Famed Civil War Historian and WWII Marine Recounts Being Severely Wounded by Japanese Machine Gun

Edwin “Ed” Cole Bearss was listening to a radio broadcast of a football game between the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Cardinals on December 7, 1941, when an announcer interrupted with news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He immediately enlisted in the Marines determined to “get back” at the Japanese.
The day after Christmas in 1943, Ed found himself aboard a Higgins boat heading toward the Japanese-held island of New Britain. The Marines were engaged in combat almost immediately, seizing ground at the point of the bayonet and then digging in to fight off determined Japanese counter-attacks.
On January 2, 1944, Ed took point and led his platoon deep into the jungle. The Marines encountered and began firing at several Japanese soldiers when machine gun fire opened up on them from hidden Japanese pillboxes. Ed would be severely wounded by the fire and spend a total of 26 months in the hospital recovering.
After the war, Ed, who was fascinated by the Civil War, embarked on a lifelong study of its leading figures and battlefields. In 1981, Ed Bearss became Chief Historian of the National Park Service. He was one of the leading speakers on the 1990 "The Civil War" television documentary by Ken Burns. And in keeping with his family’s tradition of dedication to service, his son and daughter both joined the US Marine Corps.
Ed Bearss passed away on September 15, 2020 at the age of 97
This Video Made Possible with Support From
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[@brianjett5718]

As a Civil War nerd I've been familiar with this man's work almost my whole life. I had no idea he was a combat Marine. R.I.P.

[@ILikeToLaughAtYou]

Same here. Reenactor and relic hunter. :(

[@robertwinjum420]

Heard him speak of his service at a civil war round table in Scottsdale Arizona

[@jacobhoffman2553]

too bad we are letting every thing he fought to protect go down the toilet

[@Johnny2Bags47]

​@@ILikeToLaughAtYou 🤭

[@Johnny2Bags47]

​@@ILikeToLaughAtYou 🤓

[@randyr.9643]

Great interview! As a young man in my early 20's, I worked shuttling cars to a dealership from auction as a part time job while I was in college. All of the other guys were retired WW2 vets in their early 70's who were doing it for some extra money. We would drive up together in a van for the hour drive up to auction. I heard soooo many WW2 stories during those trips and I was in awe the entire time. We had a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima, another Marine who was a forward gunner in a B25 Mitchell that was modified for strafing runs and had 14 forward firing 50 cals, four of which he controlled. We had an Army soldier who hit Omaha beach on D Day as an Infantry Lieutenant and another who was a Paratrooper in the 82nd and who fought in Italy. Another guy was a waist gunner in the 8th air force on a B17 bomber in Europe. All of these guys were rock solid and great men. It was truly an honor to have known them. They've all since passed but the things I heard I will never forget.

[@alethiapotter9218]

Incredible men

[@gazzamacca9813]

Wonderful memory this man has, very clear like it just happened last year. Much respect.

[@robertwinjum420]

He spoke about and wrote books about American Civil War Battles. He brought them to Life in a very unique way. Heard him speak many times. He led the recovery of a civil war gunboat from the bottom of the Mississippi River which he also talked about , a very audience engaging speaker, for sure . He is really missed from the civil war historian community

[@lewismartin5905]

⁹

[@DarylW426]

No one can recount or tell a story like Mr. Bearss. He is a national treasure. We should all be thankful for his service and the gift he gave to us all. Rest in peace sir you have earned it.

[@Stew357]

Another brave American soldier from the Great Generation. I wish I had the maturity and understanding to talk to these veterans when I was a young man. Unfortunately, I did not, but I can watch these wonderful videos featuring all these American heros.

[@joem5332]

I feel exactly the same as you. Growing up in late 70s I was fascinated by ww2 and had many neighbors that were there. Man I wish I would have talked to them?

[@Stew357]

@@joem5332 I had uncles and family friends who were combat veterans. One of my uncles (my mother's, mother's brother) was a career army guy, a Master Sargent working in General Eisenhower's HQ! I never talked to him about it.

[@shawnpa]

@@Stew357 Same with my relatives. They talked to each other about it on occasions. Several uncles and my father served in WW2.

[@jeffpower6473]

My son who is 11 now has always, since he could talk, stopped, saluted, and thanked anybody who is either in uniform or wearing something indicating they have served. This has opened up the door for him to have many many wonderful conversations just like the one in this video.

