The American Cemetery at Normandy | History Traveler Episode 54

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  • čas přidán 19. 04. 2020
  • There aren't words to describe the American Cemetery at Normandy. It's a humbling place that is the final resting place for some of the best men that the U.S. has ever produced. In this episode, we are walking the grounds of the cemetery to explore some of the history behind it and of the men who are laid to rest there.
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    #history #france #WWII #dday #cemetery #omahabeach #normandy

Komentáře • 530

  • @bbcfakenews8333
    @bbcfakenews8333 Před 4 lety +107

    No words are good enough for this generation

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +9

      I know exactly how you feel.

    • @henrystallings1257
      @henrystallings1257 Před 3 lety +1

      Sempet fi brother.

    • @karelmartel4969
      @karelmartel4969 Před 2 lety +1

      Me,my wife and son,spent our holidays in St Maire Eglise ,walking on Utah beach,,, visiting the American cemetary,,,the monument at Omaha beach,,,,We cried,,,God bless all those men who sacrificed their lives for our freedom . Love from Holland.

    • @camperp195
      @camperp195 Před 2 lety

      Well said sir ❤️

  • @user-mv5yd1ev9w
    @user-mv5yd1ev9w Před měsícem +4

    Bless these men. They are watching over all of us. Let's not let them down.

  • @altonwilliams7117
    @altonwilliams7117 Před 4 lety +151

    They gave up all their tomorrows so that we could have todays. ✝️🇺🇸

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +13

      Amen.

    • @williamhenderson8608
      @williamhenderson8608 Před 4 lety +4

      @@TheHistoryUnderground just discovered your videos on CZcams and have been really enjoying them.l live in a town in Scotland called Clydebank which was bombed by the Germans during the war so I've always had an interest in WW2 and your posts are very informative and respectful thanks

    • @timothyogden9761
      @timothyogden9761 Před 3 lety +3

      Agreed! God bless them all!

    • @crosssinx8160
      @crosssinx8160 Před 2 lety +2

      I would like to know how many of this guys would do it again if the knew what the USA is today.

    • @altonwilliams7117
      @altonwilliams7117 Před 2 lety

      @@crosssinx8160 I bet they would be disgusted same as me with all the pieces of crap in the US today. 👎

  • @Mantequilla-nr8zk
    @Mantequilla-nr8zk Před 3 lety +22

    Thanks for keeping watch over our boys France I’m sure they feel right at home. 🇺🇸🇫🇷RIP heroes.

  • @andrewbell5544
    @andrewbell5544 Před 2 lety +8

    It is a cemetery I would like to see once. And being Canadian I would also like to see the Canadian Normandy cemetery as well. Just so sad how young these guys were. Fighting for our freedom. Canadians,Americans,British.

    • @user-qs7gx7rp7m
      @user-qs7gx7rp7m Před 20 dny

      Canadian Cemetaries with blow you away. Only ca 2,000 each . . . but they are everywhere - everywhere.

  • @MikeyD22
    @MikeyD22 Před 4 lety +40

    I really don't have the appropriate words to describe my feelings after watching this awesome tribute.......just extremely humbled and thankful for this generation's incredible heroism.

  • @ProvidenceNL
    @ProvidenceNL Před 4 lety +54

    When i was at that cemetery, it left me speechless. There is such a strange atmosphere there and it just makes all the stuff you read about D-day and the second world war in general come crashing in and what it cost for us in Europe to be free. It was one of the most profound moments of my life i still think. When i walked there, i could walk in between the headstones and i remember reading names and being overwhelmed emotionally.

    • @ryangough4051
      @ryangough4051 Před 3 lety +4

      I agree totally. I visited the cemetery on the 75th anniversary last summer, it’s a powerful place. The other night I watched Saving Private Ryan for the first time in several years and having stood in those places it made it very difficult to watch the opening scenes in that movie.

    • @Souflouz
      @Souflouz Před 3 lety +5

      I agree with you two. This place where very sad. All this names... all this men who died. I were speechless. And there were also the headstones without names: Here lies in honor full glory, a comrade in arms, but known to god.

    • @shaynewheeler9249
      @shaynewheeler9249 Před 9 měsíci

      WW2 German veteran

    • @musiciansnotpoliticians-fd3db
      @musiciansnotpoliticians-fd3db Před 8 měsíci

      It wasn’t over being free that’s what evil politicians feed you. Although I do love r boys who fought and always shed a lot of tears. It’s not fair. Politicians should be the ones sacrificing their lives. It’s not right what the us government did their were other options. We didn’t even need to fight research it. R politicians got us into alotta crap

  • @shaunysmith
    @shaunysmith Před 4 lety +57

    I have visited Normandy three times now and I would recommend to anyone who feels they owe these guys their respect a visit.
    Visit the British cemeteries at Bayeux and Ranville , Pegasus Bridge and be prepared to be humbled beyond belief.
    Visit the American cemetery at Colleville Sur Mer and also take in some of the museums over there. Quite mesmerising for sure.
    We met an old veteran at the Bayeux cemetery paying his respects to a particular headstone. We managed to gain his confidence and then he told us his story. He didn’t want to at first but was persuaded by his wife to tell us a little bit of his day on D Day.
    Well, let me tell you, this old, wizened and very proud soldier had 3 grown men in their forties hanging onto every word he said and we left a little wiser and a little sadder and pleased as punch that we got to share just a little bit of what these heroes went through on that day.
    Put it on your bucket list of things to do because I can tell you that I will be going again soon with my 2 grandchildren to show them the sacrifices made by these people for them so they could live a better life.
    Respect to them all

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety

      Shaun Smith - Well said. Thanks 🙏🏼

    • @jamestakacs
      @jamestakacs Před 3 lety

      Well said indeed

    • @ferrari2k
      @ferrari2k Před 3 lety

      And don't forget: these old veterans are now well in their 90ies, so there isn't a long time left to hear those stories first hand.
      When they just become history.
      I am planning a trip there myself, I definitely owe these men a lot and am very thankful for their sacrifices because it enabled me to grow up in a free Germany.
      May those poor souls rest forever in peace.

