101st Airborne Paratrooper Describes D-DAY and MARKET GARDEN Combat Jumps | Guy Whidden

Guy Whidden is a veteran of World War II. He served as a member of the 502nd Infantry Parachute Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.
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0:00 - Intro
1:35 - Where Did the Train Take You?
6:43 - Jump School
9:01 - First Action in Normandy
18:45 - Landing in Normandy
23:34 - The Normandy Campaign
25:55 - Holland
38:41 - What Are You Most Proud Of?

[@americanveteranscenter]

Please subscribe to our channel so you don't miss future interviews with American heroes.

[@majcorbin]

*RUSH LIMBAUGH said it best on 6 april 2002 3rd hour * Our society is swimming in a sea of information, yet DROWNING in IGNORANCE KILROY CORBIN WAS HERE

[@rockysusshine5866]

Boreen

[@lancehurley9743]

NEVER..judge that old man walking down the street,because he was probably more badass than you’ll ever be....

[@spookgriffith2892]

And might be yet

[@thetruthispotenza3602]

Thats what ive always thought. I grew up with a WW2 veteran my great grandfather. Tough but great guys. One of a kind

[@NimerionTech]

"never be" you mean.

[@jimspelman8538]

I had a former pastor named Ed Jackson. Ed was a WWII Marine who went to Iwo Jima. He later became an Ohio Highway Patrolman and then a church planter in Alaska. When I met him he was in his 70s. He died 3 years ago at about 94. Even at 92 his handshake seemed like it could break bones in your hand. I once saw him confront a guy who tried to storm the pulpit while the senior pastor was preaching. Let's just say that Ed "escorted" that young guy out of the church building. Ed said something to the guy like, "Jesus loves you but don't come back here to cause trouble. And, yes, that is a threat!" I consider these guys to be the ultimate heroes!

[@devind2915]

@Jim Spelman What part of Alaska? Just curious cuz I've lived up here most of my life. I live right outside anchorage right now but have lived in anchorage, palmer/wasilla ect.

[@samuelmatias7453]

I met this soldier at the 75th Anneversry of D-day, what an honor.

[@davidtoledo9716]

Where?

[@samuelmatias7453]

@@davidtoledo9716 In June 2019 at st Mere-Eglise , France what an honor the town were the airborne landed. D Day celebration

[@blitznone1142]

I met one of the survivors of the USS Indianapolis. The ship that delivered the A-bomb and was sunk by a Japanese sub. I’m a Navy Vet, so that was pretty cool.

[@bigwoody4704]

@@blitznone1142 damn fighting soldiers is one thing,fighting sharks(with your fists),hypothermia and thirst would even be more daunting.Poor guys the mission was under wraps so they weren't listed as missing

[@mccuenoirfilms]

Guy is one of the kindest veterans I’ve known! I was there with one of the veteran groups as a photographer. He wasn’t in our group, but it’s a small community and we all end up doing things together during the commemorations :)

[@chrisnnh]

I love this guy. "Go ahead, ask me anything but I'll tell the story my way."

[@m.n.shumate448]

I know...I got a kick outta this great man...he made it much more interesting & he earned that right! Thank you sir!

[@metalfuk69]

These were tough U.S. American men that laid it all on the line. Today's young men just disappoint and look weak. Am I wrong??

[@michaelinhouston9086]

@@metalfuk69 I have good news - you are wrong.

[@elfatzeqiri7202]

@@metalfuk69 I have good news - you are right.

[@moss8448]

you asked...now shut up and listen....whatta guy.

[@jasonbritt2497]

One of the greatest moments of my life was walking into HQ 3-505th PIR 82nd Airborne to report to duty and be assigned to my company, seeing the huge photo on the wall of the battalion just before they boarded the plane night before D-day and seeing my grandfather in the picture

[@rhett4060]

Truth stranger than fiction....

[@RayvenTheNight]

That's amazing man. He must have been a great man. We thank you and your family for all you've done.

[@konaok1]

My Father was in 101st and started in Africa, then Sicily, Normandy, and Bastogne. Afterward, he liberated the concentration camps. Five Bronze stars and I was unable to get his records because of the Kansas fire. He never talked about what he went through. He will always be my hero.

[@ddtrahan]

Reverence to your father.

