Sergeant R.V. Burgin, Hero of 'The Pacific' (Full Interview)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- Romus Valton “RV” Burgin joined the Marine Corps in November 1942, and would see heavy combat in the Pacific Theater of World War II, mostly notably at the Battle of Peleliu and the Battle of Okinawa. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his acts of valor on Okinawa. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal in the HBO miniseries, “The Pacific,” and as comrade of Eugene B. Sledge in his epic memoir, 'With the Old Breed.'
A battlefield legend, RV passed away on April 6, 2019. Rest In Peace, Marine, and Semper Fidelis.
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The legend didn't talk about the war until he was in his 80's. Finally wrote a book just a few short years before he passed. A humble brave man who helped save the world. Rest in peace 🕊️
Simply said, these men were the greatest generation ever!! God bless them all that served 🙏
@@Psyminds There is nothing about WW2 Veterans that's any better than any other Veteran and I think any man or woman who puts on a US uniform of any branch of service is a great American. And, if you think about it you might just think that in some ways the men and women - not all but certainly a few of this generation - were not very good citizens or even every good human beings - think about what has been done to all too many of our fellow citizens in the name of racism and hate and yet some want to call a generation who hated other American Citizens because of the color of their skin or because of their religion or for any other reason the greatest generation. Sorry but I do not accept that idea at all and Tom Brokaw ought to be ashamed of himself for saying such a thing.
@@Psyminds They are not better than any other soldier that has fought in any other war. No one has ever ever said they were better. But that is not the point of calling them the greatest generation. They are the greatest generation because of one undeniable fact. That is that during wwII there was the very real threat that our country and the rest of the world was in danger. The threat of tyranny loomed large the loss of freedom we have in America was in danger. We were under the threat of invasion from Japan and if we had not gotten into the war invasion from the germans eventually. The whole world was at war with the axis powers Hitler, Mousalinie and the Japanese. The greatest generation who were mostly all volunteres stepped up to defend the country. Specially after Pearl Harbor was attacked. It was not only the men who fought the war but the people at home who worked the factories and made many sacrifices to supply our men at war with what they needed. These were also part of that great generation. So yes they were the greatest generation that stopped the genoside of countless millions of lives in a war that cost the lives of 60 million men woman and children around the world.
@@ajdogcurr1 8:00 we
@@Psyminds Not only did they fight WWII, they endured the Great Depression, which made them humble, hard working and persevering. Then they came back home and created an economic boom and made the US an economic powerhouse. WWI did not result in that.
My dad was on Guam in 45-46 and the nips were still shooting.
Called in the most devastating mortar barrage that it’s tactics are still taught today! God bless R.V., Eugene “sledgehammer”, SNAFU and all the boys from K-3-5 Thank you all for your sacrifices to our great country.
Thank God you got to interview this MARINE !!!
I knew RV - he RV served with my father at Okinawa - RV and all those marines are such an inspiration. My generation and all Americans will always be grateful to him and his.
Their story and courage should be taught in all schools - A good lesson how GREAT AMERICA WAS.
That's pretty cool. They should teach this in school. What was your father's name?
Burgi!!!!! What a REAL HERO !!! GOD Bless you Sir!
When men were men. These guys delivered wholesale slaughter to the most formidable enemy. We can never begin to repay them for their sacrifice. Our freedom was really on the line and these guys stepped up and kicked ass. God Bless everyone of them.
I had the honor of meeting him once at a gun show. He had such a presence about him in person. about broke into tears just talking to him when he was talking about war related stuff because I felt like I could feel his pain. It was odd. My buddy met him about 6 months later and said he had the same thing happen to him when he met him. We had about five minutes talk. What a true hero.
Thank you for my freedom
I had the privilege of talking with him on the phone before his passing, a true warrior. Semper Fi
RIP Sergeant Burgin, thank you sir.
God bless him and all my fellow vets, and the kids serving today.
You know, God's a 1911 guy too.
Are you sure it's not the old 45 long colt peace maker?
@@jerrystell2252 He keeps one of each in each hand...
@@jerrystell2252 if it was a saa god wouldn't have made john browning.
