Back to the Battlefield with the 87th Infantry Divsion | History Traveler Episode 336
It's one thing to read a book or study a map on the Battle of the Bulge. It's something completely different to walk the ground with a man who was actually there. In this episode, we're going to St. Hubert with Jack Moran, who was in the 87th Infantry Division in WWII and whose story was featured in The Rifle 2 by Andrew Biggio. Enjoy!
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...
To pick up a copy of The Rifle and The Rifle 2, go here: tinyurl.com/buytherifle
Map animation by @SandervkHistory
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.originusacom and jockofuel.com!!!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- What's Up With That Knocked Out Tank in Bastogne??? | History Traveler Episode 335: • What's Up With That Kn...
- 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...
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I honestly get a bit overjoyed each time I see another of these fine men relating their war history with us today. It’s been so heavy on my heart these last few years, knowing that soon this will no longer be possible. Each and every one of their stories deserves to be preserved, and I’m quite thankful to know that people like you, JD, Eric Dorr, and Mr Biggio are working to do just that. Just as in the case of our WWII generation, I cannot applaud you all enough.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
🙏🏼
@mfreund15448
4 ай бұрын
Going to have to get on Korea and Vietnam veterans
@OldStreetDoc
4 ай бұрын
@@mfreund15448 Imdeed. Everyone in my family who served in Korea is gone now. Almost everyone from Vietnam as well.
@truthtriumphant
4 ай бұрын
@@mfreund15448Yes..most definitely!!
@sm31156
4 ай бұрын
Easy Company rocked. The very best. God Bless their souls.
When he said "they're all dead now, except me"... definitely cause for a little eyeball sweat😢
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
You and me both.
@DMUSA536
3 ай бұрын
Yeah that hit me in the heart
As a veteran I know EXACTLY how he feels looking at those photos, it’s great to see him light up,and bring the human spirit back 🇺🇸🫡
Fantastic video, JD. What a privilege to have a WWII vet share his story from the very locations he made history a lifetime ago. And what a memory he has!
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Thanks. And yeah, his memory was crazy sharp as was the memories of the other guys on this trip. I have another video with Jack coming up that I’m really excited to share.
By God... it only feels like "yesterday" we were hearing the stories of the few, surviving, WWI Vets. And now here we are, in early 2024 and the WWII Vets are beginning to become those same 'surviving few'. To JD, Eric, GMoH and everyone else involved in these History Traveller/Artifact Episodes: from the bottom of this British Army Vet's heart, THANK YOU ❤❤❤ for all that you've done (& continue to do) in helping share these first-hand accounts, stories and anecdotes while we still have these Gentlemen around. *Arte et Matre*
@pamelaoliver8442
4 ай бұрын
Thank you❤
It is very moving to hear from one of the last surviving eyewitnesses.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Glad that we could share it.
Harold Harrington, US GI, sustained massive wounds to his face--yet lived. A sturdy, rugged, and handsome man before the war--but scarred for life. A beautiful and shining soul--he gave his all.
We owe so much to so many. “Lest we forget.” Thank you.
Hearing from these veterans always reminds me of a Korean War veteran who told me stories, and my boss, a WW2 veteran in a summer job in high school. You cant replace the character and knowledge of these men.
Just amazing stories these old Veterans have. And they’re vanishing so quickly. A real treat every time you interview on of them. Like this survivor of the 87th Infantry.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Glad that we could share the experience and the stories.
I just finished ,"the old breed". Which all need to read. I say that to say, seeing and hearing these vets and watching the film, sometimes it seems unreal. All the killing, waste, dispare seems like it couldn't have been real. But it very much so was, and we can never forget.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
My favorite book.
@jeffsmith2022
4 ай бұрын
Despair...
@danferrell674
4 ай бұрын
Just purchased the book, thanks for the recommendation!@TheHistoryUnderground
Unless you bring back Longstreet, I'm not sure you'll top this episode. This is as good as it gets for history nerds. Great job young man! You make Missouri proud!
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Thank you. I’ve got another one with Jack in the coming weeks that I actually think will be better.
Easy to see how excited Jack Mauran was to be back where he fought with the 87 th. I can only imagine.
The memory of these men astound me. If you show me a year book from my high school years, there is no way I could tell you who they were lol
You're a lucky man to be there. To see the locations and hear the stories first hand from one of the soldiers who were there, what a privilege. Jack seems like a great guy, still sharp, and has an excellent memory. My uncle flew B17s and has some great stories too. Also, met a vet from ww2, who was in Africa, was at the bookstore and struck up a conversation with him. He was in supply, got blown through the back of a small structure he was in, which ended the war for him. I wish these guys could live forever.
