Prince William - American Hero?

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  • čas přidán 22. 06. 2023
  • It was widely reported that the US awarded Prince William a medal in 2008 - but what's the story behind the award?
    Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
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    Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
    Credits: US National Archives; MoD; Simon Dawson - 10 Downing Street; Katie Chan; Robert Payne; Eva Rinaldi; Cosmopolitan; WyrdLight.com; Jon-Flider; hey; Carfax2.

Komentáře • 895

  • @fishpants3877
    @fishpants3877 Před rokem +733

    The guy was directly involved with rescuing 149 people. Flying a helicopter under non-emergency conditions must be dangerous. Emergency conditions (I assume) must be much worse. So he didn't engage in military conflict involving killing people. He did (it appears) risk his royal ass to save lives.

    • @rodintoulouse3054
      @rodintoulouse3054 Před rokem +33

      you mean like any other life and rescue pilot who gets to live in crappy house, struggles to pay a mortgage, pays taxes, send his kids to the local school and doesn’t have nannies, valets and secretaries to do his day to day stuff? Playing to have a fun job for a while while exploiting a gullible nation doesn’t qualify as doing something for the country. Otherwise he would have a real medal for that, not only ones for attendance to his granny’s birthday bash. Believe me, they aren’t making many sacrifices, otherwise they would have quit a long time ago

    • @neilmcbeath954
      @neilmcbeath954 Před rokem +146

      @@rodintoulouse3054 Goodness me, aren't you Mr. Bitterness?

    • @rodintoulouse3054
      @rodintoulouse3054 Před rokem +19

      @@neilmcbeath954 not at all! On the contrary. Just not blinded by the shining things dangled in from of my eyes by the monarchy to make me believe they are worth anything .

    • @TheWareek
      @TheWareek Před rokem +51

      @@rodintoulouse3054 he was doing the job the same as every one else who did it.

    • @neilmcbeath954
      @neilmcbeath954 Před rokem +90

      @@rodintoulouse3054 I think you mean "in front of my eyes", but in this instance, "the monarchy" is dangling nothing. Someone within the US Coastguard, which operates under the aegis of the US Department of Homeland Security, decided that the (now) Prince of Wales, together with a group of other British navy personnel were worthy recipients of a medal for having intercepted and stopped some Columbian drug smugglers. The fact that you do not agree with this is immaterial, but twenty five years military service did lead me to the conclusion that those most likely to sneer at medals, are the people who have none themselves.

  • @duanepigden1337
    @duanepigden1337 Před rokem +428

    When I was in the Canadian military we had a good conduct metal that took 12 years to earn. We called it 12 years of undetected crime.

    • @unclejohnbulleit2671
      @unclejohnbulleit2671 Před rokem +36

      Same for the USCG, but ours only took four years and we called it the "Didn't get caught medal".

    • @duanepigden1337
      @duanepigden1337 Před rokem +6

      @@unclejohnbulleit2671 -- I like it.

    • @DPBGMODELRAILROAD
      @DPBGMODELRAILROAD Před rokem +10

      USN and I believe the USMC also takes four years to receive the GCM (or 4 years of undetected crime ) but the US Army and USAF (I believe) only required three years. Also this medal was for enlisted personnel only not officers!

    • @swbeyer8349
      @swbeyer8349 Před rokem +4

      ​​@@DPBGMODELRAILROADt's three years for the U. S. Marine Corps. I received mine in 1970 after threep years of active duty. We also called it the, "I didn't get caught medal." A Marine Corps vet I spoke to recently referred to the Good Conduct Medal as the "Good Cookie." The good conduct period for the U.S. Navy was reduced from four years to three years in the 1970's.

    • @reccecs4
      @reccecs4 Před rokem +4

      Minor distinction, but the CD isn’t a good conduct medal, it’s a long service medal that has good conduct as a prerequisite for award. It literally says “service” on it, and was the replacement for all previous long service medals. It’s only the last eight years of the 12 that have to be crime free lol… and even then minor punishments don’t count, so there’s some wiggle room lol.

  • @philprice3870
    @philprice3870 Před rokem +32

    I live about 5miles from RAF Valley where Prince William was based.I also had the pleasure of serving him during my Job on the Railway. A very polite unassuming person you could wish too meet.Both William & Catherine were well liked here On Anglesey ,you could bump into the while out shopping or in a pub of an evening or weekend.

    • @gillcawthorn7572
      @gillcawthorn7572 Před rokem +5

      Same when they lived in East Anglia on a more permanent basis .

  • @rob_1359
    @rob_1359 Před rokem +24

    William may not have served in combat front line, but he has served within a front line role and an essential one at that.

  • @natejones902
    @natejones902 Před rokem +386

    I am 12 years US Coast Guard vet, still in, and I was just awarded this award for work I did on deployment in the Caribbean. My dad, who is retired USCG also has it so when I returned home he gave me one of his ribbons. It's cool to see I have a medal a UK royal has now. Didn't know he played with us back in the day.

    • @michaeldoolan7595
      @michaeldoolan7595 Před rokem +20

      US coastguards are incredibly brave and loyal to the USA.
      I've no idea if he deserves this or not.
      God bless you all.

    • @davidsandberg7631
      @davidsandberg7631 Před rokem +8

      Thanks to you and your Father for your service...

    • @silverstar4289
      @silverstar4289 Před rokem +10

      My father was adrift holding onto a capsized boat for three days off the Bahamas until a CG helicopter located he and his companions.

    • @TheWareek
      @TheWareek Před rokem +7

      @@michaeldoolan7595 maybe not for his short stint there, but his continued service is to be respected.

    • @michaeldoolan7595
      @michaeldoolan7595 Před rokem +10

      @TheWareek anyone who serves their country deserves respect.

  • @featherweight1910
    @featherweight1910 Před rokem +111

    Served on a USCG ship and worked with the Iron Duke in the Carib during this time. Had no idea that Prince William was aboard until after the patrol and it came out in the news.

