The Easy Company Foxholes of Bastogne | History Traveler 56 (BAND OF BROTHERS!!!)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ค. 2024
- If you are a fan of the HBO series Band of Brothers, this is one that you'll want to watch all the way through. We are going to the positions maintained by Easy Company during the Battle of the Bulge and exploring the actual foxholes that were dug as they defended the Bastogne perimeter. Quite the experience!
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Facebook: thehistoryunderground
Instagram: the_history_underground
Help spread history and share this with a friend. And be sure to SUBSCRIBE to catch all of the latest content when it drops. Thanks!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- The Grave of Desmond Doss (and More!!!) (EP 69): • The Grave of Desmond D...
- Battle of the Bulge in St. Vith (EP 60): • Battle of the Bulge in...
- FAMOUS GRAVES at Arlington (EP 19): • FAMOUS GRAVES at Arlin...
#history #belgium #WWII #bastogne #bandofbrothers #easycompany
![[Live สด] การออกรางวัลสลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล งวดวันที่ 16 พฤษภาคม 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3RndUC0cyV8/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for watching and contributing to the conversation. If you like this or any other video on this channel, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to catch all of the newest content when it comes out.
Very moving. I would love the opportunity to do this, it's on my bucket list to visit Poland and the concentration camps. We cannot ever truly appreciate the sacrifices without walking in their shoes and feeling their presence.. also, I'd love to know what that song is at 5:12
@Kepano 808HI - Yeah, I think that the area that he ran through was private ground, so I didn't want to intrude. Plus, as you can see, I was running pretty short on time as well.
@@jeffthomas3707 - Poland is on my list as well. The song is called Raindrops by Josh Fuhrmeister.
In the early 90's I used to patrol the streets of East Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Not from Atlanta I was not familiar with of much of the history of the American Civil War, and where some of it took place. one day I noticed this cannon standing upright at the intersection of Glenwood Ave and Wilkinson Dr, in SE Atlanta, GA. This marked the spot where Maj. Gen. W.H.T. Walker was shot and killed on July 22, 1864. To the north about a half mile is where the battle of Atlanta began. Seeing these markers in various locations it is hard not to imagine what happened here over a 150 years ago and how many Americans from the north and south died fighting that war.
Could you tell the difference between the mg foxholes and the infantry
I was born and raised in Bastogne. I still live there. Thank you for your videos. I just want to let all the Americans know that we're still thankful for all the sacrifices you made and the help you gave us during WW2. Your fathers/grandfathers were heroes and we still remember them.
🙏🏼
My Grandfather served in the ETO and I appreciate you still remember them. He was a tank man with the 701st Tank Batallion attached to the 102nd Infantry Division.
My Grandfather lost his arm fighting the Nazis in the Battle of the Bulge. Thank you for the kind words🙏
You ever find anything cool on the woods there? Like maybe this other dudes granddad's arm?
Thank you for being someone worth dying for :)
My wifes great aunt lived in Eindhoven during ww2 and was present when the town was liberated by, among others, the men of easy company. She got one of the soldiers to sign her scrap book. That soldier was Don Hoobler. She still has the scrap book with Hooblers signature in it.
Oh my goodness! How incredible! Thanks for sharing that.
Holly shit
Hell sir can u please share those pictures with me?
@@ASHOKKUMAR-qq3kz Alas I can't, I'm sorry to say. I never got to see the notebook sadly. I read about the notebook in a memoir my wifes great aunt had written. She passed away before I got to ask her bout it.
@@A.J.K87 😔😔 it's OK sir 👍
In Sept. 2004 I had the pleasure of traveling to Europe with some of the actual Band of Brothers. As a matter of fact, Bill Guarnere and I took much treasured a photo, in this very area of Bastogne. He lost his leg here and being the joker he was, he offered those of us present $100 to find his leg. That trip was an Easy Company tour of Western Europe as we visited every place the BofBs saw action. One of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was a witness to this incredible history. We were treated like rock stars starting in London England and ending in Munich Germany. I have some incredible memorabilia from that trip. I feel like I could write a book about that trip alone. After returning home, I received thank you letters from both Bill Guernere and Edward 'Babe' Heffron. Absolute gentlemen and truly part of the greatest generation!!! It was the privilege of a lifetime.
That is a book that I would read!
@@stratdx Thank you for the nice thought....
Man I need this in my life ..
One of my fav scenes in band of brothers is when LT. Speirs sprints through Foy to hook up with I company and ran back
germans so shocked they coudlnt even shoot
@@jeffreywaller9818 true one of my favorite parts of band of brothers
Speirs is just a badass and looks like one 😂😂
I just finished binge watching the entire series Band of Brothers it was the best show I have ever ever seen
👊🏻
next up is The Pacific, then Generation War
What patrick said, and if you want a miniseries on the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, Generation Kill follows Marines throughtout their time in that
watch The Pacific!
