Walter Model & the German Dead of the Hürtgen Forest | History Traveler Episode 328
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ม.ค. 2024
- In the past few episodes, we've been in the Hürtgen Forest with 4 veterans of WWII, one of whom served as a medic in the 4th Infantry Division during the battle that took place there. In this episode, we're exploring a few German cemeteries in the Hürtgen Forest (one of which is the final resting place of Field Marshall Walter Model) and catching a few stories from one of the men who was there.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
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Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- Attack of the Bloody 28th Along the Hürtgen's Kall Trail | History Traveler Episode 327: • Attack of the Bloody 2...
- Into the Death Factory of the Hürtgen Forest | History Traveler Episode 326: • Into the Death Factory...
- Back to the Hürtgen Forest with FOUR WWII Veterans! | History Traveler Episode 325: • Back to the Hürtgen Fo...
- The Rifle: Stories From the Last WWII Veterans | History Traveler Episode 324: • The Rifle: Stories Fro...
- At the Eagle's Nest with Easy Company (w/ Matt Leitch of Band of Brothers) History Traveler 322: • At the Eagle's Nest wi...
Having the Veteran speak and share his experience adds a significant touch to this video. Humanity does exist. I’m so grateful he shared such an encounter.
Glad to share it. 🙂
Wir vergessen die US. Boys niemals. Sie haben uns von den Nazihunden befreit. Tapfer wart ihr und viele Grüße an Euch Veteranen aus USA aus Berlin.
Sir I totally agree to your statement. Times when Veterans could report about things they have experienced in WW II will fade. So any story which is told here, is very impressive to me.
His stories of the Germans and Americans calling a truce to tend to the wounded and dead and each working together just goes to prove that even in the midst of the chaos of war, humans show compassion for each other no matter who they are.
that was way before TRUMP !
@@MakeSomeNoiseAgencyPlaylists TrumpTrumpTrumpTrump
Yeah and it wasn't possible on the Eastern front because of that complete racist war of Germany against the "Untermenschen" in the Soviet Union.
It shows similar moral sympathies of people from Western nations, much like in WW1 when some of the Brits and Germans stopped fighting on Xmas day and came together. Love the Japanese but they would have never agreed to that and considered it weakness.
One of the first times I visited the Hurtgen Forest area back in 2001, I met a German veteran at this cemetery, and we visited his best friend who was buried there. Hearing the stories he told me really impressed me as well. A beautiful video here, thank you.
Oh wow. I would have loved to have heard some of his stories.
Thank you for visiting the grave of feldmarschall Model. RIP to all the soldiers who were laid to rest in Hurtgenwald.
Model was a monster still he was brave and full of valor. He was one of the few who never ran nor hid away from the Soviets. Instead, he fought until the very end.
@@mirquellasantos2716he topped himself
What a story that veteran had. It goes to show your average Wehrmacht soldier was just a regular person, a farm boy, a mechanic etc.. war is a terrible thing and should be avoided at all costs.
But what about Glory?
Sorry but both Wehrmacht and SS soldiers committed atrocities- meaning that they tortured and killed millions of civilians including babies and small children. There's plenty of evidence on that.
These veterans are the true heroes in life!
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These veterans shot with fosfor r ounds and for years the Forrest burned out of it self😊
NO ! They are V I C T I M S !!!! Learn it ! V I C T I M S
Beautifull video as always. The other German soldiers the guide is talking about is Karl-Heinz Rosch. Who lost his life while saving two Young children from allied mortar fire. And unfortunately was killed on the very spot where he saved the two children minutes before. This took place just 3 days after his 18th Birthday.
Thank you for sharing that. The saddest story of a brave and courageous young man.
A life cut too short.
@@michaelmallal9101 that applied to all soldiers lost there...
He saved 2 German children and at the same time liquidated, tortured and gassed thousands of Jewish babies and children.
After the war, a German veteran by the name of Julius Erasmus was the driving force to bury over 1500+ soldiers who were found throughout the Hurtgen Forest. His story is both sad and uplifting.
