D-Day Veteran on CRASH LANDING and Brutal HAND-TO-HAND Hedgerow Fighting | Henry Langrehr

Born into the Great Depression, Henry Langrehr knew what it was like to be poor. So when he left school to join the war in 1942, the extra 'jump pay' was incentive enough for Henry to join the paratroopers. He would serve with the 82nd Airborne Division from D-Day to V-E Day.
At 19 years old, Henry Langrehr was among the first to jump feet first into France behind enemy lines. His drop zone was the town of Sainte-Mere-Eglise where Henry would crash through the glass roof of a greenhouse in what he described as a "rough landing". Langrehr, along with others from the 82nd would achieve their objective and secure the town and surrounding bridges.
Henry spent the next few weeks fighting hedgerow-to-hedgerow in some of the most harrowing close-quarter fighting of the war. During this fighting he would be wounded by shrapnel from a German tank and taken prisoner. After receiving medical attention from German doctors, Langrehr was sent to work slave labor in a Czechoslovakian coal mine.
Langrehr would conduct a daring escape from the mines and spend weeks on the run evading the Germans searching for him. Eventually the allied advance caught up to where Langrehr was hiding and he was rescued. Henry's story is told in his memoir, 'Whatever it Took,' co-authored with Jim DeFelice and published by HarperCollins.
This Video Made Possible with Support From
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The United States of America World War II 75th Commemoration
The Gary Sinise Foundation
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[@americanveteranscenter]

Please subscribe to our channel so you don't miss future interviews with American heroes.

[@goodmemesaregood1479]

gun

[@cavemanlovesmoke4394]

@@goodmemesaregood1479 words

[@colinflannery6645]

@@goodmemesaregood1479 the

[@r.s.dissendissen6752]

YEAH!!....WAR=. SUUUPERGREAT...?NOT.....

[@r.s.dissendissen6752]

Haaahaaaaaaaah! *"Gambling ...:'just. Supose. ,haaah!;. You or. 'one. Lost. All. Haah!, His money .......just. Supose.....,greetings !!!

[@1959blantz]

I wish my dad was still alive to watch other WW2 vets talk of their memories. My dad passed away in 1998. All of his awards and medals somehow disappeared shortly after he arrived home. About 12 years ago I contacted the VA to get replacements of all his awards. They told me it would take up to 2 years before I would get them. Sure enough after two years they started coming in the mail. One of the medals was a "Bronze Arrowhead" from the Normandy invasion. He spoke a little about D-Day but not a lot. He was a medic on one of the first waves in. He enlisted in the army in 1942 until 1946. He then enlisted in the air force starting during the Korean campaign and put in 21 years in the air force. My dad will always be my hero.

[@philipnestor5034]

Men like your dad are part of what they call The Greatest Generation. Men like your dad saved us!

[@bruceward6377]

I regret not talking to my Dad more about WW2.

[@jmp.t28b99]

What is a metal ?

[@65stang98]

@@jmp.t28b99 wym every country has them pretty much for special acts of military service

[@heeheehayftw3905]

@@65stang98 He's being a smart ass because they spelt it incorrectly, "metal" instead of "medal". He knows

[@jmfa57]

Sharp as a tack, and still looks tough as nails. What an amazing guy!

[@K_Rich7]

For real!! I wouldn’t want to arm wrestle him haha he would put me through the table!

[@simonrichards6739]

Couldn’t put it better myself, love our brothers from across the pond!

[@themalhama9129]

Like he'll still cut a throat or 2 should he experience another malfunction. Whip out a smatchet and go to town.

[@sking3492]

And then some!!

[@chrislastnam6822]

He probably didn't get the covid vaccine unlike my father

[@paulharbron361]

Grew up revering this man along with my grandfather. They lived across the street from each other. But this great man here never told anyone about his experience in battle until just these last few years. The man kept it to himself, and was looked up to for who he was without anyone knowing how much of a hero he was. God bless Henry.

[@twotwogardenst]

God Bless you for adding this information. 🙏

[@shazmatic7917]

Must be hard to tell people, my great grandad didn't tell anyone about the war it was go much for him to talk about

[@donnamarsh3474]

He's got to be in his late 90s. amazing!

[@paulharbron361]

@@donnamarsh3474 yeah I want to say he’s 97 or 98 here. I know he and his wife were preparing to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary a while back. He may be 99 now.

[@paulharbron361]

@@twotwogardenst I grew up in church with his grandchildren as my friends, their parents as elders, and him as the elder-elder. His legacy is actually his family I would say, even more than his heroism. There’s an hour long interview on here where he talks about not caring about metals and talks about his wife etc. that shows a better glimpse into how huge of a man he is. One of many for sure. Something to aspire to.

[@remcovanvliet3018]

From the Netherlands, thank you for your bravery and sacrifice, Sir. We are forever in your debt. 🇳🇱❤️🇺🇸

[@larrymcjones]

It’s so important to document these vets narratives. We’re losing so many of them everyday

[@chrislastnam6822]

Only one percent of WW2 vets are still alive.

[@replynotificationsdisabled]

I didn't get to know my grandfather when young, but long after he passed, years ago I found video online of him telling his story. Every old timer should do it.

[@CompulsiveLegoBuyer]

@@replynotificationsdisabled willing to provide a link if you were able to find it again?

[@nigel900]

A public school wouldn’t let this guy past the door unless he was dressed in drag! I fear history is doomed to repeat itself…

[@Bulborb1]

Facts

[@theprofiler8531]

Really sharp guy. I’ll bet his grandsons adore him.

[@donc9751]

I am sure his grandsons worshipped the man!! I know that's how felt about my grandfather who was with the Rainbow division when they liberated Dauchau prison camp. He wouldn't normally talk about it but I being his 1st grandson and too young and dumb to understand why you just don't come right out and ask a person what they did in the war when you find out someone close to you knows a thing or 2 about being there I couldn't resist asking and I don't think he ever refused to talk to me about the war when I asked or if the topic came up. I am quite sure that he tempered his memories when he told me about them to keep it light enough for a kid that age. Yep I almost guarantee you that this man's grandsons worship the man!!! No doubt in my mind.