Thank you JD, Andrew, Erik and especially Jack! This video makes his memory last forever. Jack and his brothers in arms of the 87th infantry are my heroes 👍💪🇺🇸 I can only hope I have as sharp a mind as Jack when I’m that age. ❤️
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Agreed. Glad that you enjoyed it!
I can’t believe how good these soldiers memories are. I can’t even remember what I did last week. I’m glad they can still remember events that happened during the war otherwise we won’t have these stories
Wow, J.D. awesome job here man. These episodes blow anything military history related right out of the water. 🇺🇸SF
So thankful these countries are keeping history alive. I get chills watching these great history show's.
So many years ago, so many stories, and now so few left to tell them. Thank you for getting what you can on record from those who who lived it.
Your channel is the only one I watch consistently. Fabulous stuff. You need your own show on tv...
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Too ugly for tv, but thanks!
My granddad fought in the bulge and I'm thankful you have took the time to share these places ill probably never get to see.
Thank you for this video. My late father Jack M. Dalton was in the 87th and he was always so proud of that. He was also proud of being awarded a bronze star for participating in a secret mission on the Rhine. God bless him and all the brave soldiers of the 87th. He always spoke about how the people of Belgium thought so highly of them.
It's such an honor to hear these stories straight from the source. This is important. Thank you, JD
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
👍🏻
I served with the 85th division "Custer Division" and the 84th division "Lincoln and Later the Rail Splitters" in the Army reserve. The 84th was sent to the north edge of the Bulge at the farthest point of penetration where the German forces were stopped. The 85th served in Italy. After the war the division flags were switched 85th was a Michigan NG prior to WW II the 84th was Illinois NG. Due to concern over recruiting the switch was made. They were both then selected to be part of the New Army reserve formation as training divisions. There was a total of 10 training divisions until the end of the cold war with the goal of being able to train 1 million new recruits in one year in all the skills needed for a front-line division. That included cook, bakers, truck drivers, mechanics plus the regular combat arms. Keep up the good work.
Very interesting museum and relic collection. So glad Mr Moran could be there in person to give his testimony. Thank you for your documentary and thank you all veterans for your service and sacrifices. I am not a veteran. I’m 70, having had several family members in WWII , one great uncle KIA in Italy.
I keep saying it but I love that the vets get to go back to the places they fought - it must bring back so many memories for them!!!!!!
Thank you for this, always watch your content
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
I appreciate that!
I can sit down all day a listen to their amazing stories. I would be so intrigued when my grandpa would tell his stories of when he arrived in California and the Golden Gate Bridge was being built. Man I miss those days.
Excellent content as usual, many thanks.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Many thanks!
I love hearing the stories of these amazing war veterans.
They greatest generation of men and women ever. There will never be another like them.
Loved the private museum - probably looks like your basement lol...love the grenade stories recondo. Lest we ever forget.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Glad to share it. Thanks!
@keithmitchell6918
4 ай бұрын
Keep rolling on recondo@@TheHistoryUnderground
The Greatest Generation. Thank you Jack. Thanks to my brothers in arms.
I work long hours, alone, and i love listening/watching your videos. They are very real and down to earth. Like you are talking to an old buddy who lives right there and knows the history. Some other channels are just some corny person spitting “facts” in front of a backdrop. Love your videos.
Imagine what thougts would be running thru a veterans head when standing again there overlooking the battlefield
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Heck of an experience to walk the battlefield with him. Glad that we could share it.
This series is remarkable. My dad served at the end of WWII. I served at the end of Vietnam. I was stationed in Berlin most notably at Checkpoint Charlie and Checkpoint Bravo 1975.
