My first day in Combat - 8th Infantry Division
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- čas přidán 8. 05. 2018
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Have you ever thought about what it might be like to experience your first day of combat as a young replacement ? Can you imagine being expose for the first time to enemy fire ? Can you picture yourself in a foxhole witnessing a fellow soldier being hit ?
Please, take the time to watch this video of Jack A.Freedman sharing about his first day of combat in late 1944, as a replacement in the 8th Infantry Division.
Sgt Jack A.Freedman C Company, 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
This fine man reminds me of my Dad and I miss him dearly. I sat just a few times with my Dad when he was alive and he only told me a couple stories of his time as a 18 year old in a Sherman tank on Okinawa, Leyte, and the liberation of the Philippine Islands. I asked him what it was like in a tank on his first taste of combat and I'm kinda sorry he told me. But I always listened when he vented. He wasn't happy when I was drafted in 1970 for the Vietnam War and I just guess he didn't want his son to experience the horrors he went through. I so honor all Veterans who give of themselves for others.
My great grandfather's brother was in the 8th infantry division, 28th infantry regiment. His name was Dorris Dill of Lamar County Alabama. He was killed in action on my birthday, 56 years before I was born, on October 5th, 1944. He now rests in the American cemetary in Liege, Belgium. May god rest his soul, and all the souls of those who fought so bravely so that we can be free.
My great grandfather Laverne Kintz fought in the same regiment and division. He died in battle on September 6th 1944. 26 years old. Maybe our relatives knew each other. No matter what they were and are brothers in arms for eternity. May God bless them all 🙏
@@josepht218 if they knew each other they’d have no way of knowing that their relatives from 80 years down the line would be talking to each other in a CZcams comment section, funny how things change
My Grandpa was a coxswain on a Higgins boat, after the Guadalcanal campaign, he was landing army/marines in the continuing campaign of the Solomon islands(Bouganville). During an assault, he advised the officer in charge that a Japanese battery had their Higgins boat zeroed, and they were going to be hit imminently. He was told to stand down, and stay the course. Shortly thereafter they took a direct hit, everyone on board was killed except my grandfather. The coxwswain driver seat was the only armored part of the Higgins boat. He was injured and actually mentally but not physically blinded for almost a whole year back in San Diego. He only came out of it when his wife was shipped out to see him, he heard her voice, and snapped out of it. He had 1000 yards glassy mental stare for almost 2 years in some pictures I have of him. He was a hard, tough and angry man for almost his entire life, and somewhat of a rebel when it came to union negotiations with the steel mill ownership. He was an electrician and pulled a relay in order to get management to come to the table, arguing for better wages and healthcare back in the 50's. Back then the ww2 veterans who were coal miners and steel workers and sawmill operators in the Pittsburgh/WV and Ohio region were treated badly with poor working conditions. Things got better in the 60's. Eventually after almost 45 years, he had a heart attack, and saw Jesus. From what he told me. He said that while he was in a state of nothingness, Jesus came across a flat, barren, hot desert from like a mile away, came face to face with him at about a foots distance, stopped, looked directly in Grandpa's eyes and said: "I came through all time and space for you". He came out of the heart attack, he lost his hard edge, and became a peaceful, loving kind of man, very grateful and thankful for his existence. He had a good 8 years or so and died of a 2nd heart attack at 70, a week after his 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
Prior to my grandpas Higgins boat hit, he fought the entire Guadalcanal campaign as a marine. One night he ferried supplies at night, they pulled him off the boat, exchanged an exhausted coxswain in his place, handed him a springfield bolt action and plunked him in a foxhole on the line. He lost track of time, but eventually a Japanese soldier creeped into his foxhole at night and killed his foxhole partner, he then killed the japanese soldier. Shortly thereafter he exchanged places with another higgins coxswain running supplies and got off Guadalcanal. He mentioned early on in the campaign he saw his older brother getting a jeep out of the mud and was amazed he ran into him. They both survived the war.
