Former Enemies of WWII Meet 78 Years Later | History Traveler Episode 339

In recent episodes of History Traveler been traveling across Germany and Belgium with four veterans of WWII. While in Germany, we had the opportunity to meet with two individuals who fought against these men in Europe, one of whom was a German nurse and the other who was in the 2nd SS Panzer Division.
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
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:
- A German Village DESTROYED By Artillery Fire in WWII (with a WWII Vet!!!)| History Traveler Ep. 338: • A German Village DESTR...
- Heroes of the Ardennes American Cemetery | History Traveler Episode 337: • Heroes of the Ardennes...
- 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...
For more on Gerhard Femple's story, check out his memoir here: zeitzeugen-versand.de/

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  • @TheHistoryUnderground
    @TheHistoryUndergroundАй бұрын

    🌟If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com.

  • @10dfreed

    @10dfreed

    23 сағат бұрын

    Really great work and moving the video and the fact such a visit or reunion happened. There are no politics in fox holes.

  • @DivAgent556
    @DivAgent556Ай бұрын

    Bud recently passed. I'm glad he was able to have this closure and this will be available for future generations to see. Thanks for all you and GMOH and Andrew do for these men and for us to learn and see.

  • @bradmiller3367

    @bradmiller3367

    Ай бұрын

    What a life! So glad he was able to share with us what he did! Requiescat in Pace!

  • @dbach1025

    @dbach1025

    Ай бұрын

    what a great, intelligent, and well spoken hero. How old was Bud?

  • @MittenStateArchery

    @MittenStateArchery

    Ай бұрын

    Rip hero! Thank you for your service! You were part of the greatest generation to ever live!

  • @pmccoy8924

    @pmccoy8924

    Ай бұрын

    When did he pass? I am not seeing a death notice anywhere for Paul 'Bud' Haedike.

  • @gergemall

    @gergemall

    Ай бұрын

    God Bless these gentleman from the Greatest Generation ❤

  • @Melior_Traiano
    @Melior_TraianoАй бұрын

    My grandfather was 17 when he fought in WWII during 1945. He passed in 2022. They are quickly fading away now, which is why interviews such as this one are all the more important...

  • @Susiecat24

    @Susiecat24

    Ай бұрын

    Men nowadays don’t hold a candle to men like your grandfather. It’s a sad truth but I look around and no one live like my grandparents and their values my grandfather born 1915 and my grandmother 1920. It blows my mind to think of things they had to go through and look at these newer generations and I shake my head. Don’t know if you are a believer but please take it as full love and respect when I say God Bless your grandfather and the men and women of their generations.

  • @StefanWinchester

    @StefanWinchester

    Ай бұрын

    ​@Susiecat24 by that token, you are inferior to these men too.the whole human race should just give up now because they were as good as it gets right ?

  • @m42037

    @m42037

    Ай бұрын

    Life is short it's the absurdity of life we don't live long. 90 years isn't that long

  • @doylejodi7502

    @doylejodi7502

    Ай бұрын

    Yes recording their thoughts and memories on this is a treasure. So sad for the remaining that they are present to witness today’s world. So different for what they fought for.

  • @RobertRobinson-dy3rj

    @RobertRobinson-dy3rj

    27 күн бұрын

    All of my relatives are dead

  • @simonsmith1974
    @simonsmith1974Ай бұрын

    The nurse meeting the veterans was the sweetest.

  • @TheHistoryUnderground

    @TheHistoryUnderground

    Ай бұрын

    Yes, it was. She is amazing.

  • @pmccoy8924

    @pmccoy8924

    Ай бұрын

    It's been 80 years and the emotions are just as raw as if were yesterday. Very special moment.

  • @simonsmith1974

    @simonsmith1974

    Ай бұрын

    @@TheHistoryUnderground I can imagine she was a good nurse. War sucks big time.

  • @ccmaxWW2

    @ccmaxWW2

    Ай бұрын

    It's like the Paths of Glory ending, but in Real life.

  • @palaver40

    @palaver40

    Ай бұрын

    Absolutely outstanding presentation. Couldn't help but tear up at times. Thanks for your hard work.

  • @jw7019
    @jw701925 күн бұрын

    The fact that this is only a month old and there are still WWII vets alive makes me sad. Soon they’ll all be gone, and history will be lost to us. No better testimony of history than those who witnessed it.

  • @reneeochoa1015
    @reneeochoa101529 күн бұрын

    If they can make peace with their enemies before passing, no words, brings me to tears. This is absolutely beyond awesomeness ❤

  • @RockGuitarist1
    @RockGuitarist1Ай бұрын

    Jeez. All in their 90s and 100s at this point. We really don't have much time with this generation. So happy you could get this stuff on video so that their stories are preserved forever.

