Band of Brothers: The Last Assembly of Easy Company at Kaprun | History Traveler Episode 278
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 เม.ย. 2023
- Our journey through Germany and Austria ends in the town of Kaprun where the men of Easy Company, 506th PIR found themselves at the end of the war. We're exploring the same area that Dick Winters and the other men from Band of Brothers occupied at the end of the war and paying tribute to the man who was the last surviving member of Easy Company.
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...
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originmaine.com!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- The Eagle's Nest: Looted Artifacts & Engine Rooms | American Artifact Episode 68: • Liberated Silver From ...
- Exploring Hitler's Eagle's Nest!!! | History Traveler Episode 274: • Exploring Hitler's Eag...
- War Souvenirs From Hitler's Berghof!!! | American Artifact Episode 66: • War Souvenirs From Hit...
- The Heart of Hitler's Third Reich & What U.S. Soldiers Took From It | American Artifact Episode 61: • The Heart of Hitler's ...
- Was THIS Where the Man With the Funny Mustache Was Radicalized? | History Traveler Episode 264: • Was THIS Where Hitler ...
![[TH] Esports World Cup : Grand Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/sedbKhFYDMo/mqdefault.jpg)
As somebody who is wheelchair bound I cant tell you how much people like me appreciate these videos. For a lot of us this is as close as we will ever get to the history we love to study.
That means a lot to hear you say that. Thank you.
Live vicariously Brother. Or in any way. Never let that light burn out.
i can totally relate to that myself ,im in a chair too and there are just places that ill just never get to see for various reasons
Me too just canceled my Nice,Fr trip ..🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
I spent a summer traveling Europe when I was 15 as an exchange student and was able to go to Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands , Germany, France, and England. I wish I took more in but it felt like it started to blur after a bit because it was church, church, church, museum, church… lol and so on. The biggest surprise was how utterly stunning Switzerland was. Blew everywhere else out of the water!
There was a restaurant on top of this huge mountain (there was a Bond movie shot there) but you took multiple trains and cable cars to get there. It was a single restaurant on top of a mountain peak and it revolves. They had like an observation deck and could walk out and even jump down onto the rocks below (if you wanted to be risky). But you were so high up that you were literally in the clouds and it was snowing mid July. Different place was a multistory waterfall inside of like a cavern. Everything there didn’t look real.
Went to Omaha beach and stuff like that, also Flanders Field. But alas trouble found us and we were given a “free day “to go explore London in pairs and that’s when their 9/11 happened. But the WW1 sites and museums seemed forgotten about because WW2 gets all the attention. RIP to all the vets of all the wars.
“Mr B” holding the flag in the picture and then being the last man standing in life! You couldn’t of planned that better. May he rest in peace with all of the veterans who have served and now passed. 🙏🏻
I think that his Grandson, same name, was just a back judge in the most recent Super Bowl.
I am grateful for younger historians keeping alive the memory of my father’s generation and what they sacrificed. Thank you.
My late father-n-law was there. His ame was John L Bidwell . He was supposed to jump on D-Day, but they wouldn’t let him because he had a severe ear infection and as soon as that was better, they sent him out to re-join the company. Dad passed away in 1999. He would never talk about the war, but he would sing the parachute song or the paratrooper song and he sang it all the time he taught it to all of us. He was very proud of his service. When my husband went to Vietnam. He had a map over his desk so he could keep track of every place Bob in been. I want to say thank you for what you do for the veterans and what you do for history.
I literally got goosebumps knowing that banner went back to the exact same place that "Mr. B" held it up in that picture so so many years ago. Thank you both.
👍🏻
Me too!
Almost had tears if I'm honest, which I always am.
Wow, just incredible !!
Thank you for keeping the history alive. When so many is erasing it.
Thank you. Appreciate that.
My grandfather was in the British parachute regiment and fought at the Battle of Arnhem and I went back there with him on the 50th anniversary of the battle. My grandfather passed away nearly two decades ago but its videos of this nature which are making me think I should return back to Arnhem now as a older and hopefully wiser person.
Thank you for your grandfather's service my friend.
@@simonsmith1974 Thank you
@@davidsummer8631 no worries. Those British soldiers who went into Arnhem were so very brave, like all who served. Arnhem was a fight like no other.
@@simonsmith1974 He survived the battle but spent the rest of the war in Germany as POW until he was liberated by the American army
@@davidsummer8631 that required as much bravery to survive captivity as to fight. He was a true British hero.
