A WWII Medic Returns to the Hürtgen Forest | History Traveler Episode 329

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

⭐ If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com

[@rogerokelley]

I'm an Army Veteran who served in West Germany. Thank you for sharing this 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@joopiedelange8463]

I really enjoy your video's!👍

[@andydbedford]

I discovered your channel today, and boy you earned it. That old brought me to tears, people talk about going through hell, well that gentleman walked it, fought in it, saved lives in it and survived then came back to talk about it. Absolute legend! Thank you for this work, and blessing from a proud Englishman whose grandfather died in Normandy. 🫡🙏❤️

[@roygarciaazborn64]

His memory is still quite sharp even though he may have forgotten some things but it's amazing that he can still remember what he did. It's sad that so many of his generation never got the chance to tell their story and if they did many didn't listen and now those stories are lost forever.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

His memory is wild. It was amazing to watch him and Tobias work together.

[@current9300]

Memory about these things can work "in reverse" with aging so to say. My great-aunt was child during WW2 in Finland, and she never talked about the wartime except when she got old, and still had vivid memories of bombings and such while at the same time she could not remember the events of previous day anymore.

[@briangaffney9804]

Amazing how the brain reacts to “flashbacks”!

[@joshuagibson2520]

What amazes me is some of these men probably spent a lifetime trying to forget as much of it as possible. Rightfully so. But that's why I am always amazed at what they do remember.

[@youtube_Sucks_A]

Amazing man. Loved listening to my grandfather's stories, sadly he has pasted, but I could have listened to him for hours

[@Bigcrappie1208]

I know I keep saying this with about every episode but…..I feel this is the most important channel on KZbin. It should be required viewing for every middle school in the country. Thank you for keeping history alive.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. That means a lot.

[@seximexi5820]

EVERY school not just middle school.

[@Peace2U-ec6es]

How fortunate we are to have photo and video records to give us a picture of what happened then versus what it looks like now. But the fact that Jake is alive to talk about it today is not only fortunate, it's a blessing. Thanks to all.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@masterson25]

Jakie błogosławieństwo.Gfyby Bóg istniał to by powstrzymał te wojnę. Ja się ciebie zapytam.Gdzie był wasz ten Bóg przez 6 długich lat.

[@Zwicken1776]

That edit between the present and then the past with the passing of the truck was the best.

[@lisaglesil8672]

Thank you for your service, Mr. Rusar. It is an honor to hear your story.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@seximexi5820]

@@TheHistoryUnderground ??

[@itsamaggooful]

I have never ever wanted so badly to buy a beer for somebody in my entire life! This guy saw it, lived it, fought it, survived it and returned to it.. absolute Legend 🤟🇺🇲❤️

[@masterson25]

Cały świat walczył z złem.Wiele krajów straciło wielu dobry ludzi w tym i mój

[@zachary-du8mm]

JD, the transition of the bus passing you to the original photo may be some of your best and most unique work, that was awesome! good stuff, as always. thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@piercedriver1]

My Dad was in the 7 th army 4 th infantry division, ivy leaves . What an honor to be there and hear the stories from actual soldiers who fought there. I mean a true honor to be in the company of heroes of the greatest generation. Thank them for their service from a great full American.

[@nathanbeard3561]

My grandfather was a combat veteran with the 39th Reg. 9th Infantry Division and his first taste of combat was as a replacement during this battle. Sadly he passed away in 1977, before I was born. These stories are the only way I can connect to his story and understand him better. I was told he was never bitter and savored every moment of life he had as if it was a gift.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Those guys were thrown into a tough situation.

[@dawndickson2156]

These videos with the veterans are amazing! Very thankful they are willing to talk and discuss their experiences. God love each and every one of these dear souls. May we never forget.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@stephenrrose]

What a Blessing to have Medic Jake Rusar Back where he Served. God Bless him! I so loved your "last question" his laugh was priceless!!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@cyndiebill6631]

Jake is amazing. The fact that he remembers and is willing to share his experience is a testament to his service. 👍😊

[@g4joe]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX25iHiPitZ6m9ksi=z6_bw-FvMia1Z2X0 How it goes.

