D-Day: First to Fall at Omaha Beach | History Traveler Episode 46

When one thinks of D-Day, the image that immediately comes to mind is that of soldiers wading ashore under fire at Omaha Beach. In this episode, we are visiting one of the spots along the Omaha Beach coastline where men from the 1st Infantry Division bravely stormed German positions and overtook WN60, the first resistance nest to fall on D-Day.
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#history #france #WWII #dday #goldbeach #omahabeach #normandy

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for watching and contributing to the conversation. If you like this or any other video on this channel, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to catch all of the newest content when it comes out.

[@scottgoodman8993]

My guess is it is pronounced Mantooth. Like the actor. Maybe.

[@1337flite]

Thanks for your video - really interesting. This is the first of your videos I've seen - I'll be subscribing to see more. One question though: What happened to Able and Baker sectors?

[@rogerchavez4789]

I'm a History teacher in the Philippines.. But right now I'm teaching here in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.. yes I will subscribe.. thanks for replying.

[@Mark.G000]

puts subtitles in Portuguese (BR)

[@lukecollins7929]

I'll stay subscribed. I'm only 40,but I love all history, especially WW2.

[@fastboy5557]

As Patton once said, "It is foolish to mourn the dead, rather, thank God that such men lived". Thank you to those men who fought to liberate Europe from an evil regime.

[@garybono]

Unfortunately Patton was actually a pretty bad General but a really good self promoter which is the only reason people still talk about him.

[@TheRipper5418]

@@garybono Thank God for bad generals because under his Great tactical leadership his army Liberated half of Europe.

[@mikeforte7585]

@Gary Bono my late father in law said the same thing u said about Patton...not at all impressed with him....my father in law fought in the battle of the bulge under General Bradley who he admired...

[@ct3343]

God bless! Amen if it weren’t for those men destruction would reign across Europe with no end.

[@jj-hq9jk]

Every time I go to these beaches, I think of all those young American soldiers who have fallen, on the sand of my country.... France will never forget this sacrifice and the respect of the French people is forever turned to America.... thank you for your courage.... A Frenchman who can love his country thanks to your dedication

[@robertmartin5308]

Well said sir, although many Americans today dislike the French, I don’t know why.

[@rikijett310]

Thank you to France for your help to the USA during the Revolutionary War!!! Forever Allies, France and the United States of America!!!

[@22lyric]

@@robertmartin5308 why would you post such a comment? You can find Americans (as well as people from EVERY country) that hate someone, hate something. There were a lot of countries (the Allies) that worked, fought and died together to defeat evil.

[@mitchellmaytorena1137]

@@robertmartin5308 Speak for yourself. I’m in America, and never met anyone who disliked the French.

[@Mike_Stramaglio]

🇺🇸 🤝 🇫🇷

[@slowtwist]

My high school classmate's father was on that beach. Ray Williams was in the third wave of boats to arrive. By the time he arrived the water was red and the bodies covered the water and the beach. I always leave a penny on his headstone on Memorial Day.

[@tootsie5052]

Thanks for letting me see just what my dad had to face. He was in the First Infantry Division and made it to Aachen Germany where he was wounded on October Friday 13, his lucky day I always tell him. He is 95 now.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! That is amazing. Could you maybe send me an email so that I could as you a question? Thanks!

[@perryj8850]

Phenomenal. I can't imagine how emotional it must be to stand on that sacred ground.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It really is something else. Hard to put it into words.

[@leeneale8776]

amen sir

[@3_Gold_Coins]

I went with a tour group in 1978. I was 18 years old. I stood at Point Du Hoc. I did a lot of thinking of what would of happened if we had lost the war. I also cried especially when I walked the graveyard and memorial.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Rae West - All hallowed ground.

[@ryanjones9498]

Must have sucked to be 18 never left the farm, seeing how beautiful the world is and the platform drops and a machine gun cuts your stomach open. Now you have to lay there knowing you are going to the die in a few minutes. He smiles thinking in one day I got to feel the ocean and my intestines at the same time. Even Grandpa never did that.

[@christiandribbles5827]

I’ve never written something like this ever but I had tears in my eyes at the start of this video.... My great grandfather died when I was 12 years old. In my whole life until then I never heard him speak. I don’t even know what his voice sounds like. He would sit in constant silence... all the time. He always was gazing off outside the window or into the TV and I didn’t dare interrupt him. Every Sunday we would have dinner at my uncles house and not ounce can I remember his voice. At that age I was scared of him, but now that I’m growing older (I’m 23 now), I realize what he experienced when he and his friends hit the beach that day. Or at least I try. My family and I are proud when we look at his picture in front of his many pins and medals that once adorned his uniform but like my great grandfather did, I too often think in silence... i wonder if all that jewelry was worth what he paid for on that beach that day, or if he would have traded it all to have his friends back/a piece of the man he used to be. Guess I’ll never know. Thank you for sharing. RIP Ernest Barto.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you for sharing that 🙏🏼

[@23draft7]

I'm sure he thought you were worth it. God 🙏 Bless.

