Abandoning Ship In the Battle of Midway | Memoirs Of WWII #21

WW2 Veteran Roger Spooner of the United States Navy recalls the Battle of Midway, abandoning a sinking ship, and spending a night stranded at sea.
Memoirs of WWII Website: bit.ly/2w60kGM
Patreon: bit.ly/2HIebIN
Instagram: bit.ly/2FBGBhv
Facebook: bit.ly/2w5Lhgf
Twitter: bit.ly/2jlcp1A
Written and Directed by Joshua Scott
Filmed by Christian McLean
Edited by Joshua Scott and Christian McLean
Post Audio by Lane Tarr
Archive Footage Sources:
www.archives.gov/
U.S. Department of Defense
Archive Photograph Sources:
U.S. Navy
Geographicus Rare Antique Maps
National Library of New Zealand
National Archives
Musical Score Source:
artlist.io/
Artlist Songs and Composers:
“Last Chance to Change” by Piotr Hummel
“A Glimmer of Hope” by Michael Vignola
“Exigency” by Charlie Ryan
“Scenes” by Runar Blesvik
“But As the Radiance Left Your Eyes” by The Soundkeeper
“Did You Ever Go Sailing (Down the River of Memories)” written by Albert E. Brumley, performed by Lulu Belle and Scotty

[@morgangiannars8664]

I’m Rogers Spooner’s granddaughter. Just letting everyone know Paw Paw passed away yesterday morning. Thank you for all the nice comments y’all were saying about him. He like a long life full of purpose.

[@OLMasterChief]

I am deeply sorry for your loss! Men like Roger are the worlds hero! May he rest in peace!

[@morgangiannars8664]

@@OLMasterChief thank you so much! & he was! He was full of joy & happiness no matter what! He Ioved everyone he met no matter if he knew them or not. ❤️

[@OLMasterChief]

@@morgangiannars8664 i hope memoir s of ww2 responds to this!! They should edit the video and put his passing date! I teared up when i learned he died. These videos mean a lot to me. I love their stories.

[@morgangiannars8664]

@@OLMasterChief we had family that had members from WWll today that came to the visitation today. I’m sure there will be more tomorrow at the funeral. I’ve watched this video many times. I had a recording of me interviewing him for my college history report. I found it 2 nights ago on my phone.

[@OLMasterChief]

@@morgangiannars8664 that is awesome!

[@blackdogexcavator21]

Men like him are what makes the world a great place. He saw hard times (the depression), he served his country and put his life on the line, he raised a great family, started his own company, and continues to serve by passing to us the stories of the greatest struggle to preserve freedom in the history of the world. God bless the people who are a part of the greatest generation.

[@ericsekula8103]

He does that and still drives a semi hauling 3-5 days a week. He's a tough ole bird! I work for him.

[@blackdogexcavator21]

@@ericsekula8103 please tell him I said thank you for his service and to keep on trucking brother!!!

[@donaldwallace7934]

Eric Sekula Please tell, thank you for his service for me as well !! 🇺🇸 ⚓️

[@nancypeterson6514]

I totally agree. My grandfathers both were in WWII - paternal grandfather as a Colonel in the Army and served most of his time in the Pacific. My other grandfather was in North Africa into Italy. He was a medic under General Patton. Somewhere I have the letters my grandmother sent my grandfather (and his letters back to her). Though both are gone now I will try to recover those letters and get them in some format for viewing/reading. Some of my grandfather’s stories in the Pacific were unreal. My other grandfather met with General Patton because his superior officer was too scared to meet with him. He even net the Pope.

[@erniedurocher4376]

@Titus Nobody asked you

[@ZorrroUK]

I don't know why, but this one raised more feelings than others for me. I think it is the way he gazes into nothing and talks about how he will never forget as long as he lives.

[@bobbilowery2975]

Same!!!

[@bigwade4490]

For sure this one made me feel the emotion for sure the way he talked and the look on his face

[@jamesreed6152]

As a combat vet I prolly connected with this one on a more emotional level. When he stares off hes reliving those memories before he talks about them. Ugh its sad

[@jdcompactman9265]

I was thinking the same thing. Just in awe of his life.