    • @ralphm6901
      @ralphm6901 Před rokem +4

      Regarding the speed boat incident: "the Royal Marine opened fire on the speed boat's engine, disabling it". Typical understatement, the Marine was in a helicopter chasing the speed boat which would have been bouncing across the wavetops.

    • @Jeff55369
      @Jeff55369 Před rokem +2

      @@ralphm6901 slow is smooth, smooth is fast. :P

    • @I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music
      @I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music Před 11 měsíci

      The Brits have possessions in the Caribbean?

    • @ralphm6901
      @ralphm6901 Před 11 měsíci +3

      @@I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music there's a good chance that the British Virgin Islands are, you know, British.

    • @I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music
      @I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music Před 11 měsíci

      @@ralphm6901Are they virginal too?

  • @kellybreen5526
    @kellybreen5526 Před rokem +41

    Not many people get the opportunities that William has, by that I mean he has been allowed to pursue very interesting professions.
    That said, he still had to apply himself. He had to learn and hone his skills.
    His accomplishments are real.

  • @Sharpbevel
    @Sharpbevel Před rokem +81

    As some with 2 coast guard achievement medals I finally have something in common with the future king. LOL!

    • @ShaggyRax
      @ShaggyRax Před rokem +3

      Congratulations 🍾 nd thanks for your service sir 🇺🇸

    • @Sharpbevel
      @Sharpbevel Před rokem +3

      @@ShaggyRax thank you! How kind.

  • @tokencivilian8507
    @tokencivilian8507 Před rokem +28

    Well, whatever us 'Mericans may think of the upper crust of the UK, there is the culture that their sons must, and will, serve as officers and take a soldiers chance along side the commoner. And do so prior to taking their place in said upper crust. Over the top with nothing but a pistol and riding crop in front of the lads and pointing the way. A form of noblesse oblige done right. Respect that they served. (Hand over heart, I salute you Sir).

  • @ronti2492
    @ronti2492 Před rokem +72

    Thanks Mark! Impressed by the service your ( our- I'm Australian) royals render. Being an SAR pilot is no small thing, he gets my salute for that one.

    • @himemjam
      @himemjam Před rokem +6

      Truth! SAR truly does God's work. Going up against Mother Nature to rescue one of your fellow humans takes guts.

    • @klydon1291
      @klydon1291 Před rokem +4

      I have heard people be rather derisive towards the Royals at times about their military service. Having been stationed in Iceland for a couple of years and knowing what our local SARs detachment went through, I have no issue at all saluting anyone who performs this often dangerous role. Our SARs detachment would fly to the aid of anyone who needed them and sometimes had to have 15-20 airborne refueling sessions to get out far enough to reach where they needed to go. (The detachment had a converted C-130 tanker). Just amazing.

    • @ronti2492
      @ronti2492 Před rokem +2

      @@klydon1291 very cool, Iceland would have been a terrific posting. I spent a short time on several operations in the back of helos as part of an aeromed evac team. So my salute to the pilots is more than academic!

  • @mightyps3353
    @mightyps3353 Před rokem +110

    I had no idea he had won a Coast Guard Achievement medal. Thanks Mark! Great video as always!

    • @jamestallakson8999
      @jamestallakson8999 Před rokem +5

      You don't win it, you are awarded it. It's not a competition

    • @Frankie5Angels150
      @Frankie5Angels150 Před rokem +4

      Achievement medals are among the lowest of the “breathing” awards. I got several just for showing up certain places.
      Commendations are a bit higher but still no big deal.

    • @mercian7
      @mercian7 Před rokem +1

      @@Frankie5Angels150 Then how cheap American medals are.

  • @wmsd45
    @wmsd45 Před rokem +134

    HM Puddle Pirate - I say that in jest as an ex-squid 🙂. The USCG, while not part of of the DOD, does some amazing rescue work while getting no attention from the press. Their rescue pilots and swimmers are tops. God only knows how many American lives they saved in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, plus they were fun to work with. Semper Paratus.

    • @rutabagasteu
      @rutabagasteu Před rokem +4

      I lived on the Gulf Coast back then. While I did evacuate, when I got back on the coast I saw on television numerous Coast Guard rescues of flooding victims.

    • @scrubsrc4084
      @scrubsrc4084 Před rokem +13

      you cant be ex forces unless you are shit talking other departments. not heard "puddle pirates" in a long time lol

    • @fastone942
      @fastone942 Před rokem +2

      @@scrubsrc4084 I was just thinking the same thing and laughing my butt away

    • @ethanmcdowell9677
      @ethanmcdowell9677 Před rokem +2

      I was a DOT era Coastie.... 1991-1995. Much different back then. Our annual budget was a fraction of what it is now....

    • @RCAvhstape
      @RCAvhstape Před rokem +3

      @@scrubsrc4084 The 3 American sea services, puddle pirates, gyrenes, and squids.

  • @cior8837
    @cior8837 Před rokem +79

    2 videos from Dr. Mark felton in a day? amazing! i hope this channel has more long form audio videos planned. i really enjoyed listening to those while working. Great video as always Dr.!

  • @battlejitney2197
    @battlejitney2197 Před rokem +89

    Only the man who wears the medal knows its true worth and only those who served with him can truly judge.

    • @jeremy28135
      @jeremy28135 Před rokem +3

      Good point 👍🏼

    • @EndWach-gi1nh
      @EndWach-gi1nh Před rokem

      A a relative of the subjugated Irish, whom land was strategically acquired by immoral WASP bankers, then put into servitude, I Will not relinquish my thoughts of judgement against anyone Participating or contributing to that bullshit.

    • @Dr.Schlitz
      @Dr.Schlitz Před rokem +1

      Nice slogan, but incompatible with civilian control of the military.