[@HaveRodsWillTravel]

Dude your videos are top notch

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. Appreciate that. If you catch a few that stand out and wouldn't mind giving it a share, I'd appreciate that as well. Trying to spread some historical knowledge wherever we can.

[@larrysmith1568]

The bravery of these men cannot be overstated. It was off the charts.

[@StephanieFalco]

I was born in Caen, grew up in Falaise and now my parents live in Ouistreham. In Normandy we are forever grateful and aware of the enormous sacrifice and heroism from the allied forces to free us all. I grew up listening to my parents and relatives always talking about the war, their memories were so vivid, needless to say it's been a constant in my life, in between the cimenteries along our daily drives, the bunkers on the beach we would go swim in the summer, the canons and all. I am now married to an American, I have taken my kids to Omaha, so they know what happened. I really enjoy your videos, seeing very familiar sites, still learning some interesting facts and even discovering some museums I didn't know. This is a great channel. Thank you.

[@MiJacFan1]

My former landlord was a WWII veteran, and he showed me some pictures and told me some stories. He was in Guadalcanal and that area. He told me he went back many years later when they filmed "some movie" with actors he didn't know. The movie was "The Thin Red Line" and some of the people he met were probably Nick Nolte, Adrian Brody, Sean Penn, Jim Caviezel, et al.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

MiJacFan1 - Holy smokes! That is cool. Those guys are all a breed apart. Got a few interviews with some heroes posted on this channel that are worth watching.

[@ZKBO0]

The last time I went to omaha beach I was 10 years old. At my young age I grew up learning about the Normandy landings through my grandfather whom landed at gold beach with the British Royal engineers the beach itself was so eeary and ghostly I will never forget what these people done for us and even now I'm still teaching myself about ww2 my great grandfather was also on the very last ship to sink In ww1 battle of jutland. My grandfather gave me his medals and letter from the King at the time again great videos keep up the great much love from the UK have a great Christmas to you and you're family

[@tedgamma8650]

One of the most sacred places on eath

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Absolutely. It's definitely a place that has presence.

[@jamestakacs]

Indeed

[@brianpeters7847]

How much blood was on those beach stones brave men died there...

[@darlenewells3309]

@@brianpeters7847 yes, and they Knew they were going to their deaths! Yet it has been that way with all brave men..only doing their duty..what their country ask of them. Heroes indeed!

[@brettgreene1476]

For me to of visited that infamous beach back in 2015 it was certainly one of the most earreist places i've ever been to - just trying to imagine of how it went, is just un-imaginable

[@dereklsmith5149]

The black and white picture with the men leaning against the wall shows my grandfather just after taking a bullet through his jaw bone and out his eye. Unbelievable how tough these guys were. He’s actually standing up smoking a cigarette with a bandage around his head. His name is Mack Smith. He also went to fight in Sicily and Africa. I sent this video to my dad and I’m sure he’ll really appreciate you doing this.

[@robertmartin5308]

Sicily and Africa were after DDay. He was there most likely after Sicily because many units were redeployed to England to help with DDay.

[@dereklsmith5149]

You’re right, after the battle in this picture he was sent to the VA hospital in West Virginia to recover. No one in our family new anything about what he did until 30 years later after he died. We had found some letters when he wrote home and saw where they came from. Then my dad did some research and found Bob Sales who was with him in the fight and also wrote a book telling the story. One thing I can’t get out of my mind is when he said the only way they survived was covering themselves up with the dead bodies of their comrades.

[@tazman5722]

@@robertmartin5308 You are totally 100% wrong in your comment about Sicily and Africa being after D-Day, June 6th, 1944. The North African campaign was from June 10th, 1940 to May 13th, 1943. The battle for Sicily was from July 9th to August 17th, 1943.

[@robertmartin5308]

@@tazman5722 you are correct I knew that but didn’t know what I was thinking. My father was Patton’s G3 and they got fired in Sicily. My father in law was with the 45th infantry division and they went from North Africa to Rome and he came home December 1944. Thank you for correcting me I usually have a fit when anyone posts wrong info, I have no idea what the hell I was thinking. Thank you again for correcting that grave error. Nice to see you think you are an expert on WWII….LOL

[@robertmartin5308]

@@tazman5722 why don’t you read my complete comment when I wrote units were sent from Sicily to use in Normandie…..

[@alexrobertson1472]

Its impossible to comprehend what those brave young men went through on that day.

