General Patton's Personal Jeep Driver Remembers the Legendary Man | Francis "Jeep" Sanza
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- čas přidán 20. 12. 2021
- Francis "Jeep" Sanza was drafted into the U.S. Army in the spring of 1941. Due to his mechanical prowess the army put him into the 3457th Ordnance Medium Auto Maintenance Company, where he began driving the tough new Willys MB 1/4-ton reconnaissance vehicles, later to be simply called the "Jeep".
Sanza was eventually chosen to be the personal driver and mechanic for General George S. Patton, one of the most important and revered generals of the Second World War.
Sanza's unique position gave him a window into the mind of one of the greatest strategists in modern military history, as he drove Patton across France and into Germany.
Francis "Jeep" Sanza passed away peacefully on January 30, 2018
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Just a word to everyone, and especially the carping critics who won't be able to restrain themselves from correcting what this old veteran has to say, especially concerning dates and events.
When an old-timer like this who's witnessed and taken part in events that most of us can only dream of speaks, the respectful thing to do is keep your mouths tightly shut and let him speak.
Remember, he FOUGHT in WW2, he didn't "major" in it!
When one of those men is in the room nobody cares what YOU know, they only care what HE knows, even if he's off here and there.
Sadly, we're losing these men at an ever-increasing rate. Appreciate them for who they are, where they've been and what they've done. They saved us all, even if they didn't realize it at the time.
By the way, did you notice he dressed-up for the interview? That's one classy guy!
Well said, Wayne. Well said.
@@GFHanks Thanks G.F.!
❤️👍
Anyone who has ill to say about this man can, as Patton would say, go to hell. That's a real American right there.
Well put. I can’t think of any better way to say it. Semper Fi and God bless men like this one.
My uncle was in the Third Army and worshipped Patton. He said he saw the General at the front more often than he saw his immediate superior.
Wow!! That is so cool.
Patton was the real soldiers’ general, not suckup Bradley who rode around with a luxury trailer and his personal chef. Being politically correct was around in those days too and Eisenhower holding back Patton led to many more of our boys being killed.
Trump is the reincarnation of the General
Might of been better if ole Poltroon had spent a little more time doing his duty.
He took a general’s pay; should have done a general’s job…
Problem was, he was INCAPABLE of doing the job…
They’ve said about other cr*p generals: ‘Great lieutenant; good captain; average major; bad colonel; disaster at any rank regimental rank.’
And that’s ole Poltroon P. An absolute liability to his men, to his colleagues and his superiors….
Great for the enemy though..,
😂😂😂🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮😂@@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858
My dad also was a driver for Patton. He died in 1999. Lots of stories I wish I would've listened more.
Yes, one of my neighbors drove for Patton as well. Floyd Hen(d)ricks was his name. He said that Patton used to rotate drivers and didn't always keep the same one. I spent a lot of time listening to his stories and those of his brother who was a border patrol agent. They were both great storytellers.
My dad said that his Uncle also claimed to have driven Patton around a few times.
My Papaw did too at some point, his jeep had "cute edna" painted on it.
George C Scott definitely deserved the Oscar for his portrayal of Patton in the movie....he nailed it.
How would you or any of us not in his command center know that? Movies make up good stories-----and are very loosely based on facts. It was a good movie though.
@@dennisplatte7506 of course they took some liberties to make it more entertaining more dramatic whatever but believe me, I’m sure George did a fair amount of research on the character and tried to make it fairly authentic but it’s not like it needs to be nitpicked over details he got the basics of the character and convinced me,most of the viewing public and the Academy, that his portrayal was worthwhile and mostly accurate
Except the voice. 😂. His voice was high pitched in real life not all deep like in the movie.
George C Scott, an intense great actor.
This is the thing, I really do think people get the character George C Scott played and the real Patton mixed up quite a lot. It’s a great film, one of the best war films ever, but it’s so pervasive that I wouldn’t be surprised if even the venerable gentleman in this clip has a few false memories courtesy of the film.
My uncle was stationed in North Africa before Patton arrived, he had already written his will and decided he wouldn't survive the war. When Patton came he began to see that he might actually have a chance, and indeed he did.
great story!
Read up on General Lloyd Fredendall for some insight on why your uncle decided he would not be able to survive.
I'm not quite sure how pattons arrival would have made the difference, the Americans involvement in Africa was a baptism of fire and they were a hindrance rather than a benefit
@@nikkihicks5693 how? Americans secured multiple landing zones and we sent our navy to blow the french ships out of the water. I'd say we were useful. Not to mention the Sherman (American made) gave the British the edge over the panzer iv
@@nikkihicks5693 if my uncle George Darden we’re still alive today I’d love to see you tell him that, I figure you’d be F#*+$& in about 30 sec.
My Dad just passed away in August. He served under Patton. I am so very proud of him, always have been. These men saved the world.
Idk about saved the world, even patton seemed to regret what happened to germany. World war history is very complex. Every generation who died in these wars needs to be respected from east to west.
Only to have FDR/Truman handover ALL of Eastern Europe to a mass killer Stalin, Check, The Slov nation's, Hungry and so. Patton wanted to save the World by invading Moscow.
There's no doubt they saved the world from a horrible future...RIP your father, and Gen.Patton...