    • @MadisonSquareGardendidJFK
      @MadisonSquareGardendidJFK Před rokem +2

      AdoIf Hitler Windsor had medals as well

    • @myamdane6895
      @myamdane6895 Před rokem

      @@MadisonSquareGardendidJFKAnd?

  • @paulheitkemper1559
    @paulheitkemper1559 Před rokem +38

    I had no idea. My opinion of Prince William just went up a notch. Thanks, Dr. Felton.

  • @chrislj2890
    @chrislj2890 Před rokem +32

    I now have even more respect for this man, and I think that if a country needs a king he'd make a great one.

  • @revman417
    @revman417 Před rokem +57

    The fact that our future king was involved in the repatriation of a soldier who lost his life in the service of, at that time his grandmother, must have been a poignant experience for him. However the Prince of Wales has always seemed fully grounded in what our late Queen Elizabeth II valued extremely highly i.e. 'service'.

  • @trishalivingston1051
    @trishalivingston1051 Před rokem +5

    William has what I call the perfect pilot personality. Unruffled, clear headed, unassuming, focused, and self-last!

  • @greenerz
    @greenerz Před rokem +107

    Mark Felton videos are always amazing 😊

  • @phlogistanjones2722
    @phlogistanjones2722 Před rokem +14

    As a Yank I am not overly fond of "The Royals" but I was always ***QUITE*** impressed by the Queen Mother and the Queen. They served with distinction, honor and the Queen in particular had a kind of moxy that "regular" people seldom demonstrate. WWII service and what not including the fact that that "tough old bird" drove about the Scottish hills hunting, fishing and fixed her own Land Rover etc.
    QUITE the lady. William impressed me as well by becoming a SAR pilot and afterwards a private medivac helo pilot. Never a big fan of Prince Charles but I dare say that if and when William will most likely serve well as King.
    Thank you for another great video Dr. Felton!
    CHEERS!

    • @jimarcher5255
      @jimarcher5255 Před rokem

      Until Andrew’s escapades with Epstein, I always thought Charles was the doofus in the family.

    • @gillcawthorn7572
      @gillcawthorn7572 Před rokem +2

      When Prince William did his voluntary work for the East Anglian Helicopter service ,he lived in the area with his family Although it was part time ,due to being a workng Royal, all his pay from this work was given to local charities .
      He has the same sense of service to the community that his grandmother had ,thank goodness

  • @JohnRodriguesPhotographer
    @JohnRodriguesPhotographer Před rokem +131

    I don't know if Prince William is an American hero. I have watched him grow up under the invasive eye of the damned paparazzi. I doubt any of his critics could handle growing up as he did, Nor his life since. What I see is a good man. A man that has been raised since day one to be under a microscope, a man that be the King of England. I believe he will do well.

    • @garethoneill5676
      @garethoneill5676 Před rokem +14

      King of the UK if you don't mind

    • @philgiglio7922
      @philgiglio7922 Před rokem +6

      He Is his mother's son, not the father's

    • @Nn-3
      @Nn-3 Před rokem +13

      ​@@garethoneill5676 Also King of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries.

    • @imnotyourfriendbuddy1883
      @imnotyourfriendbuddy1883 Před rokem +3

      well the rest of us dont get to live in a palace or inherit a fortune. The lifetime of free money makes the paparazzi more bearable.

    • @musicandbooklover-p2o
      @musicandbooklover-p2o Před rokem +4

      @@philgiglio7922 Wrong, luckily he is his FATHER'S son and not his mothers, the mother's son is Harry and we've all seen what he is like {and I'm not going into his military service, I wasn't there and I don't believe half the things claimed by people who - allegedly - were there serving alongside his regiment, albeit often with mile high chips on their shoulders].
      What I would like is an UNBIASED account of what he did or didn't do - especially as most people only concentrate on his 2nd tour, with wildly conflicting accounts of what he did or did not do both on and off duty including use of illicit substances. It would be interesting for the claims and counterclaims to be put to bed once and for all because while people have spoken out in regards to his first tour [and they have been totally ignored, presumably because their statements don't fit the preconceived image] the claims about his 2nd tour are so wildly opposing as to be ridiculous at this stage. Some obviously have a grudge/chip on their shoulder and many never once served but I wish someone REPUTABLE would investigate and simply state what is or is not accurate in the versions out there, especially as many do not show the British army in a good light at all - as in the alleged claims about what he got up to especially off duty in regards to wine, women and drugs. Would love to see the smirks wiped off the faces of some of the more rabid accusers - who are often NOT from the UK anyway - given the actions that they blithely accuse the British Army of condoning and permitting/covering up simply because he was a prince.

  • @cliffordcasnermillar4976

    Imagine being lost at sea & then when the helicopter shows up, Prince William is the pilot.

  • @arkbuilder2012
    @arkbuilder2012 Před rokem +15

    I’d say that neither William’s nor Harry’s military service is anything to be ashamed of and they served their country admirably. ‘Hero’ in the standard sense - probably not. Like the 95% of the rest of us that served.

  • @blinard1
    @blinard1 Před rokem +10

    William was never 3rd in line to the throne. He was born 2nd in line.

  • @michaelbrown3037
    @michaelbrown3037 Před rokem +6

    Coastie here, BZ Prince William for earning the CGAM, and BZ to you Dr. Felton for continued fine research and sharing.

  • @michaelbird3887
    @michaelbird3887 Před rokem +94

    The now much-reviled Prince Andrew was a helicopter pilot in the Falklands War, tasked with the dangerous mission of acting as an aerial decoy to attract Argentine anti-ship missiles away from target. His medals include some (very) genuine active-service awards, which is now conveniently forgotten. His brother, now the King, commanded a minesweeper but was never allowed into combat for the reasons given in the video above.