[@Error_404-F.cks_Not_Found]

Much respect for your father. We will never fully comprehend the things those men saw and went through.

[@andrewkawaoka6651]

They had to burn the fire to destroy old records of Viet nam, the war before it became official, whatever the CIA was called back than, its hard for Vietnam vets to collect pensions because theirs no records of him fighting a secret war

[@vincentras1991]

Then he must have been in the 82nd first, because the 101st didn’t come into action until D-day.

[@spiderreed350]

Lpl

[@silverload3622]

I would have thrown that clock out the window and loaded more film in the camera and let him talk in until he couldn’t

[@breAnnasmama]

The Silver Load thank u! Me too lol. I felt like that dude was so rude doing the interview .. maybe it just seems that way but omg. That mans words are priceless .. even if the man wanted to later edit things out , at the very least , let him talk. He’s spent however many years in his life being a provider , protector snd hero. The least dude could’ve done was stfu long enough and appreciate what he shared.

[@kevdadd1976]

No doubt

[@Grovezy]

Buy his book

[@drew7155]

@@Grovezy or let him talk. Maybe he says stuff in his interview that's not in the book, and vice-versa

[@Therileyrileyriley]

I think they do it out of respect for the person - theyre older so I think they regiment each interview with moments for insisted breaks

[@shampyswoodworking525]

My only disappointment with this video is this gentleman had so much more to tell, and I want to hear every syllable of every story. I didn't want it to end. I am forever grateful to you and all you have done for us. I will never forget what you've done, and I will never forget your fallen brothers. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Thank you for sharing your time with us. Our youngest generation needs to hear and pay attention to this.

[@MrMooseSlayer]

Jdjdj smith Thank you! I’ll definitely look for it!

[@Brunzy1970]

Our young ones need more than to just hear it, somehow they need to live some small piece of it for themselves.

[@waynefoesch4001]

To bad they hurried that man should have had more time to talk there are way to few left at all and so many people who need to hear of all of their sacrifice they made for so many people who have forgotten them i will always thankful for all who have served thank you for your service

[@hingoa7120]

I agree, they went from his first jump at jump school to Normandy. I wanted to hear about every stop along the way. Jump school was 1942, Normandy was...

[@aerlial360]

Yeah, what's with the time limits? They say that a lot in these videos. What is so pressing?

[@Poindexter03]

Gone on 20 September 2022. Rest In Peace sir. Without a doubt one amazing representative of the Greatest Generation.

[@bebereyes5514]

I watched this a year and a day after this legend passed. Glad he lived a full life.

[@MichaelAnthonyHuerta-mf8oh]

How many men are still alive from WWII? I'm sure there can't be that many left of these heroic men.

[@dylanfry7978]

⁠@@MichaelAnthonyHuerta-mf8ohNot many I would think. There is actually none left alive now from the 101st Unit. Which is the Company portrayed in the show “Band of Brothers”. I would think there’s still a few left from other Company’s, wether they fought in Europe or The Pacific. But that generation as a whole is definitely dwindling fast. Off topic but my Grandfather is 95 years old. He did not fight in WW2 as I believe he was too young at the time. But nonetheless he is still one of, if not the best person I know.

[@MichaelAnthonyHuerta-mf8oh]

@dylanfry7978 I noticed you referred to your grandfather in the presence tense. What a blessing it must be to have such an honorable person in your life at this age. Listening to the stories and events he lived through that made him the Man he is today must be amazing. He has lived this long because he has been blessed, and this translates that you are also blessed. Imagine this: Everyone we know and those we see here will be dead 100 years from now unless a baby is born today that lives to be 100. Your grandfather has lived to see unimaginable progress in technology, attitudes toward religion, and sexuality, and the moral decay in society and more than likely a second Stock Market crash and financial collapse of America. I'm 65 and so much has happened and it happened so fast. My biggest worry is for my country. So many men fought to protect our freedom and gave their lives just to have it destroyed. Is it too late and damaged beyond repair? I think so because what's happening now was planned and by design. It bothers me because so many lives were lost unnecessarily.

