100 Year Old Army Veteran Describes the Largest Japanese Banzai Charge Ever! (Battle of Saipan)

Please Subscribe! This is an interview with a 100 year old WWII veteran named Cleatis Rogers of Kentucky who fought with the 27th Infantry Division on Saipan and survived the largest Japanese Banzai Charge of WWII. He was an anti-tank gunner. We are on a mission to interview all the WWII Combat Veterans!
On a mission to interview WWII heroes daily, to raise awareness of their enormous sacrifices, and to provide a proper in-depth filmed interview of their experiences in WWII!
We interview WWII veterans.
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Founded in 2016, Heroes of the Second World War is a nonprofit 501©(3) organization. (EIN/tax ID number: 81-3064351). 100% of Heroes of the Second World War’s expended resources are devoted entirely to interviewing interview with the vast majority of money going to travel costs.

[@RememberWW2]

PLEASE Subscribe for MORE WWII Veteran Interviews!

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

I just subscribed. Excellent video

[@MonoPrime]

Thanks for the uploads buddy. These are tremendous to watch.

[@OP-tk3qc]

Is he still alive?

[@slimpickins9482]

Thank you sir.

[@ethanstang9941]

This is how interviews are made, no interruptions, no additional information from a narrator, just people who were there talking about what they saw and went through.

[@Glumpuzzler]

you must assure these men you interview, the level of gratitude we have for them to share their stories. thank you.

[@mallenjm252]

Amen..ditto

[@maxkronader5225]

And the gratitude we have for them saving western civilization from the despotism and tyranny of nazism and imperial Japan.

[@woopass2010]

@@maxkronader5225" saved the west" lmao

[@georgebuller1914]

@@woopass2010 Just remember, you are free to express your opinion BECAUSE these guys did what they did!...

[@d.i.m.eproductions6925]

@@georgebuller1914 General Patton got it right. Let me ask you something, do you think we live in a democracy in the US?

[@gfunk62]

its pretty awesome that we get to hear these men tell their own stories. this is gold. God bless

[@ManDuderGuy]

damn wild is what it is

[@Aureus_]

So cool

[@churrobscuro6434]

Yup, just found this gold mine.

[@davem8821]

You're absolutely right.

[@DOwhutnow]

I always regret not having the mind as a kid to talk to my grandfather about his time. When I eventually did he was deep into dementia. This will always be the greatest generation with the greatest men and women in history

[@christianmw1020]

These memories are almost 80 years old and he can still recall the details. That's how badly it is imprinted in him

[@chrisspley99]

You can see it in his eyes and how he talks. That's the kind of shit you can never forget

[@michaelmontano4280]

@@chrisspley99 DAMN RIGHT!!!

[@m.jquinn7135]

My uncle, PFC.Neil Polumbo was in this same division.Company K. He was later Killed In Action on Luzon P.I. March 14 1945. Thank you for sharing your story Mr. Rogers.

[@ferrallderrall6588]

RIP uncle

[@j-dub618]

Your uncle is a REAL hero. Always remember to tell his story to your future generations!

[@m.jquinn7135]

@@j-dub618 Absolutely. He was 13 days shy of his 21st birthday. Thanks

[@m.jquinn7135]

@@ferrallderrall6588 He was definitely missed. Thank You.

[@harrywalker1621]

RIP SEMPER FI DEVIL DOG

[@joelfriedman8422]

My dad was a Sargent in that division. His description of the banzai assault was essentially identical. What stood out to me was the relentless firing of all weapons that night and how in the am he saw endless bodies of the Japanese. He went on to Okinawa where he has wounded. When I heard these stories as a child, I did not appreciate the enormity of the heroic effort on the part of our troops during these primal battles to the death. I salute all those who made these exceptional sacrifices to ensure freedom. The challenge to us to live lives that justified their sacrifice.

[@cartoonmark75]

My Grandfather was in the 27th. Was one of 15 who survived. Got the silver star. Hand to hand combat while defending his wounded. God bless all who perished. Michael Mele was his name. Albany New York.

[@torchtube5621]

I am upset I don't see more comments under this salute to your grandpa

[@JaniceEnger-ce4xy]

Thank God for you and all Your Buddies William Jay .

[@johnorfao]

Is your Uncle Bob, living in Hull MA?

[@cartoonmark75]

@@johnorfao hi John! & Yes!

[@johnorfao]

I'm Bobs brother in law, Beth's younger brother.