I have to say when seeing reunions of the ACTORS that portrayed these heroes invokes emotions, they were beyond legendary. "I wasn't a hero, but I served in a company of heroes..."
-Major Dick Winters
They gave their all for us, God bless these men and women and as the chapter closes on WWII and POW's we can only live the history that they created. Thank you for your bravery and service. Thank you JD
On this Veterans Day, thank you for all you have done,Easy Company. May you all Rest in Peace.
Your series on Easy Company has gotten me to start re-reading Major Winter's book (Beyond Band of Brothers) about his time in the Unit.
👍🏻
Hard to believe these men landed at Normandy on June 6th and fought their way across Europe. My Father also landed at Normandy, in October, part of an artillery battalion, initially on the Bridge Too Far campaign up through the Netherlands and then through Germany all the way to the Elbe River, the farthest point of the American advance. He was awarded 2 battle stars, one for each campaign. Never spoke about the War, only the funny things. Amazing man. Miss you, Dad!
Wow! The tribute to Freeman!!! I confess to tearing up when I watched this! Well done!
He was a heck of a guy.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Indeed! I have read everything I can get my hands on about him, Winters etc. All of Easy Company, so much to learn from all of them! They were great men to be sure!
me too
I really don't have the words except thank You all who gave and still give so the rest of the world can keep on giving ❤❤❤
I can't say how much I appreciate you two honoring the memory of these men and doing so in a format that will hopefully last forever. Thanks JD and Erik 👍
Thank you 🙏🏼
Kudos for keeping their memory alive. Walking in the footsteps of giants! This has been an amazing series for those of us who adore Easy Co and its representation of the Greatest Generation.
Quite the experience. Thank you.
As a veteran of Desert Storm, Somalia, Operation Iraqi Freedom and who now currently lives in Germany right down the street from Buchenwald Concentration Camp , I really love seeing your videos. My grandfather and my father before me were my inspiration to join the Army back in 92. I really love watching how you bring this history to life. This was truley the greatest generation.
This has been one of the very best series’s I’ve got to watch. I can’t wait to show my dad this. I can’t believe this is free on TH-cam. This is better than Netflix. Thanks man.
Thanks! I really do appreciate that. Hope that people are finding value in it and sharing it out.
I read Band of Brothers back in the 90's before it was a hit mini-series and the world was introduced to the men of Easy Company. Your videos have given me the visual reference to go along with the story of these men. I can't say thank you enough for what you do JD. This series has been fantastic and the historical value of what you and Erik do together is priceless. Hats off to you guys!
Okay, my mind is officially blown. The men of the 506th went right past Bad Aibling where I was stationed from August 69 to March of 71.
Wow!
From Türkiye, I am proud of you 506 Easy company and Dick Winters. I greet you guys
Thank you guys for liberating Europe.. tnx for serving. God bless you all...🙏🙏🙏
Another wonderful tribute to the men of Easy Co.. I’m hoping to return just one more time before I leave this Earth. Your travels and commentary have been so incredible to both me and my two Sons who originally accompanied. Thanks you again for your dedication to the men and women in uniform here and abroad.
One of the more poignant episodes. Thank you for a fitting tribute to EZ Company, and to “Mr B” - Last Man Standing…..may we always salute them!
Anyone mention how relaxing these videos are? Something about the great filming, pan shots, and beautiful music makes these really tranquil.
Glad you like them! That means a lot to me.
And soul crushing at the same time. The one generation that deserved to live forever but are mostly all gone now. It might be a good thing that none of them lived to see what this country is turning into.
@@GenXMafia amen
Erik, your Tribute to Brad Freeman shows respect and your friendship. Another member of the Greatest Generation is now with the Lord above. Thank you Erik for all you do to keep history alive for us all.
Thank you.
@@TheHistoryUnderground You guys are always great for backstories.
What a beautiful ending to a horrific and costly war. It is amazing to think of the lives beyond that photo. Mr. B holding the flag and being the last man to represent those in the photos. A tear falls for those that served and to those we lost throughout both theaters.
I found the last episode of Band of Brothers to be very moving. Where Dick Winters talked about the men's lives after the war. If the solder had since passed on and if not, where they still lived. In 2000 there will still many of these vets alive. Now in 2023, they are all gone. Looking at the photo of easy companies last group photo in this video from 1945 was moving. All those young men in the photo now having passed on into history. Yet another reminder for us all of how fast time passes. I'm sure those guys didn't think thousands of folks would view that photo 78 years later. Again, I love the background music on this channels videos. It really sets the mood.