@@SgtPMcDonald Great choice! All three are amazing but nothing like BOB.
My Dad was an Army combat engineer in Bastogne. I took him there for the 60th anniversary of the battle; retraced his steps and crossed over a bridge that he helped to build.
Mark Jasper gosh. That must have been some trip. Wow.
That's amazing! Great thing to do with family.
My dad was also an Army combat engineer. He was in the 300th. He never spoke much about this experience. He did speak of the very cold days and constant artillery. I know he had some sort of foot rot from being in those fox holes so many days wet. He spoke with the trees that exploded when the artillery hit them. I know he always wanted to go back and see it again, but unfortunately cancer took his life when he was 65 years old. Now that I am 65 years old I can better appreciate the thoughts that must’ve gone through his head when I see this video. Thank you for showing it to me. I’m thankful for so many that gave their lives for the greater good.
By chance was that the metal railroad bridge north east of Bastogne near Halt Station ? A huge Thank you to your dad. I felt like I was walking on hallowed ground when I was there, and several other locations in the Ardennes, including the northern shoulder, where the 2nd inf. div. and 99th inf. div. were on Dec.16, 1944.
near Elsenborn Ridge. Cheers.
Mark that's as cool as cool gets!!!! I can't even imagine being on that trip.
My Uncle was one of the "Band of Brothers," who lived to share his story. He has since passed. Those men were brave, to say the least. Thank you for your tribute to these men of valor.
Dad fought there
My dad (T5) was also in the Battle of the Bulge.
They could of known one another. Nonetheless, these were brave men, defending freedom in difficult circumstances, freezing temperatures, etc. They were sharing ammo!
One of my moms mom older brothers fought in battle of the bulge.
Who was your uncle?
I served with the 101st for 4 years. I was truly honored and proud to serve in the United States Army with a unit with such an incredible and distinguished history.
Same here. 3/502 Inf Reg....From '00-'05.
C 1/327 INF
80 to 81
Thanks for your service mate
glad you got out in time brother. now you don't have to call 'brother' some freaks who paint their nails and wear dresses
@@badabing8152you are a clown and traitor to America. Go to Russia you scum. Making fun of the people serving to push an agenda your Orange asshat pushed. You can’t even prove the claim you made and guess what? If they can pull a trigger and defend your sorry ass you should be happy.
I had the luxury of knowing Dick Winters until his death. Being PA guys, my land butted his. Remarkable man to the end.
Oh wow. I can only imagine. His book is one of my favorites.
That would be an honor to know him!
Wow. That must have been something.
I missed a chance to meet him by a couple days in Afghanistan. One of my great regrets. I admired him greatly.
I had the privilege of having had dinner with Dick, in 2006. My friends father knew him, and took us to meet him. It was my world's equivalent of meeting a rock star.
I''ve been so lucky to have met a lot of the Easy Co. veterans. Been honored to have been there with most of them too. Only three men of Easy Company 506th PIR 101st Airborne remain. And one of them is my oldest friend. He's still hanging tough at age 97, pushing 98.
Oh my goodness. Could you send me an e-mail? I'd like to ask you a question. thehistoryundergroundchannel [at] gmail.com
I PRAY YOU CAN ASSIST ME IN ASSISTING A gentleman in my city (a neighbor actually) in the States. He has been traveling, interviewing, meeting w WWII vets from the European theatre in particular...he has compiled & is compiling a book or series of books filled with these amazing men's stories, life, short insights... into men who battled in Europe specifically w the 101st and 82nd Airborne...I will forward this to him directly as well as I don't want to be pushy but would be so grateful...Traveling these steps has been my lifelong dream and pray by some miracle I am able to see come to fruition...but more than my own desires I desire these mens stories be learned, taught known by all...He is to publish the book sooner than later and know is nearing the end but will not be dictated by any deadline from a publisher or distributor...
Therefore, if you read this I literally would plead in this instance for you to share your contact info to me or however wish to arrange-- make sure before time slips by he has an opportunity to speak with these men or communicate in some manner with them or family...some have allowed him to visit them and he took as much time as they would allow without overextending his welcome...He is a professional so understands the circumstances...Of course, under current circumstances, things are more complicated but still able to communicate...He would take pics and ask thought-provoking questions simply wanting to capture insight and experiences from each of these heroes and their families..some only provided a brief bio and a few pics while others had been able to secure field AARs, diaries, pics, films, etc... If u could contact me, I would provide you with his contact or however you instruct me to make things as seamless as possible for any involved...I will bow out if need be..my only purpose and great desire are for every story to be heard, read, known...From what I've seen, read and experienced it is chilling and amazing...I believe this book will be a true history book unlike any other....of course, I can provide you with information to validate what is needed...I am going to reluctantly list my email yet respectfully ask not to have my inbox filled with information not relevant to the task I have mentioned...my time is limited and this endeavor is worthy and trusts any watching/reading have respect for what all peoples endured during that era... I thank you in advance: AUCEO@OUTLOOK.COM
@@TheHistoryUnderground Please see my post below your post and if you have any insight please contact me as well...thank you again!!! I would love to assist you guys in some manner due to the focus is where my passion lies...Take Care...
