Battle of the Bulge in St. Vith | History Traveler Episode 60

[@sescuba6405]

Thank you for this video. My father was captured at the Battle of the Bulge, but never talked about it for the rest of his life (my mother found out information from other GI's that were there while she was at an Army reunion). I'm so glad that you were able to talk with somebody that was there - what a great historical record!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I feel pretty fortunate to have him as a friend. Hopefully his story helped fill in some gaps for you.

[@W.A.T.P...55]

The respect you show this generation is awesome imo...I'm from Britain my grandad was a gunner during ww2 on a very famous British battleship HMS HOOD I only discovered that many years after he died as I was young when he passed...but the generation of heroes as I call them should never be forgotten and for you to keep them alive by doing these vlogs is brilliant to see...from the bottom of my heart thank you sir..hands across the sea 🇬🇧--🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you for those words. And HMS Hood. Wow!

[@lukecollins7929]

The HOOD?? Famous Battleship,sunk by the German's Bismarck. You should have a great deal of pride to be tied to the HMS HOOD...and don't worry, it was British Torpedo Planes vintage WW1 that sought vengeance on the German Bismarck 😊

[@carlambroson8872]

You’re Grandfather was a true hero sir!! Much respect!!

[@richardrybarczyk5522]

These stories from the men who served are stories you’ll never read in a history book. The men in those foxholes experienced the war first hand. Their stories are more important than you know. Their personal story tells us what it was to experience the battle and what it felt like to feel those rounds overhead. Thank you for documenting their stories, they mean more than you know to people like me.

[@jamestakacs]

I used to fish with a guy on Long Beach Island, NJ. Barnegat Light to be specific. His name is Bob Gorman. He is a "Battle of the Bulge" veteran. A total outdoors man Bob would hunt deer and fish and make the catch for his buddies in the Army. A remarkable man.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty amazing guys that fought that thing.

[@tanyahallam2418]

Browsing through KZbin for videos this morning to show my 13 year year old son and wow, my Grandpa Harry E. Hicks was a tank commander in the 23rd Armored infantry division, 7th Armored division so Reed and Harold were his fellow soldiers and these were his same footsteps. Like most, he did not talk much about this time of his life for obvious reasons and I’ve only learned through reading and now KZbin since he passed away in 2004.

[@sac-_]

It’s kinda surreal to think that The Bulge started on my birth date, just only a few decades prior. That people were risking and losing their lives fighting for causes they believed in only a few decades before. Regular people. Every year when it’s my birthday I think on this, and take a second to remember them and honor them. May they all rest in peace, may all the ones that fought never be forgotten.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Remember.

[@marcelocayetano5951]

I’ve visited that place three times when I was stationed (1986-1989) in West Germany. I was very fortunate that I was able to visit some famous WWII battle. Since the battle of Waterloo is not that far from St Vith it’s another interesting place to see.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I’ll have to hit that on the next trip. Thanks!

[@mrSarcastic1984]

I havent commented on any of your videos before, but this one compelled me to do so. All of your videos are great, but this one was special. The location with your friends story being told at the same time brought it home. None of my family fought in Europe but a great uncle was wounded and eventually died in the battle of leyte in the phillipines. I likely will never get to visit, but i hope too someday

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

mrSarcastic1984 - Thank you for that. Feel free to comment any time. I’m always looking to learn more from people.

[@budwickman446]

My Father was in Charley Company, 23rd Armored Infantry Battalion of the 7th Armored Division at St. Vith Belgium in '44. He was in Charley Co. Which put him west of that position. He told me that they would maneuver to plug up positions. He was an asst. squad leader in a half track. But, on 21st Dec, 1944 her received shrapnel wounds in his legs and was evacted until March of '45

[@slapnutzracing2967]

My grandfather was in Pattons 3rd army 5th ID as a rifleman he was in Normandy by August and was part of operation cobra and then a rapid advance accross France then the battle of metz where the division suffered over 800 casualties. On January 28th of 45 he was shot and captured in Luxembourg and spent about 3 months a pow. He really never spoke much about any of it and most of this information I didn't know till years after his passing. There is a book called before memories fade its about C company 10 infantry reg in the 5th ID that was my grandfather's unit.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@slowtwist]

Thank you for the video. My friend Jr. Edge was in the Pacific. Drove a LST at all the Island invasions. His brother Laurence Edge was in the 309th Eng. 84th Div. MG co. He was killed not far from St.Vith Jan 21 1945. The most pretty girl in my High School class of thirty was the daughter of Ray Williams 28th Div. in the third wave at Omaha Beach captured Dec. 22 1945 not far from St. Vith. Marched for weeks in the snow to a Train Station ending up at a Stalog. He weighted 80 pounds when Russian Cozacks liberated his camp. Laurence was sent home and is buried next to his father who was a ww I veteran who served in France. I always leave a penny on there' headstones on Memorial Day. Over a thousand was captured in that area when they ran out ammunition.