[@richardcross3599]

Rich Cross--I have known Guy Whidden since the 1970's when doing conventions that he and his lovely wife put on.They both were some of finest people I have ever known. Being a Vietnam era veteran myself, we had many good times together. I tried over years to have Guy join me in me home, so we could visit the D-Day memorial in Bedford, VA, but on many of the special occasions Guy would go back to Normandy. I believe it was on the fifty anniversary of D-Day he parachuted again in Normandy. Guy was apart of a generation that can not be equaled, most are very humble with a zest for life. The last I heard from a friend who talked with Guy's son, Guy has been placed in a nursing home. Rest well, I think of you often.

[@breAnnasmama]

Richard Cross God bless u and thank u for your service 🙏🏽💗 what beautiful words. Ty for sharing.

[@shinski8114]

he lived a full and happy life and so did you

[@piyarkhan6164]

Thank you for sharing that.

[@jayc9179]

❤🇺🇸🙏😇

[@SerenityMae11]

Is Guy doing okay these days? Any updates?

[@coastdweller]

If I couldnt see him, I never would think he was 80+years old judging by his voice.

[@jaroslavprucha9198]

Also his demeanor and facial expressions seem quite youthful as well. Looks like he's in good health. I'm really happy for him.

[@TheArrowkarts]

Might be because he didn't smoke

[@bigwoody4704]

@@TheArrowkarts Wild Bill Guarnere smoked till he died at 91.Whether they smoked or drank or did neither - they're all Incredible

[@JRobbySh]

The more he talks the younger his voice sounds.

[@josephdiglio909]

He would have to be in his '90s.

[@xCoolBreezex]

I could listen to this man speak for as long as he’d be willing

[@justinm1319]

Agreed... a true legend amongst us.

[@camerong5513]

@Doug Richardson haha. Thanks for the tip

[@MichaelAnthonyHuerta-mf8oh]

Very true, what incredible stories they have. I don't think the young men today have the same standards that these men had.

[@dmarshy]

"I don't know why, but I was always by myself." The way he described some of his combat actions you'd think he was in charge of his own company of 1! I would have been terrified. Honourable soldier right here!

[@BottleBri]

I can listen to these guys all day. In fact tomorrow that’s exactly what I’m going to do. My dad was with the Royal Artillery in D Day and battle for Caen battle of normandy, Nijmegen bridge, northern shoulder of the bulge, down through Germany, liberated Belsen, and guarded the Elbe river to make sure the Russians didn’t cross. I miss my dads stories. I never tired of them my whole life. We lost him New Year’s Day 2013. Great man, best Friend, and father. Sadly missed. 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@BottleBri]

@@joewhite4080 101st airborne! Wow what a prestigious unit! The British didn’t see that much action at the Bulge northern shoulder but they did fight and lost men up there. But it was an American battle. You guys were amazing in ww2, we would all be under the jackboot now if not for the Americans. We know it and we don’t forget. I love America myself. And my late dad had nothing but good things to say about American soldiers. Best regards👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@erik5374]

@@joewhite4080 all my grandparents lived in and near Veghel at the time. They were liberated during Market Garden.

[@bchboy1206]

I was lucky enough to have this hero ride in my Jeep in a parade! Thank You

[@ericcook1201]

Is he still living?

[@bchboy1206]

@@ericcook1201 He sure is! He attended Toccoa Military Weekend last year and I do believe he was in Normandy for the 75th!

[@Wque127]

@@bchboy1206 That's awesome to hear

[@metalfuk69]

God bless this man. He's a true hero.

[@mccuenoirfilms]

@@bchboy1206 You’re correct! I was on stage with the veterans on June 6th for the commemoration and spoke with Guy and took a photo of him smiling at me :)

[@SuperOldBS]

"If they really get into my face, and getting pushy, I forget I am old" he's a true warrior 😁

[@kylestradley8037]

I met Guy on the anniversary of d-day this year. And he is such an amazing person. What an honor to have met and talked to this man

[@davidkeeler2020]

A great man, I couldn't cry either until my wife died. Vietnam veteran

[@Purpmaster]

The part about the German soldier slipping into the tent half and smoking a cigarette with them is awesome lol

[@Purpmaster]

Rainwinganimations yeah for sure, pretty big risk to take all for an American Lucky Strike though lol

[@bhg123ful]

Gotta say this guy looks and sounds pretty good for being in his 90s.

[@ScottDLR]

He couldn't give an example of anything he was prideful about. That's character.

