Cousin Pete landed on Omaha Beach, took a bullet in arm. Was fighting in battle of the bulge when a jeep he was riding in hit a land mine. He woke up face down in ditch and could hear germans talking, waited till dark and crawled 7 miles to help. In hospital for 1.5 years then married the nurse who cared for him. Lost him 3 years ago at 97 years old, a good man.
My son wants to be a historian and museum coordinator, so I showed him your channel to loosen him up a little. I guess he thinks that curators and historians are inherently boring. Thanks for teaching the youth that being a historian can absolutely be fun and entertaining. Cheers from Texas!
I have a friend that was in the 101st and they were doing an exhibition jump one time when they announced Sgt so and so is doing his 100th jump today! After the show and old man came up to him and the Sarge and said, "One hundred jumps! That's impressive. I used to jump out airplanes for a living too." The Sgt ask him how many he did. The old man replied, "Oh, just four. North Africa, Sicily, Normandy and Belgium."
As a Canadian, we always learned in school "look, we took our beach faster" but they always gloss over the difficulty of ya'lls beaches. Much love from canuckistan
Wow... Are you on your knees when you are writing that? Americans think they won both WWs on their own. None of them ever tried to diminish the US assaults, they try to forget OURS! You l And the Canadians at Juno DID go further, faster, against some of the worst defenses, and best troops... It's not propaganda...
You’re Canadian, the Germans simply ran because they had PTSD attacks from the war crimes you committed back in WW1. They didn’t issue you guns, they issued you canned food and grenades.
I sit down weekly with my stepfather who’s a veteran to watch your videos. Not because I make him but because since I showed him your videos he always asks when I’m over if “that electrician guy” has made a new video. Absolutely loves you.
Tbf I don't think you COULD make him if he didn't want to lol so if he's watching I imagine it's cause he enjoys the videos. Thanks to your step father for keeping us free 🫡
I’m an elderly lady and have no business watching these videos, when I should be cleaning something, but I love them thank you for your animated story telling.
I live in the town where Bud is from. He is a local legend. On the 75th anniversary of D Day I gave a prayer in our original town court house and his late wife attended. Truly surreal.
I was privileged to meet Lt.Lomell at the WW2 weekend in Reading Pa.many years ago.Lt.Lomell was one of the most humble and soft spoken heroes i have ever met. He spent time telling me the story of his D-day exploits at Point Du Hoc and the guns that himself and another Ranger destroyed and afterwards being awarded the DSC. He asked me if i ever served and we spoke of the units that i seved in.SETAF,101st Airborne Division, and 2nd Infantry Division (ROK). When a REAL war hero shakes your hand and says thanks for serving you are humbled to nothingness for the sacrifices that these heroes made. I told him that I joined at 17yrs old because of men like my Grandfather who served with the 116th infantry regiment 29th infantry division on Omaha on D-Day and himself.The time i spent with Lt.Lomell was one of the proudest moments in my life.Thank You Lt...RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!! ALL THE WAY!!
My grandfather was a ranger in his battalion. He was the second ranger to be sent back home from injury. This was so cool to watch and share with my dad. His father never talked a lot about everything they did. To watch with my dad on Veterans Day was super cool. Thank you!!
My grandfather was one of those rangers on pointe du hoc, he passed on 1989 a few years before I was born. I truly wish I could have meet that man. After ww2 he went on to work for red adiar as a oil well firefighter
Could be who gave him the idea to use explosives to blow up the fires lol "We've been trying water to put these fires out but it's just not working, you have any secret ranger tricks from WWII that might help?" "I dunno, have you tried throwing a grenade at it?"
Because i cannot thank your grandfather for his service i will than your family for not his service but his selfless sacrifice of life and limb for the American people. God bless you and your family.
I was in the 2nd Rangers during the early 1980's. I was lucky enough to have spoken with our Sergeant Major, who had gone through jump school before I was born. His father had been one of the rangers who went up the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc. Apparently rangering can be a family business. Nice to see you do a story on my alma mater! Keep up the great work. Rangers lead the way!
While I never served, have plenty of relatives who are/have/did. One was Gen Norman Cota, at the time Asst Div commander of the 29th ID, who said "Well, God damn it, if you are Rangers, then get up there and lead the way!" (I've heard/read it said many different ways). He was my great uncle (by marriage). I spent a few weeks living in his last house well after he passed away, and it was filled with all of his memorabilia, and it was amazing to peruse.
In high school I had an awesome history teacher Mr. Fitzgerald. He would come into class fully dressed in historical costumes like Ben Franklin, Roosevelt & even Betsy Ross, etc. The only way anyone failed his class is if they never showed up all semester. He was the best hysterical, I mean historical storyteller I've ever heard in my entire 60 years......until NOW. If you ever decide on a career change GOD knows the American educational system could use a teacher like you.
Bro definitely had the tism. "Bud, you're adopted, I'm sorry if this devastating to you😭" "I do not understand this feeling you're expressing. Where is my birth certificate?"
@jakebrandyberry9116 I had a feeling that was where it was heading. Given his parents age and the stigma of teen pregnancy then. It wasn't a big stretch that they would raise the grandson and pass it off as their own kid.
Fun fact on this. The Grapling hooks that were fired up the cliff didn't work as planned. They practiced with the ropes dry. Therefore, when they used them on the cliffs. They didn't go high enough to be used because the water made them too heavy and they wouldn't fire high enough. So these bad asses basically climbed the cliffs mostly with no ropes or ladders.
Ya... maybe.. but think about if that is even possible. Maybe if they were all alex honnold, but they weren't. They apparently had food poisoning, cold wet hands, 50lb of gear.. no chalk. Idk i am just thinking through this and ... ya physics is still present in sweet stories. Hopefully u are right though! Would be cool!
@@Theiliteritesbianwhen you have adrenaline going you’re not cold, wet hands dry off, and idk if you’ve climbed but you don’t need chalk if you have man hands also cliffs usually are not flat and smooth
Obviously someone's a keyboard warrior and has never done much. Thanks for letting us know. Cause fact is it was done and that's how they did it proff is in the puddin there puddin.
@@Theiliteritesbian These also wouldn't have been hardcore climbing cliffs with 5.13+ ratings. They weren't there to prove that they could muscle up the toughest route, they would have been happy to go "off-route" and find the easiest bits of cliff with plenty of hand/foot-holds.
"Sergeant Randall, the guns are gone! They're not here!" "What?!" "THE GUNS! AREN'T! HERE! The Krauts must've moved them someplace else!" ~Call of Duty 2, first US mission, up Pointe du Hoc
I am a barber and when I was working in the first barbershop out of school there were 3 WWII vets that would come in and get haircuts and shoot the shit. The oldest 98 year old was a Ranger and told his Point Du Hoc story. He talked about the trip in and said when they hit the beach he stepped off the Higgins Boat and went straight to the bottom. He said “Two things saved my life number 1 was that the beach was stones and he could just walk on the bottom and two that he was a swimmer in HS and could hold his breath” he said he didn’t remember anything from the after his head breaking out of the water until around 3 am that night and he was trying to light a cigarette and couldn’t because he was shaking so bad then he said he remembered he didn’t even smoke. His humility and bravery were the completely matter of fact in his story. These guys really were the greatest generation ever. He was 98 and still had a full head of jet black hair, drove and would jog across the street like a teenager. Once I asked (naively) “if knowing he would live to be almost a hundred years old and still be in great shape would he have been as afraid?” He replied “Has anyone ever shot at you with an MG42?” To which I said “No sir” then in the most gangster way “well If you had you wouldn’t ever ask that dumb of a question!” 🫡🇺🇸
My great uncle who I respect with 100 percent was a combat engineer on Omaha Beach and was one of the first to walk through Paris within that famous photo he and may have also been in the battle of hurtgen forest and it kills me to know that I may never be able to hear his stories because of what he's seen I'm not even sure if he's even alive but I do have 100 respect for all he's done I hope your ok Bob Florentino
My grandpa on mas side drove an ammo truck and the stories of ambushes and how crazy it was made me think that he had to be one of the toughest fuckers ever he got med evaced after a grenade went off right next to him and I'll never forget how funny it was to have grandma chewing him out for not doing something he'd just look at you wink and turn his hearing aid down to continue watching TV with subtitles a really funny war hero in my opinion. On my dad's side gramps flew from island to island repairing radios to keep communication up his stories weren't as happy just lots of wounded everywhere apparently the Pacific theatre was an utter bloodbath and he didn't like talking about it if he had any crazy stories they died with him. But he was also a great carpenter my first cars and trucks were made by him from wood blocks and I still have them.