[@dodgermartin4895]

These are fantastic videos. As I said in other videos, I'm in Belgium now.. and maybe I'll go look up your guide Marcel as soon as we're allowed to drive more than 100km from home.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

He really was an amazing guide. I didn't even show a fraction of everything that he showed us. Send me an email if you want to reach out to him.

[@dodgermartin4895]

@@TheHistoryUnderground email sent to your gmail. Thanks!

[@nmelkhunter1]

The next time you see Reed please shake his hand for me. I would really mean the world to me if you did. Why? Outside of the obvious, my maternal grandfather was a member of the Dutch underground in WW2 and he thought the world of the Allies.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

nmelkhunter1 - Will do. Thanks.

[@Vadanovltch]

My grandpa was in the battle of the bulge.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Have to wonder what all of those guys saw.

[@odalysarmenteros3923]

?

[@williamangel4370]

I was born in 89 and my dad was a veteran of the first gulf war, when he left the army and we moved back to his hometown from fort Knox.. he joined the local VFW anf later bwcame the commander.. as a kid to a single oarent i would often go with him to the VFW and even at my young age it would give me chills and tears listening to the old men talk about wars anf what they seen... How vivid these old mens memory of the sights sounds smells anf the heavy heavy baggage these men carried with them for life is so moving.... Veterans are true superheroes and ill forever be in debit to each anf everyone

[@mikeoxlong6468]

That’s pretty gay. A binge of guys fighting for then BULGE ;)

[@Vadanovltch]

Mike Oxlong what do you mean

[@richardpinette6682]

Quote: A soldier dies two deaths when his physical body leaves this world and when his name is forgotten: lest we never forget the sacrifices and names that these soldiers did fighting in world war 2

[@TheFunkhouser]

Harold was my great uncle, like a lost Grandfather. RIP Harold.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh my goodness! Seriously? What are the chances of that?

[@skylerg86]

I wonder if he knew my grandfather, Harold "Red" Emigh who was also in the 7th armoured division

[@mtygardsurgimesh]

God Bless You for your series...I just lost my Uncle Gil to Covid-19 one week short of his 101st Birthday...He was a lead Bombardier-Navigator in the B 26 Martin Marauder and flew 37 missions over Germany...his most harrowing mission however was after the war. He had volunteered to stay with the occupation and had been tagged to navigate a flight to Italy for a wine/liquor run...on the return, with the plane full of booze, the weather closed in and my Uncle got the plane back to base strictly by dead reckoning. He said it was stupid...after all he'd been through to almost get killed hauling hootch!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear about your Uncle Gil. Every time I hear about one of these guys passing, it hurts my heart a little bit. Thank you for sharing a bit of his story.

[@donnal.oglesby4806]

Memory Eternal! and I proudly stand and say, thank you Sir, for your service!

[@atiliobeachtennis4550]

My friend, you don't know how I cried with this video, you look 100% excited, especially this PERSONAL video, which reached deep into your heart and that of many more. Your channel inspires us and recreates all those intense moments of the Second World War, you do not know how much I thank you for all your work and dedication so that all those heroes are never forgotten. Thanks once again, you deserve a medal of honor.

[@dougthomas1582]

My cousin Jack Rain was captured at St. Vith. He never really liked talking about the war. But I have always had an extra measure of respect for him. He's gone now, but I will always remember his sacrifice.

[@DanBeitzelMusic]

Excellent episode! As I mentioned my grandfather fought hard there with the 38th Inf 7th armored and was shot in those frigid woods. My mother told me he had extreme frost bite and spent time in the aid station... My mother told me before he died when the ambulance came to pick him up in 2015, he refused to ride on the stretcher and walked his way to the ambulance because of the flashbacks he had to dozens of soldiers who were torn apart and horribly wounded laying all over that hospital.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow. That is heavy.

[@hullrider729]

Thank you for sharing. Respect for him and the many others

[@pillpilot]

My father Webb Kemp was in Hq Co what was yours?

[@DanBeitzelMusic]

@@pillpilot If I remember right he was C company of the 38th Battalion. He even remembered what squad he was assigned to.

[@lukecollins7929]

The hell these brave men went through...✝️

[@sappalicious]

Absolute masterpiece! I love the payoff from your first videos. That phone call to Mr Reed probably made his whole world. For him to have met someone who cared so much about his story that you went to exact place where he fought must be a priceless feeling for him. Much respect to him and all the men who fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice in those woods!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That phone call was one of the best that I've ever made. Couldn't believe that I was standing where I was and talking to him. Felt fortunate in that moment.

[@yvonnecornell4936]

We should never ever forget

[@mastermariner7813]

One of your best, yet. Love the personalization. Thought it was also cool to have the local guide help out. 75 years later, the locals have not forgotten.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

They are very appreciative of what was done over there. Thanks for the kind words. I enjoyed putting this one together.