[@jeffl9956]

You can tell this man knows basically everything about military history even down to all the exact weapons and calibers, makes and models of the vehicles/boats, etc, not just within the battles he physically fought in but all the other places far around him at different battlefields. What a great man, we’re loosing all the greatest, my grandpa just passed around 9 months ago after suffering for years with the after effects of heart surgeries and all the problems it caused his body.

[@SUPREME.DROP.NATION]

Much Love and respect for your grandpa and may he rest in piece with eternal life

[@lewismartin5905]

@@SUPREME.DROP.NATION f

[@SUPREME.DROP.NATION]

@@lewismartin5905 ?

[@Blainosdias]

Insane how the human mind can remember so much details after a long time.

[@Slithey7433]

Incredible memory. I served in Germany 60 years ago and can’t remember anywhere near as much.

[@joeywheelerii9136]

@@Slithey7433 well I don't think you would forget such a day if something similar happened to you.

[@ronzzzo1]

I’ve been on several of Ed’s Civil War tours. He was an encyclopedia of information on numerous Civil War battles. He had an amazing recollection of facts for a person of his age. He was the greatest Civil War historian. May he Rest In Peace.

[@patrickancona1193]

Very lucky, I’m hoping to get to take a battle walk with Matt at Gettysburg before he retires but the last few years have been brutally tough, be lucky to just see Gettysburg in person before I run out of days period, Semper Fi

[@thedeihl]

You can see him reliving it in his mind, almost like a record, a pause in time. God bless America and God bless this patriot.

[@gregorycolt9294]

He was also a brilliant historian, and he is interviewed many times on Ken Burns' Civil War documentary.

[@uglyfrog7263]

Ed, you are truly missed, rest in peace my good friend!

[@waltersanderson5468]

I had the pleasure of attending a number of Ed's presentations at several Civil War battlefields. He would also join reenactors around the campfire for talks on a wide range of topics, including his USMC service. He was a fount of knowledge and always willing to share and engage. He is missed. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@sbbowman]

If I’m not mistaken, I think he did some interviews for the Ken Burns Civil War documentary. Incredible man.

[@ronzzzo1]

He did.

[@tylerjerabek5204]

He was National Park Service chief historian and emeritus chief for many years- his knowledge of the civil war battlefields was almost encyclopedic

[@tomweaverling1366]

He did alot. Ed was a famed historian who everyone in the ACW community (reenactors, buffs, amateur historians) looked up too.

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

I could listen to Ed for hours.

[@walterwhitaker1395]

What a hell of a story! My dad served at a state side hospital and he didn't talk much about his service until one night he was drunk and said he can still hear the moaning and crying of the wounded guys asking to see their mothers! He helped them write letters home to their familys!

[@jeffsmith2022]

Families...

[@ggrunt3792]

Superman has a hung picture of him in his room

[@jaysandstrom1359]

Magnificent interview. Absolutely magnificent. I’d like to listen to him tell his entire life story.

[@Destiny4Travail]

This man is a fantastic story teller. Thank you sir for your service.

[@andygossard4293]

He died two years ago. See a lot of his videos recent years at American Battlefield Trust (YT)

[@drifterman319]

I remember him fondly from the Ken Burns Civil War series. Quite a storyteller. Makes you wish you had him for a history teacher all four years in high school. Because of men like him I did my time, from '81 to '85.

[@kevin6385]

This guy sounds like McArthur. What a character! Great storyteller

[@vt750dc]

You're sharp as a tack sir. It was a pleasure listening to you

[@tylerjerabek5204]

Look up some of his talks about the civil war

[@johncataloni8552]

My grand uncle was on Cape Gloucester, he was with the 2nd Battalion 17th Marines F Company and was on Guadalcanal prior with the 1st Pioneer Battalion

[@jamesbyington2101]

His recall is incredible. And his cadence in telling the story is fantastic.

[@Mustang1984]

I can't even put into words the respect that I have for the WWII vets specifically. I just want to soak up everything they say like a sponge. Anytime I'm fortunate enough to meet one, I undoubtedly pick their brains! God bless you Marine!

[@msdescendentreviews1660]

Real American hero. Greatest generation. Thank you for your service and courage

[@richardthornhill4630]

Thanks to all who served. Semper Fi.

[@m-inem6230]

Thee Greatest Generation. I sometimes wish I were around during these times. The pure patriotism these young kids had and things they had to face will never again be seen.

[@Nat3_H1gg3rs]

They weren't raised with the tv on 24/7

[@benmiz9742]

While the body is slowing, the mind is razor sharp. What a legend!