    • @ruskiepanda
      @ruskiepanda Před 3 lety

      Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young.

    • @vodenapuska4796
      @vodenapuska4796 Před 2 lety

      I agree with you. I felt the same also when I watched German Military War Cemetery Ysselsteyn in Netherland. War is Hell!

  • @delwigzieful
    @delwigzieful Před 4 lety +55

    To all the american who lost there lives in this terrible war THANK YOU FROM THe UK, I will NEVER FORGET THEM GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONE'S, ALIEN

  • @jeffreylucas3899
    @jeffreylucas3899 Před 3 lety +8

    Just a year has passed since I visited this site with my son. No words can truly describe what is in front of you. It is a "must see" in my opinion. what disturbs me most is how this history of your country is no longer taught in schools. The result is the total lack of appreciation for historical events that shaped our culture. Thank you to my son who arranged the trip and tour of Normandy, a trip I will never forget.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 3 lety +1

      Doing our best to fill in any historical gaps that might be left over from the classroom. And I agree. If one can do it, this is a must see place. Thanks for watching!

  • @perryj8850
    @perryj8850 Před 4 lety +34

    Tried to think of some poignant remark, but this leaves me at a loss for words.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +6

      There aren't words. I felt pretty inadequate trying to come up with anything to say for this one.

  • @toejoe9105
    @toejoe9105 Před 2 lety +17

    One of the most cherished moments of my life was when I visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Memoial in March 2014. It was important for me, during my life, to personally visit this hallowed ground. To offer my thanks and respect to those heroes who saved the world from tyranny. And I wept.

  • @SaundersE5
    @SaundersE5 Před 8 měsíci +1

    This is very moving to me, I’m so grateful and so humbled. God rest all their souls.

  • @JustLiveInPeace2
    @JustLiveInPeace2 Před 4 lety +5

    Sadly this is just one of many such cemeteries for our fallen heroes.
    My grandparents had 6 sons (my uncles) serving during WW2. 5 came home, 1 was killed in Haminkeln during Op Varsity after survivng Op Overlord in Normandy and Op Market Garden.
    He is buried in the Reichswald Forest and visiting there was very sobering and emotional, not least humbling to see how many made the ultimate sacrifice.
    We should also not forget those who fought and died on the opposite side , for many of those were simply soldiers too following orders.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +1

      Man, that is quite the story. Thanks for sharing that and for the poignant words. There's another cemetery that I go to in Belgium in a video coming up soon.

  • @rayross997
    @rayross997 Před 4 lety +12

    Wow! I have said it before, these videos need to be shown in every high school. To see those graves is very sobering. There but by the grace of God go I. How blessed we are today to live the lives we have been given. Thanks for all your work. Thanks to all those brave men.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +3

      The primary reason that I started making these videos was for high teachers to have a resource for their students. Hopefully, it ends up serving its purpose. Thank you for the kind words.

  • @peacockbass1966
    @peacockbass1966 Před 2 lety +2

    Each one a hero.

  • @mjolnir9030
    @mjolnir9030 Před 4 lety +5

    I believe the average age of a soldier who died during the D Day invasion was 20 years old. The immensity of the graves for the fallen soldiers is just overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes. God bless them all.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +1

      It's definitely a heavy place. Thanks for watching.

    • @bobwickman658
      @bobwickman658 Před 4 lety +2

      When I went on the tour of Normandy the guide mentioned that the average age was 23. 23 years young, most of them knew that they might NOT be coming home, but they went anyway because their country needed them. You can’t get a 23 year old to do what they did, they were a MUCH different generation back then for sure.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety

      @Chris Bateman - Tragic.

  • @glennmorgan176
    @glennmorgan176 Před 2 lety +1

    I was fortunate enough to visit the Cemetery in February 2020, I’m an Amateur Historian and Archeologist for the 44th Bombardment Group (H) which were stationed in England from 1942-1945. I have found a couple of dog tags in my excavations of some of the men of the 44th Bomb Group who are buried here.
    The day I visited I was also told due to heavy rain I was NOT allowed to view the graves of the men whose dog tags I had found, I requested to speak to the woman in charge of the operations at the ABMC there, and was told that they did not want me to photograph the graves up close because they had treated the stones with a new chemical which had reacted badly and turned the stones slightly brown and stained them. (As you can see in this video)
    I really hope to get back there as soon as possible to pay my respects properly this time.
    Fantastic video, as always.

  • @codyf296
    @codyf296 Před 4 lety +5

    Thank you for being there for those of us who can't be. Thank you to these brave men for their sacrifice.

  • @timf2279
    @timf2279 Před rokem +1

    Such hollowed ground. Seeing all the headstones puts the losses in perspective.