@killerjoker222 I've still got my grandfather's wwii pacific log book from his ship he loved the ship but never talked about what happened its a book ill hold onto until my own last days so hold onto those blocks of wood as the same
@SuperDiablo101 I'm planning on keeping them i might give them to my first kid but I'm worried about them damaging them. so there going to stay in the attic basically
In 1951, a Utah National Guard artillery unit of 240 soldiers stood alone against 4,000 enemy Chinese and North Korean soldiers. Surrounded and outmanned, the small band fought valiantly and won the battle without the loss of a single soldier. For their bravery, the unit received the Presidential Unit Citation from U.S. President Harry Truman. Please make a video about these guy's
@@tristenthomas7352Yeah in fact he commanded the troops so well and coordinated the fire so accurate the Germans thought they had semi automatic howitzers. Hell he didn’t even lose a single man
"Learned the most in 2024 from a comment section" definitely goes to this post and all of you here! I wasn't aware of any of this neat information! Thank you! 🙏🏼
Infantry officer here (non American) ..... I have only ever heard the basics of this story, and it always stopped with those guns not being on the point. D-Day always overshadows it. All I can think of after just watching this is 1) "RANGERS LEAD THE WAY" and 2) in respect for 2LT Lomell not taking any personal credit - GOD DAMN WHAT AN AMAZING TEAM OF SOLDIERS ! Each and every one of them! Now I understand when I've heard people say these troops don't see themselves as "special forces" .... they're RANGERS - who get called for special missions that others cannot do or have screwed up. Mad Respect for any past or present Army Rangers who see this!
Same here regarding the extent of the story. Some of the stories talked about how they didn't find the guns and all of the men who died taking the Point died in vain. I was expecting that after they didn't find the guns, Lomell did something else really important that didn't involve the guns.
I came here looking for tips on a boss fight that's pissing me off but here we are watching some much appreciated history lesson ( if teachers was like this my grades of been better....probably)
I gotta say Nick. I’d never thought you’d make a video about the Rangers on D Day and how it’s actually the third American beach at Normandy. I just love any video that accurately talks about the Rangers in ww2 as they are some of my biggest idols. When I first found out it about the at they did was through probably my most favorite and childhood memorable game was Call of duty 2 from 2005. When I got the game I got a blue ray disc with it that had a bunch of extra stuff about the game but most of all it has an interview with Bud himself. He talks about his service and how proud of it he was, but most of all when asked are you a hero, he says I’m not a hero, all the boys that didn’t make it back were hero’s, and that’s who should always be remembered he said. Fucking kills me that most of them age gone on and I can’t go and meet them, but again combining my love for the Rangers origins and my new love of watching your videos about some stories I didn’t even know about or didn’t know as much detail just made my fucking day. Sorry if this comments to long for you, I just really wanted express to you how much I appreciate you doing this. God bless you Nick, God bless Bud and what he did, God bless all the men who served in the war, especially the ones who didn’t make it home, and Gold bless the Ranger Regiment. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
Well actually if you wanna get technical about it the “rangers” were actually formed during the French and Indian War by Robert Rogers. He basically took tactics learned from the Indians and mixed it with modern western tactics. During the war he fought against the colonists after spending time in Britain to hide from debtors and finding the colonies wanted nothing to do with him. He had gone in debt to make sure his soldiers were equipped and were being paid and sadly it caused him to be arrested for the debts after trying to win it back gambling. He also suffered from alcoholism and lost everything including friends and family. He did briefly raise the “Queens Rangers” and fight against America and was actually the one who caught Nathan Hale who was hung after being deemed a spy by Rogers. Kinda interesting actually and on the wiki page for his “28 rules of ranging” it’s right next to a pic of the Rangers at Point du Hoc.
My grandads brother died at hill 400 in dog company. My grandad was a marine in the pacific. My other grandad was a pow in Germany. I called my grandad from meps and told him I was about to sign a ranger contract. Only time I've heard heard that man cry when he asked me not to be a ranger. He didn't want me to end up like his brother. That was January 2001, right before 9/11. Thanks grandad.
I'm from South Africa and my grandfather fought in Italy in WW2. He NEVER spoke about what he saw and experienced like so many veterans. I just knew him as my grandpa. I am obsessed with WW2, especially the Pacific Theatre, so thank you for all these stories about the brave soldiers that we otherwise would never have learned about. Much love from South Africa🇿🇦💜
"The only reason we have a red base here is that they have a blue base over there. The only reason they have a blue base there is bc we have a red here." Hurtgen and Blood Gultch soldiers
My grandpa was captured in Hurtgen as a forward artillery observer and spent six months in the Stalag crash diet system. Came home still a wonderful damn human and never held any hate in his heart. Blows my mind to this day.
Sir, if history were taught like this in school, there would be far more interest in the events of the past. Thank you for proving, as few have, that teaching, (be it history or any other subject), can be fun and inspirational.
If history were taught like this in school, an entire year would have to be dedicated to WWII and WWI. History is already skipping enough, no need to waste more time
@@mcarrowtime7095 you're not wrong about the curriculum already cutting out too much, but I was meaning the passion with which he approaches his chosen topics. That, and a depth of knowledge beyond base level is how my middle school history teacher made entire classes fascinated with the subject. All subjects should be taught with that same passion.
My love for history was sparked by my great-grandfather. He never spoke much about his time in WW2, even with his own children. However, there were only two stories he would tell me to both show the horror of war and the importance of even the smallest detail of humanity for his fellow men. He was the cook of his unit in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The first story was the Bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor the day of the attack. He explained to me the sheer horror he witnessed that day and the aftermath following. The second story, which is something that comes up often in a few of your videos. How horrible the food was that he had to make in the field mess for his men. He said the worst tasting staple item on the menu for the breakfasts was the powdered eggs. He and no one else could stomach them without a great effort. He was in the mess kitchen one day, racking his brain on why the eggs always tasted so awful. He remembered one engineer who always asked for onions with his breakfast, specifically for the eggs. Well, this made him curious about why, so he tried the eggs with some raw onion, and to his surprised it made them taste like real eggs again. It was the sulfur from the eggs that was removed in the powderization process that made them taste so unnatural. So every morning when he could, he would juice as many onions he could S.T.E.A.L. into the mix each morning. His men never skipped out on the eggs again whenever he was able to give the signal he made "Fresh Eggs" that morning. He, a "lowly cook" in the army, realized a miniscule issue in the day to day of his men and decided to figure it out and fix it for his men. I miss you more than you ever knew you salty old bastard. I love you, Grand-Grampie.
You sir, are fucking awesome! You brought this history ALIVE! I'm 73, retired Army disabled veteran. I have been fascinated by military history all my life. I have read a few books about it in my lifetime. But listening to you is incredible. It gets no better then this. Thank you greatly. You make those AI stories look really really bad. You bring out so much more! I've subscribed. Good shit!
The birth certificate part of the story actually had me on the edge of my seat for a minute there because something like that happened to my great-uncle Miles when he tried to enlist in 1940. Except the plot twist for him wasn't that he was adopted, no no, he was always the oldest of 17 kids, BUT his parents had been calling him Miles even though that wasn't his real name. The recruiter realized this, and told my uncle quote, "Son, go ask your mother what your name is,". Now my uncle was HELLA confused, and he's walking home like, "What? What is happening right now?" It was then he learned that his name wasn't Miles. It was RUDOLPH. And his middle name was ELMO. So then he went back to the recruiter, told him his name, then proceeded to be an absolute gangster until the end of the war. Love you Uncle Rudolph lol. Keep ripping in Heaven, you're an angel now.
I had the honor to help take care of one of the Rangers from Dog Company at the VA Hospital I work out. Amazing man! Two Purple Hearts from Point Du Hoc & 2 Silver Stars. Sadly he passed away about 4 years ago. Cpl Sheldon Bare... a true American badass!
I moved to Iowa in 1992 where I learned more about my father’s service to this country. No one who was not there should know what he has experienced or maybe everyone should know the price of freedom. I get to go to work and I read the building every time I enter my building that reads “the price of freedom is seen here.” My father is a United States Marine and the greatest man I’ve ever met. Thank you for sharing these stories in your words. Very entertaining, I share your videos with the veterans I serve.
Thank you so much for this video! Bud Lomell is a "hometown hero" here at the New Jersey Shore that few people are aware of. There is a statue dedicated to him in his hometown of Point Pleasant, NJ. While the statue commemorates a hero, your video tribute is very important as it brings him back to life. It highlights his courageous acts in a way that is very meaningful. Thank you!!!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the stories of these men, these soldiers, these absolute bad ass warriors, are inspirational and emotional. The ability to fight, and persevere, and accomplish all they did under the conditions they were in are nothing short of extraordinary and super human. Thank you so much for continuing to make videos and honoring the stories of these incredible men. This is a true source of my American pride. Not modern industry, not what we "make", but the people who fought and sacrificed to defend their country, and in some cases the world, from tyranny and oppression.
As a lil kid i used to hound my grandfather and my dad for war stories..i was relentless.. your stories take me back to the days i sat wide eyed listing to and trying to wrap my head around the gore and hardship of combat..thanks..