@@bobbywood5379 That's correct!! I think about that frequently these days; don't hear of it much.
Why it happened; not sure, but it's too bad. An invasion of Moscow ; a war with the USSR, maybe not. But what do I know?
We do know that 46 , 47, 48 were critical years where the allied military presence in E. Europe was reduced substantially. A deal with Stalin? I don't know.
My opinion is, it seems an huge and colossal failure of the Western powers to allow that to happen. It paved the way for the countries of Europe to fall under the influence of socialism and become socialist democracies. Why not the other way around?
Why did the west not recognize this opportunity of history to encourage and influence the nations of Europe , including Britain, to model their governments after the American structure. The structure of a Constitutional Republic with the three branches of government. The executive being a President not a P.M.
This could have brought full circle the dynamic of history in regard to the development of " liberal representative govt" . Which ,in fact , had progressed in Britain as part of her long history in regard to causing the monarchy to be restrained in its power and answerable to Parliament. This enabled liberty and the beginnings of local govt.
Such govt flourished in the British colonies thru the 17 th and 18 th centuries as an extension and out growth of English liberty. Then , the Revolution being won a Constitutional Republic was created.
However , now we find , because of what I see as that failure of the Western powers; the United States becoming a powerful socialist democracy. A weakening of local govt and the strengthening of a rising totalitarian power that can accept no dissent ..no liberty. This being the very type of government that was fought so hard against with great loss of life. Too bad.
Sorry for the "book"; had to get that off my chest with someone who might understand. 😅 But what do I know?
My father-in-law just passed away in 2018.. He was a guard for the Generals in Europe at D-Day and Battle of the Bulge.. They had to be first ones in to open up concentration camps so the Generals could see it with their own eyes. The Nazis at these camps escaped by dressing in English country clothes. They caught one of them by talking to him.
My grandfather was a POW in Germany after crashing his P-51. He was liberated several months later by General Patton, and he sat on Patton’s jeep, while the General gave a speech after liberating the camp. One of the other men on the jeep handed out rations, and gave one to my grandfather, could have been this gentleman. Two things he noted: 1) Gen. Patton had a much higher register voice than he anticipated, 2) had he kept that ration it would have really been worth something, but he was far too hungry and just scarfed it down.
Wow, the fact that Patton himself would wake up his driver is amazing.
I remember reading about Patton talking about his Jeep driver as being the best driver he’d ever seen, awesome getting to see him finally
I 100% Agree....This was an Honor
Thank you
He was my grandfather
@@jamespattoniii3029 he was my aunt
@@jamespattoniii3029 I'm my own grandpa.
I had the great fortune to talk with a WW2 veteran ……. I asked which branch he was in . He looked me in the eye , grew a foot in height and said “ I was in Patton’s army ! “ then he called General Patton every name he could . I asked why he stayed in that unit . “ Because wherever you were the General was always ahead of the troops . That man talked as if Patton was the greatest man ever .
My great grandfather was a combat engineer. Dday, built bridges over the Meuse and Rhine rivers. Patton personally handed him a silver star in 44. My grandfather told some great stories from him!
Patton's family was given a private screening when the movie "Patton" came out in 1970. The family had refused movie offers for years because he was so controversial. But at the end of watching this movie they jumped up and said, "YES, That's him!" I worked with a guy in the 1970s who had been one of Patton's "Tankers" in WWII. I asked him if he was like the movie portrayed and he said yes. They all liked him.
There’s maybe a handful of these Vets left, the greatest generation, such an honor to listen to him speak !
Yes, never forget.
I wonder how many WW2 vets are still around today around the world. It was be cool if they got more recognition. That indeed was the greatest generation to ever live and I mean ALL sides. Russia, Germany and the allies too now..
Every soldier should have his tales told so even if for posterity we cannot forget the past else we are doomed to repeat it.
@Anne Frank it's because ppl faced with the truth of the world clashing with their personal narratives would rather hide in the warmth of lies rather than face hard truths. They've been lied to from cradle to grave. Wouldn't you want to hide in the lie of you matter?
@Anne Frank he was mistaken in that, to fight another war the day after we might have won but with no enemy to challenge us would we have,
Computers,
Satellites,
Iphones,
A working base, when motivated properly is the envy of thirce the enemies output.
We had an enemy of 46 years, it was a 0,1 and a cease fire but with our nation fighting them in lockstep with even the greatest of political rivals working as one to stop the red menace let me ask you, was it that bad having a frenemy to make us push the edge of technology?
I am lucky enough to work directly for Gen. Patton's grandson, Mr. Robert Patton in Southbridge, Ma. Being a Veteran myself, I cannot express the sense of pride this gives me 😊❤
Trump is the reincarnation of General Patton
@@FloJor I must now agree. His family is not that great either. Sad
Oh shoot hes right here in my state?!?
Nice!
May I ask what he does?
@@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858absolutely not.
@@skyrocketcoast219 As the great great grandson of general Patton I agree with you
This man is amazing, and the best 17 minutes I spent this week was listening to him.
THIS MAN IS GOLD. THE HISTORY THAT HE HAS. NO ONE CAN COMPARE.
We need Patton now.