  • @brettgreene5360
    @brettgreene5360 Před 4 lety +15

    "no words needed" - for me The American War Cemetery is one of the biggest i've ever visited (back in 2015) and to see the resting places i came across was just unexplainable (ie you couldn't believe as to who's resting place you were standing in front of),
    • 2 Of The Niland Brothers
    • Theodore Roosevelt Jnr - (i saluted)
    • Quentin Roosevelt
    and just the shear the size and scale of the vastness of the place itself and to be standing amongst so many brave 🇺🇸 young boys and men really did "hit me for 6" and whilst walking around i took in the sight of Omaha Beach and just (tried) to imagine the shear scale of what those brave men/boys would be up against once they "breached" the beaches - truly one of THE most moving/humbled places i've ever been to

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +1

      Well said.

    • @brettgreene1476
      @brettgreene1476 Před 3 lety +1

      @@TheHistoryUnderground and whilst watching this video the background music is so calm and so spine-tingling that we forget of how precious our own lives can be, and i for one just so humbled that i've been there

  • @kenrowe5809
    @kenrowe5809 Před 4 lety +15

    A very emotional place, I managed to visit the Nylan brothers graves when I was there, at that very moment they played the last post on bugle, everyone stood still in respect, a very touching moment I will never forget. RIP to the brave men that gave everything for others.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +4

      I so badly wanted to visit their graves but we were confined to the walkways because of the insane amounts of rain that they'd been getting. Definitely need to make a trip back to do this one properly. Thanks!

    • @SueProv
      @SueProv Před 4 lety +3

      Wow Ken. I'm glad you could pay your respects not only for yourself but those who won't get there. Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.

  • @stephenhensley7004
    @stephenhensley7004 Před 4 lety +6

    Can we ever be worthy of their sacrifice as individuals and as a nation? I think not for most of us, but we can be humble and thankful each day.

  • @jlamb2264
    @jlamb2264 Před 3 lety +2

    Respect and humble remembrance for all these young americans who died to free Europe.
    Jean-Paul Messager
    French citizen (June 21, 2020)

  • @suestone4287
    @suestone4287 Před 2 lety +1

    I visited the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach and Pointe Du Hoc in June of 2001. My wife and I (I am Dennis, posting this) were in Paris and did a tour to many of the D-Day sites. We were there the day following the June 6 anniversary and saw a military reenactment group do a wreath laying ceremony. I don't know how the narrator is able to walk through and talk, I get very emotional just viewing this. I am a USAF Airforce Veteran from the Mid-70's and it was an honor signing the guest book at the cemetery, felt like I was saying I came here to visit and to show respect for all of you guys and gals (yes, there are 4 women) for what you did. I will never forget, thank you.

    • @Papashaft
      @Papashaft Před 2 měsíci

      Thank you for your service sir

  • @davewillis3437
    @davewillis3437 Před 3 lety +3

    As I told my cousin's daughter once. "Go home & thank your grandfather (veteran of The Battle of The Bulge). Because he and so many others literally saved the world"! They truly were the "Greatest Generation"!!

  • @351wmustanggt
    @351wmustanggt Před 4 lety +13

    Was there in July of 2019, was able to walk around in some sections to read the names. When you first enter the main part of the cemetary after walking from the parking lot you cannot help yourself from being moved emotionally to tears when you see the sea of white crosses. So moving, so sad but yet you get goose bumps because you are walking amongst heros. Was able to see the grave Of Frank Peregory, one of the 3 Medal of Honor recipients buried there but was not able to see the other two which are Jimmie Montieth and Theodore Roosevelt Jr. because those sections were roped off.

    • @anglmus
      @anglmus Před 3 lety

      I was there in July 2019 as well, as was able to visit the grave of Jimmie Monteith, the other part of the cemetery was roped off.

  • @sparky11976
    @sparky11976 Před 4 lety +3

    First of all how anyone could give a thumbs down is beyond me.
    So awesome to see the cemetery!!

  • @roberthudson1959
    @roberthudson1959 Před 4 lety +7

    BG Theodore Roosevelt, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions 6 June 1944, is buried here with his brother Quentin. 2LT Roosevelt was a WWI aviator, so their mother was a Gold Star Mother in both World Wars.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +1

      Tragic. Wish that I could’ve visited their graves while I was there. Next time.....

  • @j.settle6448
    @j.settle6448 Před 4 lety +8

    Heart-Wrenching! Such a sacrifice.

  • @DerekGM6
    @DerekGM6 Před 4 lety +2

    I visited in July 2019, just after the 75th anniversary of D-Day. We were not allowed to walk amongst the headstones not because of rain but because of the thousands of visitors that had been coming and kept coming, and whose footfall was in danger of damaging the immaculate lawns. I swear that there was not a blade of grass out of place. It is hard to to describe the serenity and beauty of this cemetery which is is no less than those interred deserve. I wandered for hours reading the names on the headstones and reflecting upon their sacrifice. I left feeling humbled and unbelievably sad for all those young lives lost.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +1

      A very humbling and immaculately kept place indeed.

    • @cgaccount3669
      @cgaccount3669 Před 4 lety +1

      Kind of a shame if a family member can't visit the actual grave. I get that the grass needs to be maintained but I wonder if walkways could be put in place.

    • @DerekGM6
      @DerekGM6 Před 4 lety +2

      @@cgaccount3669 Although all and sundry were not allowed to walk amongst the headstones, family members who had a relative interred there were allowed to go and pay their respects, escorted at a respectful distance by a staff member. It was a very hot day when we visited and the grass lawns had turned to dry earth in places, an amazing pop-up sprinkler system was watering them and helping them back to being immaculate again. I find it hard to to get tearful when I think of the beautiful serenity of that place. Americans should be proud. (I'm a Brit from Cornwall btw).