[@mwhitelaw8569]

Those rounds he fired were commonly called " beehive" rounds Glad you're here to tell the tale brother. All the best sir ( Former artilleryman here )

[@mwhitelaw8569]

@TubeNut Nuttington Yep Not widely spoken about The folks that fired them were definitely in tune to the lethality of them. Never laid my eyes on anything bigger than 4 inch. Can only imagine how devastating they were.

[@joneszer1]

Grandad was in vietnam and they shot those into a tree line on a fire base he was on. The next morning he said they were pulling bodies off and out of trees.

[@tarf1a]

@TubeNut Nuttington It was an anti-personnel round. It was like a giant shotgun shell. It held hundreds of steel balls. Those steel balls wold tear up anything in its path. Very lethal.

[@rdg665]

It's also called a Canister/grape shot , it has existed since the 1600s or maybe 1700s

[@alejandrorojas1423]

If you think cannister rounds for tanks are crazy I should tell you that there was also similar ammunition for battleship scale cannons which were suppose to allow the main weapons to be used against attacking planes. These were however widely ineffective and sometimes even resulted in friendly fire. What really underscores thier failure was the attack against the Yamato. The Battleship had 9 18 inch guns which they used to fire cannister rounds at the hundreds of attacking planes. They didn't bring down very many apparently.

[@akajd5907]

🙏🏼God bless you kind sir. Being 100 years old, you're in that small group of WWII veterans still around to remind us and tell their individual stories about the "greatest generation". Thank you for your service Cletus Rogers. 🇺🇲Stay well. Go in peace.

[@akajd5907]

@@StopFear maybe so sir but 215 "thumbs up" disagree with your misguided opinion. "The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him" G.K. Chesterton 1911.

[@chrisg2739]

@@StopFear you are tossing around a lot of maybes for someone chastising someone for assuming.

[@michaelbee2165]

@UCWtdbCcF6nv3YUQc2yRa6BA You're an asshole who refused to even acknowledge the incredible bravery and heroism of this veteran and his comrades who sacrificed all. No, instead you used this interview as a cheap atheist shot against another poster, but more importantly against this veteran and the other men he served with. You would never deign to even put on the uniform, much less have the courage to stand like these men did.

[@jeffreyknight3884]

My dad served too and also lived alittle past 100 years old. I miss him telling us kids how he was stationed on the Philippines island ready to fight in Japan but president HARRY TRUMAN dropped the two bombs.

[@jeffreyknight3884]

Stop you two idiots. This veteran is telling the true stories. This interviewer is doing a damn good job and someone always have negative comments.

[@flanneldaddy5220]

My grandfather was a marine on Peleliu, he passed away a few years ago but had Alzheimer’s for most of my life so I never got to hear stories from him. I’ve searched all over trying to find pictures or something from his time in with no luck. These stories mean a lot to me and I appreciate every one of them. It gives me insight into the war that I never did get from him. Thank you, and thank you to all of these amazing people you’ve interviewed

[@phippsies001]

This man is a hero. So glad they are interviewing them guys

[@troymash8109]

My great uncle landed in a PBY in the open ocean to rescue the survivors of the USS Indianapolis. Greatest generation.

[@peacequiet]

Just seeing the words USS INDIANAPOLIS gives me chills

[@patton9696]

Greatest generation ever!!!

[@cqlove12]

I bought my house from our family friend Lindsey Zeb Wilcox, he was one of the survivors of the USS Indianapolis. He knew me and my wife were getting married and sold us his house whilst on his death bed. One of the greatest men I ever met.

[@domc2383]

15 days in the bush and still made it a top priority to shave his face to look presentable when he made it back to base. That caliber of man just doesn’t exist anymore

[@Sunbear415]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@highcaliberexclusive9890]

@@itsclearasmud7718 yeah like the cops who shoot unarmed AMERICAN civilians. Just like those guys. Geez

[@Spade_1917]

@@itsclearasmud7718 You means the same people who were too lazy to do security at a city event so they "volunteered" cadets to do it.

[@beebop9808]

lol That's not a choice in military life. Being a filthy scumbag is only acceptable when dictated by the job at hand. Important to maintain some level of normalcy and self discipline in the hellish death grip of battle.

[@randy7068]

For some unknown reason to me at the time, I started talking to and listening to seniors from all walks of life when I reached the age of 16. I was at the time working alongside a lot of seniors too so this made it easier for me to hear their stories . This was the best education I could have ever received and I have so much respect and gratitude for our seniors whether or not they served in WW2. Seniors are a treasure and you only need to listen and ask questions to get the answers. Something young people don't do and should. Our seniors should be revered, respected and honoured, not treated like throw away trash in nursing homes that have no useful purpose. Our society needs to change. We are missing out on their lifetime of knowledge. I'm 56 now, and I feel sad that attitudes towards seniors really haven't changed since 1980.