One of the important historical moments, the story of Julius Erasmus regarding Hurtgenwald.
Thank you again for another excellent and emotional episode! When i was in active service in the Bundeswehr, i had the privilege to serve together with US forces ( Reforger exercises , KFOR) . My father, a Wehrmacht Veteran , was happy about it.
I continue to marvel JD at your continued commitment to telling the story of these brave WWII soldiers. As I’ve written before, my Dad was a medic and he too related stories of the German soldiers who did things contrary to the story so many in the media wanted the home readers to have. There must’ve been many who saw the horror of the war for what it was and likely wished it over so they too could get back to their “normal” lives. Thank you again for your dedication to this story and the Greatest Generation.
Army Veteran here...the WWII vet's story was awesome. AIRBORNE!
Pretty wild.
Model was a 'model' general, in more ways than one. He was intelligent, imaginative and daring - as well as being a man of honour.
I'm always a fan of your cemetery visits, but having Jake share his thoughts and recount his personal experiences puts this at the top of my list of favorites 👍
Thanks. Yeah, having Jake with us really changed the dynamic. So glad that we could capture a few of his recollections.
I visited the Hürtgen Forest last October/November. Been to Simonskall, Vossenack..., Hill 400...cemeteries... It was a really cool and special experience, seeing these bunkers and trenches, the feeling of actually being there, seeing the nature and the atmosphere around there, it's truly undescribable with just words.
Keep up the good work man! Your content is amazing
JD, The documenting of the stories that these veterans have to tell is so important to the preservation of the FIRST HAND memories and how they felt about it, as well as what, and why, the endured during this time. To me this is one legacy that our modern soldiers ('90s onward) have shown to many of the previous generations of veterans is very important for the preservation of their history in hopes others will not repeat, but also for the mental well being. Many of the WWI, WWII & Korean War vets (I am Canadian) I ever encountered rarely discussed what happened, or their experiences, and my memories are that many of them had such inner turmoil that caused them such external pain which led to us thinking they were just grumpy old men or 'nuts'. My Grand Father was a WWI Vet and was so haunted until the end of his life, but would never discuss the war or his experiences. In contrast, my Aunt's 3rd husband, an USAAF pilot, openly recounted his time served in WWII in the Aleutians and Pacific theatre and there was such a marked difference in how this seemed to free him. I live in an area very near a Canadian Military base and I am aware of many of the struggles of many of the returning soldiers (personal friends and relatives) from the Desert Storm, Rwanda, the Balkans, Haiti, Afghanistan ... and since these conflicts of the 90's - 2010s the personal battles of the modern soldiers with PTSD are better acknowledged (but by no means perfectly yet) and we have learned that there are means to help control the internal demons that war thrusts upon humans. It seems Mr. Biggio may have also opened a door for many of these veterans through his project. Sorry for the tangent (how Canadian of me lol) but I admire ALL these vets and it is these modern vets, whose battles with PTSD and against the stigmatization of it , changed my life by giving me the courage to face my demons (non-combat) and get treated after 25+ years. I speak of knowing the difference made by overcoming the stigma, attached to so many for so long, and seeking the help, talking to others about the experiences that caused the trauma and openly encouraging others that it is okay to also seek help to free themselves. Thank you and all those that have Given of themselves so we may not have to.
Brought tears to my eyes listening to tye gentleman recall his experiences. Humanity existed, in parts. Thank you for this video
Glad that we could capture a few of his recollections.
It was very nice hearing from Mr.Jake. He is in amazing shape, both mentally and physically, for his age! What an inspirational, American hero!! May God continue to richly bless him and his family!! He is a great, American treasure!! 💝💗💕🥰👏👍💯🔥🫡
Can you visit Julius Rasmussen sometime? He was a German soldier who survived the war, became a POW, and when released from allied custody dedicated his life to finding war dead in the Hurtgen. I believe he is buried in the cemetery there.