Bravo THU ! I watch every one of your documentaries on WW 2 and every other war that our grand Republic has been involved in. All of you are Top Shelf commentators and personable indeed. Thank you for the accurate wonderful depictions of , " Then and Now ". these are so wonderfully interesting and truly historical. My Father was a SSGT in the, 86th Infantry, Black Hawk Division, 15th Army, 12th Army Group 341st regiment, C company 3rd. Squad. He was the Squad leader in the ETO. The Division was in Le Harve, France, at the end of Feb.1945, the Division proceeded through France, Belgium to the Rhine river at Cologne. Through Cologne to the Ruhr pocket then down toward Frankfurt crossing many rivers, including the Danube. The Division then proceeded toward Munich and the Isar River, then into Austria. At the end of the ETO, they were shipped home from Le Harve France. They all thought that their war was over. Two days before disembarking in NYC, the Division was told, " 3 weeks of leave with their family's, then report to an Army base in Louisiana for 6 weeks of more amphibious training. The 86th Division left San Francisco in August 1945 on a troop transport ship not knowing exactly where they were going. There is a photo showing the ship with a banner that states, " The 86th Infantry, Black Hawks, From the ETO to Tokyo ". 18 days of the 22 day journey, the commanding general of the 86th spoke over the ships PA stating, " President Truman has dropped two Atomic Bombs on Japan, Japan has surrendered " . The cheering on the ship was loud and filled with happiness among the soldiers... 4 days later, the 86th Division was on the island of Leyte, in the Philippines with orders to hunt down almost a Division of Japanese die hard soldiers and a communist facet in Philippines called ," The Huk ". In closing, the 86 Infantry Division when it entered the ETO was the highest trained military infantry division on earth. President Truman issued the Bronze Star to the entire Division for their bravery and heroism. My Father received his , " million dollar wound ", in March of 1946 and was shipped out of Leyte on one of the two hospital ships , then bosun chaired in route back to California to the USS Hancock. I asked my Father a question when I was in my early teens, " Who would you have rather fought during WW2 "? He said, " the Germans, We took no prisoners in the Philippines "....
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Thanks!
My Dad was in the Battle of the Bulge. He earned a Bronze Star there. RIP Dad
I am so impressed with our friends in Europe. The way that these towns and villages Honor our WWII Vets. Those guys would probably say not to make a fuss or no Rigamoroli but it's really heart warming to see these people do this. Just as much as that generation had to do the fighting, the civilians had to survive. That is one of the toughest generations there ever will be. Imagine what it would be like to have a young family and shells are hitting your home. Or worse, in London with Buzz Bombs and Stukas. All of the people that made up the Greatest Generation are incredible. Our friends in Belgium, Holland, Luxemborgh and France are really the top of the food chain. To see their faces light up even after all of these years. God Bless those people over there. We'll always have bonds back to European Ancestors.
great video. this gentleman must be 97 98 years old. fascinating stories you share with us. thank you so much
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
👍🏻
My Uncle who passed away several years ago was in the 88th. Infantry Division fighting in Italy. Didn’t know if you were going there to cover that campaign. Love your work and videos.
Great Job JD! Thank you for helping preserve History! and you thought I was going to say Thank you for keeping History Alive!... Well That as too!!!! Well Done and what a joy to listen to their stories!
Many years ago, I had read a book about the Battle of the Bulge. He mentioned, while walking around the sites came upon a veteran of the battle, who was just visiting and remembering. He returned to recollect because he was terminally ill with cancer.
Amazing the detail this hero remembers about events so long ago. Another great episode
Must be some very powerful memories to think about all these years later. One must realize the terrible times these men lived and died.
I was there with Joel and JP in 2019 with seven Vets. Joe Landry, Victor Cross, Jack Stitzinger, Clayton Chistensen, Robert Thopson, David Baily and Frank Dick. Great Memorys with D-Day Memory Tours
God bless Mr. Moran and all of our WW2 veterans.
Very impressed with the quality research added to the film and photos.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Thanks!
One of the greatest generations in American history! And it’s sad to see what the current generation has become. These men and the Korean War generation help mold me into who I am today. I am proud Navy veteran who’s father fought in Korea as a Marine. And I had the honor of meeting a lot of veterans from both conflicts and they were stern and stoic men forever scared from war. And a salute to all veterans who also answered there country’s call, all brave men and women🫡
Bravo pour votre travail. Il est dommage que cette vidéo ne possède pas de sous-titres français, je ne parle pas anglais. Merci
It’s so terrific to hear the first hand accounts of these brave men. What strikes me most is the humility in which these men speak of their exploits in World War 2.
J.D, To you and the team behind all of your amazing videos, congratulations on reaching 600k subscribers. Thank you to you and the team for keeping history alive. Your videos are educational as well as engaging and it is because of you, that I have picked up a few World War 2 books and begun reading again. Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you again.
Thank You JD !!!!
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
You bet!
This is certainly a powerful watch as war is blossoming up around europe again. Those who understand war, understand it must be prevented. I fear this understanding is soon lost, and possibly the world may be lost with it.
I love the reference to Cloquet Mn since I live in Cloquet. I learned something new today
The WWII generation today reminds me of the WW1 vets when I was a child in the 80s. Hardly any were left alive and it also just seemed so ancient. I think part of the reason for waning interest in WW2 with the younger generation is that they don’t have that personal link (parent/grandparent) who lived it first hand.
Priceless information from such a great man.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Very much so.