Hero
As a physical therapist working with geriatrics, the highlight of my career has been resting with WWII vets, gently asking them to open up, and then I get to hear history. Unfortunately that's about over now. Glad I enlisted years ago to get a taste of the....hardships and honor.
My papaw was in the 3rd Army, 80th infantry division... Got hit by shrapnel from a grenade in the Battle of the Bulge... He lost a lung but he survived... Was in the hospital for a year... His first child, my mom, was born a month after he was wounded.. He didn't get to see her until she was 13 months old... My papaw is our family hero... 7 relatives named after him, including my youngest son, and most recently, a great great grandson! The coal mines coulda kept papaw out of the war (he was a miner), but he VOLUNTEERED to go fight! ..I have the Western Union telegram that was sent to my great grandma, saying her son was seriously wounded, Christmas Eve 1944, outside Luxembourg..
Maryanne WestVirginiagirl amazing story! Respects to your pawpaw! I’m a Pop-Pop! 😊
@@CranialAccess Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your family story. Merry Christmas
My father reported for duty on December 24th 1944 with the 26th Infantry. That was one of Patton's armies somewhere in Belgium. They must have past each other.
@@freddyflintstoned913 My papaw was wounded outside Luxembourg Christmas Day, 1944... The Western Union telegram that was sent to his mother says he was wounded December 24, but he always said it was Christmas Day..
This man was dumped in some deep shit in a big hurry. I'm happy he lived to tell his story. It's a shame so many other men didn't...
Smell, of all of the body's senses, has the longest memory.
Sir, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service & your sacrifices.
Absolutely, thank you very much for watching this video. Sincerely, Florent Plana
God Bless this man & the countless others of the Greatest Generation!🙏
It's wonderful listening to these old warriors and their memories of combat. I feel so fortunate that such men fought and won freedom for us all. I hope we never forget them.
I'm proud of him. My Dad is 95 years old and he served in Europe in WWII. His stories are very much like what this wonderful gentleman is saying. I can't even imagine going thru something like that. I'm not strong like that generation was. They saved us all. We owe them everything. I'm just so proud of them. I don't even know this man and yet I love him as if he was my own family. Proud.
My full respect to this gentleman, and all that followed your footsteps
I was a tank driver and gunner in Germany from 1986 to 1988 in Mintz. I was in 4/69 Armor 8th ID. I really enjoy seeing people who served in the 8th ID. Thanks to all for your service.
Sir because of men like you is why I served in the 8th infantry division back in 1980 😎😃🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️❤️
God bless you sir.
Thank you for serving and keeping me free.
And from those of us who are unable due to disability. I will always feel indebted to you.
Now in my 60s I can look back at times and events that I considered challenging and even scary super stressful … but none of that can compare in even the least to this gentleman's first combat action, even just spending the night alone in that hole and no doubt the many days and nights to come. So young. Germany, Iraq, Vietnam, Afghanistan and so many other parts of the world. Always leaves me humble and filled with respect and gratitude for an individual such as the one in this video.
Thank you for your service sir
This is why I'm glad I listened to my father's stories about his World War II experience. This is fascinating!
Thank you and all of the other members of the greatest generation for what you did. You are the true definition of a hero and have set an example for us all to follow.
jeffreyvb1 l
They are the REAL Supermen.
My great grandfather Sargent George Springer was in the 8th Infantry Division. He was awarded a silver star in Aansbach, and got a Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge.
The Greatest Genaration. Dad, Mom....both in ww2...Dad in navy [37-67] Mom was a defense worker, b25s b26s, and b29s....also incendairy bombs. Never forget them.
Great watch. Seems like an incredible human being. Thanks so much for your service!!
I Love hearing first hand accounts , like this one. Reading the facial expressions , body language ...... as he tells his story , I find fascinating .
Fascinating narrative. I could listen to him for hours.