He also was the author of the memoir Islands of the Damned: A Marine at War in the Pacific. Burgin is portrayed in the HBO miniseries The Pacific by Martin McCann. What a remarcable person! Thank you for you service.
God Bless you Sergeant Burgin. Thank you for your service.
The greatest generation risked their lives so that the rest of us could live in peace. God bless you sir and the many who served with you. My father served in Europe as a tank mechanic for Patton and I served later in Vietnam and Desert Storm with the U S Army. I am sure that many more will do so once again if called upon to defend freedom.
Much respect to you sir! Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
@Ronald....yes they did! And most have passed on now..but if they could see that the far left in our own country is pushing for socialism/communism, it would sadden them greatly! All these men were grand soldiers and at home hard working people who went on to provide for their families....then after all these years, see how far our own country has fallen, would be hard for them to see! To be a patriotic American is now considered "racism" and hate speech! They saw the genocide only to live to see America killing their own..abortion...😳
@Doctor Detroit you mean the right wing terrorists
@@sunkintree Left- Wing Luciferians
Then you were both Army.
I can listen to these southern gentlemen talk all day.
THESE STORIES SHOULD BE SHOWN IN HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY CLASSES MANDATORY
Agreed. Our nation's history is being rewritten to besmirch the memory of descendants of Confederate veterans who fought in WW2. It would never happen in their day. Why we allow it today is both shameful and a disgrace
100%
So happy/surprised seeing this interview.. thank you Burgin. RIP
I am at a loss for words when I think of the courage and bravery of these young kids, as they were when fighting in the Pacific during WWII. RIP RV. America’s Greatest Generation.
I immigrated to this great country. And lucky me, I became a citizen and a United States Marine; of all the states, I love Texas.
Semper Fi.
Thank you for your service
Thank you, Sir...Immigrants like you make our Country better....Brother American..
Thank you for coming..👍
This Texan says howdy
I'm in Bastrop texas look me up and Welcome to the United States of Texas
Meet up and go to Gracie's best chicken fried steak
He describes bunker scene from The Pacific at 16 min. Guy was a warrior, smart and calm decision maker under fire.
Thank you
RIP!!! Brother!! Another brave soul lost to us. Sir, I hope you find your peace now in both physical and in your mind. May eternity give you milk and honey forever. Much love, thank you for your sacrifice to our country.
Semper Fi, Mr. R.V. Burgin. Glad to see you're still alive and well. I was with F2/5 in Iraq, 60 years after you were with 3/5.
@Michael Collins Thanks for the reply. Hope Mr. Burgin is at peace.
Michael Collins your great uncle and uncle fought 60 years apart!
@Michael Collins Simper Fi Brother.
Michael Collins did your grandfather have his kids late?
To see these men next to their pictures when they were young.... It’s crazy... You can tell they used to be tough sob’s...
And still are. Don’t kid yourself 😳🇺🇸
My Father William Earl Caine was in boot camp at the same time that R V Burgin was there. My Father had insisted 2 days before him in Mobile Alabama. They put him on a train and took him to San Diego, as far as I know they never knew each other but through Burgins book they were in some of the same places especially on Cape Goulester New Britain. My Father told me about being on Australia with the 1st Marine Division and how he met the Marines who had fought on Guadalcanal. And the invasions of Cape Goulester New Britain. And was on the same hill where they had several Banzi charges in one night. I wish my Father and Burgin could have met after the war and share the same stories. R V Burgin was a Hero, So was William Earl Caine.
Humble. I love these guys!
God bless him. So humble and such love for his men and the Marines. Thank you very much for this video.
Wow. I'm glad Mr Burgin survived the hellstorm of the Pacific Campaign and lived to be an old man. Any man who fought in those islands is a true hero in my book. May he rest in peace now.
Sweet And Humble. God Speed. Thank you ❤
I am in awe every time I listen to one of these men.
There should b monuments made to these simple men who did so much for our country. Truly the Greatest Generation
Awesomeness. Thank you for bringing these men of Valor to us.
Don't miss reading Burgin's book, "Islands of the Dammed." It has the same honesty and modesty that is so evident in this interview. It's a fine companion to Eugene Sledge's "With the Old Breed".
A lovey man. Reminds me of my uncle. Thank you sir.