As I’ve gotten older I love history and learning everything thing I can. My dad’s Uncle was an older guy early30s in WWII He was in the 376th Infantry 94th Division 3 Army. My dad has said that we wouldn’t talk about what he saw, only when he had a drink or two. One story is that he was in a shootout with a sniper, his uncle won. His friends told him DO NOT go look at the sniper. Well he went and it was a child. Dad told me at it messed his uncle up. To this day I have my uncle’s patch and his CIB. He was shot in the arm and had frostbite.
You never hear of these stories of acts of humanity that happened in the middle of a battle. Thank goodness for the last surviving veterans and this channel to be able to share these experiences for history sakes. Humans aren’t all bad!
I will never be able to adequately articulate and express just how much I love this channel … you and Erik *never* cease to amaze me.
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Just for the record, there were 2 German WAFFEN SS Divisions that were All Russian Volunteers under Russian General Vlasov. There was one Ukrainian WAFFEN SS Division (Banderas Div.), there was one ALL French volunteer Waffen SS DIV. (Charlemagne), and there was one, ALL Spanish Waffen SS Division (Azule Division or "Blue Division"). The German Military was mostly German, but had a large number of volunteer foreign Troops as well. The WW2 German Military was more Multi-Ethnic than Hollywood has led us to believe!
Also a division of ss muslims under the Mufti from Bulgaria.
To me this part of our history is very important and interesting because I had grandfathers fighting on both sides. 🇩🇪🇺🇸
Another fantastic video! I was looking forward to this one when I saw your earlier one featuring Jake Ruser. His regiment saw horrific fighting in the Wilde Sau, so I am sure it was surreal to be there at the cemetery with him in the same area he served in November 1944. The cemetery and woods to the south and west of it are nice and peaceful, and a very beautiful place to walk through nowadays. But that roughly square mile section was probably the worst scene of fighting from the entire Huertgen Forest campaign. I sometimes wonder how many of the hundreds of people who drive along the road between Vossenack and the town of Huertgen each day know just how horrible that area was in 1944.
This is so educational! I had relatives serve on both sides during the war. I noticed the Conrad on the monument a couple of videos ago, having been a civilian casually. There were a lot of Keinadt, Konrad, and other variations of the name in that area. They originated in Winterlingen, Bavaria. I found a headstone in Normandy, with the inscription "Walter Keinat, Nationality Unknown, August 2, 1944". He was a young man from the Stuttgart area. For the fortunate relatives who served in the American forces, most were either in the Navy or the Army Air Corp in the Pacific Theater.
May her soul rest in peace, Walter module, the greatest General of defense wars.
Wonderful to hear these veterans' stories in first person, and wonderfully hopeful to hear stories of adversaries cooperating to show respect to each others dead and mercy to wounded brothers in arms, even at risk to their own lives.
As ever, JD, thanks for bringing these stories of our valiant grandfathers to us 💜💜💜"Lest we forget"🤓🤓🤓
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This was one of the most moving videos I’ve seen. Listening to Jake tell his story really touched me.He’s amazing and I’m so glad he willing to share his stories.
I just finished the Rifle 2 and it was just as amazing as the first one. Thanks JD for another great video.👍😊
Thanks! So glad that you enjoyed the book.
Wat an incredible honour to be there with the vets,the last of the greatest generation!
Your channel and the history traveler do the best in field online tours of any channel on YT. Absolutely incredible stuff…….. as usual. From Australia
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JD, you hit this series out of the park. I am currently reading The Last Hill about hill 400 that my daughter got me unexpectedly for Christmas, coupled with your series . And a little off topic, but Hell Let Loose on Xbox x has The Hurtgen Forrest battle including Hill 400 and Kall Trail.
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Awesome video! So cool to see an actual veteran giving a firsthand account. This series has been exceptionally great.
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JD how do you do it? The greatest most interesting and informative videos! The stories, oh my gosh. Thank you veterans!
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Because of the horrific nature of this battle, calling a temporary truce for each side to collect their casualties goes to show that in this terrible time there was still some thought put into being honorable even if for a short time. Myself being American who enjoys studying WWII, it was easy for me to see the Germans as evil. As a child the swastika would turn my stomach as I could only see the evil it stood for. Thank you History Underground for telling these stories. I thoroughly enjoy your content.