[@marcuslaker5876]

It’s worse now with all the “hey boomer” bull schidt. My multicultural woke stepdaughters pulled that schidt and was a comment away from not getting a new car. They’re so oppressed...

[@michaelbee2165]

Oh my gosh. Exactly what I've tried to teach my children. Spend time with these Seniors and you'll learn way more than you EVER will from some weak, Marxist professor.

[@michaelbee2165]

@@marcuslaker5876 Exactly. I get that "boomer" stuff too from wienies who've never endured any struggle. I have to confess, I get satisfaction out of watching the kids who have the character to prevail, and watching the cowards who refuse to face difficulty fail. I was one of those "boomers" who made it possible for CHARACTER to succeed. Thank you Jesus from whom my strength comes.

[@RAPEDBYBLACKS]

@@marcuslaker5876 dont buy them shit

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

Many won't talk until they're very old. They don't relish their memories because they are peaceful, normal men who had to do a job. Americans didn't even want to be in a war. Thank goodness for Pearl Harbor.

[@greykaufman1057]

Can you imagine being one of these guys, just out of high school, 18 or 19 and then getting into it with Banzai charges going on all night, needing to use your 37 mm anti tank gun as a shotgun to keep the Imperial soldiers off of you, then seeing your work the next day. All night long mayhem, and these guys came back, lived long useful lives, didn't go on shooting sprees like today's killer cowards, and ran businesses and raised families since coming back from this kind of experience like it was nothing. Absolutely the Greatest Generation! Its a real shame what our country has come to...

[@breckfoster767]

So who raised the following generations again?

[@greykaufman1057]

@@breckfoster767 Can't say with 100% accuracy but the worst of the bunch typically come from single parent homes, with single mom's getting custody in most cases. Too many of these kids grow up problematic compared to the 2 parent families who are able to socialize their kids in time and instill better values that will prevail over time.

[@graham2631]

@@greykaufman1057 can't say with certainty but how many of those mom's got stuck with a dead beat dad who never pays child support basically abandons his kid. Screw jail,castration

[@theodorsebastian4272]

I would definitely have chosen to be conscience objector though.

[@greykaufman1057]

@Baxter James Now James I didn't say it was vets going off and doing these mass shooters now did I? sorry you decided that for yourself; rather pathetic....

[@sambamankanelua]

Wonderful story. Son of a Marine fighter pilot that flew in Guadalcanal.

[@awizardalso]

My dad served in the Pacific theater as a Medic. He would never talk about his time in the Army. He passed in 1991 two years after my mother passed away in 1989.

[@tvroped9824]

He looks really good for 100. The difference between these men and what we have become is staggering. What a shame.

[@rpalmer274]

When I was young I never cared about this stuff now that I'm older I wish I could have asked more questions to my grandfather

[@redneckillinois2030]

Same here. Missing him bad

[@toddgatesh4498]

The anti personal rounds he described were called "canister" by the marines and soldiers. According to the marine corps history, the banzai charge was about 3,000 Japanese. They over ran two company CP's and most all Americans in those CP's were killed. You can read about it in the History of U.S. Marine Corps Operations in World War II, Central Pacific Drive, Volume 3.

[@alexkhuri3967]

These stories are so important. These men are national treasures. We have everything because they gave everything.

[@kettlecornman2220]

Speaking the truth I have so much respect for the war vets for putting their life’s at risk for their home men aren’t the same anymore like they used to

[@ryanford7836]

This man is one of many hero’s, even though his body is old and tired, his mind is sharp as a tack God bless him

[@RikimaruNobunaga]

People who disliked this video need to explain themselves.

[@Clarkcanepa]

i dislike because he fought for the bad side

[@pixelty]

@@Clarkcanepa oh you are one of those leaches we read about.

[@lawrencetalbot8346]

@@Clarkcanepa the bad side? So obviously you hate America and support Japans totalitarian regime as well as the atrocities they inflicted on China, Vietnam, The Philippines, and their own people. Just leave.

[@JPSRose]

@@lawrencetalbot8346 as opposed to America which hasn't done the same? Come on, no disrespect towards any soldier on any side but there is no good side in a war like this.

[@1945tigers]

@@Clarkcanepa Clark get the hell out of America you will not be missed.

