WW2 Veteran Describes What It Was Really Like Fighting On The Front Lines | Remember WWII
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- PICTURES OF GERMAN ATROCITIES AT NORDHAUSEN CAMP ARE IN THE VIDEO!
This is the story of Joe Devaux who served with the 104th Infantry Division in the European Theatre of Operations as a machine gunner.
This is a frontline eyewitness account of what it was like to be a replacement soldier during the heavy fighting into the German heartland and how one survived in the weather conditions and German artillery bombardments.
GOD BLESS THE WWII HEROES!
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GOD BLESS THE WWII VETERANS!!!!
Love the interview, but a seven minute introduction is ridiculous.
This guy is a lying pos. My Grandfather a decorated ww2 vet says so
no. What about the Germans? The hundreds of thousands forced at gunpoint to fight?
@@typxxilpswhich geneva convention?
Not that of 1949, 4 years after ww2.
Why are you cherry picking isolated cases, ignoring the mass rapes of germans and russians during each offensive?
Or the fact that the parties of god tore iraq apart?
@@typxxilps No lawyer needed.
What he describes are nothing new.
Even if he would visit Germany and tell anyone what he did - no one would send cops on him here.
Why?
Two reasons:
1. reason: the killed soldier was SS.
The SS was involved in so much war atrocities that even we Germans have some understanding that they got no mercy.
They themselves often killed prisoner of war, they took part in the holocaust and on their retreat in the eastern war theatre they slaughtered 600 villages in Belarus.
Of course not every SS-solider was a criminal, that depends on in which unit he was.
And not everyone was voluntarily in the SS.
The Nazis drafted young men from occupied countries into the SS because they were not nazi-patriots! But once in the SS they had no chance to desertate - the uniform doomed them to be killed.
2. reason:
It is well known today that many allied units were proud to do not take prisoners. They killed all kind of enemy soldiers.
That started with WWI and in WWII it got even worse. To example the marines in the pacific were often proud to take no Japanese prisoners. Some Canadian units had a suspicious low number of German prisoners. Russian soldiers often hated the Germans.
When soldiers attack an enemy and the enemy fires back and kills comrades but than at the last moment hold up there hands and beg for mercy - it’s in the hand of every single soldier to show mercy or not.
Finally it’s simply so in every war. When you look on movies from WWII you see often huge numbers of German soldiers who surrendered.
But can you remember seeing pictures of surrendering Vietcong, Taliban, ISIS ?
Do you really think that is an incident?
Damn man, this hits hard. This guy is a hero it can’t be easy to re-live this stuff. You can see it in his eyes. Much respect to this man.
A WW2 vet told me how in the Battle of the Bugle, his tank crew came across a British soldier who had been strung up and skinned alive by the SS.
2:28.
He recants, "Nothing can equal BEING THERE.". 2:31
*2:41*
" *I* *didn't* *SLEEP* for a *WEEK*
I saw bodies in *PILES*
I’m Dutch. WWII is a pivotal moment in our history as it is for so many European countries. Men like these make us feel like we are forever in debt to the American people and rightly so. It is extremely sad to see this great generation leaving us. Seems to me we need their guidance, self sacrifice and courage now more than ever. ❤
Your so right, I’m afraid the youth don’t care either.
Vergeet de Russen niet! Zonder hun konden de Amerikanen niks. Ik bedank de dappere Canadezen mannen
@@afgaanafgaan8740 je bedoelt de Russen die eerst een niet aanvalsverdrag sloten met Hitler en pas aan de goede kant kwamen staan toen ze niet anders konden? Maak je geen zorgen, dat ben ik niet vergeten.
I served in Vietnam with two veterans of WW II that fought in Holland. They were both Sargent Majors. We thought they were giants and we served in their shadow. One of them would make it a point to get to the unit that had the heaviest contact. They were leaders and cared for the average soldier. Giants !!! Thank you for remembering them.
@@afgaanafgaan8740the Russians played a very big role. Thank you to the Ruskies and Yanks who saved the world from a murderous madman
We owe guys like this everything. God bless him.
We had an older veteran we ended up being good friends with. Judge Wallace Wooten, Delaware. We sat for 7 hours one day when he decided to tell us about WW II , he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. It was an incredible day to listen to this man. They were real American heroes. It makes me angry how people forget the freedoms they enjoy came at a high cost.
Freedoms? What freedoms? Free speech? Don't make me laugh.
What makes me angry is that USA had no business in the war whatsoever it was a European issue. Because of American stupidity- the Cold War was created where Stalin was perfectly happy to retreat to Poland as long as Germany was neutral, like Austria- which to the pragmatic Russians meant a smaller border to defend, through a country essentially worthless (Poland) and utterly wretched to fight against a good defence Pole-land meaning land of the poles- plains vast vast plains to the horizon.
