Freezing Battle of the Bulge Combat & Crossing the Rhine River | John "Jack" Moran

John "Jack" Moran enlisted in the Army at age 17 and was sent to Fort Benning for his basic training. After basic, he was assigned to the 87th Infantry Division and sent overseas in the Fall of 1944.
Moran would travel across France to the front and would be brutally introduced to combat in the Saar Valley against the German 11th Panzer Division.
Moran would go on to fight in some of the war's most pivotal battles. He would see action at Hill 360, the Battle of the Bulge, The Siegfried Line, and while crossing the Rhine into Germany.
Interview recorded on November 5, 2022
Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas
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[@ihateracin]

As we dive deeper into the 20’s it occurs to me just how few of the greatest generation are left. It warms my heart we have outlets like these to tell their story!

[@donnycooke56]

This man and all who fought for our freedom are truly heroes. My grandfather was KIA on March 4th, 1945, in the Rhine Valley. He lays to rest at Luxembourg American cemetery. One day I will visit.

[@Chilly_Billy]

My wife's uncle by marriage was also in the 87th Division. His first day in combat was as a replacement on the second day of The Bulge. He fought through to the end of the war in Europe, earning a Bronze Star in the process. But his most cherished decoration? The CIB pinned on him by Gen. George Patton. When he passed a few years ago, that original CIB was pinned to his lapel before the casket was closed. RIP Jay Downes.

[@rafehr1378]

As a child, I met William "Wild" Bill Hendrix. Bill was in the Battle of the Bulge, Squad leader. He told me at the very end before Patton arrived. His squad had no food or heat, only 7 bullets left in his team, in his BAR, bayonets fixed all standing up in their foxholes. Praying, hoping to be the next to fall. He taught me weapons and hunting at 12 years old. A kind, generous man. When I served I believe he was my guardian. Navy NMCB 10, Seabee 1970-1975

[@lucasfraser5199]

"We're hungry, we're thirsty, we're tired, we're exhausted, we had a hard day". That sentence was such an understatement and attests to how great this man is.

[@Nicholas-HTX]

My grandfather fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I remember him telling us a German fighter plane shot at him and the plane was so close he could see the pilot's face.

[@thomas9961]

"Not vodka, vodka wasn't invented yet" for some reason that sentence was the one that really struck me for how different of a world it was back then 😅

[@markshute3207]

The Greatest Generation and Will NEVER Be Another Like Them. God Bless Them All !

[@fester-x]

The courage and steadfast bravery of this man, is astounding... what a amazing story.

[@BeefCake1012]

This dude’s easily in his mid-late 90’s but is sharp as a tack. I could easily mistake him for not being a day over 80! When he started mentioning the abandoned alcohol and how they drank it that smile sure lit up his face! 😂🤣

[@ammocache6879]

Probably the best recollection, story, and explanations I have ever heard. No muss, no fuss, just the facts. The man is a true gem.

[@carlv8168]

Men like SSGT Moran are the best. He has an amazing recollection of the battles he fought in and the fellow soldiers in his unit (by their names, and where they came from). We owe so much gratitude to the men who fought in WWII.

[@waldopepper1]

I tracked Mr. Moran’s trek across France into Germany through Google Maps. As he was speaking I was able to see the exact spots he was talking about. What an absolutely incredible journey of life and near death this man experienced. Many thank you’s for the interview!

[@joeysmith6154]

My Uncle was a member of the 28th and fortunately one of the few survivors in his company to return home. As a youngster I asked questions but I could tell his memories were painful. He passed during my teen years and left me a piece of that Battle but more importantly I understood why they will always be considered America’s Greatest Generation. Their contribution to our world was nothing short of incredible. Thank you Uncle Son.

[@ronaldwarren5220]

By all that is holy - we owe these men and many others more than can ever be repaid. My Dad served with Patton as a tank mechanic after the bulge but never saw combat like this.

[@mldadzgaming3938]

You can tell when he pauses for a few seconds his brain is telling himself oh my God I was actually there during all this. How does a man see all that and sit there and re live it for other people to hear. It must hurt him so deep inside. God bless them all for eternity. Absolute Gods of men.

[@mromegakiwi4952]

Wow, those who saw the last fighting in 45 are now in their 90s.

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Broke my heart when he pulled his little bracelet out. :(

[@user-dc4xw8zp4t]

He told the story in such a visceral way, we shall not forget.