I read somewhere that after the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, Gen. Courtney Hodges, who had commanded the American forces during the battle, toured the site for the first time and, when he saw how rough and difficult the terrain was, remarked, "Why didn't anyone tell me?" He had directed the whole battle using maps that didn't show how bad the terrain was, and never thought to send anyone to scout it out for him. He just sent wave after wave of troops into the meatgrinder and, essentially called them sissies for not completing their objectives.
What a douche honestly. Like, that’s your job to know, sir. BuT tHe mApS!! Is such a BS excuse. And no doubt people told him he just didn’t want to hear it.
Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) James Earl "Jim" Rudder (Texas A&M Class of 1932) is mentioned quite a lot in this excellent video. Rudder returned to his native Texas after the war. He first served as Mayor of Brady (near the geographic center of the state). He was then appointed to be the Commissioner of the General Land Office because the previous incumbent was sent to prison. Rudder cleaned up and modernized the GLO and won his own term. Next, Rudder returned to A&M as its 16th president in 1958. He knew an all-male, all-military, all-white land grant college called the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas would not survive, so in 1963, he convinced Governor John Connally, the Legislature, and the Former Students (alumni) to admit women, begin admitting black students, and drop the ROTC requirement for males (although, as one of the six Senior Military Colleges, the males have to get individual permission to not join the Corps of Cadets). It is now known as Texas A&M University and has one of the highest enrollments of any university in the United States. Rudder became the 3rd President of the Texas A&M System. Sadly, he died in 1970 at the young age of 58. I took my family to Pointe-du-Hoc in July 2016 and saw the Texas State Historical Marker inside one of the German gun emplacements the 2nd Ranger Battalion took. I also saw the craters that are still there. The nearby Normandy American Cemetery and Museum is worth a visit. It made this grown man cry. By the way, Lieutenant Colonel William Darby is no relation to me (Jeff Darby).
@jeffwooton7138 I was born in, and have lived in, Jefferson County (the southeast corner of Texas) my entire life. One of my sons-in-law passed on attending A&M with his identical twin brother on a marching band scholarship (Class of 2021) and went to Lamar University along with my daughter; they married in January 2022. I was Army ROTC during college and pull for the Aggies most of the time.
I'm a Marine vet. Deployed during OEF. I can't even compare to this story. Some real genuine badasses. Fellow vets, don't get down on yourself when hearing about these heroes. We all stepped up and did our duty. We're all heroes. Happy Birthday Marines and Happy Veterans Day to all my brothers and sisters.
James "Jim" Earl Rudder has a building on Texas A&M University's campus named after him. It's exactly 110 feet tall, the same height as the cliffs at Point du Hoc. A great leader!
General James Earl Rudder, Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘32. Such a fantastic leader. I’m so proud to have attended the same alma mater as this hero. Gig ‘em. Whoop! Class of ‘94
1:34 I still carry my Blockbuster card since it's fun to show the kids at work that it's older than they are. Granted, it's a weird flex, but it's funny to us.
I got a Dave & Busters card that's like 17 - 19 years old from the arcade in Opry Mills before the region flooded in the early 2010's. I've held on to it for reasons even I myself don't know.😅
Another very important man on D-Day was Waverly Woodson Jr. Man landed at Omaha and despite being wounded himself this combat medic undoubtedly saved hundreds of lives and sadly because of his color his exploits are little known. He was finally honored with the DSC recently even though many believe he deserved the Medal of Honor. What is really amazing is despite the hours he spent on Omaha he was never hit which is pretty amazing considering all the lead of every kind was landing and was incoming. He was only wounded coming in when his LCT took a direct hit by an 88 mm shell. This guy seriously deserves a movie made about his actions that day.
17:23 We need a shirt that says "home of the brave land of the f* around and find out" with a picture of the 3 machine guns mounted on the truck ladder.
I'm a 25-yo accountant who's been spending 10 hours a day sitting and staring at computer screens for 3 years (and somehow still have 20/20 vision). Your videos have convinced me to get in shape to join the military once I get out of this job (even if the farthest I'll ever get to is a civ contractor).
Work on your overall fitness. Run two miles every other day. Sit ups push ups, just for starters. Additionally everything is available online. Be your best.
My wife and I were able to go to Normandy, the 1st week of October. Went to Point Du Hawk too. My wife doesn't know much about history and she was absolutely amazed by the cliffs. You can read how they scaled the cliffs but looking at them in person, we had absolutely no idea how they did it. I can't believe it worked. Think of an American Semi Truck standing up end to end. Trailer to Cab and Still being too short. They climbed it while being shot at. It's wild. Those shell craters are indeed absolutely massive. It's also one of the most Beautiful places I've ever seen.
Sir, You truly are an incredible storyteller and historian. I know you have a team of guys to help but I have to say you truly captivate your audience in so many ways! The ability to honor all of these incredible hero’s, engineers, and most importantly the standard man that just signed up to have a family in the military is something else man! You are going to change a lot of people’s hearts when it comes to the military/ pride in our country and I’m extremely grateful, so thank you sir!
Back in 2000, I was on a tour of Point DuHuc. One member of our tour group was one of the Rangers who stormed the beach. He told the exact story about how the guns weren't there, but they still were fighting the Germans to prevent them from getting word to those who should have been manning the guns. This guy was so humble about what he did. It was amazing.
Man I just realized 1Sgt Lomell was Sgt Randall in the Pointe Du Hoc and Defending the Pointe and Battle for Hill 400 missions in Call of Duty 2 Such a good campaign and thank you 1Sgt Lomell and thank you Fat Electrician for reigniting my memory
@@danielcurtis1434 Glad im not the only one replaying the horrors of the real life events and our childhood's memories of CoD2's depiction of Pointe Du Hoc and I just realized when Fat Electrician was narrating and storytelling about the 6 Artillery guns you were the dude who only had 15 bullets with Sgt Randall/1Sgt Lomell in the game and IRL and found that hilarious but of course in the game you had all the thermites and ammo in the world but it is a game.
Oh, thank you so much. I have been dealing with a back injury for the last 4 and a half years. Finally surgery was today, and I got stuck in a room with no TV, so I pulled out my phone and saw, Brandon, Matt, and now your video. You group of guys have made the last 4 years of my life bearable, I certainly hit some low points but you guys always managed to pull me out of them. I love you all so, so much. Between all of you guys and your videos and the unsubscribe podcast. I'm just at a loss for words. All I can say is thank you.
That sucks. Hope you aren't in constant pain. It is draining mentally. People who go through similar issues all hit low points. It is expected. Only people who have been through similar pains know that. Hope you'll get over that hill sooner than later. Back issues are one of the worst. Especially if nerves are involved
%60 disabled with a lower back injury here and haven't had a stable address since my hardship discharge in 2021. I'll need to thread the needle but i have an opportunity at stability in the near future. Hopefully i can get these appointments and begin my recovery. I hope you recover well and find health.
My grandfather was a E8 First Sergeant David H. Keeton. I have a picture of him with his distinguished cross before he made 1st Sergeant. 🙏🏻 he showed me how to be a good man and a warrior in one.
Bud is my great-grandmother's brother and I am so excited to see you make a video about him. I enjoy all your videos and told all my friends holy crap you got to see this . Thanks for your fantastic historical videos
Nick, I just had to go in to see my dad after his first round of chemo and radiation tonight, on Halloween, instead of going out with friends. I come home to see you uploaded a new video, and legitimately cried happy tears that my night got a little better. Thank you for giving me 49 minutes of distraction ❤ one of your biggest fans I watch your videos a few times over sometimes because you’re such a good story teller! Thank you for bringing us this story.
Big regret being older, these men were alive during my time and never thought to sit with them and devour their stories... Thank you for what you do and don't ever stop bringing these stories to light!
I can think of a dozen relatives and my Dad's drinkin' buddies that I could have interviewed the hell out of, and I was too busy PLAYIN' Army to STUDY Army.
Quality, solid storytelling that grabs your attention, holds it, makes you root for the guy in the story and then maybe leaves you teary eyed mess by the end. You have a gift. Please, never stop sharing it.
Recommendation, the African American medic, Waverly B Woodson Jr, who was on d-day who was treating injured soldiers for 18 hours whilst injured himself, he was believed to have saved around 200 men but did not receive the medal of honor for A. Being African American and B. The place with the documentation for it got burnt down
I often feel emotionally drained after one of your stories. It's your videos like this one that fill me with pride and appreciation for the great generation of Americans who helped save the world. Where would we all be now if it were not for them. The basics of your stories I usually know. But, you have a special talent to add personal details, background, faces, and names in a way that brings it to life and puts me right there with the cold and the noise and the loss of sleep and time. Thank you for an hour well spent. May God bless our veterans.
It warms my maroon heart to hear a video about rudders rangers. Even if the video isn’t about the second savior himself, I am content to hear his story spread.