Thank you for remembering Mr.B and all those men who fought so hard and were able to experience the sweet victory for generations to come.
This has been an incredible series of videos. Thank you JD and ERIC.
Our pleasure!
I’m an American history buff and these really are some of my very favorite stories.
This video just quickly rose to the top as one of my favorites. I am sitting here at work with tears in my eyes and my partner won't quit staring at me as I'm sniffling! What a great tribute to your dear friend and American hero, Mr. B! The love and respect you both have for these guys is moving- thank you for always sharing their stories. Phenomenal, phenomenal video! Wearing that hat and sharing those photos.. such an honor. Thank you, JD and Erik!
What a treasure Mr. B was to our country and so many!😊
Absolutely one of the best video series you have put out. Such a joy to watch and a big thanks for all you and Eric do...
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.
You do a better job at explaining history that most history teachers. Good job on this.
Appreciate that.
Great video. Thank you for sharing Mr. Winters memories and bringing history to life. The story of Mr. Freeman melted my heart.
Fantastic. I grew up in Zell am See prior to immigrating to the Wilkes-Barre area in PA. All I can say is thank you for putting an end to these dark times. I am actually here right now visiting my family. I have nothing but admiration for these GIs who put their lives on the line to give me a better life.
Notice Georg and Josef Hofer, who's headstone you filmed, had their pictures on the memorial wall in the church.
I didn’t even notice that at the time.
I’m always looking for something to watch while at work and at home and I’m going to have to watch this series and most likely this channel from beginning to end
👊🏻
This is a incredible location and I remember reading in Winters book, he said whenever he ordered the Germans to place all guns in one area to be collected, he couldn't believe the amount of weapons. The Germans took orders literally and took every single gun from military and even civilian firearms. Even though Winters only wanted military weapons, he respected the effort they put in and although many Germans were now prisoners, they still walked with pride and discipline. Winters did remember that if the German revolted, that his men would've been overrun by them but they never did. As soon as I wrote this comment, you mentioned this. Brilliant video brother.
🙂👍🏻
Knocked another one out of the park!! Can't say thank you enough for these videos, I love seeing artifacts make their way back to the place it started.
Glad you like them!
If you or Eric ever put a tour together, sign me up!
Well done Recondo (although methinks that the war was winding down and not up) - didn't realize that sticky notes existed in 1945.... MMM would be proud. Just B-busting. Love the Winters goat hunting - have tooth, will get me goat. Nice poignant point - and well said - the WASTE of life in war. And RIP Mr. B 😓. Wish Mr. B's story could still be told as it should the lack of which leaves a void. But, thank you Eric for sharing.
👍🏻
A brave and courageous man leading other brave and courageous men. I hope our country never forgets the sacrifice of that generation.
Mr. B, we salute you. And JD and Eric for their efforts in all of these videos.
Have heard Maj DICK WINTERS modest grave in Pennsylvania is becoming quite a pilgrimage site was hoping you might take us there when you get home. Enjoyed all of this trip; thanks ! and a somber KAPRUN footnote: in Nov of 2000 155 people were killed in a fire in a tunnel as a ski train ascended a mountain
Dang!
A generation that truly had men that stood for this great country!!
Thank you Easy company and to all who served. Rest in Paradise!
Thank you so much for doing what you do! It is because of you that I finally have pulled the trigger on a vacation to Hawaii to visit hanger 79 and Pearl Harbor! I’ve been an avid history fan of wwii since a small kid and I envy what you’re able to do and do it well!
And Pearl Harbor is open again. During our time there they were working on it, so we weren’t able to go out to the Arizona. Beautiful place.
@@kellyharper8072 I can’t wait! I’m 25 now and hope to visit more than once if I ever get the chance
@@riverbedoverland Great place! We hope to retire there, but it may have to be DC. But we will definitely get back to Oahu again. Pearl Harbor is a special place. Brings tears to your eyes.
Just booked a trip there 30 minutes ago for 9/22 been there 10x..ALOHA😁😁😁😁
As someone who has suffered from depression, ptsd and severee anxiety from just "normal" life events, I can't even imaginf how strong these men were, who experienced pure hell and still could go on to live normal lives afterwards.
I have to say that you and Erik have done an outstanding job on this series and we truly appreciate it JD.