[@stephenrrose]

I'm not crying, you're crying!!! JD, you calling Reid Stephens from the woods and hearing his laughter was priceless, and I could feel your emotions after that call. My eyes leaked! Wow, One of your absolute best, and I think they are all good!!! I'm glad you have that conversation on film! Priceless! Thank you to all those that served! Thank you JD for preserving History!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. This will always be my most favorite episode. Not because of anything that I did, but rather for the connection with my friends.

[@specialist4luciek425]

my dad, who died 9 months ago at the age of 100, fought in WWII in Ramagem, germany, he would not talk about it

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Sorry for your loss. Hopefully, these videos help fill in a few gaps.

[@davidpoor8638]

I've just kind of stumbled onto your channel and I'm glad you did. My Dad was in Germany during WW2. It was very hard for him to talk about his experiences and he didn't share much with me until I came home from Vietnam. Then we had some rousing conversations. THANK YOU for doing these documentaries. I can now begin to see and "feel" a little of what Dad was into there. If you ever get there, do a documentary on the An Khe Special Forces Camp. That's where I was....

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

So glad that you are liking them. I appreciate the kind words. And I would really really like to get over to Vietnam. Just have to find the means to do so. :)

[@DRFelGood]

Love and respect to all those who answered the call to serve and liberate 🇺🇸 My best always to remember 🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much that we have to be proud of as a country for what they did.

[@DRFelGood]

The History Underground 🇺🇸 Agree..... My Father (now past) was there 82nd Air Borne / WWII /Korean War vet. My Son Served US Army 177 Steel Tigers in Iraq. I tip my hat to All our service men & women and to you for your wonderful work to keep history alive. For if we don’t remember and learn from history. We are but condemned to repeat history. I’m retired career firefighter/Arson Investigator. (29years) my Best to you🚒

[@SueProv]

@@DRFelGood Thanks to your family for serving. Very grateful

[@DRFelGood]

Sue Prov 🇺🇸Thank You 🌹

[@zahidgul7254]

P

[@lorij323]

This is by far my favorite video that I have viewed so far. It moved me to tears. I had a favorite uncle who was at the Battle of the Bulge, was captured and was a prisoner of war. He was not even 18 years old when he left to fight, wanted to do his part. For many, many years he never talked about his experiences, spoke only briefly, and trying to talk with him about it upset him. Until about 50 years after, he would speak of it only briefly, and mostly then to say how much he wished that people understood what it was like for a young men to go and be trained to shoot and kill that other young man who was your enemy. To look down the barrel of your rifle at someone and kill them. And also very briefly how the experience of being a prisoner of war affected him. I wish I knew more. Thank you, thank you for sharing these stories, for traveling and showing us. For keeping the memories of all of those who died alive for us.

[@paulbatchelder6556]

All of your History Traveler episodes have been fantastic. As a WWII history buff, seeing those episodes has been especially fascinating. I agree with "Jack the Canuck" in that you do an incredible job of honoring the men who fought and those that gave their lives. The views of the cemeteries never fails to put a lump in my throat. Thank you very much!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. They're some pretty humbling places to visit. Glad that I could share a bit of the experience.

[@granskare]

I was only a kid in those days. In USA, these people are called "the greatest generation"I have an older friend who was a radio man in a B-17. He became a POW but was returned safely.

[@denisd.budnik7803]

Wow... what a great episode. It brought tears and sent chills up and down my spine. My father was captured at the Battle of the Bulge. As a history nerd, I'd try to pump my father for details... he would clam up as it was to painful for him to recall the details. I'm for ever indebted to you for documenting this tumultuous account. I now have a much better understanding and so much more respect for what my father and his fellow service men did for all of us to remain free. Thank You, Denis

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. That really does mean a lot. I've got the full interview with Reid in my Echoes of War series (also on this channel). Perhaps you might find some more insight through his story.

[@tully3711th]

I know the feeling, my dad never discuss it with me, I’m a retired military man and he still wouldn’t talk about it

[@Recceman901]

My Grandfathers served in the Canadian Army during WW2 and my Grandfather that was still alive when I got back from a deployment just looked into my eyes and started to cry and apologize that his generation didn't do enough to end the need for us to fight. It was a bad deployment for me, and he knew it simply by my eyes. And when he said that to me, I started to cry, cause I knew one day I may have a grandchild that deploys and it will be the same thing all over again. I did disagree with my grandpa, I told him that he and his buddies are heroes...to which he replied if I felt like a hero, I said hell no. He said that he and his buddies feel the same as I do. I do wish I can one day walk his footsteps through Europe like you are doing, until then, thanks for showing the history that some grandson wishes they could see. God Bless all the Veterans of WW2 (and all wars for that matter).

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amen to that. Glad that I could share a bit of the experience with everybody and learn some more myself.

[@stephenhensley7004]

Thank you and your family for their service sir. God Bless.

[@arkansaswookie]

Thank you for your service Frank N' Beans, and Thank you to your Grandfather's for serving. Two men of the greatest generation. To all Canadian's that served, and to those that paid the ultimate price, particularly those Canadian's at Juno Beach on D-Day. One of the best conversations that I've ever had about WW2, was with Mosquito pilot that flew for the RCAF.

