him.
As for Lee Marvin, he was a badass, but I don't know if he ever made it to Okinawa as he was shot in the ass on Saipan and had his sciatic nerve severed then sent stateside for treatment and recovery.
I think you're right. Amazing heroes.
Please remember Demond Wilson of Sandford and Son. All these great veterans should be honored thank you for telling their stories.
Wow good call, will do.
@@ThisDatehis war efforts enabled him to survive his TV daddy Sanford
My father had to funnel into the Navy via the Merchant Marines. The Navy was so overwhelmed with inductees. My father's graduating class was graduated early,March 1942, three months after Pearl was bombed. All the young men were quitting school and joining up, so his class was graduated early. He was directed to the Merchant Marines by the Navy and ended up serving in the Navy for 10 years. Got out to get married. Went back in the Military in 1959 or early 1960, the Air Force, and retired Air Force, in 1971.
Wow god bless him!
AWESOME!!! Thanks for the historical effort and for the vid!! And you wonder why I’m a subscriber to your channel
Haha thanks! I never wonder! If you like our videos, you'll ❤️❤️❤️ my new book on the Greatest Generation, available at amazon: rb.gy/w77x1w or www.thisdate.com
You missed the rest of the urban legend about Fred Rogers. He was supposedly a UDT with over 25 hand to hand kills who wore his cardigans to hide sleeve tattoos.
Haha!
Vietnam vets? Dennis Franz, Jesse Ventura, R.Lee Emery, Wes Studi, etc
Yup!!!
Wayne Morris played Naval Aviators in movies before Pearl Harbor, which may have been a factor in becoming a real Naval aviator.
Absolutely was a factor!
I don't know if this is correct. I can't remember either the source or when I heard the story. Wayne Morris was too big a man to fit into the space allocated for the pilot. He was already a trained pilot when he enlisted. His family had the means to pay for the necessary modifications. So he got to fly.
I think that is true!
Thank you Nick! You do a wonderful job. We thoroughly enjoy listening to these inspiring stories of out heroes.
Thank you!!!!!
Always dreamed of a love and a life like that.
Amazing!👊 Check out our Hollywood Heroes part 2: th-cam.com/video/BLrPnMzOSXk/w-d-xo.html
Wayne Morris role in Paths of Glory is so ironically different from his actual war experience, that's acting I guess.
So true. Amazing right?