I had an uncle Lem from Lacaster PA who shared a Patton story with me. He and his buddies heard that Patton would soon drive past their location. They found a dead German soldier, propped him up against a fence post in a standing salute. As Patton's jeep drove past, it suddenly came to a stop and backed up to view the staged scene. Patton saluted, grinned, said "I like that..!" and then directed his driver to continue on.
😂
I love how these older gents, dress for the interview. Coat, tie, vest, pure class.
I'm a vet. There's a General Patton museum in a place called Chiriaco Summit in California on Hwy 10 going towards Arizona which is located right next to a gas station that my wife and I used to stop at when we'd travel back and forth to Phoenix from my duty station Vandenberg AFB in California. My wife never wanted to visit it when we'd stop. I took a solo trip once and ended up there about an hour before the museum opened and I thought to myself "man, am I ever going to see this museum?". That's when I seen a car pull up, it was the man who ran the museum. I was walking around the tanks located outside when he approached me and when I told him my story he said "well hell, cmon in" . He gave me a personal tour, showed me around the back where things were that weren't on display and even opened up the tanks so I could go Inside them, a true treat. It was great. Should you ever be on that road stop and pay it a visit, show them some love. They went above and beyond to make this vets day that day.
I had a civics teacher who was a young intelligence officer under Patton. This interview is consistent with the stories from my HS teacher. This driver was enlisted, but Patton was strict with his junior officers. One story that my teacher shared was about fighting positions. On a visit to the front Patton asked the junior officers where their fighting positions were? He proceeded to urinate in them. He didn’t want his young officers hiding in a fighting position unless all their enlisted men were afforded the same opportunity. A small taste of why his men loved him. At the end of the day, we need men like Patton, at every level like never before.
No worries we have Gen. Milley.
@@winstonchurchill3597 Yep. She's my hero.
@@winstonchurchill3597 now that's funny
@@winstonchurchill3597 😅😂😂😂😂when I say things like that I get bombarded with hate. 💰💰💯💥💥🤩
You guys are awesome 👏. I’m in good company
My best friend for 46 years ,Archie Smothers, originally was in the Quartermaster Corps as a truck driver serving under Gen Patton. He also drove as part of the Red Ball Express. When the Express ended, he became an Infantryman and helped the 101st Airborn at the Bulge. He never waivered when asked about serving under Gen Patton - "One heck of a General. We loved him!"
My uncle was a flame thrower soldier in General Patton's 3rd army. He was one of the guys who destroyed the pill boxes, gun inplacements, and machine gun nests. My uncle was highly decorated. He loved General Patton. He said Patton fought beside his men, often in the front leading his men. Not radioing in orders to his men from some comfy country club command center far away from any danger. He also said if Patton was eating steak so were his men.
Excellent, he lived thru his men and their task at hand
Absolutely amazing. I whished our politicians (on both sides) would actually care about who they supposed to represent.
Totally amazing. Thank you.
This was terrific. I've never heard such a perspective on a top general. You can tell this Sanza was a great, salt-of-the-earth guy.
My Dad was in 3rd Army.
Every Sunday my Dad and I drove a route that passed by a street called Patton Rd.
He always saluted that sign.
My dad was n the 3rd army as well. Battle of the bulge
@@hillcrock My dad was in 8th armored, 741st tank battalion. First wave D-Day. The Battalion that lost all but 3 tanks coming ashore on day one. Later (after the hedgerow fighting, liberating St. Lo...1st into Paris), my dad's outfit was also in the Battle of the Bulge. Surrounded on opening night. I have his letters home to my mom. Unbelievable letters. In the Battle of the Bulge his letter starts out...."Honey, I don't think we're going to make it out this time...." ... the greatest generation!
Last fall I was in Bad Tolz, Bavaria, Germany. I specifically located "General Patton Strasse" there. Lots of buildings still being used there from when Patton was the Administrator of Bavaria after the end of WWII.
Ft. Devens Massachusetts has a Patton Road. Named after the General.
I'm the proud mom of a currently serving son in the US ARMY ... MANY THANKS to all of you, whose families served & sacrificed !
My uncle was a driver for Eisenhower. He was so very proud, but as a young guy I was not smart enough to be willing to sit down and ask him to talk about what it was like.
I am so glad to listen to this wonderful man. I hear my uncle, who passed years ago, in this gentleman’s voice.
Thank you.
My next door neighbor was in Patton's army. Sgt. Russell Dunham. Russ was awarded the Medal of Honor in '45 and he had some Patton stories to tell.
My father ran radar site around the front lines and followed Patton into the Bulge to save the 101st. He had so much respect for Gen. Patton he named his firstborn after him.
The 101st were doing just fine and would have held out. The Germans didn't deploy strong forces to take Bastogne. They had bigger issues elsewhere.
@@lyndoncmp5751 no they were not there were sustaining major casualties from the 88s. Then that is what they told Patton, thanks for the help but we had it handled.
@@lyndoncmp5751 Wrong, again.
Great comment OP. Don't know why these 2 other clowns chimed in.
'Were airborne, we are suppose to be surrounded"
Mr. Sanza lived a long and prosperous 99 years on earth. The things he saw in those 99 years is amazing.
What they did to General Patton was discusting and sad. He was better than any generals we have now for sure. This guy is so lucky to have done this.🇺🇲
He was killed "over there" in a car crash after the war.
