Instead of looking up to celebrity's and athletes and putting them on a high horse. We should be looking up to the real heros !

@road_king_dude

3 жыл бұрын

👏👏👏👏

@trog.lodyte

3 жыл бұрын

UK used to award knighthoods etc to war heroes. Now they go to rock stars and actors. What a joke.

@road_king_dude

3 жыл бұрын

@1Man Army and respect to the warriors on both sides absolutely

@jugghead-1975

3 жыл бұрын

Sad really ... and look at the state of affairs in our great nation! We're going to severely miss this generation of MEN! Semper fi

@gerardramirez6320

3 жыл бұрын

So right these men are our heroes, young ,tough and strong willed.

I put a furnace in for a Marine in 1995. He saw the Marine tattoo on my arm and broke out a box containing pictures of his tour on Iwo Jima. I have fought in Iraq and I cannot imagine doing what these men went through. They don't build them like that anymore.

@sjs928

3 жыл бұрын

SEMPER FI... Ooorah

@jeffsnider7842

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your valuable work too

@petercarmeci8317

2 жыл бұрын

Rah!! 🇺🇸

@TheDCGuitar13

2 жыл бұрын

I wonder what those 1940s crayons must’ve tasted like!

@dukecraig2402

2 жыл бұрын

Yes they do build them like that these days, and you're proof of that.

“No, I didn’t see anybody raise no flag, that was behind us!” What an absolute badass. Thank you sir!

@user-mv2oo9iw6u

2 жыл бұрын

*Harry Martin had a few more good stories in him. Channel should invite him back.*

@Sasha-jk6wo

Жыл бұрын

That's easily one of the best American military veteran quotes I've ever heard.

@andrewsmith3257

11 ай бұрын

😆

@Mtlmshr

9 ай бұрын

Could not agree more!

I guarantee you this is one of the toughest men you will ever see in your lifetime. I’ve got nothing but respect and gratitude for this gentleman.

@bobbygetsbanned6049

2 жыл бұрын

You know he's tough when he's laughing his way through talking about his time during the entire battle of Iwo Jima!

Ninety-five years old and memory sharp as a tack. Still remembers the terminology from seventy-five years ago! Semper Fi, Mr Martin.

@slopedouche5460

3 жыл бұрын

I know his recitation of military terminology was incredible, almost eerie, very proud of this corpsman!

@kenallard8728

3 жыл бұрын

He's probably thought about those moments and memories -- and how he'd convey them -- for quite a long time.

@greggutierrez6339

3 жыл бұрын

Meanwhile Trump can't remember what he had for breakfast

@garywilliams7734

3 жыл бұрын

@@greggutierrez6339 really u had to drag ur hatred here?

@Nathand0992

3 жыл бұрын

Greg Gutierrez stop speaking our language Mexican .

We need to cherish these men while they're still with us.

@watchmanonthewall2151

3 жыл бұрын

This

@jarrettperry6931

3 жыл бұрын

Very much so. These people are one of the greatest generations of Americans to ever live.

@ArcaMids

3 жыл бұрын

My exact thought.

@ownSystem

3 жыл бұрын

In 15 years all WW2 vets will be all dead. If that hits home. Bless these great men and women.

@factstrumpprejudice6740

3 жыл бұрын

Trump told the world these heroes were "loosers and suckers" . nuff said.

"I was born in a trappers cabin" - Right here is where this man got his toughness. I guarantee it

@jackhoff4635

3 жыл бұрын

Like a crack house?

@johnpearce9891

3 жыл бұрын

Roger that hard as titanium sharp as a Bayonet

@oledahammer8393

3 жыл бұрын

Yoopers are hardy folk!

@johnmarshall4442

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah , that's all he had to say to explain his background. I lived in Alaska for 12 years . Hard to imagine how people lived there 100 years or more ago. You're daily routine is to survive.

@gbavey53

2 жыл бұрын

I guess he didnt know about his white privilege....this is how stupid we have become.

I’m a doctor and I had a patient who served in the 4th Marine Division on Saipan Tinian and Iwo. He was a kind gentle guy who raised roses after he retired from the railroad. He needed a new car and I suggested a Honda. He told me flat out, no way would he ever buy a Japanese car. He had been a captain and saw lots of bad things.

@tritiumeye

2 жыл бұрын

That's hilarious. Could never buy a Japanese car. Lol.

@dennisplatte7506

2 жыл бұрын

My dad was shot on Iwo Jima and went to many Marine Corps reunions-----but respected the tenacity of the Japanese-----and had many Japanese cars. All react differently.

@jesser73

2 жыл бұрын

@@dennisplatte7506 exactly.all are heros who did there job.but all are individuals also.

@dennisplatte7506

2 жыл бұрын

@@jesser73 There were heroes in every battle. I played in the band for two different Marines who earned the Medal of Honor in Vietnam. But an old guy that fought on Iwo Jima and 2 other Islands said in his 3 battles he never saw one hero. I'd tend to believe like him that the heroes were fewer than we think. If we call everyone who fought a hero----that takes away from the small percent that truly were heroes. As many old Marines would say-----the real heroes didn't come back----or were badly wounded. The old guy said that most fighters were simply trying to move foreward and stay alive.

@lsuwreckinshop6782

2 жыл бұрын

I worked a General Motors and those vehicles are assembled in AMERICA but parts came in crates from 50 different countries. I would imagine Ford and Dodge are no different. They are all as AMERICAN as Honda.

You just don't get any tougher than this man.

@ChevisPreston

4 жыл бұрын

This isn’t tough. This is the Pacific front. Words cannot describe.

@jimparis5073

4 жыл бұрын

Chev is right to be fair those boys caught hell

@mattdom529

3 жыл бұрын

Chuck Norris!!!! Lol for real though these brave men walked through the gates of the underworld and saw things most humans will never experience.