🙏🏼
I had just finished binge watching Band of Brothers for the umpteenth time over the Easter weekend and I’m always caught off guard by how easy the tears flow watching the end credits and the interviews of these great men. It’s so sad that they have all passed now, so these videos and interviews with the men from Easy are a treasure to see over again. While living in Germany as a teen, I’ve had the fortune to visit so many of these places and played hockey numerous times in Hagenau and never the history at the time
They truly were the greatest generation! It is just so heartbreaking to me to see what’s happening in this country now, the country from whom, so many gave their lives to protect and preserve. Great video, thanks so much! God bless America! 🇺🇸🙏
To be completely honest, it’s a shame how little WWII knowledge I have. I had never heard of any of this history you covered here until this series. I think the video that most impacted me was the Dachau tour…or maybe the one about that German pastor. The story of Mr. Freeman brought tears to my eyes. I am so appreciative of the history education you provide!
Thanks to both you and Erik! Special history with Mr. B.
You have created the ultimate tour. Thanks for all the work it is appreciated.
What a wonderful legacy, and I have a few antique tools that belonged to my Grandpa, either before or after his time in WWII. And, I can always remember him whenever I'm working on any project, using them.
#Salute Mr. B...Mr. Brad Freeman! #Salute all our Warfighters! That story was wonderfully told. Thank you!
Thank you for your history travels/education. Love your channel. 👍 I recently moved to Germany, to the Stuggart area. Walking here is off the chain! So many hills!
Thanks! Would love to get to that area at some point.
@@TheHistoryUnderground It’s a very big area. Lots of things to do. Cannot wait to get to the Normandy area in France. So much history in Europe for this history nerd.
I appreciate you standing with VTH.
Great videos. These remind me of my vacations across historical Europe. My son and I were in Bastogne 5 years ago before he finish high school. visit the Bois du Jaque with a Belgium Commando. I myself served ten years in the US Army, Including 2/75, 103dMI 3ID, and C 2/505 PIR. We'0ve traveled all over Europe and visited so many places where the war took place. Not only American but also German, as my son's mother is German.
One of my favorite videos sir!!! Thank you, thank you!!!! As a map geek, to see Dick Winters map is like laying eyes on the shroud of Turin...almost!😂❤️❤️
Mr B. I hope that your reunion with your brothers and family was joyous.
Thanks so much for the videos about the area and the info from Easy Company.
🦅
Man it's so cool that you also came to my hometown! I live about 250 m southwest of the castle :) I can still remember when I watched Band of Brothers with my Dad for the first time and all of a sudden he says he remembers the name "Winters" - my Dad was 6 years old when then Easy came to Kaprun and he always spoke of them very kindly. They gave them chewing gum, chocolate and all those other things he never had until then. Thanks for this video!! Greetings from Kaprun :)
Both you cats are genuine. Great amount of respect for the history that needs to be remembered 👍🏾
That was amazing! For people like me, who will probably never get to actually see places like this, we live vicariously through your vids.
I've been skiing in Kaprun for 4 years now and I've actually been staying in Mitteregger every year. The hotel has been partially rebuilt (I believe in the late 80's, not sure) but the rear of the hotel and the basement are still intact. Never knew that easy company has been there, really cool. I've been to the spot where the group photo with Winters and Welsh on it has been taken en I've retaken the photo. On a clear day you can still see the same mountain ranges in the background. I love these videos and every year I come to Kaprun I learn a little more about the history, thank you for this video!
I used to ski Kaprun & Zell & Kitz; alas, 3 back surgeries did me in. Lovely places, lovely memories. :)
@@Buck123four sad to hear that! Those are indeed really great places for skiing and holidays!
@@justineisje Thanks. Kitz was my favorite...but the glacier above Kaprun looks great (never skied it). I learned to ski at Garmisch in 1983, skied there 83 84 85, then at different places in the US. Skied Austria for about 10 years, 1999 - 2009... Only bad thing about Garmisch is TOO MANY Americans; I prefer the Austrians. (Don't EVER have back surgery!) Good luck!
Thank u for sharing your memories with Mr B. So special.
Just watched a video on Luxenberg American cemetery were Muck and Piccola are buried next to each other. The two friends that went through the beginning of the war, trained together, fight together and died together, and now are buried next to each other. Heartbreaking.
I have followed your videos for a while now. My uncle Walter Hendrix is in that picture in the end of the video. I'm honored to have gotten to know him before he passed away. I thank you for helping Easy Company's legacy continue to live on.
I can honestly say the videos of WWII have been captivating. Job well done. Thank you
Loved this video in honor of Easy Company and Mr. B.