Great video. I didn't know anything about Len Lomell after Pointe du Hoc. A few more interesting things: 1. A lot of the ropes in the landing craft got wet and were too heavy to reach the top of the cliff. 2. Mr. Lomell was very annoyed that the Rangers exploits in the movie The Longest Day ended with them finding the telephone poles. 3. Another great group of unsung D Day heroes were the Brits at Pegasus Bridge.
As a Canadian with a long history of military family, I am always surprised by the stories I do not know... My family has fought in every conflict Canada has ever been in since its inception as a country, it's because of people like you Nick that the next generation will know of these amazing heroes . If you ever find the time please do a video on your closest brethren , us Canadians ! I mean hey we gave you Ryan Reynolds give us a fucking nod bro LOL 😂😂
I love your videos. You are a master storyteller. My dad was a Paratrooper in the Bulge, fox hole wounded, hospitalized, then went back to fight. They sent him on to Holland because of Hitler’s threats to flood. He was my Hero too. Lewis G in the UK featured your video and recommended we subscribe.
Both of my grandfathers fought in WWII. One in the Pacific who helped build a church on an island, and the other who fought in France. I cannot express how much I appreciate you telling the tales of people whose stories have gone untold, or forgotten. I'm gonna be here for every video you upload because I enjoy every last one of them. Thank you for keeping history alive!!!!!!
Cant imagine just rolling back into camp to leadership who thought you were dead just casually breaking out "Oh yeah, i got shot 3 days ago... About the last time i ate something and had clean water. Good news, i dont have to piss and shit in my helmet anymore, so there is that."
Visited Pointe du Hoc back in June (2024). Your description was spot on. The paths used by visitors are the narrow high points between the many wide and deep craters. Massive chunks of concrete, as big as busses, lying cockeyed far from where they originated due to the bombings. If you ever get to visit Normandy, go there. Utah and Omaha beaches are incredible places because we know what history has told us happened there, but at Pointe du Hoc, the landscape gives visible proof of what happened.
These videos make me so much more curious of my family. Recently found out my biological grandfather was 1st battalion 9th marines (walking dead). Due to family condlict with the grandma/adoptive grandpa vs bio grandpa i never got to meet him before he passed. Got told he was still around my area once he passed and dad went to handle the ordeal without the younger gens there and srt up the funeral. My dad was in the army and nobody else knew what the documents were speaking of with my grandpa's time across seas... and then we found a letter confirming him having been in 1b9m. We may jot have knew him, but we are cherrishing the documents
Having a great uncle that landed on Omaha beach. These are the people that I’ve always looked up too and love hear their story. Most don’t like talking about their experiences in the war, but some do and I’m glued to every word of their lives during that time. Thanks for sharing that amazing man’s account during his service for our country and our freedom.
I’m a retired AF IDMT who worked for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command ( actually JPAC/CILHI) in Hawaii. I’ve go stories lol. I love you and your stories and am so thankful someone can s documenting “our” history. Props to you and others who do this. Also, I’d love to be on your show (wink). Also been a SERE instructor for 18 years
During some "special" training up in the snowy mountains of Maine, we had a 3 man team and one of the guys lost his Pancho, ( they should make a video about the poncho) and went hypothermic. We made a stretcher from our other panchos and carried his ass down the damn mountain. Funny you should mention it - it was unboundedly one of the hardest physical challenges I've ever faced. That mountain never seemed to end. Great video brother.
Thank you for great content as always. The enthusiasm in your storytelling is infectious. I've learned more cool stuff from you than I every did in school! What a legend!
These American soldiers he talks about throughout WWII make me proud to be a part of this country. Thank you to those we lost, those that came home changed, and the families that lost loved ones so we have the chance to live free and proud.
Good chance my adoptive Dad, Charles Lehnert, was in Lomell's Ranger class. Now Dad got reassigned back to the 36 "T" Division (142 or 144 Platoon) but he was a Ranger. TY.
Pointe Du Hoc is always one of the most overlooked operations in WW2 history. I can never hear this story enough, it's my favorite. Well done with this story!
"He's only got two arms! What the fuck does he need three machine guns for?!?!?! We've never heard the expression it's faster to switch to your tertiary machine gun" 😅😂🤣
Hurtgen. The Death Factory. What a horrible part of a horrible war. A combined total of 61,000 casualties in about 90 days=28+ casualties per hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 12 weeks. God bless and keep those men, and thank you for sharing their story.
Go to ridge.com/tfe and use code TFE for 10% off. Sponsored by Ridge!
Hello
Love the videos
Im still waiting on an in depth breakdown of USS North Carolina! :P
Dad wallet is real, you should see my dad's wallet. Could stop a bullet with that thing lol
hey love watching your vids, would love to see a vid about the navajo code talkers.
Cousin Pete landed on Omaha Beach, took a bullet in arm. Was fighting in battle of the bulge when a jeep he was riding in hit a land mine. He woke up face down in ditch and could hear germans talking, waited till dark and crawled 7 miles to help. In hospital for 1.5 years then married the nurse who cared for him. Lost him 3 years ago at 97 years old, a good man.
My thanks for his service ensuring my freedom
I read that book
Cool. We need to hear this story too!
@@JoeRogansForeheadBook?
@@Ivan-pl2it your uncle didn’t tell you he was in a book?
My son wants to be a historian and museum coordinator, so I showed him your channel to loosen him up a little. I guess he thinks that curators and historians are inherently boring. Thanks for teaching the youth that being a historian can absolutely be fun and entertaining.
Cheers from Texas!
Let's go Texas! Not from there but love it!
Show him dragon man on TH-cam too.
Well said 🫡
The military actually have enlisted historians.
Fat Electrician is by far my favorite historian, and is top 5 in my TH-cam collection 👌 keep it up!
I have a friend that was in the 101st and they were doing an exhibition jump one time when they announced Sgt so and so is doing his 100th jump today! After the show and old man came up to him and the Sarge and said, "One hundred jumps! That's impressive. I used to jump out airplanes for a living too." The Sgt ask him how many he did. The old man replied,
"Oh, just four.
North Africa, Sicily, Normandy and Belgium."
Wow. What a tour. What a story. Must have been quite the meeting.
Fecjing BALLS man. Some nasty drops there.
I think he just met John America
That's walking history right there.
That old man was 81st. That was the only Airborne Division (US) To Jump in North Africa. The 101st didnt Jump into North Africa.
"Given the lack of instruction you have to resort to destruction"
Never heard the phrase, but it's already one of my favorites!
You should see his video about the LT and or Doc
As a Canadian, we always learned in school "look, we took our beach faster" but they always gloss over the difficulty of ya'lls beaches. Much love from canuckistan
Well Canadians fucked shit up in both world wars so it's not entirely incorrect lol
Wow... Are you on your knees when you are writing that?
Americans think they won both WWs on their own. None of them ever tried to diminish the US assaults, they try to forget OURS!
You l
And the Canadians at Juno DID go further, faster, against some of the worst defenses, and best troops... It's not propaganda...
They glossed right over D day in my history class.
Our units are more potent.
You’re Canadian, the Germans simply ran because they had PTSD attacks from the war crimes you committed back in WW1. They didn’t issue you guns, they issued you canned food and grenades.
"Tertiary Machine Gun" is possibly the greatest phrase I have ever heard in my life.
He was using his 3rd leg to fire it.
70th like, sorry I had to take it off nice but its worth the like imo.
If anyone asks, just say "It's prescription."
Have you seen octuple autocannon?
What if you run out of ammo?
I've got that one
And when that runs out?
I've got THAT one. Why is this so hard?
I sit down weekly with my stepfather who’s a veteran to watch your videos. Not because I make him but because since I showed him your videos he always asks when I’m over if “that electrician guy” has made a new video. Absolutely loves you.
Enjoy the show and greetings from Berlin 👍🏼
We’re all brothers interested in the same subject
That's a double ditto!
Tbf I don't think you COULD make him if he didn't want to lol so if he's watching I imagine it's cause he enjoys the videos. Thanks to your step father for keeping us free 🫡
That's Baller haha
This was so cool!
I’m an elderly lady and have no business watching these videos, when I should be cleaning something, but I love them thank you for your animated story telling.
It doesn’t matter what gender, age, or race you are, everyone can appreciate a video like this. I’d call it a great use of your time.
@@rancorious7785I agree 100%
His videos are perfect to listen to while doing other things. I listen to him when I do stuff around the house, or when I'm just lazing on the couch.
You, like everyone else, are a perfect for his channel, as long as you enjoy them
The fact you're an elderly Laidy does not matter this channel is for everyone who wants to listen.
“If the money’s right, ain’t gonna be enemy left in sight.”
- Leonard Lomell, probably
Thought that was Sun Tzu?
He was a wonderful example of "Hey 20 bucks is 20 bucks bro"
I live in the town where Bud is from. He is a local legend. On the 75th anniversary of D Day I gave a prayer in our original town court house and his late wife attended. Truly surreal.