But USA military industrial complex didn't like the idea of not selling anymore over-priced weapons so the US put in Konrad Adenauer a man so virulently reactionary and anti-Communist Hitler didn't even bother having him locked up or supervised- Adenauer was a free man during WW2. Adenauer, the Catholic zealot- rather odd considering Berlin was Protestant and fairly lukewarm religiously infested with Communists, Anarchists, and other detritus quickly set about kicking the US out and stop persecuting like an utterly unchristian "Eye for an eye" alias augen fur augen zahnen fur zahnen distastefully Mosaic persecution of good civil servants forced to carry a Nazi Party card or be unemployed.
Now the Japanese theatre is different- they attacked you but it was after US had goaded them into an attack- starved them of their oil and scrap steal- their economy was about to plummet- and US was utterly unapologetically pro China despite Chiang Kai Shek being a vicious murderous warlord well known for looting and massive corruption.
The first shots fired in anger in US-Japanese ware were from US destroyer USS Ward. Similarly you had no right to kill millions of oppressed, silenced Japanese civilians in utter criminal disregard for proportionality, as the coward General Curtis LeMay stated "If we lose this war we'll be hung as war criminals"- which indicates even if said in humour he acknowledged his actions could be considered homicidal if not democidal. Mass bombings were not Christian jus bello- it was a total departure from Christian warfare of proportionality. It was the beginning of American repudiation of the Christian chivalric tradition: fight the fighting man, spare and defend the weak especially women and children and to speak truth though it may mean your death- for their is no higher honour than martyrdom for the believing Christian. That's why they held masses before battle then, that's why padres braved bullets to give US fighting men their last rites. Now look at USA. A priest who dared hold mass to soldiers made to kneel before the Cross would be up on charges of religious hate-speech.
ABC news: "Researchers share never-before-seen images of US ship that fired 1st shots at Pearl Harbor" Dec 8, 2017
So I can say what I think about in''''''tions? I can not even write the word here beacuse this such a free world.
If were up to america Finland would have been part of soviet union after 45.Sorry bro,your aircobras etc that you gave to russians were shot down and your canned buffalo meat were eaten by our soldiers from burning t-34s and shermans.
@@markiobook8639you can thank Japan for giving the US a reason to enter the war.
Sir, thank you very much for mentioned the African American soldiers. My grandfather was in the Redball Express and saw action outside of driving convoys. He would tell us his stories after drinking his vodka. I remember him jumping up at night from being shell- shocked as it was called back then. He's gone to be with God now
God bless your grandfather.
@@philipmulville8218 Thank you
The Red Tails fought gallantly, with a very high success rate, and sacrificed more then their share of blood.
His brave and reckless cargo truck driving was the reason our logistics overwhelmed the Germans. We couldn't have won the way we did without the African American drivers that made up the Redball Express!
These guys were all heroes your grandfather included. Next time you talk to him in your prayers thank him for his service.
What an amazing man!! I could listen to the elderly, especially veterans, talk all day.... Thank you for the videos! OUTSTANDING
@@hotstepper887 HUH!!! ? I think this was for someone else! It doesnt even go with what I posted......
Because,,,,,,,,,,,,, they tell the TRUTH
I have watched, well actually listened to because I’m at work, hundreds of these interviews. I can’t wait to hear this. Roughly 80% of these servicemen’s experiences could be made into a movie. They are called The Greatest Generation for a reason. Thank you.
Yes, they were great because they were dumb fat and happy, having swallowed all that war propaganda. Genral Patton had it correct after the war.
They were the Worst generation. Killing their cousins in Europe over a border dispute (Danzig) to Spread Communism, Steal Israel and open europes borders to infinity africans and muslims doesnt make them great.
My uncle was in the 104th, 415th regiment. He too was at Nordhausen. He was asked to translate German and Yiddish but couldn’t because of what he saw.
He would well up when I naively asked him about his experiences. After that I never asked him again unless he brought it up first. He passed 10 years ago last January. We became close after I moved to California. Miss him dearly.
Of course you uncle conveniently forgot to tell you that the conditions in the camps were primarily due to the incessant bombings of everything in Germany, including supply convoys to the camps and children at play.
My dad was also 104th, 415 D. He only spoke of Nordhausen once, just a couple of sentences. He had nightmares the rest of his life. PTSD, I guess. A very great man. Timberwolf up 🇺🇸
@@debbiebrittenham9904
Company F ?
If so, I may have a photo somewhere.
My uncle Max Alcantar was in the 415 company K. What unit in the 415 was your uncle in. Uncle max was Kia. Like 2 weeks before the remagen bridge crossing. I would love to hear any info you have or vids of the 415 th.
I wonder if they where buddies. My uncle was a bar man. Machine gun crew.
My grandfather and 3 of his brothers were all in ww2, different branches different locations. They all lived through it, they all passed away between 2000 and 2011. My teen years. Sounds like some of the stories they told me but they never went far in depth about conversations with people, sights & feelings. Wish I listened more, I really like hearing these stories they need to be heard and shared to the younger generations who don't know much at all about it.