  • @mikemontgomery2654

    @mikemontgomery2654

    Ай бұрын

    Yeah. I’ve been through this with the WW1 vets and, now the WW2 vets. All we can do is cherish the time we do have with them.

  • @roadrunner3672

    @roadrunner3672

    Ай бұрын

    We have lots to learn from them and if we listen they have a lot to teach us too these folks have learned to let go of the past and to live in peace with each other they were once enemies now they share peace they show us forgiveness and most importantly how to live peacefully.

  • @da_pawz

    @da_pawz

    Ай бұрын

    @@mikemontgomery2654 Yes I was following and learned about Florence Green, Frank Buckles, Claude Choules and rem they were all went past 100 yo ... And now the WW2 vet's age are in their 90s and 100s Man there are only short time remaining to learn more about their life. I realized when my dad left me in 2019... He was growing up in the 50s and when he left this world, I lost access to his untold stories, experiences, wisdom and skills... We need to learn more from people from older generations...

  • @m42037

    @m42037

    Ай бұрын

    Don't forget anyone over 79 remembers something about the war that were in the camps. Not everyone is 100 years old smh

  • @maryellengrayberg9146

    @maryellengrayberg9146

    Ай бұрын

    Very moving vid. God Bless these men. RIP Bud.🙏 Time may not heal all wounds but, it can make then easier to bare. Bless all nurses. ❤

  • @oscarmadison8530
    @oscarmadison8530Ай бұрын

    I'm glad that Gerhard was able to meet with his former enemies. The fact that all four of the Americans agreed to speak with him as friends was absolutely priceless.

  • @amarranazo

    @amarranazo

    8 күн бұрын

    Indeed. Remember, Germany never wanted war with the UK or the USA. They always had their sights on the USSR, the bloodiest regime in history.

  • @maobfh

    @maobfh

    3 күн бұрын

    That goes both ways and is very healing for all of them.

  • @darrinsmith1588
    @darrinsmith1588Ай бұрын

    The part with the nurse and the bombardier singing a song it German brought tears to my eyes. Priceless

  • @TheHistoryUnderground

    @TheHistoryUnderground

    Ай бұрын

    One of my favorite moments from the trip. 🙂

  • @ellebelle8515

    @ellebelle8515

    Ай бұрын

    Just beautiful!

  • @captncorndog6823
    @captncorndog6823Ай бұрын

    When he said "i meet people & Soliders not enemy today" i cried...this is so beautiful...thank you for everything you do JD

  • @donnamarsh3474
    @donnamarsh3474Ай бұрын

    Nobel Peace prize for journalism material here!

  • @williamthompson5504

    @williamthompson5504

    Ай бұрын

    Research the Nobel Prize. It's BS

  • @bryanfields5563

    @bryanfields5563

    Ай бұрын

    YES!

  • @jurgenhaflinger1188

    @jurgenhaflinger1188

    Ай бұрын

    Eine sehr gute Reportage.

  • @stephengiannone5449

    @stephengiannone5449

    Ай бұрын

    No, that only goes to people who perpetuate war.

  • @schweizer1940

    @schweizer1940

    Ай бұрын

    Mein Freund Friedrich Latendorf war auch einen Überlebender dieser Schiff der versunken wurde.

  • @fumblebunny1993
    @fumblebunny1993Ай бұрын

    I am a military daughter. My father was an American military officer. We were stationed in Germany from 1960-1964; close enough to the war that it was still fresh on the German citizen's minds. My mother's cleaning help told her so much about the war and Hitler's SS. One of the things she said was that people were so afraid of the SS. They had infiltrated every station of life and it was neighbor against neighbor and son against father. My mother loved the German people and one thing that impressed her was how much they loved children. They were friendly and treated Americans well. It is always the ordinary people that are forced to fight the government's wars on all sides. We will never have peace in this world until we stop killing each other.

  • @jamesdellaneve9005

    @jamesdellaneve9005

    Ай бұрын

    While that’s a nice sentiment, peace doesn’t prevail just because the average citizen doesn’t want to fight. It’s the dictators that need to be defeated and that usually means war. Ex. The US should have been more active in prevent the Ukraine War. We didn’t support the accords enough and rumor has it that we rejected some of the terms.

  • @HeavilyCensoredKitty

    @HeavilyCensoredKitty

    Ай бұрын

    @@jamesdellaneve9005how many opportunities to off Addie by the people closest to him but nope...

  • @jamesdellaneve9005

    @jamesdellaneve9005

    Ай бұрын

    @@HeavilyCensoredKitty It’s easy to say from afar. Live in a Dictatorship and it’s a different story. The entire country was afraid of the SS. His closest people were committed. Look at how brutal they were for local insurgent operations. They’d kill 100 for the death of 1 German leader.