[@ED-ti5tc]

Same here. I've seen just about all these videos but this one was extra touching.

[@AG-mt3xs]

Happy 97th Birthday, Sir. You are a true hero. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@kaito1213]

For Americans and Japanese Who Lost In 1942 ♥♥♥

[@kaito1213]

Wut?

[@AG-mt3xs]

@Three Stacks he·ro /ˈhirō/ noun 1. a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. So - yes. 100%

[@AG-mt3xs]

@Three Stacks By definition, yes.

[@AG-mt3xs]

@Three Stacks Nelson Mandela once said, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." Those who joined, whether they were drafted or they volunteered, knew that they would likely not return home if they went to the front lines. To persevere against the inevitable fear and do what was necessary to defend their home or their brothers/sisters-in-arms is certainly heroic.

[@RedHammerBodyShop]

He was my buddy and neighbor. He left us today, our whole town is feeling the loss. He was the oldest active truck driver in the U.S. yesterday, he's sitting with God today.

[@greyfar9592]

i see WW2 i click.

[@christiangreen4832]

Ww1 story’s too

[@Ronnie-Jones]

most forbidden documentary. Europa The Last Battle at archive . org

[@erickmorales1826]

Yessir

[@austinpblack]

To hear him say “there ain’t very many of us left” really got to me. This generation of men were without a doubt the most courageous and hard working. It’s a shame we only have a few left. God bless their souls & may we follow their example of strength & courage.

[@navret1707]

Austin Black - and the “protesters” in DC vandalized the WWII memorial. 😡 🤬

[@nyboy76]

I do much appreciate this channel and hearing stories of those of the greatest generation. In very glad I found this channel. God bless those who gave so much for this country...and the world.

[@paintballfanatic7231]

@@zachtm8390 I agree

[@nyboy76]

@Jordan Sharpe First off, grammar and punctuation are your friend, it helps you write a better developed statement and helps you get your point across more clearly. Second, what does what you are saying have anything to do with what this video is about. This man, among others, were doing what they had to do to protect our country and defeat fascism and hate on a global scale. Thirdly, segregation was a thing but you are forgetting that this generation served to open the door for men of all backgrounds and races to serve their country, and not every white person was steeped in racism or believed in the inequality of races. Finally and most importantly, you forget that black service men were a very important part of the war effort, more of which we are learning of as time moves in. Yes There was mistreatment of blacks, that is factual, but racism was becoming less and less popular going all the way back to the Civil War. I think you need to actually pick up a history book and do something called reading instead of just being a voice box for the liberal left and media.

[@andyZ3500s]

@@nyboy76 thanks

[@chewy99.]

@Jordan Sharpe Oh stop hating on these great old people, not all white people were racist at this time, and WWII served as a great way to begin better equality, as black men for the first time were able to serve their county. Also, greatest generation is the name of that doesn’t mean that all of those people were the greatest, although many of them were.

[@nyboy76]

@Jerry Crooker Wow, you picked out one error on my reply, congrats to you good sir. You get a No Prize for being so gosh darn observant. 🏆

[@mariolofaro8330]

When men were men, and they went down to the Sea, and the perils the Sea beholds... My 20 years of service (retired Navy) are but a spec to what men like him experienced in 4 years of war. The best, the greatest Generation! Makes me proud to be an American...

[@texritter1736]

Me too. Thank you for your service sir..

[@raymondcoache7442]

Mario Thanks For your service shipmate, I too am a retired EMCS 74-95. To hear these old shipmates and their sea stories is great. My greatest regrets in my youth, as a young sailor, was not spending much time with these old timers. In there fifties back then. I knew a few, including a Japanese WWII sailor in Yokosuka and my Uncle Joe, a Gunner’s Mate 2nd in the Naval Armed Guard serving on Merchant ships, on convoy in the North Atlantic. He taught me how to roll a white to look salty and not look like a boot. I had a chance to spend time with a China Gunboat Sailor, and being young and stupid, I let the opportunity slip by. You never see youth and wisdom used in the same sentence. Can you imagine if the internet and folks like these history folks were getting their stories on video, back in the day. What a treasure it would be. But this young Sailor going from a bird farm to a submarine a true gluten for punishment. I was lucky enough to have sailed through the Coral Sea, Guadalcanal, Midway, Leyte Gulf and San Bernardino Straits during my time. God bless him and those that served. Shipmate be safe.