[@tarabennett6643]

I love how you made him laugh at the end ❤

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@Jmerc1343]

That veteran is incredible.. for his age, he’s got an incredible memory, and he’s still so sharp.. amazing

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

He’s amazing.

[@seximexi5820]

Just because you get old doesn't mean you forget everything. Some things you never forget.

[@infraredangel-3798]

15:15 wow 😢 true brotherhood those Americans stayed with the injured soldiers to defend themselves knowing they wouldn’t make it home

[@cyndiebill6631]

Jake is amazing. That fact that he can recall his experiences and his willing to share them is a testament to his service as a Medic. I’m so glad we have Veterans like Jake that are so willing to tell their stories. Where would we be without them?👍♥️🙂

[@ED-ti5tc]

Outstanding! It's such an honor to see and hear these heroes tell their stories.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that we could share it.

[@keithsifford5326]

Great perspective from someone that witnessed it all firsthand. I’m sure some of it is etched in memory and unforgettable.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

So glad that we were able to document some of his stories.

[@j33pfyn4tik6]

Jake is fucking awesome!!!! His memory of the events is amazing and I could listen to him tell stories for hours... Thanks for your service Jake!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@seximexi5820]

@@TheHistoryUnderground ??

[@scottsuydam3349]

I love this series with Mr Rusar. Also the modern day video shots blended into the back in the day photos really brings you into the history. Thank you for sharing your stories Mr Rusar. Great job JD

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them! Got more on the way with some of the other guys.

[@sandramosley2801]

You ALL are really something! Thank you all for your efforts to bring this to us and to document this for the wider world.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@Wreckdiver59]

I could listen to Jake all day 👍 He's got such a good recollection of what he went through. I can't wait to hear what the other vets with you had to say.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It was amazing to spend time with him over there. I’m looking to link up with him again and do a long form interview.

[@randystolz]

When my brother was transferred stateside after Desert Storm, he served with the 4th at Ft Carson, CO. The scene of Jake and Tobias orienting one's memories with the map and current topography, etc, really moved me... Ty JD, Andrew, and most especially the vets for retelling these stories on or near the ground where they occurred...🤠🤠"Lest we forget"💜💜

[@adriennejames9120]

God bless these men... what a humbling experience to walk the ground with someone who was actually there. Mr. Rusar is an amazing human being. ❤❤❤

[@dgpatter]

Being there with him makes it a “little bit special”. Understatement much? On another note: I recognize, and tip my hat, how you turned the annoying bus driving by into a brilliant transition. That’s class cinematography.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@seximexi5820]

Yup an annoying bus driver just doing his job. smh.

[@adriannarobeson4758]

So fascinating listening to Jake he remembers as if it happened yesterday, Mr. Jake has my 💯 percent respect 🇺🇸👍🏻

[@bradmccormick358]

Heading accounts of history from veterans who were there and having them in the exact spot where they were is amazing. Unfortunately as time goes on we lose these first hand accounts. God bless all our veterans, especially the ones who never made it home.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@CrescentCottageHomestead]

Bless his heart! This is just wonderful! As many wanted to forget about thier war days, its probably very bittersweet to go back. My Dad was at pearl harbor, he never wanted to talk about it. I would of loved to been able to hear his stories.

[@vex8836]

My 2x great uncle Staff Sergeant William Tuschinski was there. He served with the 8th infantry division 28th infantry regiment. Sadly he was one of the casualties in this battle. Thank you for sharing these stories with us Jake. I wish many more got to share their stories.

[@Dudebenice45]

My uncle was KIA here. This footage of his brother soldiers is very touching to me. May he rest in peace.

[@cynditermath9118]

There’s a reason they are called the Greatest Generation. Love his sharpness and humility.

[@Mike.driessen]

I love the edit at 5:40

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@growda1]

Awwww that was so cute! You showed a little boy with a huge backpack walking by and then switched to a picture of soldiers in the same spot carrying huge backpacks.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Got lucky with that shot 🙂

[@growda1]

@@TheHistoryUnderground keep up the good work.