[@timdinh39]

How racist. Why would you assume he has grand children? Cuz he’s old? Jesus this generation is always jumping to assumptions. Smfh

[@timdinh39]

🤣😉

[@funkyalfonso]

@@timdinh39 What the hell are you talking about. In the beginning he said he had three grandsons serving in the 82nd Airborne.

[@donc9751]

@@funkyalfonso obviously Tim dinh is very dim! Unbelievably so!

[@stuartyaxley6689]

Can't even imagine what these guys went through, huge respect.

[@TheADDFiles-yk4dc]

A real man. His story and the stories of others like him should be shared with every school child in America. Thank you, sir from an Air Force Airman.

[@sirspankies845]

So he was 82nd 505th PIR? My great grandfather was 82nd 505th during WW2. He raised my dad and told him every experience he could remember from the war. Took him many years to open up about the war. His worst memory was during the Battle of the Bulge. He beyoneted a young German soldier that he said couldn't have been any older than 14. Haunted him almost every night until he died in the 80s. He jumped in almost every major jump that the 82nd did during WW2. These guys get the upmost respect!

[@kayvinci8457]

My Dad was in the 504th PIR of the 82nd. He would never talk about the war with his four daughters or his wife. He passed in 1995, but I am still trying to find out what I can about his experiences during the war. From what I can tell he jumped at Nijmegen and what I'd really like to find out is if he jumped at Normandy. There's a certificate in his war records that says he did jump, but other materials have said he was held back in England instead of jumping at Normandy. He jumped in Tunisa, Sicily, Rome-Arno, the Battle of the Buldge ( Ardennes ) and Market Garden. If you know anything more about the 504th, I'd love to hear about it. There is self-published book by Denis O'Laughlin, who was in the 505th. The war caused his need to remain a hermit for the rest of his life. The book is called "The Fierce Individualists". But it's just about impossible to find. Denis died about ten years ago. If you can find his book, you'll get the nitty gritty of the 505th.

[@sirspankies845]

@@kayvinci8457 thank you for the reply I will try to find that reading. Hope you can find out more information on your Dad.

[@powerofone1645]

What a brutal life experience. To go through all that and come out such a well spoken gentleman I give him such respect. If I ever had to go to war I'd want him at my side.

[@benspeakman2623]

no you wouldnt everybody by his side was killed, it wasnt his time to go yet.

[@rolllimbo973]

@@benspeakman2623 relax bud

[@jamesturk3745]

I was thinking the same thing, the whole time he kept telling everyone on all sides of him kept getting killed. Those men in World War II, the lucky few who survived. That’s what it was at that point when you have crisscrossing machine gun fire and you were the only one less standing

[@decimated550]

Once P TSD became a recognizable thing and everybody could claim that they had it I think that made our generations weaker because now they could check a block on a form and then get money , treatment and time off and excuse to be lazy

[@venomousgas3300]

@@decimated550 P T S D isn't 'dEpReSsIoN' and "everybody" doesn't claim to have it. It's clinically diagnosed, and it is a life-destroying disorder. GTFOH with your ignorance.

[@frits8986]

I cannot believe how many times this man could’ve been killed, but somehow managed to survive. Must be a combo of courage, skills and a lot of luck.

[@hfarthingt]

To paraphrase a Proverb of Solomon: “Soldiers put on armor but their survival is up to God” (“The horse is prepared for the day of battle but safety is of the Lord” KJV)

[@oluseyi8764]

It ain't luck, its God!

[@jw7075]

@@hfarthingt How many soldiers were crying out for god in these foxholes just before they were incinerated? So are my Christian buddies that came back in body-bags just part of ‘god’s plan’ ? 🙄 Spare me. I’m so sick of hearing ‘There ain’t no atheists in foxholes’ BS! Good people die, bad people die, war is hell! 🔥 Personally, without all the ‘gods’, I think we may have less war. 9/11 would have never happened… lol 😂 Vet- OIF/OEF USAF E-4 HUA

[@rickybojangles162]

@@oluseyi8764 it's not god. It's good luck and survival instinct.

[@marcusevans5423]

Have only had 2 guys go in depth in person with me on being in actual war combat and they both said it pretty much comes down to alertness and reflexes

[@seanholland9576]

He lived more in 5 years than we do in a lifetime, brave men giving everything for a free world. A real hero telling us his story, nicely done.

[@mvubu6823]

Look him up... he's lying about the whole thing. He was captured 6 June on landing in Normandy.

[@TexasTwig]

And look where we are now. We are going to need a lot more brave men.

[@shamusshafer8578]

I was in the 82nd (4/325) during the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings. We hosted a bus load of Vets, both American and British. Was a pure honor and pleasure just to listen to them and show them how we did things. Those old gentlemen could DRINK. Legends.

[@RivetGardener]

a 4/325 here.... 1989-1992

[@SkyeWilde]

1/325 here

[@rexracer7192]

I wouldn't be proud of any american war, util you do what you're supposed to and stop the domestic enemies destroying the supposed freedom you supposedly fought for.

[@bigtoe2021]

@@rexracer7192 there is no war to be proud of. Its the men and woman who fought in those wars that you should be thankful for.

[@rexracer7192]

@@bigtoe2021 they either forgot or are blatantly ignoring the domestic,, in enemies foreign and domestic. How is that just, or ok, or honorable, or anything to be proud of??

[@ltcajh]

"The Longest Day," to my recollection, showed a paratrooper going through the glass of a greenhouse. Must've been him!

[@jamesryan20]

First thing I thought of when he said it. I’m not sure if I remember correctly but I think he goes on to kill a German in the greenhouse. Might be getting that mixed up with band of brothers when a German gets a bayonet in a barn

[@winchestermodel7044]

Yes it was. I just looked him up and it talks about that movie and also the guy he referenced hanging from the church steeple.

[@warrenhassey1293]

Should ( probably did ) debrief these men after the fire fight. Very brave men back then, would not be welcome now by WOKE, I will never forget what they did for all of us. Thank you all for your service and sacrifices you made.

[@billyruprecht9581]

The paratrooper that landed in a greenhouse was British.

[@billyruprecht9581]

@@winchestermodel7044 the paratrooper John Steele, that story was crazy what he saw from that church steeple.