I've just found your channel and currently watching from episode one to 87. I just wanted to say thankyou. Im from the UK and love the USCW stuff you've done and the Ww2 is amazing. Plus I love your casual presenting, very refreshing. Keep up the good work
Amazing. Thank you so much for doing this and posting it for all to see! ❤
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
🇺🇸
I wouldn't normally think an Acorn symbol is scary by any means, but after watching the body cam footage of the cop who unloaded into his car at a handcuffed suspect because of an Acorn, I totally get it now😂😂😂
@zekesgirl100
4 ай бұрын
😂
my Dad's old unit! he was Michael J Collins he stayed in and went to fight in Korea and Vietnam retired as a SGM in Pennsylvania
He looks amazing for a 98 year old dude !!
Pretty cool. Thank you.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it!
This stuff makes me wish my Grandpa who talked about his time in the war was still alive.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
I hear ya.
Just finished The Rifle and The Rifle 2. Both great books that are real page turners. Really cool to see some of the vets featured in the books!
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Glad that you’re enjoying the books!
Your videos are absolutely amazing! I enjoy each and every one of them and learn so much. You always provide such a human touch to every situation thank you so much!!!!!
I would love to sit with a WWII veteran and listen to the stories. It would be an honor.
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Glad that we could share these experiences.
@silent3135
4 ай бұрын
@@TheHistoryUnderground Hey JD, how often do you make the trip across the Atlantic to these WWII battlefields?
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
@@silent3135 - About twice per year.
My gosh they were just kids truly the greatest generation
Thanks for sharing accurate history with us ❤
What an experience this would have been.
Amazing episode……thank you, Andrew
Another wonderful tribute!!
I found your channel while looking for Gettysburg videos. We are going this summer. You put together some great videos 👍🏻👍🏻
Great video JD, thanks for taking us along 👍
@TheHistoryUnderground
3 ай бұрын
Thanks 👍
Wow! So great to be there with some from that battle. Very special! I love as arhat actual footage, his stories! Finding himself in the photos WOW
Excellent video! I’m so glad we still have Veterans that we can learn from. It’s so amazing that they can share their stories so we can all truly understand what it was really like for these men. Thank you for sharing this♥️👍😊
Another inspiring episode
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
🙏🏼
thanks jd and eric for this great channel i never miss a video
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Our pleasure!
Happy greetings from Cooper Hill! Great Channel.
Thanks JD fantastic video
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Really great film, JD.
@TheHistoryUnderground
3 ай бұрын
Thanks! Hopefully this helps gain a bit of attention for some of the lesser known units.
Goodness me, Mr Moran is as sharp as a tack for his age. The story telling is so vivid. I presume he must be close to 100 years old, but god he looks great. Legend. JD, given so much military history in Belgium are there any plans to cover some WW1 stories or Napoleonic (ie: Waterloo is just up the road) ??
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Definitely. It’s not Belgium, but if you’re into WWI, I did a whole series down in Verdun. Check the playlist on the “Playlist” tab.
@graemeatkinson2138
4 ай бұрын
@@TheHistoryUnderground yep have seen your Verdun reports. Excellent sir.
amazing history🤠👍
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video,and I have both of the rifle books on audible
Been watching ww2 stuff like crazy lately, masters of the air ep. 5, D-Day docu's and went to see The Great Escaper with Michael Caine in the theather today, great film. Watched the last few episodes you put out that I haven't watched yet and man these were some good and informative videos. I hope that when/if I reach that age that Jack is at, i'm still as sharp and fast as he is, amazing man. Thank you for getting me emotional on these videos as always haha, and congratulations on the 600k subs, you deserve every bit of them!
Saint Hubert was a Bishop who died on 30th May, 757.
Touching thank you for helping to keep these mens service alive and in our hearts
he is still sharp as a tack
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
100%
Really enjoyed the video mate it was really interesting about hind the story bout the what happened really enjoyed episode masters of the air
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
👍🏻
Thanks!
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Wow! Thank you!
Good to see some vets go back to tell a snipet of there story. How do you find these guys?
Another amazing episode thank you 🇮🇪👍
Good stuff❤
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed!
All your videos good!
@TheHistoryUnderground
Ай бұрын
Glad you like them!
Great video's, keep up the good work! Question, did you ever been to the netherlands? There are a lot beautiful museums here about ww2. Especialy about market garden. See ya !
Thank you! My father was with Patton in the 79th, 3rd army. He told me he went to Berlin. But he did not talk alot about it. Do you have info on where the 79th was during the Bastone battle?
Our greatest generation!
I see you made it to the Chouffe brewery!
@TheHistoryUnderground
4 ай бұрын
Possibly. I had no clue where I was at half the time.
The greatest generation ❤