[@Kylemathews1]

He asked what are you most proud of...that isn't the same as prideful.

[@edmccaffrey1]

My father Big John McCaffrey was 101 st Airborne 506th Able Company. Normandy, Market Garder, then east to Poland, then south and liberated the Dachau death camp, then onto Berlin. An American hero to me, gone now, and I miss him. 101st Airborne Division, the most decorated Division in the entire US Army, #screaming eagles.

[@HugeSweetTea]

Thank you for sharing your comment sir!

[@TheTn3131]

the 506th didnt go to poland or berlin during the war. Also Dachau is at the complete other end of the country...

[@martindizoniii2230]

"If you get in my face, I Forget I'm old."

[@eugenerob8492]

He may be gone but certainly not forgotten

[@ddtrahan]

Reverence to your father - a generation I think of every day.

[@PwNtR]

Thank you Sir for helping to ensure i grew up in freedom... Britain thanks you!

[@701CPD]

And now he's a 1/6th scale action figure!

[@Oomuu]

@@701CPD ?

[@701CPD]

@@Oomuu Google Guy W

[@atylerpearce]

@@Oomuu www.timewalkertoys.com/Guy-Whidden-II-101st-Airborne-Division-World-War-p/sds-110.htm

[@MakeSomeNoiseAgencyPlaylists]

Acid House gave you freedom. √√√

[@pamdavis1253]

My uncle was a paratrooper with the 101 Airborne Division, Screaming Eagles during Market Garden, killed in action taking the bridge in Holland Harold received the Purple Heart. .Buried in Margraten.

[@ronniebishop2496]

My uncle was a paratrooper in the Pacific.

[@jameslouis8609]

Pam Davis , he was a hero of the highest order.

[@willm678]

Pam Davis Your uncle was an American hero, I’ll pray for his easy rest and thank him for serving

[@pamdavis1253]

William Menendez I wish I could have met him. Harold Spraguer I do love him dearly. He is my hero. My dad is also a VET..

[@willm678]

Pam Davis My grandfather was a paratrooper in ww2, he served on the front line in combat during the Korean War where he received Purple Heart, bronze star and battlefield commission. He then served in the Signal Corps during Vietnam for 10 years. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with 28 years of service. We were always super close and I have many memories with him and not a single one is bad. He died February 17, 2017 at age 91 in his sleep of natural causes. I think about him every day and even cry thinking about him sometimes. God I wish I could just sit down and talk with him one last time. But I know one day we’ll meet again.

[@jakeneuman8122]

I can’t believe how sharp he is. I mean he has to be over 90 years old and yet he’s sharp as tack.

[@TheMonkdad]

This man has quite the ability to tell a story. I’m glad this is recorded for posterity.

[@hazenmachia5503]

I'm stationed with the 101st Airborne (AASLT), I'm infantry. Its high tempo, you earn everything you do. I'm proud to wear old Abe every day. It's great to hear others experience, especially those who fought for our freedom.

[@markpaul8178]

Once you are airborne ,you will always be airborne.This great man is still so cocky ,just like he was back in 44.Thank you MR.Macfarlane for this great video.

[@steveg7115]

This guy talks just so matter of fact. What a badass . My parents were both born in 1942 and neither of them are in good shape. These stories need to be told

[@rogeliogonzalez5293]

"I love people but even up to my age if they really get in my face, get too pushy, I forget that I'm old". Yes. Yes, sir. I can relate to that.

[@avp5964]

I wish that Guy could meet up with the German officer that he captured, he owes him his life and it's a really poignant story of the humanity that is sometimes preserved in war.

[@ShebrewQueen]

The German that captured him.

[@lalaniathielen8917]

I share your sentiments... In regards to my maternal grandfather... I was too young to interview my french grandfather .. 3 battles, merchant marine... Japan... Why I am responding is because my grandfather says his convoy was hit everyone blown to pieces and when he came to.. death all around... And he says that a Japanese man shouldered my grandfather.. arm and arm to safety.. saved my grandpa life... I wish I remember the name Im not sure that my grandfather ever told me... It sheds light on war For the record... Iam french German English Irish Pennsylvania dutch Cherokee Iroquois Blackfoot and Sioux... Im a product of war.

[@TheGeezzer]

All these vets are now nearing/at/over 100 years of age, and they are now getting to be very very thin on the ground. Respect!