Same with my grandfather and I also wish I listened more but I can tell you one story his best friend had his head blown off by a sniper when he took his helmet off because he was bald n his head was shiny it gave his position away and my grandad said his head just exploded n dropped so my grandfather father zoomed in on the location he knew the building it had came from so he crept up on the building n snuck in the building and when he got too the room the sniper was in he obviosly rifle first went in too take the shot but when the sniper turned around it was a female German sniper so split second timing decided too try not too shoot too kill and when lowered his aim slightly he shot her in 🐈⬛🐈⬛...in the crotch and she dropped..whether she lived or not I don't know but I know my grandad was livid about his friend and that's why he took the risk off raiding the building on his own because he was raging a stupid thing too do in hindsight but it worked...I also know at the end off the war some off the men were doing a bit off Rapee and pillaging when they were going house too house and he went into one house and was a mother n 2 young daughters in there and he left them in there hiding place left n shut the door n said the house was empty or else those girls in there definitely would have been not treated well by some off the other soldiers but my grandad didn't agree with that..he was born n raised in Bradford in Yorkshire but he was part off a Scottish regiment n wore the kilt n highlander hat 😂..👍👍
Me, too. Growing up we always had WWII guys around, but we were just kids, and couldn’t grasp what they did. I wish I could go back in time and thank them for saving the world.
Interesting. My father, four of his brothers, and my older brother also fought in WWII. They all survived, but neither one said anything!
@@Chadlcarroll Right. That's why the western world is turning into cesspools. You can thank the ignorance of your father/grandfather for that. General Patton got it right when he said: "We battled and defeated the wrong enemy!"
@@lesbarton8510what was there to say
This frail old man was a total badass in his youth. He is still a total badass and deserves all of our respect!
Yeah we know get your tongue out of his asshole
For those of us who have never experienced combat it is difficult to comprehend how terrible it was and still is for those who serve. All I am able to say is thank you and we shall always be in your debt.
You can also thank them for the cesspool the USA has become. Wait! That is due to their children.
God bless him. Love from Australian Veteran.
Absolutely mate I love these war stories my grandfather was in WWII in the Australian Army I have all my grandfather war certificates and he discharged from the Australian Army in 1946 I'm very proud 🇦🇺 👍
It’s amazing that we’ve finally begun to realize as a nation what a treasure these interviews are. Per usual, it’s too little, too late. I loved hearing my patient’s stories when I was a nurse. The unbelievable bravery, heroism, fortitude and courage these men and women is unfathomable in the current climate. God help us if we had to go into some huge war and have to rely on the 18-28 year olds of today🤦♀️😢 Thank you for your service sir!!
I stand by everything you write. The soul and spirit of our fresh generations are being rotten at tender ages by the devilish glorification of atheism and moral & social relativism, many of them sponsored by the so-called moral inverter evangelists and "new order" all kind of pression groups, educational system, media and entertainment industries, drugs liberation lobbies and so on. That way, I sadly believe that nowadays Hitler wouldn't have great difficulties in doing all he wanted and further more. The broadcast of war veteran histories should be mandatory. They can't be forgotten.
This is as brilliant as it is fascinating: thank you to this man and thank you to the interviewer for hardly saying a word, allowing Joe to speak uninterrupted. My dad was a paratrooper on D-Day. He rarely spoke of his experiences. I miss him and wish he were alive, if only to hear his stories. He died over 40 years ago and I'm now older than he was.Thank you for this production.
In my work ( caring for Jolande in Ashley Cord - Tiverton , she was deshifering German code, in war ) next to her bed in table was - bracelet , and that was all left from her incredible love - American soldier who die on Dday …. Jolande was almost hundred in 2012 , when she held that bracelet ,she cry and speak to me -“ I wonder whole my life ,how will I live ,if my love was not killed ….
Thank you for sharing. God Bless you and your father. RIP
I had a hard time getting my dad to tell me what he experienced in the Pacific during the war. He finally told me. Pretty terrifying stuff.
...I suspect that he was trying hard to FORGET what he experienced- but he COULDN'T-(?)
My grandfather was in the pacific with the 860th and never talked about the war even when asked
I have a Scottish friend whose father served, and an English friend whose uncle was imprisoned by the Japanese who almost died from the abuse he endured, and they told me that no one in Britain ever talked about the war; whereas, my immigrant American family discussed it quite openly.
One of the in-laws was in an anti-aircraft unit in New Guinea. I don't know if he was involved in combat, but the conditions were unbelievable. Constant rain, poisonous snakes coming out of the mud holes he had to live in, malaria, scorpions, intense heat and humidity. Just miserable and then getting bombed by the Japanese and knowing that they were out in the jungle always a threat
My father was on an escort carrier in the Pacific. He never talked of it but once when we got a bit drunk together. Not nice don't know how he lived through it.