  • @amberfuchscia709

    @amberfuchscia709

    Ай бұрын

    @fumblebunny1993...I lived in Germany through the 80's and early 90's. I used to have lunch on the banks of the Lech river with an old lady who used to tell me stories of how awful it was to live in NAZI controlled Germany. She told me pretty much the same things you said. She said you could not trust anyone, not even your own children. German children were indoctrinated by the state to be Hitler loyalists. Unfortunately, history seems to be trying to repeat itself.

  • @williamthompson5504

    @williamthompson5504

    Ай бұрын

    As long as bankers exist, war will.

  • @jennyzoliver6718
    @jennyzoliver6718Ай бұрын

    It would have been interesting to have pictures of each of these veterans as they looked 78 years ago.🇺🇸

  • @tomnorman2668
    @tomnorman2668Ай бұрын

    Thank you for bringing all these vets together. Bless them all in their final days that they may enjoy peace and no bitterness.

  • @americanschweitzer45
    @americanschweitzer45Ай бұрын

    When Jack met the nurse, if you didn’t get goosebumps then you’re not paying attention!!

  • @mikemontgomery2654

    @mikemontgomery2654

    Ай бұрын

    True that!

  • @trainencounters586

    @trainencounters586

    Ай бұрын

    It made me cry right along with them.

  • @maryellwood3653

    @maryellwood3653

    Ай бұрын

    Yeah, made me tear up too, you could almost feel the memories flooding back, their journey was palpable

  • @fixfalcon2628
    @fixfalcon2628Ай бұрын

    The fact that we're able to immortalize these moments on crystal clear video and audio is amazing. I hope future generations see this and appreciate it.

  • @rhondarandle6110
    @rhondarandle6110Ай бұрын

    My Father was in the Battle of the Bulge. They were mostly young men doing what they were told to do. He would have loved to meet like you are doing here. Thank God for those who survived.

  • @landibear6509
    @landibear6509Ай бұрын

    War is bad enough as it is. No matter when or where. No matter who the combatants are. Videos like these are incredibly important. It would be easy to learn in history books one side was good and one side was bad. What this proves is that no matter the side, there is still humanity tucked away among those who were there but sadly mostly forgotten over time. We often stand in front of memorials to pay tribute to the fallen and those who survived, soldiers and civilians alike, but do we ever really stop to think about what it really must have been like to actually be there? This is what you highlighted. In the midst of horror, humanity can still emerge. Great work!

  • @stephenpegum9776
    @stephenpegum9776Ай бұрын

    I can say without fear of any contradiction JD that this was the most moving episode of HT that I've ever watched. I'm not ashamed to admit that it had me in tears for most of the episode.

  • @TheHistoryUnderground

    @TheHistoryUnderground

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you. I really do appreciate that.

  • @sandyodell5551

    @sandyodell5551

    Ай бұрын

    Me too!!!

  • @Ronaldl2350
    @Ronaldl2350Ай бұрын

    Bud summed it up. "It was a blessing from God to meet him" Especially this time of year to hear about forgiveness. Jack kneeling down to meet the former nurse, just brought me to tears. The joy she has was so sweet. Thank you JD for sharing.

  • @joerussell9574
    @joerussell9574Ай бұрын

    These men deserve the utmost respect...ALL these men do!

  • @Spielmanjon
    @SpielmanjonАй бұрын

    I am a U.S Army Vet, that has been living in Germany since 1997. My Grandpa, was a Airborne soldier for the Americans during the war, so there is a special history for me here. But once you live here long enough, and the Germans have accepted you. You start to hear the stories, of Uncles and Fathers, and soldiers from then. And more often than not, the Germans where happy when the Allied troops showed up. (NOT THE RUSSIANS) Or how the family hid Jewish people helping them escape. They were not all evil. Some of course were, but the majority was not. They were forced to go with what the government rhetoric was or face horrible punishment and or death. I have heard stories, (Stories unconfirmed mind you) that the Germans would simply march into an area and remove all the young men, and Men to basically conscript them to the war effort. Most of the people just wanted to live their lives, just as anyone else in the US, or the world wants to live theirs as well. Franklin D. Roosevelt - 'War is young men dying and old men talking'

  • @court5231

    @court5231

    Ай бұрын

    I'm so glad you shared this! Thank you!! 🙂❤️

  • @blindenergy6694

    @blindenergy6694

    Ай бұрын

    "We defeated the wrong enemy" -General George S. Patton

  • @EASTBAY_NORCAL

    @EASTBAY_NORCAL

    Ай бұрын

    @@blindenergy6694 absolutely Joseph Stalin was the true winner of the war

  • @jenniferd6069

    @jenniferd6069

    Ай бұрын

    My father was rounded up by German in 1942 when he was 18, he was in a forced labour camp but drove German officers around and to camps, he smuggled food into the Jews and he found out the German officers were also smuggling in food. He was born in Holland but his family were German, oma didn’t dare speak anything of the war on the streets , he told me the Germans didn’t want the war either.