@Rubenbauer80

3 жыл бұрын

Mad respect to these men that fought those battles, words cannot describe my appreciation.

@vincealince_SRT

3 жыл бұрын

At the Feet of Jesus good get a loan from them and shut up

No tough talk, just action. A true professional.

@JohnnyUtah9

4 жыл бұрын

The mans cover is on point. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper fi.

@MitchJohnson0110

3 жыл бұрын

I'm Michigan's Upper Peninsula we call that "SISU"

@billcyou137

3 жыл бұрын

Mitchell Johnson e

@jojobar5877

3 жыл бұрын

@Bobby Allen “SISU“. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisu

My Father was a Marine Sgt. in WW2, Part of the original USMC "Raiders". He fought His last Battle against the Japanese on Iwo. He was skilled in the operation of the Flamethrower so despite being wounded twice, remained on the Island still fighting for 31 days till carried off, with a Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf clusters, leaving part of his right Hand and Arm behind on "Bloody Iwo". His wounds never stopped Him from Hugging His Kids though. Which I am proud to be one of. Semper Fi.

@bobbygetsbanned6049

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like he was a hell of a Marine! We owe him so much.

@jcmangan

Жыл бұрын

amazin story when you think that the flamethrower guys always were shot first and never taken prisoner.

@ryandonahue285

11 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing that. God bless you and your family. Your father courage, hard work and bravery is motivating.

He's very sharp for a 95 year old man. I'd love to sit down and have a conversation with him

"Coming ashore we had a bad experience..." Wow, what a wonderfully humble understatement. God bless this Marine.

@counciousstream

3 жыл бұрын

"We were taking pretty heavy fire". I can't even imagine what it was like.

@Ronnie-Jones

3 жыл бұрын

most forbidden documentary. Europa The Last Battle at archive . org

After being raised hard scrabble to survive on just the essentials, after being shunted for his 1st attempt to join up, after nearly being killed on the beach with just "50 round being fired", he still feels compassion for his enemies. He deserves all the salutes he gets.

@evealt8267

3 жыл бұрын

Such White privilege listening to him huh ? Even back in the day...right ? right....

@javierfranceschi5715

3 жыл бұрын

?

@yawannatilly

3 жыл бұрын

Eve Alt lmao what are you on about? Minorities served to😜

@Anubis-pm4tm

3 жыл бұрын

@@evealt8267 white privilege? seriously

@roderickstockdale1678

3 жыл бұрын

Eve Alt Montford Point Marines

probably the best looking - youngest looking and acting - 95 yr old i've ever seen.

“I got shot in the face...” sitting here telling his story. Real man.

@jonm2416

Жыл бұрын

And then kept fighting until the end of the battle to boot!

I served 21 years in the Marines. My first assignment was as a platoon commander in Vietnam 1968-1969. This Old Corps Marine was accurate. At least in my experience in Vietnam with firefights and snipers, you rarely see the enemy unless they are up and moving around or they were dead. We would try to suppress fire by targeting what looked like might be a fighting position while others moved forward. That was a hard year: firefights, snipers, mortars, accidents, friendly fire, rice paddies, jungle, and mountains. But the worst in my opinion were the mines and booby-traps. The months we operated in the low lands, the mines and booby-traps could be anywhere. I lost a lot of good Marines to the mines. The fighting in the areas I was in were nothing as intense as Saipan, Tinian, and certainly nothing like Iwo Jima. But our time in combat was one year with only a one week R&R outside of Vietnam. And a firefight is a firefight regardless of what war you are in. My dad was a B-17 pilot in WW II, shot down on 23 July 1943 and was a POW for 2 years. At tip of the hat to the Greatest Generation that fought in WW II.

@geoffvanwagner3302

3 жыл бұрын

Vietnam was rough and not enough credit goes to you guys so on behalf of everyone I know I want to thank you for having what it takes to fight for us. You have no idea what it personally means to me and I know it really doesn't mean much but I'm truly thankful

@ciaranarmstrong2811

3 жыл бұрын

Salute to you Sir! From a current Infantry officer in the Canadian Army

@joshrayborn1418

3 жыл бұрын

And the greatest generation there ever will be !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@ernestdougherty3162

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir for your service and sacrifice

@15055chevy

3 жыл бұрын

@@geoffvanwagner3302 I can't thank you and the other gentlemen that served in Vietnam enough Sir. Thank you for your service to this country.

My grandfather passed away last year at 95. He enlisted before the war, fought through the south pacific and downplayed his heroism his entire life. The greatest generation. He then went on to fight in Korea and raised a wonderful family. Thank you Harry, and all men and women who have fought, currently fight, and will fight for our country.

@estebanmiguel6019

3 жыл бұрын

Superman is a fictional man of steel. Your grandfather and my grandfather (B-17 pilot) were real men of steel.

@andrewerlandson4030

2 жыл бұрын

I knew this man through church . honest man and was always chipper altitude. I didn't know he passed away. good man.

"The Lord had to be the director". No doubt. A true hero.

"My mission was to take them out. I did the best I could" and talking about Japanese coming up behind the tanks "we took care of that" so humble and so badass

@bobbygetsbanned6049

2 жыл бұрын

Even when these guys talk about the war they hardly talk about the war. They keep the fighting parts brief and focus on the bigger picture. It's very rare for them to ever mention anyone doing anything special, they were just doing their job. A very humble generation.

I love how he is so giggly about hardship the things these guys lived through from the time of birth to the end I dont think any of us could even comprehend.