The horror of war cannot be explained adequately to a person who has not been in the heat of battle. It changes you forever and haunts you for the rest of your life. I salute you sir and i am grateful for the sacrifices you made so that we can live free of tyranny! God bless you!
My Dad was one, I am forever proud! They saved the World!
Yes they absolutely saved the entire world, God Bless them all
Saved it for the money power so they could continue exploiting us. Most Yanks didn't have a clue why they were fighting!
Thank you for your service. My father was at Dachau shortly after it was liberated and was deeply affected by the sights there. He said that he never got over the horrible smell and the loud buzzing of flies over the bodies. He had nightmares about the war periodically for the rest of his life.
Dachau was well known as an artist's village. Kaserne Dachau- Dachau Barracks was an arsenal- it was never a death camp so I don't know where you got that bullsht. It was built for political prisoners.
The main road from Munich to Dachau passes near the camp. From 1948-1960 it housed East Germans and refuge Germans and in 1960s the US used it as a military base. Hardly the actions one would undertake at a death camp.
Comite Internationale Dachau state- on the wikipedia page- it had an outbreak of typhus in Nov 1944.
US Colonel Charles L. Decker, an acting deputy judge advocate, concluded in late 1945 that, while war crimes had been committed at Dachau by Germany, "Certainly, there was no such systematic criminality among United States forces as pervaded the Nazi groups in Germany."
If you've ever had the misfortune to be at a refugee cap- you will find the stench unbearable- because of the latrines. The latrines contaminate the groundwater.
That's why it's still called Kaserne Dachau- Dachau Barracks not KZ Dachau. KZ= konzentrations lager- concentration camp- these were Bielefeld, Maidenic, Treblinca, Auschqitzh-Birkenau, Buchenwald
@@markiobook8639
I've been to the Dachau museum. They show the pictures of the emaciated inmates, the clothing and other photos if the Holocaust there. Those photos may not all be from there, I don't know but in the 90s when I visited, they certainly presented the place as a death camp. They even had the "Nie Weider, Never Again" motto inscribed there.
@@markiobook8639 : You're talking guff. At least 41,500 people died at Dachau.
@@fazole The facts of the matter don't support your claims. US Judge Advocate Decker is on record: "...no such systematic criminality among United States forces as pervaded the Nazi groups in Germany." That's on the Nurenburg Trials transcript.
Even "Arbeit Macht Frei"- your "scholars"get incorrect- it's a well-known German idiom like Arbeit ardelt- work enobles. Arbeit macht free means work redeems: work liberates you spiritually.. Arbeit=work, macht= highly cognate to English= makes, frei another highly cognate Anglische/Sachsische Germanic term: free.
And it's still called Kaserne Dachau because it was a barracks, then an ammunition factory, then the first concentration camp mainly for German Leftists, socialists and communists, then it served as a refuge for ethnic Germans expelled from USSR and the US had a barracks there. Prisoners had special clothing- yes in all prisons around the world identical to modern-day USA. Due to the Allied heavy bombing- everything was destroyed by 1944 so there were contagions among the German populace in general as well as specifically in the camps- as stated by Comite International de Dachau. Additionally 1944 was unseasonably cold- so you can argue homicide via willful negligence- although it was mitigated by supply problems caused by Allied bombings. No textile mills= no clothes.
@@brachio1000 The facts of the matter don't support your claims. US Judge Advocate Decker is on record: "...no such systematic criminality among United States forces as pervaded the Nazi groups in Germany." That's on the Nurenburg Trials transcript.
Even "Arbeit Macht Frei"- your "scholars"get incorrect- it's a well-known German idiom like Arbeit ardelt- work enobles. Arbeit macht free means work redeems: work liberates you spiritually.. Arbeit=work, macht= highly cognate to English= makes, frei another highly cognate Anglische/Sachsische Germanic term: free.
And it's still called Kaserne Dachau because it was a barracks, then an ammunition factory, then the first concentration camp mainly for German Leftists, socialists and communists, then it served as a refuge for ethnic Germans expelled from USSR and the US had a barracks there. Prisoners had special clothing- yes in all prisons around the world identical to modern-day USA. Due to the Allied heavy bombing- everything was destroyed by 1944 so there were contagions among the German populace in general as well as specifically in the camps- as stated by Comite International de Dachau. Additionally 1944 was unseasonably cold- so you can argue homicide via willful negligence- although it was mitigated by supply problems caused by Allied bombings. No textile mills= no clothes.
I have nothing but the upmost respect for this gentleman. Thank you so much for what you did for us all . God bless you sir, you and your comrades are my heroes .
It is an honor to hear his stories. His life will stand as a testimony for doing what is right.
Are you talking about the part where they first tortured and then killed the German that had already surrendered, but unluckily wore an SS uniform?
I'd call that a clear and obvious war cime, and that is what you would call it, if it had been a German soldier killing a GI that way...