[@alanstrawn732]

As others have posted, this one brought tears to my eyes. I live in the small town of Bedford, VA where the National D-Day Memorial is located. Why here you may ask. This community lost more men in the invasion on D-Day, on a per-capita basis than any other in the whole country. There were 19 "Bedford Boys" killed on Omaha Beach that day. There is a book by that name that covers the details of them and their families. One twin was killed that day along with two brothers who grew up only a couple miles from our family farm. I grew up with the children of the survivors of that invasion not knowing of the significance of how our little town was involved or of the fathers whom I knew personally that were there that day. Not until the Memorial was dedicated here did I have much of a "clue" of our involvement. Most of the ones who came home spoke little if anything of that day. I was personally acquainted with the one who lost his twin brother over there and had refused to shake his brother's hand before the landing saying "I'll meet you on the beach afterwards". Obviously this never happened and he regretted it to his dying day, but this did not come up in conversations, naturally. Another man here survived the "Death March of Bataan" and ran a local feed store, again this was not talked about. Too much silence from the survivors of that time, but somehow I understand their reticence in talking about it. All in all we are pretty much attached to that war in so many ways that are almost never talked about and that is sad. Nearly all are gone now and their stories will never be told. THANK YOU for this video and your honest explanation of the things that went on back then!

[@thomasschoon8407]

🙏🛐😔😪🤝🪖🇺🇸

[@stephenbartley8133]

I'm British Alan , born in 1957, please believe me when i tell you that i am forever grateful to the American men that fought and died in Europe..Britain would of fallen to the Nazi's if not for the USA.. both my mother and father would never of survived, so me, my 3 children, and my 3 grandchildren wouldn't exist except for the USA..for that I thank all of you for your sacrifice

[@RayMond-tp6ty]

My god what those poor soldiers went through I can’t imagine, they are all hero’s and we owed them so much.RIP

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hard to imagine. The world owes them much.

[@maxkol4380]

What they fought and died for every democrat governor took away from us during this pandemic lockdown.

[@leeneale8776]

indeed sir.

[@raymondkamery3376]

Private Bone spurs ordered it. You guys’ comments desecrate these hallowed grounds

[@davidhoward4715]

@@leeneale8776 Indeed Sir, you are a Nazi. How dare to comment here!

[@docgillygun9531]

I look at the layout of the beach and I know that it was covered in tetrahedrons, landmines, barbed wire etc. These cold, wet, seasick guys that were likely already dazed by withering 88mm fire had to run out of their landing craft and immediately meet blistering 1100rnd/min MG34 and MG42 machine gun, sniper, and rifle fire while trying to sprint with all their wet gear and hopefully rifle through wet sand. If they were lucky enough to make the bluff they still had to endure 88mm and 80mm mortar and potato masher explosions on those rocks which must have created a horrible amount of deadly shrapnel that had to absolutely shred people. And for awhile as they organized, all they could do was really look back at the beach and see nothing but absolute carnage and hell knowing that the pieces left behind were likely friends and that many more were still coming and they had a front row seat to the slaughter. It is amazing to me that there were such men capable of overcoming what must have been a terrifying and demoralizing cacophony of chaos and ultimately rallied to gain a foot hold to establish a beach head. Not to mention the bravery of the German and conscripted soldiers from other countries that were forced to fight, and witness the might of 5000 warships and air force lobbing relentless steel in their direction while masses of men defied all logic and ran toward the explosions and gunfire in seemingly careless fashion to destroy them. What a tragedy that so many fine people had to die for the evil ideology of but a small group of delusional and genocidal tyrants. I have had the distinct honor of meeting a first wave Omaha Beach survivor in person and cared for him as his physician. What a tragic loss when he honorably passed away with a loving family that truly treasured him by his side to the last breath. These are my heroes.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hard to imagine, isn’t it?

[@lovetolift82]

And go figure the fed them a massive meal before embarking. Steak and eggs and a bunch of other stuff.

[@davidalexhughes]

There were actually very few mg42s at omaha, they used an older weapon that would've been used in WW1.

[@davidalexhughes]

Omaha was just a colossal waste of life. In my opinion the beachhead would still have been successful even without omaha

[@MrOx85]

@@davidalexhughes That is so true, the only reason any soldiers landed is because the Germans guns were over heating and running low on ammo.They at least should have bombarded the beach all day with naval guns and bombed the beaches horizontally instead of straight on from the air.Nearly all the guns barbed wire and mines were intact when the first wave landed.Absolute slaughter that could have been avoided.Human life is cheap when it comes down to it.The main job of a front line infantryman is to die.I know hindsight is a hell of a thing but this was close to the biggest failure in history.The command failed the soldiers this day, it took a few straight up bad asses to flank the defenders and save the day.They are remembered as they should be as heroes.But they were failed by the leaders and that should never be forgotton.

[@stephendverner]

There are no words adequate to express my gratitude for all who fought so bravely on that day and many others. Thank you with all my heart.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@paaat001]

Thank you for this episode and your many others. My dad was assigned near there in the USAF in 1964. I was 13 and just becoming aware of history. You are absolutely right, you can overwhelmingly feel the spirits of the men that fought and died there. Several times I felt an entity guiding me through those same bluffs. I would be led to certain spots where there was a sudden and overwhelming sense of resolution that I had found what they wanted me to see. Sometimes it was something tangible like a fortification, sometimes a patch of ground with no noteworthy features except "the feeling".