I’m glad he wrote the book. IN THEIR OWN WORDS is the only way to go so the memories are never forgotten. HEROES is an understatement. He is still sharp as tack! 👍🇺🇸❤️
Thank you for your service. We are indebted to all of you. God Bless
Respect to this soldier... ❤🇺🇸
Thank you endlessly for your service Sgt and may God bless you always!!!!!
True American hero thank you for your service and sacrifice our great country and to my freedom
Thank you sir!!! We all owe you and ur men a debt that we cannot repay
salute to you sir. salute to all Marines for keeping us free!
rest in peace burgin
I tip my hat, and not only to your service but to making a life afterwards. Living with the past is no party sometimes and hope wherever you went after this life you found peace. Respect
The best of the best, thanks for your bravery and your sacrifice.
Read his book last year What a man he was, we are going to need people like him when war breaks out with China
Listening him describe the bunker scene from the Pacific series in real life is very interesting.
RIP
it was a honor to hear his story.. take it easy marine. Enjoy the eternal peace, God knows you and your fellow marines deserve it.
God bless you! Thank you for your service!
If you haven’t yet make sure you read his book. RV Burgin, Eugene Sledge, and Robert Leckie all wrote fantastic books about their time in the pacific. The HBO series was based on their books. RV is depicted in the series as well
I've read Eugene's. Just started Bob Leckies Helmet For My pillow. I just finished the part where the battle of Teneru. What's the name of Burgies book.?
@@johnmagill3072 Islands of the Damned
GOD Bless this man and thank you for your service...what is so sad about these interviews..is if all the men and women who fought in WW2 could see what's happened to Europe in particularly, and even our own nation, I'm sure they're very disappointed! The greatest generation!
Thankyou RV, you and all the Marines in WWII have to be remembered and taught about for generations to come.
Was just watching other interviews of his, RIP sir
Graduated MCRDSD on 26 Jan 66 Plt. 167. Our drill instructors would give us the history of the Corps during the Island Hopping Campaigns in the Pacific. Been discharged 52 years now. And, these Marines have more time in the 'Chow Line' Then I had in combat in Nam. I had the privilege and honor not only to wear the same uniform as Burgin, Sledge, Leckie and the other Marines of the 1st MarDiv and 'fighting Fifth Marines! 25 years later from 5 March 68 to 15 April 69. I owe them a debt for setting the tone for all us 'Boots!' 'Fair Winds and Following Seas'! Sgt. Burgin Semper Fi!
Golf Co. 2n. Bn. 5th Marine Regiment 1st MarDiv. 'Blue Diamond'!
He’s an older man. The Texas drawl is difficult for a Yankee. One must listen intently without distractions. He is naturally reticent, interpreted as still waters run deep. Insanely brave to let an enemy shoot at him so quickly hat he could identify the enemy. To me his memory is impressive. He would need several interviews to get the full impact of his experiences, imo. Overall, I am quite impressed with this interview. His memory is stunning. Best wishes to all.
God bless you sir 🙏
Semper Fi. Thanks to all our veterans.
I see an old Marine trying to put into words the incommunicable terror, and excitement of war.
Thank you Sir, God bless you all...
What a brave man and all the marines with burgy
Respect! RIP Sgt. Burgin.
This man is an american hero. A national treasure rest in peace sir.
One of my favorites to listen to...by far.
Thank you for your service sir
God bless our vets
My Dad was Canadian 1st Army, had Gurkha Soldiers with him in italy, they would run out of ammo, pull out their knives and yell HERE COME THE GURKA, most Germans gave up right away, God Bless and Remember all who served///
Im listening to this as I have the all the channel’s videos on shuffle and i hear the interviewer say Burgin and I go thats familiar then the son of a gun said Sledge! I was like no wayyy-what an awesome group of guys thanks for your service Mr Burgin
I seen the documentary interview he did a while back about Okinawa it was hell on earth.
Great man. Rest in peace sir.
Hero’s all of them 👍🇬🇧
I'm not blaming the interviewer but interviews in general, that these interviews with these WW2 vets are done so late in their lives when they have a hard time remembering or communicating their experiences. I wish moat of these men were interviewed 20 or 30 years ago.