@@stscc01wonder how many Jews were unluckily tortured and murdered by that one poor “unlucky” ss soldier??? You’re satisfied with his excuse of just following orders? Even at that, 98 out of 100 would’ve tortured n murdered Jews happily of their own accord, so why would anyone believe he’s one of the extremely few unlucky ones that were conscripted into an ss unit?
He could have easily opted not to be an ss soldier and die as a decent honorable human being, but instead chose to live as an ss soldier and die as one. Not all, but Most of them deserved the shitty death they got… Regardless of whether or not it was a war crime… I’m sure the families of the Jews he most likely took part in murdering would call it Justice… A lot of ppl on every side in that war were dealt a shit hand, he’s just one of many. That is, if he was one of the small percentage of Germans who were conscripted as ss….
@@stscc01
You were not there and are not entitled to criticize what these men did. Patton himself said if the enemy does not surrender immediately then take no prisoners. There was a German habit of fighting to the last bullet and then surrendering and Patton said not to accept this. Being in this kind of horrific combat dehumanizes the soldier, it inures him from his emotions. This obvious from all the combat memoirs of ww2 I've read. The difference between the Allied and German forces is obvious. Allies committed war crimes but it wasn't a systematic policy. There were no Allied versions of Einsatzgruppen and no allies killed entire villages full of people as the Germans did not only in Russia but France. Men endured unbelievable strain, why do you think that some even drank the V-2 rocket fuel.
@fazole you were not there either, so according to your argumentation you shouldn't make any comment either.
I judged based on his own story, and he was there. I have no doubt it happened just as he described it. It was no heroic action, it was brutal murder of an unarmed soldier that already had surrendered.
Exactly the thing countless German soldiers were sentenced for. The sentence mostly was death by hanging in the Nuremberg tribunals. And rightly so, torturing and killing POWs is nothing civilized nations' soldiers should do.
But the thing is that allied soldiers must be judged by the same criteria, they aren't "heroes" if they do things that are judged as war crimes if committed by German soldiers.
Your whataboutism concerning the Einsatzgruppen isn't an argument, nor are Patton's orders that would have him brought to Nuremberg had he not been on the winning side.
Most (not all, unfortunately) German war criminals have been hardly punished, but there is a great number of allied war crimes that weren't even ivestigated.
Understandable in 1945, but not nowadays. From today's point of view it isn't understandable that such actions are praised as "heroic", even if the victims were "only Nazis".
Torturing and killing POWs is NEVER justified, and it definitely should not be seen as a heroic deed. Even when committed by Americans...
@@stscc01 I like the tone of your argument but, the Germans were not war criminals but simply defended Germany against all self-declared enemies.
As to all the atrocity propaganda; extraordinary accusations require extraordinaire proof. Neither you nor I have ever been presented with authenticated forensic evidence to support any such accusations.
I can't say thank you enough to this man, and all like him that went through hell so we wouldn't have to. Getting life advice from him was like getting a second dessert after a fine meal.
Bless his heart! My Dad was in the Army Air Corp. attached to the 9th signal bn and part of the occupying forces. He was 16 when he went in, and had his Parents lie and say he was 17. He said he wanted to go because all his Friends were serving and he was lonely and wanted to do his part as well. So these Men hold a special place in my heart. I hope he's feeling better and able to get some of his weight back on and get his strength back. {{{hugs}}} to this fine gentleman.
Another great interview! Wow, these vets remember a lot from that war. So glad we are able to listen to their stories. Thanking all for their service to our country. Also the deceased. ❤️🙏🏻🪖🇺🇸💐God bless all of them!
You would remember to. How do you forget the most exhilarating frightening amazing and deadly ordeal of your life.
Most boys had never been more than 20 miles from home and spent a night away from there families.
Nothing but Respect for this soldier . A legend among men . Thank you for your service to save the free world . He has a lifetime experience behind him , he is a rock of sense .
We asked my grandfather why his fingers were warped. He'd landed on a beach in the south pacific under fire. It was all coral. Had to dig in. So they did. Without shovels. He never said anything else. Ever.
The fear they must have felt to ignore all pain in order to preserve their life. Insane to try and put yourself in that position, as we all sit comfy and warm in our home. If he's still with us be thankful brave men did what they needed to for God and Country. Back when it was worth fighting for. Good day.
Thank you Joe you're generation truly was the greatest!And you and you're brothers sacrifice will never be forgotten You answered the call when our country and the world needed you and for that sir We will be eternally grateful!!!
Just wondering ...
Look at America, haven't we already forgotten their sacrifice?
@billcox6784 I know my friend!I know! I havnt! My fathers dad was a waist gunner in a B-17 over Eroupe in 1943. Unfortunately, they built the WW2 Memorial in DC way to late for most of those veterans to even see it!Our country has lost its way !We were once as Ronald Regan put it "a Shining city upon a hill a becon of light for freedom!"I fear that light is so dim now !