    • @cgaccount3669
      @cgaccount3669 Před 4 lety +1

      @@DerekGM6 Thanks for that information. I'm a Canadian. I knew my dad's cousin died on D-Day but it wasn't something the family discussed. I just assumed it was on the Canadian beach. But after a bit of research I found out he fought with the US Rangers and died at Point du Hoc. He was born in Canada but moved to the USA. James Allen Machan.
      On my moms side I have German heritage. But they left for Russia before WW1. So my grandparents were Russian born. Kind of a weird mixture of countries and heritage involved in the war.

  • @jackcaligiuri4850
    @jackcaligiuri4850 Před 3 měsíci

    I was lucky enough to spend a day touring Utah Beach, Pointe du hoc, and the American Cemetery. As a guy in my early 20s, I couldn't help but put myself in shoes of the soldiers that stormed Normandy. If I was born 100 years earlier, I could have very well been fighting alongside these men. It was a terrifying, but inspiring experience and I have an immense feeling of gratitude to live in this world today - even will all the current issues.

  • @user-vz9vw9ix1t
    @user-vz9vw9ix1t Před 7 měsíci

    No family connections but love to hear personal stories, must be difficult emotionally but very much appreciated

  • @22lyric
    @22lyric Před 2 lety +2

    Just seeing these sacred places in your VIDEOS, makes me tear up. I can only IMAGINE actually being there. Thank you, and stay safe.

  • @obi-wancleanobi6947
    @obi-wancleanobi6947 Před 4 lety +6

    I came to this cemetery a few years ago after my graduation. This was definitely the most humbling part of the trip. Genuinely teared up when I saw the amount of gravesites. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience to be there.

  • @tommyg191
    @tommyg191 Před 4 lety +10

    I've read the story of the "Bedford Boys" and it was heart-breaking. It was the same for a great many all across the USA. One day!!!! One day I will walk those hallowed grounds. May their souls, and the souls of all the departed Rest In Peace!! Thank you for this. You're doing a great service to those of us who appreciate history!!! God Bless!!

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +3

      Thank you. That means a lot. And yes, the story of the Bedford Boys is really something else. Can't imagine what that town went through when the news started coming in.

    • @glendahawkins9480
      @glendahawkins9480 Před 4 lety +1

      I am reading Bedford Boys. Yes heartbreaking. No words. I met a young German man over a year ago. I told him that I was glad Hitler was defeated. He said, "I am too.'

    • @deepinthesticks
      @deepinthesticks Před 4 lety

      I had never heard of the Bedford Boys - I want to read about it. Learning of it though reminded me of a much smaller community in central Texas that suffered the greatest loss of its young men to combat death per capita of any city, town, or community in the USA. Read about the Boys of Praha. I had the opportunity to visit the memorial erected to honor these young men which is erected on the grounds of the Catholic church in Praha, Church of St. Mary’s Assumption. It was a very somber and moving experience.

  • @davidreuben7675
    @davidreuben7675 Před 4 lety +9

    I was lucky enough to visit the cemetery during the 60th anniversary, I stood where you were filming at 3:46 and when I saw the star of David headstone among all the crosses I just had to go to look and I couldn't believe my eyes the soldiers surname buried there was Reuben (first name Thomas I think) I was in awe. Although I'm British I thank all nationalities for their sacrifice, thank you for your video's.

    • @sosteve9113
      @sosteve9113 Před 3 lety

      Did you visit the commonwealth war graves as well?

  • @sanderoverweel8715
    @sanderoverweel8715 Před 3 lety +1

    Makes me very humble seeing this.

  • @ronmounts8075
    @ronmounts8075 Před rokem

    This was an Outstanding Salute to our Beloved Soldiers!!!!!

  • @emmiasdreams1517
    @emmiasdreams1517 Před rokem +1

    Wow. Planning to go there this summer. It has been a dream of mine to go there. I have no idea why I'm drawn to this place but I'm looking forward to it. Maybe I want to thank them in person for the sacrifice they made for us.

  • @civraypete
    @civraypete Před 3 lety +3

    I visited the American Cemetery many years ago whilst on holiday in Normandy, it truly does shock you into realising how lucky we are today, sometimes when someone tells you a number, it doesn't really sink in and you don't comprehend until you see something like the thousands of crosses in front of you stretching out into the distance, a really humbling sight and place to visit, I'm British by the way and even being in the American cemetery still put a lump in my throat and brought a tear or two to my eyes, I intend to go back one day and see the British cemetery and do the American beaches (I've done the British ones) but like you, have always seemed to run out of time before seeing them all, fantastic video by the way.

    • @sosteve9113
      @sosteve9113 Před 3 lety

      Just been there a few weeks ago,and it really makes you humble towards the fallen heroes,I can honestly say it was very difficult to make a video about this place

  • @ontargetthomunclesam3926
    @ontargetthomunclesam3926 Před 4 lety +4

    It's a shame that these honorable men and Hero's which we hold such high regard and Valor for can't rest on American soil watching brings tears to my eyes THANK YOU for your sacrifice just doesn't seem to be a big enough word I somehow hope that these men can realize just how GREAT FULL we truly are and the appreciation that we AMERICAN'S hold for them sincerely and respectfully retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas USMC

  • @capt2be
    @capt2be Před 4 lety +2

    You need to be there on June 6th. You simply cannot imagine the sights. 1000s of jeeps, 100s of scout motorcycles, dozens of Sherman tanks...10,000s of reenactors. It's a sight to behold.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety

      Even though I’m not one for big crowds, I would like to see that. Must be something else.

