A German Village DESTROYED By Artillery Fire in WWII (with a WWII Vet!!!)| History Traveler Ep. 338

Most people have likely never heard of Ormont, Germany. But in March of 1945, the 87th Infantry Division would find it to be the site of heavy resistance as they passed through the Siegfried Line. We're traveling to Ormont with a veteran of the 87th Infantry Division to hear about how the path into Germany didn't go around Ormont, but through it.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
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- Attack of the Bloody 28th Along the Hürtgen's Kall Trail | History Traveler Episode 327: • Attack of the Bloody 2...
- Into the Death Factory of the Hürtgen Forest | History Traveler Episode 326: • Into the Death Factory...
- Back to the Hürtgen Forest with FOUR WWII Veterans! | History Traveler Episode 325: • Back to the Hürtgen Fo...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@markleach116]

OMG .... Jack's eyes as he stared at the town and told his story ... You know he was reliving it all! Bless him!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amazing moment.

[@stephenbarabas6286]

I noticed that also... A sadness and pride all at once

[@cathyorlowski1951]

He was reliving everything as he stared out over the country side. Every stop was remembered in detail. If you looked into those eyes you could read each change of emotion. They were so stoic back then they wouldn't say the fear, sadness, anger but you could see it in their eyes. My deepest gratitude, appreciation and respect to all our military servicemen and women. Past, Present and future. God's Blessings on them all.

[@swgeek4310]

Was thinking the same. He was absolutely back there in his mind.

[@swgeek4310]

Watching Jack, take pictures on his cell phone, 78 years later is almost eerie. I mean my God. That is just a powerful moment. Look how far we have come. Man.

[@QuiltedKittenFosters]

Jack is amazing! If he was 18 in 1945, he's 97 today! Still going strong! My grandfather was on the second wave on Omaha Beach, then was in Ardennes. He went back to the area for the 40th anniversary and found his foxhole. He passed in 1989.

[@jessegarcia2060]

Amazing moment in my life to see what history has been ..Great time to be alive an aware..Tha k you for your time to show that past an the present. 🙏🇺🇲an others that parish.

[@musicynic]

Jack is so sharp. All my grandparents, including the men who served in WW2, are gone. But here's Jack, strong enough to walk and stand up, sharp enough to use a cell phone. Amazing indeed.

[@scottstangeland2878]

This has been one of the best veteran interview ever!! - One of the best Generation!!!!!!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@Tld0026]

To see him standing in that field taking pictures where he he fought with a modern cell phone is intriguing. I’ll bet in 1945 he never imagined he would be standing there with this technology in his hands taking pictures of this area again. The world moves fast and we can only hope to catch a glimpse of it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I know. Pretty wild dichotomy.

[@ivvan497]

My grandpa born in 1947 can't do that. In fact, he's very against modern technology. I'm definitely gonna show him this lmao

[@DMUSA536]

I was thinking the same

[@Peace2U-ec6es]

Jack is one tough Soldier. You can tell the memories of what happened there are still clear, and almost as painful today as they were 78 years ago.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that we could be there to capture the moment and share it.

[@sandramosley2801]

@@TheHistoryUnderground👍🏼

[@suepalin9202]

Well done to all of you for this poignant video.@@TheHistoryUnderground

[@jameslyon3750]

Yes, often when old soldiers revisit a battlefield they seem confused as memories fade and the terrain and physical features change with time. In this case, however, Jack’s memories seem to dovetail exactly with the historical facts. Quite amazing.

[@olsurferguy1]

I was a military child of the 1950’s through the 60’s. We traveled throughout Europe in the summer of 1961 when my father was stationed in Spain. This brings back many memories. My mom was a huge history fan and consequently, I became one. One of my most vivid memories was when we crossed the former Siegfried line and the rows and rows of dragon’s teeth. She made dad stop the car so she could study the scene for a while. I miss that generation. They defined who I am today.

[@jeffe9842]

So many WW2 veterans have such incredible and intriguing stories. I never get tired of listening to them tell their stories.

[@orwellboy1958]

As a Brit, I'd like to add my thanks not only to Jack and his comrades but also you guys who look after these vets on their return trips.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Appreciate that.