Yes and Reagan cut back on so many of the benefits we all deserved as Americans to build a military that ended up bankrupting the Soviet Union as they couldn't compete. We were led to believe it was all worth it. Now we can't take care of our people or our vets properly and Russia is back and giving Belarus nukes while they invade Western Europe. Some New Deal we got from Ronny Ray Gun!
@@billcox6784Exactly. It's all right in our faces as are the perpetrators. People didn't stand up enough globally to call out these corrupt politicians about the many crimes against humanity. Just remained on the hamster wheel to keep up with the bill's. It's all falling apart though as well - regardless of how ugly everything looks now. Humanity needs to be joined in prayer... Globally 💜💌🙏🙏🙏
The World needs more people like Mr. Devaux. What an incredible human being. More than a hero. He is a National Treasure. May God bless him.
Thank you Sir, God bless you all 🙏
Wow incredible interview
God Bess. You did your duty, and your experiences are for us to take to heart. See something, say something - words to live by. I’m glad you’ve been rewarded with a life after that horror.
Really enjoyed listening to this soldier’s stories, thank you for your service
Awsome man .I cant imagine the army telling a kid now we will give you 6 months to finish school then you are drafted and you have to come with us and do everything we tell you to .kids today are free and able to live like they want to because of men and women like this.
Hardly. The draft is still in effect if the government decides to use it and deferments for education were common in Korea and Vietnam. Incentives for a volunteer army are used today but the draft is still there if needed. Remember are military today is less than 1% of the population. In WW2 almost 10% of the population were in some branch of military service.
These hero's stories are very important for future generations. We must never forget the sacrifice of these men, women, and children during and after WWII
I'm absolutely humbled. Thank you for everything.
What a LEGEND! Use common sense.
How simple.
He served on the front lines. Incredible story. Thank you, sir, for our freedom.
This gentleman is from where I live! I'm in Seattle he speaks of Tacoma, Bellingham and Friday Harbor of which I've been to those locations countless times. What a remarkable story and what clarity of mind at 98 years old. Thank you for posting this and thank you for your service sir!
Such a wonderful sweet man!! ❤️❤️❤️
God Bless this Good man & his brave friends.
This is a true hero .
You fight to protect your buddies
what a badass. A true American Hero Thank you for my freedom
Hello. I watch a lot of veteran interviews. From the perspective of Americans, French, Japanese from just about everyone I could find. As a German, I am of course also interested in the perspective of the German soldiers who served in World War II.
I really enjoyed this interview. What I want to emphasize here is that we have a real soldier here describing how no prisoners were taken. In particular, no prisoners were taken wearing SS uniforms. There were even reports of them torturing and killing a prisoner. He reports it and laughs because no one who wasn't there can understand it. War is Hell! Everyone knows that these things were perfectly normal in the war. If a sniper has killed beloved comrades, then that sniper will not be court-martialled, but judged right at the front lines. I don't want to endorse that, but everyone knows it happened, but nobody wants to say it out loud. That's why I say a big respect to the gentleman here.
Thank you for your service! May everyone learn from these interviews how cruel war is, unfortunately still too few people know!
PS: at 1:01:54 I got goosebumps because i was born in Halle and lived their many years.
But for every man made mad with grief, who oversteps the mark, there is the rare gentle, kindly exception, like Franz Stigler
So rare we cherish these stories.
You have a very interesting perspective.
Can’t excuse war crimes just because it’s the allies
@@beevict9537Of course, I don't want to condone war crimes. Especially with that business with the SS sharpshooter, who they let dig his own grave and then wanted to bury him alive, only to then just shoot him like that. Inwardly it makes me angry that he told this with a smile, but then I have to tell myself again and again: This is war. Anyone who thinks that these war crimes didn't happen lives in a jelly bean world. That's why I highlighted that. He tells it frankly because it happened every day on the side of the Allies and the Nazis.
@@beevict9537...LET'S REMEMBER THAT THE ALLIES DIDN'T START THAT GODDAM WAR-(!)
He said that's what you do sometimes.i can't imagine what our soldiers went through during WW2.you sir are a hero in my book.may the Lord give you peace and long life.
Don't use the lords word for war plz
@@michaelegan6037He didn’t
What a great American hero. It was our privilege to have the opportunity to hear his story. God gave him a long happy life I'm hoping that it's still going today
Thank you endlessly for your service Sir!!! May God bless you always!!!! ✝️🇺🇲
Thank you Mr. Devaux for your deeply candid and moving recollection of your time in the 104th Division in World War 2. Also, thank you Mr. Sharma for assembling these oral histories of this war. My dad served as a signalman on an LST at D-Day. He passed in 2008. Fortunately, he did share some of his experiences of the war with me, and I am grateful for this.