    • @jkshanahan007
      @jkshanahan007 Před 4 lety +1

      Yep,i was there in 2004.amazing experience.

    • @capt2be
      @capt2be Před 4 lety

      @@TheHistoryUnderground My brother and I went and we are not crowd guys either. Your style of story telling, exploring, and videography resembles our style of travel. But 6 June is 100% worth it!

  • @mcfrisko834
    @mcfrisko834 Před 2 lety +2

    🙏 Just imagine the sheer amount of horror stories that were lost in that cemetary.

  • @michaellaverty1844
    @michaellaverty1844 Před 2 lety +3

    I’m sure it was very humbling walking these grounds. My Dad was in the Pacific With The Marines during WWII. I just can’t imagine hitting a Beach under heavy fire. These Men and Women deserve to be Honored and remembered. JD you do such a great job with these videos. I hope you Sir get the support for bringing all of us these videos. Much respect.

  • @KH-fj8wq
    @KH-fj8wq Před 4 lety +5

    So Emotionally Beautiful Mate... We have our Anzac day this weekend a very Special day for Ozzies and Kiwis... a day of remembrance for our Fallen Anzac's. Here in NZ, however we are still in lock down here so we will stand at the end of our driveways to Remember them. "On going down of the Sun we will Remember Them"...
    Bless you JD!

  • @andreguillette6293
    @andreguillette6293 Před 4 lety +50

    There were graves you showed close enough we saw their names so i thought i would find out more, :
    Joseph John Solotes is buried or memorialized at Plot F Row 28 Grave 26 Normandy American Cemetery Colleville-sur-Mer, France. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location. He was a passenger on the Belgian troop transport SS Leopoldville. On December 24, 1944, while sailing between Southampton and Cherbourg, she was torpedoed and sunk by the U-486. As a result, approximately 763 soldiers died, together with 56 of her crew.. { German submarine U-486 was a Type VIIC U-boat She departed Egersund on her first patrol on 26 November 1944, taking a circuitous route around the British Isles to the Western Approaches. The U-boat claimed her first victim south of the Eddystone Lighthouse by sinking the Silverlaurel on 18 December. She then attacked the 11,509 GRT SS Leopoldville on 24 December five miles off the coast of Cherbourg, France., was sunk by torpedoes from the British submarine HMS Tapir on 12 April 1945.
    Willie L Collins is buried or memorialized at Plot F Row 28 Grave 31, Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location. Collins experienced a traumatic event which resulted in loss of life on June 6, 1944. Recorded circumstances attributed to: "Killed in action". Incident location: Utah Beach, Normandy, France.
    Tony Raskell had enlisted in the Army. Served during World War II. He had the rank of Private. Service number was 35741670. Served with 9th Infantry Division, 39th Infantry Regiment. Raskell experienced a traumatic event which resulted in loss of life on June 12, 1944. Recorded circumstances attributed to: "KIA - Killed in Action" ... :
    James Claybourne Crouch He was on the crew of a B-17 Fortress that was shot down and crashed near Poille-sur-Vegre, France . ... :
    Elmere Price Wright: Wright experienced a traumatic event which resulted in loss of life on June 6, 1944. Recorded circumstances attributed to: "KIA - Killed in Action". Incident location: Omaha Beach, Normandy, France , There were 32 Virginia Guard Soldiers from Bedford that were part of the first wave of more than 160,000 Allied troops that landed at Normandy on D-Day. By the end of the day, 19 of the Bedford Soldiers were dead and two more died later in the course of the Normandy Campaign... :
    Voying W Grissom He had enlisted in the Army. Served during World War II. He had the rank of Staff Sergeant, Killed in Action...:
    Frank B Poole , He had enlisted in the Army. Served during World War II. He had the rank of First Lieutenant. Service number was O-351651. Served with 82nd Airborne Division, 319th Field Artillery Battalion, KIA
    I tried to get them all i hope i didnt miss any.
    I just thought i would add a little info that i had found .
    God bless all of those brave soldiers !

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +14

      Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for taking the time to look all of that up. That is one of the main reasons why I love doing these videos so much. I always end up learning so much more from the people who watch them. Seriously, thanks for doing that and for honoring those men.

    • @andreguillette6293
      @andreguillette6293 Před 4 lety +6

      @@TheHistoryUnderground Glad to do it , and thank you for all you do , i cant travel like you do ( wish i could ) but i am also a huge history lover mainly WW2 like yourself. I wish i could say i spent mad hours researching their names but i use www.honorstates.org they are the ones who do all the hard work i just search , cut and paste. Thank You again for all you do to brings words in history to a visual for us all. Thank You ! and God Bless the men and women who gave their lives for us !

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +6

      @@andreguillette6293 - Glad to share with someone else that appreciates it like I do.

    • @andreguillette6293
      @andreguillette6293 Před 4 lety +5

      @@TheHistoryUnderground watching german bunkers and dragon teeth as we speak so cool brother, and Please Thank Your wife as well she does a great job .

    • @brianpeters7847
      @brianpeters7847 Před 3 lety +2

      Thank you for the research

  • @stephenmanuel1120
    @stephenmanuel1120 Před 4 lety +15

    It really is a emotional and surreal place to visit, amazing it's just one of many American Cemeteries scatter all around Europe, I have visit this one and Margraten in Holland and the Cemetery in Luxembourg which is wear General Patton is buried

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +2

      It's a pretty moving place. There's one up in Belgium that I visit later in the series but I really wanted to go see Patton's grave in Luxembourg. Perhaps next time.