    • @utpharmboy2006
      @utpharmboy2006 Před rokem +20

      that is interesting. he made some dumb decisions but having sex with a willing 17 year old female just may not be the worst crime ever committed....just 100 years ago it was normal for women to get married at 14 or 15

    • @MervynPartin
      @MervynPartin Před rokem +8

      As you said, now conveniently forgotten, yet both him and Harry served with credit, unlike their father.

    • @raypurchase801
      @raypurchase801 Před rokem

      @@utpharmboy2006 The REAL story behind Andy's involvement on E's island can't be written about. Every time I leave a detailed comment, CZcams's algorithms recognise some words and phrases. They always render my comments invisible. Hard for me to leave a comment whilst avoiding those phrases. E was running a hun knee pot operation on behalf of a well-known intelligence agency. Film VIPs performing sex acts with juveniles and blackmail them. Then the eff bee eye found out and closed the operation. A was enticed and befriended by a billionaire specifically for that purpose.

    • @nntflow7058
      @nntflow7058 Před rokem +19

      @@utpharmboy2006 Let's not minimize Pedophilia. That is sickening.

    • @utpharmboy2006
      @utpharmboy2006 Před rokem

      @@nntflow7058im not! a pedophile is someone who is attracted to unsexually developed people which is gross.... the person he had sex with was days away from being a legal adult. illegal? yes. disgusting like a pedopile, no. they are not the same thing.

  • @jenniferwood8944
    @jenniferwood8944 Před rokem +9

    Thank you for these uplifting stories about the Prince of Wales! HRH deserves this, this was so positive! I read a person being rescued when he was search and rescue and it took him a while to realise the future King was at his side helping him! "Great, awesome is what comes to mind! Thank you HRH Prince William, your true character has shone through, we adore you!

    • @CymruEmergencyResponder
      @CymruEmergencyResponder Před rokem

      The Prince of Wales died in 1282.

    • @myamdane6895
      @myamdane6895 Před rokem

      @@CymruEmergencyResponderLmao every time Wales is mentioned a scrawny little welshman crawls out from the depths

  • @dougearnest7590
    @dougearnest7590 Před rokem +28

    Good for him! Charle's son while in the Royal Navy was given a U.S. award for putting himself in harm's way participating in a big cocaine bust, while the Big Guy's son was kicked out of the U.S. Navy for testing positive for cocaine.

    • @charliegruchy530
      @charliegruchy530 Před rokem

      Who was

    • @dougearnest7590
      @dougearnest7590 Před rokem

      @@charliegruchy530 Hunter Biden was granted a waiver to be commissioned as a Naval officer (the waiver for being over age and for drug use) because he was Joe Biden's son. While in the Navy he was popped for cocaine on a drug test. His excuse was that everybody was passing around cigarettes laced with cocaine - like yeah, Naval officers do that sort of thing all the time, right? Always blame others for your crimes, it's a family tradition I guess.

    • @highonimmi
      @highonimmi Před rokem

      Hunter Biden

    • @WillBravoNotEvil
      @WillBravoNotEvil Před rokem

      Remind me of George W. Bush's active duty. Not his alcoholism. I remember something about drug use. Or am I thinking about his wife's involvement in an alcohol related traffic fatality?
      Or maybe Trump family's alcoholism. A dead brother from alcohol. A coke-headed Jr. Golly, I might run out of characters. But thanks for reminding me about how rampant substance abuse is in Republican political families.

    • @WillBravoNotEvil
      @WillBravoNotEvil Před rokem

      @@dougearnest7590 Lordy, you seem obsessed with an adult who's had problems. Why is that? He's not an elected official or government official. And you're obviously not a practicing Christian since the instruction manual for Christians forbids judging others. Maybe counseling would help deal with your Hunter obsession. In any case, get help.

  • @rodlander5868
    @rodlander5868 Před rokem +88

    British, as well as Canadian (and perhaps other Commonwealth) service members are only allowed to be "gazetted" with foreign awards if they emanate from that country's head of state. All US service Achievement medals are awarded under the authority of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard, and not the US head of state, therefore they can not be gazetted (officially awarded) to the person, and as a result may not be worn. I believe the US Meritorious Service Medal is the lowest award emanating from (or in the name of) the President, and therefore once properly gazetted by the recipient's government, may be worn. Gazetting is simply the publishing of the recipient's name in an official government gazette (public announcement)' along with a list of other official announcements.

    • @roberthudson1959
      @roberthudson1959 Před rokem +8

      British rules also prohibit knighted foreign nationals from using the title "Sir," including the three US Presidents who have been knighted.

    • @RCAvhstape
      @RCAvhstape Před rokem +6

      @@roberthudson1959 I think it's against US law for US citizens to accept titles anyway. I believe when Americans get knighted it's a medal instead of an actual knighthood.

    • @dat581
      @dat581 Před rokem +3

      @@roberthudson1959 Under these rules Commonwealth knighthoods are not considered foreign, nor are commonwealth citizens who receive British knighthoods.

    • @ronti2492
      @ronti2492 Před rokem +7

      Good post. I confirm it is the same for Australians: you need to get permission to wear foreign awards. Exceptions are certain foreign awards that are ready made gazetted, ie; the NATO medal or UN medals are examples. The foreign awards, once gazetted, must be worn to the extreme left of the wearer, in our case, Australian decorations are more 'senior' and sit to the right of the wearer. ( hope that makes sense!)

    • @dat581
      @dat581 Před rokem +3

      @@ronti2492 Yes. The big exceptions being British, Canadian or New Zealand awards. Permission is not required and the only rules are that they must be worn to the left of Australian medals unless it's something like the VC or George Cross.

  • @cooperwesley1536
    @cooperwesley1536 Před rokem +10

    Technically, isn't William now 1st in line to the throne, with his son George now occupying the 2nd position? 🤔

  • @hlynnkeith9334
    @hlynnkeith9334 Před rokem +23

    I knew Prince William saved lives in Wales as a search and rescue pilot. Did not know he saved so many.