My dad told me once about the first time he came under fire. This was during the Battle of the Bulge and he said he and about four other guys were taking a truck load of 105 shells up to an artillery site. They were on a dirt road crossing a field and German 88's started landing in the field. He said, "Every one of us became a Full Bird Colonel and was yelling at the driver to get the hell out of here!" Except one guy (dad still remembered his name) he was sitting in the front seat with his arms folded and a half-grin on his face. Dad said he asked him what was so funny and the guy just shrugged and said, "If we get it, we get it." Dad said later they were all pretty much like that but that was his first baptism.
Thank you for your service sir! 👍🏻🇺🇸
I really appreciate these men and the sharing of their stories. My dad was in the 8th Infantry division there in the hellish Hertgen Forrest battle.
Thank you very much for watching this video and thanks to your dad for his service with the 8th Infantry Division. Sincerely, Florent Plana
Thanks Florent. My dad passed away 20 years ago. I am still trying to get a grip on what our men and women both in battle and here at home were able to accomplish and how many were killed and injured and families broken. I lived and worked with many WWII vets and they were a breed of their own. Dad did not talk too much about combat unless I inquired. Something that had profound effect for life for him was in 1945 during extensive "mop-ups" inside buildings in Germany, hardened infantry soldiers had to blow away armed Hitler Youth who were just little boys.
That wicked combat for over 2 years had a bad effect on my dad and family. It was always a rollercoaster feast and famine life for us and virtually devoid of love. I am not complaining, as we all completely accepted our dads just as they were back then. There were no cry babies that I know of in our generation growing in San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula. We took what was dished out to us by our dads.
What an amazing interview and an amazing American
My family was in Germany when you were fighting there. Later they lived in Liege. My father instilled in me pride in how the USA 's military conducted itself and helped to liberate Europe.
These men are a never given enough credit for what they endured.
The first night in the barracks as a conscript, after spending the day getting issued all your kit, disoriented, scared and no idea what to expect for the next mornings start of basic training. Listening to young boys, some just about to turn 18, many sobbing and crying for their mothers. Never ever been away from home alone, very creepy, that was my introduction to mandatory military service.
We didnt conscript anyone. We held a draft. The way its meant to be.
My dad was there getting details out of him was tough. My first visit to the german France Belgium area a few years back made me wonder was he here or there. A very strange feeling. I grew up watching TV shows like combat 12 O'clock high and the rat patrol which all kind og glorified the war. To stand in the same place where so many died was such a strange strange feeling. I dont believe in paranormal crap like ghosts. But boy howdy it felt strange.
Yep! Wow!! Some courage on the first night!!
Our greatest generation! Thanks for your service!
Until we all meet again!!
These interviews prove conclusively the power that adrenalin and heightened senses has on memory. If you asked me my first day at anything, I have no clue. They can still see everything in their mind's eyes because their senses were so heightened by war.
My farther said the evening before he died he was glad he didn't have to be a soldier in WW2 dad was a dedicated agricultural worker around Kent UK
My grand father got him self sacked from his job because he said to his boss he knew his son was a coward.
Respect/ peace to all who died , my great aunt got me to appreciate the two minutes silence at time or sir Winston Churchill's death.
Thank you for sharing your story!
HHC 2nd Brigade 8th Infantry Division. Baumholder, Germany. 74-76. "These are My Credentials"...
I am not trying to divert attention away from those who were not ........but a lot of these gracious men were 18 yrs. old .......just started to shave when they left home! "Freedom is not Free"
True. I'm angry that many young kids in Germany don't respect who they owe their freedom to. They just hate Trump and the USA and don't show any gratitude towards nobody. On the other hand, not a day has passes since the introduction of Television to Germany in which we are not reminded how bad the Third Reich was. That again, is overdoing it quite a bit in my opinion. If the USA hadn't let Germany's economy prosper like they did, we'd be in the same bad shape as the East Block Countries are.