Awesome, thanks for sharing.
Wow. What a trip that must have been.
What town is that? Ocean?
I was privileged to meet Lt.Lomell at the WW2 weekend in Reading Pa.many years ago.Lt.Lomell was one of the most humble and soft spoken heroes i have ever met. He spent time telling me the story of his D-day exploits at Point Du Hoc and the guns that himself and another Ranger destroyed and afterwards being awarded the DSC. He asked me if i ever served and we spoke of the units that i seved in.SETAF,101st Airborne Division, and 2nd Infantry Division (ROK). When a REAL war hero shakes your hand and says thanks for serving you are humbled to nothingness for the sacrifices that these heroes made. I told him that I joined at 17yrs old because of men like my Grandfather who served with the 116th infantry regiment 29th infantry division on Omaha on D-Day and himself.The time i spent with Lt.Lomell was one of the proudest moments in my life.Thank You Lt...RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!! ALL THE WAY!!
I met him in Reading too
My grandfather was a ranger in his battalion. He was the second ranger to be sent back home from injury. This was so cool to watch and share with my dad. His father never talked a lot about everything they did. To watch with my dad on Veterans Day was super cool. Thank you!!
Coolest comment ever
My grandfather was one of those rangers on pointe du hoc, he passed on 1989 a few years before I was born. I truly wish I could have meet that man. After ww2 he went on to work for red adiar as a oil well firefighter
Could be who gave him the idea to use explosives to blow up the fires lol
"We've been trying water to put these fires out but it's just not working, you have any secret ranger tricks from WWII that might help?"
"I dunno, have you tried throwing a grenade at it?"
Because i cannot thank your grandfather for his service i will than your family for not his service but his selfless sacrifice of life and limb for the American people. God bless you and your family.
I live in Normandy realy close to the pointe du hoc this dude is a legend
Thats awesome to hear!
Outstanding!
Sick
I'm pretty certain that the crater that he sank in was just one created by the massive weight of his balls hitting the beach
@@the_fat_electricianDude your videos are awesome. I still remember the video about McNasty
I was in the 2nd Rangers during the early 1980's. I was lucky enough to have spoken with our Sergeant Major, who had gone through jump school before I was born. His father had been one of the rangers who went up the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc. Apparently rangering can be a family business. Nice to see you do a story on my alma mater! Keep up the great work.
Rangers lead the way!
While I never served, have plenty of relatives who are/have/did. One was Gen Norman Cota, at the time Asst Div commander of the 29th ID, who said "Well, God damn it, if you are Rangers, then get up there and lead the way!" (I've heard/read it said many different ways). He was my great uncle (by marriage). I spent a few weeks living in his last house well after he passed away, and it was filled with all of his memorabilia, and it was amazing to peruse.
Skiing units cool as hell@joonasmukala8208
@Wkfusvhlsjhudmelhlfrom what we all hear you guys are pretty badass yourselves! Thank you for your service 🫡 and phuck ruzzia!
RLTW from 1st bat HAAF 79-81
In high school I had an awesome history teacher Mr. Fitzgerald. He would come into class fully dressed in historical costumes like Ben Franklin, Roosevelt & even Betsy Ross, etc. The only way anyone failed his class is if they never showed up all semester. He was the best hysterical, I mean historical storyteller I've ever heard in my entire 60 years......until NOW. If you ever decide on a career change GOD knows the American educational system could use a teacher like you.
Bro definitely had the tism.
"Bud, you're adopted, I'm sorry if this devastating to you😭"
"I do not understand this feeling you're expressing. Where is my birth certificate?"
Truly the bluntest sharp instrument.
I’m pretty sure she was trying to tell him that she is actually his mom.
@jakebrandyberry9116 I had a feeling that was where it was heading.
Given his parents age and the stigma of teen pregnancy then. It wasn't a big stretch that they would raise the grandson and pass it off as their own kid.
I can’t not click on his videos
I feel that
Busy but still wtaching
was in the middle of something but accidentally closed out of the app, now im here
Right? I was trying to watch some horror stuff but this is too important, Halloween can wait!
Go to work, work now listen later.
Fun fact on this. The Grapling hooks that were fired up the cliff didn't work as planned. They practiced with the ropes dry. Therefore, when they used them on the cliffs. They didn't go high enough to be used because the water made them too heavy and they wouldn't fire high enough. So these bad asses basically climbed the cliffs mostly with no ropes or ladders.
Ya... maybe.. but think about if that is even possible. Maybe if they were all alex honnold, but they weren't. They apparently had food poisoning, cold wet hands, 50lb of gear.. no chalk. Idk i am just thinking through this and ... ya physics is still present in sweet stories. Hopefully u are right though! Would be cool!
@@Theiliteritesbianwhen you have adrenaline going you’re not cold, wet hands dry off, and idk if you’ve climbed but you don’t need chalk if you have man hands also cliffs usually are not flat and smooth
@Theiliteritesbian ohh I am absolutely 💯 correct. Feel free to research it.
Obviously someone's a keyboard warrior and has never done much. Thanks for letting us know. Cause fact is it was done and that's how they did it proff is in the puddin there puddin.
@@Theiliteritesbian These also wouldn't have been hardcore climbing cliffs with 5.13+ ratings. They weren't there to prove that they could muscle up the toughest route, they would have been happy to go "off-route" and find the easiest bits of cliff with plenty of hand/foot-holds.
"Sergeant Randall, the guns are gone! They're not here!"
"What?!"
"THE GUNS! AREN'T! HERE! The Krauts must've moved them someplace else!"
~Call of Duty 2, first US mission, up Pointe du Hoc
This man is one of the only ones where I watch every single video at least 2-3 times
I appreciate it
@ you are absolutely welcome you are an inspiration to me and my dad we love your videos and you made me how I am as a history nerd
I do the same thing hell I was doing at work today when it was slow.
So do we@@the_fat_electrician
Snap! I particularly still enjoy your early shortform content
I am a barber and when I was working in the first barbershop out of school there were 3 WWII vets that would come in and get haircuts and shoot the shit. The oldest 98 year old was a Ranger and told his Point Du Hoc story. He talked about the trip in and said when they hit the beach he stepped off the Higgins Boat and went straight to the bottom. He said “Two things saved my life number 1 was that the beach was stones and he could just walk on the bottom and two that he was a swimmer in HS and could hold his breath” he said he didn’t remember anything from the after his head breaking out of the water until around 3 am that night and he was trying to light a cigarette and couldn’t because he was shaking so bad then he said he remembered he didn’t even smoke. His humility and bravery were the completely matter of fact in his story. These guys really were the greatest generation ever. He was 98 and still had a full head of jet black hair, drove and would jog across the street like a teenager. Once I asked (naively) “if knowing he would live to be almost a hundred years old and still be in great shape would he have been as afraid?” He replied “Has anyone ever shot at you with an MG42?” To which I said “No sir” then in the most gangster way “well If you had you wouldn’t ever ask that dumb of a question!” 🫡🇺🇸
My great uncle who I respect with 100 percent was a combat engineer on Omaha Beach and was one of the first to walk through Paris within that famous photo he and may have also been in the battle of hurtgen forest and it kills me to know that I may never be able to hear his stories because of what he's seen I'm not even sure if he's even alive but I do have 100 respect for all he's done
I hope your ok Bob Florentino
My grandpa on mas side drove an ammo truck and the stories of ambushes and how crazy it was made me think that he had to be one of the toughest fuckers ever he got med evaced after a grenade went off right next to him and I'll never forget how funny it was to have grandma chewing him out for not doing something he'd just look at you wink and turn his hearing aid down to continue watching TV with subtitles a really funny war hero in my opinion. On my dad's side gramps flew from island to island repairing radios to keep communication up his stories weren't as happy just lots of wounded everywhere apparently the Pacific theatre was an utter bloodbath and he didn't like talking about it if he had any crazy stories they died with him. But he was also a great carpenter my first cars and trucks were made by him from wood blocks and I still have them.
@killerjoker222 I've still got my grandfather's wwii pacific log book from his ship he loved the ship but never talked about what happened its a book ill hold onto until my own last days so hold onto those blocks of wood as the same
@SuperDiablo101 I'm planning on keeping them i might give them to my first kid but I'm worried about them damaging them. so there going to stay in the attic basically
"Wait a minute, I hate cigarettes" 😂
In 1951, a Utah National Guard artillery unit of 240 soldiers stood alone against 4,000 enemy Chinese and North Korean soldiers. Surrounded and outmanned, the small band fought valiantly and won the battle without the loss of a single soldier. For their bravery, the unit received the Presidential Unit Citation from U.S. President Harry Truman.