[@stonyman82nd57]

When he said at the beginning, “ This ..... is Omaha Beach”. I must admit I instantly had tears in my eyes. I too was overwhelmed. Thank you for what you do sir.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad to see that you get it too. I didn’t feel like I had the proper words one single time on that trip. Pretty overwhelming place.

[@sebastieneude8199]

As a french guy ,every year , i am taking my family to the cemetery at Colleville,and on the beaches, and tell them that they are freely breathing thanks to the ones buried there. A simple way of teaching history and what is the good and the bad. Good job sir.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Can't tell you how much I appreciate you doing that. Thank you.

[@LowCountryMack]

The amount of planning and logistics to get the troops to the beach is staggering. The amount of fortitude and bravery it took to step off the landing craft to cross that beach, I don't think can be comprehended. 'The Men Of D Day Are Not Forgotten'. What you are doing is important, so Thank You 👍

[@midwaymonster30]

This channel puts anything the "History" channel ever did to shame. Best channel on youtube.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. That's some pretty high praise. Thanks!

[@altonwilliams7117]

“So much gravity and weight that it overwhelms you.” I’ve never been able to put it into words the way these places make me feel and you described it perfectly. 👍

[@dukeofoven]

Beautifully done my friend. My wife and I took both our boys to Normandy when they were kids to see where so many exceptional acts were done by seemingly ordinary men. They of course proved that they were anything but ordinary. Best wishes from your British allies.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. That means a lot. I know that they were just men, but it's hard not to look at them as more. Glad that you are enjoying the videos.

[@DoctorDave5]

Wonderful story. May we NEVER forget all those who served especially those who never came home.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amen to that. Thanks.

[@JDMacko23]

How could people thumbs down these videos? Show some respect for the brave American and British soldiers that gave their lives here!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Probably people that didn’t like the music, the way I talk, my hat, how I look at the camera or my beard. Or they’re communists. Hard to say. I’ve had all of those complaints and more 😅

[@dianawingate8887]

Thank you for sharing these videos. They were called the "Greatest Generation". What those boys did must never be forgotten.

[@23draft7]

Don't forget the civilians that made bullets etc. Women, young teens , seniors. Was amasing the help all did for the cause, freedom. One day hopefully we will get to Normandy.

[@cliffright1142]

Watching your terrific videos, one can scarcely imagine the chaos involved during this assault. My father was a medic wounded in fighting at Bastogne. Every step my Sons and I took were sacred and you’ve managed to capture that with your knowledge and feel for the sacrifices these brave men made. Can’t wait to see every episode you bring. Again, thank you for caring enough to keep the message alive.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Those medics were something else. Glad that I could put something out there to keep the history fresh for people.

[@junedimond1693]

You need to be on the History Channel! You explain everything so well ! It’s amazing to see you standing on the exact spot what happened 70 plus years ago ! ❤️

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! I don't know about that. I think that the History Channel is reserved for people who actually know what they are talking about. But yes, it is humbling to walk in the same places where these men fought and died. Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words.

[@fuckthepolice.9410]

Yeah he can replace pawnstars or those other stupid shows that turned me off from that channel years ago

[@fuckthepolice.9410]

June are you related to Russ Dimond do you know?

[@junedimond1693]

FUCK THE POLICE. My husbands dad was named Russell but he died in the 70s. Family is Ohio / Pennsylvania area.

[@junedimond1693]

FUCK THE POLICE. Yeah pawn stars and storage wars were good back in the day. Now that Barry is off show and we don’t watch any of those shows - been years for us too.

[@jj-hq9jk]

Hello. My name is Jean Jacques... I follow French and I lived in Normandy for a long time. I return there very often and always roam the fabulous beaches of omaha. I find there very moving remains that the sea rejects... Soles, pieces of rangers, bath sheath etc... I find your reports very good and I congratulate you....

[@mattsmith7708]

This video hit home for me. I want to express a heartfelt thank you for this beautiful experience you have given me. My grandfather was a D-day +1 vet with the 29th infantry division, 175th, I-company. This gave me a glimpse of what his experience was during these times. Thank you for what you do and why you do it! God Bless!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Appreciate that. I’ve got several videos on this channel that were shot on the sector of the beach where your grandfather would have come in (Dog Green). Hope that you continue to enjoy the channel.

[@tommyg191]

My great Uncle Carl Tobianski. A-Company, 116th Regiment, 29th Division. 6 June 1944. He survived. He was called home in 2009. Thank you for this!!! Visiting these beaches is in my bucket list.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Tommy G - Company A. My gosh. He was lucky to have made it. I’ll be in the 29th sector on the next episode.

[@tommyg191]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I so look forward to that!!!! In this episode, you mentioned elements of the 29th attached to the 1st...he could've been there!! For all we know, he could have been with Monteya!!

[@nikolatesla5553]

I have always wanted to visit there. My father was in the Navy and was aboard an LST that landed on Omaha Beach. He never said more than that. He just said it was the longest day of his life.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Have to wonder what all those guys saw and experienced. Hopefully this video and the others helped fill in a few gaps.

