Leading a Platoon Through Intense Combat at the Battle of Okinawa
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- čas přidán 2. 09. 2019
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Colonel James Riffe is a United States Army veteran of WWII. He served in the Pacific Theater from October of 1944 until the end of the war. He commanded a unit that would see action during the Battle of Okinawa in April of 1945.
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My grandfather was in the Army Corp of Engineers in ww2. In the Indonesia and Philippines theater. I was mind blown by his intimate stories of what civilians don't calculate into the casualties of war.
This fact staggered my mind.
He said. " we lost a very significant amount of men on rope ladders and the panic within men not to time out their jump down to a boat! A high tide calls for leaping when the boat below you is rising! It's counter intuitive in a layman's mind. But by the time you drop 10 yards...the boat will be going down and you won't break your legs. That's if your aim is even proper and you are far less fortunate and go under the boat or get squeezed."
To think of that, and how many people died before they even had the satisfaction of squeezing a trigger to the enemy and bring it back home... saddens my heart. To end before you start.
I want to know what Col. Riffe's secret is. By my calculations, he is well into his 90's and is as sharp as a tack and has the recall skills of a man in his 20's. Amazing stories by an incredibly amazing patriot!
It amazes me how WW2 veterans call recall the dates and events, I love to listen to their stories. My grandfather was a Partisan in Poland during the occupation, I remember some stories but as a young child i didn’t pay attention, unfortunately he passed away before my teens and my fascination with history and WW2 started, I do have his medal tho my most prized possession
Probably never took a lot of prescription meds. My grandma is now 95 born in 1928 and never took meds or trusted any doctors.
Because he isn’t like the sissy soy boys today. He is a man. people today would have never defeated the Nazis or the Japanese they are to soft
all these men are so gentle natured. Utmost respect
So true. Amazing.
that's because they're 90+ years old, duh. I'm sure when they were young they were hell raiser's just like the rest of us.
@@prmaynerNah. These guys were mostly humble family men. Not this radical nonsense you see today.
My grandfather was the kindest , loving man I've still ever been around. And fought like hell. Is what he said late in life.
My dad was in the Battle of the Bulge and he was the same way. He would tell a few of his war stories in the most casual way and didn't make a big show of it.
I cant believe this guy is almost 100 yrs old then. Hes in good shape and sounds young and remembers well. Thank you for your service Sir.
Who would be stupid enough to give thumbs down, for this interview or the many like it….
This is what I watch every night when I finish shift of driving and find a truck stop..
Idk. Even if I hated America I'm not sure how i could not feel empathy for this old soul.
Thanks to all our military veterans who proudly served this nation.
Thank you for your help of basically saving our world. I’m only 22 years old female and I can’t imagine losing my boyfriend, friends, younger brother to this and I and I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and suffering and horror that every man (&woman) had to go through. Truly a devastating time and I hope that you had an amazing life. Thank you isn’t enough.
this guy is beyond incredible and his recollection is phenomanal. He got there after Saipan and there was a short time that a Marine General took over Army forces on Saipan. The Marine General said the Army was bogged and not making progress so he ( being senior ) took command from the Army General. My Dad ( 27th Infantry ) said that didn't go over well. The Army had been given the worst of the paths to the objective on Saipan. They were down in the valley where it was swampy and heavy with forestation. I didn't know the 10th Army on Okinawa was combined Marine/Army....interesting.
Think about the level of training this guy had. He still remembers specific orders.
Colonel Riffe - thank you for sharing your story sir.
My grandfather Charles B GLOVER fought in Okinawa. 6TH MARINE. He survived 🙌
Im 10 minutes in and this guy is sharp as a tack. I can barely remember where I was 2 years ago let alone 70 something years ago. Blows my mind the stuff these men remember.
Thanks again (I've commented other videos) keep doing these interviews so many amazing stories ive gotten to hear
Whether it be for good or bad, i personally feel like the utter rarity, violence and change in circumstances that war provides leaves a lasting impact on people that fight in them, which they'll never forget . Also i agree this man's memory is so sharp and he looks super healthy for his age
For better or worse the ultraviolence of combat stays with you.
My Father was in the 27th which BTW was the first combat division deployed from the U.S. after the attack on Pearl Harbor. They fought two Pacific operations before Dad joined them in Hawaii. They would next remove the enemy from Saipan and then be taken off the line for a rest and training. On Okinawa, the 27th would be the first division to move against Kakazu Ridge aka. Hacksaw Ridge. On the first full day of battle the 27th had roughly 500 casualties. In the Hanks/Speilberg production PACIFIC there is a depiction of the relief of the 27th by the 1st Marine Division.
It's amazing how many people don't know the Army was there fighting too. My Grandfather fault along side the marines he was with the americal div. These men were 100% the greatest generation.
@@JimD410 I bet my father was so thankful that the 1st Marines came up the escarpment to relieve the 27th.
Our son’s F-I-L’s late father was in the Army, I believe 27th and received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and a Service Citation for his actions at Okinawa. I’m sorry, I can’t give you all more details about it, as he is long passed away and his GGrandchildren can’t learn first hand of his experiences there.