[@nobody-ly9ef]

It is very humbling every time I get the privilege to hear these amazing men share these experiences.....God bless them all.

[@jimmypea2207]

Daddy fought at Saipan. Spoke of dead Japanese piled up in front of them so they had to unstack the bodies to clear their field of fire. Banzai charges over and over again.

[@chriscarlone527]

Waste of manpower, but psychologically must have been terrifying to see.

[@ericmailander3361]

Do you know what unit he served in?

[@_blackheartemoji_2189]

They knew they had lost the war and it was hopeless, thats why Japanese commanders ordered their men to commit suicide by banzai charges, it was a way to die honourable while also potentially taking the enemy with them. Some did not charge and committed suicide by pulling the pin off a grenade and putting it to their chests. It was unacceptable to them to surrender to the enemy even if it means to die.

[@christopheryanez]

@@_blackheartemoji_2189 the kind of indoctrination they possessed honestly gives the most loyal Nazis a run for their money. It seriously took two atomic bombs to destroy the illusion Hirohito and Tojo had on many of their people. I’ve been doing some research recently and have been watching many videos and documentaries about how the Imperial Japanese Army/Navy (mostly the Army) was during WW2 and I gotta say.... they were brutal. Personally as fucked as the Eastern front was, the shit I hear/read about what soldiers in the Pacific went through is a bit more nightmarish.

[@p40148]

Respect from Scandinavia, we salute you and your comrades Sir.

[@ericdee6802]

My Father was a WW2 Veteran, South Pacific on the USS Wasp essex class Aircraft carrier and the USS Redfin Gato class sub. I would give my left arm to sit with this man. Thank you for your Service! 🇺🇸✌️

[@jamesmason8052]

The evil ones that make young men fight each other for power and greed will be judged. God bless our veterans

[@georgetitsworth8919]

No they won't but yes God bless em

[@TheReckoningBeginsToday]

@@georgetitsworth8919 They never are.

[@Sunbear415]

We all will be judged.

[@thomast8539]

Don't forget. There are always cowards that don't stand up to those evil ones in their own society and just allow them to continue practicing evil. The dictators don't just get to be dictators without some assistance. Eff 'em all to hell.

[@michaelbee2165]

@@StopFear It is people like you who use the valor of WWII heroes to desecrate their very sacrifices. Evil is evil. It is easily recognized and Jesus calls us to call evil for what it is. YOU want to make evil relative. Evil is ABSOLUTE and far from relative. You WILL fail and have ALREADY FAILED. Those men who had the courage to stand against evil are in paradise. Those murderers have and WILL be judged at the Great White Throne Judgement. Your attempts to qualify their evil will place you in their presence at that very same judgement. But that doesn't have to be. Use the discernment that God gave you and step away from that evil which He insists that you condemn.

[@jeffgoldenberg9579]

My uncle, PFC Harry A. Goldenberg was with K Company of the 105th and was killed on July 1st in the drive through "Death Valley" near Mt. Topatchau, one week before the banzai charge. I wonder if Mr. Rogers might have known him. In any case, I am grateful for Mr. Rogers' service and sacrifices.

[@paulloya5]

My uncle Alexander Peña fought on Saipan, He was in the 3rd battalion 6th marine regiment 2nd marine division,Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, K.I.A July 30,1944 Island of Tinian,his war would have ended August 1st, That's when island was declared secured.. God Bless America!!

[@stevewilson4514]

Sad that he had been through all those campaigns, and was killed in action the day before the battle ended. He had certainly done his share and was due for a rest!

[@paulloya5]

@@stevewilson4514 Thanks for replying Steve,I found my uncles Marine history on online site Together We Served,after researching the history of of 3rd battalion 6th regiment 2nd marine division and reading about the battle of tinian is when it hit me that he was KIA few days before his war would have been over, after Tinian his division did a turn away landing on Okinawa but never landed,I don't believe my Grandparents ever knew that, I almost felt that he was revealing these things to me from beyond the grave.

[@stevewilson4514]

@@paulloya5 yeah it’s sad when you think about how close he was to coming home. Just surviving Tarawa and Saipan was a miracle. One of my uncles was a flight engineer on a Marine PBJ / B25. He never left the states. The other was a mechanic. He was with the 1st Mar Div during the Battle of Okinawa. He died when I was young so I never got to talk to him about what he went through. But my cousin said he told her none of his kids would ever be in the military because he didn’t want them to see what he did. According to my cousin at one point he was driving, and hauling live Marines up front, then bringing dead Marines back in the same truck.