@2DSTORMS

4 жыл бұрын

You can tell the focus on Mount Siribachi Flag raising made him upset. No focusing on troops there in his mind

@johnlarue2248

4 жыл бұрын

@@2DSTORMS He was 100% correct. He thought of his men, his small part of that battle. Marines look out for each other. My father was in WWII also, as a carrier pilot on the Yorktown and U.S.S. Kitkun Bay in Leyte. He never talked about what happened until much later in his life. After going through similar situations, I now know why. They are/were the "Greatest Generation"

@bignoseharry6561

3 жыл бұрын

That you understand respect as you do, I would consider you a good man as well ! I could be incorrect, but, I will stick to my thinking. PS Now after checking out your gig selection, you understand self respect, and hard work, without a doubt. Teach your children that, if you don't mind me saying that. lol. And no one is perfect all the time, we just keep it in mind to attempt it, always...liars are always perfect. Liars. lol. Later !

@bignoseharry6561

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnlarue2248 Thanks.

@70stunes71

3 жыл бұрын

Being a Michigan farm boy and a veteran myself, many of us grew up in poor families, with not much income. My father was a veteran also as were many in the lineage on both side of my parents. We hunt we trap we fish and Farm. It's our way of life here

Wow! 95 years old and still sharp. My dad was was a 22 year old Ensign in 1944 and he has been gone for almost 20 years now. Amazing these tough old guys are still around. Greatest generation by far. This nation got its prosperity off their sacrifice.

@BETTERWORLDSGT

4 жыл бұрын

I used to know a Guy that was in Okinawa,and I've known a few WW 2 and even WW1 Veterans (Great Uncle) but both My Grandfathers were too young for WW1 and too Old for WW2.

@danielcadwell9812

3 жыл бұрын

My Grandpa fought on Okinawa was born in '22 died in '01 at 79.

"Coming ashore at Iwo, we had a bad experience." This is like the least dramatic 3 star Yelp review of all time. Guy was facing the fires of hell, says "it was bad experience."

They do not make men like this anymore. To call them "The Greatest Generation" might be one of the biggest understatements ever. My grandfather was on Iwo Jima (USMC), and I could listen to his stories and look at all of his uniforms & medals for as long as he could stand it back in the early 70'S. I really appreciate all of these vids. Sincerely.

When he said, "of course we handled that." I got chills.

@Thetalinshow

3 жыл бұрын

So badass.

@ryandonahue285

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, you know he's not playing.

@peppermintcatsass3141

3 жыл бұрын

...!

@davidc6032

3 жыл бұрын

Understated, accurate and direct.

Bless his little bad ass heart.

@bigave9949

3 жыл бұрын

Little......??????

@lisarussell8874

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds a bit condescending

@chocolatefrenzieya

3 жыл бұрын

@@lisarussell8874 Well, then, you sound like a lefty.

@lisarussell8874

3 жыл бұрын

@@chocolatefrenzieya sounds like you need to look up the definition of condescending.

@chocolatefrenzieya

3 жыл бұрын

@@lisarussell8874 Sounds like you need to look up the definition of toady.

“How big was that battle?” “Huge!” Let me put it this way. Ten times more people died on Saipan in that three week period than died in 9/11. And you’ve never even heard of it.

people like him are so under appreciated he literally fought for our will to live how we want. he was sacrificing his life for us today. god bless him. thank you for securing our future today sir. doesn’t even disrespect the japanese so humble so brave thank you sir.

As a Marine veteran 99-07 (machine gunner too) this was great to watch. Truly the greatest generation.

@soylentgreen2065

3 жыл бұрын

Semper fi young marine

Best advice ever. "When your receiving fire it's generally not a good idea to stand up" lol

I was honored to have a simular conversation with Ross Riley, US Marine WWII, who was also on that beach with Harry. Mr Riley was a BAR man and shared his experiences of his battles with me for over 3 hours. He was my Wifes Ex Father in Law. He was living out his last years in a Nursing home here in North Central Texas. Sadly, I did not record his stories. Wasn't planning on staying so long. She just liked to stay in touch with him and I went along that day just to meet him. He promised to retell everything to me on video and more when I was able to make a return visit. Sadly I broke both legs & both feet, shortly after that day, and spent almost a year recovering. Ross died before I could get back well enough to see him. I was still in a wheelchair when he passed. That and Covid hit and we were no longer allowed to visit because we were not Immediate Family. The sad part is his family didn't care to hear his stories, so their visits were few and far between. My Uncle Glen (My Dad's Little Brother) Johhnson was also on Iwo Jima Beach with My Riley and Mr Martin, so watching this video is special to me. My Uncle loved to tell me about Iwo after he was parazlized from the neck down in a car accident. I made a trip to see him twice a year. (Not local to me.) My Dad was a Bomber mechanic in England during the war and rarely told us about his experience. But near the end of his life he confessed to me that cleaning out the remains of the Bombers Crews was his heart breaker. He said he tried not to get too attached to the Crew who flew his airplanes, but Dad being 24 said the Kids (most were just Teenagers) were his litte brothers. And it broke his heart when they would shoot off a flair to indicate wounded aboard before landing on the airfield. Dad ended up a Lifer in the Air Force (26 years), so my brothers and I grew up on Military Bases all over the World. I cannot imagine. I was lucky and missed Vietnam by 2 days. The first round of the Draft Lottery saved my life! Very Few of the Greatest Generation left. I tell people, "I grew up in the Shadows of Heroes"! Thanks for posting the Video .

This Channel is doing a service none of us can possibly fully appreciate. Thank you for documenting these men.

My uncle was a Corpsman on Iwo. He was never the same afterwards. Too many memories of the men he couldn't help. RIP Ray.

@umpalumpa1012

2 жыл бұрын

He was The Hero's Hero , Balls of steal. RIP Ray...

@bobbygetsbanned6049

2 жыл бұрын

Corpsmen took serious casualties during Iwo Jima, the job he had to do was absolutely insane. One of these veterans spoke of a corpsman during Iwo who broke down, said he couldn't handle another casualty because there's too many and he can't do anything for them. He was mid sentence when another Marine got hit and yelled out corpsman and without a seconds hesitation he ran right back into the gun fire to help him. I can't imagine how hard that job must have been.