  • @deb53
    @deb53 Před rokem +2

    This needs to be more well known!

  • @davidleadford6511
    @davidleadford6511 Před rokem +5

    Took me 22 years to earn the CG Achievement Medal. But I earned it.

  • @jozette-pierce
    @jozette-pierce Před rokem +3

    Since drugs are a tremendous abuse of and a death warrant (fentanyl) to many American youth, and a scourge of humanity at large, I can appreciate this medal from the U.S.Coast Guard, and am happy they all were awarded the well deserved medal. THANK YOU for your service to vulnerable young people everywhere, and for helping to save their lives and futures. Much appreciated.

  • @desertsquid9449
    @desertsquid9449 Před rokem +5

    I was TAD to the Coast Cuard back in the drug op days (late 80's) off of S America and received this along with other CG awards. All my Navy friends still think I just put them on, there just jealous! Loved working with the Coasties! USN OSCS RET.

  • @KarlPHorse
    @KarlPHorse Před rokem +21

    Well shit, I have a whole new respect for the man. I am generally pretty neutral towards the royals. Being an American I don't feel strongly one way or the other about them. But as an American EMT, hearing that he was SAR and has rescued 149 people, I think he deserves a high-level medal for that alone. I can think of only maybe 5 or 6 people that I know of who I actually had a hand in saving. Granted I've only been at it a year.
    But what I am saying is that I now see him as a peer, rather than some rando in an ivory tower. He could have just paraded around in a posh uniform and done his time the easy way, but he made the conscious decision to go out and save lives. And I have nothing but the upmost respect for that.

  • @paulkirkland3263
    @paulkirkland3263 Před rokem +1

    Being a former resident of Cambridge, and now moved back to Norwich ( thank God ) I remember his stint as the local air ambulance pilot.

  • @dennisnash8435
    @dennisnash8435 Před rokem +33

    As usual straight forward factual video. Professionally presented. I can honestly say the only information on social media I trust.

  • @setoredan
    @setoredan Před rokem +19

    I knew the Prince was in the RAF, I was not aware that he had served in what I believe are all branches of the UK military. That is impressive. I think I would have stayed active RAF in his shoes until he was forced to stop due to his royal duties. Thanks Dr. Felton for this interesting info about the only Royal I can respect for his actions.

    • @aaronaardvark1592
      @aaronaardvark1592 Před rokem

      It's no so much impressive, rather it's obligatory for future kings to "serve" in all branches of the armed forces prior to them spending the rest of their lives leaching off the UK taxpayers.

    • @reidycruise
      @reidycruise Před rokem

      Lol

    • @chaptermasterpedrokantor1623
      @chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 Před rokem +8

      Royals tend to serve in all branches of the armed services. And by serve I mean they're allowed to be part and play with the toys. They never have to qualify and get preferential treatment and promotion. Not to disparage him, but this was what I was told by a soldier. On the flipside, as was the case in William, in case of actual war they are mostly kept out of harm's way. Which probably sucks for them as I reckon they genuinely want to serve.

    • @reidycruise
      @reidycruise Před rokem

      @@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 yes themselfs

    • @setoredan
      @setoredan Před rokem +4

      @@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 aye, figured they got preferential treatment and a speedy rise through the ranks. He still had to qualify on how to fly the aircraft and other roles he did. Regardless, thank you for your response. I realize my original post came off as fan-struck in reading it again without considering they were getting everything handed to him on a silver platter for the most part.

  • @ronaldjohnson1474
    @ronaldjohnson1474 Před rokem +4

    When I rejoined the military, I was told Achievement Medals were awarded like popcorn. Still proud of mine.

  • @anthonykelly1368
    @anthonykelly1368 Před rokem +25

    I respect anyone’s honorable military service to their country.
    Non veterans think there’s no risk involved in peacetime service.
    Spend enough time in the military, and you’ll see training accidents, equipment failures, heat/cold injuries, vehicle rollovers, firing range incidents, downed aircraft, etc.
    Even when proper risk mitigation measures are taken, sometimes things still go wrong
    Military equipment is unforgiving and does not have all the “safety” built into civilian commercial equipment, because trade offs need to be made.
    “Normal” at peacetime still requires operations in Arctic, Desert, mountain, sea, air, river in all weather and under all conditions.
    There are deaths all the time in peacetime related directly to doing the job. There’s also many more serious injuries.
    “Operational” military fields (Combat Arms, Pilots, Rescue, etc) are lot more dangerous than any office or worksite jobs. Even in peacetime.
    Prince William may not be a hero, but his service to his country was “honorable”.
    There was a time when most people understood what honorable meant.

    • @philgiglio7922
      @philgiglio7922 Před rokem

      As a Nam vets and lawyer said once..." There is No OSHA in the military.
      Deaths in training are somehow worse than death in combat

    • @jcl7549
      @jcl7549 Před rokem +3

      Yup. My old unit, a mechanized infantry battalion, suffered more deaths and injuries in garrison than in combat deployments, where we routinely engage in firefights and urban warfare.

    • @aegrotattoo9018
      @aegrotattoo9018 Před rokem

      The USA has developed a global military reach. Its like an anaconda with the head on the front lines and the logistics arm making up the body. Anyone helping keep that machine in motion is most def worthy of respect.

  • @josephwhiskeybeale
    @josephwhiskeybeale Před rokem +6

    He should wear that medal, he earned it.

    • @darkiee69
      @darkiee69 Před rokem

      Protocol doesn't allow it since it wasn't given by the head of state and announced thru the proper channels (Gazetted)

  • @mortonmindy
    @mortonmindy Před rokem

    so many history docs I'll put on just to fall asleep. Never possible with Dr. Felton. His storytelling is gripping, immensely detailed. I'm hooked

  • @HowlingWo1f
    @HowlingWo1f Před rokem +3

    Prince William is Is one of the few out of the Royal family that holds themself with dignity and respect.