I love how you included a veteran in this one! Germans apologizing? I wouldn’t have thought that happened! Truth is stranger than fiction! WOW!
Dude, you got no clue about us.....
thats 'because history is told by the victors, with most truths removed.
my compliments on the music in this video, Eric Satie at the beginning but I don't know the last one, both great. Not many people know about this battle, it was truly horrific and it amazes me that even this late in the war, even in this horrific battle, some still managed to cooperate and try to help the enemy. I doubt it would have happened on the eastern front
Another fantastic video JD, looking forward to the rest of the Hurtgen series
Many thanks!
The story by the medic are the things we don't get to hear. The reality of each side finding themselves in life and death. He said it perfectly. Watched that part several times.
Jake is walking history 💜 I wish my grandfathers were still here to share their stories with me.
Model died in what he deemed to be an honourable way, he stated that Paulus was the worst for leading his men into captivity rather than fall on his sword.
I don't know either way but think Model deserves more respect than Paulus does.
Watched this again this morning ~ As previously stated I love the stories of history-especially those first hand accounts…just wow!
Another good film - Model's grave has been stolen a few times, including once just after we visited it! The cemetery there and the other one you featured used to display the detailed cemetery register which showed each casualty's exact unit details, which helped understand the burials. Not as many 'Labourers' with non German names as you'd think.
I was the camera monkey that day so I didn’t have the chance to look at the register. Always enjoy visiting these old cemeteries.
To be able to speak to folks from that generation is truly amazing.
Even though your head went unbumped... This was perfect.
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another great historical story JD i certainly appreciate you sharing this with all of us subscribers. thank you Larry
Thank you for another great video.
Ive watched a lot of history on youtube over the last decade and you are the best at delivering this type of content with respect and without all the click bait and practiced hype.
Great Job JD! Always learning from you and this encourages me to dig deeper in educating myself! Thank you for Keeping History Alive!
Another good documentary on Hurtgen Forest battle. Thanks JD for sharing.
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People sometimes forget that the German soldiers even if they agreed with Hitler's ideology were still human. There was good and bad people on both sides of the war but stories like that German officer giving his life really shows the human side of things. My grandad was captured by the Germans and thankfully lived to tell the tale.
Awesome content! This should be thaught in history class.
Glad you think so! Feel free to share it out. 🙂
Very interesting visits. So grateful for taking veterans and share. Thank you and I enjoyed a lot "The Rifle"❤
That must have been one of the weirdest things to experience.
Calling peace & working together to pick up dead and wounded soldiers and then going back to fighting each other....
Howdy J.D. and well done yet again. I appreciate the effort you put into bringing these living Hero’s/Veterans into the battlefield perspective. This is the first of the truces between the Americans and the Germans during this battle that I have heard of. What humanity in a living Hell. His lack of animosity is heartwarming and proof we can all heal. All the best in 2024 Amigo. Eagerly awaiting next. Cheers and all the best.
Your visit and representation is a great respect to the fallen. Thanks n loved it.
Everyone said any german is a Nazi and so on, but this man sait that germans were correct and respectful.
It isnt always white and black!
Thanks for the video from Bavaria
The notion that all Germans were Nazis is a big misconception.
They were fighting the communists, ask them.. look around you@@TheHistoryUnderground
Truly a great video! Thank you for presenting it.
Seeing things like this is the reason I try to talk to people and get them to understand. It's so important the way we behave and treat each other, all this pain and death cannot be made to seem like it was done in vane, for no reason. We have to show that today we are better people, the sacrifices these men made was truly for a noble cause. We must show that.