I wish I could meet every single remaining WW2 vet. It would be a true honor to sit among them.

@1joshjosh1

3 жыл бұрын

Well maybe not all of them. Some of them just sat behind a desk The entire War and got paid for it.

@EpicImports

2 жыл бұрын

lots of insane stories from Canadian WWII Vets. I've talked to quite a few of them. Same with British vets, never met many but there's some good interviews on KZread if you search them.

In a world where the word "hero" is GROSSLY overused, this gentleman is a TRUE Hero. Thank you, sir!

My uncle was in Iwo Jima, among others. I never knew it until his funeral when he received a 21 gun solute. After the war he worked for the water department as a meter reader for over 25 years and walked 8hrs. a day for all that time. A comedian and Gene Autry biggest fan. Fred Neal. Great guy.

This man and many others like him have my full respect and gratitude. Born in 63 and lived on a military base for all of my childhood, I remember my father coming back from Vietnam and becoming a drill sergeant. He was a tough but fair man. Finally after I realized I didn’t know more than him about life we became best friends and were until the day he died. I’ve listened to the same stories over and over again as if it was the first time I’ve heard them. They never changed. I repeat some of his stories today with him getting credit. Others I smile about and will always keep to myself. Love you Sgt Major Grover Edward Lewellen 1936 to 2009.

@Dee-nonamnamrson8718

3 жыл бұрын

May he rest in well-earned peace, and may we not lose what he, and those like him, fought to protect.

@icedog3636

3 жыл бұрын

o7

@shteve8533

3 жыл бұрын

god bless

This man is a complete UNIT. They don't make 'em like that anymore. Semper Fi!

@umpalumpa1012

2 жыл бұрын

Actually they still do make them, They are our special forces, SEALS, Delta Force, Night Stockers to name a few , but yes sir, I agree he is among the best of the best...

I'm filled with sadness that these humble magnificent heroes are fewer and fewer each day. We are losing so much history with each passing. Thank you for your sacrifice sir.

My father who is still alive, is the same age as this gentleman. Dad served on board a battle wagon in WW2 at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He said the Marines were tough. He had a lot of respect for them. This man is a great example.

Great guy, like so many others of his generation. My dad was a Marine on Saipan and Iwo and told me on his death bed in 1988 that he was a lucky guy as he got 43 years after Iwo when so many others didn’t. He felt like he was on borrowed time after that.

@bignoseharry6561

3 жыл бұрын

Strong Minded Marines. Look at the Shallow Selection of American Young Men Today. All by design. Psychologically, (Psyopted), Lobotomized, Spines removed, morals destroyed...ALL By DOMESTIC TREASONISTS ! ALL Enemies, Foreign, and DOMESTIC ! ESPECIALLY DOMESTIC ! Get ready Bro's. The heads responsible are abounding ! Surrounded, ?, So, we attack in any direction.

6:06 the way he says it , and looks..... " of course we took care of that " is badass af

My father was a marine on Iwo Jima. He was in the 3rd wave. Came home without a scratch or I wouldn't be here today.