What do you mean what they did to him?
A half track pulled in front of his car and Patton was paralyzed from the accident. He didn’t die from the accident. He died in the hospital under very strange circumstances. His wife would not allow an autopsy.
@John Kale sadly, most don’t know, don’t care, and unfortunately will think your tin foil hand wearing dinosaur for stating historical facts
They say he was murdered!
I had the great honor to know one of General Patton's soldiers. Jay Downes was in the 87th Infantry Division, the Golden Acorn, from the second day of The Battle of the Bulge through to VE Day. Jay was awarded several decorations, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. But the decoration he most treasured was the Combat Infantryman Badge that was pinned on his chest by none other than General Patton. He told the story of that day many times. When Jay left this world five years ago, he was buried with full military honors. That CIB went with him, pinned to the left breast of his suit. RIP Jay, the family misses you greatly.
@ Chilly Billy
Hey my Uncle served in the Golden Acorn 87th INF Division as well. I received a Unit History book from him before he passed away!
I was a Full Timer in the MIARNG, and Deploying my Nephews Heavy Lift Helicopter Detachment. Being close to the hospital one Evening while working on the deployment, l took my Nephew to see him. He lit up to see us both in our Army BDU’s and saw that I had the Same Rank as he had when he finished up his “6 year Hitch” he spent two years in the Pentagon following the war. He loved seeing us in uniform and kept going back to saying that he liked the way they looked and all the pockets. That was mid December of 2003, a couple more Visits I wished I could have made. Sadly he passed away on the 20th between Christmas and New Years I attended his Funeral in my Dress Green Class A uniform. I received the Flag as it was folded by the detail from his American Legion Post, and in Turn presented it to my Dad. I had practiced my statement for handing over the folded flag and when I was about to say it as I had practiced not a word came out of my mouth, keeping my Military Bearing, I saw tears running down my dads face, I saluted, preformed a facing movement and walked back to my position with the Detail of course I had tears in my eyes blurring my vision and had I not had years of experience in marching I don’t think that I would have made it. I was on autopilot. That was the first time in my life that I had seen him cry, he also had served 8 years 4 in WWII as a Coast Guard sailor on a converted Laker in the Pacific Wm. M. Fitch and the Korean War 4 years on the J.M.Davis in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and Pacific. I’m sorry to say that he too, has passed away late Dec of 2015.
I see that so many have Passed away that I’m sad that there will be fewer than ever if any come elections of 2024. We sure could do with some of the Greatest Generations wisdoms and respectfulness to be re learned from now till then.
And it was Patton that said we should destroy the Russians back when we had the chance... Sorry got used up a long time ago when you look back at it nowadays! I was in Germany when the Wall came down... it took 45 years for the people to change and get rid of the old Communist Yoke, that and the USSR was Broke. I do hope that we can get it right this time and not let Ukraine be another sacrificial lamb!
I'm sorry for your loss and I hope all admire such a man.
My dad had several encounters with general Patton both during and before the war. An example of him leading from the front would be an instance where my dad's company was waiting on the side of the road to advance into a "German occupied" village. When suddenly there appears coming from that same village a gloss Olive painted m4 Sherman with general Patton in the turret. He asked my dad why in the hell they were sitting on the side of the road? And my dad gave him a salute in his dirty tanker uniform, is heavy beard showing and replied sir there's Germans in that village and we're waiting for orders from command to advance. The general uttered a few expletives that there were no Germans in that village he just came from there. He ordered my Dad's unit to fire up their damn tanks and get down the road! Then he went hunting for the company Commander to chew his ass! True story
My dad was very proud to have met the general, while he never actually said he loved the general I know in his heart he would have followed him in to hell. They would have probably won too! Even though my dad was in the Army until 1966, he identified with his time in 6th Armored Division, 3rd Army.
Did he ever encounter Ridgway by chance? I've read that he and Patton worked together for a while in Italy and other areas.
@@thunderbird1921 he never really mentioned him that I recall
In WW1 he was behind the tanks on foot, banged on them to get their attention, and would point them in the direction he wanted, with shells going off around the area. Thank you for confirming the story I heard. What a man.
Pretty impressive and cool that your father took orders directly from Patton, at least on that occasion. In my mind Patton was revered by his men because they knew (saw) that he'd face the same dangers, do the same jobs, undergo the same hardships; because at heart, he was one of them.
🇺🇸☝️😇👍🇺🇸
My Dad served in General Patton’s army.
When a little kid, I asked, “Daddy, was General Patton a good general?”
He answered, “Yes! He was a good general! He was always on the front lines with us.”
Pop lived history with special generation.
May God bless and keep them all.
My father, Andrew F Vaclav was Patton’s driver through Germany and the Battle of the Bulge. Dad showed us several items from the times, one being a sweater that Mrs. Patton knitted for dad made of od army wool. RIP
They just don’t make ‘em like this anymore. So much respect for these incredible men.
My father was in France under Patton. He loved Patton, they all did.
He was one of the most respected adversaries the Germans knew... Rommel and Patton had the utmost respect for each other! If they had both survived the war both of them would most definitely have been best friends!