God bless u xusn
@@RackwitzG lighten up life's a bitch go navy
Some were 15 and 16. It was easy to lie about your age in those days.
Yup Mister, even later. My uncle went to Korea when he was 16, my dad was 17. Coming from a huge family, it was the best way to eat.
Thank you my man asked you a son God bless you
Count yourself lucky if you've had a chance to speak to one of these men ...they didn't consider themselves heroes but of course they were.Most thought of it as a job they were tasked with.Scary & awful at times but for many also an unforgettable adventure.Had they refused to go,Japan & Germany would have certainly come here to claim our country.
Ralph H. Contrary to today's usage of the word, these guys are heroes. Anyone that leaves safety in order to help or defend another is a hero.
A true hero. God bless you, Sir.
The south will never rise again.
Ethan Ramsey already has
@@michaelflading2539 haha what proof do you have ? Go on explain so I can make you look like a dumbass.
Ethan Ramsey walk into any woods for a couple miles and you’ll come across the southern coalition. I live in north Georgia and there’s a 10,000 guy camp in the middle of the woods about ten miles north of me there’s 4 more camps around me but they are farther away. Essentially all over the Appalachians the southern coalition is there training and waiting for the call to strike
@@Ethan-xf4or come to the OZARKS here in SOUTHERN MISSOURA. There are thousands of us. Just waiting for when the time is right.
What made this weird for me was that I very distinctly and immediately remembered when I first smelled blood and cigarette smoke mixed. I was 23 and working at a forensic mental hospital here in Florida. No artillery and no reliable reinforcements. Getting a chance to get shot at on top of all that would have sucked.
God Bless You Sir
What a tough generation! Bless you all
I was in the 8th Infantry Division in the 80's while stationed in Baumholder, Germany.
Stephen ABM...I was in the 8th from Jan 61 to Jan 63 when it’s HQ was in Bad Krueznach. I was in the 1/504 PIR along with the 1/505 PIR at Lee Kaserne, Mainz/Gonsenheim.
I aws nearby in Strassberg Kaserne in 1973-74, and I often thought about the brave American soldiers like this who passed though during WW2.
Pretty cool to see you guys with the same experience from different walks of life. Respect to all 3 of you.
@@TheHawkeye61 I was in the 4/29th Field Artillery, in your time it was the 1/2nd Field Artillery. Headquarters was in Bad Krueznach while I was there too. Most of the divisions Field Artillery was in Baumholder. Good to meet you...
Stephen ABM...Same here Stephen!
Glad you survived Sir. Many didn´t.
My grandfather was in that Battle also. Only difference, He was on the other Side Shooting at you.
Be nice if the interviewer put his phone on silent during this 🤦♂️
Randall Gates seriously! I’m drinking and the first sound made me consider getting my gun to stop an intruder
Hello Randall, that was not my phone but his phone. He put his phone in silent after telling me this story. Thank you for watching the video. Sincerely, Florent Plana
I'm a persian gulf vet(navy).. I can only think I know what these ww2 vets experienced but I'd be wrong,very wrong! The fear,psychological stress had to be off the charts! Especially with the old weapons and machinery they had to fight with. They truly were the greatest generation. You should bow your head and thank them(rapidly fewer in numbers)for your life today,without their sacrifice we would not be here,period!
Very descriptive view on your "first day" thank you.
Thank you very much for watching the video, it's hard to imagine what these guys went through. We'll publish more in the future. Sincerely, Florent Plana
Much respect
My grandfather was a chef in the 8th. Also apparently helped figure out how to float a jeep across the Ruhr.
Thank you for your comment Alex. Do you know which regiment he served with ?
My grandaddy use to tell me about his older brother having to hide out in the rhine river and the Germans would whistle waiting for Americans to whistle back to capture them, he was in the 28th infantry division, 2nd battalion, company G
America's greatest Generation ever!!!!!!