@MurfFJ

2 жыл бұрын

I made a post above but didn't go into great detail. Like you, I'm the son of a Marine who fought on Iwo. I know these things, ( Just FYI) He also was in "The Third Wave", which despite the sound of it, indicates that Your Dad and Mine were in the "First Flotilla" of "Higgins Boats", ( or, "Ducks", as the Marines back then, referred to them). These three waves were literally the tip of the spear. As planned they were "to hit the beach", in mass, which they did. Right up to that point everything had gone as planned, as well as there having been an incredible lack of any noticeable or organized resistance. That wouldn't last. There are several factors that come into play here Bruce, that you may not be aware of that gave Our Fathers the chance to survive those first few Hours on "Bloody Iwo". Usually, ( as experienced on previous Island "Landings"), the 1st Flotilla would bear the "Brunt", of enemy resistance while establishing the "Beach Head". That didn't Happen on Iwo for two reasons. First, It was not the Mission of those 3 "Waves" to establish a "Beach Head". Their Mission was to immediately move inland, regardless of any resistance encountered. If need be, their orders were to by pass or maneuver around resistance, when encountered, Until they reached the area of, "The Airfield". with it's 3 take off and landing strips. Once there, it had been their orders to overcome any resistance, take it out and secure those Landing Strips. The next factor was "The Ducks", which were supposed to "carry those Marines in mass to said Airfield, had been abandoned on the Beach. The thin "Tracks", of The Ducks being unable to scale or climb up the 10 to 20 foot Black sand embankment which lined the entirety of the landing beaches. So those Marines quickly set out on foot moving inland to try and complete their Mission. Consequently they were not all packed together inside the thinly armored amphibious assault vehicles. But rather, on foot, strung out, moving inland, all headed in the direction of the "Airfield.". Again they encountered only slight resistance, and for almost an Hour, they began to believe that the entire operation was going to be what they had been told it would be, ie. A "Walk Over". Any real intelligence the U.S. High command had regarding the Imperial forces on the Island of Iwo Jima, was both little and inaccurate. Official estimates of the Japanese defenders was around 2,500 to 3,000, some were as high as 6,000, but were dismissed, basically, laughed at. This was due to the aerial reconnaissance photos, ( all taken during the day ), showed no indication of troop strength higher than the 3,000 estimate. As the Marines were soon to find out, those estimates were a fantasy. By means of Submarines and Night landings the Japanese troop strength had reached in the month before the invasion of roughly 23,000 combat troops. A majority of them being made up of units of The Japanese Naval Landing Forces, or "NIPS" as they were referred to by the Marine Raiders who had been conducting combat operations against the Japanese for several years already in the Pacific. The Raiders, ( which my Father had been one of) had come to know That "NIPS", were not like ordinary Japanese soldiers, who were referred to, simply as "Japs". NIPS, their actual Title/Name being, "Japanese Imperial Marines", were different. Being exceedingly Well trained, Totally Dedicated, Highly Disciplined, Fierce and Stubborn fighters. These were the Troops, who could be counted on to fight to the death. Which all but a handful did. So Bruce as Fate, or Luck, or just simple happenstance would have it, while Our dads were were taking their relatively unopposed stroll across the Flat lands away from the Beach Head on their way to the Airfield, they had removed themselves from the activity that was taking place on the Beaches. That activity was as beach landings went, and were known to do, had turned into a giant Cluster fluck. It was a mass of Men, Equipment, ( including the hapless "Ducks" that had been left abandoned by the first three waves). Just when you would think that nothing else could fit or find a space on those Beaches, The Japanese Commander gave the order to, "Open Fire". Open fire they did, beginning what is arguably, one of the Greatest, "Bushwhacks", in the history of warfare. Certainly in that of American Combat Arms. The Japanese "Gunners", had pre-plotted every square inch of the coastline along with much of the Island, as well as the sea surrounding Iwo Jima. During the initial barrage of Artillery and Heavy Mortar Fire, they literally "Walked" shells up and down the Beaches`Slaughtering Marines by the hundreds. Even the assault craft approaching the beaches were not spared, many suffering direct hits killing all aboard, literally being blown to smithereens. The Marines of the first 3 waves while being spared from the slaughter on the Beaches began to suffer a different fate. The light resistance that some had felt was to good to be true, were right, as suddenly they found themselves surrounded on all sides, taking causalities from, rifle fire, grenades and well camouflaged heavy machine gun emplacements. Dozens were killed and wounded in the first few hours. The battle that was supposed to be a "Walk Over", turned into a desperate several month long ordeal that claimed more American lives by the square foot than any other battle in our history, perhaps in the entire history of warfare. For the Marines who fought there, survival was by luck. Your Father was indeed one of the luckiest coming off of Bloody Iwo, "without a scratch". My Dad was not quite so lucky. though He did make it off that island alive, ( or as you said, I wouldn't be here ), He was not allowed to leave despite being wounded twice, his wounds were deemed to not be so severe that he needed to be evacuated, mainly due to His skill and expertise with the handling of the single man Flame Thrower, who's services were in High Demand. It was not until several weeks later while attempting to take out yet another "Pill Box", when He was caught, and knocked down in a hail of Machine gun fire. Wher e He laid with the tip of His Flame Thrower still smoking. Before He bled out a couple of His Brother Marines were able to reach Him, dragging him out of the line of fire, stopping the loss of Blood from his right hand and shoulder. He was carried back to the Beach and from there to a overcrowded Hospital Ship, but He left behind a lot of Blood, some fingers and part of his right hand. Your Dad was certainly one of the truly Lucky one's. There's a good chance Our Fathers knew one another. I know that of the 200 or so Marines in My Dads company that landed in the 3rd Wave of the first flotilla, only 11 Marines were not counted among the dead or wounded. Even so,,,, Semper Fi.

This man is like listening to my Dad. Incredible. He cleared the way for my Father who was with the 457th FS 506th FG. Heroes every one of them.

Ya gotta love this guy, what a real tough American man, that was a brave generation ready to go to war before they even turned 18.

@soylentgreen2065

3 жыл бұрын

My uncle went to the S Pacific as a gunner in dive bombers and had to have his mother sign for him bcuz he was only 17. I remarked there was no way id sign for my son to go to combat (I'm former marine). My dad shook his head and said, " in that war, everyone went, there was no question even 17-years-olds were going...we needed everybody." Different times, much different people. Better.

@drinkthekoolaidkids

3 жыл бұрын

A lot of them like my grandad who joined the army at 17 and his brother who joined the navy at 15 , joined up to escape the depression and the farm as much as anything.

The Greatest Generation! Thank you for the freedom I have right now u are a HERO!

@susiearviso3032

3 жыл бұрын

Yes yes yes!

@bobjones2460

3 жыл бұрын

Your freedom was stolen by the politicians at home, not from abroad.

Truly the greatest generation! It makes me proud to know that I’m a living descendant of a WW2 Veteran!

My father was a USMC machine gunner on Iwo and Okinawa, Second Battalion, 29th Marines. He was also shot (wounded) on Iwo Jima. Dad passed away in 2004 from cancer. He spoke little of his fighting experiences, yet loved talking about friends and those he served with. Following the surrender he was assigned to Tsingtao China as a part of the "China Marines". I believe things happened with those guys at Iwo and Okinawa that causes too much pain to discuss. The hurt is still too great, the memories too real. Being a military veteran myself and being discharged almost 50 years ago, I can still remember many of those I had the pleasure to serve alongside and can understand the feeling, although I didn't have anywhere near the same experiences. I am so thankful for the real heroes that gave of themselves, few are left as age has taken its toll, but we will always remember what they accomplished.

@dennisplatte7506

2 жыл бұрын

For sure you dad was on Okinawa------because the 29th Marines fought there. Iwo Jima had the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Maine Divisions------and Okinawa had the 1st, 2nd, and 6th Marine Divisions. The 6th Marine Division had the 29th Marines. They were fought at pretty much the same time. So if he was with the 28th Marines-----he would have fought at Iwo Jima---if the 29th Marine------would have fought at Sugar Loaf on Okinawa-----a really tough battle---if he lasted that long. You dad could have fought on Guam-----with my dad's 3rd Marine Division-----and the Marine Brigade with the 29th Marines. My dad's company on Guam had the Bonzai come thru them on the 5th day----and were down to 19 of the 220 that landed 5 days prior. Check out Guam Bonzai-----Company B, 1st Battaion, 21st Marine Regiment. His Company was sent to A and C Company until enough wounded and replacement brought them back to near strength. My dad said the Companies ususually had about 100 in them-----after taking the losses the first week or so.