[@quepasoquepaso]

Noice

[@SueProv]

Thank you SO much for sharing Reid's and Harold's story and your friend Marcel as well. You and your wife do such a professional and touching job. If you ever get to Sagamore Hill etc I am 15 minutes from there, would love to swap Tombstone (the movie) stories.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you so much! I would love to Sagamore Hill one of these days. TR is my favorite.

[@SueProv]

@@TheHistoryUnderground You let me know how you want to proceed.

[@troythornton9240]

Spiderman

[@garyjarvis5415]

I'm new to your channel. But I love all of your videos. You have done an incredible job of bringing to light, the stories of these brave men. Doing all you can to never ever let us forget what this generation did for us. Thank you !

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you so much! That really does mean a lot. Feel free to share the channel out with others :)

[@lifeinthe5-069]

My Dad was at St Vith too. First sergeant of a medium automotive maintenance company. They fought there like infantry until the large withdrawal was done to reform and later retake it. I did a bicycle tour in 2014 that included this area, entered along the old rail line that is now a rail trail. I didn't know until I actually visited the town that St Vith was a German speaking area of Belgium. on some businesses are still in German. My father thought all the folks who fought so hard in this area were never given their due, Bastogne grabbed the headlines and kept them. Thank you for this video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Life in the 5-0 - Completely agree. This was a critical area though.

[@jamesschrang3712]

In Vietnam (101st. Airborne Division 'Screaming Eagles') on a little chapel where our chaplain was there was a small sign which read; "For those who fought for it. Freedom has a taste the Protected will NEVER KNOW." Thus, NEVER feel bad when you are unable to find the words when talking of these American heroes since your holy silence speaks volumes. God bless and keep up this AWESOME series. It should be taught in EVERY SCHOOL in America.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you for that. And the students coming up through the schools today are the primary reason why I'm doing these videos. Hopefully people will share them to help connect the disconnected to our past.

[@jamesschrang3712]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Gee what a pleasant surprise! Thanks for the reply and God bless!!!

[@sparky11976]

Such a touching and moving video. Thank you JD for honoring your friend Reid. To be honest I am jealous of your trek through the history of WWII...wish I was there. God Bless you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It was an honor to be able to go find the place where he fought and where his buddy was buried and bring back the footage for him. He's quite the guy.

[@jasonsinclair5256]

Well mate I take my hat off to you, what an incredible job you have done continuing the stories of these great men and women. You convey the scenes so well and it's a pleasure to watch. I myself have a great grandfather and many great uncles involved in WW2. Keep up the great work, from Jason in Christchurch, New Zealand.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

jason sinclair - Thank you, sir. I really hope to make it over to your country one day as well.

[@roberthudson1959]

The post-war condition of St. Vith reminded me of a remark by GEN Patton, who said that looking down on German-occupied territory was like looking down on Hell.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty dark place in January of 1945. The location in St. Vith where we are overlooking the town is actually on a giant pile of rubble that was bulldozed there. Probably about 80 feet high.

[@HistoryDose]

You definitely deserve more subscribers and views. Great content.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I really appreciate that.

[@breckdonavonbush6378]

You are going places i soooo much always wanted to go. Im green with envy. Those men who fought that war are definitely The Greatest Generation the world has ever seen

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that I can share a bit of the experience with a fellow enthusiast :)

[@dawnlefevre9172]

I cannot even fathom standing in the presence of these heroes let alone sharing the same air they breathe. I am always moved to tears to hear them speak. What a great honor and thank you for sharing.

[@southc4463]

Shoutout to KZbin's algorithm for recommending something good. Stumbled across your channel yesterday and watched most of them. These are great and well done man, love em. Especially these done in the Ardennes, seeing those foxholes still there in a quite forest, (despite the road) is like looking back in time, its awesone.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome, thank you! Glad that the algorithm found something that you liked :)

[@j.settle6448]

Please, please keep doing these videos. You do an awesome job and have just the right input as you go about these videos. This stuff needs to be remembered, or it will be repeated. I grew up spending a bunch of time with a WWII vet. He was in the 28th Infantry at St. Vith. He was wounded and captured but escaped the same day. He was a very humble man and I miss him dearly.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. I won't be able to do the WWII content perpetually, but I intend to keep the history content rolling. Appreciate the kind words.

[@chadanderson8692]

How far is st. Vith from bastogne? I'm just curious. About 10 years ago I heard a rumor that England was going to stop having WWII classes in school, I was wondering if you heard the same and if so, what the hell are they thinking?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It was about a 45 minute drive. I never heard anything about the WWII classes but I personally talked to a history teacher who said that she was skipping WWII this year because there was too much death in it and she didn't want to traumatize her students further with the pandemic going on. Sad.

[@chadanderson8692]

The History Underground, that teacher is a moron! She underestimates what our children can handle, just ask those veterans who endured the great depression and a world war while just being kids.