Ridgway was also loved by his men from what I've heard. In the Korean War, there apparently was a battle incident where a guy carrying a radio unit had his shoe laces come undone and he slipped back down the embankment he was trying to climb. He hollered out in frustration "Would one of you sons of b*tches tie my shoe?!" Suddenly a man was there doing it. The young fella looked down and found himself face to face with Ridgway. Talk about a servant leader! Hard to believe both he and Patton at times were on the same battlefield in World War II.
My grandfather also served under Patton as a tanker and hated him. He related a story several times that Patton visited his unit at the front, there was firing nearby and Patton was the only one who ducked, the other men who had been in the line knowing that it was no threat to the position. He had previously served under Mark W. Clark and much preferred Clark. Definitely a "his guts and our blood" opinion.
@@r1a1p1AllenPogue you never explained why your father hated him, all you said was that he flinched under fire...
My grandfather fought in North Afrika, Sicily, Norway, and finally central Europe.
He had nothing but respect for General Patton.
@@scallie6462 It was my grandfather. He thought Patton expected his men to expose themselves to fire that he was himself frightened of. I also think he believed that Patton did not care about the lives of his men, only his own glory and place in history. Other than that I can't be more specific. My grandfather has been dead a long time. He never withheld his dislike of Patton though.
If Presidents had listened to men like Patton and MacArthur, the world would now be a better place.
You mean bail out Doug.
@@chuckjohnson2564 Dug-out Doug 😄🪖🛐
@@berzerker1100 pest for life.
That’s damn rite
China certainly wouldn't be an issue if we listened to MacArthur in Korea.
George Paton and driver. Two among our greatest in history. My highest respect for them is trivial to what they deserve.
Patton had more than one jeep driver. A WW2 veteran in the small MS town where I grew up. I got to interview him during my Senior year in high school. Last name was Holliday (I can't remember first name). He told me of an incident late in the war where his troops were stopped by a series of German occupied pillboxes. Patton's troops were having a difficult time with them. Mr. Holliday said he took no credit for what happened next, but he stated that he told General Patton that "back home if we couldn't run an animal out a hole we would seal them up." Patton directed bulldozers to approach the pillbox with the blade raised then dropped during the last few yards. The wall of dirt pushed up would block the shooting position. The Germans started running put the back of the pillboxes one by one and were gunned down or surrendered.
My grandpa Drought was a t4 telecommunications specialist who spoke German and intercepted radio transmissions of any kind, and he too worked with Patton many times. Thank you for your service sir, and thank you for uploading these and filming these awesome bådašs men
Edit: 136th AAA BN
Patton was Trumps father.
That is really cool. My grandfather served in WW2 and fought the Germans, but he died when I was 5 so I don't know really know much about his service. He was a short man at 5'4. He could actually walk with his hands when he was 80 years old. I still don't know how the hell he was able to do that.
@@saved_by_grace75 if that were true, Bone Spur boy would have served.
@@machtschnell7452 Brandon didn't serve.
Neither did Clinton or Obama
My late father-in-law was a Sergeant in Patton's 3rd Army. He said that one day he and his men were detailed to build a small bridge across a creek. After building it they were standing by it throwing their bayonets into a tree when Patton pulled up in a jeep. He casually asked them how things were going and then went over the creek in his jeep and up a hill to see the Germans. After a few 88mm shells came down around him the jeep driver got off that hill ASAP and flew across the bridge with Patton holding on as best he could. My father-in-law thought it funny that they built that bridge specifically for Patton.
Cool story. Thanks. We need to be told, remember and never forget-the bravery, risk, miraculous and the Love of God, Family and Country. Carry on Fine Soldier and Son🕯🎶
@@mariesonoma thank you.
Great story, man. Thanks for sharing here. That's two thumbs up! 👍👍
😁🤣😆😂
@John Turpin Yeh...they were the truckers that delivered supplies 24/7 at maximum speed to the front lines.
This man, besides being a hero soldier, lived through some of most interesting history of all time.
Nope
@@analogalbacore7166 Yep
A true American hero, who drove for America's greatest General. Both of them men of the greatest generation. An I stand proudly an salute, the men an women of the greatest generation.
As a 7th grader at Nether Providence Elementary I did a biography project on Gen. Patton. As a 47 year old parent,taxpayer, and citizen I can say this with complete confidence..WE NEED TO BRING BACK GENERAL PATTON . EISENHOWER TO!
Congratulations on becoming a citizen!
Today's snowflakes are not men, mentally, only physically!
Patton, YES... Eisenhower, Bradly, and Mark Clark can stay resting in peace. Especially Bradley and Clark. In their place, bring back Chesty Puller... Audie Murphy... Neville Brand... and we can't forget Vinegar Joe Stillwell!
My father was a driver also, driving people like General Hap and Bob Hope. Seen General Patton on occasion. Listening to him is like listening to my dad😥
My dad drove a Jeep that had a radio in it...One day, he was told to deliver a message of some sort, to the area where Patton was located...Patton passed my dad on a stairway, and bellowed out "Soldier, fasten your chin strap!"...Needless to say, my dad did so immediately!
Finally someone who's been there and sets the record straight... God bless you Sir...
Ironic that I'm seeing this video....met this guys wife shortly after he died where his wife had moved into a Assisted living home. She was 96 yrs old and sharp as a tack. While I was in her room I noticed all this pictures of Patton....curiosity got the best of me so I asked her about them. She said if you would notice the guy next to Patton is my husband....now I'm seeing this in a video...!!