  • @tomspencer1436
    @tomspencer1436 Před 10 měsíci +1

    I love how you present your videos. No hype, just facts that everyone should know including the stories that aren’t sensationalized in movies.

  • @wakeup8052
    @wakeup8052 Před 4 lety +2

    In high school i would sit in the library and read all I could aboit this. It's just fascinating. When I was 21, I hopped on a plane and flew to Normandy. I have been at that cemetary and point du hoc and the beaches etc. Just impossible to put yourself in the shoes of those men. Im 40 now with 6 kids and I will take them there when they are old enough to understand.

  • @mookieschannel1130
    @mookieschannel1130 Před 3 lety +1

    In spite of our recent issues, we are the land of the free and home of the brave! Thank you for this tribute.

  • @trevorjamesbradley3010
    @trevorjamesbradley3010 Před 4 lety +8

    Well done on this video series from Normandy. I’ve visited this area twice in the last 5 years as a EF tour chaperone and know full well the area, history and what it took to produce these videos. I’ve done a bunch myself for the trips I’ve done and can say that you’ve done a fantastic job.
    There is a lot of time spent, editing, picking out audio, researching the subject, etc. that most people do not comprehend when viewing.
    Very professional work to say the least, so congratulations.
    I’m Canadian so The Juno beaches meant a great deal to my experience there.
    I visited a year ago April just prior to the 75th anniversary and was able to stand next to Teddy Jr’s headstone.
    They were just beginning to close the area to foot traffic for the anniversary.
    I noticed you had a little drone footage squeezed in there and imagined you ran into the strict drone laws France has.
    Unfortunate as it is.
    It’s nice to have this record of your trip there. I find I remember my trips better as I’ve spent countless hours editing my own videos.
    I’m sure you find the same thing.
    Again congrats on your fantastic channel and I look forward to seeing more of what you have to offer.

  • @sappalicious
    @sappalicious Před 4 lety +6

    Great video as usual! Shame about the rain. Must’ve been a bummer. Crazy stat about the Iraq and Afghanistan death number not filling up that cemetery. Really puts things in perspective of how over a few months, that many men were killed that a 20 year war hasn’t claimed. Crazy. Greatest Generation.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +2

      Yeah, being there during the French monsoon season was a bit unfortunate. I definitely plan to go back someday though and do a proper video on the cemetery at Normandy.

  • @lizzapaolia959
    @lizzapaolia959 Před rokem

    Thank for sharing this video. God bless you and those that passed away. 🙏

  • @karencatling6190
    @karencatling6190 Před 2 lety +1

    My husband served in Dessert Storm Special ops. My dad served in the Korean War. My husband had civil war classes in college. Words can not describe what you bring into my computer screen to see. We lived in Italy for 4 years at Aviano. (AF base) Thank you so much for what you do.

  • @camperp195
    @camperp195 Před 2 lety

    I just cannot breathe watching this,i have no words 😔

  • @doctoratiq
    @doctoratiq Před 10 měsíci

    Wow!! I cant control
    My emotions.. a brutal war but wity clear objectives and goals.. god bless them all..

  • @Maverick-pt8tn
    @Maverick-pt8tn Před rokem

    Un grand merci pour tout ( citoyen de Lorraine ) ! God bless America !

  • @SueProv
    @SueProv Před 4 lety +8

    Oh my goodness. How to express the emotion. Wow. I hope the French appreciate we helped them gladly. I know someone who went to Normandy often and said this was the most holy and sacred place he visited.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +2

      I've found the people of Normandy to be quite amazing and appreciative of what those guys did. Had a really good conversation with a guy there at the cemetery who told me that we are always welcome there.

    • @alexanderpatrick4866
      @alexanderpatrick4866 Před 4 lety +6

      There are thousands of Belgian and French people who take care of the graves personally to this day. Americans need to know that.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +4

      @@alexanderpatrick4866 - Yes, I should have mentioned that. I'll be going back one day and will definitely include that point. Thanks.

    • @SueProv
      @SueProv Před 4 lety +3

      @@alexanderpatrick4866 Thank you for sharing that. The world can be so good when you hear things like that.

    • @quanah3184
      @quanah3184 Před 4 lety +1

      Sue Prov You know, more than 13000 French civilians died in 1944 during the battle of Normandy, but for us, every American soldier, English, Canadian etc...who fought for our freedom and, may I say, that of the whole of Europe, is and always will be a hero. Even if I was born years later, I went to Normandy several times, each time I went there, just to remember and feeling among the graves the messages they continue to deliver.

  • @txxmiles2974
    @txxmiles2974 Před 4 lety +9

    @the History Underground , i bet while looking at all the crosses , that you had to have gotten Emotional . thanks for the Video

  • @tomlanger8965
    @tomlanger8965 Před 4 lety +2

    Not been to Normandy, but have been to Arlington. Just to be within the grounds takes your voice away and brings tears. I saw that same feeling in you today. Pretty weak, but veterans and active your sacrifice and loss IS appreciated. We keep all of you in our prayers. Thank you. Tom

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety

      tom langer - I have a few videos on Arlington as well. Normandy is a very similar experience. For me, it was a bit heavier though simply because most of the ones at Normandy are so young. Both impactful though.