[@nikolatesla5553]

@@TheHistoryUnderground He said he was stuck on Omaha Beach because the LST he was on hit a mine and he to abandon ship and come ashore. He had to just wait on the beach until late in the day before he was evacuated from the beach. I've always wanted to look up my father's military record to see what LST he was on, but I don't know where to start. Any ideas?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Nikola Tesla - Shoot me an email. It can be found in the About tab on the main page of the channel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@nikolatesla5553 - Shoot me an email. You can find it in the About section on the main channel page.

[@nikolatesla5553]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I feel like an idiot. But I don't see an email anywhere.

[@ebola1974]

I'm off to Normandy next year with a group of friends, 8 of us in total and I am researching everything I can about Normandy and the beaches as I will be acting as a tour guide (just little bits of info at specific points), and I find your channel excellent. It covers well known items and lesser-known stories and the way in which you explain the history is just 1st class.

[@robbybarkley2753]

Thank you so much for this episode. This one hits so close to home. I grew up hearing a few of the horrors of that day from an eye witness and front line participate, My dad PFC Bob Barkley was there that morning 77 years ago. Dad was with Company E, 18 Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Although Dad was reluctant to talk in great detail of that day or his many other days from N. Africa, Sicily, Normandy and on to the Bulge; he told enough for me, even as a child to understand the horrors or war. Thanks Again!

[@CapBaileyASMR]

*Fantastic channel my friend. I'm jealous of your ventures! Keep up the great work.*

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! 🙏🏼

[@tubadude905]

I was there in June 2019 - so glad you showed the beach at low tide. For me, I just could not wrap my head around dropping into 42 degree water with enough gear that was about the weight of half an adult male, and running that 1/4 mile across the beach with the MG-42s sawing away in devastating crossfire. Its a long freaking way across that beach. Such a humbling place to pay your respects.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, I actually timed it to where I could be there at low tide for that very reason. Overwhelming to think about.

[@tubadude905]

@@TheHistoryUnderground We got there at low tide too and my plan was to run from waters edge to the shingle. I didn't do it, as it was obvious that those poor young fellows went through some kinda hell we'll never know. It was just overwhelming.

[@JohnnyReb]

"And when he gets to heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell. One more soldier reporting sir! I've served my time in Hell."

[@rolfytumeric6048]

I was there in 2017. In 2018, I was on Iwo Jima. I took sand from Omaha Beach and mixed it with the black sand of Iwo Jima. Two elderly veterans looked on and saluted.

[@stevearita3267]

Simply awesome! Your photo, video and story telling is just spot on, and your musical score is all perfect to tell the story of such a hallowed area in history. Thank you again for doing these videos, they are so important, important to tell the history, to tell of the brave men who gave their lives to liberate Europe, important to remind and educate generations of people who have no idea or sense of what happened back on that day on June 6, 1944. Thank you!

[@lisozyme3287]

When you see the landscape, it looks insurmountable. I can't believe that men braved that and won! I'm Canadian; I appreciate the sacrifice of allied soldiers. I hope one day to stand on those hollowed grounds and reflect on the impossible task that the free world demanded of those young men.

[@westpointsnell4167]

I can imagine how sad it feels there ,I live 40 miles near Gettysburg and and I can feel the sadness

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

westpoint snell - Very much so.

[@sinnerdegarah1952]

westpoint snell I live near Gettysburg as well, I have gone many many times. there is a special silence at Gettysburg. As a kid I always thought it sound of hate but as I’ve grown, seen and lost I come to think of the still ness as a solemn solace. The stillness is peaceful and haunting. I know what you man by the sadness

[@westpointsnell4167]

@@sinnerdegarah1952 I live in York county

[@sinnerdegarah1952]

westpoint snell small world, I do too, I live in Hannover by Condoras

[@yaelrar.4460]

Its because battlefields are bathed in blood. And as the Bible tells us, life is in the blood. And the life in it remains.Blood always speaks. Blood has a voice. And its always calling out. That's why you get goosebumps when you visit a battlefield.

[@kts5920]

It's a very special place, my Granddad was in the Royal Air Force, I love you Granddad 🇬🇧🙏❤️

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@johnkelsey2482]

Excellent video on our American Heroes....Thanks...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed it 🙏🏼

[@dennisburby8585]

Whenever I read about these landing beaches(Normandy, Sicily, Italy, or any of the pacific Islands). I'm amazed that ANYONE was able to get off the beach. Also the randomness of it all. One man makes it thru and becomes a decorated hero. And hopefully lives thru it all. But so many others are killed before they even hit the beach, or halfway across the sand/shingle. And them poor guys are only remembered by family or friends. But they were potentially heroes. I don't want to be contrary. I admire all who served. My uncle earned the Silver Star on Utah Beach. I think that why most veterans didn't talk about the war. Just happy to be alive and not feeling like heroes

[@timothykozlowski2732]

If you were in first few rows of those landing craft you were gone.