@@Capt_OscarMike - Appreciate your passion for getting these stories out there.
I'm envious. Coming to this late.
Love how emotional He gets to be in these sacred grounds. Any history buff can relate to it.
I get like that when i go to civil war battlefields my grandfathers fought on especially if I’m doing a living history re-enactment at one.
I got emotional seeing the fox holes and remember what events took place there
Oh absolutely!!! The excitement, admiration and respect is palpable!
@@jayfron6012 it’s knowing who dug those holes and what they endured during those dire moments in the fox holes side by side with their brothers. i know the feeling of what you all are talking about. it’s so crazy.
I had the opportunity to go to Bastogne while I was stationed in Germany. I was in total awe by what I felt and saw. Unreal what they survived.
Quite the place.
Hope your wheels didn't suffer too much from our terrible roads. Greetings from a Belgian trooper! Not a day goes by without thinking of those who sacrificed themselves to allow the future generations to have the life we have today. Actually thanked Major Winters face to face, his reply was as down to earth and humble as anyone would've expected from the man. The man touched my soul. The day he passed away was a dark day for all of us.
Oh wow. How amazing that you got to meet him. And I live in the Midwest. I don't think the Belgian roads had anything on us :)
@@TheHistoryUnderground Kansas roads are phenomenal but Missouri ehh not so much lol.
@@TheHistoryUnderground being from Oklahoma...great response lol
13
My great grandfather was one of the filthy thirteen or dirty dozen and when he went back to Bastogne, he jumped into the same hole he dug after 60 years
@MANGUKAHA MUTT KILLA him being my great grandfather, or the story from the hole, I cant prove the hole story I heard it from another family member
@@robertbateman3698 ignore him
Cool that mate hey all the mens names should be on them fox holes so u no who was in them if that's possible
great respect to him.
As a combat veteran I can honestly say I've been in bad situations, but these soldiers that fought and gave their lives in WW2 are the biggest heros. They went through hell and back to keep our country free. God bless them!
Your country? Nobody gave a shit about America. America funded the war, and instigated a war with Japan to become involved. Biggest warmongers in history. US makes Genghis Khan look like a Saint.
US didnt do match compared to the russians. Not even 10%
And to save civilization, in my opinion.
❤
@@m.h.6499 I 100% agree.
Im a disabled Veteran and my neighbor was at Bastogne and used to tell me and my Dad about it when we would visit. I'm from WV, and the guys from Appalachia were used mostly as snipers because they could shoot so well. Band of Brothers brought his stories to life for me. I especially liked "We Stand Alone Together". When I was Active duty USAF, I was a member of the Flying Tigers when it was brought back at Pope AFB and I had the opportunity to be an escort the surviving members of Doolittle's Raiders at a reunion they had in Columbia, SC.
I still remember these dialogues from the band of brother series just before easy company is about to set up defense perimeter in Bastogne
2nd Lt. George Rice:
"Looks like you guys are going to be surrounded."
Richard Winters:
"We're paratroopers, Lieutenant. We're supposed to be surrounded."
Best series ever.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Watch it each year and was even lucky enough to be living in the Netherlands when they re-enact Market Garden. It was really great to see all the vehicles from the war and all the guys dressed in the army garb it really did take you back and give you the smallest glimpse of the past. Its really sad to see how these important times in history are slowly being forgotten and these great men disappear into the annals of time. Band of Brothers did a great job in bringing their efforts to light and even, for me anyway, almost gave you a personal relationship with some of the men involved. Reading the names on the memorial and recognizing a few of them you almost feel a sense of loss and at the same time pride in their heroic deeds even though I have no clue what they looked like in real life. They did so much, all of them.
What a great, well crafted show. Best series I've ever seen.
@@watkinsrory "Reading the names on the memorial and recognizing a few of them you almost feel a sense of loss and at the same time " This is so true! I only wish they would make a few more shows like Band of Brothers.. Pacific was ok, but it was missing the interviews with the real men of whom the actors were portraying
@@jakedelhom Yes you are right I missed that personal touch in Pacific.
A few years ago, I managed to find an original newspaper in an antique shop with an article on Easy company advancement into Foy. One of my treasured items.
Holy smokes! I collect a lot of WWII stuff as well. That was definitely a good find.
Can i marry you
To be fair, I did have to spend a few hours looking through the stacks the dealer had to find the right dates but I feel you all might be a bit upset with me when I admit I haggled him down to about £3.50 😮 but my dad was a paratrooper (uk) so I have a bit of an obsession with airborne forces memorabilia!