Thank you for allowing my family to live in freedom, and for providing the same for millions of people. Thank you to those families who loss their love ones in service to their country, and to the service men and women who carried the physical and mental scars of that service with them for many years afterwards. I have been a student of World War 2 since the third grade and will NEVER forget what was done by our military to free Europe and Asia from tyranny. The price of freedom isn't free. I like that you said if you see something wrong speak up about it--that also takes courage. Also, that praying in the foxhole calmed your mind. God bless both of you!
Thank you for doing these interviews so interesting and real and raw !! Our youth have no idea :(
I’m Irish I knew conflict from a child in latter years I ended up in Bosnia and it’s the same shit different times. The camps are a stain on mankind not just Germany. Why can’t we have proper debate about this conflict, the truth is so horrible and awful yet still people lie and make up B.S, like the human skin lampshade it was goatskin, throwing live bodies into ovens more B.S. this gives nazis power when it’s proved lie’s. The truth is enough to sicken mankind without the outrageous lies. Look at allies war crimes to many to mention.
Thanks for doing these interviews Rishi!
goosebumps awesome stuff very important to record this thank you and thanks mr Devaux
What a remarkable man.
I salute you Sir!
What a truly beautiful human being. Thank you for your service and making the world a better place Mr. Devaux 🙏🏻
Watched the full video , I’m 66 and can remember when I was a plumber apprentice listening to work men who were all in their late 60 s at break time when I was about 16 or so listening to their war stories and appreciate even then the sacrifice my peers made even then ,,,,,, kudos ✌️🏴
Thank you Brother Joe.
Hero, really tough guy, god bless him.
Thank you sir! I appreciate the amazing sacrifice, I love you for that.
Definitely a top tier interview and interviewee Rishi… This guy was an awesome story teller and had a really good memory n account of his time as a combat soldier In ww2… I’ve watched many of your videos and this is one of the better ones! Thanks for doing this important work of capturing these men’s historical life experiences and lessons learned in combat n on the battlefield!
His words of wisdom was fantastic! Thank you sir for serving the country. May God bless you and your family.
May they all rot in hell for making war on the most peaceful people in Europe.
I was infantryman with a CIB (combat infantryman badge) and I feel pride for having a CIB as well.
...towards the end, very good questions asked of him; & comments made TO him were excellent; thank you for what u do to preserve his & other veterans' stories!👍🇺🇸
It was so good to hear this interview with this brave man. To hear it right from them is humbling. I have so mucb respect for these heros that fought for us. I could listen to these all day.
I could sit hours and listen to his story , god bless this man.
Amazing content your doing good work brother
One of his final comments, about not being afraid to speak out when seeing something, or someone being treated, wrong, is so appropriate & so insightful from this gentleman; thank you for sharing ur stories!🇺🇸
There aren't many people like him left. Those who knew what true, pure-evil looked like, volunteered to fight it and chose to share their memories in every detail no matter how hard.
I'm glad he got to recount his experiences, as he's right. You can look at pictures of the holocaust all you want, unless you served in that time, and saw what that hell looked like with your own eyes. You really can't accurately begin to think about what it was.
Watch Europa the last battle, and then Greatest Story Never Told. Youll get all the pictures and footage you want.
It is always moving to hear powerful first hand testimony. It is great that people can now record such interviews and upload them to YT. There are so many points that I find myself thinking about. First two being; Too bad Schools don't make History a compulsory subject. Paraphrasing Churchill, those who fail to learn from History are destined to repeat it. And the next point, those in the SS were 'simply' following orders, did none of them ever stop to question what it was they were doing and why? To what extent did the embracing of an official narrative without question play a part in this, and separately the dangers of any argument that dehumanises a fellow Human Being.
Great comment. Particularly the quote from Churchill. Regarding the SS, all those German soldiers including the wehrmacht were indoctrinated from 1933 on by Hitler and Goebbels. They were as brainwashed as Japanese soldiers who my father fought against during the war. That argument that they were just following orders is a load of you-know-what.
What a character, great to have experienced his stories .
Amazing man!!!! Thank you for yor service!!!!!!! Much respect for this good man!!!!!!!
Thank you for your service.
What a great interview, thank you for your service sir, my God bless you. I could sir and listen to this soldier for hours.
My Dad said word would just be passed from one guy to the next "we're not taking prisoners today". He also said they NEVER took SS guys prisoner. He said it was smoky and dusty and every town was on fire.
The gifts these mens sacrifices and especially the ones who gave all and never returned have given us is beyond comprehension and should never be forgotten. God bless all of our veterans but especially WW2 veterans.
Unimaginable what this hero has seen and been through !
My Uncle landed at Normandy on D day, took part in the liberation of Brussels and was shot and wounded during the battle of Arnhem, he emigrated to Canada when I was still very young so never really got the chance to ask him about his experiences, but I can imagine he had some stories to tell.