  • @Shelly-lz9tm

    @Shelly-lz9tm

    Ай бұрын

    Sorry the nazis don't get a pass even today

  • @PathfinderHistoryTravel
    @PathfinderHistoryTravelАй бұрын

    19:56 Powerful. In 2024 American and German veterans apologizing to each other for the damage they took part in. People and countries mature and that is what gives me hope for the future. 22:21 What a wonderful moment 😢

  • @stephenrrose
    @stephenrroseАй бұрын

    I'm not crying, You're crying! I was smiling and crying at the same time! Thank you for keeping History Alive! What a great and touching video! Great job to all those involved to bring this together for the Greatest Generation!!!! Well Done JD, Well done!

  • @court5231

    @court5231

    Ай бұрын

    OMG, me too!!! 🥰

  • @chrisanderson9856
    @chrisanderson9856Ай бұрын

    This is absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you for bringing us this wonderful meeting. These are the true patriots and heroes! These are the stories we should always remember!!!

  • @beanhavok2287
    @beanhavok2287Ай бұрын

    I'm 48 years old now, and I remember when these guys were in their 50s. Tough MFrs....

  • @TheRagratus
    @TheRagratusАй бұрын

    This reminds me of the interview of Shifty Powers in BoB, "I like to fish, maybe he liked to hunt, if not for the war we might have become good friends".

  • @Finncastv

    @Finncastv

    Ай бұрын

    Such a good series

  • @naraaway

    @naraaway

    21 күн бұрын

    Its a series or is a real interview? If is a interview I would like to see it

  • @Finncastv

    @Finncastv

    21 күн бұрын

    @@naraaway well it’s all acted, however all of those characters are based on real ww2 vets

  • @scottspaine4864
    @scottspaine4864Ай бұрын

    This brought tears to my eyes. A senseless war depriving the world of too many people. A clear example of when people get sucked in to an ideology and can become dangerous. God bless the people of the greatest generation.

  • @cindymcmurray6879
    @cindymcmurray6879Ай бұрын

    Thank you to all the veterans. It was great meeting.

  • @dbach1025
    @dbach1025Ай бұрын

    This was a huge blessing, JD. Hate destroys. It was fantastic to see these Great Great grandpas showing there is more to their lives than being a soldier. The nurse's welcoming to Jack was as sincere as one can be. God bless these folks.

  • @ChristyD067
    @ChristyD067Ай бұрын

    Thank you for bringing these stories. My grandparents were from Germany - Opa was in the Kriegsmarine and Oma was a nurse. This brings tears to my eyes. I love the statement - the men were meeting other men, not soldiers. I’m often torn being an American with strong German roots. Love this! ❤

  • @simonsmith1974

    @simonsmith1974

    Ай бұрын

    You can't help your roots, but you can help what kind of tree you grow into. Our own actions, and character are what define us. Not those of other people.

  • @markchizmadia2004
    @markchizmadia2004Ай бұрын

    This was fascinating JD. So touching to see these old warriors respecting each other. The segment with the Nurse was so sweet and touching. God Bless all who gave theirs lives, and God bless the remaining WWII Veterans.

  • @johngray9669
    @johngray9669Ай бұрын

    They met as "people and soldiers and not enemies today." We can remember our history while putting aside the resentment of the past. It was great to hear the view from the German perspective.

  • @simonsmith1974

    @simonsmith1974

    Ай бұрын

    Exactly. If only more of us took that perspective on the past. Learn from the past. But don't build a house and live there. That's unhealthy for anyone

  • @jackiemontogmery125
    @jackiemontogmery125Ай бұрын

    I couldn't help but shed some tears during the meeting with the nurse. Just so special and amazing. JD, Eric & Andrew can't thank you all enough for these episodes with the veterans who are still alive. They are tough cookies! Sorry to hear that Bud passed away. Grammy from Texas

  • @undrwtr84
    @undrwtr84Ай бұрын

    The nurse was just precious

  • @Peace2U-ec6es
    @Peace2U-ec6esАй бұрын

    I recall Shifty Powers at the beginning of one of the BOB episodes speaking about their adversaries. He said "I think if I would have had the chance to know that soldier growing up we might have been good friends." It's too bad it took a lifetime for these heroes to realize the sad reality of how life cheated them in the early 1940s.

  • @oliverorchard2296

    @oliverorchard2296

    Ай бұрын

    That fishing line always stuck out to me as well

  • @simonsmith1974

    @simonsmith1974

    Ай бұрын

    Shifty, what a wise man he was.