@@MYU214 It was a lucky find but I live in UK so we have a lot of fairs and shows where you can buy original and wonderful items
@@MrJonrocker wow that’s amazing! I’ve never seen one! One of my mums friends found a stack of the original embroidered postcards in an attic that were sent back to the uk from France and we bought quite a few from him . The handwriting is still there, still perfect, I always wonder if the young men who wrote them ever came home. I had mine framed and they live with pride above my mantelpiece
I went to this exact place in the wood a few days ago to see the foxholes myself. Couldn’t imagine what they had to endure. The cold, the fatigue, never enough food and an enemy that desperately want to kill you.
I’m the same way, I just visited Major Richard Winters grave about two weeks ago, I passed the cemetery 100 times and didn’t know that a true American hero was buried there 🇺🇸 , I thanked him for fighting and his leadership through the hell he and all the men went through for my freedom 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Band of Brothers is one of the most life changing series and book I have ever read. That Had to have been so moving to stand there, I am not sure I am not sure I could have done it with a dry eye.
I can't think of a better series that has ever been made. I liked The Pacific a lot, but it always comes back to Band of Brothers for me. And yes, it was pretty heavy to be able to walk those woods. Glad that you enjoyed it!
@Alfred Strickert I very much understand that as my Grandfather was in Europe at the time. I learned so much about what they went through to keep us Free. If you have another book of other companies I welcome them as I will read them all.
@Alfred Strickert I teach 11th grade US History students, and I always tell them this. And I'm always struck by how the veterans are so humble when interviewed -- they always say that the heroes were those who didn't make it home.. I'm sure they would be the first ones to remind viewers of this issue as well.
Me too and I'm a girl. I came to this late and I'm so moved by this series I watched it through four times straight. I cannot get enough of it.
@@heidisutton5721 I believe it was Winters who said something akin to that when asked by a young grandchild: "Grandpa, were you a hero?" "No, but I was in a company of heroes."
Thank you for remembering the fallen heroes
🇺🇸 🇧🇪
I was there in September 2013 with my daughter, a history buff.
We'd been to Normandy and then zipped across to the Ardennes/Luxembourg area.
On the day we visited these woods it was hot and sunny but as soon as we'd parked up and were walking down one of the firebreaks into the shadows it became intensly chilly.
We came across a line of foxholes that looked for all the world like a row of empty graves, looked at each other and decided we wanted to move away from them, quickly.
Some sad wannabe had obviously been acting out his Band of Brothers dream and had camped out in one of them and had had a small fire going - honestly, would you want to sleep in a hole somebody might have died in?
We moved on down to Foy, it's not a big place, hardly worth dying for and spotted the German war cemetery. Very sombre. Black headstones, six to a plot, no flowers - not at all like the Commonwealth and US cemeteries with their white headstones, well tended gardens and offerings of wreaths.
So glad this has been preserved and honored. A time went men fought for truth, justice and freedom. Being stationed overseas several times I always wished every American could walk through a concentration camp, battle fields and cemeteries of Europe to understand why and what we fought for.
I traveled Europe like many young people early 70s Eurail pass, low cost, book $/5 day. My connection at the time was e Vietnam American soldiers to worry about. Dad flew bomber in Italy. I went to churches but don't remember Vet white headstones. If I remember in a movie, the trees were hell when hit bc the huge splinters killed. Any fire, match alerted Germans, fired . My dad lived to 89. God bless the Vets. And Military. -30 below? Ugh. I'm a wimp w regular sneezing cold
Straight up chills. such an amazing experience to walk in the same footsteps and sit in the same foxholes as some of the bravest men who have walked the earth.
Sacred ground, you can imagine the vibe you'd get just walking through it.
The Band of Brothers series was big in Australia too. Damien Lewis did a convining job of Winters. It was interesting to see Damien's interview on Parkinson some years ago where he said that when he arrived on set, the cast were already roll-playing with salutes and calling him Sir etc. No wonder the series was such a success.
I never saw Damien Lewis in previous roles, so when I finally figured out he was English doing an American accent, I thought, well he is even a better actor than I thought!
He was OK in Homeland and I disliked his role in Billions. After Band of Brothers he seems to want to not be the good guy so bad he's kind of ruined his career.
Yes, he hasn't done much more that I have been interested of.
He's truly a brilliant actor. There are so many awesome British actors.
My Mom’s brother Louis Novak died in Bastogne on December 26, 1944, the family was notified on January 5, 1945 of him being Killed in Action.
Gosh. Tough time for this country. Can't even imagine what it would have been like.
God Bless
I would suggest that people get as much information from the older generations as possible even if it is a brother or sister.
@@bighands69 yes. These stories are priceless and the families will gain strength, appreciation and love from their family's history. We can't forget the greatest generation, how else are we to ever have hope to overcome the evil in our day...