Please make a video about these guy's
Harry Truman probably was joyed to give that unit citation. He was an artilleryman in the Missouri National Guard
@@tristenthomas7352 i did not know that. that is awesome
@@tristenthomas7352Yeah in fact he commanded the troops so well and coordinated the fire so accurate the Germans thought they had semi automatic howitzers. Hell he didn’t even lose a single man
@Man77772 that is amazing I might not agree with his political views but I would definitely respect him as a man
"Learned the most in 2024 from a comment section" definitely goes to this post and all of you here! I wasn't aware of any of this neat information! Thank you! 🙏🏼
Infantry officer here (non American) ..... I have only ever heard the basics of this story, and it always stopped with those guns not being on the point. D-Day always overshadows it. All I can think of after just watching this is 1) "RANGERS LEAD THE WAY" and 2) in respect for 2LT Lomell not taking any personal credit - GOD DAMN WHAT AN AMAZING TEAM OF SOLDIERS ! Each and every one of them! Now I understand when I've heard people say these troops don't see themselves as "special forces" .... they're RANGERS - who get called for special missions that others cannot do or have screwed up. Mad Respect for any past or present Army Rangers who see this!
Same here regarding the extent of the story. Some of the stories talked about how they didn't find the guns and all of the men who died taking the Point died in vain. I was expecting that after they didn't find the guns, Lomell did something else really important that didn't involve the guns.
RLTW
100% the next 50 minutes is going to be the best part of my day. Thanks FE!
Over here, our week. Son learns a lot from TFE
Nick fell off, he’s not as fat as he used to be
I came here looking for tips on a boss fight that's pissing me off but here we are watching some much appreciated history lesson ( if teachers was like this my grades of been better....probably)
Me too no fucking doubt brother
same here
I gotta say Nick. I’d never thought you’d make a video about the Rangers on D Day and how it’s actually the third American beach at Normandy. I just love any video that accurately talks about the Rangers in ww2 as they are some of my biggest idols. When I first found out it about the at they did was through probably my most favorite and childhood memorable game was Call of duty 2 from 2005. When I got the game I got a blue ray disc with it that had a bunch of extra stuff about the game but most of all it has an interview with Bud himself. He talks about his service and how proud of it he was, but most of all when asked are you a hero, he says I’m not a hero, all the boys that didn’t make it back were hero’s, and that’s who should always be remembered he said. Fucking kills me that most of them age gone on and I can’t go and meet them, but again combining my love for the Rangers origins and my new love of watching your videos about some stories I didn’t even know about or didn’t know as much detail just made my fucking day. Sorry if this comments to long for you, I just really wanted express to you how much I appreciate you doing this. God bless you Nick, God bless Bud and what he did, God bless all the men who served in the war, especially the ones who didn’t make it home, and Gold bless the Ranger Regiment. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
Well actually if you wanna get technical about it the “rangers” were actually formed during the French and Indian War by Robert Rogers. He basically took tactics learned from the Indians and mixed it with modern western tactics.
During the war he fought against the colonists after spending time in Britain to hide from debtors and finding the colonies wanted nothing to do with him. He had gone in debt to make sure his soldiers were equipped and were being paid and sadly it caused him to be arrested for the debts after trying to win it back gambling. He also suffered from alcoholism and lost everything including friends and family.
He did briefly raise the “Queens Rangers” and fight against America and was actually the one who caught Nathan Hale who was hung after being deemed a spy by Rogers.
Kinda interesting actually and on the wiki page for his “28 rules of ranging” it’s right next to a pic of the Rangers at Point du Hoc.
Thank you for always showcasing the American warriors and stories that the bureaucracy tried so hard to hide. THESE are the true heroes!!
My grandads brother died at hill 400 in dog company. My grandad was a marine in the pacific. My other grandad was a pow in Germany. I called my grandad from meps and told him I was about to sign a ranger contract. Only time I've heard heard that man cry when he asked me not to be a ranger. He didn't want me to end up like his brother. That was January 2001, right before 9/11. Thanks grandad.
I'm from South Africa and my grandfather fought in Italy in WW2. He NEVER spoke about what he saw and experienced like so many veterans. I just knew him as my grandpa. I am obsessed with WW2, especially the Pacific Theatre, so thank you for all these stories about the brave soldiers that we otherwise would never have learned about. Much love from South Africa🇿🇦💜
"The only reason we have a red base here is that they have a blue base over there. The only reason they have a blue base there is bc we have a red here."
Hurtgen and Blood Gultch soldiers
A fine Catch-22 we have here.
"You ever wonder why we're here"
“Is anyone hurt? Does anyone need to be KILLED!?
It's a very, very, very light red!
well, looks like I'm off to watch that show again for the nostalgia
"Lack of instruction resort to destruction" is now my favorite quote
My grandpa was captured in Hurtgen as a forward artillery observer and spent six months in the Stalag crash diet system. Came home still a wonderful damn human and never held any hate in his heart. Blows my mind to this day.
"We weren't heros, we were just good Rangers."
Sir, if history were taught like this in school, there would be far more interest in the events of the past. Thank you for proving, as few have, that teaching, (be it history or any other subject), can be fun and inspirational.
Amen to that
If history were taught like this in school, there'd be a lot more young republicans.
If history were taught like this in school, an entire year would have to be dedicated to WWII and WWI. History is already skipping enough, no need to waste more time
@@mcarrowtime7095 you're not wrong about the curriculum already cutting out too much, but I was meaning the passion with which he approaches his chosen topics. That, and a depth of knowledge beyond base level is how my middle school history teacher made entire classes fascinated with the subject. All subjects should be taught with that same passion.
My love for history was sparked by my great-grandfather. He never spoke much about his time in WW2, even with his own children.
However, there were only two stories he would tell me to both show the horror of war and the importance of even the smallest detail of humanity for his fellow men.
He was the cook of his unit in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
The first story was the Bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor the day of the attack. He explained to me the sheer horror he witnessed that day and the aftermath following.
The second story, which is something that comes up often in a few of your videos. How horrible the food was that he had to make in the field mess for his men.
He said the worst tasting staple item on the menu for the breakfasts was the powdered eggs. He and no one else could stomach them without a great effort. He was in the mess kitchen one day, racking his brain on why the eggs always tasted so awful. He remembered one engineer who always asked for onions with his breakfast, specifically for the eggs. Well, this made him curious about why, so he tried the eggs with some raw onion, and to his surprised it made them taste like real eggs again. It was the sulfur from the eggs that was removed in the powderization process that made them taste so unnatural. So every morning when he could, he would juice as many onions he could S.T.E.A.L. into the mix each morning.
His men never skipped out on the eggs again whenever he was able to give the signal he made "Fresh Eggs" that morning.
He, a "lowly cook" in the army, realized a miniscule issue in the day to day of his men and decided to figure it out and fix it for his men.
I miss you more than you ever knew you salty old bastard. I love you, Grand-Grampie.
God bless your great grand, he definitely made it above the clouds
You sir, are fucking awesome!
You brought this history ALIVE!
I'm 73, retired Army disabled veteran.
I have been fascinated by military history all my life. I have read a few books about it in my lifetime.
But listening to you is incredible.
It gets no better then this.
Thank you greatly.
You make those AI stories look really really bad. You bring out so much more! I've subscribed. Good shit!
The birth certificate part of the story actually had me on the edge of my seat for a minute there because something like that happened to my great-uncle Miles when he tried to enlist in 1940. Except the plot twist for him wasn't that he was adopted, no no, he was always the oldest of 17 kids, BUT his parents had been calling him Miles even though that wasn't his real name. The recruiter realized this, and told my uncle quote, "Son, go ask your mother what your name is,". Now my uncle was HELLA confused, and he's walking home like, "What? What is happening right now?" It was then he learned that his name wasn't Miles.
It was RUDOLPH. And his middle name was ELMO.
So then he went back to the recruiter, told him his name, then proceeded to be an absolute gangster until the end of the war.
Love you Uncle Rudolph lol. Keep ripping in Heaven, you're an angel now.
Bud is the mirror of how he was raised. Amazing parents raised an amazing son. God Bless them!
I had the honor to help take care of one of the Rangers from Dog Company at the VA Hospital I work out. Amazing man! Two Purple Hearts from Point Du Hoc & 2 Silver Stars. Sadly he passed away about 4 years ago. Cpl Sheldon Bare... a true American badass!
I moved to Iowa in 1992 where I learned more about my father’s service to this country. No one who was not there should know what he has experienced or maybe everyone should know the price of freedom. I get to go to work and I read the building every time I enter my building that reads “the price of freedom is seen here.” My father is a United States Marine and the greatest man I’ve ever met. Thank you for sharing these stories in your words. Very entertaining, I share your videos with the veterans I serve.
Thank you so much for this video!
Bud Lomell is a "hometown hero" here at the New Jersey Shore that few people are aware of. There is a statue dedicated to him in his hometown of Point Pleasant, NJ. While the statue commemorates a hero, your video tribute is very important as it brings him back to life. It highlights his courageous acts in a way that is very meaningful. Thank you!!!