[@baddadjoker9570]

As a former paratrooper myself, I feel totally humbled by this legend. I saw combat in Afghanistan with the 82nd. These were a different breed of paratrooper. I truly don’t believe America is capable of producing this caliber of man anymore.

[@Oscar-Racso]

I'm sure if a war against tiktok started they might turn back into men 😂

[@kingtungstenworldwide4472]

I agree with you, listening to the WWII veterans especially, they had such crude weapons and warfare but they had to really use ingenuity. And listening to their horrific stories really humbles us now because of the levels they had to go through is nothing today.

[@user-qu9ev6pv8e]

Of course it is capable of producing men like him. What a stupidly ignorant baseless statement.

[@brandonchan8667]

We're certainly capable. But thankfully we haven't had to because of this great generation making sure the world knows never to go against the sleeping giant and never to try world conquest again. Nukes also helped that; but take them away, and if another Hitler-esque figure were to rise, we would certainly step up to the plate and be proud to defend freedom. That was the last war Americans could be proud to serve in as its necessity was of the greatest magnitude, and its soldiers felt the greatest honor to be part of such a crusade.

[@inkblack6958]

@@brandonchan8667 Unfortunately we are still battling extremist right wingers like Trump and his anti-American values mob. Are kids have a fight on their hands.

[@thatfordguy2268]

"Knocking the tracks off a tank doesn't stop the enemy from still shooting at you" Words to live by! 🇺🇸💪👍

[@gulliver3644]

My dad served with the 101st 501st PIR in WW2. I followed by enlisting in 1965 and was assigned to the 173 Airborne and served in Vietnam. It was just remarkable hearing this man journey from his D-Day experiences then treated by German physicians, only to escape from a POW camp. What a man! A true American hero. All the Way…Airborne!

[@jerrytaylor6923]

I was in the 173D also I am not believing this without a DD214 too many move monuments.Look at my other reply. C co.2/503 2 Plt.3 sq.1965-66

[@russingle1340]

Yeah well it seems like heros are born into the same families!Thanx for you service.My dad served in Nam.He was in the oxy-moron service.Thats right!Army Intelligence.

[@mitchelllee75]

@@russingle1340 😅

[@mitchelllee75]

Thank you for your service and welcome home brother.

[@skullcollectorSKIN]

@@jerrytaylor6923 thank you for your service sir 🙏🏻 Much respect from Canada

[@adrianlindsay3194]

It never fails to amaze me these remarkable guys are still razor sharp.

[@troystaunton254]

I’m loving these interviews I just wish Australia had the same sort of thing. So many hero’s with such important voices that stood against the worst of humanity.

[@la_old_salt2241]

Start it Tony. You can do it.

[@rowan6541]

I just love watching these gentlemen tell their story. 🇺🇸

[@Giantist]

This man is a hero, fought for our freedom. The hand to hand fighting many experienced was incredibly brutal, that experience must of affected the vets for the rest of their days. They had to do it, war is hell.

[@charleslavers4563]

The reality of war brought home so vividly even after

[@charleslavers4563]

the the lapse!

[@russingle1340]

Yep Audie Murphy was a badass but drank alot

[@dionysius1b870]

Not really I grew up training fighting boxing and in some martial arts. But the neighborhood I grew up in was probably the most deadly hard I mean Irish mom run in the whole country is on the East Coast it was similar to a Hell's kitchen a way worse. I had many street fights where I knew if I went down I was dead so I just you know I would poke out I would put my thumbs in the eyeballs I know a kid that bit someone's nose off. When you're fighting in the hand and it's your life in theirs you just bite their face off you make sure that knife goes in that chest real deep and then you look in their eyes as they die and see their soul go away and say I'm taking it. All you say I'll be a huckleberry and you be a daisy just like my hero Doc Holiday and Confederate hero!

[@mitchelllee75]

You said it. They had to do it and they knew it was them or me. They didn't walk around feeling sorry for themselves. They got home and went back to work.

[@joeburns4294]

This video needs a part 2. Would love to hear the rest of his story.

[@MrTiberus1701]

I have to hope that the interview did not end there.

[@minsh5675]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYbOiWV-oMZrrJY

[@minsh5675]

@@MrTiberus1701 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYbOiWV-oMZrrJY

[@stokiestewpotter7956]

I hope some more is available.

[@palmer880]

Agreed

[@llamatooth]

This man is as still sharp as a prison shank. Incredible memory, amazing story, brave man. Thank you for your service.

[@robertthomas3777]

K-Bar you mean mate. 🦘🇦🇺👍

[@onumero1212]

Wow, what a fantastic story this was. 23 minutes felt like 5 minutes hearing this. Simply incredible. I’m definitely reading his book soon!

[@michaelriley2]

I am a veteran of our war with Iraq, I've seen and participated in combat and I was wounded. These vets from ww2 were tougher than any of us today. In a way the great depression was good. It made these men tough to fight this oncoming war.

[@channeellll7623]

Not disagreeing, but they also didnt carry the same weight thats normal today. I will bet the average size of an infantryman from WW2 is significantly smaller than guys currently. They still fought a conventional war (exception partially for those who fought the Japanese). A lot of opportunity to kill people when its a conventional war.

[@soonerfrac4611]

They were 4” shorter, 20-30lbs lighter, even at the similar heights, the individual gear was heavier meaning he could carry less, sleep systems were far less effective, boots sucked, no NVG’s, etc… I’ve had a soldier that was fresh out of OSUT & didn’t know what a pace count was, and when I said we were doing land nav he asked where our plugger was to do so. The majority of the WWII troops had just came out of the Great Depression and were simply more accustom to hardship. Today’s troops get upset if they’re told to put their cell phone down, they get upset if they are misgendered. They don’t know what hardship is. A few, a rare few truly grew up in horrible living conditions that harden a person, but the average troop isn’t a hard luck case. Those troops were significantly tougher.

[@brazillionairemma1373]

Thank you for your actions and sacrifice.