  • @pamspurgers3578
    @pamspurgers3578 Před rokem +3

    Great video. Thank you for posting. I would suggest just 1 correction. William, the Prince of Wales, is first in the line of succession to the throne. His son, Prince George is second.

  • @BA-gn3qb
    @BA-gn3qb Před rokem +4

    Guy was in the Army, Navy AND Air Force.
    Damn Impressive! 👍👍

  • @motorTranz
    @motorTranz Před rokem +4

    Interesting story! Thanks again for sharing Dr. Felton!

  • @bernhardcdavid4062
    @bernhardcdavid4062 Před rokem +1

    Thanks for Your Honourable Service, Your Royal Highness, We Salute 🫡 Your Service to Duty,

  • @marquette6944
    @marquette6944 Před rokem +2

    I don't know much about the Royals but I do highly admire Prince William I think he's going to make a great King one day

  • @paulbriggs3072
    @paulbriggs3072 Před rokem +3

    Did not know he participated in so many rescues and hours of helicopter work. Good for him.

  • @jhthorn7174
    @jhthorn7174 Před rokem +1

    Your presentations, just the best.

  • @campbellpaul
    @campbellpaul Před rokem

    Great reporting here, sir.. Thank you for your dedication to exceptional work!

  • @davidnemoseck9007
    @davidnemoseck9007 Před rokem

    Cool info as always Mark. Thanks for sharing as always!

  • @rudeone4life
    @rudeone4life Před rokem +3

    Mark, another great video and thanks for posting. I hope Prince William will wear his USCG medal one day.

  • @Lupinthe3rd.
    @Lupinthe3rd. Před rokem +16

    Hi Mark,
    Here is an interesting fact that might make a good future video
    William is not the only future monarch to receive a medal for joint military operations with the united states. One of the most significant American decorations is the silver star medal it is the third highest combat valor award presented by the united states armed forces. In world war II the future Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Jean who reigned from 1964 to 2000 before abdicating was awarded the medal in 1944. Jean received it while he was serving as a captain in the Irish Guards one of the household regiments of the British Army. The Irish guards were serving alongside elements of the US 5th Armored Division during the liberation of Luxembourg in September 1944 a week before operation market garden commenced.
    This makes Jean the only Monarch to receive an American combat Valor decoration.

  • @kappazo2268
    @kappazo2268 Před rokem +7

    I work at OPNAV (US Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations’ staff) and have a Royal Navy exchange office on my staff. We nominated his predecessor for the Meritorious Service Medal (he was commander in rank). We had to obtain concurrence in writing from the US Naval Attache to the UK and obtain approval of the award from the Secretary of the Navy. All approved and we presented him his award in 2022 upon his transfer back to the UK. However, he can never wear the medal with his Royal Navy uniform - British military officers cannot wear foreign awards unless the Queen (at the time) or now King gives explicit permission. So the Prince not wearing his USCGAM is not surprising. That said, the achievement, commendation, and meritorious service medals of the US military are merit awards and are not really combat service awards. Some can be awarded with a C (for combat) or V (valor) devices, which are, but there are no active combat zones in the Western Hemisphere where one could qualify.

    • @lightfootpathfinder8218
      @lightfootpathfinder8218 Před rokem

      That's interesting 👍

    • @goodshipkaraboudjan
      @goodshipkaraboudjan Před rokem

      Same in most commonwealth nations. In Australia the only foreign medals approved for automatic wear are the Vietnam Campaign Medal (which you don't see anyone active wearing for obvious reasons) and the NATO afghan one. I don't think anything below a Silver Star (maybe Bronze) would be approved for wear, though they'd still be quite treasured and appreciated.

  • @user-tx5oj6gh1b
    @user-tx5oj6gh1b Před rokem +1

    Mark this is just like Christmas two videos in one day. Thanks!

  • @RiderSousa
    @RiderSousa Před rokem +2

    In Portugal you receive a medal after 6 years of good conduct. We call it medal of «vinhos e peticos» («wines and snacks» as we have to provide them to the regiment after receiving it ahahah).

  • @AdmiralBonetoPick
    @AdmiralBonetoPick Před rokem +5

    So the son of our head of state helps the authorities seize and destroy cocaine; while the son of America's head of state snorts cocaine.

  • @gusloader123
    @gusloader123 Před rokem +4

    Verrrrry good video! I never knew that Prince William had been in the Blues & Royals Army Regiment, or the R.A.F.. I thought (or heard) he was only a RN chopper pilot. The whole family has served in U.K. Uniform for over a hundred years. Queen Elizabeth II's father served in the R.A.F. in WW1. They are head and shoulders better than the civilian never-served rabble which makes up most of Parliament. Salute to H.R.H. Prince William! {Edited to replace digit 2 with a digit 1. WW1}

    • @tellyknessis6229
      @tellyknessis6229 Před rokem +2

      King George VI served in the RN from 1909-18 and transferred to the RAF on it's establishment on 01 Apr 1918. At the Battle of Jutland in 1916 as a Sub Lieutenant, his Action Station was in A turret of HMS Collingwood firing at SMS Derfflinger. During a lull in the action, he sat on the turret roof for fresh air. When the action resumed, a shell shrieked over the ship and he was sharply told, "Come down before you get your head blown off." (The Rules of the Game - 1996)

    • @faithlesshound5621
      @faithlesshound5621 Před 11 měsíci

      @@tellyknessis6229 The future George VI was only the second son and not expected to succeed to the throne when he had his long period of active service. The same was true of the future George V's naval career: he was pulled out of it after his elder brother died.

  • @stevesloan7132
    @stevesloan7132 Před rokem +2

    Hurrah for Prince William! I can think of nothing more noble than saving others' lives by risking one's own.

  • @rogersmith7396
    @rogersmith7396 Před rokem +4

    When I was in Portsmouth many years ago I was surprised to see a USCG ship there. I wondered if they were lost.