[@loganw1232]

Thanks for having this man’s story been known.

[@anlerden4851]

much respect for you from me and thank you so much for your service Dear Sir.

[@Anybodyelse2294]

I watched this man many times on shows on the civil war. I always wondered what happened to his hand. Now i know

[@tonyfknb3896]

Either this man has told this story a hundred times or his memory is absolutely amazing for his age I'm just in awe at his storytelling and ability to recall every detail. I believe its the latter and his memory is superb

[@tylerjerabek5204]

Both- he was historian for the National park service for many l

[@ottoso7044]

It’s sad that in a few years these great brave men won’t be with us anymore 🥲💔 thank you sir! 🇺🇸

[@jacobhoffman2553]

nah it for the best... they shouldnt have to see the country they fought for in the condition their brat ass grandchildren are putting it in

[@andrewone9024]

KZbin is a wonderful took to document all these fine gentlemen

[@barronthagod]

I work with one of his closest friends (Non-vet) he passed on

[@ottoso7044]

@@barronthagod I alway keep an eye out for vets when im in public 🇺🇸‼️ love dying thank you & welcome home

[@pelonehedd7631]

Great interview. One of My 3 Uncles who saw a lot of combat in WW2 was wounded on 3 separate occasions by shrapnel . He described the process of being evacuated the same way. He was fortunate to finish the war as a water cooled cal. 30 gunner without loss of parts and abilities. My Dad was injured playing football and did not go to Korea. He was the youngest boy in a family of seven girls and five boys. His Dad barely escaped capture with His life at Adowa in 1896. My Maternal Grandfather was in His early Thirties and My Mom about 13 or 14 when He was drafted and became a part of a anti- Tank company in the 84th Railsplitter’s at Camp Howes Texas. He received a medical Discharge because His feet would swell up on marches. Years later when We took Him to Yountville Veterans Hospital for some care I saw a man there missing the entire lower part of His Face. The part about the Handsome Corpsman shot in the face reminded Me of that. My Dad said never forget that That man and many like Him paid that price For Our Freedom. One of My Handsome Sons joined the Army after 911 and became a paramedic , 1st Armored Iraq war and served with Iraqi forces as their Medic before becoming a Special Forces “Doc”.

[@alethiapotter9218]

Impressive elders you have.

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you So Very Much for your service, sacrifice and courage for freedom 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️👍

[@fredcdc]

True American hero. Thank you sir.

[@JBASH2011]

Incredible. RIP.

[@alethamobley6688]

Thank You for your service Sir

[@georgemacdonell2341]

Always loved your insights Ed, break trail for us buddy and may you rest in peace.

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Instantly loveable and what a great story-teller! Gunnies: Heavily tattooed and probably been to China! xD

[@rikijett310]

Mr. Bearss thank you endlessly for your service and may God bless you always!!!!! ✝️🇺🇸✝️

[@BV-fr8bf]

Dang, this Marine can tell a great story!

[@tylerjerabek5204]

You should see some of his civil war battlefields walks

[@davehiggins5903]

Thank you sir for my freedom. Truly an American hero from the greatest generation.

[@67Stu]

Fantastic delivery and great story teller Thank you for your service. RIP 🙏🏻

[@larryb982]

Thank you sir for your service. Great memory very detailed. Loved the bit about the movie he still can see it all in his mind. God bless.

[@rtrobinson88321]

God bless you sir. Thank you for your service

[@stokiestewpotter7956]

Thankyou Sir.to you and all your comrades.

[@Mag_Aoidh]

My one and only chance of ever meeting Ed was while we were filming the Shiloh national Park service movie. He happen to be giving a tour and we met him at the gate to the cemetery.

[@natalielucas9054]

From the bottom of my heart ❤ Thank You Sir🙏💪🦅🇺🇸🦅💪

[@briangibbs3774]

I really enjoyed your first-hand account of your WW II experiences as much as I did your Civil War programs. You are a great raconteur.

[@youdaman5069]

This man is a riot telling stories! God bless him and the Greatest Generation! 🙏🙏

[@mitchellcole5981]

You can see him close his eyes while he is talking, you can tell he is just picturing every moment he is explaining.

[@williamstokely9589]

To have the presence of mind that this man has at his age would be a blessing for sure. Let alone what he went through

[@Koogz406]

Wow what a man. Thank you sir

[@jeffsmith2022]

God Bless you Mr. Bearss...