Sorry for your loss. Even though it was years ago that doesnt take away from losing such a brave man!
One of my Patients, from about 20 years ago was in Easy Company, 101st Airborne. I knew him as Mr. Rice, I never asked him his first name, I was too much in awe of him! He was wounded at Foy. He was quite an incredible individual. He passed away about a year and a half ago. RIP Mr. Rice.
I just ran across your channel. Great job. My dad joined the 101st and while wasn’t in Easy Co did everything seen in Band of Brothers. He almost never talked about it, even to my mom until late in life. As an amateur historian of course I asked about Bastogne. Only a far away look in his eyes and his recollection of the trees exploding. I never understood what he was talking about until I saw the series. And the cold. It must have been unimaginable. He remembered Christmas 1944 was sharing a tin of sardines with the guy in his foxhole who had a few stale crackers. The water in their canteens was frozen solid. Yet they kept fighting and held the line. Where did we ever get such men? Truly the Greatest Generation.
If those trees could talk, the story they’d have to tell....
Probably enough to fill volumes.
When I walked through those woods, I thought exactly the same. 'What these trees must have seen'...
J Marco my Dad had a visceral..shocking reaction to the trees in the Ardennesupon our visit there on the 60th anniversary of the battle in Bastogne.
“Yeah so my father went boom over there some guy ran past me he went boom to then uh another guy came he got blown up too yeah yeah...”
The fact that the trees have the blood of soldiers soaked into them from the ground is shockingly scary....god rest these men.
Too emotional! My father and uncles and most of the men who served back then are gone. I miss them all....
🇺🇸
Nobody can replace them guys.
Tough as nails.
Not like the kids now.
They cry about everything.
Glad we're not in a world war.
I'm a old GI I would fight for my Liberty and freedom for God and country USA forever 🇺🇸☮️
Their memory and bravery still lives on!
I live in the west of Belgium (ww1 region), and I often do war trips with my son who is 9. All the places from the battle of the bulge region Bastogne, Foy, Büllingen, ..., they still breath the war. If you stand there, especially in winter times, you can imagine the scenes, and the drama that played there.
My best friend and I hiked through the Bois Jacques on Christmas Eve, making the same kind of pilgrimage, if you will. It was an experience I will never forget. My dear friend has since passed on, but your documentation of the same essential trip helps me to both remember him, and the magnificence of the Ardennes Forest, and the time we shared there. Leaving a pack of Lucky Strikes on the memorial was one of the most poignant moments of my life. It seemed to me that the entire area was filled with a beautiful, quiet peace. Thank you, sir. Liked / Subscribed.
Somehow this video came on my recommendation feed, and love it. I’m a pilot for a cargo airline, and when I’m somewhere, I try to go out to see the sites. Even from the air, I’m trying to point out historical sights to the other pilots I’m with, sure it annoys them. Last year I go to fly over the Gallipoli peninsula, it was a clear day, and just awesome. Even got to see from the air the U-Boat pens at St. Nazaire, and where the Bismarck was built in Hamburg. It’s amazing to be able to have the sight that someone in a B-24, B-17, Lancaster, Spitfire, Mustang, Lighting or anything else got to see some 75 years ago.
Glad that the channel found its way to you. Always enjoy sharing the content with some fellow history enthusiasts.
Band of Brothers literally transformed me into a WWII buff. I had little interest in it before then and I have soaked up everything available since. I still have the box set and I still watch it 2-3 times a year and it never gets old. This is a cool video and the BOB tour is definitely on the bucket list.
I'll confess I've watched the band of Brothers series at least 10 times and I'll watch it everything it's on. I love this stuff. I can't believe any off those tree's were there in 1944 77 years ago nor the foxholes
Thank you for these videos. I served with the 502d STRIKE FORCE on my first stint with the 101st, and the 327th No Slack on my last. I served my overseas tour with the 187th Rakkasan's. Thank you for your passion in making these films and remembering my fallen brothers of yesteryear. I will leave you with this poem written by an anonymous soldier who served in Africa during WWII.
"They shall not grow old. But we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them Nor the years condemn .
With the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them, Lest we Forget"
That's a very scary order to a service man "Stand your ground Hold the line"
Can’t even imagine.
The POV in the fox hole just gives me a sense of terror. Imagining being in there with the Germans not that far away on the other side of that road
Living in Belgium, I've never been to Bastogne of thought about going there. Definitely will now.
👍🏻
Took The Band of Brothers Tour for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. Was a humbling tour and well worth the money well spent.
I want to give my very deeply heart felt appreciation, to the people who have given their time and labor to preserve the fox holes and the memory of what happened there. It is heart tugging to know that more than 75 years later, the people of Belgium care enough to preserve this history.
Amen to that.