  • @liberationpocket7950
    @liberationpocket795027 күн бұрын

    At this point in their life, they're more than happy to know that others have survived the war, regardless if they were enemies or not. Really beautiful

  • @arielcabalin2746
    @arielcabalin2746Ай бұрын

    What a great story ! Literally I just got so emotional to see those old warriors making peace after so many years ! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing story !

  • @antonioperez2623
    @antonioperez2623Ай бұрын

    I was very touched to hear that both veterans apologize to each other for what they did in war.

  • @stefanelzenga2584
    @stefanelzenga2584Ай бұрын

    What is better then to bring two former enemies together and get to talk to each other? Well done guys

  • @edthered1971
    @edthered1971Ай бұрын

    There are no winners in a war, it was a terrible war for the whole world, time does heal and those men are so brave to do what they did with that German solider and replace old horrors and dreadful memories with eternal peace, well done to all who participated to make this happen for them

  • @More-than-ladyboys

    @More-than-ladyboys

    Ай бұрын

    Politicians. Arms dealers. Contractors. If there were no winners, there’d be no more wars.

  • @tanweekok1
    @tanweekok1Ай бұрын

    JD, Thank you for this clip. It definitely brings tears to my eyes. Thank you to all the veterans, Americans and Germans.

  • @bmcg5296
    @bmcg5296Ай бұрын

    Absolutely great episode J.D. Letting these people speak is what is history preserving at its best. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • @4urluvjones155
    @4urluvjones155Ай бұрын

    Anybody who would criticize this episode should have their head examined. Very touching, specially the end when they visited the nurse. I had tears in my eyes.

  • @TheHistoryUnderground

    @TheHistoryUnderground

    Ай бұрын

    🙂

  • @hoshangharis6428

    @hoshangharis6428

    Ай бұрын

    A lot of people normies have no conscious today. It's all because of social media screwing with their Heads so there Walking like robotic Zombies. They also want to eat insects in the future instead of meat.😮 God save us all.

  • @robynw6307
    @robynw6307Ай бұрын

    In the care facility where I work there is a man of 103 who is a inspiration to us all. This beautiful nurse at 102 is doing just as well. What a delight both she and the SS soldier were. So glad the four veterans had this opportunity.

  • @jackthecanuck6736
    @jackthecanuck6736Ай бұрын

    What a beautiful ending to that video JD. My father served in the Canadian army, Italy, Dieppe & ended the war in Holland. He never talked about it much & passed away in 1999. You have enlightened me so much on things that happened during the war & I am much indebted to you. I don't think that you might realize how much that you have given us with these series. I am in your debt. Your KZread channel is a great source of knowledge but how you share the humanity of it all is truly touching. Great work sir.

  • @tanker335
    @tanker335Ай бұрын

    The look on two of the American veterans faces when they first meet speaks volumes. You can read about the animosity but seeing it is a whole other ballgame.

  • @antonioperez2623
    @antonioperez2623Ай бұрын

    The reunion with former nurse gave me tears.

  • @paulfeise3972
    @paulfeise3972Ай бұрын

    This was the best show. The German veteran and nurse were great. The American Veterans they seem to really be glad to meet the Germans.

  • @justinmcmahan5285
    @justinmcmahan5285Ай бұрын

    As a veteran of a foreign war, I’d love the opportunity to go back and meet some of the men we fought against. Thank you for sharing this 🇺🇸🫡🙏🏻

  • @terminallumbago6465

    @terminallumbago6465

    Ай бұрын

    Many thanks for your service to our nation. May I ask what conflicts you participated in?

  • @AwesomesauceME08
    @AwesomesauceME08Ай бұрын

    When Ohla (The Nurse) Said "It's a happy day" It looked like Jack experienced every single name of each of his buddies killed on the western front. Every horror came pouring into his mind, from seeing death to every bullet that wizzed by him to memories he made with them that were the happiest moments with his buddies. It looked like it took every ounce of strength to repeat that sentence back to her. Tragically beautiful moment!

  • @meinereiner8109

    @meinereiner8109

    Ай бұрын

    Ulla, short version of Ursula

  • @All_Knowing_Truth
    @All_Knowing_TruthАй бұрын

    A special generation, we must preserve in our dearest memories. Nothing will be like them again today, they we're built different in everyway, not even the youth today could compete. I have much respect for our vets.

  • @your_royal_highness
    @your_royal_highnessАй бұрын

    I read the book about Don Malarkey and a German soldier meeting; they became great friends and they really helped each other heal some of those emotional wounds of war. Nice book

  • @ace9924

    @ace9924

    17 күн бұрын

    Doesn't that German soldier get executed in Band of Brothers ?