[@ffaf0]

For someone who fought in that era, he sure has a high hope for humanity, and for humor as well

[@caleblayne6329]

The way he described the officer surrendering was very heartwarming, “yeah he’s my buddy now”.

[@itchifeet5456]

The best interview with an allied second world world war vet I have yet to hear, made me laugh and yet feel truly proud.. Thank you so much, make me want to live even more!

[@minorcek]

My grandfather was also a topographical engineer or "map maker" in ww2! He had my mom after the war in 49 and she went on to serve for 34 years. These generation of folks have some really great values to pass down. I'm so dang proud of my families history and thats because, ironically, my family migrated to the US *from Germany* after ww1, creating a family of very patriotic Americans, who went on to serve on the just side of history. I appreciated Guys story very much and hes such a character, as well..I will always cherish the opportunity to hear these.

[@vivians9392]

This soldier had God's protection all over him during his time in service! Amazing experiences...

[@lornakim5706]

Family's^^ Xoxo

[@daf62757]

Looked into getting that book and it was almost $150 on Amazon for a paperback. I love history of WWII but that is a little out of my price range. Great interview and a salute to this heroic veteran and all his comrades who died during the war and after. We owe everything to their valor.

[@Mrafael52]

True warrior, i want to be a paratrooper as well, just like him. Respect from Brasil.

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for your service, sacrifice and courage for our country 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️

[@stevenstrother7129]

Thank you for your service.

[@recondo6876]

Much respect for this Gentleman. Reminds me of my Grandfather who raised me. He fought in Pacific 6th Marines. I miss him. This story from this Gentleman is amazing. I want more. My Grandpa never talked about it. I only found out about his medals, etc.. after he passed. So many didn't make it back, they were, I guess, the ultimate hero's. Wow they sure didn't let this man talk long. I want a 4 hour talk. Sir, Mr. Whitten, I salute you.

[@mwg911hk]

I remember asking an older fellow at a car auction if he was in the 82nd airborne.. he yelled at me saying hell no I was in the 101st, I wasn't with those 82nd bastards.. loll. I still don't understand but I'll always remember that guy..

[@breAnnasmama]

MikekiM hahahah

[@ddtrahan]

When war isn’t happening, different Airborne Infantry Units take extreme pride in their accomplishments and high degree of motivation knowing they are the best. When you put Real Warriors together, they will physically battle each other competing continuously to raise standards - and when war erupts they are inseparable brothers.

[@williamgeorgesr.7821]

My father Raymond Red field George joined the 101St airborne 506 screaming eagles. because the pay was doubled. Airborne and the Marines were paid $ 90.00 per month and the army got $ 45.00 a month My father also trained at Fort Benning Georgia .and jumped into France on June 6th 1944. and was at Bastone Belgium during the battle of the bulge Him and his outfit ended up at.bergesgardens. Hitler's retreat at the end of the War

[@curlsdog13]

Just watched the video with his granddaughter lidia giving him a mohawk, GO AIRBORNE ,much respects

[@larryginder6327]

Guy verified a number of things my Dad told me over the years. My Dad was S3 of the 502nd and that regiment was in lead aircraft of D Day - That's All Brother. My Dad was seriously wounded by a sniper at Market Garden. The airborne held the causeway but the Brits in tanks didn't move fast enough. A lot of soldiers got hit. Thanks so much for this video and Guy.

[@theunholysoul]

I love Guy's smile. What a GEM of a man!!

[@Sundog0811]

Absolutely incredible. Dude just kinda floats around and everyone surrendered when they see him.

[@vivians9392]

What an amazing legacy this man has.

[@gabesworld11]

I had 5 great uncles that fought in the war. 4 of them died. They were nazis. My grandfather came over after the war and joind the marines to gain citizenship. Pretty crazy

[@N8rGrant]

29:40 a real man, who should be honored.

[@tmac6904]

I love these men, im 23 years old and my generation has all but forgotten what these men went through for US. Its a shame that there are some in our nation that desecrate the flag and bad mouths the armed forces. Men like this were so brave and I WILL be donating as soon as i can this week.

[@Ok-551]

Keep learning and keep carrying their memories. I got to hear it from the horses mouth, my grandfather, and Until the day I die I will not forget what it taught me.