[@quirkygreece]

These old boys like Jack Moran must be approaching 100 years old and it’s so important that their stories are told and recorded for posterity. God bless all the guys that fought for our freedom.

[@jasonthompson8202]

Being from North Dakota originally of course I had to Google Harold Utter. Passed in 1989. His final resting place is in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

[@simonhook2136]

My son officially went off to the army today, and I'm watching this watching him.leave on the bus. Chills

[@afzaltipu3375]

When I joined army and my vehicle was taking me away I still remeber my parents in the back mirror JUST STANDING there looking at my car

[@SoCo_Surfcasting]

Who's cutting onions? My grandfather was in the Big Red 1 ... I miss him everyday, he's been gone for 22 years.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@57Banjoman]

Telling that amazing story-with his coat open, not a bit of care about the bad weather-still strong after all these years!

[@michaelmccotter4293]

The Greatest Generation. Thank you Sir for your service and for your story!

[@jameslowe3557]

Those vets are the best story tellers

[@bobreece5842]

Gosh, JD, you've done it again. Listening to John Moran share his experiences fighting against the pill boxes around the minefield was very special. Thank you.

[@danwalsh121]

This channel is way better than anything done on The History Channel, or Discovery. One of the best KZbin Channels for military historians.

[@nicojongeneel9734]

Day by day the greatest generation is fading away il hope their stories will stay

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that we could capture the moment and share it.

[@Felix-fy7ki]

Yes, we are. Since we surrendered in '45. Now we are even unable to defend our own country. Greetings from Bavaria, Germany!

[@ColinFreeman-kh9us]

Wow, that hero old fella was remembering every moment of that fight…. You could see it in his eyes. I’ll say it again, your work and channel is truly outstanding it oozes respect. From Australia

[@tonyestes1521]

That drone shot of Jack, toward the end of the video, where he is standing alone by the pillbox, looking toward the town, was Incredible and stunning. God bless him.

[@twenty4dupont]

To be able to bring that hero back to the very place he fought is a tremendous honor for him and for us. Bravo, gentleman. Documenting this history now makes you hero’s as well. Thank you for your service.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that we could share the experience.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

These old vets were genuine bad ass.

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

I'm maybe a third of the way through the rifle 2. The stories are horrific and amazing. How the hell anyone survived is beyond my comprehension. God bless our brave veterans!! 💯❤️🇺🇸

[@macmccollum6064]

Takes me back to the time I made several trips (1994-1998) with my Dad to retrace his route from Omaha Beach to near Leipzig, Germany. So much is unchanged if you just know what to look for and take the time to find it. Probably the greatest experience of my life. Great video.

[@simonrichards6739]

God bless this man and well done you for helping him tell his brave story! What a hero. Love from an Allie across the pond. 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@markturner6240]

Mr. Jack recalling this like it was yesterday, ya know the impact this type of action took on these men. God Bless our men and women who gard us

[@user-ut5wt7cs1m]

Hearing these stories are something not many people get to hear. I had 7 uncles in WW2 and none of them talked about it much at all except one a few months before he passed away.

[@mweinbender]

What a remarkable fella. What a honour it would have been to walk around with him, where he served so many years ago. Truly the Greatest Generation. And that drone shot of him overlooking the field??? CHILLS

[@salata95]

My father was in the heavy artillery 8”gun in Patton’s Army helped liberate Bastone

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@immobilien]

This guy is incredible. He is sharp as a tack. If it was good weather, he would have been even besser. When he would pause....you could tell he was reliving that event in his mind. My Father was in the Marines in WW II and was in the Pacific Theatre. Some of his friends were in the Army and fought in Germany and even stayed after the war and aided in reconstruction. My Grandfather was in WW 1 and was a Master Gunnery Sgt in France. Those Generations of men could accomplish anything.

[@frankmarullo228]

JD. all I can say is GOD BLESS THESE VETERANS !! if it wasn't for people like him who sacrificed all we would not be able to do the things we do now.. THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA......

[@EchoKilo]

Every time I visit these battlefields I’m struck with how beautiful they are at that moment and imagining how horrible it must have been back then.

[@yannissakellarakis1798]

Priceless to see a first-hand description of the events!! Honor, to the veterans who fought in WW2.