I've listened to a lot of these. This was one of the best! Thank you and thank him, for doing all that he did during the war and then doing the right thing with his family, his job and his church community, supporting America as he has when he returned. ❤❤❤
One of the best interviews I’ve ever seen. I’m glad you had the opportunity to sit with him
Legend.
amazing work man im a new subscriber. its awesome that you are doing these interviews. God bless you and thank you!
I love hearing the pride from these veterans of the world wars. So much pride, so much love of country. For a little while longer you can go meet some locals in assisted and independent living facilities.
My grandfather was in the South Pacific. But he died when I was a young boy, so I never got to hear his stories.
One of the best accounts I've ever heard👍
These interviews are priceless.
Thank you for your service ❤🇺🇸
Too bad 🇺🇸 are the nazi’s now
Thank you. That was so good. what a bloke!!x
Watching all these fairly New interviews and the respect I have for them is unexplainable I didn’t even know there was any survivors from World War II
Mostly former OSS and current CIA officers.
The youngest WW2 veteran would be 95 now (2023). There are still over 10,000 living but losing 50% of them every year now.
@@johnkidd1226 what if they are all CIA actors? Seriously. The last person I’d trust right now is a combat veteran who is still prowar knowing every single war was instigated or orchestrated by our chosen fellow white Americans?
Miss my great grandfather, heard many of stories. Wish I could have heard more. Legionnaires diseases finally got him, Germans couldn't do it, concentration camp couldn't do it.... But a diseases did.
...AND OLD AGE-(!)
@@daleburrell6273 was still kicking around just fine, got up early morning mowed, did chores, went to the store. Wouldn't consider the old age getting him if he's walking around and doing things like normal
Hello Mr Sharma I find your channel most intesresting and the quest behind it, very noble and worthy. I currently live in France, a nation that owns so much to WWII heroes. Thanks so much for your invaluable work and god bless the men and wowen who sacrificed so much to ensure our freedom. Best, Bobby
Thank you for sharing Sir - the traumas you've survived....the honesty.
"That's what you do sometimes."
Respect from an Iraq war Marine.
What’s your thoughts on the USS Liberty?
@@palepride7530I wasn't familiar with the incident until recently. But it doesn't surprise me that LBJ and McNamara covered it up. After all, they lied about the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
@@jharris0341 sometimes eh?
Unfortunately I am sure some of our soldiers who gave surrendering enemy soldiers the benefit of the doubt did not live to see them actually surrender...
Thank you sir for your service and youth....
I am 🇬🇧 but you've almost reduced me to tears....
I wish this gentleman knew that "kamerad" means comrade. Those guys weren't telling him to surrender at all so he assumed right by shaking their hands from what it sounds like! I'm glad he got through that terrible war and survived to tell his story to all of us. I'm very grateful
I don't know how this gentleman has stayed SANE after all he has experienced I don't think I could have.Thanks to him and his fellow servicemen and the USA entering WW2🙏💗👍and saving the world from the horrors of the NAZIS
So much respect for this man. Not that many of his generation left. Anytime I have the opportunity to speak with someone like him, i do. The things they could tell you, the experiences they've had etc. I'd LOVE to sit down with him and just talk talk talk .
Wow. Another great interview. I’m so glad I found this channel.
This Gentleman Veterans interview is a magnificent testament to how good men can be.
His advice to the Generations after him and wisdom offered is truly a beautiful gift to others.
I’ve been watching your videos from the outset, thank you so very much. I personally feel privileged that I’m able to financially aid this important cause, it’s the only one that I’m able to. There are many wonderful channels that also do this, let us do whatever we can to honor our ww2 combat vets by supporting these channels. God bless our combat vets!
Thank You for your service. Congratulations on your anniversary.
Thank you sir for your service and our freedom
The Greatest Generation. What a contrast with this man and many people today. I will miss them when they are all gone.
I had a foster parent Mr.Wallace how was a bomber pilot and was shot down,pow in Korea for 5 years. Few times he told me about it only talked about what his friends suffered watching them die one by one from starvation, dysentery, malaria or just random executions from drunk guards.
I have no words to describe Mr.Wallace other than he was a man's man and someone i'm very thankful was part of my childhood. He taught me patience, changed my perspective on what suffering is and inspired me to learn to fly. Rip Mr&Mrs Wallace thank both of you for everything.
I wish I had not read all the comments. Many responders do not deserve the sacrifice and the service of this brave man, who continues to give to his country in this interview. Respect.
I am in a group researching my uncle's unit, 229th ROB (Railroad Operation Battalion). He was wounded 3 times after landing at Normandy.
Took a year and a half during Covid lockdown to get his DD 214 and Separation documents. Though only a captain he still received Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and Distinguished Service Medal BUT I DON'T KNOW FOR WHAT EXACTLY. Our railway units all over Europe and the Far East were heavily shelled and bombed to stop the logistics support to the front lines that chewed through the Germans and Japanese.
All the veterans need to be honored and LISTENED TO.