[@johnnyintrieri]

Dear Lord! Your Poor Uncle! To go through all of that Hell & then get it right at the end! Terrible! Heartbreaking. I'm so sorry! Damn! All that. Then Bam! Why God? Why? R.l.P. Sir.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@ag358]

My dad was a marine in the 2nd division, tarawa, saipan, tinian, Okinawa. God bless your uncle and i know how lucky i am to be alive. I've started researching into my fathers steps but haven't gotten far. I'll try that website. Ty

[@jamesmurphy6169]

God Bless America's Greatest Generation and God Bless America ! Even in Battle he was/is a Gentleman and kept his Humanity.

[@mallenjm252]

Absolutely

[@rafitohornero3850]

Greatest killer and destroyer of middle east

[@barryirlandi4217]

Most have lost their humanity nowadays without ever killing or seeing death.

[@garymartin1040]

@@rafitohornero3850 The Middle East does just fine destroying itself.

[@michaelbee2165]

@@rafitohornero3850 To those who mean to do us the VERY SAME harm they intend for Israelis. Yes. No regrets. THIS American. will NOT go back on what was forced upon us by 9/11.

[@seventhson27]

My wife's uncle was in the Battle of Edson's Ridge on Guadalcanal. Where they spent a good chunk of the night going hand to hand with the Japanese while outnumbered 3-4 to 1.

[@stevewilson4514]

He helped write a chapter in Marine Corps history then! God bless him.

[@michaelbee2165]

Where every ounce of faith in God is brought to bear in the fight for survival. Unimaginable horror and sacrifice for your friends and your loved ones. 😥

[@jc.1191]

This is documented history for the world to remember for future generations.

[@alfredvejar7769]

I'm glad I got the chance to listen to WWII Vet who fought in the Pacific, My heart goes out to you , Your a Hero and all who fought there and especially the ones who didn't make it back , Truly Hero's in my Heart and Mind . Thank you for your Bravery and your Service

[@j-dub618]

REAL hero. G-D bless him

[@kystars]

ah you are Jewish? nice :) yes I agree, for you, G-D bless him. ;) and you

[@trallicus3758]

My grandfather (R.I.P.) also faught at Saipan, but with the 4th Marines - this man really reminds me of him.

[@davy1458]

We are so very fortunate ourselves to be the last generation to have been able to know these men and heat their experiences....im so glad you are doing these interviews because their value is priceless and immeasurable. You yourself will go down in history for taking the time to record this and save these mens record of their time and experience in the war. ..i not only thank the veterens for their service to this great nation and all of our freedom....i also thank you for what you are doing to keep us from losing this great historical content regarding their service in ww2....people will look back on this and be grateful to you for doing this...

[@nunyabidnis5407]

My Dad was in the 27th division, 105th infantry. He rarely spoke about his service but sometimes he would. Unreal what you men experienced. Thank you sir, God bless.

[@BloodOfYeshuaMessiah]

*I look around me today at those who demand a "safe space" to make their way through the day, who get upset a "words" and I look at those young men during WW2 whose "safe space" was a fox hole and had to deal with arms and legs being strewn over the battlefield and a chill runs down my spine and a shudder of despair runs through my mind. God help America.*

[@bastogne315]

You have a safe space, between your ears.

[@darcymcnabb9259]

@Gabriel Rabin where do they grow you people ?

[@bristal1000]

Not for nothing , but if you were African American in America in 1944 I'm sure you wouldn't sing the same song. Back then words would get you killed & "safe space" only applied to White Citizens. You have to put yourself in EVERYONE'S shoes from that time period. Then you get a different perspective.

[@88rollins]

@@darcymcnabb9259 Well said!

[@hectorcumba5703]

Lmao stfu

[@maxkronader5225]

I have been very fortunate to have known many WWII veterans. For several years I worked for my grandfather doing residential remodeling work. He was a WWII US Navy veteran. He would tell stories of his time in the Navy; but he didn't speak of the big battles, he spoke of the every day events aboard ship that are often ignored by the history documemtaries.

[@o.n.e-onlinenaturaleducati5597]

My great grandfather served in Papua New Guinea in a tank brigade. He survived the war but died shortly after he returned home after his wife passed away. I am humbled and incredibly grateful to even be alive at the same time as these incredible men, and i owe them everything for their bravery and spirit in the face of tyranny. It isn’t nearly enough, but i thank you, eternally.

[@TheSpectacledOwl]

I’m a native Chamorro from Saipan. My warmest and deepest thanks to this gentleman and his fellow soldiers for their service and for everything they did to save my people.