  • @JonathanSparks-ht4vq
    @JonathanSparks-ht4vqАй бұрын

    The 75th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg comes to mind. Former confederate and Union soldiers, enemies in battle meeting up. Shaking hands. Sharing memories and singing songs. So beautiful.

  • @heatherwilson9717
    @heatherwilson9717Ай бұрын

    The only people that it really matters what they think of the veterans getting together are the veterans who went. Kudos to you for helping to facilitate it.

  • @artemisapaulina29
    @artemisapaulina2928 күн бұрын

    I'm 56 and these guys have a better memory than mine! Thank you for doing this History Underground!!!

  • @dotell3359
    @dotell3359Ай бұрын

    Fantastic job sir!! As a veteran myself I salute sir's and my respect to the nurses who helped the wounded. God bless.

  • @user-rm5mp6mp9m
    @user-rm5mp6mp9mАй бұрын

    This may be the best episode you made.

  • @bri_____
    @bri_____29 күн бұрын

    Interviewing the ww2 vets like this is an absolute priority whilst They're with us ❤

  • @abigalinjail
    @abigalinjailАй бұрын

    I was crying from the moment they all met with the German soldier. There's so much humanity in all of this

  • @jameswalker1982
    @jameswalker1982Ай бұрын

    While stationed in Germany in the early to mid 80's, I ran across quit a few vets, that seemed to all want to apologize for the war. watching this episode brought that memory roaring back to me.

  • @robertbrannon6909
    @robertbrannon6909Ай бұрын

    This channel is amazing. I love to see these kinds of videos where they meet each other from enemies to friends.

  • @RK57AZ
    @RK57AZАй бұрын

    This had to be one of my favorite episodes to date! The grace displayed by these former opponents was nothing short of amazing. The nurse singing with the US vet was the best! I’ve seen the exact opposite from other veterans from 3 of the last 5 conflicts we have been in. I don’t have anything bad to say about those who can’t stand arm in arm with a former foe with an extended hand. They earned the right to feel the way they do! It’s just really moving to see the warriors meet and greet a former foe with an open hand. As always stay safe and healthy.

  • @NickyB0718
    @NickyB0718Ай бұрын

    This is incredible, imagine being there to witness elderly veterans of the American Civil War meeting like this. Such a monumental moment and hopefully it helps bring peace to these guys in some fashion.

  • @williamthompson5504

    @williamthompson5504

    Ай бұрын

    Gettysburg veterans met 50 years after the battle in 1914. There's some amazing pictures.

  • @michaelguy1125

    @michaelguy1125

    Ай бұрын

    They did mater a fact my grandfather (mom's dad) had a bowie knife that was given to him by an old confederate veteran just before Grandpa ship out to the Pacific. He carried this carried this confederate knife to Guadalcanal, Sipan, Iwo Jima, and had it on tinian.

  • @terminallumbago6465

    @terminallumbago6465

    Ай бұрын

    @@michaelguy1125Did he keep it after the war and pass it on?

  • @michaelguy1125

    @michaelguy1125

    Ай бұрын

    @terminallumbago6465 My uncle Mike has it a matter he used it in Vietnam and desert storm.

  • @terminallumbago6465

    @terminallumbago6465

    Ай бұрын

    @@michaelguy1125 So that knife has seen combat in at least four different wars across over a century of history. If it could speak, the stories it would tell.

  • @mmotorhead
    @mmotorheadАй бұрын

    8:20 not only you sir... Jeez... I got very emotional watching this episode.

  • @ljartz1004
    @ljartz1004Ай бұрын

    So emotional. Got a bit teary. Thank you for this, JD.

  • @fredv7487
    @fredv7487Ай бұрын

    My veteran father who passed away at 97 had spent a lot of time in Germany and met a great number of Germany veterans. Many of them were friends for years. There was nothing they couldn't solve over a few beers and good food. Loved growing up and hearing their stories. Another fantastic video JD. Thanks for all you do.

  • @deserteagle9025
    @deserteagle9025Ай бұрын

    Fantastic and really moving story. The nurse lady aged 104 years was incredibly sharp!!!

  • @oifiismith
    @oifiismithАй бұрын

    Aloha and Mahalo! JD, for another great and touching video. As a warfighter and being wounded in Iraq,OIF2, I had no problem getting rid of evil in this world. My heart cried for the innocent and friends that were killed. War is never a good answer. Leaders need to do everything possible to avoid it. War only destroys everything/everyone involved in it. Don't get me wrong I wanted to be a soldier most of my life. Always be prepared to go to war, but a last resort and only for JUST reasons. Much love, bruddah🤙

  • @57Banjoman
    @57BanjomanАй бұрын

    This series has been amazing-more tears-we are human-what a blessing for these men to meet.

  • @saucermonkey320
    @saucermonkey320Күн бұрын

    True gentleman when meeting the nurse. Such a different class from back then.