@larryrucker

2 жыл бұрын

@@dennisplatte7506 I can only refer you to "Take China" by Hal Stephens about where they were. My father has passed many years ago, and I only had his account of actions. I know Hal Stephens wrote about my father and of them having been at both battles prior to their China duty. I don't know exactly of their divisions, regiment, or Company.

@dennisplatte7506

2 жыл бұрын

@@larryrucker The infantry Regiments wouldn't have been at both battles. But could have been landing craft and landing parties\shore parties delivering men and goods ashore that could have done that at both battles. But the Regiments would get a bit of a rest after a battle as tough and deadly as Iwo Jima. Most infantry Regiments lost nearly 2/3rds of their men KIA or Wounded-----Iwo was that bad. If you want-----you could likely find more about you dad and his units. I got a rooster of my dad's company B on both Guam and Iwo Jima----so he could look up his buddies for a 3rd Marine Division reunion. I got it from the Marine Corps History Division. Dad then found a lot of his buddies-----and got them to attend future reunions. I met the guys in his Company at a couple of reunions. My dad's Company left Iwo Jima with only 8 of the 220 that landed 33 days earlier. My dad was shot-----late in the battle. The 8 that made it thru unscathed----sure didn't head to Okinawa. And a few companies over----only 4 originals walked off the Island. Hope you can find your fathers company-----and follow it thru the War. Did your dad attend any reunions?

These men and women will be gone soon. Very soon. All of them. It breaks my heart. They taught us so much when we still bothered to listen. I don't know how we can raise well adjusted children without them around. We continue to stay from their humility and patriotism.

@bradbrubaker8247

4 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly.

@KingZealotTactics

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, learning from our elders is so important for the future yet in recent times we tend to throw them in the back and forget about them.

@urgeyobitch5821

3 жыл бұрын

Very very few women but true

@Bloodhound_Dogg

3 жыл бұрын

Amen!!

@halbutler4059

3 жыл бұрын

And as they pass, the left rewrites their heroism. Turning sports turds into baby ruths & force feeding the bs of communism. Please don't give up on the freedom they died for. 🇺🇸

One of the few that can laugh in the face of death.

@Thetalinshow

3 жыл бұрын

@sneksnekitsasnek when he was talking about the Japanese dead soldier he took his first sword from. He had a huge smile lol. Dude is tough as hell...

"Of course we took care of that.." The confidence of a warrior can not be broken easily.

Reminds me of a vet I knew Moses cage that man carried out a amazing life. He was a Tuskegee airman in the army air core. Rest In Peace his soul. He told me many stories before he passed and I’ll always remember them.

A fellow Yooper, and a tough man I could only hope to emulate...thank you, sir, for your service. My uncle died on Iwo he was in the 4th Marines also.

@sandymcquestion3824

4 жыл бұрын

My Uncle also died in Iwa Jima, 4th infantry marine, also in a tank. I wonder if he knew him. Not sure if he is responding to any messages. If he is, please let me know.

@soylentgreen2065

3 жыл бұрын

God rest him. Semper Fi'

@williamweiss3620

3 жыл бұрын

God bless your Uncle. He made the Ultimate sacrifice for this great nation.

So this dude was on Iwo for the whole time as a machine gunner and was only hit twice? Wow.

@falconmoose1589

4 жыл бұрын

Remarkable, right?

@truth8758

3 жыл бұрын

If you didntt believe in a higher being before after going thru that you will after lol Wow

@TheTeehee11111

3 жыл бұрын

@@truth8758 Maybe not, seeing all the blood from your brothers in arms.

@grabber_blu_angel

3 жыл бұрын

@@truth8758 My grandfather was on Iwo and Okinawa and he became a Pastor when he came home. He would never talk about either battle.

@roderickstockdale1678

3 жыл бұрын

DaltonThomas his duty?

As a fellow Michigander, mad respect to this man and his service. Most people these days have no idea how lucky and fortunate we are.

Nonchalantly "First we secured Saipan, then Tinian"....GEEZ, thousands died in those battles! Amazing he survived multiple major engagements in battles where the death rates were breathtaking! These men were brave beyond measure.

This man is so mild-mannered for such a badass. Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima, I can't imagine the horrors this man witnessed. All combat is bad, but Saipan and Iwo were especially bad.

I was lucky enough to interview an Iwo Jima veteran in my home town named Dewey back in 2015 one of the best and most important memories I have. God bless these men.

I was one of the last of the Old Corps Marines (before crossed rifles) and one of the lucky ones who was too young for Korea and out before Vietnam and never saw combat. After listen to Harry's experience, I would call him another one of those who I consider a hero among heroes. He did his job, and took life in stride, however came, and kept his life in the proper perspective. Semper Fi Marine! (nothing cold be a higher tribute than that).

Thank you sir, your generation of Marines gave my generation of Marines the pride and name that we still carry today. It is an honor to hear your story. It is unfortunate that there was background noise though, I think during an interview of this magnitude...we can give the man the respect of a quiet environment and audience to tell his story. But, I am honored all the same.

He is still a young Marine at heart😂I love it!! He lights up with laughter when he talks about the dangerous stuff, just like us young vets. God bless this man.

@Mo.1988

Жыл бұрын

Cringe

“While they were putting that flag up, I’m losing men..” these guys were all bad a$$

@j.c.h7127

3 жыл бұрын

My Dad was in the 28th. Marines from the 2nd battalion scaled Mt. Suribachi and put up the 1st flag. Their objective was to cut off the volcano and then to capture it. Because of Rosenthal and the photograph, the 28th got most of the attention: bond tour and newspapers and books and movies. Vets got one type of question a lot. "What were you doing when the flag went up?" So there was a bit of resentment among the Marines who landed and turned right to take the North half of the island. It Became, 5th Div up the left side; 3rd Div up the middle; and 4th Div up the right. Nobody got out of that.