Better late than never
Probably to hard for them to talk about it in the 20’s and 30’s
It’s the cutting to a break that pisses me off.record it and break it where you can.
There was no Internet as we know it now today back then bud we either had to read it in a book, rent a VHS tape from a rental store, or watch it as a documentary on cable TV back during those years it makes it much easier nowadays to access all this information. These guys are legend, and I am honored to own some of the gear these guys used in World War II
@@Metalholic7of8 I inherited a Luftwaffe helmet my uncle brought back from the war. I used to wear it as a kid and play soldier. Back in the 80s they had large VHS cameras to do interviews. I'm not criticizing anyone just pointing out it's a shame more of the interviews weren't done then later converted to digital. This also goes for all the Axis and other Allied veterans. So many stories went away with the veterans as they passed.
God bless you "Burgie" . Tell Eugene he's bigger than ever !
Give Snafu a heads up just how large he became .
Say hey ,,, to Sid
Thank you for your service sir you went to war just about five years before I was born
Oorah Sir. Rest easy.
Great man! ❤️😀
Thank you for your service against the forces of evil.
... So pleased you were able to interview him when you did.
He should have been awarded the silver star irrespective of his company commander getting killed ak ak haldane was a good officer to his men
When he said “it was the best Uncle Sam had” I smiled and almost laughed.. marine bragging rights 😂
Amen to that
They are the best of the best, thank you all for your bravery and these young Marines we've got now, which my son was in the k-3 -5 mortar outfit who fought in Afghanistan and sent many of them bastard Taliban to hell where they belong, my hat's off to you all, j.b. parvin.
@@jimparvin4274 Hope he made it home ! With the mess in Afhganstan tell him I know how he feels now , Im a nam Vet myself.
@@johnmarlin4661Welcome home.
Thank you!
Last year, I saw only episodes 9 and 10 of The Pacific. Including catching a bit of episode 8 involing Basilone on Iwo Jima.
For us "Older New Gen" Marines, this man is a "real Marine"! Semper Fi Sgt.! Oh, it's those dam land crabs that will get you! lol! We had those in the Philippines too! but they weren't from the land.
Ha ha...😂
American badass!!!
Thanks RV!
Amazing simply Amazing
His book Bob Leckie’s and Eugene sledge both put books out as well. My favorite was sledgehammer‘s book but all three were excellent! They were all portrayed in the Pacific! What they went through! Horrific
A very nice man. Makes me miss my USMC grandpa who passed way back in '88. He was in the Pacific and was born in 1915.
Attention! Hand Salute!
Rest In Peace....Sgt Burgin...
I wish I could’ve found you guys sooner so you could’ve documented my great grandpa. He is still around but he has dementia so he has trouble remembering his military experience now, I probably remember it better than he does sadly. He used to be the tailgunner on a B-17 over Europe. From what he says he was part of the Dresden bombing raids that leveled the city. After VE day he ended up being transferred to Pacific but the war was over by the time he got there. There’s a lot of photos of him in front of the imperial palace with a bunch of girlfriends made over there lol.
He still likes to tell the stories of when he was in the military but I’ve noticed that every time he tells of them now some of the facts now change so I think he loses memory.
POV: You're a Marine in 2022 realizing you will never be this salty
Knew as soon as i saw the picture he was from the pacific
It's incredible to hear the real story of 'the pacific'.
Damn...we just cannot fathom the hell those marines went through. I have the utmost respect for these Marines that fought in both the European and pacific theater.
That generation will never be seen again
Awesome
How do you thank a man like that???
🎇🇺🇲"God Bless Our Veterans and Active Warrior's!!!"🇺🇲🎇
🫡
American Hero. RIP
They fought to protect democracy. We need to fight to protect it now. Honor their sacrifice.
I really love these videos, BUT many of us senior vets hear poorly enough that subtitles are necessary. Thanks.
You can turn captions on if you click on the 3 vertical dots at the very top right of your screen.
Go into your youtube settings and you can turn subtitles on. It’s not always 100% perfect but it helps.
Did anybody wear ear protection back then? So many vets suffer hearing problems after the war.
I wish I knew him personally...what a hero.
Great interview
I understand theres breaks but at least let him finish his statement. They have so much to share and watching em get interrupted feels rude