[@miketike3246]

If amazing men like this don't make you appreciate your life nothing will.

[@chrismiller4015]

Thank you for sharing your story, My Dad was in the Navy during WWII. He only shared a few stories because he lost so many friends and other service members he served with. God Bless you for your service and being so courageous to protect our freedom.

[@notryguy]

6:00 how many memories did this man have to swim thru in order to recall the setting of this story. My deepest respects

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

We owe these men more than we could ever repay. God bless you sir

[@carriesmemaw9192]

My Father landed at Leyte with 6th Army, October 1944. He and his buddy PeWe were terrified they were going to drown coming off the landing craft. They made it and encountered little resistance. They were sitting on the beach trying to heat up some water to make a little coffee and they watched General MacArthur make his landing. Took MacArthur 3 takes to get it right. Needless to say, Daddy wasn't a MacArthur man. He was a Bradley man! My Dad went on to serve his country until 1968, when he retired as a Master Sargeant, at Fort Benning, Georgia.

[@clarkhoefle7152]

Respect & Honor to your Father. Same attitude my dad had for MacArthur. Pure Showboat...He (my dad) also fought at Leyte, a little bit earlier though, did the Solomons, Christmas Island, Guam, all from March '42. Guess he was 1st in line to sign up after Pearl...

[@Codeman785]

When he said 10-15 feet away, I shat myself

[@davidpatriot1082]

"10-15 feet" You can see it in his eyes, hes looking around, remembering, in order to guess the distance. 10-15 feet with an anti tank gun firing anti personnel rounds... God bless your soul Sir.

[@mikewest5529]

The world will be forever in your debt for your great sacrifice! Until we all meet again!!

[@alukuhito]

The people of Okinawa have a different opinion.

[@5280Misfit]

@@rhysnichols8608 back to back World War champs

[@xelanoxin]

10-15 ft my god I couldn't imagine what that scene would have looked like.

[@TheMalfean]

probably a reddish-pink goo with scraps of what had once been uniforms.

[@Razzy1312]

It was probably more like 20-30 yards. People, old or not, have a tendency to overestimate distances, sizes, and weights. 10-15 feet would be far too close for those 37mm canister shells to spread effectively. Angry soldiers charging you for 20-30 yards away feels like they are 10-15 feet away.

[@69birdboy]

No, they will have got close and those memories are imprinted

[@jf5016]

A 37mm shotgun! I'm amazed he can hear anything.

[@thomast8539]

Go to a meat processing plant...watch how the cows are handled from start to finish...you will get a pretty good idea of how bad it was for them.

[@gordonritchie665]

What a hero. I thank every single person that protect this country from tyranny and gave us freedom for there service. He does have the longevity.

[@telluride4017]

It's great that channels like this document these stories!

[@michaelfrench3396]

You know watching these stories gives me more and more perspective on today and why exactly it is we are in the boat that we're in. These men that you've interviewed and millions of other men and women across the world saw things that no one should ever have to see or experience. And they came home I think very well intentioned to change the world and to ensure that their children never had to see or experience the same kind of conflict or violence. And the fact that they had also lived through the depression in my opinion makes them that much more likely to spoil their children after the war when they were given the opportunity because of the economic boom. And the baby boomers children that ended up serving in Vietnam did the same thing when they came home. But I think but I think to More of an extent because they had already been treated so well by their parents and afforded so many opportunities by them. And now we have a couple of generations of people that are running things that don't know what it's like to want or need. They don't know how to sympathize or empathize with someone. I don't know as I was drinking my coffee this morning and watching this that's what kind of came to me. Throughout college and even after I was done school just to go back to take some random classes at community college I've taken separate semester courses specifically on Vietnam and the Korean war and two semesters on world war II although it was just the American perspective I still need to take more classes on everybody else's view of things. And through all of that and listening to these guys talk that's just the opinion I formed. one guy cracked me up in another video he was talking about how his parents made $0.20 an hour and guys today were making $30 an hour to drive a truck. And I was thinking to myself yeah your parents were making $0.20 an hour and were able to raise 10 children. The guy making $30 an hour driving a truck if he is really lucky and frugal can keep a roof over his head food on the table and probably a vehicle if it's himself a partner and one child. They are not going to be living extravagantly by any stretch of the imagination though.

[@SpuddMacgyver]

My grandfather was a cook on a refueling ship in the pacific. He didn't see much combat but the few stories he told were pretty intense. Its nice hearing from people who were there. Adds an appreciation you don't get from a history book.