[@edwardtasi2905]

You are a fine young man.I wish all kids had 1/100 of your respect and morals of the older generation in their final yrs

[@DalionHeartTTV]

A flag is a worthless piece of cloth. It means nothing. It has always meant nothing. What matters are the people that flag waves for, and this generation is more than capable of fighting just as hard now as this man's did then. Every rose tinted snot-nosed dipshit likes to run off the mouth about how the older generation were natural born badasses and how the current generation is a bunch of soy boy crybabies. 95% of the soldiers who went into WW2 were soy boy crybabies, until necessity brought the warrior out of them. Now if you're crying about no one wanting to enlist now, get over it. The Middle East does not and has never threatened our freedom and security, and smart young men and women don't want to die fighting for some oligarch's claim to someone else's oil fields. That's something for the dumbasses, hooked by the army's propaganda to do. Want to test America, let Putler march his Vodka drinking bitch boy ass army onto America soil, and you'll watch a generation of "soy boy crybabies" knock his ass right back to the Soviet era. You cannot demand nationalism. That's what fascism is for. You can just respect the fact that today's generation lives with the freedom those men fought for, and that means every freedom. The freedom to fight for the marginalized and the victimized. The freedom to see a piece of cloth and reject it until it fully represents the values this country has always claimed to upholds, yet has never really gone the distance to actually uphold. Americans will always be Americans. If you don't like the great melting pot, there are plenty of countries witch forced nationalism you can join. Go pick one. Until then, the best way to respect this soldier's sacrifice, is to quit bitching about people utilizing their freedoms as they see fit and find something you enjoy. Unless of course, what you enjoy is bitching about young generations like a sad little boomer. Then by all means, live your sad and pathetic life the best way you know how. You do you, boo boo.

[@YourPalKindred]

The Old Forces I respect. They fought an enemy of greater technological might and equal military strength in both tactics and numbers. Modern ones I have no respect for. They fight farmers who have never seen combat their entire lives, have no formal training and have weapons that are half a decade out of date. Those who served in WW1 and WW2 deserve our respect, not the farmer-fighting, drone strike troops of today.

[@hahahahaha7237]

@@YourPalKindred What an ignorant thing to say.

[@chicorodriguez3964]

Story's like this should make you think of how good you have it I know it does for me much respect sir thank you for your service

[@turtle19dad]

But everyone now says they are "oppressed". If they only knew the "oppression" these heroes fought. They are truly the #GreatestGeneration Thank you for allowing me to serve too.

[@seanodwyer4322]

Rod- sure he not a sado maschoist. - know a Rodrig here in new zealand and she is stunning and fanatic vegan , ahh met her in church and jist thinkin off her keeps me fanatic - vegan and holy Bible God- botherer.

[@karenmessina4361]

My great grandma was a Whidden.

[@janneaukusters2596]

I bought guy's book autographed ! It's really special for me to have a autographed book from our liberators here in Holland. He really is a great men and a real hero !

[@dusso4231]

I could listen to these brave men talk for hours. In fact i think i will.

[@kystars]

look for Don Evans.. he really told a good story.

[@klausvonschmit4722]

No doubt it, the Don Evans interview is one of the best!!!

[@joshwise9894]

Can’t even imagine what he’s been through. Thanks for your service!

[@ghtbb]

What a beautiful human being, thank you for your service! It also sheds light on alot of germans during that point, many were tired of fighting and wanted to go back to their families

[@shanebisme]

Thank you to Guy Whidden for sharing his memories of such an important world changing event and period. It's so important to get these stories from the veterans (those who are able to talk about such a difficult subject at least) before they are no longer with us. My grandfather was a WW2 vet, but he would never talk about the war, except in very rare cases, and only in front of very few people. Most of his story is now lost except for the very few stories he shared with my father on the very rare occasions he would open up. But I think for him the war was such a traumatising event it was something he just wanted to forget. So it's really important that when a vet is willing and able to share their story that we record it and share. Thanks again Guy Whidden, not just for sharing your story but also for your service and sacrifices.

[@rugby4lifenone615]

Hero. And we love the mohawk now and then! Seems like such a tough, good man. May God bless you and your family. We love our freedom.