    • @michaeldoolan7595
      @michaeldoolan7595 Před rokem

      New Hampshire?

    • @michaeldoolan7595
      @michaeldoolan7595 Před rokem

      Without being funny, all pur Matlots are pretty lost at the best of times.
      They can sniff a boozer or brothel from 100miles they just can't seem to find the ship they got off.

  • @Klaatu-ij9uz
    @Klaatu-ij9uz Před rokem +2

    This episode was VERY interesting, and honorable to Prince William. Facts that we would never have known if not for Dr. Felton.

  • @nickymaz05
    @nickymaz05 Před rokem +12

    Great story. As others have mentioned an Achievement medal is the lowest level of award given out by US forces. If it was something like a meritorious service medal or Legion of Honor I could understand wearing that.

    • @fuflang
      @fuflang Před rokem +3

      That's not true. I can only speak for the USCG, but the letter of commendation is a personal award and has an associated ribbon. The USCG Achievement medal is the lowest medal awarded, however.

    • @claytondennis8034
      @claytondennis8034 Před rokem +18

      I have 10 years of active service, and a decent rack of ribbons and medals. I do not have any awards from a Foreign government, I didn't save 149 lives, and I don't consider his Medal to be a miniscule thing. Prince William should be looked up to for his SERVICE to his nation and others.

    • @erwin669
      @erwin669 Před rokem +5

      I'm forner US Army and I am prouder of my Navy Achievment Medal than my higher Army Commendation Medal because it was awarded to me by another service and it was something that Commander PATFORSWA didn't have to do. Being acknoweldged by another branch of service is, in my opinion, a high honor.

    • @towgod7985
      @towgod7985 Před rokem

      @@erwin669 Well Said!

  • @junebyrne4491
    @junebyrne4491 Před rokem +3

    I am a fan of this Prince. He could easily have sat back and done nothing. Helicopter rescue can be desperately important. I give him credit for finding an active way to serve. And he loved doing it.

  • @ElmoUnk1953
    @ElmoUnk1953 Před 11 měsíci

    My son and me were both recipients of the US Navy and Marine Corps equivalent.
    Good job to the Marine, Sailors and William.
    Semper Fi.

  • @TrialzGTAS
    @TrialzGTAS Před rokem +1

    Two uploads today? What is it our birthday?! Thanks Dr Felton!

  • @Articulate99
    @Articulate99 Před rokem +1

    Always interesting, thank you.

  • @johna1160
    @johna1160 Před rokem +8

    Am I missing someone? Thought William is now first in line to the crown, not second. Could this be another British/American anomaly like where exactly a building's first floor is located?

    • @kutter_ttl6786
      @kutter_ttl6786 Před rokem +8

      I think you're correct. When considering who's next in line, the current reigning monarch isn't included in the count. So, with the current monarch being King Charles, Prince William would indeed be formerly 2nd in line and currently 1st in line.

    • @lightfootpathfinder8218
      @lightfootpathfinder8218 Před rokem +1

      It's probably a mistake as Queen Elizabeth was on the throne for so long people still aren't used to her not being the monarch. Im British and i often still say "her majesty's ship" or "her majesty's government" when in reality I should be saying "HIS majesty's ship" and "HIS majesty's government"

  • @makukawakami
    @makukawakami Před rokem

    Im Impressed with that royal marine sharpshooter. shooting a moving target on an unstable platform with the helicopter blade's pressure and still hit the engine block of the speed boat

  • @jamesbodnarchuk3322
    @jamesbodnarchuk3322 Před rokem

    Once again interesting Dr. Felton

  • @paulbeesley8283
    @paulbeesley8283 Před rokem +1

    I remember that on his wedding day, his uniform was sarcastically likened to one of "Thunderbirds," International Rescue, pilots
    Well, in essence, that's what he did.

  • @paulpowell4871
    @paulpowell4871 Před rokem +4

    Glad I am an American but so very proud of my British lineage. Having served Air/ Sea on the Sea King I'll ask W if his hearing is a tad wonky? LOL

  • @unbearifiedbear1885
    @unbearifiedbear1885 Před rokem +1

    I really get the feeling Will has a very strong sense of service and duty to nation

  • @daleparker4207
    @daleparker4207 Před rokem

    Very interesting to me. Thank you.

  • @TheSaltydog07
    @TheSaltydog07 Před rokem

    Thank you Dr. Felton.

  • @bBersZ
    @bBersZ Před 11 měsíci +1

    The HMS Iron Duke. The Brit's have always had had awesome names for ships. Some of my favs in no particular order: HMS Formidable, HMS Sandwich, HMS Warspite, HMS Happy Entrance, HMS Black Joke, HMS Pickle

    • @JD-eo7dr
      @JD-eo7dr Před 11 měsíci +1

      Don't forget HMS Invincible, HMS Fearless, HMS Courageous and HMS Brilliant I guess we do come up with Brilliant names😂

  • @jenniferwood8944
    @jenniferwood8944 Před rokem +3

    Good man and Prince! God bless him!

  • @ramal5708
    @ramal5708 Před rokem +1

    A relative of mine earned the USCG Medal during Vietnam in 1969-70 when he served in the so called Squadron One or RONONE and served on one of the Point class cutters as mortarman/gunner onboard, he was present I think during Operation Market Time.

  • @donalddodson7365
    @donalddodson7365 Před rokem +18

    Wonderful how the Royals get their hands a bit smudged doing good works and serving. Thank you, Professor Felton, for this story. I am proud to wear my US Army Medals on Veterans Day, which usually results in a brief discussion of my 2 years, 9 months and 6 hours of military active duty, including 12 months in the US War in Vietnam.

  • @TankerBricks
    @TankerBricks Před rokem

    Mark. Thanks for Providing my Friday Night Entertainment!

  • @lbco5229
    @lbco5229 Před rokem +2

    Well done Prince William. Keep up with being a good human.