I had a neighbor who has since past that was in the Battle of the Bulge. Only new him for a year or so. One day he was standing on his porch smoking a cigarrette and sucking on his oxygen bottle. Said his Dr told him to quit but stated he got hooked on smoking during the war as they were in the c rations. Said why bother now when I'm 90. Anyways that is how I learned he was a veteran. He probably had a lot of stories but all he said excitedly and with lit up eyes that he saw Patton once from a distance giving a speech. Another validation as to how much the men admired him.
I met this man 25+ years ago. Did a remodeling job for his son in law great guy went by Frank. Had some awesome WW2 souvenirs. 👍🇺🇸
👏👏
The love that McDonald must have put into those handles for General Patton made my eyes tear up. We desperately need another Patton
Patton lived his life as a true American! A hero's hero.
God bless you sir. You guys were definitely the greatest American generation.
Those were the founding fathers.
I love listening to the old war horses, reminds me of sitting in front of my great grandpa (RIP) who served in the South Pacific during WW2. Still some amazing stories to be told.
My grandpa served in the south pacific also on the USS Sanjincinto in the south pacific he was a 50 cal gunner on the air craft carrier pres bush was on .He shot down 6 Japanese Air planes so proud of him got Philippine liberation medals 🏅 also .
Very cool, I bet there were some great stories! My Great G-pa was in the 307th Bomb group and flew 50 plus bombing missions. Also got many air medals, presidential medals etc. plane was shot to bits multiple times but always found a way to make it back to base.
So did my great grandfather. He served in Burma during WW2.
Dad served in the Army Air Corps ,Guadalcanal, Nightfighter, sent there from the territory of Hawaii,with the radar unit that they watched a movie on, couldn't make it work until they used a coke bottle to ground it. ..
@@atlanticsavageakaofficalsa8901 that's good your proud of him he would be you
Thank you for your service Francis "Jeep" Sanza!
Although I never was honored to serve under Gen George S. Patton Jr, I was blessed by being able to serve under his son Gen G.S. Patton III at Ft Hood, TX in the 70’s. I was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division for four years and we were the only Division to be allowed to wear our Division patch over our hearts. I still have a couple of mine and have great memories. “Jeep” IS a true hero as all who fought before us. I retired after 27 years and wouldnt trade it for the world. God bless the United States of America again.
A true American treasure. Thank you, sir, for your service and God bless you!
My father was in Patton's 3rd Army and served on a half track always spoke highly of The General
These men are true heroes not what they call now.
This guy is a LEGEND!
What a joyous personality Francis has. Very proud of his assignment. I salute you sir.
I grew up near a man that said that he was Patton's jeep driver.
His name was Bill Andrews. He never told me. Those men did
not talk about the war around us kids. It is a great honor to
hear this man relate his experiences.
My Papa was in a ditch, all of the sudden a jeep stopped. All he heard was " Someone fix this F+++ing tire" , he had 2 of his dogs with him. Swore like a drunk sailor, and said nothing when Papa put a rubber plug in the damn tire...he just drove off...he was an ass...but did some good things as well
War is hell. Humans don't enjoy war. That's why they don't talk about it. It's survival. Many soldiers suffer PTSD. Patton was a born leader and soldier. I believe he was gifted by God with certain traits that made him a great general.
@@joanmorgan5318 EVERY soldier/marine has ptsd in some way shape or form when they get out. Some have no VISIBLE signs of it, or ever realize they have it. But it is there in the nervous tics or the need to be in the so-called "gunfighter's seat" with their back to the wall and clear view of all entry-ways. Others have it so bad they remove the haunting memories with suicide. There is a REASON that many Veterans are drug and alcohol addicts: they are self medicating to numb the pain whether mental or physical or both. This is true for even those that were so-called "peacetime" Veterans. Remember... as you said, humans don't enjoy war. When you are trained to do something that is basically against human nature, you end up traumatized. You can not unlearn being taught killing when it is quite literally drilled into you to become a conditioned response. You can not unlearn your fear after you learn the horrible things you are taught to do as a Veteran. The very nature of basic training is to destroy you so that you can be rebuilt and replaced mentally with the things you need to learn to survive. That takes its toll on you peacetime or otherwise. Then there are the ones that will never be told how much they are appreciated... because they were involve in actions that were ordered, but, if ever made public, there is no record so everything is deniable. Yes... it happens. Veterans are like toilet paper... when we are in uniform, nice and shiny and are that full roll hanging next to the toilet, we are needed and seen and acknowledged grudgingly. Once we have ETS'd... once we get that 214, and are soiled and out of uniform, once your toilet paper is soiled... it is the time we get thrown into the toilet and flushed because nobody wants to be reminded that we exist with all our problems, and medical needs from our military service. Female Veteran suicides are now almost on par with those of their male counterparts. They are now experiencing the same horror and the same combat that males do, so are responding in the same way that the men do. You don't really hear about the males offing themselves. And the females... when was the last time you heard of a female Veteran doing the same. Guess what... they do.