[@Lordpianz]

agree, i did 8yrs as an os from 2001 2009...what these man endured is beyond comprehension, we got all our fancy weapon systems that allows us to fight wars from a far ww2 naval battles where up close in your face

[@raymondcoache7442]

Lordpianz. If you read about Taffey 3, Oct 44 with the USS Johnston, Hoel, Heermann and the Samuel B Roberts it was an eyeball to eyeball, toe to toe fight with the Yamato and a string of Japanese cruisers. The large Japanese guns did not have time to arm and passed right through the tin cans without exploding. Tom Hanks needs to make a movie of that battle. They just found what was left of the Johnston at 18000 ft. Shipmate Thanks for your service and be safe

[@FrankHorigan]

Thank you for your service sir

[@talkingdonkey1817]

“The Queen wouldn’t let us come ashore until they hid all their girls up in the mountains” (and he laughs). These WW2 veterans more often than not seem so good natured, modest and warm hearted, which is the impressive part of them being heroes. These are some of the qualities that makes their generation the Greatest Generation.

[@iangordicans8763]

"if I'd known I was going to live this long I'd have taken better care of myself" lol. My grandad went right through the Pacific campaign with the Americans on the HMAS Hobart. He said on some of the beach landings where the Hobart was providing supporting fire, there was so many bodies and blood from the US marines on the beach that you couldn't see any sand. He said the bravery of the guys doing the beach landings was beyond belief, and that they were so young.

[@travisthompson4127]

Rest In Peace Big R you will always be missed and loved until we meet again my trucker brother

[@kevinjohnson7300]

Couldn't go ashore because they knew them boys would be trying to get that poonani. Good story sir that part made me laugh. Thank you for everything

[@chrishandsome6542]

That or the island girls wouldn't be able to keep themselves off those hunks.

[@overhaul3579]

GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD BY THE OLDEST OF EM ALL

[@dmac2899]

This is definitely not the greatest story ever told! A great story to be sure but not the greatest. The story of God coming to earth, dying for our sins, and rising from the dead is the greatest story ever told!

[@irietheace1199]

@@dmac2899 Alrighty a little unnecessary there lol.

[@lavishmctavish4905]

@@dmac2899 ...to some.

[@beboppapadopoulos4158]

“All crews: prepare to abandon ship.” God that gave me chills. What these men went through is just unimaginable. Thank you for these.

[@hillbilly9804]

Came here from TikTok to say RIP to a true American from the greatest generation. RIP Mr Spooner. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

[@ericsekula8103]

Hey Josh we thank you deeply for coming out here to Iron City and getting Papa's story documented. We have been anxiously awaiting this video. I'm fixing to go in here and show it to him. God bless you and the crew and all your travels.

[@brandyf4088]

A humble hero from the Greatest Generation. 🙏 🙏 Thank you from Texas.

[@doctordetroit4339]

Tell Papa thanks from me, I love our Navy. Semper Fi.

[@hillbilly9804]

One from the greatest generation. We are losing these treasures everyday. Glad he told his story so it’s here for us all to see and hear. RIP to a Great American.

[@meganjonesford8620]

My Great Grandfather served with you! His name was Marlin C. SMITH from Cuba, Illinois. He would tell us how he was so scared to jump in his words "because that was one big pond and a long way down!" He passed in March of 1990. Thank you for your service sir!

[@Prfdt3]

My dad john Hancock died within days of Mr spooner.they were the last two.

[@joshwall4263]

i live 10 mins away from norfolk virginia, i feel honored knowing this man was 10 mins away from me 76 years ago.

[@darlamae9876]

I wish my paternal grandfather was alive today so I can share with him this great piece of history... he fought in WWII alongside General MacArthur in the Philippines....always proud of him, loved his tales, his war stories.... miss you dearly grandpa 💔😔

[@brandon779]

A true patriot. Thank you for your service Roger!

[@debrakleid5752]

I have a family member that just turned 99 and landed on Normandy. I would love for him to do one of these!