[@kyleg4453]

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭3:16-21‬‬

[@markroberts1604]

Where’s the bit where Superman turns back time to save Lois? Is that a later book, like Luke or Nigel something?

[@lthom5158]

Amen

[@pillpilot]

My father was a half-track driver and 81 mm mortar operator in the 7th Army 38th Armored Infantry. He and others that I met before they died were captured in Cronbach about 3 miles SW of St. Vith. I so wish I could go there and find that railway near where they were captured. Dad ended up in Stalag IV-B

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow. Those men were something else.

[@chippaflix]

So much respect for veterans. I cant get enough of their stories. Thank you for posting this.

[@mrevoir]

Thank you for putting these videos together and honoring the lives of these men and women. Words cannot express what they did for us. I'd love for you to do a video about Belleau Wood in WWI and the American Cemetery there. My grandfather was the caretaker of that cemetery before and after WWII and my dad grew up there. I remember visiting with him twenty years ago and having him explain what happened much like you do in your videos. Thanks for keeping those memories alive and for allowing generations to better understand what happened in history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure. Hope that it helps someone latch onto a part of history that they may not have known.

[@mitchellucchino2078]

My Grandfathers Brother was in 106th 422nd reg I Co at St. Vith. He was captured and spent the war in a POW camp. I've always wanted to research this more. This video. is. very well done. Thank you.

[@hanscom0790]

It gave me goosebumps you found Funkhouser's grave, amazing!! Marcel's knowledge of the area was also amazing and very grateful he could take you around. I would love to here the stories and history that is in that man's brain. Thank you both Marcel and you for another amazing video. The phone call with Reed and his reaction was beautiful and to hear his history was amazing too. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I'm thinking about cutting together a video that's more of an unedited cut of what Marcel told us in St. Vith. His knowledge was crazy extensive.

[@hanscom0790]

@@TheHistoryUnderground that would be awesome, I love hearing the stories of people's experiences of war.

[@rickkawtoski8371]

Absolutely fantastic video! My Dad was captured at the Battle of the Bulge, Edward J. Kawtoski. Wouldn't speak about it much,but I believe it was near St. Vith.(106th Recon.) My understanding was that radio communication broke down because of the weather and they were told to keep falling back because they had support advancing toward them,and they were to retreat until they met up with the support,but the communication was so bad that they thought they had to dig in until support arrived. And they were relatively inexperienced and soon they were surrounded by German tanks and had to surrender. I could be wrong though because my Dad wouldn't talk about it much. What a great guide you had! Knows his stuff! And God bless Reid!

[@TBNTX]

I wonder what might be found here using a metal detector. That, to me, is important part of history, too.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Believe me. That thought has gone through my head more than once.

[@TBNTX]

@@TheHistoryUnderground: My late Dad served in the Pacific Theater, flying F4U Corsairs from the USS Bennington (CV-20). At 22 years of age, he flew many combat missions, and he even participated in the last major Naval encounter at the Battle of Kure (Japan), and struck the IJN Hyuga amidship with his bomb. Others from VBF-1 finished the ship. The Hyuga was run aground to keep it from sinking, and there are videos on KZbin of the ship after the war ended. Dad was awarded the Air Medal and the Navy Cross, and I have them in safe-keeping for future generations. Dad never, ever wanted to talk about his war-time combat experiences because these memories haunted him. He'd smile when talking about his buddies aboard ship, and flying his Corsair. He'd talk about what it was like onboard the Bennington. He'd speak fondly of his wingman, Jorgie. He was his bunk-mate aboard the ship. Some years back, my family got to meet with Jorgie and his wife, and man-alive, he told us some stories about Dad. When it came to combat, though, Dad recognized that he injured or killed people in combat, and he never forgave himself. It was a time of war, certainly, but he never could forget. As a young boy, Dad had grown up in the small town of Mankato, KS, in a solid Christian community. He was taught to bring no harm to anyone. Sadly, in combat, he had to do the exact opposite. He was very proud of his service, definitely, but he was ashamed that he killed people. In our family, we learned to never mention it.

[@patbeller5409]

Reed's photo at the end, back in St. Vith, was a nice touch. Tear-jerker, but a nice touch. Well done as always!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much! It was a privilege to visit where he fought to hold the line.

[@bobburke9840]

My grandfather served in the 7th armored division. He was in company a 77th medical battalion.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! That is awesome. The guys from. the7th Armored hold a special place for me.

[@JR-pr8jb]

Wonderful tribute. My wonderful (late) father landed on D-Day and was there in Patton's army at the Bulge. In my old age (2nd of 4 generations of vets) maybe I can piece together a few facts/dates to pass on.

[@bobcrawford5083]

Thanks for yet another good video..if you could get this into a school program or something..a History Channel show..more folks need to watch your programs..I learn new stuff each time and I am 70 years old..

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Having a resource for history teachers and students is the primary reason why I started this channel. Hope that it catches on. Thanks.