[@dionysius1b870]

Yes they were my Paternal grandfather was Marine Raider, 1st battalion first division edson's raiders. You want two purple crosses in the silver Star. When he came back home to the city we live in we live in the inner city east coast of America he never even spoke of it. When I was 13 he was only 62. He has so much scrap metal in him did we take hot tubs and use and you squeeze them out his whole life bits and metal would come out of him. But one of the fun things I wanted to say here is we fought The wrong enemy and World War II. We set up I'll put open the door for disgusting small families like the rothschilds and their Federal reserve to take over the world. Now we have America in the state that is in today. I don't know if anyone's noticed but in the sense Biden has gotten in office major food processing places in America have caught fire I'm talking about places that feed whole states have burnt down. He got scumbag seriously Bill Gates some computer geek who six seven months before Colbert even came out had an event 201 where he invited only his friends elite and all the big tech and they all got the real vaccination. Bill Gates now owns $2420,000 acres of our best fertile farmland. And nearly 27,000 acres of regular land in 19 other states. He's a good little gentile. General George Patton said it he said it loud and clear we fought the wrong people when he finally got to Germany and he spoke with some of the Germans like the high rank in generals and then he figured out what's going on. Anyway the president Trump and he went to Eisenhower who's our traitor. And they killed him the circumstances so that his death is ridiculous it's 101 CIA execution single car accident and hits them meant to kill him but it didn't paralyze them. That's when he called for his son and then they hit him with the old bubble which causes hard to have a heart attack. A man that took 100,000 Plus Men more equipment am I from Italy to Germany because he heard that the American troops were surrounded at the Battle of the bulge. That's what what our leaders did to him. What do you think I'm going to do to you now? We can watch this stuff to get revved up and get real angry but but the Germans were an enemies they're under attack just like we are today they would be enforced to live in poor cities, they had the third worst infant mortality rate in the whole world because they couldn't pay for the medicine that's it cuz you know who will know the pharmacies? All the Jews so they wouldn't get all them but I said use I'm talking about the evil ones they are some good ones but they have to admit that Jesus was the son of God today and go to heaven. And if I catch any backlash on this I don't know what you stand you stay with God or you stay with the Devil. Just amazing me that we fought that war and the Jews say seven six million of them were killed in the in this holocaust. When I've seen censuses from 1939 with those only 2.5 million Jews in all of Europe they must have crew really quickly or they just pull the numbers who knows. But the real crazy thing is after your whole race is wiped out four years later you take over Palestine with a secret agreement with Britain that you already made before the war. Now palestin belong to the Palestinians 2,000 years it was not the Jews but the English waiting on it and they took their land and then they apartheid the Palestinians all the time whacked out media who's controlled by them tells us that they're terrorists. What would you do if somebody took over your country killed your children bit by bit kicking you out of your house putting you in tenements poor little tenements concentration camps. That they say they were in World War two if you really do your homework and figure out what happened the better you get then people tears for this new 2030 agenda they want to do to us my fellow Americans I love you all I hope we fight together side by side against the evil that's taken over our country and so in the world.

[@Bowtie1972]

@@soonerfrac4611 so true, gear was heavier and not light weight tactical as it is now. Take a Garand M1 for example, heavy as hell, and that is without the ammo.

[@frank25_]

This man is a national treasure.

[@zazasnruntz7505]

What a joke 🤣

[@odyshopody9387]

He had me on the edge of my seat, especially the last part about their escape. God bless him and his generation, I've been honored to meet a few of them through out the years, it's really hard to see the last of them passing away now.

[@rgsxyz1105]

These WW2 guys looked down on Korean and Vietnam veterans, they even said those veterans shouldn't be allowed to join the VFW or Foreign Legion.

[@WiscoMike]

​@@rgsxyz1105the reasoning was that Vietnam and Korea were UN police actions, not a declared war.

[@pauldurkee4764]

It's just fascinating to listen to this gentleman recall his jump into Normandy. When he mentioned that he landed in a greenhouse, my mind immediately went to the film 'The Longest Day', I believe a paratrooper is depicted landing on a greenhouse in the film. God bless you sir, from across the pond.🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@patnitzel3542]

Yup, me too!

[@Stratoszero]

Click-click!

[@Mike-hn4uu]

Google his name. He made up most of his experience. It’s all been proven per detailed records.

[@jaysonspann8042]

No credible sight says that and i doubt this channel would host someone widely disproved.

[@tbone1574]

Yep..

[@pabs5270]

These guys are real men. Amazing men.

[@uhlijohn]

Military robots is more like it. If they were real men they would have refused to be cannon fodder for Wall St. banksters!

[@pabs5270]

@@uhlijohn sorry to hear you don’t think Hitler was a mass murderer. I guess you haven’t read any history.

[@gliderdan3153]

What's a 'real man'?

[@tonyr8051]

@@gliderdan3153 There is no such thing as real men anymore which is why its understandable that you are asking. Men now could be a woman or non-binary or no sex at all. LOL. Makes me wonder what these guys would think if they could look ahead in the future and realize they are fighting so some guy can put on a woman’s bathing suit and compete against women and then go into the woman’s bathroom and stand up to take a leak. LOL.

[@schmidtygt]

@@gliderdan3153 the guy in this video

[@doit4wormy157]

The ability for him to be able to talk about these stories and events in his life with such confidence is inspirational and astounding very amazing person god bless him.

[@mvubu6823]

Because he made up most of the combat. He was captured 06 June 1944 shortly after landing. He has lied about units and friends for many years. Who knows why, jumping into Normandy is good enough for me.

[@torvic1236]

@@mvubu6823 How do you know he is making it up?

[@mvubu6823]

@@torvic1236 Google him

[@KenM_1987]

​@@mvubu6823ok vatnik

[@narfoxone9er971]

Nothing but respect for these Hard Men! I love that you guys done this whoever you are. I miss these guys being around, I really do

[@dwreed63]

Man, would I love to buy this soldier some beers and listen to him for hours. God bless you Sir 🙏🍻

[@joshclarkethemudlark8048]

My Grandfather was part of the Navy in the Second World War. He used to go out to sea in a little rowing boat and disarm active bombs in the sea. He survived the Second World War and he was the funniest and most heroic man in my opinion Rip Erik Kjolsen 1926-1994

[@MrArtmundus]

He had some big balls to do that. I'm overwhelmed.