🙏🏼
Absolutely beautiful. JD & Erik, Thank you so very much for this series. Incredible work brothers.
Thanks guys!
Love this! And as a Mississippian, I’m extremely proud that Brad Freeman was from here 🥰
Thanks JD & Eric, you two is something else when it comes to the history & knowledge. I loved the whole Germany & Austria series. Thank you. 🙂
I’m so fascinated with the history of the world wars especially since Canada 🇨🇦 had significant roles in winning battles. I know you are American-centric but I love the history and your command of the information plus the side stories. I loved Band of Brothers.
More great men that don't receive the credit and recognition they earned and deserve...thanks from Houston
Good morning from Syracuse NY brother and everyone else thank you for sharing this information with pictures of American history and the heroes
U on the other ww11 channel ??😁😁😁😁😁
Yes I am my friend
@@earlshaner4441 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
Hi my friend
I was lucky enough to know and travel to Normandy with Mr. B. It would have been absolutely epic to have gotten a portrait of him in that same field. Interesting that he was holding the 506 flag in the group photo and that he was the last remaining member of the Regiment.
Thank you for taking the time to honor Easy Company.
How ironic it would have been if such an inspirational man as Dick Winters had have met with a fatal accident hunting goat!
Lovely tribute to Mr B by Eric, beautiful scenery shots and historical placement.
Excellent episode
War..such a tragedy 😢. Thank you for your sacrifice
Very touching memorial to Mr. B. RIP🥲….And thank you!
🙏🏼
Beautiful country and very scenic to say the least. I'm sure the soldiers were amazed. Great history lesson again. Thank you JD for doing this and sharing this with us. Larry
Awesome you brought tears to my eyes on this one God bless you brothers for all you do!!✌️🇺🇲
Hi THU, I’ve recently come across your channel and just had to show some appreciation.
I’ve watched just about every WW2 documentary on big streaming platforms, and was looking for something new. I’m so glad I found your channel! Your editing, content and passion is second to none.
Keep up the good work, really enjoying working my way through your episodes 👍
Thank you for sharing this series. To see places I will never be able to go to has been amazing and beautiful. Thank you for all you do to make history fun and interesting. Can’t wait to see where you’re taking us next! 👍😊
Walking in the footsteps of heroes and history.
Wow,I can't say enough thank you's for sharing this story. I've been studying E Co for a few years myself. Would have considered a lifetime achievement to have met/known any of that glorious Band of Brothers. Sad to know he was the last of 'em, but couldn't have closed out that chapter any better with the "triumphant return". Thank you for your commitment to the mission! Curahee!!
Nearly finished up with Hang Tough as I type this. Thanks for the mention many many videos ago of the book, and the continued recognition for Americas Greatest Generation.
Thank you for these amazing series... I hope you're able to come to the Netherlands to visit the sites where the 506th fought in september /october 1944
Great video. I love the sentimental side of Erik's relationships with the guys. I met you both yesterday in Normandy at the DDay experience museum and Dead Man's Corner. You both do great work. It's a gift to us.
I’m sitting on a tractor listening to this from Arkansas. This is the first time in my life I can ever comment first.
👊🏻
Is it a Big tractor and is the weather good ?? 😁😁😁
@@jimshoe402 finally getting good weather and it was a R4030 sprayer. Love the blue tooth for stuff like this
Amazing. This one touched me in a different way. So well done. Thank you for sharing these visits and stories.
Thanks for making and sharing these videos. There are so few of our WWII veterans left. God Bless them all.
These video's are so amazing to watch! I hope and pray that we see many more covering the greatest generation that ever lived! I would love to travel to Europe and see these site's! Keep up the GREAT work gentlemen! Much respect and support from Yuma, AZ. 👍👍
I am so envious of you JD, to have truly walked in the footsteps of the Band of Brothers from Toccoa all the way to Kaprun.... Keep up the amazing work!
🙏🏼
@@TheHistoryUnderground Lots of Very Hard Work on ur part..
You add so much emotion and information to these videos. Feels like im right there with you experiancing this. Thank you
I have been following your videos now for about a month. Sir, you bring a level of respect to the very important war places, this needs to be done this day and age. I am retired Navy due to injury, and do not get the opportunity to travel. Except this summer I get to go to Gettysburg, cannot wait. And I will obviously hit the museum there. Thanks for the great videos.
Another fantastic video. Thanks for keeping history alive