Statue that was dedicated by the citizens of point pleasant beach in 1999. Love my hometown for that
He reminds me so much of Major Winter's quote. "Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?" Grandpa said no, "but I served in a company of heroes"
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the stories of these men, these soldiers, these absolute bad ass warriors, are inspirational and emotional. The ability to fight, and persevere, and accomplish all they did under the conditions they were in are nothing short of extraordinary and super human.
Thank you so much for continuing to make videos and honoring the stories of these incredible men.
This is a true source of my American pride. Not modern industry, not what we "make", but the people who fought and sacrificed to defend their country, and in some cases the world, from tyranny and oppression.
michaelk8860 And that's why they are known as The Greatest Generation.
As a lil kid i used to hound my grandfather and my dad for war stories..i was relentless.. your stories take me back to the days i sat wide eyed listing to and trying to wrap my head around the gore and hardship of combat..thanks..
I read somewhere that after the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, Gen. Courtney Hodges, who had commanded the American forces during the battle, toured the site for the first time and, when he saw how rough and difficult the terrain was, remarked, "Why didn't anyone tell me?" He had directed the whole battle using maps that didn't show how bad the terrain was, and never thought to send anyone to scout it out for him. He just sent wave after wave of troops into the meatgrinder and, essentially called them sissies for not completing their objectives.
What a douche honestly. Like, that’s your job to know, sir. BuT tHe mApS!! Is such a BS excuse. And no doubt people told him he just didn’t want to hear it.
Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) James Earl "Jim" Rudder (Texas A&M Class of 1932) is mentioned quite a lot in this excellent video.
Rudder returned to his native Texas after the war. He first served as Mayor of Brady (near the geographic center of the state). He was then appointed to be the Commissioner of the General Land Office because the previous incumbent was sent to prison. Rudder cleaned up and modernized the GLO and won his own term.
Next, Rudder returned to A&M as its 16th president in 1958. He knew an all-male, all-military, all-white land grant college called the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas would not survive, so in 1963, he convinced Governor John Connally, the Legislature, and the Former Students (alumni) to admit women, begin admitting black students, and drop the ROTC requirement for males (although, as one of the six Senior Military Colleges, the males have to get individual permission to not join the Corps of Cadets). It is now known as Texas A&M University and has one of the highest enrollments of any university in the United States.
Rudder became the 3rd President of the Texas A&M System. Sadly, he died in 1970 at the young age of 58.
I took my family to Pointe-du-Hoc in July 2016 and saw the Texas State Historical Marker inside one of the German gun emplacements the 2nd Ranger Battalion took. I also saw the craters that are still there.
The nearby Normandy American Cemetery and Museum is worth a visit. It made this grown man cry.
By the way, Lieutenant Colonel William Darby is no relation to me (Jeff Darby).
As a true Texan, and Aggie at heart, I approve of this historical fact. They really were the greatest generation!
@jeffwooton7138 I was born in, and have lived in, Jefferson County (the southeast corner of Texas) my entire life. One of my sons-in-law passed on attending A&M with his identical twin brother on a marching band scholarship (Class of 2021) and went to Lamar University along with my daughter; they married in January 2022. I was Army ROTC during college and pull for the Aggies most of the time.
Came here to say this(in probably way less detail) cuz as an Aggie, i knew "Jim" Rudder had to either be James Earl or a sibling... Sure enough.
Was looking to see Aggies commenting. A little disappointed that none mention Rudder Tower being 110 feet, the height claimed at Point Du Hoc.
Thank you for keeping this history alive, Nic. These people, and their sacrifices, deserve to be remembered.
I'm a Marine vet. Deployed during OEF. I can't even compare to this story. Some real genuine badasses. Fellow vets, don't get down on yourself when hearing about these heroes. We all stepped up and did our duty. We're all heroes. Happy Birthday Marines and Happy Veterans Day to all my brothers and sisters.
James "Jim" Earl Rudder has a building on Texas A&M University's campus named after him. It's exactly 110 feet tall, the same height as the cliffs at Point du Hoc. A great leader!
That is amazing!
General James Earl Rudder, Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘32. Such a fantastic leader. I’m so proud to have attended the same alma mater as this hero. Gig ‘em. Whoop!
Class of ‘94
WHOOP!
There’s also a corps of cadets special unit named after him.
1:34 I still carry my Blockbuster card since it's fun to show the kids at work that it's older than they are. Granted, it's a weird flex, but it's funny to us.
god, if I could do that I would. "I've got membership cards older then you!" **Pulls out Blockbuster card**
I got a Dave & Busters card that's like 17 - 19 years old from the arcade in Opry Mills before the region flooded in the early 2010's. I've held on to it for reasons even I myself don't know.😅
Game recognize game.
still have mine.. lol
Gen X rules
Haha I am old enough to know what a block buster card is. I remember the last few weeks it was open they had a big sale on DVD and video games.
Another very important man on D-Day was Waverly Woodson Jr. Man landed at Omaha and despite being wounded himself this
combat medic undoubtedly saved hundreds of lives and sadly because of his color his exploits are little known. He was finally
honored with the DSC recently even though many believe he deserved the Medal of Honor. What is really amazing is despite the
hours he spent on Omaha he was never hit which is pretty amazing considering all the lead of every kind was landing and was
incoming. He was only wounded coming in when his LCT took a direct hit by an 88 mm shell. This guy seriously deserves a movie
made about his actions that day.
17:23 We need a shirt that says "home of the brave land of the f* around and find out" with a picture of the 3 machine guns mounted on the truck ladder.
I'm a 25-yo accountant who's been spending 10 hours a day sitting and staring at computer screens for 3 years (and somehow still have 20/20 vision). Your videos have convinced me to get in shape to join the military once I get out of this job (even if the farthest I'll ever get to is a civ contractor).
Good on you!
Work on your overall fitness. Run two miles every other day. Sit ups push ups, just for starters. Additionally everything is available online. Be your best.
My wife and I were able to go to Normandy, the 1st week of October.
Went to Point Du Hawk too. My wife doesn't know much about history and she was absolutely amazed by the cliffs.
You can read how they scaled the cliffs but looking at them in person, we had absolutely no idea how they did it. I can't believe it worked.
Think of an American Semi Truck standing up end to end. Trailer to Cab and Still being too short.
They climbed it while being shot at. It's wild.
Those shell craters are indeed absolutely massive.
It's also one of the most Beautiful places I've ever seen.
You can’t just say”point du hawk too”
Hawk too? Really. 😑🔫
It’s not point du hawk
It’s pointe du hoc
Sir,
You truly are an incredible storyteller and historian. I know you have a team of guys to help but I have to say you truly captivate your audience in so many ways! The ability to honor all of these incredible hero’s, engineers, and most importantly the standard man that just signed up to have a family in the military is something else man! You are going to change a lot of people’s hearts when it comes to the military/ pride in our country and I’m extremely grateful, so thank you sir!
Really. Really good storyteller you would have been the historian in the old times back before tv and radio and computers
Back in 2000, I was on a tour of Point DuHuc. One member of our tour group was one of the Rangers who stormed the beach. He told the exact story about how the guns weren't there, but they still were fighting the Germans to prevent them from getting word to those who should have been manning the guns. This guy was so humble about what he did. It was amazing.
Man I just realized 1Sgt Lomell was Sgt Randall in the Pointe Du Hoc and Defending the Pointe and Battle for Hill 400 missions in Call of Duty 2
Such a good campaign and thank you 1Sgt Lomell and thank you Fat Electrician for reigniting my memory
Yeah!
Brutal campaign and just a glimpse of how it could have been irl
A core memory has been unlocked
Man what a legend. I still remember throwing the enemy flag off the top of the building and invading Berlin .
As soon as I heard pointe du hoc my brain “went there”!!!
@@danielcurtis1434 Glad im not the only one replaying the horrors of the real life events and our childhood's memories of CoD2's depiction of Pointe Du Hoc and I just realized when Fat Electrician was narrating and storytelling about the 6 Artillery guns you were the dude who only had 15 bullets with Sgt Randall/1Sgt Lomell in the game and IRL and found that hilarious but of course in the game you had all the thermites and ammo in the world but it is a game.
Oh, thank you so much. I have been dealing with a back injury for the last 4 and a half years. Finally surgery was today, and I got stuck in a room with no TV, so I pulled out my phone and saw, Brandon, Matt, and now your video. You group of guys have made the last 4 years of my life bearable, I certainly hit some low points but you guys always managed to pull me out of them. I love you all so, so much. Between all of you guys and your videos and the unsubscribe podcast. I'm just at a loss for words. All I can say is thank you.
I feel the exact same way. Hang in there. May you have a swift recovery and enjoy a much better quality of life.
That sucks. Hope you aren't in constant pain. It is draining mentally. People who go through similar issues all hit low points. It is expected. Only people who have been through similar pains know that. Hope you'll get over that hill sooner than later. Back issues are one of the worst. Especially if nerves are involved
%60 disabled with a lower back injury here and haven't had a stable address since my hardship discharge in 2021. I'll need to thread the needle but i have an opportunity at stability in the near future. Hopefully i can get these appointments and begin my recovery. I hope you recover well and find health.