[@riverbender9898]

I salute you Sir!

[@jakedemara139]

I cry through these videos because what these men want through they should have been millionaire's for the rest of their lives and that's the least the government can do 💯

[@Nat3_H1gg3rs]

Wisdom is better than silver and gold. Its millionaires who organize these wars to begin with. Why would sny soldier want to be that.

[@michaelhenry8890]

Absolute Goat of military history. Goat quality Ameircan hero. RIP

[@alethiapotter9218]

So brave, so tough, so brilliant.

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

"You could ask my poor wife if she was alive, I'm not a sympathetic fellow" Lmao I don't think anyone was expecting this old Marine to be sympathetic, he's tough as nail though!

[@bustedupgrunt1177]

That's how ya tell a sea story. Only thing missin was the beer.

[@josiel152]

this old Marines memory is outstanding must be in his 90's? when he told his story.Great combat story.

[@sunstatejon1928]

THANK YOU SIR

[@spankthatdonkey]

Semper Fi! What a story!

[@markblix6880]

I knew I saw this fine man somewhere. I see by the comments it was a Ken Burns doc. His style is unforgettable.

[@MichaelGalt]

"He is not handsome as a corpse." Cold-blooded. Really brings new meaning to the title "corpsman". :P

[@bongobob6200]

Thx for your work 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@kevinc6916]

This guy has an amazing memory!!

[@danielrogers2441]

This man is a National Treasure!

[@jakedemara139]

This man is a hero 💯

[@rolandclatterbuck3804]

One h*** of a story. I could listen to him all day

[@j.dunlop8295]

This area of war, in WW2 was a nightmare of jungles, heat and bugs! It, the environment killed thousands of Japanese diseases and starvation, mostly!

[@r0bstafford126]

Rock steady vet watching from NEW ZEALAND

[@watchthetriple8224]

What a man!

[@adamgardener8624]

Why is this dude so funny ? He has me laughing talking about his good breakfast and his bad hangover. I really like the way he speaks.

[@tonywatson1412]

So it's parallel and at right angles to your line of advance... got it !

[@josephmazzotta8813]

God bless the u.s.m.c. and Chester puller.

[@Scanjoon]

USMC and Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller

[@georgemacdonell2341]

Marine's stand guard at the gates of Heaven.

[@leemartin366]

This guy tells a story. Just like I do on April 20 every year his eyes look the same as mine

[@rcom9880]

Hero. Tough as nails. We shall not soon see his likes again.

[@Samoaell]

"It's been a bad day" is quite a gentlemanish understatement.

[@tysonhalfacre8314]

Hell yea look at his eyes my man is hella faded. What a boss man.

[@drc022800]

Watching these makes me wish I could’ve asked mt grandpa stories he was in the navy ww2 I can only imagine what he saw

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

Same, my grandpa was in the Navy in the South Pacific during WW2. I know his destroyer was hit by a kamikaze and a torpedo, the warhead didn't detonate either time or the ship would have sunk but I don't know much else. I was pretty young when he passed.

[@anthonychavez1906]

RIP Marine.

[@devonchristian3526]

Motivator

[@31446963048]

Correction to the description. He must have been listening to the Chicago Cardinals playing the Chicago Bears.

[@thunderstickhomestead]

Its odd as a civil war buff to hear this man speak on WWII. He tells this story like any civil war battle you forget he was actually there in WWII

[@KB9813]

Basically an old grizzled hard-nosed Marine. Gunnery Sergeant Hartman would be proud...

[@Boombox69in]

Good man. Hope we can live up to their sacrifice!

[@conpop6924]

This guy was a ww2 vet??? Jeez i remember watching some documentary years ago about the battle of the wheatfield and i thought this guy was only in his 60s

[@alextownsend8624]

The greatest generation.

[@rl64rl]

Ed Bears. American treasure.

[@isaacguidorangel1013]

GOD BLESS OURS VETERANS🇺🇸👍

[@ot63]

Esprit de Corps!

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Hero

[@TheBros2theend]

God bless heal save and forgive you

[@markevanger4791]

SALUTE SIR 🇺🇲 🌹 🇺🇲

[@JoelMMcKinney]

AMERICA! 🇺🇲🦅🗽🇺🇲

[@mikekinsey7902]

American hero,

[@jsawyer0617]

“so I puke all over doc and myself just to have him clean me up again”

[@MichaelWarne]

He’s not handsome as a corpse. What a line

[@All4mula]

SEMPER FI, KILLER