My great Uncle Tommy was the flight engineer and top turret gunner on a B24 liberator, he and the rest of the crew of his plane were forced to bale out over Germany after the plane was severely damaged by flak all of his crew were captured my great uncle was imprisoned at Stalag luft IV, he was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in saving the crew of his plane. A couple weeks ago The National museum of the Mighty eighth Air Force posted a couple videos on Facebook about what prisoners of war did to keep them selves occupied one is specifically about uncle Tommy’s project that could have and nearly got him executed by a guard because the handkerchief he was embroidering had the American flag on it, prior to it getting donated to the eighth Air Force museum and his passing it hung on his wall next to his medals after his wife found it in the attic seeing those items peaked my interest in history especially military history
Oh wow! I'll have to try and track that video down. Thanks so much for sharing that.
“They held the line”…. That statement says everything to me and is such an inspiration.
Thank you for a phenomenal video.
I absolutely love your channel. I too am a history buff (particularly WWII) and so was my husband who died 3 yrs. ago. We saw Band of Brothers many times and it's really amazing to see where they held out in horrendous conditions to keep the Germans from moving forward until air support could come. true heroes.
I would love to go there. WWII history has always intrigued me.
Me too! Hopefully this video will hold you over until you can make it there yourself :)
@@TheHistoryUnderground You guys are very welcome! It's a 80 minutes drive from Brussels without traffic
You should go, trip of a lifetime
Me too....One day
Great job.I was in the paratroops in Vietnam 173rd and we all have that esprit de corps that the 101st had.My favorite line from the troopers in those days was ."They have us surrounded the poor bastards".
Ha! Yes. And I know that any paratrooper that I've ever talked to says that it's no big deal, but any man that would throw himself out of an airplane has my respect. Appreciate what you all did over there.
Thanks for your service John. JJ VF-142 USN 75-79
John Nicatra, My nephew was in the 173rd Airborne...but he jumped into Iraq back in 2003. Thank you for your service.
@@db321g He's a hero no doubt about it.
@@johnnicatra570 Thank you for your service John. A very close friend and mentor of mine, James "Jim" Nelson was also in the 173rd during Vietnam. Next to my father he has had the biggest influence on me as a person. Simply an incredible man as all of you who served are!
Thank you for this essay. My late father was there, Battle of the Bulge, he told my brother and I years later that he had never felt so cold in his life. That winter in 1944-1945 was one of the coldest on record. Dad was out in it, 24/7. We told him that we loved him.
You were good children
Nothing but respect for the special men and who gave their lives and the others who were actually lucky enough to make it out alive.... thank you gentlemen... I sincerely salute you 🙏 . You will always hold a special place in my heart ❤️
While I was stationed in Germany, my CO took us through Europe to trace Easy Company’s footsteps. Being in the forest in Bastogne was amazing. To see how close the Germans in town were the to area that Easy Co. held was insane.
Great story. I was fortunate enough to be stationed in Germany (Bitburg Air Base) from 1989-97 and got to see anything and everything I could related to WWII. A buddy of mine I was stationed with father was in the 101st so went to all the places we could from Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Holland, Germany and even made a trip to Poland. Each trip was amazing and an adventure of a lifetime to see.
Dude, I just saw Band of Brothers. 1 day binge. I was like, "Whoa, this is some INTENSE shit. I fell in love with the series and learned more about WW2 because of it. That battle was gnarly
This was moving. There are no words, your presentation was great. Thank you for helping to keep alive what those men did. They were all heroes.
My uncle JB was in EZ Company and fought at The Battle of the Bulge. If you watch the documentary about Band of Brothers, he speaks about fighting there. I never knew ,growing up, why he would not sleep when it was very cold outside, until I watched the documentary. The cold was like PTSD for him \. He would sit up all night, staring out the window. Thank you for taking us there to see this place, I truly appreciate it.
Marty Mayes - Gosh. Hard to imagine the impact that had on them.
Imagine you were there, zeroed in by mortars, live and eat under rain of steels. Damn, these guys are true heroes.
Everytime I watch episode 9 "Why we fight" I can't contain my emotions, it's the episode where they liberate the concentration camp... my grandfather was close with a lot of the guys from easy, I so terribly wish I could have met any of them
my Dad helped out with one of the concentration camps. He would have been 100 this last birthday. He passed at 85. Rarely mentioned the war.
That scene in Band of Brothers where Winters is breaking the ice of on top of the water in that ammo can to shave gets me every time. I've shaved in cold weather outdoors before, but I can't imagine what that would have felt like. I saw a TH-cam video with somebody presenting Dick Winters before he passed away with a painting of the guys there in the woods. He was so happy that he was the only one painted without any growth of a beard. It looked like him but there were about 8 to 10 others in the painting, and that was how he knew it was him in that group. Think they were looking at a map or something... idk. It's a great video if you can find it. All those men were amazing, brave, and selfless. Al heroes as far as I'm concerned. I know there were some dramatic license to create subplots, but I'm sure Spielberg and Hanks did a great job of getting it as close as possible to what really happened.