    • @grimsvaultstreaming3956
      @grimsvaultstreaming3956 Před rokem

      its a dream of mine to sdomeday see this but im poor dont know if i will ever have the money to do it

  • @patrick0connell772
    @patrick0connell772 Před 3 lety +1

    The day I visited the American cemetery I just never forget I never spoke while in there it was a big education to how lucky we are every young person should be taken there

  • @warbirdwf
    @warbirdwf Před rokem

    I was lucky enough to visit this amazing place that honors those young kids two days ago. It is just amazingly moving. We were there when they lowered the flags. They played taps and I teared up. The avg age of the men buried there is 24. Very sad. If you get a chance to visit this area, this is a must stop. Kudos to the US government for managing it and keeping the cemetery absolutely beautifully maintained.

  • @lindamcentaffer5969
    @lindamcentaffer5969 Před 2 lety +1

    Wow. No greater sacrifice can a man do but lay down his life for his friends...

  • @WickedlyMe328
    @WickedlyMe328 Před 3 lety +1

    My grandfather was among those forces who landed in Normandy, wasn’t among the first, but was part of this historic moment. A guy that lives in my neighborhood is an actual survivor who was a part of the first waves. Was a doctor. He’s still alive too.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 3 lety

      Wow! If you wouldn't mind, could you send me an email and mention this post? I just have a quick question.
      thehistoryundergroundchannel (at) gmail.com

    • @WickedlyMe328
      @WickedlyMe328 Před 3 lety

      @@TheHistoryUnderground I don’t know much of my grandfather’s story, but can give you the veteran’s name. My grandpa died in 98

    • @WickedlyMe328
      @WickedlyMe328 Před 3 lety

      @@TheHistoryUnderground just an update, the local survivor died in March. He’s going to have ashes scattered at Omaha Beach. Ray Lambert was his name. He was mentioned at the 75th anniversary event.

  • @barbaraharshman9460
    @barbaraharshman9460 Před 2 lety

    Sitting at work again watching and getting chills! Thank you for taking us and all that you do! Such a beautiful place!

  • @hopskihh8602
    @hopskihh8602 Před 4 lety +2

    Never fails to bring a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye every time I visit. The visitor centre cinema showing some of the back stories of a men buried here never fails to move me to think of the sacrifice of these young men and what all of us owe them. Excellent video keep up the good work

  • @aviox3664
    @aviox3664 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank You from France !

  • @stephenvince9994
    @stephenvince9994 Před 4 lety +2

    I walked the cemetery at Etaples in France, a first world war cemetery with i think about 13000 graves. One epitaph on a headstone stood out to me and I photographed it. It reads: " For the love of our dead let us maintain the order of the world". Written of course in 1918 but it has so much meaning for us today. Let us all try to be worthy of them who gave their lives so that we may live in freedom, and waste not one day of that inheritance

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety

      Wow. That is heavy. And yet we still haven't learned those lessons. Thanks for that.

  • @jasonford7826
    @jasonford7826 Před 2 lety +1

    For a long time, I’ve been searching for videos to show our kids about Normandy and D-Day. I stumbled across your channel while doing my own research and it’s now part of our homeschooling for history. Thank you for all you do and bringing these locations to us.

  • @ashevillelist
    @ashevillelist Před 3 lety +1

    I've visited the American cemetery at Normandy. 3xs and each time I've been there I have felt a strange heavy feeling in my chest that I can't describe. Others that have visited here have described a similar feeling.

  • @johnmitchell4769
    @johnmitchell4769 Před 4 lety +2

    Thank you for publishing these videos. I would love to someday visit these sites and pay my respects to these brave and heroic men. My father was a WW II vet and his generation did so much for this country. All students should be made aware of the sacrifices those in uniform made for them to preserve the freedom they enjoy. May God bless them all.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +1

      John Mitchell - My pleasure. The students are the primary reason why this channel exist. Hopefully I can present some history in a way that gets them interested and excited. Thanks for watching.

  • @PewpewTrekkie
    @PewpewTrekkie Před 3 lety

    Visited this cemetery a few years ago. It was almost overwhelming. No words can describe the emotions felt being amongst these heroes.

  • @alaninnh
    @alaninnh Před 4 lety +2

    Thank you for this. I'm overwhelmed, and in tears.

  • @thomasmackie6657
    @thomasmackie6657 Před rokem

    Me and the girlfriend who live in the southeast of England are heading to Normandy end of May this year. 3 days camping locally and 2 days in hotel. Really looking forward to visiting the beaches and other places. Great vids. Thank you 🇬🇧

  • @istvanmarius8688
    @istvanmarius8688 Před 11 měsíci

    Each hero starting from anzio, omaha beach, and so on means a medal of honor, for the sacrifice made so that we can now live the freedom, only one thing we can do is to never forget these heroes. Thank you all for your service

  • @JonCYY86
    @JonCYY86 Před 4 lety +1

    Love all your videos! You're a great story teller and guide.

  • @joshduncan9720
    @joshduncan9720 Před 4 lety +1

    Watching this on June 6th. Constant goosebumps

  • @kennethmay5624
    @kennethmay5624 Před 4 lety +1

    Was there on June 6th last year for the 75th...at first embarsssed when tears came down uncontrollably...then just didnt mind...was one of the emotional days photographing.
    #lestweforget

    • @sosteve9113
      @sosteve9113 Před 3 lety +1

      Just been there a few weeks ago,and it really makes you humble towards the fallen heroes,I can honestly say it was very difficult to make a video about this place

  • @davesinclair617
    @davesinclair617 Před 2 lety

    We are very privileged to view your work and passion for bringing history and these soldiers stories to us all. Thank you so much I am grateful.