[@mrDCunningham]

DJ you were in hollowed ground there my friend. Excellent vlog 👍🏻😎

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 👍. It's quite the place.

[@Karl61290]

I really am enjoying what you are doing , you do them so well. So sad this one especially when you came across your buddies friends grave .......look forward to more of them

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I was glad that I could find that grave so that I could get some video and pictures for Reid. He told me that he was fine man.

[@timol437]

Very nice story, well told-sadly these stories are fading. Thank you for recording them, keep up the good work. A new book is out about the 7th Armored, "Loss and Redemption at St. Vith" by Fontenot if anyone is seeking background on this part of the Bulge.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Really? Thanks for the heads up on that. I'll be looking for that immediately.

[@timol437]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Would I lie to you???

[@MiJacFan1]

I have seen those holes/structures that you said the Germans used. They showed them on Wonder Woman. This video was great as usual. That must have given you goosebumps to go to the same location as your friend got captured. Glad he made it to tell the tale. Fox holes take a while to dig, especially when all you have is a little entrenching tool. Dug my share. Bless all of the soldiers who have served/currently serving.

[@bladerunner752]

My grandfather was near Bastonge in the battle of the bulge. 5th infantry I believe 3rd armor division. He hated snow all the years I knew him when I was a kid and my early 20s. He passed in 1997. I hope someday I can go there and see where he fought too. Great work sir, thank you for keeping these brave men's sacrifice and stories alive.

[@patrickmccrann991]

3rd Armored Division was the unit that blunted the farthest advance of the Battle of the Bulge by the Germans. They ambushed the 2nd Panzer Division at Celles and forced them back. 3rd AD, along with the 2nd AD, were "Heavy" Divisions. They never reconfigured to the 1943 TO&E that the other Armored Divisions in the U.S. Army did. They were twice as strong as the others with over 500 tanks in their 2 Armored Regiments vice 3 Tank Battalions (212 tanks) in the 1943 Divisions.

[@douala3769]

My uncle Frank Mahoney, Dorchester, MA was there. He went on to sing with the 4 Esquires. He was, I think either 99th recon of the 99th division. He never got over what he experienced at the Bulge. RIP 2007

[@kevinmaltby2346]

Your channel should (by now) have at least 100million subscribers. This is priceless stuff! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Well, as long as people are learning and getting something out of it and helping me learn in the process, then I'm happy. That being said, the more that we can work together to share this history out and help others to be aware of what's out there, the better :)

[@kevinmaltby2346]

@@TheHistoryUnderground This is EXACTLY what I'm referring to!

[@fien4878]

As a European you can say waht you want about America but it is because of America that our countries were saved and that we are free and not nazis today. Thank you America, we will never forget. Flags and monuments are everywhere in the Ardennes and every year we have ceremonies by them.

[@TheStewieOne]

Just think that in less than 10 years most of the men and women that fought in the Second World War are going to be gone. I respect the hell out these guys. They are the Greatest Generation of American's that will ever come.

[@AFragoeiro]

Brilliant video. This was the best phonecall i have ever seen, loved it. If you come to Switzerland ill take you around the ww2 defenses allied planes crash sites.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Interesting! If you wouldn’t mind, send me an email. The address is in the About tab on the main page. And thank you for the kind words. That was probably one of my favorite phone calls ever.

[@AFragoeiro]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Cant see the email adress so i am sending you a messenger message with mine.

[@tommyg191]

They did their jobs. Many survived, like the man you interviewed. As I know from speaking to WWII Veterans, Reed would not call himself a hero, yet HE/they are!!! They'll call those who are buried in Europe and in Arlington, Heros....but these men who are still with us are Heros!! Reed has lived with his experience for his entire life. We must always remember and never forget!!! EXCELLENT history lesson.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amen. Thank you for that.

[@ericre1919]

Wow, what a super cool story! I had an Uncle that was captured in Italy. Tanks rolled up on them when they were in foxholes. He was sent several places but the last place was to work on a German family’s farm. Well him an the family formed a friendship. He stayed in touch with them and even went back to Germany many years later and visited the family.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! Interesting. Thanks for sharing that. Not the typical POW story.

[@slainteron4027]

amazing

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@vipergtsmre]

RIP to ALL that fought, I'm 🇺🇸 (Gramps was 42, 43, 44 301st BG AAC), but many countries lost many brave people.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

A lot of good men that fought in that war.

[@rr8753]

My dad was with the 7th Armored Div rifle squad he was a staff sargent at St Vith he lead his men from behind enemy lines with only a map and compass to the American lines he also was wounded .

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! Very interesting. Glad that I could do a video from where he fought. Those guys were something else there.

[@rr8753]

@@TheHistoryUnderground My Dad's name is Lee Right ,at the time he was from Belington,WVA. He passed away June 15, 2004 in Warren, Ohio where we lived.

[@KPearce57]

Rest in Peace my comrades in Arms.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Heroes.