  • @mkenels
    @mkenelsАй бұрын

    Incredibly touching to see how these people can come together in forgiveness. What an amazing experience this must have been

  • @TheHistoryUnderground

    @TheHistoryUnderground

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you 🙏🏼

  • @charlesmullins3238
    @charlesmullins3238Ай бұрын

    Man o man…very powerful…the tears…feelings hard to describe

  • @professorwhat2704
    @professorwhat2704Ай бұрын

    I've been enjoying this series, and this was the best episode yet. Keep up the good work.

  • @user-zj1wn8eu2q
    @user-zj1wn8eu2q22 күн бұрын

    It was moving to watch the old lady and all the old soldiers who were young people at that time. Now grown old and forgiving. They were victims of that time. 😢

  • @ArAkBmttd
    @ArAkBmttdАй бұрын

    I got goosebumps watching this!

  • @becknit6469
    @becknit6469Ай бұрын

    To be in the presence of these gentleman had to be truly amazing

  • @SkyPilotXSX
    @SkyPilotXSXАй бұрын

    This is the most important video you’ve ever made.

  • @TheHistoryUnderground

    @TheHistoryUnderground

    Ай бұрын

    🙏🏼

  • @mocpehusrainey4961
    @mocpehusrainey4961Ай бұрын

    My dad flew in the forgotten war of WWII flying cargo planes over the "HUMP" in the Himalayas from India into China to support the China against Japan from 1942 -1944. He always said if the Japanese Zeros didn't get you the altitude or weather would. They used to call it the aluminum highway because all you had to do was follow the crashed airplanes to get where you were going. His airplane was shot down over Burma where he parachuted, and after a week or so was captured by a headhunter tribe known as the Naga Hill head hunters. They traded him to a British outpost for opium and shiny things. You have a great channel but sometimes I think people tens to forget there was a viscous war in the pacific. God Bless the greatest generation.

  • @jeanineking7311

    @jeanineking7311

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you for posting. I listen to the “Unauthorized History of the Pacific War” for information about the Pacific theater. God Bless your father and all who served.

  • @seanodwyer4322

    @seanodwyer4322

    Ай бұрын

    Read that New Zealand troops carryed extra hand- grenade when fightin Japs in pacific islands.- iff they thought they were goin to be captured they would commit suicide with that grenade.- Charles Srimmegeor off Waipawa was one that did kill himself on soloman islands

  • @richardkirk5098

    @richardkirk5098

    Ай бұрын

    Your dad was a hero

  • @christopherkucia1071

    @christopherkucia1071

    Ай бұрын

    There was war on every continent except maybe North America lol…. Even in SA there were wars during that time. It REALLY was a WORLD war….

  • @user-fs5zx7wc6e
    @user-fs5zx7wc6eАй бұрын

    My father was a member of America's greatest generation in the Pacific arena. This particular episode shook me to the core. War is hell but I'm glad that these soldiers/nurse were able to get some closure with these meetings. God Bless all of them.

  • @emphotoz5450
    @emphotoz5450Ай бұрын

    What a beautiful acene with the nurse and jack! Really lovely, tears in my eyes. Thank you for your work and those amazing videos! Regards from South Germany

  • @bradmiller3367
    @bradmiller3367Ай бұрын

    Absolutely outstanding episode, brought a tear to my eye! Some of my family on my mother’s side came from Wolfau, Austria in the 1920s and there are stories at hat have been passed down about cousins and such, and so there has been an interest in this kind of thing for nigh on 50 years. It simply felt correct to witness these past enemies come together in Peace. Thank you,JD and all of the soldiers and nurse.

  • @oldtanker4860
    @oldtanker4860Ай бұрын

    This was a wonderful video. It was a real heart tugging experience to see the Vets on both sides meeting as friends. The war is over, it was a terrible time but the world now is a better place than that in which they fought and lived.

  • @Marauder92V
    @Marauder92V22 күн бұрын

    Really happy I found this video. My father was 82nd Airborne, 325th Glider Infantry and fought in the Bulge. What made this video special was that my mother was a German nurse and also a war bride. She met my Father when he was part of the Army of Occupation in Berlin. This generation exemplified a level of decency that we all can learn from.

  • @w0happ3l
    @w0happ3lАй бұрын

    Tnx JD and the rifle for doing this. We are all just human. Coming from a dutch/german family. Were my grandfather fought along side the english and my uncle served in the SS/hitlerjugend. I enjoyed this clip very much

  • @thomashudgins996
    @thomashudgins996Ай бұрын

    Wow! What an incredible video JD. I was brought to tears several times. I never get tired of your videos. I wish you had your own network history show. People should know and understand not only the sacrifice of the past but the cost. You bring it alive to your viewers. Please, do not stop making your videos.

