From Toccoa to Eagles Nest: WWII Paratrooper Jim "Pee Wee" Martin

Boone County Public Library was honored to bring WWII Hero Jim "Pee Wee” Martin to Boone County to share his story with us on Saturday, September 23 at 1 p.m. at Florence Baptist Church, 642 Mt. Zion Road in Florence.
Martin was part of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division that parachuted onto the beach near Normandy in an effort to retake France and the rest of Europe from Nazi Germany. His unit actually touched down in enemy territory the night before D-Day, on June 5, 1944. Martin and his fellow paratroopers fought for 43 days at Normandy before they moved on to invade Holland, fight at the Battle of the Bulge and assist with the takeover of Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s fortress in the German Alps.
At the age of 93, Pee Wee Martin jumped out of a plane over Normandy once again to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Many of Martin’s experiences with the 101st Airborne Division were included in the popular HBO Mini-Series, Band of Brothers.
This event was presented by Boone County Public Library and co-sponsored by Simon Kenton Sons of the American Revolution, Boone County Daughters of the American Revolution, Florence Baptist Church and Pee Wee’s Manager, Doug Barber.
Our website: www.bcpl.org/
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[@allandavis8201]

It is completely ironic and saddening that the greatest generation the world has seen, who rid the world of three tyrannical leaders, seem to have fought and died in vain, the actions of the leader of our former ally, whose countrymen died as did millions of others, have taken the relative peace these men fought for and torn it apart, and I have to wonder how these men and women do or would have felt about the situation we find us embroiled in today?, we owe this generation so much, and unfortunately there is one man who has destroyed their sacrifices. A brilliant oral and pictorial presentation by a truly brave man, thank you for your service and dedication to the cause of peace. Lest We Forget. 👍👍👍👍👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@marynelson4445]

It was not in vain Iam &/ and Ihave live my life in freedom thanks to that generation

[@andywarrington4738]

we dont have men like this anymore , I have nothing but respect for these men who fought for freedom , I will remember you

[@TileMasterGa]

Rest in peace dear friend - you will be truly missed...

[@BlueMoonShelly]

What an honor to be able to see and hear this incredible man. ♥️

[@brentsarazin4346]

As you may have noticed his ability to appreciate the ones attending this and in my eyes this is one of the things that many have lost over the generations. Humility is a very strong attribute.

[@marynelson4445]

Great man from the generation ❤

[@robertjones4858]

My father served in ww2 in the navy. He was wounded twice. All his recollections were of fascination to me because even then I couldn't see how a whole world could be at war. And we all have people like my father and mr. Martin who have my utmost gratitude for having that problem when I was young.

[@MrEric2cu]

That's when men were men. They had a job to do and they succeeded. We owe the men who didn't make it home our utmost respect.

[@bret9741]

When you see a thumbs down on a history like this, you have to wonder how far has that person fallen, how petty, how small is their mind.

[@glenryan8299]

I met Mr Martin twice in 2014 in Normandy during the D-Day commemorations. My friend and I were just starting our 100 mile charity walk in full WW2 uniform and equipment for veterans from Saint Mere Eglise to Pegasus Bridge and as we were leaving Saint Mere Eglise to head to Utah Beach we first met Mr Martin as he arrived in a car with I think it was his daughter but I may have that wrong. We chatted briefly as he saw I was in a 101st uniform and asked what we were doing and let him go on his way as by now crowds were gathering round him and it seemed he didn't like the attention. After leaving Utah Beach we heading for Carentan and at Dead Mans Corner we again bumped into Mr Martin, he was stood next to an 88. Suddenly we clocked these pretty blonde 20 somethings that you could clearly see all the red-blooded males looking at and these 3 girls just ran at Mr Martin like he was a rock star. It was so funny seeing these men's faces drop as they saw they had no chance with Pee Wee on the scene. Once they got their pics we chatted again briefly and parted ways. It was a great memory of the great man.

[@blainedunlap4242]

Just a hour n 20, I'd listen to this for two days.