[@robertlee8400]

My great uncle died in a skirmish leading up to the battle of the bulge he was in the top of a tank when a German tank zeroed in on it & blew the top off his tank , it cut him in two .

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Gosh. That is awful. A lot of good men lost their lives in that conflict.

[@lukecollins7929]

God bless you and yours, Robert ✝️❤️✝️

[@TEXCAP]

My uncle also fought through the Bulge in a Sherman.and lost his life at the Rhine River on 19. March 45. God Bless our uncles. 37th Tank Battalion 4th Armored Division

[@cfresh44]

Incredible videos. thanks for doing this work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Much appreciated. Hopefully some people are getting some good out of them.

[@Mizir-pq7jf]

I was gonna make a joke about the name but I decided against it after I read the comments

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Probably wise :)

[@luissotomunoz7811]

Hola saludos desde chile 🇨🇱 podemos ver una version de tus videos en español

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I'll check into that. Thanks!

[@mizzouman8939]

Great video! I just can't get enough of WWII history and sadly we're losing our hero's! Would love For you to put together a video our at least comment on your travel budget, lodging, transportation. Just to get an idea where to stay, point's of interest, places to dine, would love to get your input/recommendations regarding travel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! And that's a good idea. Maybe if I'd get my butt in gear and create a website, I could put it there :)

[@mizzouman8939]

@@TheHistoryUnderground That would be great! I look forward to it! You should consider putting a tour together, much like the Band of Brothers tours. Regardless I will one day visit the sacred ground where our great heroes sacrificed so much to preserve our freedoms! Keep up the great work my friend. As a proud veteran I appreciate all that you're doing!

[@ABomB42o]

That's freakin incredible, for lack of better words

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed. Pretty cool moment for me.

[@markwebster6568]

JD you are a good man to call up your veteran friend and tell him that you are in the very same area he was. I bet that put a smile on his face when you called. Much respect for you and your friend. You made me proud to be a subscriber to your channel. I've been a subscriber for over a year and haven't seen ANYTHING that comes ANYWHERE near the professionalism that you and Eric have done 👍👍. Keep it up!!!!!!! Raise one up for you and Eric and your friend. Salute from a veteran myself Feb 89-Dec 92

[@papawsgaming8762]

I love stories like this. Had you not done this video, this part of history would have never been told. Personal accounts are neat.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

PaPaw's Gaming - The stories that these people have are nothing less than amazing.

[@yannhayon2796]

I just want to say thank you for your awesome film about mr harolds experiences in St. Vith. I grew up and still live here. I reconize every single spot in the video and still learn something new!

[@frenchfan3368]

As other people have said in the comments, this was certainly one of your best episodes. Mixing in the veteran along with Marcel was a great idea. By the way, when Marcel says that the Germans dug "Schützengräben," he is referring to the English word "trenches." I take it Marcel is a Belgian? Well done Jaymie!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yes, he is Belgian and grew up in that area. His depth of knowledge really is remarkable. Thank you for the kind words.

[@g.jasonlancashire9332]

Thank you sir ... never forget ... another example why those folks are the Greatest Generation

[@sittingbuell]

At 1:04, just for your info, Henry-Chapelle is in Southern Belgium, not Northern. I know comming from the US, Belgium must just be a small dot on a map, but we, Belgians, are quite sensitive about it... ;-) Great job you've done there !

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Yeah, that a complete mess-up on my part. Glad that you enjoyed it otherwise :)

[@zbo11]

Rest in peace to all those men that had the bravery, love for there family’s, and love for there country, to fight in these wars. god bless every soldier. I hope everyone has a good memorial day and are honoring these hero’s. god bless america and god bless to every soldier that has past from these wars 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪💪💪🙏🙏🙏.

[@Isclachau]

I wonder if you are going to visit Hürtgen forest as that battle for the US was messy as could be.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That will be for another trip. I really hope to return someday.

[@Isclachau]

The History Underground Yes that would be great to see as the Hürtgen battle just blows my mind. Must of been hell for all involved.

[@jackthecanuck6736]

You do such a great job honoring the men who fought those wars. My father fought in Italy & Holland, along with being a part of the raid on Dieppe. My maternal grandfather fought & was wounded in France in WW1. It is men like you who ensure that we don't forget their sacrifices. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. That's quite a legacy. I'd love to visit Dieppe one of these days. Thanks!

[@akooo1892]

The History Undergr und

[@mohammadmanik4078]

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[@konaok1]

My father was in the 101st at the Bulge. His rank was Sargent and prior to that, he was part of "D" day, Sicily, and North Africa. He finished his tour liberating the concentration camps. He came home with five bronze stars and the medallion showing the 101st dropping onto Bastogne. It's the General McAuliffe NUTS plaque. He was never wounded however, he was a damaged man. He never wanted to talk or brag about the war. He did tell me that he lost so many of his friends there. It took me many years to find some of his information because of the fires that destroyed most of the Army's records in 1973. In 2014 my wife and daughter went to Germany and I was able to visit Bastogne, Belgium. I never was able to thank my father for his sacrifice. However, he was a proud man and didn't need to be thanked. He just was there to serve like so many.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

konaok1 - Wow. That is an incredible story. Thank you for sharing that. Hard to say what all he saw in his time there.