This video sparked a quote from the movie Patton, when George C. Scott did the reincarnation scene, "It was here. The battle was here." This is on my bucket list to do, thank you for sharing.
Mike Ward - Well put. Those woods definitely hold the weight of memory. Hopefully some of these videos will give you something to look for when you get over there. Thanks for watching!
@@TheHistoryUnderground What makes places like Bastogne even more special is that wars have been in the Ardennes for thousands of years. Germanic and Celtic tribes, Romans and Germans, The Franks and and Goths, and then finally WW2. The Ardennes is, in my opinion, a forest of dead warriors because warriors have fought and died there throughout history.
@@Nathan-zw7nq - That is a point that I really wish that I would have made while I was there. Looks like I'm going to have to make a return trip now :)
I was hoping and expecting to hear the rumble of the tanks and logistics train of 3rd Army during this video and P-47’s up above, with Dakota’s dropping crucial supplies.
As a current member of the 101st thank you for doing your part in keeping our units history alive! Us current members are proud of our WW2 veterans and what they accomplished!
That’s quite the rich history that you all have in your division. Keep up the good work 👊🏻 🦅
The History Underground thank you! You as well!
The History Underground you should consider starting up your own company teaching people about military history! Would love to be a part of that! As a kid history was my best and favorite subject in school!
I'm just coming back from this place together with my son. I was inspired by your video. After a visit to the 101st Airborne Museum and the Bastogne museum, this was another highlight. Meanwhile, the forest is fenced and accessible with an admission ticket. Visitors can expect a virtual reality tour via an app. Very well done with very realistic videos. It is very intersting and allows you to immerse yourself in times long past. Very intense mood, especially if you know the corresponding episodes from Band of Brothers.
Thank you for your great work!
Thanks!
I have visited the area and taken time, like you, to walk through these towns, villages, woods, cemeteries, museums, etc. It’s all very moving. By the way, the foxholes in the wood are regularly re-dug by re-enactors but they give a very realistic impression of what they would have looked like. I like your approach - well researched, down to earth, respectful to both sides, etc.
That was powerful, I could see the intense Connection for you being there. Awesome Mate
Thanks a ton! It was definitely a place that holds the weight of memory. Thanks.
My grandmother has her cousins purple heart and last letters she told me he died fighting at the battle of the Bulge, so its really cool to see this. The ardens not only saw fighting in WW2, you possibly walked areas that Romans and Germanic tribes fought, Medieval armies would of clashed.
I was just kind of enjoying this passively until 5:02. I got chills at that moment. Great shot and great perspective.
My Dad never told me about his time with Easy Company. It wasn't until after the series came out and I was able to talk to the veterans in Paris for the premiere, that I was able to learn about what he went through.
I was there this past August. Fascinating.
Very much so. Thanks for watching!
I have been to Bastogne several times, and I know the emotions you were feeling. It is a special place.
Very much so. It was hard to put it into words.
@@TheHistoryUnderground You're always welcome back here! Greetings from Belgium
This is amazing! I would love to travel Europe and follow easy company’s movements, like they did.
I did not notice when I viewed this the first time the passion and emotion you felt in your visit to these historical areas. Thank you for taking me along on your visits to these areas.
It’s rare that I come across a video or even an actual landmark that takes my breath away. What Easy Company was able to withstand and overcome makes me so proud to be an American. One could bet, that if you put anyone else in the shoes of those brave men, that the task wouldn’t have been accomplished. The men of Easy company and the 101st airborne were a different breed. Who knows what could’ve happened had they not held the line as effectively as they did. I very much enjoy living vicariously through your videos, because every location you’ve visited so far has been a dream of mine to see. What happened at all of these battle sites preserved the way of life we are blessed to live today. Thank you so much sir.
Thanks! That means a lot. I'm glad that I could share a bit of these places with some fellow fans of history.
Forgive me for pointing out that Americans were not unique in performing acts of bravery and endurance during WW2.
@@christopherfranklin972 - You are correct. I've got a few other videos from this particular series in France and Belgium that talk about the British and Canadians at Normandy although I will admit that I need to go back someday and do a more thorough job.
Christopher Franklin You’re entitled to your opinion. I didn’t say that the Americans were superior than the other Allied fighting forces. This particular video was about an American fighting force, specifically the elite men of the Airborne. Assuming you’re not American or just an internet troll, I would say the exact same thing about a British company, Canadian, or even German company had they done what was accomplished at the Battle of the Bulge. Every man who fought in WW2 was brave in my eyes, however, I obviously favor the acts of the Americans, because I am in fact an American.