[@ericunderwood1482]

Hi Debra...Wow! That's cool...did you know that Rodger Daltery of the Who? His Dad was a Higgins Boat Capt....Delivering Marines to Normandy! ....My Dad would be 102 now....Island Hopper.... Eric Underwood class of 81 Downey High school

[@debrakleid5752]

@@ericunderwood1482 no I didn’t.

[@mandywalkden-brown7250]

Please just try and do one yourself. We need every story recorded before it’s too late.

[@jameshunter5485]

My Uncle Stuart Miller was a shipmate of Roger’s at the Battle of Coral Sea and at Midway. He floated in the water while he was injured and spent many months in the Naval Hospital in Pearl Harbor recovering. He never spoke of the ordeal and it is good to hear Mr Spooner’s reminiscences to know what my uncle experienced.

[@capnpete2672]

These poor guys were not privy to the PTSD diagnosis. They could've gotten more help if they had. They had/Have PTSD, just not diagnosed. so many had to self medicate. I am so proud of "The Greatest Generation". You guys will always be appreciated and never forgotten.

[@realwealthproperties5671]

But they didn’t need the “diagnosis” and the “meds” . They relied on themselves, toughed it out and we’e ok. Your PTSD talk is just stupid. Typical of your young soft generation.

[@MrJetFormation]

"There aren't many of us" that made a tear fall from my eye.

[@Roady-13]

My father served on the Yorktown during Coral Sea And Midway. he gave similar descriptions as this man. Both, along with all the others , were heroes!

[@sectorz8171]

"I don't feel like I've missed anything"... Damn, nearly cried when he said that.

[@aryyancarman705]

After few years there'd be none to interview

[@AA-xk7gy]

I hope the then interview Korea vets

[@debrakleid5752]

@@AA-xk7gy and then the Vietnam Vets

[@0nu]

Debra Kleid they said they won’t be interviewing Vietnam Vets as of now. They are focused on ww2 vets, cause they’re gonna be gone sooner than the others.

[@debrakleid5752]

@@0nu I meant after they finish with the WW2 vets and then Korean I would like to see Vietnam further down the road. I love these memoirs and I look forward to these. WW2 holds a special place for me

[@Sevisstillalive]

and thats such a heartbreaking feeling... God bless these men and Rest the souls of the ones that died those years all ago.

[@W7DSY]

Mr. Spooner, I know you would like to forget. But your memories are precious, and we are grateful for your remembrances. Thank you sir, for your service.

[@dave23486]

Wow..how he pauses and you just know he’s back there seeing the hellish memories run through he’s mind..poor fella..pure hero

[@juliehudson6539]

What a life this man has lived. You just can't help but love him

[@4sillykids437]

RIP Roger. Thank you for your service. 😔

[@chrischalkley8571]

This is by far the best series of interviews, better than anything on TV

[@ants3503]

True Hero ❤ lots of love from Australia 👍

[@johnstevens9673]

I cant tell you how much I truly love and respect what your doing. I work at one of the major museums in Washington DC and if you ever need some historical research or other things of that nature done, please dont hesitate to ask. It would be my honor. I have talked about doing something similar to what your doing for years.

[@dewaynemiguel3349]

My dad's 96 hes the last of 7 brothers his oldest brother was wounded but they all made it home from WWII except his baby brother was too young to go but went to Korea and was killed there .they are the greatest generation.!!!!!

[@Bradthetruckie]

thankyou for guarding our western australian coast, your efforts are certainly still remembered here. lest we forget.

[@DonBair]

God bless you, Roger Spooner. Truly, men like you ARE the greatest generation.

[@dj_efk]

To the man in this video and to all of your allied comrades: Thank you. Love from a grateful younger generation.

[@smudge6001]

I still can't believe how underrated this channel is 😲 you guys deserve more recognition for the work you do. Many thanks to all the brave men and women who served

[@Spade_86]

It's men like him that makes myself proud of joining the Navy.

[@thunderbird7020]

Thank you for getting this mans story out there. Thank you helping preserve the memories of this conflict.

[@texritter1736]

I'm honored to be 🇺🇸...Thank you from the depth of my heart for your sacrafice, bravery, and just all out toughness to the Veterans of WW2..