My F-I-L was 9thAAF, 107thTRS, P47 Thunderbolts, ETO, Trinidad to the Ardennes 42-45. He passed in 1966 of a massive heart attack and so our kids never got to know him.
@@WhichSideOfTheMasonDixonLine Sounds like you guys know a good bit though. They were with out a doubt the greatest generation.
Upmost respect, My VFW member Eugene Iconetti was with the Marine Corps on Saipan 4th Marine Division
This man was a bigger man at 23 than most men ever will be ,god bless
Does signing up to fight a war to become a paid order follower by the government to extend their rule make someone a bigger man or a sheep? Sheep. Face it not one war was ever about helping people or protecting America it is always about money.
Extraordinary man telling an extraordinary story. Thank you Sir for your service to our country and for our freedom.
My father went to Okinawa a boy, and came back a man. Thanks to all wwll veterans.
The effort his men made to make sure he got his sword says a lot.
Sir, thank you endlessly for your service and may God bless you always!!!!! ✝️🇺🇸
Thank you forever my friend without you I won’t enjoy my freedom my dad and grandpa was in World War One and two.
A Platoon leader is much responsibility, indeed.TY brave soldier, for your valor and meritorious conduct, in combat.We are thankful & grateful to you☆☆
What a guy. A true American PATRIOT. God Bless America.
Much respect and thank you for your service. 🇺🇸
Thank you for service.Your men first attitude puts you on top of my list!!
Thank you for your service Col. Riffe. My father Lt. Col. Tom Doran (deceased 1998) also fought on Okinawa in the 7th Infantry. I an Arisaka Rifle and bayonet and a western style Japanese officer's saber that he left me.
Cool man have you any pictures of the items
Still so sharp!! Thank you for your service and sacrifice Col.!!!
Thank you for your sacrifices and your service.
Much respect and thank you for your service. He mentioned that he has two swords and only 3 grandsons. Perhaps consider donating them to a WWII museum so they can be viewed as relics of history for all to see.
Great interview thank you and thank you sir for your service and sacrifice to our Nation.
These guys are so humble…., all that. & to Chief the 82nd.., yet so humble
Thank you so much for your nerves of of steel to defend our Country!!!
God Bless you and your Soul. And REST IN PEACE. ❤️😎
I love his West Virginia mannerisms.
Another excellent interview.
Amazing how articulate Col. Riffe is.
Thank you both for sharing.
My great grandfather was in the 77th ID and took Ie shime and continued the fight on Okinawa. I’m retired From service now and Okinawa is my home. I’ll preserve this island against any that would take it. It’s home and a well of history and beauty.
What a mind this man has.
In the Marine Corps you're a stud to make Sgt in 4 years, 4 months is insane!! Different times also part of it
Sir, I would like to thank you for your unselfish sacrifice and the part that you played in saving the world! I will never forget as long as I live. And I am truly and eternally grateful for you and all of your comrades. Fallen or otherwise. May God bless your souls! 🇺🇸💪
To the nine thumbs down on this interview:: You don't deserve the freedom these veterans fought for.
Agree....
@@georgelustrea2912 Best wishes my fellow Patriot
Probably a few elderly Nazi’s hiding out in Argentina somewhere.
@@georgelustrea2912 okokiooooooooooooooioooox
What?!
My father fought in that battle.
This man can tell a story! Very well spoken! Seems like he lived a very good life
You were meant to be, what a life, what a service you gave to the Country of your birth and to your family, I see this is in 2024, you may have left this life by now Jim, I appreciate you from Great Britain , what a generation, God meant this,cheers.
Thank you for your service
He remembers everything like it was yesterday.
Time to take your meds grampa 😂
Thank you for your service sir, I am also a resident of southern WV
Respect.
An amazing man. Wow.
Man is incredibly sharp for his age... a true hero with a great memory!
As a boy I lived in a house on an upper slope of Kakazu Ridge on Okinawa, 1968-1971. Down the street was an empty lot, backing onto the edge of a steep gully, it was flat with tall grass all laid flat, with several unusual man-sized holes covered with long grass so it was fine to throw yourself down in the hole and we Army brat kids from the neighborhood would play War with each other in those holes, not realizing how they likely had been used for that very purpose, no play, by actual US Marines, so many who died crossing that slope and taking that ridge, the bloodiest part of the bloodiest battle in Okinawa, the bloodiest campaign of the whole war, so I’ve read. Thousands of Marines died taking this ridge. Once I found a large caliber bullet out in the tall pampas weeds in a field; Dad got pretty hot after he found it in my chest of drawers with my socks. Up the slope below the memorial lookout was a pillbox where you could crawl on your belly inside and imagine shooting down the slope, like they had done. It was a big concrete rounded thing, with lots of divots and big chunks shot out of it. Such an innocent youth I spent, but I came to appreciate the significance later. I read the book, The Battle of Okinawa cover to cover 3 years later, which started up my interest in reading history, grown up books. We are such innocent kids, all of us. It’s good to learn about what came before.
sharp guy, easy to see why he made officer
Ok. Not even 3 minutes in and the fella states "i was a staff sesrgent in 4 months." That is amzingly commendable but in the same respect.