  • @robslusarphotography
    @robslusarphotography Před 3 lety +1

    i went there with school as a kid. they had a bomb squad on the beach detonating unexploded WWII bombs whilst we were there. pretty sobering experience. thanks for your videos

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 3 lety

      Oh wow. Crazy.

    • @robslusarphotography
      @robslusarphotography Před 3 lety

      @@TheHistoryUnderground it was, my Grandfather was in the Royal Navy around D-Day so the history of that resonates a lot with me. Your videos are some of the best on youtube, Love watching them

  • @DanBeitzelMusic
    @DanBeitzelMusic Před 4 lety +3

    Absolutely love your channel. Thank you for your efforts. I am a soldier from the 28th Infantry and my Grandfather fought with the 7th armored division from Normandy to Germany. He was shot at the battle of the bulge. I was linked to your video from watching an interview with Dick Winters. I'm for the first time almost through the Band of Brothers book and will be moving on to the memoirs of Richard Winters next. Thanks for your research and dedication.

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 4 lety +2

      Oh my gosh! I know a guy who fought with the 7th Armored Division! 23rd Armored Infantry Battalion. Be sure to watch for a video next Monday. I'll be at the exact spot where they fought in St. Vith. If you wouldn't mind, shoot me an email at some point.

    • @DanBeitzelMusic
      @DanBeitzelMusic Před 4 lety

      @@TheHistoryUnderground Sure. Can I get an address?

  • @pamelakern2849
    @pamelakern2849 Před 4 lety +1

    Thankyou for sharing, this powerful peace of history with us !!!

  • @stevehotaling7797
    @stevehotaling7797 Před 2 lety

    I have never been more humbled and speechless than when I visited this location.

  • @Jasona1976
    @Jasona1976 Před 4 lety +1

    I have been to this cemetery....it is a solemn, respectful and a wonderfully maintained place. Every American should see it.

    • @sosteve9113
      @sosteve9113 Před 3 lety

      Just been there a few weeks ago,and it really makes you humble towards the fallen heroes,I can honestly say it was very difficult to make a video about this place

  • @mjfbb22
    @mjfbb22 Před 2 lety

    Humbling. Flowing gratitude and love to all who rest here. And to their families. My God. Thank you.

  • @Awakened.for.good1967
    @Awakened.for.good1967 Před 4 lety +2

    Thank you for your dedication to educate and the effort to get people to think

  • @giselegamble9973
    @giselegamble9973 Před 8 měsíci

    Thank you for this video.

  • @vawterb
    @vawterb Před 3 lety

    Overwhelming and humbling. Thank you.

    • @sosteve9113
      @sosteve9113 Před 3 lety

      Just been there a few weeks ago,and it really makes you humble towards the fallen heroes,

  • @ja37d-34
    @ja37d-34 Před 4 lety +2

    Was a really beautiful place, glad I did not missed that one. Very humbling..

  • @mikeforte7585
    @mikeforte7585 Před 3 lety

    This is overwhelming!!....there are no words to do this proper justice!!!...amen!

  • @rixplace1374
    @rixplace1374 Před 4 lety +1

    I spent 6 June 2004 on the Normandy beaches and at the U S Military Cemetery at Colleville. sur mer.If ever a burial place for the fallen can be said to be beautiful it is Colleville. My mothers youngest brother went ashore that day and survived.All his long life he never mentioned a word about that day. The day I was there was perfect blue skies, and warm and sunny. I spent three days in the Normandy area..Hundreds of American veterans were there with their families as guests of the French government.
    My first visit to this gentlemans channel. His reverence towards both the nearby German cemetery and the America cemetery are to be commended......I'll be back to visit with him

  • @OneManandaHorse
    @OneManandaHorse Před 3 lety

    Thank You.

  • @mikelahey2169
    @mikelahey2169 Před 2 měsíci

    June 12, 2004 I had the honor in the company of a D - Day veteran, and a Korean War veteran as a Viet Nam veteran to place a wreath at the statue here. It was just shortly after the 60th anniversary of D - Day

  • @ob8794
    @ob8794 Před rokem

    Thank you again for this tour. I watched this again today, which is Veterans Day. Also my daughter and son in law are there today. Thank you for all those that served🇺🇸

  • @bdask72
    @bdask72 Před 2 lety

    I had the honor of visiting this hallowed ground, when we entered the cemetery the chapel bells chimed " My Country Tis of Thee", Seeing all the crosses almost made my knees give out and we all wept quietly to ourselves...
    That was our experience.
    Thank you for sharing...

  • @dean95b
    @dean95b Před 2 lety +1

    Hey brother as a oif veteran thank you so much for this. You are outstanding. Keeping these men's history alive. God speed and may God rest their souls .

    • @TheHistoryUnderground
      @TheHistoryUnderground  Před 2 lety +1

      Appreciate that 👊🏻🇺🇸

    • @dean95b
      @dean95b Před 2 lety

      @@TheHistoryUnderground love to go with you on your next trip

  • @josephhayden6749
    @josephhayden6749 Před rokem

    Thank you. I hope to see this in person and pay my respects some day soon.

  • @dmwvols
    @dmwvols Před rokem

    Discovered your channel a few weeks ago and have been going through your videos numerically. A fantastic presentation of history. As a history nut, I am in awe of the job you are doing. Thank you.

  • @charleshartz4814
    @charleshartz4814 Před 3 lety

    Bless them all.