[@BigLisaFan]

At a black tie military dinner I met a man with a Military Cross. If one does not know British decorations, it's a gallantry award. I asked if he would please tell me how he won the award. He said, pointing to it, This? I got it for being afraid. I smiled and said he didn't get that for hiding in QM stores. He said I'll tell you and you decide. On D-Day I was a green, wet behind the ears 21 year old Lieutenant. I had been told, a leader leads from the front and that's where I was, in the front of my landing craft. He said that ramp went down and I was out of there in a flash. Well, the whole damned German army was shooting at me! Ok ,maybe not all, but it sure felt like it! I hit the ground looking for a place to hide my behind and looked around. The wall was 20 yards in front, the landing craft was 40. The wall was closer so I drew my pistol to make some noise and took off to the wall running and shooting. I saw 3 Germans up and run and I asked myself what in Hell are they running for? I forgot there was an army behind me. I got to the wall and stopped and thought there has to be a safer place than here inland somewhere so climbed over and kept on going. Someone saw it, reported what I did and I got a medal for it. No one had asked me how I felt or what I was doing but I was scared stiff and all I was trying to do was looking for a place to hide my behind. I thanked him for telling me and said that no matter how he felt at the time, I thought he was very brave and thanked him for all he had done.

[@daniellinehan63]

Dad never talked about battle until he was heavily sedated near his death and shoved my bro and I to the floor warning us " the germans were shelling us"

[@plasmaboy2265]

My great grandfather was a sniper in ww2 he never talked about it but we all knew that it probably was traumatic for him but he was a great person he passed away in 2016 and I still miss him to this day

[@jllucci]

I miss my dad. He was in the 34th during the Italian Campaign

[@guido8620]

Loving your series man. Im dutch and have been in awe with the americans and canadians that came all the way to fight for us europeans. My grandpa was in the dutch resistance and blew up a police station manned by the dutch nazi branch called the NSB. My grandpa and grandmother actually met at the age of 15 and 17 during their hideouts in bunkers during air raids from germans and english/canadian bombers. Every christmas my grandpa would have a little too much red wine and that was the only time he ever spoke about the war and I always made sure to sit next to him knowing he would start talking after a few hours. He never liked to speak about that time and he would always mention the hunger and despair they went through it taught me some great lessons of life. He died at the age of 76 many years ago and im still so proud of him, he would always refer to nazis and NSB as sons of bitches haha.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Thank you for sharing that!

[@guido8620]

@@TheHistoryUnderground No thank you for heading out and make these series

[@TheSiddy74]

Very moving. Cant imagine the fear these young soldiers must of had when approaching the landing beach. Thanks so much for sharing this important piece of history. Respect from England.

[@delprice3007]

Thank you for this video. I'm guessing somewhere close is the 1st ID memorial. My Dad was among the first assault waves on Omaha with 1st ID and didn't know this until I was 25 years old. One quiet evening I got him to talk about it a bit. He jumped over the side of his landing craft to avoid enemy fire, shucked his pack in the water and somehow made it off the beach littered with bodies everywhere. He recounted soldiers that had suffered maiming leg wounds/missing limbs while navigating thru mined fields, and were still pointing the way forward; those were his heroes. I wish I knew more.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hard to imagine what those guys went through. Just beyond comprehension.

[@perparimmedia]

It's good that you take these little bits of the battles and give them the attention they deserve as most people wouldn't have ever heard about these incidents and it's easy to forget that every large battle is actually hundreds of small battles taking place at roughly the same time an place.

[@markalexander6517]

Incredible views and history. Thank you, JD. my father’s college football coach parachuted in on DDay. His helmet and uniform are at Dead Man’s corner museum. We have such mad respect for him and his mates. I was lucky to visit Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery a few years ago.

[@jp1170]

Ive probably watched this video 25 times and the first 30 seconds of it still gives me goosebumps absolutely every time. Sacred ground if there ever was such a thing. My number 1 travel destination is definitely the Normandy beaches and if this is how i feel every time i watch this video then i have no idea how im going to react when i lay eyes on bloody Omaha for the first time.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It's an impactful place for sure.

[@edwardmiles875]

Wonderful video. I went to Virginia Tech and there was a dormitory named for Jimmie Montieth. I had a neighbor who attended Va Tech at the same time as Jimmie and remembered him. What an amazing story and thank you for posting it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! Didn't know that. Thanks!

[@joshuatharpe9397]

I have read and studied history almost all my life and these are some awesome videos. Thanks!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That's some pretty high praise. Thank you. Very much appreciated. Got a lot more coming from this location. Hopefully the pandemic will give people an excuse to pull up some KZbin videos and expand their knowledge base a bit.

[@markhewitt4307]

My grandfather was at Utah Beach..I can't begin to fathom what all those young soldiers went through.

[@DCS026]

Not many videos give me goose bumps and makes my eyes water up and I am almost 70. I have a good friend who is a WWII vet, wounded in Italy. He was knocked out by German artillery, when he woke up, he could not hear anything, no one was around, the heavy smoke looked like clouds. He thought he was dead. So, he just grabbed his rifle and started walking around waiting on to see what happens next in heaven. Someone finally found him and got him out of there. He is still mostly deaf and lost partial sight in one eye due that artillery round. We go hunting every year and still good shot. He killed a Sika buck at 240 yards with a 243!