[@gemmint77]

This man and men like him are true American hero’s. My grandfather was a fighter pilot and was shot down during the battle of midway. I’m great full he was rescued and I was able to hear some of the stories of bravery.

[@crosstiespike]

Mr. Spooner this is me giving you a hand shake and and a hug. God Bless you. You a American Boy.

[@Historybuffm8]

Some of the greatest videos I’ve ever seen!! Amazing work Josh, and to everyone else!👍👍

[@RichardMillerMMVVIDEO]

this guy talked so at ease like it happened yesterday.. thank you sir, my dad served in the pacific in the Americal Division 43 to 46

[@brig4775]

The greatest generation unselfishly saved democracy from tyranny. God bless you kind sir.

[@docholiday9786]

You sir are more of a man than I will ever be. Thank you for your service.

[@Nick1-22]

These stories are so important to hear, these men are dying and we can’t talk to all of them and because of you guys we get to hear the stories of the brave men who sacrificed their lives for our country (Im also 15)

[@ilijahquintanilla1288]

Such a nice cheery old man, thank you for your service Roger

[@debrabatson6678]

My Daddy served and never could forget. He suffered the rest of his life.

[@BM205]

I appreciate you sharing these great men's stories so much!

[@GatorNick]

Can't get enough of this quality content. Best Generation EVER. NO QUESTION!

[@cl18t]

I got chills watching this episode. Thanks for preserving Roger's story.

[@SheepdogColumbus]

The stories and wisdom of our elderly. More valuable than gold, more beneficial than food, more uplifting than love.

[@kennethprice3978]

Navy Veteran here,ty Sir for your service 😊

[@subterfusion4005]

I wish my Grandad was alive to tell his sea stories of 10 battles. Operation Torch in North Africa and 9 battles in the Pacific on the carriers Belleau Wood and Ranger, plus volunteering and going ashore with the Marines in the 3rd wave on Okinawa. His battle station was the twin Bofors 40mm.

[@cyrilculton1181]

Am so glad you survived and returned home. Mr. Spooner, sir your story touched me like no other. 😪 Thank you for your selfless service. You are the embodiment of the Greatest Generation.

[@BigBoyO56]

Good Lord. I don’t know how these guys did it. My hat is off to them. Forever.

[@RobinHood-1961]

I love hearing stories from these Vets. God Bless them all. The Greatest Generation that ever lived. My Dad and Step Dad both fought in WWII. They are both now at peace. RIP to all those that died during and after the war.

[@foxtrotcharlie7294]

Hard man, did hard things, and lived a great life. I am thankful to have heard your story. This channel should be a constant reality check for everyone.

[@RhettyforHistory]

What an incredible hero with an amazing story. I'm glad he is sharing with you and all of us. Thank you for making this great piece of history.

[@josephkicklighter8100]

What this channel is doing is so important.

[@richards1156]

I love seeing these videos. And hello everyone

[@tomo9126]

Obviously someone is slicing up some onions while I'm trying to watch this!

[@vivians9392]

What a good looking, clean cut young man he was. WOW!

[@paramirov5107]

I always got emotional watching this channel, amazing.

[@charlescollins9413]

I lived not far from this man in a town called leesburg. I wish i could’ve met this man while i was there. I moved back to Alabama but I’d give anything to have met this veteran.

[@debrakleid5752]

Happy Birthday Roger! Hearing you were on Yorktown gave me chills as I know the story of the Yorktown and what she went through and the repairs only taking 3 days which should have been 3 months! The planes from the Yorktown and another carrier found the Japanese Carriers by luck as they were running out of fuel and at the last second they found all 4 of them and sunk 3 and got the last one later! Amazing!

[@daltongreiciunas7823]

Hes 97 and still thriving

[@ericsekula8103]

He still drives an 18 wheeler hauling loads daily.

[@pollyg562]

his first sentence every hair on my body stood to attention, these heroes give me goose pimples with their crazy mad feats of bravery and plain stupidity to get the job done no matter what the odds are, this was the first time a whole generation stopped saying 'it can't be done' i never feel that i match up to this our greatest generation

[@shawnpa]

What a sense of humor. I had no idea that the sailors were in the sea overnight. They were covered in oil. Wow. What they suffered to win the war. Thank you for telling his story of this war hero.