[@elwin38]

In the Navy it's called EOD...Explosive Ordnance Disposal. I served in the Navy during the Cold War era(1986-89) and those EOD guys are tough and brave.

[@michaelmiller5877]

After having watched Band of Brothers more times than I can count, and yes, all 10 episodes, this story falls into the category of otherwise ordinary people who did extraordinary things. God Bless!

[@SunnyLovetts]

That show is so disturbing but so well done 👍🏻

[@natelav534]

Every single one of these guys have an amazing story to tell about their experiences in the pacific and atlantic. Shame we didnt do a better job of documenting as many as we could

[@codeman9145]

A lot of them didn’t want to talk about it.

[@stevenrozakis5269]

@@codeman9145that’s true.

[@Cardan011]

Man these men had balls of steel!

[@mdiciaccio87]

Yes, remarkable that parachutes still supported their weight!

[@mattscheibert2715]

@@mdiciaccio87 right!

[@ralphshelley9586]

Depression tough.

[@robertthomas3777]

Big balls of ….

[@03Man11]

God bless this man and his generation of warriors.

[@SWog617]

I can't even wrap my head around how brave these men were. God bless them all.

[@mikesheber2205]

Greatest generation, brings a tear to my eye thinking conversations with these guys are harder and harder to come by

[@bertcombs9944]

I am a combat veteran from the invasion of Iraq in 03 combat engineer. You sir are a true hero. While I was stationed in Germany our battalion arranged a tour to France about the D day invasion. We stopped in order of the assaults you men did. In St Marigleas they have a figure of the soldier in a parachute on the side of that church. We watched the movie the longest day and I remember the scene they showed the the character that portrayed you when you came down on you parachute goin throu that glass building. Thank you for what you did and telling of your experiences during the war.

[@old-glorytube1284]

I am a Wounded Warrior, 32 years of service. I have PTSD off the chart, I cannot listen to this, I do not know how he can do it. I feel like screaming. I was a machine gunner.

[@j.a.armour2427]

Superb interview and story! I liked very much that the interviewer just let the man talk. Henry was clear & articulate and his story was fascinating. I give a lot of credit to the interviewer for providing a conducive setting for Henry to open up about his WW II experiences. I'm also impressed by Henry that he stayed on an even keel emotionally while he was describing certain episodes of his story (viz. cutting a German soldier's throat, beating another German soldier to death with the butt of his gun, the two men on either side of him getting killed by flak in the plane over France before they jumped etc.) It makes me wonder how he survived all that action in combat. It's amazing to me that he did survive the war! What a great man!

[@divinegrace2190]

Yes,he is such a warrior

[@Voodoo66Chile]

I noticed that too, he didn't hesitate on anything he said even the really brutal moments... He has an energy to him of a man that performed a duty, it was the other guy or him. I'm extremely humbled by his story, his strength to tell it without missing a beat and his extreme bravery and will to do his job AND survive.

[@decimated550]

13:50 Also consider that he has shrapnel still in his back But the doctors say don't bother it unless it bothers you

[@Matthew-hc9vx]

This is because he has embellished much of his story. The man he described dying in the barn did not die in the barn as the records show. They also show he was captured June 6th.

[@sisigpapi]

He looks and sounds incredible. It’s an honor to hear his story and his heroism

[@DaveG1963]

What a story! Had two Uncles that were Infantryman in WWII and when I became an Infantryman in 1983 they both told me stories they never told anyone else. Both stated that artillery was their worse nightmare. They were men of Valor, men of intestinal fortitude unlike others, yet they persevered. Both passed on now, but not forgotten. I was fortunate to have them in my life.

[@Blaze-rx1yg]

Different bread of soldiers back then!!.doesn’t seam bothered by any of this!!.. very “mater a fact” type conversation.. loved hearing his story!!

[@benkeller4210]

My Grandfather came home from the Pacific. So I am told he took apart all of his hunting firearms and buried them all in the backyard. He said he was done with killing. He never talked about any of it, until I came home from my first combat deployment. We sat on the back porch and he started recalling. He and I both broke down while he told me his story. I said nothing until he was finished. You could see in his eyes he was still there. He wasn't home anymore. So I went to the corner grocery store and got a 5 gal. pal of Rocky Road ice cream. I grabbed two spoons. We ate his favorite thing until we couldn't eat anymore. When we were done, he was back. I could tell he was. The next day he was mowing his neighbors yards at 90yo. A winter coat on in August. Just they type of man he was. The day after he was gone. Though he left this world, he isn't gone. I still hear him. He is my conscience. I still hear all the things he taught me to this day. I experienced seven years in combat between Iraq and Afghanistan, a total of fourteen years in the US Army. I could hear him in my head when things got rough. Telling me to push through. Keep going. This doesn't look good. Don't go there. So I know he is still watching over us to this day.

[@John-ym9ht]

A story worthy of its own book. Fine man with a sharp mind. Thank you for your service sir!

[@chairmanofthebored6860]

As a 1/505 vet myself, this man is a testament to every Panther Brigade paratrooper. The greatest generation indeed. AATW.

[@ryanwinder3433]

What an incredible story, I enjoyed Henry’s book very much. It blows my mind to read about the unfathomable things these men had to go through to rid the world of tyranny. The bravery of these men is unparalleled. Thank you for your service and bravery Henry!

[@kevinpowers9024]

This channel is pure gold. Me and my Son live in North Carolina. We made the trip to Normandy and spent 4 days there exploring as many D Day sites as we could before we went to Paris. I wish now that we had stayed in Normandy the entire time. Four days is not nearly enough time. If you're thinking about going, I highly recommend it. We had an amazing time there.

[@oneballwizard406]

God damn what a badass and his grandchildren followed exactly in his footsteps

[@AudioJeep]

He invaded a country and killed the men defending their families.

[@iantonkin1143]

@@AudioJeep lmao Germans defending their families in France, what on earth are you saying.

[@rivesdoe6442]

What this channel is doing really is special. We are living with some of the last of this brave and courageous generation. God bless this man and everyone who has fought in war. War does something to you and its hard to cope with the fact that you've killed people and people were desperately trying to kill you.