[@Andyb2379]

Did you know that there was a British detachment that also landed on Omaha. The British medic saved over 70 GI’s lives & was award an America medal of some sort I believe?.

[@ja37d-34]

MArk Felton had some vid on that, did he not?

[@tebo1958]

@@ja37d-34 Yes. There was indeed a small British detachment that landed with the yanks on Omaha. See mark Felton.

[@johnhorse5551]

@@scottyp1348 shut up dickhead

[@wayneandrews9298]

@@johnhorse5551 typical yank wank , footnote , the yanks didn't win the war for everyone ..

[@jeremywren2190]

@@scottyp1348 Here's the link to Mark Felton kzbin.info/www/bejne/boa9hmpvqaatg7c . As a US person you probably don't know that WW2 started in 1939.

[@Jdn23]

Stumbled across this channel and ended up watching like 10 episodes in a row. Great stuff! 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome, thank you! Feel free to share the channel out with anyone who you think might get something out of it :)

[@charlesdavis7940]

Your best video yet. We just got back from there. Look at the rocks: I’d never seen such colors. When you climb the short stairs and the crosses come into view? It LITERALLY took my breathe away. First time ever I think. I’m 65, veteran, no hero. If you don’t tear up, you ain’t looking. Whoever designed the American Cemetery (which the US pays to this day to meticulously maintain), I can’t express what a design masterpiece it is: tasteful, reverent, heartbreaking and beautiful. The French in this area are the most lovely people. They remember. The British remember. Do you remember?

[@txxmiles2974]

OMG another Great Video man Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it Thanks!

[@solentbum]

I spent an afternoon on part of the beach, including a couple of hours swimming just offshore. Even now there are many physical reminders of 6th June, large bits of rusted metal in the sea, and shattered concrete on the shore. Its a very long way from the low tide mark to the 'safety' of the shoreline. The US graveyard at the top of the rise is a 'must visit' place to remember those who died , so many , so young.

[@LoneWolf051]

they gave up their tomorrows, so we can have our todays

[@tommytwotoes3880]

I get choked up. Awesome respect too all that served.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It’s quite the moving place.

[@jakewoodworth8967]

I absolutely cannot get enough of this channel. Amazing content. I recommend this channel to everyone I get a chance to.

[@mrclevenger227]

Amazing video man. Keep up the good work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate it!

[@loisroth-johnson3071]

I have been to Omaha Beach. Just standing there and trying to imagine what those men did in 1944 put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Unbelievable courage. Great video about this site. Thanks.

[@mjolnir9030]

A close friend's father was a pilot for landing craft at Omaha Beach on D-Day. She told me that the landing craft would come in as close as they dare, drop the door in the front of the craft and push the young shoulders out and then head back for the next group. Because the landing craft were so critical and they were worried to get hung up on the fortifications the Germans installed in the water, some times they did not come in far enough and pushed the soldiers into the water that was way over their heads. Those that could swim, removed their packs and swam to shore. Those that could not went to the bottom with the weight of their packs on their backs and simply drowned. These young men never reached the shore of Omaha Beach. I stood on the beach and bluffs looking at the thousands of yards of open field of fire. The carnage and horror these young men saw ran through my mind and I am sure doesn't come close to what they experienced. God bless those young men who fought and gave their lives for our and Europe's freedom.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Mjolnir - Well said. Can’t imagine what those guys went through.

[@matthewcunningham8691]

Brilliant piece. Thanks 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@MattBell73]

Omaha is such an emotional place. I visited in 2015 after almost 25 years of WW2 interest and research. I don't mind admitting that I wept like a baby stood on it, literally fell to my knees 🙏

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It's quite the place.

[@longfordboy2538]

Wonderful Job !!! Probably the best I have ever seen. Thank you so much for this . Those poor boys !!

[@JonJaeden]

My father and uncles were too young, my grandfathers and their brothers too old. Still, the tears come ...

[@GARTH257]

man you doing great things with the channel,keeping the continual respect to the memories of the greatest generation.im so moved by this film,my grandfather survived the landings on sword beach with the british commandoes.RIP ALL..

[@James-ov9rh]

Your the only channel I watch.. awesome job as always

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow, thanks!

[@seanduncan9623]

So glad I found this channel. Keep up the amazing work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@johnmarlin4661]

Thanks for all these videos !! Much appreicated !!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@fussywu4504]

As an Oriental when I arrived at this beach there is only one thought came to me, that no matter who survived or passed away they made a history.

[@leondraw1766]

You've got a gift man. Every video is so smooth, informative, and inspiring. I know the fallen soldiers would thank you if they could for telling their stories. My hat's off to you. I wish I were that talented.