[@mgmcd1]

My grandfather abandoned ship on the carrier Lexington at Coral Sea. He was in the water for 26 hours.

[@soldjor9420]

I’ve got a lot of respect this man has been through so much

[@TheChuck181]

Imagine being the young man in those photos sent off from home in the largest war of all time for four years straight experiencing Midway and others, submarine missions. It’s just something unfathomable for me. God bless you Mr. Spooner.

[@bobbilowery2975]

What a sweet soul!!!!! I wish I could spend a day with him. He seems so precious!!

[@adinballas5446]

The editing, stories, and music on these vids are 🔥

[@spider7431]

its ashame that people now days dont know or understand whats been given for this country and there freedom i for one am greatfull and will always be for men like this thank you sir for everything

[@Dirt1st]

I was glued to every word that great man said, a true hero

[@braydenrusch8916]

I feel that this channel needs way more attention

[@noahfinn4304]

Teddy, that’s so true! These stories are gold!

[@diana.tan_]

Seriously, how can you watch this without tears?

[@benisaten]

May they all be remembered forever. Respects from 🇨🇦.

[@jacobrogers4619]

I love the heck out of these stories. They teach so much and shows you why you should always honor your elders. Especially our veterans

[@younggunoutdoors8442]

This guy is a true hero to all

[@noahcount7132]

Thank you for bringing us another excellent WWII Memoir, preserving and presenting a bit of history and humanity that might otherwise be lost. Well done.

[@frenchfan3368]

Well done Josh and the rest of the crew from Memoirs of World War II! Many thanks especially to Roger Spooner for serving his country during its time of need!

[@bluespruce679]

What a statement...."If I'd known I'd live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself!" Reminds me of something I read a few years ago....a WW l female veteran by the name of Florence Green was asked on her 110 birthday, what it felt like to turn 110. Without hesitation Florence replied, "Not all that different from when I turned 109!" 😁.

[@andrewdonohue1853]

as someone who drives truck for a living i would be damn proud to work for someone like him.

[@MagnumXL420]

Good work guys! I really appreciate the fact that you're documenting these men's stories!

[@vinnypotenzo8014]

This is one of my favorite channels keep up the work man👏🏽

[@Chrisamos412]

Thank you for honoring our hero’s like this, lest we forget. It was fun to watch him when he told the story when his ship got delayed from going on liberty, he got a real chuckle when he said that the Queen brought all the ladies up in the mountains! Watch out here comes the US Fleet with a whole bunch of young horn-dog seamen lol. God bless them!

[@neilpuckett359]

My dad and four uncles were all WWII vets they're all gone now they were good men!

[@evan8654]

Love his honesty. No one tells you anything it's just one day at a time.

[@cobymcclelland5488]

Cheers josh. This channel is my favorite on KZbin. Keep it up

[@brucemccreary38]

My earthly father was in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and others. He passed away when I was five months old. I remember my mom recounting what my father experienced and it sounded like hell. He was an electrician aboard the Birmingham when they came alongside the Princeton which, had been hit by a 500 pound bomb. The Princeton exploded throwing steel schrapnel onto the Birmingham. My father was helping to put out fires and was hit in the upper back. I saw the repaired hole in his battle uniform which, has since been stolen. He survived the war obviously since I am recounting this.

[@murrayf2890]

That mention of taking the village women up the mountain cracked me up but war is hell that’s for sure. Can never unsee what they saw back then.

[@pooonastik1]

Reminds me of my grandpa, who also served in the Navy in the Pacific in WW2. What a guy. Hope he had a great birthday

[@kikialdrich277]

I am still blessed with my 95 year old grandfather that is a WWII vet. He doesn’t like to speak about the war. I always wanted to hear his story, but by watching these videos I understand his reluctance. God bless all of these men. They saved our future and words cannot express my love and gratitude for them. Especially for me, my sweet Pa Pa.

[@thedocdodge]

Josh Scott, please keep this channel up as long as you can. As a veteran myself, I love hearing these stories.