  • @TheHistoryUnderground

    @TheHistoryUnderground

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you. Appreciate that. Too ugly for network tv though. :)

  • @thomashudgins996

    @thomashudgins996

    Ай бұрын

    @@TheHistoryUndergroundNot at all. Don't sell yourself short.

  • @BradDrakePN
    @BradDrakePN14 күн бұрын

    The interaction of the American gentleman of German descent with the German nurse is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. This man had probably not spoken German since his parents passed and the more he speaks with her, the more it comes back. You can see his eyes light up as he sings with her in German. If you watch close enough during this exchange, it's no longer two people in their 90s anymore; it's a young German girl and a young American boy sharing a song, some laughs, and lots of smiles. This absolutely made my day!

  • @zekesgirl100
    @zekesgirl100Ай бұрын

    21:51. The gentleman going to the dog. Pulled my heartstrings

  • @TheHistoryUnderground

    @TheHistoryUnderground

    Ай бұрын

    🙂

  • @frantisekkovar5851
    @frantisekkovar5851Ай бұрын

    Absolutely extraordinary! These beautiful people didn’t win a lottery, they are just happy to see each other after a looong time, experienced tough times. There is a lot a lot to learn from this! 😢👏

  • @tinaboissonneau
    @tinaboissonneauАй бұрын

    This video was amazing, how 2 sides can come together after 78 years and talk about their experience in the war, and to see them hug and talk with one another was so amazing, thank you J.D. this video brought tears to my eyes!! Just amazing!!!!

  • @michaeldellorso889
    @michaeldellorso88928 күн бұрын

    RIP to US Navy WW2 veteran Frank Dellorso. 1919-2004. My hero. Miss you, Grandpa.

  • @davidwillis4839
    @davidwillis4839Ай бұрын

    Excellent, excellent, excellent! This episode is like none I've seen on your channel. Who wouldn't like a story of once young combatants meeting as much older/wiser men and women?! Heartwarming to see the nurse and her joy to meet our guys. I was stationed in Germany during the Cold War and have returned several times. Love the country and the people have been nothing but kind.

  • @debbieskrletts725

    @debbieskrletts725

    29 күн бұрын

    It's hard to believe in 2024 people the human race still engages in warfare.....

  • @EricRush
    @EricRushАй бұрын

    This one moved me more than any other on your channel or any channel.

  • @chuckmeadows1581
    @chuckmeadows1581Ай бұрын

    JD, absolutely brilliant video! Exceptionally well done. This is a very important history lesson and should be shown in schools everywhere! Thats for all your hard work to bring this content to us.

  • @TheHistoryUnderground

    @TheHistoryUnderground

    Ай бұрын

    Many thanks!

  • @G_Machine_Joe
    @G_Machine_JoeАй бұрын

    What I wouldn't give to have been there with everyone. Thank you for putting this video together.

  • @wb4367
    @wb4367Ай бұрын

    Thank you for this moving video. I'm impressed by the english skills of the german elders. They remind me of my (german) grandparents that passed away some years ago. Mine however were never really able to talk about the war and their feelings about it. I remember when I was a kid my grandma cleaned up her attic and found a letter from 1945, telling her that her brother has fallen on the eastern front. She broke into tears immediately even 60 years later. Truly a generational trauma.

  • @RickJZ1973
    @RickJZ1973Ай бұрын

    I really enjoy hearing the German perspective. Gerhart wrote a book. I have an autographed copy.

  • @backpain4ever505

    @backpain4ever505

    Ай бұрын

    what is the name of the book?

  • @RickJZ1973

    @RickJZ1973

    Ай бұрын

    @@backpain4ever505 My time as an Untersturmfuhrer in the Waffen SS pioneers by Gerhard Femppel. Book was a limited edition printing with an autograph and signed card.

  • @seanodwyer4322

    @seanodwyer4322

    Ай бұрын

    @@RickJZ1973 would it be in the Auckland city public library on Lorne street.- ???????- ahh have read all 16 books off - Sven Hassell- Dane.- Butt ahh not sure iff his over the Top Books are True, or iff he and his wife made it all upp.- ????????

  • @Jess-cg4eg
    @Jess-cg4egАй бұрын

    This is amazing. We learn a lot about Nazi programming and who knows what this man was taught. Growing and changing is part of human nature. We can all regret things we were involved in. Thanks for sharing.

  • @jeanettebuckman830
    @jeanettebuckman8308 күн бұрын

    Just like everyone else I cried . Wonderful group of people both American & German . Greetings from Australia . I have subscribed

  • @toddgreve6587
    @toddgreve6587Ай бұрын

    The meeting of our vets and the nurse was quite moving! It brought tears to my eyes!

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