[@1959blantz]

Of all places on Earth I hope to one day visit is Omaha Beach. My father (a medic) was just 2 days shy of a month of his 22nd birthday when he and many other men stormed Omaha beach on June 6th 1944. He would talk about the horrors he experienced on D Day, I just wish I would have written down the stories he shared with me, or wish I would have had a tape recorder handy and got his experiences on tape in his own voice. My dad passed away on Easter Sunday of 1998. I can't imagine myself at 21 years of age going through what these men experienced on D Day. Thank you for posting!

[@thomason35]

Those drone shots were stunning. Awesome job on this video!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I was pretty excited to see how they turned out. Got a lot more in coming weeks from Omaha, Utah and some other cool places.

[@JoleneDaviesITKWJ]

It's unreal to see the scope of those trenches!! And we only saw a small part

[@oliviercardona8017]

Very nice video. I am French and visited 3 times Normandy beaches during the last 30 years. Last one was this year with my 17 yo son. We spent a week in the American sector and obviously went to Omaha. What a tragedy that occured here. Thank you for sharing this stories with us.

[@eddt430]

I was there last week.. It's so surreal to walk these paths. What those poor boys went through. Respect and love to all involved. Amazing videos dude. Nest 62 is mind-blowing.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

How anyone survived this battle is amazing! Thanks Kindly as we Honor those who fell and fought there! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@rw9866]

I felt the same way when I stood there also! Even more at Pointe Du Hoc

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

You really do feel small there when you know about what all happened. Pretty amazing place.

[@robertmartin5308]

My uncle was a Ranger that claimed at point du hoc

[@rw9866]

@@robertmartin5308 very cool thanks for sharing

[@Zederok]

I lived in Montieth Barracks for 2 years at William O. Darby Kaserne in Furth while stationed in Germany from 1988-1990. I never knew my place of residence was named for a M.O.H. recipient till I did some investigating after watching this video. Thank you for bringing this "small world" moment to my knowledge and keep it up.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Nice!

[@StabbinJoeScarborough]

I served with the 16th Infantry from 2011-2014 before I retired , his story was up at BN HQ with his pic and some artifacts , great vid man , thanks

[@wwAurelia30]

Thank you so much for all the wonderful information! My late father was in the 3rd wave that went ashore on Omaha Beach. Not sure what unit he was with at that time. He told me himself that most of the 1st and 2nd waves didn't make it. Unfortunately, he passed in 1995, so I can't ask him. It fascinates me to watch the videos from Normandy, because I don't think I'll ever get there myself. I found your channel about 3 weeks ago, and I'm hooked! Keep up the good work!

[@joshuabrande2417]

It impossible not to be moved by this well done video. Thank you for sharing your experience,

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you so much! That means a lot. Glad that the way I feel about it came through the video for you.

[@ozsmiley07]

I'm glad KZbin suggested your video. Great production value and narration, I'm definetly going to watch all your content now.

[@TheFunkhouser]

This is one place Id want to visit before I die .. if only I get there .. I swear Id just stroll out on that beach and cry like I haven't for ages. Too much! 😰😫

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It is certainly a moving place to see.

[@TheFunkhouser]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Bless :(

[@MjrCarnyx]

Incredible! You can be very proud on your editing, video shots and your knowledge. Absolute amazing video. Thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! That really means a lot. I need to get back over there one of these days and link up with some of you guys that metal detect those WWII battlefields.

[@480pilot]

Alright Brother, ya got me hooked. My father got there in January 45. And met the Russians at Leipzig. He told me early on to show respect to "Anyone" that was in the 29th! My Father"Fighting 69th".

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Those guys were something else. If only there was a way to digitize their memories.....

[@480pilot]

@@TheHistoryUnderground IKR?! Dad only shared a few stories. And the couple he shared helped me understand why all of us, who have served, in peace or war, would prefer the ' Hungover and Puke' ones. Keep it up! 25 ID, 147 ASHC, 1C. 67N20F!

[@jamestakacs]

Your videos are totally wonderful and moving. Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

James Takacs - Thanks 🙏🏼

[@user-mw8um6mc3v]

The most famous beach on earth. RIP brave soldiers....And thankyou.

[@silentwitness247]

I’ve visited all the beaches and the museums but not seen many of the gun emplacements on the cliff tops you explored so thanks for that. I really like your thoughtful, respectful, touching approach. Very moving.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that!

[@denisruch6025]

That was amazing just mind blowing thank you

[@cherylbaker8878]

Normandy is a very humbling experience to visit. If any one has the chance to go it's an experience you will never forget.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@cherylbaker8878]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Bletchley Park might be interesting if your ever in the UK. Hoping to get there this year.

[@normbailey2509]

Fabulous video. I really appreciated the views from the bluff. I have never seen that perspective in other videos. The courage and bravery on that day is unimaginable. Looking forward to more. Thank you very much.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I was really impressed with that view. I can only imagine what it looked like on D-Day. Hope to have some more unique perspectives on some more places in the coming videos.

[@prophetnathan]

Thank you History Traveler❗️

[@brian96597]

This is a beautifully done series. Thank you.