[@growda1]

I'm moving to Pennsylvania in a week I can't wait to visit Gettysburg! I'll literally be living across the street from Fort tranquility.

[@jeffe9842]

I could listen to Jake's war stories 100s of times and never get tired of them. Thank you for your service, sir.

[@MichaelSims94]

This made me tear up, God bless the greatest generation, I wish people lived forever or at least a lot longer. We need them more than ever

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely.

[@rockstarJDP]

Beautiful JD, excellent work as always. Seeing all of those discarded mess kits and canteens, the spent ammunition in the raw footage and the juxtipisation of the GIs splashing each other while cleaning their jeeps and playing about gave me chills. Also love that random guy at 5:30 that gave you a wave when he thought you were pointing at him!

[@twanklerks2462]

Thank you Jake Rusar. You are a real hero. You and your fellow soldiers liberated Europe from evil. It is because of people like you we live here in absolute freedom today. I live in the Netherlands. We still celebrate every year that we live in freedom in the Netherlands. We celebrate that we were liberated from the German occupation in Europe and the Japanese occupation in Asia in 1945 and that we have been free from oppression in the Kingdom of the Netherlands ever since. In addition, it is also a day to reflect on the importance of freedom and to realize that freedom is fragile. That is also the day on which we reflect on lack of freedom elsewhere in the world. The end of World War II did not mean an end to war in the world; Since then there has not been a day without war worldwide. In many places around the world, people still suffer every day from armed conflict and the violation of human rights. We also reflect on this on Liberation Day. Jake, thank you for who you are and what you did. Again, you are a real hero.

[@Tommybgood]

The smile he gave at the end is enough to warm anyone’s heart 🫡

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@SoCal780]

So awesome to get the perspective from an actual veteran who was there, nice! Happy New Year, JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@MjrCarnyx]

Such a special video for me. It is the place where I started my hobby. So much evidence of that awful period was still lying around 8 years ago. Thanks for taking us along.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@greggriffin1]

WOW............I think this was such a great vid, loved it thank you so much

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PeterOkeefe54]

history lost will never be regained...thank you. I have done archeological work in the area of Stony Point NY and the relics found are just amazing..a direct link to our past

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@erikguth4830]

The humor for that ole veteran at the end was epic. Well done I say. You definitely made your mark for that fella.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@dawnlefevre9172]

I could listen to him all day!! What a gift he is!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad to be able to share the experience.

[@dawnlefevre9172]

Thanks is not enough for your hard work to share these one of a kind experiences with us!!!

[@truthtriumphant]

Mr.Jake Rusar - you are an American hero!!! God bless you!!!🙏👏🔥💯🥰🫡

[@oneparticularharbor144]

My Uncle fought with the 1/16th around Aachen and Hurtgen- he never said much about it but was wounded by shrapnel near there and Evacced to England . He had scars on his neck and back the rest of his life - I asked him about this and he said he was just glad to have gotten out alive, a lot of guys didn’t. That was all......RIP Uncle Paul

[@brendanmcgrady7614]

That transition using the bus was masterful. Your videography and editing skills are fantastic.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@tomboustead7588]

His stories are amazing and his sense of humor is wonderful. I loved the black and white pictures and videos that you included in the video

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

Lovely to see his face last get up with laughter at your last suggestion! Thank you all, thank you sir.

[@JW-sy2yt]

I appreciate that you, JD, let the subject be the star of your video. So often KZbinrs can’t help themselves by commentating endlessly. Appreciate your discretion and respect for the people in your videos.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. 🙂

[@larryburwell8550]

great stories by the medic vet. brave man in 1944 for sure. i cant imagine that he could remember exact positions as the terrain has changed so much. 79 years memories change a little. still great story. loved the video. thanks for posting. great history that we have never heard before.

[@davidmckayii752]

I like how he says "patient" 😀

[@dannydecker5708]

Amazing how sharp he is at his age. Thank you for your service sir.