Its a testament to how many before him have died and the need for men of quality. I say this in my humblest tones. To be honored to lead men to victory in such a desperate moment. No matter what. Hats off.
Much respect sir thank u
A Very Interesting and well articulated Account of His experiences and Service
High Kudos 👍
This guy is ten times more coherent than our current president.
True. Yikes.
The war ended for him on Okinawa while the war ended for my father in the Philippines where it was still going on. He also ended up in Japan assigned to Gen. Eichelberger's security detail. Ended up being discharged as a Staff Sergeant April 1946 at 20 years old. I now have a Japanese Type 99 rifle with bayonet and an officer's sword which impressed me when I was six in 1959.
Thank you sir you are my Hero God bless you sir I'm form west Virginia also thank you
I'm sorry it's taken so long to find this channel. I've been binge watching these stories for the last 24hrs. Thanks for this
And today they're taking down Lewis and Clark statues
Fortunately, we still have men and women of the caliber of James Rifle. Not many, but we have have them.
Watch anyone of these videos, and you'll know why they're called the Greatest Generation.
God blessed you...
Thank you Sir 🇺🇸🎖️
Great documentary
I live in west Virginia. Panther is in the middle of nowhere... Area time forgot lol
I may be related to this man. My great grandfather has the same last name Riff though it’s pronounced Like ryffe. My GG was also from eastern Kentucky. They look similar too!
If that actually turns out to be true, then you must be extremely proud to be able to have him as a great grandfather
My grandpa was in the first war we had the same drift number that was 40 during the Vietnam war. I never went.
Thank you sir.
Thanks!
Okinawa even touched our little town by claiming a town son. He was killed on April 12, 1945. I can just imagine what he saw and went through, the massive invasion force and naval gunfire as he approached Okinawa.
I Company of the 106th was originally recruited from Mohawk, New York. He transferred to K Company which originated from One,New York.
I happen to think he saved that mans life....had he said no ..he would have went somewhere else and most likely died....I would say you saved his life...
What i wouldnt give to help these men on the battlefield back then...
Semper fi.., my eldest brethren.
Amazing man❤ 🇺🇸
It is apparent that this man has a sharp intellect and that he was destined to become a leader and a most capable officer....why did he did not attain higher rank?
Just a point of feedback, it would be great if you could remove the background noise. That can be done digitally using most audio software and only takes a couple minutes, but would improve the sound quality greatly. Great interview though and thank you for your service Mr. Riffe.
24:01 , he said "North Vietnam"?
I don't like how James blames himself for the wounds of the second lieutenant artillery observer. He could have been killed later, especially with that desire to get combat experience.
Your actions made it easier for our generation to lay our heads down at night without the fear of tyranny taking over the world
My dad was there at the same time and he landed on Okinawa April 1st 1945 . I wonder if he was my dad's commander.
Panther, WV? I was born and raised in WV and i still live here. Ill admit, I have not heard of Panther. But either way, always proud to hear when a WV boy does something great!
anywhere we can see the swords? great story
Sharp as a tack still yet...
Question the embroidery medal on his cap is very similar to a British ww1 medal, except for the red middle ,is it coincidence?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_Victory_Medal_(United_States)
any one got a link to the picture of his samurai sword?
God bless our troops!
They left, BEFORE they were releived ! !
Pplz watch as many ww2 etc and connect with as many vets as you can as well as develop friendships
eternal hugs from us ww2 vets, etc we know what we see and hear we'll always work to carry on your legacy
Truman on the atomic bomb "I don't want another Okinawa".
🇺🇲THANKS!
4 months staff sgt. did I hear that correctly????
During real war time all you need to qualify is to be breathing.
33:10 sad thing is is that the kids are probably going to sell it or lose it
The Japanese not only took an oath to an emperor but they believed their emperor was a god. There was a religious fervor to their combat mentality, much like modern day Islamic extremists. 2 nukes dropped is what it took for the emperor to come down from his palace and admit that he was just a man. And that was that and the Japanese people moved on.
Does anyone remember Charles Henry Smith, a Marine in the Pacific?
Sounds like.a fun day out.
Jeeb 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
In hindsight, you probably ended up saving the life of the soldier who wanted to gain combat experience. Yes, he may of had 2 legs today, but if you told him no then he may have been killed in the following days.
you fought in how many battles
Is that an 82nd pin?
So he said he eas born in 1921 so he was 98 at the time of this interview? Pretty dand sharp of mind still!
12:59
These are the men that are a cut above tha rest . All each and every one.black .white.green blue .yellow.purple.allcolors.and all. Of them .true .brave and loyalties remain two .our beloved America. The .best country under our heavenly father and our savior Jesus Christ 🙏 our Lord 🙏.these men are. Heros and we should and must never forget what each of them gave. So we càn walk free now .so thank you .my great americans.for your scarfice so we can. Be safe ❤️ and free .God bless you all.in Jesus Christ 🙏 our savior name amen andamen
dying for an emperor? crazy
Why is there rven 1 dislike let alone 9 wtf
I see small groups of dislikes on many of these post, I’m sure it is for the questions or interviewers styles, there is nothing in the soldier to dislike.