[@paulklee5790]

“They also serve who only stand and wait..” I don’t care if he was serving franks and beans, still qualifies as a hero in my book....l

[@Paiadakine]

My uncle was a cook. That’s call he could be in the navy as a Filipino.

[@matthewishunting]

"I don't believe in counting kills" "how many did you kill?" "An uncountable amount" bless this man

[@aaronneurer3514]

All I can say is I am so thankful for men like you. I am humbled by your stories and grateful to hear this.

[@terrysteward6765]

What an amazing and terrifying story. I regret not taking time, when I was younger, to talk with more WWII veterans. Even though I was critically injured in Iraq, that was nothing compared to what these guys went through.

[@georgepantazis141]

Australia always remembers these WW2 legends,thank you.

[@daffyd5867]

We certainly do....my mother told me she used to cry when she saw 'the yanks' leaving sydney from their leave and heading into battle. She always said they saved us.

[@redacted9912]

@@daffyd5867 yeah without their navy we Aussie’s would have been rightly fucked.

[@reginaldleek1002]

My uncle was on Saipan and Okinawa where he was terribly wounded and stacked up with the dead. I never heard him utter a single word about his service.

[@williamspors9035]

Thank you for serving our country with such bravery. You and your generation are all heroes!

[@HarryToeface]

There's not many of them left like this, treasure them while they're here...

[@topiasr628]

Thanks to all these guys for telling their stories. I love to hear them whether they're the exciting or the boring times!

[@jessicadcooper]

My grandfather was a veteran, he didn’t actually fight in WWII but arrived not long after Dday. He said the ship he was on was called the general George Washington. I had to interview someone in high school that was a veteran so of course I chose my grandpa. I wish technology was this advanced then so I & future generations could always have something like this. There’s not many WWII veterans left & the knowledge they have will be lost. My grandpa passed away in 2008, he was 83.

[@desmondmurphy449]

My friend Don who was an old vet like this guy passed away this year and I didn't even find out or get to go to his funeral because of the covid. He'd done a lot of things in his life, soldier, cop, rancher, husband twice, father including an adopted daughter with what we now call Down syndrome. I'll miss his stories.

[@elgrande3934]

My grandad was in the 105th FA bn of the 27th division and got caught up in this banzai charge. He described to me many years ago how awful it was. He said you could hear the Japanese screaming "banzai" all night and they kept coming in waves. He was a machine gunner and said he just fired and fired all night. Next morning he described this huge pile of dead Japanese that was 4 feet high.

[@TheYoungCollector]

Is he still alive?

[@Chrisamos412]

What an insane experience it must have been, fighting for your life against an explosive bonsai attack such as that, sheer terror!

[@gpcox9340]

We still have so much to learn from that generation. With so few of them left, these videos are a treasure trove of knowledge.

[@tylerbrass4002]

I thought there was something familiar about his way of speaking... I am also from Kentucky, he sounds just like my grandfather, he was a great man, served after WWII as part of the occupation forces in Germany. Thank you so much for sharing this captivating story Mr. Rogers, you are also, obviously, a great man. Thank you for your service, and... just, Thank you all, for everything.

[@jefferygrady3181]

A great story of what he went through! The greatest generation did what they had to do under what would be today impossible situations! His morale convictions refused him to glorify what he had done! These stories are priceless because they connect us with the truth of what happened and sacrifice of our soldiers during WW2!

[@tylwythteg]

These stories are priceless Real sacrifice and valor. Thank-you for your service.

[@dipdo7675]

Wow 100 years old!! Thank you for your service!! It won’t and shouldn’t be forgotten!! Thank you to Legends of WW II!! 2 uncles (one KIA in Belgium) and Father-in-Law served, Army, Army and Navy. My Father-in-Law joined the Navy at age 17 November 1941...weeks before Pearl Harbor!!

[@stanislavczebinski994]

Thanks a lot for making these vids - they will educate generations to come long after these brave men went to the other side.

[@xvsj-s2x]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful video and taking the time to make these recordings 🇺🇸 Thank for your inspiring courage, sacrifice and service Sir 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@2147B]

What a treasure of an interview. Thank you, and thanks to this hero

[@jimstates321]

God bless this man. I lost a few vets in my lifetime and regret that their stories are gone. Thank you for this work.