God bless this awesome man my grandpa was a ww2 vet he would sit down in the padio by his pool and tell me stories of the war with very small glass of beer he was my hero I was the only one he talked to about the war what stories he told me such brave men by his side he could build a house from the foundation to the roof and every thing inside god I have tears in my eyes now thinking of him he past away in 83 I was 22 I miss him so very much!!!!!!!!!!!❤

I love the fact he can still crack up when he shares his is experience.

God bless you Sir. An American hero.

This man deserves a medal of Honor. And the rest of the men who were with him.

He's one tough man. These people deserve honor & respect from all of us. Thank you all for serving!🗽🇺🇲 Side note: In 1971 my 5th grade class took a field trip from Yigo Elementary on Guam to Saipan, led by our teacher, Mr Beam. We toured many of the war remnants, beached tanks, cave prisons, etc., these men faced. I was awe struck by what we found. It's so much more inspirational hearing Mr. Martin's first person account. Thank you!

My Father was on every island at the time as Mr. Harry Martin. My Father passed away when I was young. Fifty three years ago. So I never heard any stories from him. Just a few small boxes that he kept without any knowledge why. So I watch these videos to learn what he went through.....

This man makes me proud to be a born and raised Michigander. The area he grew up in is tough now. Cant imagine it in 1928. My family were trappers in the same area during that time and I've heard some stories.

My uncle was also in the 4th Marine Division, Saipan and Iwo Jima. Sadly he has passed several years ago.

@billlimpert2909

3 жыл бұрын

My uncle was 4th marines, died on Iwo Jima. 🇺🇸

@Julienkwiecien

3 жыл бұрын

Do you know his Regiment ?

@seldonwright4345

3 жыл бұрын

Mine too. Except for Iwo Jima.

@rickbennett7116

3 жыл бұрын

my uncle was in the 5th marine div H company 3rd battalion 26th marine. rip uncle ..

Semper Fi fellow Airborne Marine. Back in his day, it was even more rare than when I was. Gold wingers only.

Enjoy hearing Harry's stories, god bless his valor and heroism.

Very articulate gentleman. As a Marine Officer in the 80's, I say to him - Semper Fi Marine. I could not be more proud to be in the lineage of such great men!

My grandfather was in WW2, my dad in the Korean War, and I was in the first Gulf War. Fortunately no one in family experienced Vietnam

@michaelsiemering513

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service, my father was a WW2 marine

@haro8839

3 жыл бұрын

I am sincerely grateful for your service and sacrifice Mr. Art Freeman. Thank you.

@atomant2969

3 жыл бұрын

This is very questionable 🤨

@myballs24

3 жыл бұрын

My father was in the first gulf war when he was in the Royal Marines.

Thank you Sir...my 65 years as an American is because of your greatness, we owe it all to the greatest generation

Imagine being 95 yrs old and still having to carry those huge balls he must have around! What an absolute mad man and TRUE hero! Wow!!

After decades still remembers his job as a machine gunner. The FPL...final protective line. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Still something gun crews use. He’s sharp as a tack. Thank you for defending this nation sir.

He is a true American Patriot and Hero. WWII Vets are a dying breed now and to me they are my heroes. My Uncle Nick was a Marine and he also was wounded and fought in the battle of Iwo Jima. I forget what division he was.

These men my fellow Marines I salute you Sir, my uncle Manuel fought in 3 campaign's , wounded twice Semper Fi .

When I was in high school my cousins lived next to a 4th marine division veteran that did the exact same tour as this man - Saipan, Tinian , and Iwo Jima. He was from Wisconsin as this man was from the UP. I got to know him and recorded his stories on a cassette tape. The stories he told still shock me 25 years later when I think of them. A hard man - he needed to be - but inexpressibly brave. I am truly glad I knew him.

Good Ole Northern Michigan Man you cant get much better. This man is a hero . Thank you for keeping me free sir .

@MitchJohnson0110

3 жыл бұрын

I'm a Yooper as well, Escanaba 😁 I've never been more proud

My dad, Bernard J. McCluskey Jr, served in the Army as a medic in the last two years in the Pacific theater. He would never talk about his time in the war. After Japan surrendered, he spent time in Japan. He did say most of the civilians were very polite and were just glad the war was over.

Lot's of respect for you sir and God bless you for your service

With all due respect, Mr. Martin is one tough SOB. It's in his blood. God bless you, Sir, and all those like you.

The interviewer kept asking " so you were shooting blind?" Almost like it didn't make sense to him. But this mans job was to keep constant heavy pressure on the enemy, obviously they want to hit any possible target but more so it to keep the enemy under a state of Chaos and to keep them pinned down, making it difficult for them to move around to regroup or resupply, eventually they will come out their hole then they could get them. But if you can control the chaos then you direct the battle abd that leads to a win.

@leonidandreev1171

3 жыл бұрын

Seriously - I was wondering, is it just me, or does the interviewer guy really sound like a bit of a jackass? Aside from some dumb questions he's asking - something about his tone of voice is just wrong; like he's talking to a drinking buddy, not a 95 y.o. war hero.

@brandenjones716

3 жыл бұрын

@@leonidandreev1171 ya ive watched a bunch of his interviews a d the tone is always there, i dont think he realizes it, or he is trying to be louder so they can hear him which throws his tone off, im definitely greatfull for the work he does tho cause these stories are amazing and will soon be extinct unfortunately.

@truth8758

3 жыл бұрын

Perfectly said

@AlejandroRodriguez-le7pm

3 жыл бұрын

@Damn Randy It was Alligator creek or Crocodile Creek. Robert Leckie wrote about it in his book "Helmet for my Pillow".