[@1psychofan]

JD! This is so great! I love how you let him share his stories! Powerful!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@jimmyhorton8297]

What an absolute legend this man is. Talking about carrying patients in that terrain as if it was just another task. So glad he got to go back with all of you and revisit some of the areas he was in. If you could play his thoughts like a film reel, I’m sure you would see things that would make your hair stand on end. Another great video

[@Pish4004]

I've never been a history buff...but I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts. I've been following you for about 3 months. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@AlbertComelles1970]

Thank you so much for your testimony!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@MrWhitelightning73]

The past to present editing and commentary is amazing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@frankmarullo228]

Love the before and after pictures JD thank you Frank from Montana...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@paranormaldrummer999]

Another incredible video.. the beginning of the video w the before and after footage was amazing.. i love what you do.. just beautifully done.. thank you so much for sharing these stories..

[@robertdacquisto6871]

Instant like, you know a new History Underground video is going to be good! I really like this series, extremely well done. Keep up the good work JD!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks a ton!

[@kadoj]

What an unspeakably significant privelage to hear Jake, a man with my own name, tell of his experiences in this place. There are so few left to tell them... just watching his face as he grapples with the memories of enduring the conflict in the Hurtgen is an experience all on its own.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty moving to be in that place with him.

[@kadoj]

@@TheHistoryUnderground gosh, I can certainly imagine it would be. Potentially even overwhelming, a little bit. What he experienced there obiously left a very permanent mark on him. Tha much is palpable even on this side of the KZbin machine.

[@beanzj8984]

I've only just started watching your channel today, but I'm already in love with every topic you've covered. I'm a huge WW1-2 history lover as well and seeing you do things like this with a veteran and just spreading information in general, it's just breathtaking. Thank you for keeping history alive like the rest of us historians, you do amazing work

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@Neal-W]

True heros, thank you showing us the Hurtgen forest. My grandfather passed away in 2010. He told me many stories about his time in the Hurtgen Forest. He was in Fox Company, 39th infantry div., shot twice and returned to combat. He received the Purple Heart with cluster and Bronze star. I hope to visit these places in person some day.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awful place. I wonder if he was in the 39th Infantry Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division. They were the first ones to get thrown into the Hurtgen. I’ve got a video a few episodes back that shows where the 9th was at.

[@Neal-W]

@TheHistoryUnderground I have a small paperback booklet that he gave me. It tells a little history of each man in his company. It says that the 39th was relieved by the 28th inf. October 25th. In Dec they went on offensive near Duren while the 9th assaulted the German stronghold of Panzers. I wish I had talked to him about it more. Now I'm trying to put the puzzle together. That's how I found your video 👍

[@Emjackson89]

Jake is an incredible gentleman. A hero that my children and my childens children will know about, respect and honour. Personally for me it hits home because these watch band of brothers and saving private ryan, the medics always had my attention and lead me to join and serve as a combat medic in Afghanistan.

[@rogerokelley]

I'm an Army Veteran who served in West Germany. Thank you for sharing this 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@lappin6482]

Such respect for men like Jake.....👏👏👏

[@Ronaldl2350]

Thanks JD for sharing Jake's story! A true humble hero. On a different note. The footage in the beginning the guy cleaning the jeep and getting splashed by the passing vehicles. He definitely was not happy about it!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! No, he wasn’t.

[@ScreamingEagle101st]

Incredible story thank you for sharing. I could spend days with the veteran talking

[@joshuagibson2520]

Never stop with the then and now photos. They are so helpful.

[@stephaniewanek2014]

Mr. Jake thank you for your service and God bless. Thank you for recording his story and us pictures of that time era.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@debdewitt4779]

Thank you for your service and sharing your experiences with us and all the wounded that you helped God Bless you sir

[@anthonydm2947]

Wow. God Bless him… Had to be surreal for him to return. His memory was so impressive.

[@nicojongeneel9734]

What a sacrifice those men had been through and look what became of the world today

[@ItsGreg22]

Thankyou for always gathering as much information about each subject and location you go too. You make us all feel like we are right there with you. Our history of human beings are important to learn and remember. You are the only KZbin channel who does content like this. The History Channel should really get in contact with you!