[@PRR5406]

My Uncle H.P. Whidden was a navigator on a B-24, and was shot down and captured in September, 1944. His little brother C.V. Whidden was twice wounded in combat.

[@whidden1998]

Where are you guys from

[@seanodwyer4322]

Whidden- where name hail from in europe

[@ryrify]

This series is amazing, though I wish the interviews weren’t interrupted by breaks; it disrupts the flow of memory. These interviews aren’t about us, if we’re asking these brave soldiers to recount their experiences, we should do so without expecting them to pick up as if they’re telling a memorized story!

[@breAnnasmama]

Raquel Rosen omg me too ! Just let them talk. Their words are priceless and better than anything the interviewers could come uo with asking.

[@MeatballOne]

The breaks are horrible and the pacing of the interviewer/format is a tragedy. Here you have these fascinating guys in front of you ready to go-and then the opportunity staring the interviewer in the face is butchered. Wtf!

[@OFR]

If it was televised live, I get it. You don't want to miss a word but have to break. Otherwise it's on video, you can edit breaks in later

[@mac11380]

My father who passed in July , 2020 at 100 was also in the 101st 502 in WWII

[@MarcKevinSmith]

My uncle passed last month. 82nd, 508 PIR.

[@mac11380]

@@MarcKevinSmith Sorry for your loss.

[@MarcKevinSmith]

@@mac11380 And to you, sir, the same.

[@johnnyssik]

Legend. He even has a action figure of him self. Pretty darn cool!

[@DavidSmith-db1mk]

I am glad they saved his leg and He told his story ! truly an American Hero

[@TheBrownSys]

Damn. That story about almost getting his leg amputated. That's brutal.

[@bella123439]

GUY WHIDDEN god bless you for your service you are a hero

[@2steelshells]

The greatest generation.period.

[@jeremybear573]

Agreed

[@animalyze7120]

@C.S.Allen No it isn't, those generations had their own nicknames as well. Nice way to be a Jagoff in the thread though.

[@atheismisamentaldisorder1839]

@C.S.Allen Can you give an example of another generation that dedicated themselves to liberating a large part of the world?

[@davidmiller767]

@C.S.Allen Totally agree. Chaps my hide when I hear "That was the greatest generation. They are all great. I hate Tom Brokaw.

[@larrytrautman775]

I agree ☝️. Just look at us now. In the space of 80 years we have gone down the toilet 🚽. Very alarming 😱

[@Dallas-qf9hu]

Guy seems like just a stand up guy just a good man. Bet he woulda been fun to have a beer with back in the day.

[@johnqpublic2718]

The bit about the German Officer in Holland, crazy. Great story.

[@martin096]

38:38 iconic clip. I will remember his smile for a long time.

[@574ak49]

What a great guy. I was fortunate enough to have had WW II vets as teachers when I was in high school. They all seemed to have a grip on what was important. This guy is one that I would have loved to have had as a history teacher. And what 13 losers gave this a thumbs down.

[@drperkins6668]

My high school civics teacher was a veteran of Guadalcanal. He was also a great teacher. He maybe stood 5'2" and I would never have guessed he was such a bad as* until he shared a few stories.

[@MrBagpipes]

It's such a pleasant surprise to come across an interview with an American who is articulate and grounded.

[@raseli4066]

Im so happy He wanted to tell us his story And that german officer spared his life. I whunder what hes story is

[@danielfladmose]

He spared both their lifes.

[@breAnnasmama]

* wonder :)

[@vivians9392]

I think God had him marked. to survive that war for a reason...maybe to tell the story of all our brave men, and to write the book, too. He had too many near misses not to have been saved for a purpose...

[@vivians9392]

The officer was probably one of those who realized that Hitler was a maniac, and he wanted to live, as well as save his men! Once America came to war, he knew it was over for Germany. He was a smart, logical thinking man, probably very educated, and he knew they would not get shot by the Allies in surrender. I, too, would like to hear from him why he decided to surrender...

[@Dennis19901]

@@vivians9392 Bruh really.... How about those tens of millions of soldiers that have died? Who's to say they didn't have more impressive stories to tell and more interesting books to write? Please don't demean the intents and lives of these people with some "higher plan" nonsense.

[@meghans2001able]

What a amazing man! My Grandpa George was a pilot for The 101st Airborne. Never forget!