[@SBIGDTSM]

I’m in awe of men like this, tough as nails, we have no idea how bad it really was as they don’t dramatise it, they just down play it as normal. Forever in their debt.

[@golfdoc1950]

Wow! A harrowing tale of true grit and good luck. RIP the heroes who didn’t come home.

[@thenoworriesnomad1797]

He has my respect as they all do... He, his memory and his mind is still sharp as his knife was...A very tough man

[@Badger69-96]

He's that brave and tough he's able to sit there and relive it all, most vetarans would rather not talk about it. I'd like to thank him and all involved in WW2 for saving our world, its ashame its in such a state now!!

[@L3GEND206]

Everytime he says "you know" All I keep saying in my mind is "no, I don't know." You sir are a badass of a generation I strive to learn from!

[@rockybarnes307]

My dad Sgt 1st class Rocky Barnes was in 82nd Airborne. The stories that I am hearing after his suicide are truly amazing work and brothership. And it's truly amazing how badass they are. And just as a side note my dad was a paratrooper and sniper in the 82nd and if he could fall prey to suicide anyone can! Please talk to someone if you feel like this is a coming thing because he left so many people behind including me and my family. Rip dad! 🙏 and just for reference he was in during the 80s and early 90s

[@karenhoward292]

So sorry for your last. WW,Ii really tragically impacted my dad.

[@philc4520]

The savage & brutal experience of close quarters fighting for your life survival. This hero is a badass. Awesome man.

[@seanodwyer4322]

have had too do close quarter fighting myself off and on so far in 63 years off my life. On some actions ahh wish ahh had knifes with me as it twas intense. Inmagine fightin 20 male savage native gang on a cold winter night. They were using fists and boots on me and the cooking pot in my backpack which they did not know was there was flattened by the action.

[@serlotsadoe]

I'm laying back listening to this hero...and I can close my eyes and see his story in my head.

[@ivanlowjones]

I spent 3 years at Ft. Bragg as an 82nd Airborne paratrooper. Every May, we celebrate All-American week where former airborne soldiers come back for a reunion. Back in the mid to late 80's, many WW2 paratroopers like this gentleman would return to Ft. Bragg. Most had 2 or 3 combat jumps and we treated them like rock stars. Us young airborne soldiers were in awe of them. AATW sir!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

The men from this generation were tough, and had grit. They are turning in their graves with what we have today.

[@Finestizpro]

Yup and now the VA spends money on gender reassignment surgery

[@tedeitel8060]

Anyone attack's us it will fall on the shoulders of the men 40 and up.

[@conpop6924]

They grew up in harder times than we did which made them hardened

[@fearlessleader8623]

Makes you wonder what happened after September 1945...what we have today has been in motion for a long time...somewhere along the line i feel the baby boomers fell asleep at the wheel

[@conpop6924]

@@fearlessleader8623 i mean i think it also has something to do with the fact that people born in the last 30-40 years are so used to having so many resources accessible to them. We don't know how to problem solve as well. In a way I think my generation deserves to go to war to toughen us up

[@ericgriffin397]

God Bless you Sir and all our brothers and sisters who have and do put in the uniforms to defend everyones freedom!!!

[@uhlijohn]

You are a dope....they weren't defending anyone except banksters you fool!

[@becky2235]

What these men went through,my grandpa fought was awarded 4 medals up untill the day he died he still had shrapnel in his leg.miss him a lot,was called up the day after he got married, he was a miner so was considered a needed worker they sent the paper work down but he was already on the boat. He was firing artierly one day and his pals said you've been doing that all day swap round (there was ten soilders in a line) they swapped over ten minutes later a German she'll came in killed the first 6 he had moved to 7th came to in the medics tent and they told him you've done enough you go....he survived,my other grandfather I never met he is buried in France he was shot down flying over there

[@adraburnes1549]

What an incredible story. I wish my granddad was still alive so I could hear his stories. He was a carpenter that was drafted into the war as a machine gunner in Italy. He never talked about the war, and I was always too young to ask him about his time in the army. But I can still remember him standing up, taking off his ball cap, and saluting the American flag when the National Anthem was playing during the World Series on TV. He must’ve been close to 90 years old at the time. I still remember seeing those crocodile tears run down his face as he stood there. God bless you Henry. And god bless all the men who were in that horrible war. We all owe them our freedoms today. Thank you for your service.

[@bigwoody4704]

THANX for posting this,straight forword,warts and all. A different breed of man from a bygone era,Godspeed to Henry and all that fought and served

[@SSYabuddy]

Super sad we’re slowly loosing veterans who changed the world in this era. I hate thinking about it and I hope this history never gets lost

[@mrfishydudeman]

It kills me everytime I think about it ... :( nice phat btw

[@BertReno]

Everyone dies eventually Their stories should be archived

[@pattiharris1755]

My Dad was in the 82nd Airborne on D-Day. So very proud of all of our 'Greatest Generation' Heroes, especially my Dad.

[@tylerbrass4002]

Absolutely incredible, God bless you sir, thank you for your service. Amazing recall too, he remembers so many details, and is so well spoken and open about his experience. Thank you for making this, it's so important that we hear these stories.

[@Hockeyfan9884]

I have not wanted to see this video as of about 15 times youtube popped it up, today, I watched it, and I am so glad I did. Thank you Sir.

[@ChseLaBr]

Man, what a story. God bless that man and his comrades

[@paulbaker9875]

This man is the definition of an American Hero… God bless this man and his family… men like this are the reason that we live in the best country in the entire world 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸… truthfully the best generation!!!

[@phenofarmseeds5280]

My great grandfather served 4 years in ww2 .proud Canadian military man served and was wounded on two seperate occasions , also escaped capture and saved two of his fellow brothers in arms , he was awarded some medals for his bravery and for being wounded , unfortunately he passed away in 2000

[@surfinghouston]

i'm a veteran 1972-1974 and son of a WWII 82nd Airborne veteran who jumped into the same Sainte Mere-Elgise. I know of another vet Woods. Both Mr. Woods and my dad are resting in Houston Vet Memorial Cem. Wayfaring Strangers. I loved my Dad even though he was very strict about doing what is right. He thought my brothers and me how to use rifles, knifes and to fight when needed, my older brother and I served during Vietnam Era. Now my grandson has served too as well as his Marine Dad. I researched my families history and learned we have had warriors all the way back to the Civil War.....Damn Hippies!