[@Svempa73]

Thank you. I was there in the summer of 2022 in the area around Ochsenkopf/Vossenack. Unfortunately some of forest in the area (around Robert Cahow's grave) have been cut down to build three wind turbines, but you could still imagine the harshness of fighting in that forest.

[@Dylantuning1995]

Jake is as sharp as can be.. Laughed with a bit of a tear in the eye when you asked him to carry you up the hill😂 Hope I can still enjoy these videos in 50 years, because I would never want to lose this great content you're making about these brave guys!

[@ganymededarling]

What a great episode. Thank you for telling his story. And that bus transition was impressive!!

[@Yaketyyak21]

They are so few of these amazing Hero’s left…it’s very rare to get a history lesson from someone that was actually there..

[@callsign_homedad]

That bus transition was great. Loved his stories

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@bords3838]

What a blessing he is, J.D. thanks for the great content, as always. Love this series.

[@thebroketraveller9601]

This channel is really inspiring to me in how you respect the veterans and stories from both sides, my opa fought with the Wehrmacht in Russia and North Africa, was in 3 different squads where everyone died except him, and to see some of the documenting you do of these stories from both sides inspires me and I hope I get the chance eventually to film and make videos which also serve as a reminder to some of the stories these men had to go through

[@itsamaggooful]

Thank you Jake Rusar from the bottom of my heart, you are the reason I am a free American. Thank you so much

[@mikeryan9479]

I’d just like to say how much I’ve enjoyed this series on an often forgotten part of world war 2. You’ve inspired me to want to learn more about the battles of Aachen and the Hurtgen forest, are there any books you could recommend on these battles ?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

The Bloody Forest is good. The biggest drawback is that it lack good maps.

[@mikeryan9479]

Thanks, I’ll get looking

[@Steven-p1o]

What a hero. America was a galvanized country. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@andyk8969]

Outstanding love these vlogs absolutely amazing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

[@mark-ib7sz]

Just excellent !!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@WakeUp2Urself]

Love your content bro keep em coming jd💯

[@shannonVwalker]

My family history in the military goes from 1776 to now my dad was in veitnam took me years to get him to open up about it. But the stories he told was scary. But I listened I listened to all my family war stories you won't see things like that in movies.

[@MrEaglesfan40]

Outstanding video JD you have a special way with these hero’s that helps them remember the past that others dont, you sir are great with them Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you kindly

[@christianknust555]

It´s an honor to hear youre story. Best wishes from germany, god bless you Sir

[@joshbiddinger1744]

JD, I'm not sure who's doing your cinematography but its up there on the best for a smaller history youtuber. That bus transition is amazing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I’m pretty much a one man band.

[@diggerlenny4836]

What a guy and what a great memory he has! Nice to hear the Germans let him and his crew they the lines with the wounded even if it was only to lighten they're own load. Still could of gone another way. So glad I heard this today, thanks fellas

[@gunnut603]

God Bless Jake! Thanks for your service! Thanks for speaking on this and sharing this information !!!

[@debrasams2362]

So interesting, Especially hearing from someone who spent time there. I cannot imagine the horror of rescuing casualties while avoiding gunfire.

[@Cybermat47]

We really do owe these veterans so much. The more you read the first-hand accounts of the people like Anne Frank and Pierre Seel who suffered Nazi terror, and the more you see images of the death camps and the einsatzgruppen, the more you realise that the people who fought against Nazi Germany and the rest of the Axis were fighting to preserve not only freedom, but civilisation itself. Thank you, so, so much.

[@2CTRUGGER]

Love the piano music that accompanies this piece

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@mikeivey8471]

I absolutely love this video !!! Well done , Sir !!! Well done !!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@michelbernardo6087]

Je travaille depuis 40 ans dans les hôpitaux à la frontière Allemande . À cet époque 1987 il restait encore beaucoup de vétérans enrôlés dans les forces Allemandes de 1944 ( waffen , LVF , ……) , pouvoir écouter leurs aventures était un privilège Dans la confiance , ils avaient encore une bonne mémoire , ils racontaient des événements tragiques et incroyables . Encore plus réel qu’un film .