[@DeathSpellXVI]

Oh man, I could listen to this guy forever.

[@davidneumann2705]

DeathSpellXVI clever!

[@nassermj7671]

Spending just 1 hour with one of them, I could learn so much about life. Misty eyed thought. RIP

[@jessicablank6470]

I really wish the interviewer would let this man talk uninterrupted and for as long as he wants!

[@samuelmatias7453]

I had the privilege of meeting this man/Soldier at the 75th anniversary of D-Day, June 2019 in France. what an interesting experience he lived through, I a Veteran of the Vietnam war. Salut him. May his God give him more years. PS he was with one of the actors in the band of brother movie.I urge all Citizens to go to France and see the sites. The Franch where wonderful.

[@breAnnasmama]

samuel matias God bless you and thank u for your service !!

[@benh9164]

Wish this had lasted longer!

[@harryalexander9106]

Guy Whidden, passed away in Frederick Maryland, Sept 21, 2022. Rest in Peace and Thank You Sir.

[@FallNorth]

What a fantastic man. There should be no time limit, I could listen to him for days.

[@MRTOOTH0331]

Vet of 2003 RCT-1. I cry too ever now and again to feel good too. 41:00

[@leatherneck7476]

God Bless and Semper Fi!!!

[@uratrick]

A wonderful example of an American soldier. And an absolutely gracious and wonderful man.

[@gravitypronepart2201]

Hard to imagine such a sweet guy as a battle hardened warrior.

[@FINNIUSORION]

Im so grateful for our technology allowing us to record all this history, I used to hound my father for his stories he heard from the Civil War vets when he was a kid. All those first hand accounts lost forever.

[@SunnyIlha]

36:56 He nearly had his foot cut off. They were simply going to cut it off. By a miracle he convinced the surgeon to treat his foot to save it.

[@larryfraser3788]

Thank you to the Veteran heroes!!! Thank you also to the American Veteran Center for interviewing these heroes. We cannot forget what price was paid.

[@kdot8340]

These men have incredible memory and cognitive skills after all these years..i can't even remember what i are for lunch the previous day.. God bless them.

[@jeromekeys7545]

This man is absolutely the epitome of what a man should be. I can't wait to buy the book.

[@jameshudek8727]

These are the kinds of stories that need to be included in history classes.

[@clampetron5556]

At the beginning of his story he talk about entering the Army in flight training and then getting diverted. My father told me the same story about going to the Army recruiter and asking for flight training. He did not bite but his friend did. His friend ended up in the Army Infantry and my dad ended up a carrier pilot. Good decision although that was not a cakewalk either...Thank God for this generation...

[@vincentras1991]

What surprises me is that from all the stories you hear from WW2 veterans from the 101st a lot have gone into teaching and construction.

[@johnholmes6741]

What a nice guy. Thank you very much for your service brave sir. You truly are a hero to me. USA

[@allclassicmotors]

God bless you Guy, you did a great job for our country, I only wish the interview would not have been rushed, he deserved to heard slowly & in entirety.

[@coopervlogs9305]

This is great hahaha guy asks a question and he completely just tells a story of something completely different hahaha. Amazing stories this guy is telling. Could listen to several more hours

[@Kauzi108]

With a healing tibia and depressed, these heroic stories give me hope and perspective in getting through tough times. Thank you ancestors for your commitment to fighting for life, bravely and heroically ❤

[@jeremywood1342]

I just can’t stop listening to him speak! His story telling is so genuine and whole hearted it’s like listening to your grandfather!

[@brentwuollet9448]

Wish we could have had a few hours listening and learning here but an eye opener nonetheless.

[@dscrappygolani7981]

I could spend a lifetime listening to this gentleman. He's something else... A great, great man! In many ways the greatest! That positivity he radiates....man, I'm in awe! And yet so genuine, so humble. The inner strength and sheer goodness this man exhibits is a quality worthy of aspiration. And believe me, I had no dog in 'that' fight...

[@jpal5221]

Wow, wonderful interview and great story of military service.

[@hatrack5977]

Guy literally lived the heroes journey

[@greg7120]

This guy is AMAZING. Im speechless. I’m deeply humbled listening to the way he can tell these horrific stories with a casual tone. I’m shaking my head with disbelief at the level of strength this man has. Incredible.