My uncle joe leslie was 28th field artillary battalion 8th infantry battle of the bulge and seen the horrors of dachau
This makes wonder what happened to the original occupant of that hole.
then what happened ? would be good to hear about day 2
Like spiraling footballs coming right down where you're walking towards.
Except not leather for fun.
Steel. That gruesomely kills.
I remember my first day, not in combat but basic training. I looked up at the roof, during our first night and said to myself, "WTF did I just do?" 11B 1985-2009 11Z retired Sky Soldier.
Real Men
Out of all of the senses, the sense of smell has the longest memory.
Absolutely, I met many veterans who could remember part of the war just by thinking about the smell. Incredible
My Gpa was in your unit. Carl Ellert, Rip
Thank you very much for watching this video and for your comment. Sincerely, Florent Plana
What sort of doughnut would give this video a thumbs down.
Some sort of sjw leftard I'm sure.
An ass wipe
Wehrmacht vet?
I'm just sorry there's not more to this interview. Like these first person accounts.
The greatest generation
You told the truth brother that's what happens when the jungle beat of hip hop takes over a society
Is this veteran still alive? I collect signatures from WWII veterans and would love to add his signature to my collection.
Never Forget.x all nations.
Wait. Was that it? Is there a Part 2?
And my generation (sadly I'm a millennial) can't handle life when the wifi is out. We suck anymore
@@maxsands3861 Oh I know I'm cool it's most of the others who are idiots
All generations have their bad apples and give each a negative stigma.
Let's all put our hands together and pray for WW3, that ought to sort your generation out.
@@LawrieAndCo No dickhead, I am not going to pray for millions to get killed just because millennials are idiots. I'm not sure what the answer is but I know it ain't that.
Easy times. Enjoy them while they last. When you’re thrown in, you survive. That’s all anyone does. Nobody opts for it.
talking histroy right there tho sadly under appreciated these days
🌹
I doubt if he had a therapy dog
Lol, exactly. I did not see his emotional support raccoon anywhere!
17 ❄️
The War front line.
I wonder what the common opinion WW2 vets hold about our current cultures love of their war in video games.
Yeah, if they watch tv then i'm sure they see Call of Duty trailers. I had a neighbor when I was a kid that was a forward observer on Omaha Beach and I remember he couldn't even go to theaters to see Saving Private Ryan.
These are the views we need to listen to!! All these "triggered" children who're so angry by ones opinion need to take note! This is what a hard life is about. Now get over your gender dysphoria and grab a set! These now elderly gentlemen stood up in a time of crisis to give you the freedoms you are aka "triggered" about and you disrespect them! Grow up stop your single mothers shit preaching get a male mentor and be a man! Yes I've been beaten and have beaten others....do I think bullying is right NO! Do I think sometimes a man has to fight....yes! Life isn't always fair!
Apathy, ignorance, and lucky that they're not having to experience combat themselves or having a battle fought in their hometown. Yes, it is sad.
I was in a 'hole', 1988 or 89. Really boring..
Try going through the gang stalking program I have been going through it since 2015 and its still going strong fuck these tratiors
elite make fake wars
cANT HEAR
Why not make sure that you are truly saved by Jesus Christ and practice this way.
Remorsefully confess with your heart your sins to Jesus Christ who is God and tell Him that you right now are repenting of your sins and you want to be born again of the Spirit from above. Tell Jesus that you are remorsefully sorry for breaking His commandments and that you are begging for forgiveness from Him. Allow His blood from the cross to wash away your sins. After this is done with your heart successfully the Holy Spirit will come to live within you and He will rebuild you from the inside out. Look for signs that you are living righteously. Things like spreading the good news from Jesus, getting other people saved, a craving for the word of God, reading the Bible etc. These things are known as a calling and fruit bearing. If you're not bearing fruit then keep doing it. Sometimes it takes time to get saved. Read Matthew chapter 13 from the King James Bible. God bless!
What an amazing interview and an amazing American
God bless you sir.