Thank you so much for talking about all these brave men!!! Young people will see an old frail man with no idea the grit that lies beneath.
My grandfather was a E8 First Sergeant David H. Keeton. I have a picture of him with his distinguished cross before he made 1st Sergeant. 🙏🏻 he showed me how to be a good man and a warrior in one.
Sissy
"Do you think they know we are coming?" Is about the most Ranger thing I have ever heard.
You have cracked the tism algorithm. I’m not even a huge history guy and I can’t help but watch these
THE ALGOTISM
Bud is my great-grandmother's brother and I am so excited to see you make a video about him. I enjoy all your videos and told all my friends holy crap you got to see this . Thanks for your fantastic historical videos
Nick, I just had to go in to see my dad after his first round of chemo and radiation tonight, on Halloween, instead of going out with friends. I come home to see you uploaded a new video, and legitimately cried happy tears that my night got a little better. Thank you for giving me 49 minutes of distraction ❤ one of your biggest fans I watch your videos a few times over sometimes because you’re such a good story teller! Thank you for bringing us this story.
Big regret being older, these men were alive during my time and never thought to sit with them and devour their stories... Thank you for what you do and don't ever stop bringing these stories to light!
I can think of a dozen relatives and my Dad's drinkin' buddies that I could have interviewed the hell out of, and I was too busy PLAYIN' Army to STUDY Army.
Quality, solid storytelling that grabs your attention, holds it, makes you root for the guy in the story and then maybe leaves you teary eyed mess by the end. You have a gift. Please, never stop sharing it.
Recommendation, the African American medic, Waverly B Woodson Jr, who was on d-day who was treating injured soldiers for 18 hours whilst injured himself, he was believed to have saved around 200 men but did not receive the medal of honor for A. Being African American and B. The place with the documentation for it got burnt down
I often feel emotionally drained after one of your stories. It's your videos like this one that fill me with pride and appreciation for the great generation of Americans who helped save the world. Where would we all be now if it were not for them.
The basics of your stories I usually know. But, you have a special talent to add personal details, background, faces, and names in a way that brings it to life and puts me right there with the cold and the noise and the loss of sleep and time. Thank you for an hour well spent. May God bless our veterans.
It warms my maroon heart to hear a video about rudders rangers. Even if the video isn’t about the second savior himself, I am content to hear his story spread.
Dropped this the weekend I’m going to Ranger school. Hell yeah!!! Just passed RTAC so wish me luck Chubby Electron Guy. RLTW
Best of luck, mate.
Great video.
I didn't know anything about Len Lomell after Pointe du Hoc.
A few more interesting things:
1. A lot of the ropes in the landing craft got wet and were too heavy to reach the top of the cliff.
2. Mr. Lomell was very annoyed that the Rangers exploits in the movie The Longest Day ended with them finding the telephone poles.
3. Another great group of unsung D Day heroes were the Brits at Pegasus Bridge.
Honestly, that pocket watch thing is very understandable
As a Canadian with a long history of military family, I am always surprised by the stories I do not know... My family has fought in every conflict Canada has ever been in since its inception as a country, it's because of people like you Nick that the next generation will know of these amazing heroes . If you ever find the time please do a video on your closest brethren , us Canadians ! I mean hey we gave you Ryan Reynolds give us a fucking nod bro LOL 😂😂
I love your videos. You are a master storyteller. My dad was a Paratrooper in the Bulge, fox hole wounded, hospitalized, then went back to fight. They sent him on to Holland because of Hitler’s threats to flood. He was my Hero too. Lewis G in the UK featured your video and recommended we subscribe.
Mad respect to you for highlighting military heros. Extra respect for admitting the humbling nature of researching badasses like Lomell. Thank you!!
Both of my grandfathers fought in WWII. One in the Pacific who helped build a church on an island, and the other who fought in France. I cannot express how much I appreciate you telling the tales of people whose stories have gone untold, or forgotten. I'm gonna be here for every video you upload because I enjoy every last one of them. Thank you for keeping history alive!!!!!!
Blood makes you related
Loyalty makes you family
Semper Fi
🦅 🌎 ⚓️
Cant imagine just rolling back into camp to leadership who thought you were dead just casually breaking out "Oh yeah, i got shot 3 days ago... About the last time i ate something and had clean water. Good news, i dont have to piss and shit in my helmet anymore, so there is that."
Visited Pointe du Hoc back in June (2024). Your description was spot on. The paths used by visitors are the narrow high points between the many wide and deep craters. Massive chunks of concrete, as big as busses, lying cockeyed far from where they originated due to the bombings. If you ever get to visit Normandy, go there. Utah and Omaha beaches are incredible places because we know what history has told us happened there, but at Pointe du Hoc, the landscape gives visible proof of what happened.
The mission starts tomorrow. It’s November.
What mission?
Voting in a competent leader. That is most important.
Already voted trump.
Lmao
Right don’t shave that’s fine by me I look stupid without a beard
Can't express how much I appreciate your coverage of military history from one veteran to another thank you and keep up the amazing work
These videos make me so much more curious of my family. Recently found out my biological grandfather was 1st battalion 9th marines (walking dead). Due to family condlict with the grandma/adoptive grandpa vs bio grandpa i never got to meet him before he passed. Got told he was still around my area once he passed and dad went to handle the ordeal without the younger gens there and srt up the funeral. My dad was in the army and nobody else knew what the documents were speaking of with my grandpa's time across seas... and then we found a letter confirming him having been in 1b9m. We may jot have knew him, but we are cherrishing the documents
Having a great uncle that landed on Omaha beach. These are the people that I’ve always looked up too and love hear their story. Most don’t like talking about their experiences in the war, but some do and I’m glued to every word of their lives during that time. Thanks for sharing that amazing man’s account during his service for our country and our freedom.
The Hurtgen Forest was a gnarly place to fight. It got exceptionally bad there.
Bastonge tends to over shadow Hurtgen, but yes the 1st ID had a gnarly fight there.
15:45 “three old women with brooms” i just pictured witches flying around and taking them all out😭😭
Moral of the story: billions of pounds of tnt and couldn't hit the telephone poles?
I’m a retired AF IDMT who worked for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command ( actually JPAC/CILHI) in Hawaii. I’ve go stories lol. I love you and your stories and am so thankful someone can s documenting “our” history. Props to you and others who do this. Also, I’d love to be on your show (wink). Also been a SERE instructor for 18 years
@@boblancaster4316
Let me go to SERE school please. Navy won't send me.
During some "special" training up in the snowy mountains of Maine, we had a 3 man team and one of the guys lost his Pancho, ( they should make a video about the poncho) and went hypothermic. We made a stretcher from our other panchos and carried his ass down the damn mountain. Funny you should mention it - it was unboundedly one of the hardest physical challenges I've ever faced. That mountain never seemed to end. Great video brother.
THANK YOU NIC 🙏🏻 I look forward to these videos more than any other video on TH-cam
Thank you for great content as always. The enthusiasm in your storytelling is infectious. I've learned more cool stuff from you than I every did in school! What a legend!
If he was my teacher I woulda been a good student. I am always in awe listening to him.
@@WillF1980I would have actually paid attention in history class
I've been to Pont Du Hoc. It's STILL looks like the moon, but with bushes.
These American soldiers he talks about throughout WWII make me proud to be a part of this country. Thank you to those we lost, those that came home changed, and the families that lost loved ones so we have the chance to live free and proud.
Good chance my adoptive Dad, Charles Lehnert, was in Lomell's Ranger class. Now Dad got reassigned back to the 36 "T" Division (142 or 144 Platoon) but he was a Ranger. TY.
Pointe Du Hoc is always one of the most overlooked operations in WW2 history. I can never hear this story enough, it's my favorite. Well done with this story!
I'm an Aggie, did not realize Rudder was part of the Battle of Pointe Du Hoc. Very nice to see James Earl Rudder show up here.
Fun fact, rudder tower is the same height as a memorial. Ask any current or even former corps members to tell you about it, they’ll know.
Was just visiting Pointe Du Hoc today! Amazing to see all the history in Normandy and then watch this!
Which is why in " Saving Private Ryan" captain says " dog company has not secured the beach!"
There wasn't any blockhaus at Omaha Beach too.
"He's only got two arms! What the fuck does he need three machine guns for?!?!?! We've never heard the expression it's faster to switch to your tertiary machine gun" 😅😂🤣
i stealing that line!
Man I love your videos, as a son of immigrants I've always loved learning about US history and the brave men that helped create my life
Hurtgen. The Death Factory. What a horrible part of a horrible war. A combined total of 61,000 casualties in about 90 days=28+ casualties per hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 12 weeks. God bless and keep those men, and thank you for sharing their story.