@markalley4810

3 жыл бұрын

@Damn Randy I think that was Alligator Creek.

19:40 ..Q: what do you want younger generations to know about your service, and those you served with? A: "to be aware of the blood loss and sacrifice" ....That is why I stand for the national anthem. Can't imagine what kind of hell these boys went through to ensure our nation remained free. We will forever be indebted to these brave heroes

@sandranatali1260

Жыл бұрын

While checking out at our local Walmart, I casually remarked that I was a war baby. I couldn't believe my ears, she said what war? I realize she was of Philippine descent, I told her she need to learn about WW2, because of her ancestors and the American soldiers that died to give her the freedom she is blessed to have. I explained that if these men didn't fight for her and others, she'd be speaking Japanese and her life would be completely different. She promised me that she would research WW2, especially what happened in her home country. She had no idea of the war, and showed remorse of not knowing. Hopefully, I helped just one of our youth to learn about the blood and sacrifice that the men who fought for our freedom. It's sad as the years pass, WW2 is a forgotten time. Our youth and our future is lost! WW2 history is not being taught in the schools like we were taught many years ago. WW2 veterans is what established the pride in our country. The Vietnam war and era took away the pride we held.

Thank you for your service. A human being, man, soldier, patriot, historian, survivor, certified Badass. Deserves respect! The reason you stand for the anthem, never disrespect the American flag, and hopefully realize freedom is not free!

My Great Uncle served in Iwo Gima and was awarded a the navy cross. I’ve been trying to find videos of people who were there ever since I found out in a time when extraordinary men like these are needed. Thank you for your service

Anyone who criticizes the use of the bomb needs to talk to this gentleman!

@solarian_13

3 жыл бұрын

Ehhhhh, the bombs killed over 130k people, a lot of them civilians. I don’t think the comparison of the atomic bombs and this man’s sacrifice is apples and oranges.

@plombme

3 жыл бұрын

@@solarian_13 ....You need a history lesson...Invading Japan would have cost 1 million US casualties....And even more Japanese!

@frosmane9041

3 жыл бұрын

@@solarian_13 2 bombs and 130 thousand people vs 3 or 4 more years and a million people for each year. hmm

@plombme

3 жыл бұрын

@itsboogi time = Bull

@junlerou6600

3 жыл бұрын

@@plombme seems like you need a history lesson. Japan was ready to surrender to Russia, but the US was having none of that. The bomb was just the start of the cold war.

Certified badass.

I’m proud to be from the same place as this man and to serve after him

@only5186

3 жыл бұрын

Im from the lower Mitten but ill def claim this gentleman as my own! You as well sir! Semper Fi

I talked to an old guy once that was in the Navy in WW2 was wounded, came back stateside to San Francisco, he went AWOL from the Navy enlisted in the Marines and went through basic and was immediately deployed. By the time his AWOL arrest paper work caught up with him he was in action on Iwo Jima. He said he just wanted to kill the enemy and going AWOL was the fastest way to do it. He was a total bad ass. He loved old John Deere tractors.

He had me at "I grew up as a trapper."

@nmkasprkasprowicz4615

3 жыл бұрын

Lol.

@Hisslave1

3 жыл бұрын

Me too. I was a trapper too.

@14goldmedals

3 жыл бұрын

"I was born in a trapper's cabin" now that's a great opening sentence to a novel.

True hero, incredible man. My grandfather fought the Japanese in Hong Kong. That generation was the greatest we will ever know. Thank you sir, from Canada.

@victoriaalvarez1557

4 жыл бұрын

sneksnekitsasnek I am Canadian my husbands family is from Texas

@susiearviso3032

3 жыл бұрын

@sneksnekitsasnek he looks caucasion to me.

@MiaMooreA

3 жыл бұрын

In 1941, Commonwealth troops were deployed to Hong Kong.

@ironnads7975

3 жыл бұрын

@@susiearviso3032 they aren't talking about the guy being interviewed. Pay attention.

The average life-span of a machine gunner was 5 minutes in combat! That he lived is amazing because obviously you’d want to kill the machine gun!!!! This dude is so cool!

@maxymorzeszko8344

2 жыл бұрын

Wow. That is one of that statistics that are pointed out by someone who doesent know much about pacific. 5minutes where? At iwo Jima? At average? At bootcamp? Besides thats false, even at iwo it was not 5min for mg...

@Blackowl44

2 жыл бұрын

Maybe for a Japanese machine gunner lol

@dennisplatte7506

2 жыл бұрын

Or they'd like to kill the flame-throwers most, or the Corpsmen, or the leaders-----officers. Think about 20 of the 24 battalion commanders at Iwo were wounded or killed. My dad was a machine gunner on 3 islands in WWII----and made it through Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima-----until about 3 days before Iwo Jima was secured. So your 5 minute thing is wrong. And I've heard that being a radioman with the antenna was the most dangerous-----but who really knows. The Japanese shot who was in their sights-----. This guy was cool----and so sharp for 95-----or even for 75. .

THESE GUYS WERE GROWN UP BRAVE MEN AT AGE 17. WAR MAKES YOU GROW UP REAL FAST. THEY WERE WILLING TO DIE FOR THE COUNTRY THEY LOVED, THEY WERE "America's greatest generation"!

Thank all our vet's for their service.

GOD BLESS THE GREATEST GENERATION EVER !!!

The absolute best generation in my mind. They went through everything, didn’t complain and got the job done. In my mind we owe them for everything today. If you ever have a chance to talk to one of these people , take the time. You will not be disappointed. Absolutely amazing.

This man is a hero... just like my grandfather. He was wounded on Iwo Jima and laid in a ditch for several hours because the fighting was so intense that no one could get up to him! He never really wanted to talk about it tho, but I would have loved to sit down and just listen to his stories for a while