[@bobreece5842]

And, to see it on the ground where it took place. Amazing.

[@jeanward1198]

Amazing how well Jack remembers his way through this area. What he eyes saw as he reminisced!

[@WFMeyer]

JD you've done so much good since starting this channel. I remember early on when you were reluctant to monetize it. So glad you did because you've taken us places and introduced us to people we might not otherwise have experienced.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. That means a lot.

[@biebs7472]

It brings up somehow unreal feelings to watch and hear these first-hand account stories from veterans who really have been there, experienced those moments and still remember so clearly in details these places, in year of 2024. For next generations, it is just something to been read from the books, watched from the documentaries and visited at sites that have hundreds of stories to tell, but basically no one to tell those in real living moments anymore. What’ll be left is to think them on our own minds and these are the last golden captures you’re sharing us which is so highly appreciated. It just feels like…different, ”unreal” world that happened back then, in the woods of Europe. The closest tiny bit of feeling we’ll ever catch told by veteran who carry all that inside and with very few comrade soul mates to share up to this day anymore. And the visits at the sites with still been made in year 2024 is just…well unreal. Thank you for sharing!

[@tomnorman2668]

Thank you, sirs for your service!

[@Fowlgun]

What an absolute privilege listening to Jack relive his time there; I salute you sir!

[@MrFrankturbo1]

Makes us proud to watch this tough old gent ..hats off !!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@corychecketts]

Thank you for letting Jack share his experience with us! Amazing person and hero.

[@bobvandervliet6394]

Jack is so clear & vivid in explaining what happened in those days! Bless him!

[@47fireguy16]

Amazing example of 'The Greatest Generation'. His recollection of the events and area are still with him. We won because of the grit and determination these men had.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

To the vets, thank you for your sacrifices, that you all made in WWII. They are unimaginable to most of us. I can't imagine it, but I appreciate all that you did to preserve our Freedom. Thank, you

[@r1cketywr3cked]

What an incredible man. Thank you for your service and sacrifice ❤

[@dawnlefevre9172]

Best money I ever spent!! Thanks to you JD and everyone else involved to make this happen!!! Absolutely PRICELESS!!! And somebody get that man a hat, scarf and mittens!! I'm shivering watching him!😂

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@Volunteersunrise]

God bless you Mr. Jack Moran. Thank you sir . We are forever in your debt.You and the greatest generation are my heroes.

[@susandalton7889]

I was privileged to have as a father, and then after he passed, my stepfather, who were both World War Two veterans. I miss them both every day, but I thank God I inherited many of my father's good qualities and was able to learn a lot from my stepfather. They truly were members of a very good generation.

[@edsonkidwell2522]

Captivating, listening to him his awareness of then versus now , Truly a honor to watch this man , recall events and share it with us Great job to all you involved bringing the stories to life that time will soon silence

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@JohnMcMahon.]

It’s amazing to think, the last time Jack was there was 78 years ago and he was carrying his M1 Garand in totality different circumstances. God bless you Jack and thanks for sharing your story.

[@michae8jackson378]

I feel bad that the weather was so bad for Jack during this stay. But that's the Eifel region. I'm actually here visiting my daughters right now in the area of Trier, north of there. It's cold and very wet. Miserable winter German weather. I can't imagine what it was like in 44-45. Thank you to him and all of you for these videos.

[@terryeustice5399]

Jack witnessed some real tragedy. Very impressed with his memory and his 87th Infantry Unit. And the destruction of Ormont. Under the artillery fire. Thank you for sharing these stories. ❤️👍👊

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@bobklocek3620]

His recall is so amazing. These first person oral histories provide so much to the video. Keep up the great work JD.

[@ajbaumgart4774]

I'm so impressed with your world war two history stories i come from a big family of ww2 veterans my grandfather fought in the Pacific under the command of general mcarthur my great uncle paul fought in the battle of the balge and my other great uncle norman dewitt was a usmc veteran who died on sapain with the 29th marine division just so sad so many young men on both sides had to lose there lives keep up the wonderful great work my man

[@charlesmullins3238]

Nothing could stop us…..powerful…

[@sandramosley2801]

Very powerful; those four words convey volumes.