Yes I agree!! Well said! I have watched a number of the last WWII surviving veterans’ accounts and they are often very worried at where the US is currently headed. One veteran was crying and asserted that he felt that America was on its’ way to hell in a handbasket. We must try to turn this ship around before it is too late and actually sinks!!! These are very troubling and tragic times!!!😡😢💔🙏
@@truthtriumphant I was thinking something also. What happened in this war, should have never have been allowed to happen. All those countries that watched Hitler come to power and allowed it, should really be so ashamed of themselves. I often wonder. Did they really not know what was going on in the concentration camps until they were liberated? Or is it just what they tell everyone, because if people were aware that they knew for a substantial period of time. How would they be looked at?
Really enjoyed the video mate thanks you for your service and his bless can't wait for your next video mate
Thanks for another great video. The picture quality is outstanding.
Thanks!
An incredible video, hearing the veterans experiences.
Thanks for bringing these stories to the public.
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Wow. Very emotional and touching video. Thank you for sharing.
You save all of us alot of money to have to travel to these places. You give great information and video footage that makes us feel like we are there with you. You are doing gods work and one of the only channels that do this for human kind. Much love from NY
The great stuff continues! Thanks again.
Model was a true monster still I give it to him- he was brave and full of valor. He fought until the very end. He never ran away from the Soviets nor kiss the feet of the American and Brit soldiers. PS: I love to hear from the very people who were there. This is priceless.
Teach! The selflessness of that generation tugs at the heart. Thank you, again, Greatest American Generation.
Always pure quality!
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They cannot forget, and neither should we.
I just want to comment i haven't much but your channel has gotten me into history i have always been a history biff but your channel has open it up way more i love this channel more than any on youtube i camt get enough the way u explain amd your knowledge is amazing love it bro keep it up love the ww2 content
I read a book titled, "If you survive", by George Wilson and he talks about the fighting in the Hurtgen forest. Many casualties caused by mines according to him.
Excellent book! Not quite related to this video but I also recommend "The Forgotten Soldier" by Guy Sajer, who was a French soldier in the Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front. A harrowing read.
Ivan Dutov is a Russian surname or the surname of someone from the now former Russian republics. This person could have been in the ranks of the German army through forced conscription or someone who voluntarily joined one of the Ukrainian, Lithuanian or Estonian divisions. I guarantee that it is not a Polish surname. One of the options may also be a person who was a prisoner on forced labor. Regarding these double crosses on the gravestones of soldiers. They symbolize "brotherhood in arms". Something very common in armies all over the world. Fallen soldiers, even after death, are still brothers.
Another great video JD thank you very well done
Thanks 👍
It's good that you as Americans report so neutrally about the German soldiers. not all of them were Nazis. my grandfather fought on the Eastern Front and was captured in 1941. he returned from Siberia 6 years later… mentally and physically destroyed
Just excellent !! Thank you very much.
The second monument for a German soldier (in the Netherlands for Karl Heinz Rosch) was NOT built by Americans. It was built by Dutch people in the town of Goirle. Rosch saved a Dutch Boy and a Girl who played outside a farmhouse.
Excellent video. Well done. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Question for you JD. Was the fate of the wounded American soldier that the German Lieutenant tried to rescue ever known? Love your content. God Bless.
Thanks for this video, J.D.
great episode i hope we get to hear from the other ww2 vets that are with you .
My grandfather was in a different part of the hurtgen forest but even he said the woods were eerie and it was horrific fighting and extremely tough to move through the valleys and minefields
Definitely. Jake was the only one who fought in the Hurtgen Forest, so most of these episodes feature him.