My father was a Staff Sergeant with the Army’s 39th Infantry Division. He followed General Patton from Africa to the Sicilian Campaign. The latter is what enabled the breakthrough into Europe that led to victory. This was a very strong and God fearing Generation. I love them ALL 🎚🇺🇸🇺🇸🎚😎
General Patton is one of the major reasons my father made it home from the "Bulge"!
My grand father served in ww-1 and ww-2. He stated that Gen. Patton had several drivers. I salute you sir for your service. Gen. Patton's had relief drivers however my grandfather stated that these relief driver would come to relieve regular driver for his break and to take the jeep for fueling and have it cleaned. My twin brother served under Gen. Patton's son in Germany, and his son was alot like his father, he would sit in the mess hall with his enlisted soldiers at their table than at the commission officers table. Gen. Patton son took care of his troops and provided for them. My brother told me his actions and ways, was identically like his father.
Very true. My uncle was one of his drivers. I asked him what Patton was like and he told me “he was a filthy-mouthed general!” It was also rumored that Patton would have different drivers who would take him to his mistress. Not sure if it was true, but it would not surprise me if it was true.
A father to strive to become if not surpass. Remember these men and women, they are the best of us giving the last ounce of life they had to bring us the shining future.
@@GBU61 Patton is Trump's father. Guess it was true.
I was stationed at Peterson AFB in the middle 80's and was a medic at the clinic(back when it took care of any AD person, retired vets, and all dependents). One day, I was taking care of a Gen. Patton who was preparing history for a surgerical procedure. He was in his civilian clothes that day. I can't remember for certain if he was retired at that time...I'm assuming he was , though. I just outright asked him if he was related to the famous Gen. PATTON of WW2 fame. He outright denied it. Which I knew he wasn't telling the truth, cause I had read up on his records. I just said, "well we all here really respected the Gen and his memory." And let it go. But...I always thought it was weird that he denied being his son. Don't know what he thought I'd do if he had of admitted it. AND this man , the Gen, was tall and very handsome and I remember thinking what a hunk he was and in his early 60's! I was in my late 20's. And married. But I could still recognize a "Hunk" when I saw one. Now, Im 65. And I remember reading several+ yrs ago where the son died. RIP father and son.
My grandfather was under the command of Patton's lost 4 fingers serving as a medic but. He never knew it but I loved the storys he told.
We would love to hear them.
Talk about sharp at nearly 100 years old! God love him and ALL those who I and others like me consider "The Greatest Generation".
This man's happiness shows he's a valuable man
My late grandfather was one of General Patton's bodyguards during WW II and he said that General Patton DID NOT HIT THE SOLDIER! That all blown up by the press and Hollywood . 👍🇺🇲☮
Press and Hollywood one and the same... Professional actors, professional liars, masters of deceit ;}
@@blogengeezer4507 Nothing has changed. The media that is supposed to be the 4th estate and protect our rights are traitors to the truth.
Both soldiers that claimed Parton hit them, and the “reporter” that broke the story, were NOT Americans. THEY were of the plundering and destroying interlopers. I.e. it was a hit job to throttle back Patton according to THEIR Soviet serving timetable.
Getting rid of Patton then enabled the debacle at Anzio instigated by another of THEM, Clarke.
@@k.chriscaldwell4141 Dolly Parton?
@@johntowle Don't provoke him, he's off his meds.
I notice that all this war vet died of old age and with a healthy mind. Good health and all. Respect to all my vets
El: Yes, except for all the ones who died younger and in poor health.
We are very blessed to have a General like Patton. Military Complex didn't like him to much.
My great uncle served in third army. He lived to 96 years old. I have no clue what his thoughts were at this point but I do know there was admiration. Patton was the MAN!!!
General Patton sported Ivory on all three of his side arms. Matching S&W .357 magnums & a .45 caliber Colt Peacemaker. Very elegant weapons to gaze upon. They are in the Patton Museum at Fort Knox.
Thank you for clarifying that!!! I'd always heard that he referred to pearl handled weapons and something only a New Orleans pimp would own thank you for clarifying the fact that they were actually ivory!!! 🤠👍
@@worldtraveler930 he said that in the movie
@@worldtraveler930 If he didn't say it, he should have. It's too good a quote for him not to!
I believe the key to Patton as he was no different than his men. He had a tremendous ego but he would do whatever he instructed his men to do.
I served with the second armored division from 1966 to 68. The unit was mighty proud of the title given them by Patton. He saw them laying down fire and said, "You guys will be Hell on Wheels".
That phrase is on their unit patch. You can easily find it by doing a search for it.
Thank you both for the great stories. A few years ago my ambulance crew and I were called to help a elderly man. The man's daughter told the deputy and myself that her dad was Patons radio man and was in a jeep behind him during the accident. The deputy told us that his grandfather was the first military police officer on the seen after the accident. Gave me chills
After my dad got wounded in Holland, and got out of the hospital he started driving for an officer. And he got to see a lot things regular infantry didn’t get to see, and seeing the people suffering especially the children really got to him and he would see some crippled kid back at home he’d stop and give him something mostly money or candy.
During the early 1970's, I worked for the man who had been Patton's communication's officer in the field. He told me Patton believed the Germans had radio direction equipment accurate enough, it could pin-point, for German artillery, his location while on the road in his Jeep. He had standing orders the radio Jeep had to maintain at least 100 yards distance from his Jeep or his half-track at all times and the radios had to be turned off unless he needed to make out going calls.