[@mikeivey8471]

Thank you for this series !!! These glorious vets are so precious a resource of knowledge & so dear to all of us for what the endured to keep the world free !! Seeing their faces & hearing their stories from the actual places where they fought so bravely is just amazing !!! Keep up the fantastic work you're doing !!!

[@Brockjn]

Watching jacks lower lip quiver after he called it an amazing site to see, was tough. I cannot imagine the grief he carries everyday. Im hopeful his pride in the good he accomplished outweighs the grief he carries.

[@ChristyD067]

Bless him! Thank you for your service ❤

[@thetravelingbeard7973]

Thank you for preserving the history of our greatest generation. I can never get enough of their stories. Everyone should take in everything these guys have to say. They've been to the belly of the beast and back again, and i have the greatest respect for their sacrifice. A debt that can never be repaid. We are truly fortunate to have had them during this war. I say thank you and God bless you to all of these great men and women of this generation. They were tough as nails.

[@Bullrider33Outdoors]

Im So Glad Jack Able To Tell His Story Many Who Are Not Here Anymore can not so grateful to listen to him And Get a more understanding What our WW2 Vets went through

[@user-gl8hp2nt8c]

Thank you, JD! Amazing how, at Jack’s age, is able to have such clear descriptions of things in this interview. God bless all of them for enduring such extreme events! Surely was probably amazing to be there live, with him to hear his stories. Love all your videos, as a history buff myself. You’re doing a great service to keep all of our history’s stories alive, thank you again, Jill, from Florida.

[@KurtisCardwell]

That guy is AMAZING! God bless you sir

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, he’s the best.

[@wayside70]

Cherish those times with what remains of the vets jd. Amazing stories and sites like the pillbox and the siegfried line remains.

[@jeffhoover2135]

Some of your best work, especially by letting the veteran walk us thru it. Boy, was his memory SHARP! He had to be about 100 years old.

[@1psychofan]

I love how you just let Jack share his memories. This is such a special trip, I just keep thinking what an honor it is to have been there with Jack! It just wows me! Thanks so much for sharing the trip with us!

[@stephenbarabas6286]

Listening to Jack speak puts a smile on my face... What a genuine badass... God bless all of those REAL men Edit to add... It's a disgrace how our Vietnam vets got treated when they came home 😢

[@snakeman48]

@stephenbarabas6286 Me, US Army 1970-72. Need I say more.........

[@bobbennett7195]

Great stories. Not many of them left to get stories from The Greatest Generation. God bless them all.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@Felix-fy7ki]

​@@TheHistoryUnderground🇩🇪

[@tylerskraastad2023]

Love your work man!!! We love you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@bikenavbm1229]

what a memory thank you Jack and all who worked to make it happen.

[@thebattlefieldhistorian8990]

Excellent video! I loved the drone footage at the end with Jack looking out to Ormont from the same area he stood 78 years before. I also really appreciated hearing Jack's recollections of the Dragon's Teeth. Very rarely did those obstacles really hinder the American advance. About the most success I've come across in wartime accounts was the 3rd Armored Division's first approach to the Siegfried Line southeast of Aachen in September 1944. But the Dragon's Teeth only slowed the armored units down for a couple of hours, until they found a mound of dirt that had been dumped over a section by local German farmers to make a dirt bridge for their farm equipment to cross the obstacle. The Americans learned that taking a bulldozer and pushing dirt over the teeth proved to be one of the easiest ways to get vehicles over them. That tactic stands out as a simple method of overcoming a very costly engineering effort.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed it. Being able to walk the ground with a man who was actually there was something else. Glad that we could document it and share the experience.

[@neilfound3506]

JD, you really need to try and get yourself a few days in the Channel Islands, you would be in bunker heaven

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That is on my list :)

[@Chiller11]

Jack describing time on target artillery destruction of German positions. Pretty amazing commentary.

[@Wreckdiver59]

You could just see all the memories flooding through Jack's mind as he was trying to find the words to describe his experience. It's just great that you were able to capture this on video 👍 I've got three more chapters to go before I come to Jack's story in The Rifle 2. With about 80 pages to go, I'm sure I'll finish the book today. It's well written and easy to read.