[@karenhoward292]

Thanks for your family service. I loathe hippies!

[@mikeflanagan6521]

Legend. Absolute legend.

[@richdouche8253]

Incredible story! My father in law grew up in the depression. Until his dying day he was frugal even though he had tons of money. In his garage he had many things old but still in perfect condition. Auto grease in like a toothpaste tube from the 1960's, he's opening it in 2010, and squeezes out only the smallest amount needed to grease something. Then took the tube and wrapped it back up and stored it again meticulously, to continue to preserve it until a small dab may be needed again. He wasn't frugal with spending money on his family, just with consuming material items. It was interesting to watch as he didn't have to live that way, but was a mindset that he couldn't shake from that depression era.

[@randallrichardson-se7ql]

These men were the greatest generation. It's because of their work and sacrifices that we enjoy the life we have today. Unfortunately,we lose more every day . May God continue to bless you and yours.

[@vinoman123]

What a wonderful man. So humble, matter of fact and a royal Bad Ass. I'm sure he does not realize how unique and tough he really is. A CLASSIC.

[@longtimepittsowner5589]

Brave is too little a description of this man. May the good Lord watch over you brother.

[@edhellbilly]

Thank you and your family for your service to this country....much respect

[@mgerry7468]

What an incredible perspective. Doesn't glorify the horror and brutality, just states it frankly. Also the praise for enemy doctors, wow. What a wonderful, level headed man.

[@maxrockatanski9422]

I simply cannot fathom being in that kind of situation .. it must change a person for the rest of their lives .. vets do not get the respect and care they so deserve.

[@SconedColdSober]

Most amazing WW2 Veteran story I’ve ever heard. Thankful he had the opportunity to share.

[@ThisHandleFeatureIsStupid]

My goodness. Captivating from start to finish! Any given portion of his story is incredible, but added all together?! 😳 I'm so glad that at least some of these vets found the courage to share their stories. I'm sure it's hard, but it's really important to hear. It's even more important for the rest of us to listen, and absorb, and remember. Out of the whole thing comes appreciation. Thanks for sharing, Henry.

[@novadude75]

Absolutely fascinating! I really hope all future generations can really appreciate what this great American went through all those years ago.

[@wildcat8598]

Born in the early 80’s and this was my Grandfathers generation. He played for the Detroit Tigers until the draft and never played baseball again after the war and went to work as a surveyor for the University of Kentucky and he didn’t like to talk about the war much but he had a Samurai sword so I imagine he saw and did some things that he drank away and tried to forget. This generation were true bad asses and not that my generation is as tough as them by any means but I know they look at kids and young adults today and think “is this what we fought for?”

[@jerrybrush3859]

Glad to see someone with KY ties here.

[@thatsenough777]

From an Aussie

[@janteekens4678]

“...but I know they look at kids and young adults today and think “is this what we fought for?”” BS It’s exactly what they fought for. Quit your rightwing revisionist bullcrap.

[@dionysius1b870]

No it's a beautiful intrusive of where you from? My grandfather was a part of the first special forces ever created america. He was a Marine Raider 1st division , 1st battalion "Edison 's Raiders". That was the one star general under him. They were all hand picked by General MacArthur. Now he also brought home he had two samurai swords he brought home a few rifles Japanese rifles they were called known as "throwaways"; this is after he hit a few Islands pasquattle canal he had trap metal in them from explosions gotten blown up but he got sewed up on the down low cuz he didn't want to go home. He never spoke about it except when he drank he told my dad some things and that's how I learned about it. How we had like 50 plus hand in hand kills. He said the Japanese at night would attack and all they would call out "come on GI" .. especially if they had a wounded men down. They would shoot him in the leg and then taught the Marines that come out. I think that's why it was one Island before guadal canal my dad said my grandfather fought a force of like 5,000 hero number five the one that was only 1,000 of them of the Marine raiders. But they were bombarded so they might have been down about 4,000 but they killed every one of them they took no prisoners Marine raiders and they only lost about 200 guys that's not a bad ratio. When you outnumbered that badly and then dug in waiting for you. But when you said he brought home a sword that's all I can think of because my dad said he took the sword when he was younger and used to chop stuff up with it. Cuz we were from the projects and the poor section Irish Americans Catholics mostly. My dad said every kid was running around with Japanese swords chopping up trees LMAO someone come out with rifles and guns and stuff that were japanese. See my neighborhood's very patriotic after Pearl harbor my grandmother said every single man just stood up dropped the paper dropped whatever they were doing and joined we have huge memorials in my neighborhood. We're actually the first to put up of Vietnam memorial in 1980 we did it way before Washington did! My neighborhood not people we never ever looked down on the Vietnam that's the way the scumbag liberals and hippies did mainstream academia don't get me started. That's what I say you know what God bless cuz my grandfather he ran the Boston Marathon at 18 that was 1940 and then the war started he cheoned right after problem was attacked. God bless brother

[@bignasty382]

All soldiers are fighting for the politicians pockets. It’s a shame, how they’re lied to.

[@jjflash30]

What amazing experiences he had. Fascinating to hear his stories.

[@-Zer0Dark-]

It's crazy to me that 19-year-olds were the ones out there doing these heroic things. I've known 19-year-olds. I've worked with them. I WAS one. Today's world has made us soft, but these guys were MEN before they could even have their first drink by today's standards. They truly were the greatest generation. Respect. 🇺🇲

[@zazasnruntz7505]

Lol

[@rickybojangles162]

In fairness, today's 19 year olds are allowed to be softer precisely because of these men's sacrifice. Because of them, we don't have world wars anymore. We don't have massive wars in Europe, we largely have relative safety and security allowing us to be whatever we want to be. The fact that people aren't at tough these days is a testament to the actions and bravery of those before us. Life is better now.