[@juliepeaches]

I wasn't too big on ww2 much(I was mainly into civil war and vietnam). Now because of your videos I am looking into it more. Thank you. And my US History teach,Coach Meyers, would be happy that he made me love history. I still remember watching the movie Patton the 2nd semester.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Glad to see that it's ignited an interest. There really are some incredible stories from that war.

[@markalexander6517]

Well done. I’m sure your friendship is a special one. My dads college football coach was. With Airborne and survived the Bulge. He’s an amazing man. When I was a boy, I thought he stood 10 feet tall. As I reflect 40 years later, I was wrong. Coach Dickson was way taller than that.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

He’s a special guy for sure.

[@patrickmulvihill5032]

Hi been watching most of WW2 vlogs and you're series on the band of brothers 101 st easy company. And they have been great to watch but have you ever thought about doing same thing from the British side of history and the D-DAY LANDINGS to Germany

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Absolutely. There’s one video where I hit Sword, Juno and Gold beaches and mention that I didn’t do it justice. I hope to get back one day and hit some of those British spots more in depth.

[@michaelalexander2306]

The reason St. Vith was destroyed was, fo the Ardennnes offensive, Hitler's orders were that towns should not be captured but bypassed instead. (This included Bastogne which was bypassed). The exception was St. Vith, which had to be taken. The two most important road and rail juctions were St. Vith and Bastogne, St. Vith being the most important because all German supplies had to come through there for the drive to the Meuse. Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery, in command of the Northern shoulder of the 'Bulge', ordered the evacuation of St. Vith, because he realised that holding the town was impossible. The heroic actions of the defenders had, by that time, so delayed the German advance to the Meuse, that they never would, because Monty has deployed the British XXX Corp to defend the Meuse bridges. It is sad to relate that in order to deny the Germans their supplies, the vital road and rail junction of St. Vith had to be destroyed. This was accomplished on the 26th.December when the town was totally flattened by Lancaster & Halifax bomber of RAF Bomber Command.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Can't even imagine what that was like. In the video where Marcel is talking about the damage to the town, we are standing on an artificial hill that wasn't there in 1944. Beneath us was about 80 feet of rubble with a park on top of it.

[@DaSchnuz]

Kind of stumbled into your posts, Boy am I glad I did. Thank you for taking the time to make and post these videos. His story is amazing!! My grandfather on my moms side, served on Eisenhower’s staff, and he had something to do with getting Werner von Braun out of Germany and into the US. He was also a recipient of Frances highest military awards. He never really opened up about the war. Again, thank you so much for posting!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Pretty amazing what those guys accomplished.

[@danam0228]

FYI - Back some years ago, veterans, family and tourists would do WW2 reenactments and dig new foxholes, so some of the foxholes might appear as though they are from WW2, but they're not. I watched a DW documentary just before watching this video about Hurtgen forest in which they mention this happening which is a bit disappointing given that they sometimes still found remains and unexploded ordinance there at the time of filming.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

danam0228 - Yes. If you check out the video of Easy Company at Bastogne, you can see what they look like when freshened up. These hadn’t been touched though.

[@vkinkela]

Stumbled upon your videos ... great work to preserve the history... lest we forget

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@glennwhittaker197]

You keep saying that you can't find the words to say....but you almost say them....you say your thankful.....just say "THANK YOU"

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amen to that.

[@RaoulThomas007]

Between 17 and 23 December 1944, the Germans were halted near St. Vith by the 82nd Airborne. The 82nd Airborne, had been rushed to the area of St. Vith while the 101st was rapidly deployed to Bastogne. The 82nd had the unenviable task to hold the northern shoulder of the German penetration at St Vith. The weather has horrendous.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty much a nightmare there. A lot of attention gets put on Bastogne and the 101st, but this area was critical to holding the Germans back.

[@peterheimsath4048]

My uncle served in 7th Armored at St. Vith. Bronze star. HQ Chemical Weapons. I have his footlocker. He was a lieutenant at that time. Includes 2 yearbooks. I have the map shown

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very cool! I have a special place in my heart for the 7th.

[@rdc2724]

Funkhouser ....... that sound like a German name, his family probably emigrated from Germany ..... the irony! Great video!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Certainly sounds German.

[@dtabb39268]

Based on standard infantry tactics, he was a part of the DLIC(Detachment Left In Contact) to cover withdrawal of the main force. This is a mission you never want to receive. But someone has to do it. I was a company commander in RVN with the Big Red One. To avoid this situation, get good intelligence.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Good intelligence was definitely lacking during those opening days of the Bulge. Can't imagine what that must've been like.

[@stevehetzer1]

Thank you for sharing your videos of WWII. As a Canadian, I also follow American history of WWII in Europe as well as the pacific . Keep up the great work.