[@thomasmakin7479]

This is incredible testimony. I’m absolutely in awe and I served 9 years in infantry and armor units. These guys are amazing

[@DmG2007]

That last scene with Jack looking over the town in the distance is a powerful one. I would have loved to have listen to his stories for hours, such a character.

[@timothyogden9761]

WOW! It is an honor to watch and listen to this wonderful member of the Greatest Generation. God Bless!

[@cathyannedeleeuwen3269]

Jack's face as he recalls made me cry. It must be hard for him, how fortunate that he is able to share with us. On a lighter note, I need a T shirt that says Bunker Junkie😊

[@LejeuneFireMedic]

Such a humble HERO! 🙏🇺🇸

[@marybethstramaglia8232]

I love the fact that Jack differentiates "the Germans" from the civilians in the village and is clearly troubled by the civilian casualties. This entire series is some great work, JD. Kudos to you, Andrew and the team who made it happen.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

What you are doing here is absolutely noble. You are now the preserver of history. Well done.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@jbs454]

Great video thank you for all you guys do for these veterans there aren’t many left to tell the stories any more. It’s a great investment in history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Our pleasure!

[@kentcostello5286]

You are so blessed to have to meet him. All my WW 2 soldiers are gone. I wish I was there you and him to hear the history.

[@lorikrafft8197]

Thank you Jack so much for your service. It is such an honor to hear you speak of the details of the war you were in you are a brave man.

[@YuriBeckers9thID]

Very impressive to hear the stories being told by the veteran. Great video and interesting info about the village.

[@provost5752]

I love hearing those veterans tell their story.

[@cynthiacarter514]

Thank you Jack for sharing your experience with us.

[@rexsmith9577]

On March 10, 1945 my great uncle John was killed near Jünkerath, which is close to Ormont. 312th Engineer (Combat) Bn. Purple Heart and Silver Star. Thank you for this video.

[@NelsonClick]

His quick recall is touching. He plainly has not forgotten what happened. All these decades later. It's moving. Kudos to the young German historians for helping him to orient his memory. When he turned to say "the town is over there" was another indication his memory has been holding on to those events for all these years.

[@ronyantz7349]

You could see the whole thing in the vets eyes when he was staring at the village in the valley!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty amazing.

[@myjet4life]

First & foremost thank you for everything that you do to preserve history. As a history buff I thoroughly enjoy & appreciate all the effort put into your videos. My grandfather was in the 3rd Armored Division & fought in the Battle Of The Bulge. One day I intend to follow his footsteps through Europe as he once did. With every video I watch of yours on WWII only further excites & encourages me to do so. Keep up the amazing work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[@davidlefranc6240]

Big respect to this old vet he fought in probably the biggest battle of the last 200 years!

[@tomboustead7588]

You out did yourself on this one JD. The B Roll footage is amazing and the stories are even better

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you :)

[@rogerbird7015]

Thank you for sharing this. My father was in the 87th Infantry Division, 162nd Field Artillery Brigade, 336th Field Artillery, Battery A, Second Section. They fired a 155 mm Howitzer. We still have his Division book. There is not much information about the action the 87th was involved in, so I greatly appreciate this segment. Imagine, 78 years ago!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@robertvirtue]

That was great. I really enjoyed that. The whole series has been wonderful. Thank you very much.

[@stephenrrose]

Great video JD! Another hit you right in the Heart & Soul. God Bless Mr Moran and all the veterans! Thank you for such a great job!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated!

[@matthiasmoeser2652]

A lot of American Veterans and their families know about the horrible battles in Huertgenwald against German troups in forest war. R. I. P. all soldiers of both sides... 😔❤️

[@JackA-ee4mb]

Thank you Jack!! You changed history for the better sir!

[@btbb1816]

WOW, the algorithm got this one right. Thank You so much.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@chuckjenkins4348]

You always make excellent videos to watch. Wish I had more time in a day just to watch your videos.

[@Am_Yisrael_Chai_7]

God bless this man 🙏 Makes me really sad to see this great generation fading away

[@vaughnbluejr5960]

Jack's memory is amazing. I have trouble remembering what I did yesterday or a year ago, but then I didn't live through what he did in WWII. Thanks for sharing his story so that this old WWII history buff could hear it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amazing man.