They did have good radio detection ability. They found a lot of spies and resistance fighters that way.
My father said that even plain radio receivers emit radio frequencies. Many civilians under German control were arrested and shot because they had radio receivers. They weren't designed to transmit, but they did emit enough of a frequency to be found with triangulation.
@@Tahoebronco
You are absolutely right on that, it’s amazing that they were able to keep that a secret. Accept for radar they were very advanced . Eisenhower remarked that “we beat them because our Germans are smarter than their Germans!”
My great uncle was in the Sicily invasion and he told me how the Germans would zero 88s on their old position or fight it out in a town for a bit and then cut loose while their guys retreated, he said they put either a dud, or solid AP round damn near right between the lead guys legs and he fainted. It scared the hell out of them, those and the camouflaged MG42 and 34 nests that would randomly be around a bend and would just open up once 5 or 6 guys rounded the corner. The Germans had some excellent equipment.
6:40, "You ever seen him in the movie?"
Speaking of the movie, I wonder if this guy knows that the guy who played him in the movie was Bill Hickman, Hickman was a legend in the world of Hollywood stunt driving, among other famous roles he was the driver of the black Dodge Charger in the classic 1968 Steve McQueen movie Bullitt.
I can't look at these wonderful guys without a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes! We owe these MEN a debt that can NEVER be repaid! I'm okay, but these men are better!
I'm an English fella, my dad was in the royal navy during the second world war, I just love the yanks, my dad said we would have been done for if it hadn't been for America. My dad was in the far eastern fleet. He saw many big American ships. What a great nation with great fighting men.
My dad was in Pattons third army and he loved Patton!
My dad was too
Get the stories from your fathers, gentlemen, while you still can.
What a pleasure to hear these experiences from that generation of soldiers….
My Father during WWII was with the Royal Air Force . Lots of great stories . ( 1919-1999)
My Great Uncle served directly under Patton during the American Invasion of Normandy. We have photos of the two of them and everything it’s pretty crazy to think our family members we’re there to experience this crazy time.
Our Greatest Generation
Back when Men were Men, so many of our soldiers who were drafted were only 18-25 years old. They didn’t have three different kinds of restrooms to choose from, nor did they get their little feelings hurt. You literally saved the World. God Bless all of you Men and Women who have or currently are enlisted, we deeply give thanks for your service. 🇺🇸 Love it or get the hell out of here. 🇺🇸👍
You are correct. They did not have three different restrooms, they had four.
One each for the white men and women, and one each for the black men and women.
the American counter offensive to the final surrender of Germany was fueled and fought by draftees 18-19, poorly trained, having little marksmanship training.many not seeing a rifle until arriving at the front. i believe there is a book entitled "The Childrens Crusade". Very informative
AMEN AND AMEN.
@charleshooper1465 The book is: "The Boys' Crusade", by Paul Fussell (who was a WW2 veteran himself, and later a professor. He is even more famous for writing: "The Great War and Modern Memory".)
My Grandfather was in Pattons 3rd Army, and he met him once. Said it was one of the greatest days he had in the war.
My great-uncle golden was part of Patton's Army part of his motorcade he was a quiet man
He would lift people up without saying a word.
I didn't realize he was part of Patton's Army in until just before he passed
He was a silent professional
God ,Family, & Country rest in peace Uncle Golden
The more they saw the less they tend to say. I knew an island hopping Marine who did hand to hand and all he would tell me was "it was bullshit". No VFW for him. Chris Dale, RIP.
@@jamespollock11 These were real men with real grit. Very humble. Utmost respect to them all.
Merry Christmas to everyone watching this interview.. If only we had men like "Jeep" around today along with his fellow brothers in arms from the "GREATEST GENERATION" we would never be in a situation like we have today in this once great country!!!!
It seems to me the men and women in our Armed Forces today are pretty brave and doing a damn good job defending the country around the world.
@@richardbryanesq they have zero threats wherever they are stationed around the world, not like ww2!
God bless you sir
Gen. George Patton was and is a National Hero never to be forgotten!!
My dad was a medic in the 3rd Army...he had a picture in his wallet of Patton taking a piss in the Rhine river..true story
RIP Dad 12/1/1994
"Jeep" is a cool and fitting nickname.
Great personal stories too.
What a great story , my father served under Patton , during the Normandy invasion , history & memories , what a great man , leader & special man !
Hello how are you doing. Wish you a nice weekend.
I hold this man and all who served with such great respect and admiration.
We used to drop my sister off at Patton's daughter's house in Pasadena for playdates and sleepovers with his granddaughter. Nice people who saw the General infrequently.
Impressive man who served his chief and his country.
Thank you for documenting this amazing man's story. It is history, and stories like this that we really can't afford to lose.
God bless this old soldier. I will be damned happy if my mind still functions as good as his when I am his age. Great story
Wow! Thank you. I spent 29 years wearing the uniform because of people like you, sir. Your remembrances are much appreciated.
My dad “Speedy” served under Patton and was in the Battle of the Bulge. Always talks about the Siegfried Line. Blessed to have him alive still. Boy does he have stories. I love listening to him!