@@TheHistoryUnderground My comment was directed at 'sappalicious' belief that nobody else could have achieved what Easy Company did not you excellent video.
What blows my mind is how you can't see very far through those woods. Would have been absolutely terrifying.
It likely would have helped when the bush was levelled by artillery.
Made the same trek to those woods in May 2019…hallowed ground. Troopers killed at the battle were buried in temporary graves in Foy. Thanks for sharing… keep up the interesting stops. Vr
The Travelers commentary throughout this series has been outstanding
Your genuine excitement and feeling being speechless is so appropriate. It's how most if it's wood feel if we were there. Probably the best thing is honesty at a time like that.
Well done.
I visited that exact place 2 years ago. It was amazing to relive it in this video. These men and the easy company itself should never be forgotten no matter what. This video was important!
Couldn't agree more! Thanks for the kind words.
Thank you for your service. RIP HEROES!
As a big history buff I really enjoyed that, well done. Band of brothers really is the best of the WW2 war stories.
Thank you so much for this trip through time and history. I have watched Band of Brothers at least four times and plan (now) to watch it again.
Even in my small village in Staffordshire England men fought & died for what they believe in. We're all walking in their footsteps. Your videos are brilliant. Thank you.
Every Memorial Day weekend I watch Band of Brothers and think about what those folks -- including my very young grandfather that served as a tank commander in Europe -- went through. Thanks for sharing.
I really love that BoB actually took the time to get this stuff right too… obviously it’s a dramatization still but the fact that it earnestly tried to depict these men struggle through war together is amazing.
So cool to see the actual Ardens on the ground too!:D
We just visited there 3 days ago. Incredible and chilling experience!
Your comments beginning at 13:42 is exactly how I feel when I’m walking around historical areas. I imagine those historical figures and I wonder what it would’ve been like to have hovered near them and see them in their moments of time. Thank you for your videos.
You and I are have the same emotional love for this history. I should have come with you, its like a pilgrimage for WWII historical buffs....Thanks for posting.. I loved it.
Quite the place. I'm looking at organizing a group trip to Normandy next fall.
Those heroes endured hell for us. The winter was brutal and their fear must have been unreal. God bless them all. 🙏 💖
I was there, on a tour, about ten years ago. We were given a tour of that area by a team of fiery Dutchmen, who drove us out to the woods in vintage vehicles. Our guides, whose families had schooled them about the occupation, would not take German tourists on their tours.
I feel that is wrong. Everyone has the right to learn about history.
@@DeimosPC its ok those Germans probably learned more about ww2 in school than the majority of Yanks did
I visited the area in December of 15. I'll be going back when we move back to Germany from the US. My wife is so understanding following me walking through all the areas searching for things. Looking down on Foy from the woods is sobering. In person, the village is much closer than what I'd seen on TV and in pictures. Thanks for the video.
I was there too. very impressing. My father was a dutchman, who joined Pattons 4th Armored Division in France, and he was ons of the soldiers who helped liberating Bastogne.
He didn't tell a lot about it, but one of the things he told is that they normally were positioned behind the tanks, but now they had to climb on the tanks, to reach Bastogne as fast as possible.
Thank you for sharing these moments in history with us
It’s really Eerie watching the footage where these boys fought. I love this series seeing these clips of where it happened. Massive respect to the boys who fought there. I hope the current generation don’t just treat this area as another woods or field. These pkk on aces need to cared for so others can appreciate them like all war history buffs don
Tracey R unfortunately you are right this gen are idiots and don’t give two stuffs about the past. This type of thing needs to hammered into their heads before it’s lost.
@@Grant80
The reason why they do not care is because they have been damaged with many not having a proper childhood. Today they are inundated with sex, violence and politics from time they can speak until they adults.
bighand69 you are correct unfortunately
My heart lit up with joy when I saw the thumbnail picture! I recognize that forest from a trip my grandfather took me on as a kid. It was so eerie and peaceful to peer out the woods and imagine what those brave men must have gone through. Thank you for keeping this history alive
Must be contagious, because I'm speechless just watching.
Thank you for taking us with you. So heart felt and well done.
You clearly hold a lot of respect for what happened here and the men who were witness to it. Thank you for this video!
I watch Band Of Brothers twice a year. This is incredible. Thank you.
I'm so glad I came across this channel. I love this history and it should never be forgotten.
I really enjoy all of your videos. I especially appreciate the feeling you convey regarding each place that you are especially thankful to visit. Your humility is refreshing and sometimes no words are necessary to capture the intensity of the moment. Keep up the great work.
Incredible video, thank you for sharing. I had chills watching you walking the same ground those men held and refused to yield despite the horrific shelling they were under. I've always wanted to travel to Europe one day and see all of these incredible WW2 sites with my own eyes.
I was there last November with my girlfriend, we felt the same. Awesome place. They stood alone together 🙌
Thank you for all you do keep history alive.