While walking through a snow covered forest, I complained of the bitter cold, My Grandfather explained I have zero comprehension of being cold. I remember rolling my eyes,and that man sat his knee in the snow and with the most keen moist hazel eyes,told me about the Hurtgen forest, the aching cold,the wind piercing his wet uniform, the dead men who just stopped breathing while attempting to get much needed sleep. I exlaimed,I get it, in the same way,I tried to ignore my parents telling me to clean my plate,for there were starving children,oh he recognized the insolence, and told me I was going to hear about that forest. I've never seen anyone possess a conviction more. He wasn't angry,he was down right offended. He told me that forest whispered to you,taunting you,like a Siren from Odysseus . He told me the tree's were so thick,the sun barely made it's way to reaching the floor of that patch of misery. Being a farm kid,he recognized the realities of being out in the elements for long periods of time. It wears you down. The quietness of impending doom was close to unbearable. He told me,the peticular part he was in,at one time was a causeway,and said he wondered why the Germans didn't bomb what used to be a dam and flood them all. He said he revisted that thought quite frequently and wondered aloud if it was a blessing or payment for his dirty deeds from a past life. While he was pontificating, I was thinking,I'm 8,why is he doing this? What can I do to ease his ghosts from places I've never heard of. But, in many years that man in the snow, with determination and fierce hot breath pretty much told me to knock off my whining. He proceeded to explain While he was freezing in that ugly mean forest,his very own mother was taking food to German POWs in Scottsbluff Nebraska. The absolute juxtaposition of this comment has never been too far in the recesses of my mind to ever loose. He told me,People are People, I thought it Corny and Trite. He served in the 92nd Chemical Mortar Battalion. His Engagements were: Normandy,Rhineland Hurtgen and the Bulge. Out of all his stories,the Crippling mental damage he wore regarding his time in Hurtgen made the deepest mark. He took me back to the cabin,deposited me at the door step,to my Grandmother and about faced back into the forest. I asked my Grandma what I'd done over some Cocoa,she explained his many trips in our little forest allowed him the grace to find the Charles that, in his mind abandoned his fellow soldiers,and in those pine needles some sort of Peace can be found. While he was, I'm sure cursing at what a petulant child I was, My Grandma had shown me his Purple Heart,Good Conduct Medal,WW2 Victory Medal and various Service medals. Needless to say,I never complained about the cold around that man. Seeing your content and the comments about the stories of others ancestors, and the creepiness of that forest, makes my heart happy,that they are not forgotten. I appreciate your work,if you listen real hard,there are many who thank you for the moments of respect that blankets those who served honorably. Thank you sir,Sorry for the Novel.
Stumbled across your channel. Excellent.... new follower. ❤❤
JD wow incredible video thank you so much and i can’t wait to see the rest of this amazing series gosh i love your videos JD
Thank you. I appreciate that.
@@TheHistoryUnderground you are welcome JD
Thank you always great content.
Glad you enjoyed it
Amazing video, thank you!
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Great episode!
Excellent video. Well done.
Love it JD!! Getting veterans is extra special. I bet Tom Hanks watches your stuff. Can’t prove it but I bet he knows.
Was there in 2002. Quite impressive what happened there. Graves, always sober and always with 2 (buddies after death.)
They have a lot of stories to tell. My grandfather was in the army in the 40's and 50's. But it was after WW2. He had a flat cut haircut up until his death in 1993.
Outstanding... Thanks
Very respectful video thank you
May they rest in peace
People are deep down good at heart , I'LL bet NO Soldgers wanted to fight and kill , its the leaders. ! THANK you Frank from montana.....
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In all the wars and in all the battles , this is no ordinary place . This can only happen when a higher command instills humanity from the top down ! Men can take it upon themselves to do heroic or unbelievable acts of valour but it seems easier to obtain when these acts are inspired . It is easy to manipulate or train hate in the minds of men and women involved in war but only the bravest can plant the seeds to have the outcome of what we heard about this place and time .
Interesting video ....thank you
Great work JD, videos like this make me wonder about the war in Ukraine I hope once its over that stories of humanity come out from that conflict as well, may there be peace soon 😔
I have visited walter models grave and our guide had said models grave marker has been stolen a few times that is why his grave stone is different. How sad let him rest in peace
Great video! We lost... regards from Spain!
An old British vet once told me he shot more American GI's than Germans as they retreated out of a mist onto their lines. Such is the fog of war.
Been to the area when we did a staff tour with 28ID staff in the late 90’s. While there we were informed they found the remains of a fallen 28th soldier (109th Infantry) just a few weeks earlier. It was moving indeed.
Thank You, Inever heard or studied about this campaign. there are alot of Cmapaigns I don't remember due to this Extreme Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.
Excellent.