[@imDurban]

🤡

[@dachuckbuck669]

As it should be, 19 year olds today luckily don’t need to worry about the enemy across the pond. Now they worry about the enemy next door, wanting to strip them of their rights and civil liberties men like this fought so hard for. They need to worry about being able to have a normal semi-comfortable at best life working 60 hours a week for little to nothing in return. The greatest and Silent generation saw true horror, they coddled their kids, the baby boomers to ensure they would never have to suffer like they did. They succeeded but in doing so created the most weak, entitled, and whiny generation that for the first time in a long time successfully made their kids and grandkids lives far worse then theirs ever was or will be.

[@barristerblazer6071]

Amazing recall. Thank God for him and all the others who served so valiantly. Recently got back from Normandy and the 78th anniversary of D-Day. Amazing tour!

[@muzzleflash7056]

Ok 15 seconds in and this man is on point and been through the meat grinder and made it out to tell the tale. Respect and admiration for you sir.

[@brock83196831]

Sharp for his age still too

[@jf7243]

What a lucid and memorable account of his wartime experience. I have a French friend who took me to St. Mere Eglise. Fascinating visit to the Normandy beaches.

[@patfromamboy]

I visited it with my son 15 years ago and enjoyed the church with stained glass windows depicting paratroopers.

[@klauskeller6380]

Thank you for freeing my country and making my life of today possible!

[@ronwelch6548]

Great stories. What a tough guy he still is. Always humbling to hear what he went through and the other veterans. God bless all of them.

[@raymondtaft7402]

Not many of these men left who toughed it out to protect the freedoms that we take for granted today. Honor them by doing the same!

[@jonwhitley2083]

My great uncle Charles Blankenship was on the same jump. He landed in a power line and was killed by the Germans. His portrait hangs in the Sainte Mere Eglise Town museum

[@waywardone4]

I've read of your uncle before, as one of the unfortunate to land in the St. Mere-Eglise square. He is buried near me in Rock Hill, S.C. I have visited many graves of our South Carolinians killed in battle, and I hope to visit his grave one day, now that I know where he's buried.

[@jonwhitley2083]

@@waywardone4 my family is from Fort Mill, SC. Sadly I never knew where he was buried. Which cemetery in Rock Hill? Would love to visit him.

[@jonwhitley2083]

@@franks450 I had a uncle Charles Blankenship that was the first sergeant of a engineering company that did live through the war. The Charles Blankenship that was killed was my other uncle Charles‘s uncle

[@nasreireinas3392]

God bless him, from london uk,🤝

[@FantomWireBrian]

My dad landed in Normandy and fought through the Hedge row country and all the way to Bastogne. He was recognized by Patton and his officers from his move through the Hedge row country. Dad stood in the streets next to Patton while his buddy was pinned for taking out German tanks . Dad helped but wasn't pinned but was promoted to a Sargent. Dad asked why ,and one of the Officers said " Because you're alive" . Dad was supposed to go on leave,but was put in charge of a special gun squad to pierce enemy lines to relieve the 101 st. Interesting about the Thompson . Dad was given one . He said he took 3 shots and handed it back. Him and his men took out two Nazi squads on the way to Bastogne. Dad did pickup a 1911. Dad saw some men dead with their Thompson's jammed or out of rounds. He hated the Thompson. The weapon most feared was the 88. Dad was an extreme marksman and the Thompson also wasn't accurate enough or could range . Dad also said the same for the German weapons. When that came up against the Nazis squads he said their firearms gave them away . Dad said they'd spread out and shoulder against a tree and take random rounds and yell " im out " ❗Dad said they'd take them out at range beyond their weapons. They hung any captured. We still have an arm band he took from one. Dad would say " So they thought they were Hitler's best" ❓I had always thought his move to Bastogne was the worst., but it wasn't. The worst was the Hedge row country. Dad did send a letter home for a 8" hunting knife. His claim was that he broke it on a practice throw into a tree. Not sure about how he broke it ,but was very effective with and weapon including latter as an archer. His shooting skills were unmatched by anyone including the police which he had clearance to shoot at their ranges. He squirrel hunted with a 22 revolver and I never saw him miss or anyone else. My guess he used that 1911 more than he mentioned. He did love the M1 Grande. In 1997 he was in the hospital for pneumonia . He wasn't expected to survive but he did. I was surprised when an Officer from the Army walked into his room unannounced. He said the Army has sent me to talk about your move through the Hedge row country. ,so when you get out we need to talk . Dad just stared at him and said I'm not leaving. The officer went into a salute and said the Army and the United States thanks you for your service. They both saluted and he left. It had to be a private conversation or he could've talked to him in his room. Dad was requested to Sniper train after the service,but declined. He hated snipers as much as the Nazis. The only comment I remember about the Hedge row country was that Dad said " The Germans were knitted in and ready for us " and the snipers were picking us off ". He also mentioned about some of the Sherman tanks with mounted plows to break through the rows . The Army knew about his shooting skills so my guess he must've survived by his tactics. He died three days after his visit by that Officer.

[@JamesLee-te4pp]

A tremendous memory for a gentleman who is in his mid to late 90’s

[@rce59]

My dad was a sonar man on the uss gatling during ww2 in the Pacific Ocean. He was a great man.

[@whitelotus6619]

It's a shame that not many people today truly care what transpired during ww1 and ww2. The commitment and dedication these men had. The heroes who gave their lives, those who survived to tell the tales of those times. Hearing it, learning about it from a veteran, to me, is an honor so to speak. Much better than reading in history books.

[@rexracer7192]

The commitment to blindly follow orders from the enemy to takeout innocent people of no threat to us. They should remember the domestic enemies part of their oath, they seem to have forgot.

[@mtec3906]

@@rexracer7192 hush. Your embarrassing yourself. Go play, let the adults do the talking.

[@rexracer7192]

@@mtec3906 that's all you do is talk??? Don't be mad because the oath takers ignore the oath, it's not my fault, I'm just pointing it out. Now go talk more, I've got things to do, good bye.

[@mtec3906]

@@rexracer7192 clown

[@schmidtygt]

@@rexracer7192 no threat to us? You’re kidding right?

[@brianb7701]

Unbelievably sharp and spry for his age. From the bottom of my heart, thank you sir.

[@diggler5319]

A real hero. The horror of war... May stories like this be seen by many people in many generations to come to help us avoid war