  • @Zizumia
    @Zizumia Před rokem +22

    I've got 2 of the Navy and Marine Corps version of that medal. I am no hero though, I got them for completing my tours haha!

    • @hoffmiermp
      @hoffmiermp Před rokem +1

      I seen a PFC get one for counting boxes.

    • @Zizumia
      @Zizumia Před rokem

      @hoffmiermp Yeah, saw a cook get one for cooking good Mac and cheese 😂

  • @dennisswaim8210
    @dennisswaim8210 Před rokem

    Thanks for this video. It is a great thing that the young princes have served in the UK's military. Nothing quite gives you an a exsprence and perspective like warning the uniform in active duty. I respect that British tradition and their service.

  • @OptimusWombat
    @OptimusWombat Před rokem +2

    0:31 Prince William is now the first _in line_ to the throne, and has been ever since the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
    1:04 Prince William has never been the "third" in line to the throne. During Queen Elizabeth II's reign, Prince Charles was the first in line and Prince William was the second in line.

  • @archstanton6102
    @archstanton6102 Před rokem +6

    If they let Prince Edward wear a uniform and medals, despite dropping out of training, then William may as well wear this.

    • @tonysutton6559
      @tonysutton6559 Před rokem

      And the odd thing is that they ban Harry, the one who has done active service, from wearing his because he decided to marry a mixed race woman.
      Meanwhile, the King's paedophile brother and his ginger slapoer continue live at the taxpayers expense.

    • @albertabirdman
      @albertabirdman Před rokem +5

      The paticular US medal is not permitted under British medal protocal for wear. For foreign medals to be worn with British medals, the foreign medal must be awarded by the ally country's head of state and be approved through a "gazetting" process.

  • @Angel_423
    @Angel_423 Před rokem +1

    While prince William was in the falklands he actually held one of my mates as an infant amd worked closely with my father

  • @WallyWaldo87
    @WallyWaldo87 Před rokem +4

    That's 149 people who probably never knew they were rescued by a royal.

    • @hlwhhlwh2351
      @hlwhhlwh2351 Před rokem

      You need to add all the ones he helped save and worked with the medics when he was an Air Ambulance pilot. There has been a short video recently about him meeting up with a young man he helped save. The young man's uncle was killed outright when they were hit head on by a vehicle on the wrong side of the road. The young man's fiancé wanted to say thank you to Prince William but it was arranged that the whole crew would attend and meet up at Windsor castle.

  • @phillipsmith4501
    @phillipsmith4501 Před rokem +2

    His grandmother had no doubts he was made of the real stuff .

  • @tommyt8998
    @tommyt8998 Před rokem

    I was in the U.S.Navy for many years. An Achievement medal is noteworthy, but hardly a medal awarded for heroism, as the title implies. Usually, the lowest medal awarded for heroic acts was the Navy Commendation Medal, with V for valor. More often, a Bronze with V device for Valor, or Silver Star would be awarded for heroism, depending on the act.

  • @williamj7343
    @williamj7343 Před rokem

    Excellent video. I’m in no way questioning the valor of those who win combat medals, but it’s very noteworthy that William saved 149 lives, while never taking a single one. It’s sad that our society doesn’t value such actions as much as it does the taking of lives.

  • @timothywilliams1359
    @timothywilliams1359 Před 11 měsíci

    I spent 21 years in reserve components of the American military. During his brief career, it sounds like Prince William saw more action than I did. It is amazing to me how much military training men in the Royal Family undergo. Britains should be very proud. These gentlemen are not fakes in any sense.

  • @slashdisco
    @slashdisco Před 11 měsíci +2

    00:29 - William, Prince of Wales is *first* in line to the throne, not "second".

  • @richardvilseck
    @richardvilseck Před rokem +4

    I have 3 Army Achievement Medals. One of them I got for baking a cake. I mean, it was a really nice cake… I did a really good job decorating it… but I wouldn’t call myself a “hero”.

  • @johnorchard4
    @johnorchard4 Před rokem +2

    William is not the second in line to the throne he is the first in line. His father is already on the throne!

  • @bohuslavhumplik6744
    @bohuslavhumplik6744 Před rokem +2

    I think is a great tradition that all the Royals have served in the Armed Forces, and all are rated pilots which is not something that can be just "given"...Aircraft don't care for your bloodline or social status, you have to Fly it! (I only wish this was the case in the USA, military service is no longer seen as pre-requisite for higher office and I think it shows among our politicians)

  • @CyBirr
    @CyBirr Před rokem +1

    Regardless of pro or against the royalist establishment, all should see both of the princes as having served well and faithfully.

  • @dogstar7
    @dogstar7 Před rokem +3

    Oh my God! I have the same award as the Prince of Wales!
    Semper Paratus - Go Coast Guard! - USCG

  • @neilmanhard1341
    @neilmanhard1341 Před 11 měsíci

    Hmmm..... requirements were different when I was in the US Navy. The Navy Achievement Medal, which is the equivalent of the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, was NOT authorized for foreign personnel. They received the Navy Commendation Medal and that could only be authorized by the Secretary of the Navy (as all awards for foreigners).
    Foreigners were authorized certain medals, the Navy Commendation Medal and Legion of Merit and some others. The Legion of Merit for foreigners came in different grades. As I remember it, the Meritorious Service Medal was also unauthorized.

  • @minerran
    @minerran Před 10 měsíci

    Both Prince William and Prince Harry served the U.K. with honor, courage and distinction. That's why I was outraged that Prince Harry was not allowed to wear his uniform at the Queen's funeral while Prince Harry wore his. The 'excuse' was that "only working royals are allowed to wear the uniform at events' - that's rubbish!!!! The King should have allowed it! As far as I'm concerned, combat veterans can wear their uniforms anytime they damn well please, they earned the right!!! Great video Dr. Felton!