[@muirislandjim453]

Absolute Hero. Legend. Thank you! Words can never do these men justice 💥🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@TimMonbrod]

Great truthfulness... PEACE is BETTER than War... ETERNAL VIGILANCE AMERICA ‼️👍🇺🇲

[@Bye-kd8xo]

You should of been there and told that to the Imperial Japanese wise guy

[@Chris-yy5pj]

War brings peace when others want war

[@jordanleigh6481]

Men are bred for war. Its in our dna. There's no honour dying at old age having worked your whole life the only honourable death is in battle

[@TimMonbrod]

@@jordanleigh6481 DEATH SMILES ON US ALL, ALL WE CAN DO, IS SMILE BACK... MARCUS AURELIUS EMPEROR, PHILOSOPHER, ROMAN.

[@T_bone]

@@jordanleigh6481 What are you 10?

[@rocket8351]

Grandpa was on a 37mm on Bougainville and Luzon. I never heard you could fire anti-personel rounds with that though.

[@sexysilversurfer]

Probably high explosive shells.

[@morrisl7]

sexysilversurfer no its like bird shot for humans

[@thinghammer]

As a prior service guy, I'm surprised about the candor of these men. Thank God they can talk and still have an audience.

[@creighton8069]

I’m so glad someone is doing this! We need to preserve the stories these men still have from that era! Anytime I see a World War Two veteran, I make sure to go out of my way to help him out, talk to him, and be kind to him.

[@poyroman7264]

These Heroes are national treasures! And we love these interviews your conducting with them while they're still with us❤🇺🇸

[@mikeynorcross3222]

They are our heroes but just thinking of anytime white people killing people of color just kind of makes me cringe.

[@jbaggett2674]

This man made my entire life possible. Thank you.

[@1gigi]

Anytime I find myself watching these videos I find one constant similarity. I NEVER skip any of the video these men are so genuine and Interesting I sometimes wish the interviews went on for hours!

[@PaxDisturbia]

He looks and sounds amazing for his age. Thank you for your service, Sir.

[@williamkeith8944]

That 37mm antitank piece this soldier helped man was obsolete and ineffective against armor in Europe. It did fair duty in the Pacific because the Japanese tanks were obsolete.

[@wesscotchdog9078]

He was firing on flesh, not armor.

[@akihikosakurai4013]

Well of course they were. Tanks were useless to us because we were fighting in the pacific. Our navy and Air Force is where most of our resources went. The Mitsubishi zero was the most advanced plane of its time, a technological marvel. And the Yamato battleship was the largest battleship to ever exist and had the most terrifying and largest guns to ever be used on a battleship

[@brushwolf]

Holy cow! My grandfather fought with the 27th Division on Siapan and Okinawa. I wonder if Rodgers and he ever crossed paths. My grandfather said VERY little about his time in Siapan and Okinawa. He would get very emotional and stop talking. This gives me sooo much insight intot the hell these guys went through.

[@only5186]

I dont know if youve ever read any first hand account books about Marines island hoping the Pacific? I can fully understand why he didnt mention it much. Salute to those brave men. Unquestioningly the greatest generation!

[@only5186]

Here's one of my favorite interviews of a Marines from the island campaign. We lost Gabe a few years ago but what a story. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6DQaZeeaK17a5I

[@XxKINGatLIFExX]

The thing I most appreciate about these interviews is your polite questioning further into the subject that we are all thinking but perhaps would be too afraid to ask.

[@brandonnichlosreid8653]

I'm so thankful for your honesty

[@oldkid8811]

What a great American. The man reminds me a lot of my Granddad who fought in the Pacific as well.

[@sportsfan205]

My dad was there with the 27th and I had the privilege of being attached to the 27th in Vietnam.

[@FuzzySamurai]

this channel immortalizes history itself. we're just a few decades away before the generation of ww2 is gone. this will keep their stories. it's amazing.

[@kentkippes5773]

How about one decade or less?

[@AsttoScott]

I got goose bumps and had to hold back tears when he said he didn't count the dead. For starters every guy that did count their kills is literally now dead. This guy being humble about the evil he had to do is probably why he's still alive. He didn't have any hate in his heart.

[@RedEyedPatriot]

I have my grandfather's oil painting..and the German dress dagger and SS armband and other souvenirs he brought home from the war

[@stratocaster1greg]

Thank You Sir and God Bless You and Yours.

[@thomasmeigs4589]

Great interview!

[@OldStreetDoc]

10 to 15 feet away with an anti-tank weapon… my God it would have to be near on impossible to describe that level of carnage. Be well and God bless you, sir. We are forever in your debt. 🇺🇸

[@JVogt-lz6dr]

Thank you Sir.

[@uralbob1]

Thanks to you guys! My dad was there too.

[@FFEMTB08]

Outstanding!! Keep uploading!!