[@turtle19dad]

I just wish they didn't hurry him along. I could listen to hom for several hours. Imagine that SGT that was stealing chutes.... And the jump master and another NCO ripping him away from the door. And then seeing his "chute" full of sawdust. Talk about a crap yourself moment!!!! Thank you so much for all we have PFC Martin!!!! #ArmyStrong #GreatestGeneration #HOOAH #Airborne

[@brucecaldwell6701]

I feel fortunate enough to have known a few WW II veterans in my life & heard their stories. My maternal grandfather being one. He served in the Pacific Theatre in the U.S. Navy.

[@vinoman123]

As this extraordinary generation of Americans passes away , we all have to dobeverything to meet, learn and engage them. I've interviewed many WWII vets and their humility, resolve and patriotism is magical. Our country will never be the same without them. God Bless Pee Wee Martin and all his fellow comrades.

[@JEAN-pm9lg]

Thankyou for bringing his story to people.

[@timothyfoleyjr2796]

When I was in the Army, after Vietnam, I was in Southern Bavaria. I love the photos of them in Berchtesgaden. I had been with the 101st in ‘Nam. I had reenlisted and went to Europe. After about six months I went TDY to Bavaria (Garmiche) and was on the Ski Patrol (AFRC). This guy is “all the way” the best. My Father was career Air Force; they were the Greatest Generation.

[@barrycroyle4473]

Thank you for your service.

[@dropzonewarzone5251]

the 101 in viet nam was a regular leg unit off jump starus. you all sported the screaming eagle patch but still legs the only active airborne untit in nam was the 173rd.

[@2024s_truth-speaker]

Hope this message finds you on good spirits. Hope you're doing well, hero.

[@berrymccockener6436]

I could listen to this man talk for hours.

[@leshiga1105]

We Americans owe a great debt to men & women like Mr. Martin who sacrificed much for our freedoms. He is indeed a true hero. A wonderful presentation. Airborne All the Way!

[@mdrobc13]

Hero...lots of current and future generations need to just listen and learn. Different times of course but content is priceless!

[@peacockbass1966]

Mr Martin and other brave men trained, fought, bled and some even died. So that we can have a peaceful world to live in. I am upset with those people and political, religious leaders that, through the decades after WW2, who tried to destroy that peace and disrespect the sacrifices and bravery of the Greatest Generation.

[@grahamduke8535]

My farther was in mkt garden in the first Airborn of the british and was lucky to come out alive was mentioned in diss batches was in the forward troop of 10 men and with the help of the local underground marked out the drop zone to free Oslo in Norway was given the freedom of Oslo so proud of our farther and people like him who are no longer with us love to all

[@nmelkhunter1]

Tough as galvanized nails. He’s 5’6” and 120. He essentially carried himself 2x when he jumped into Normandy. Awesome! God bless!

[@TheRaulr151]

what an amazing privilege it would be to hear a WWII vet, especially one from the 101st talk about their experiences. They were truly the greatest generation.

[@steveb6103]

Didn't need to go. Joins the Army then goes Airborne were the chances of living were less then 40%. Nothing but respect! 🇺🇸

[@skram841]

He says it best. His parents where the greatest generation as they raised them.

[@davidtrindle6473]

What nonsense. Every generation has its great people, many great people.

[@adamwilliams5849]

@@davidtrindle6473 this generation is crap compared to past

[@whiggins101]

@@davidtrindle6473 True, but not many generations saved the world from two empires trying to enslave the world. It was, and is a big deal. Go to Russia, France, and Belgium and ask them what they think about this generation.

[@markypolo55]

@@davidtrindle6473 Yeah, BLM and Antifa, really "great people". See how America "transforms" now that Democrats are in control!

[@charleslavers4563]

For all the fallen........ age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun,we must always remember them for their service and sacrifices .This hero,s examples saw everything fine about that generation. God bless!

[@SunnyIlha]

I watched and listened to him intently. Soldiering excellence.

[@dennismackey1414]

What an articulate presentation! Spoken from the heart....

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

Where would we be without the GREATEST GENERATION?

[@leeneale8776]

amen madam

[@chrisby777]

Probably dead or enslaved if the enemy won!!!

[@skram841]

He said it best his parents generation was the greatest as they raised them. They where the second

[@louiszepeda9254]

that COL., knew, what, he was, doing. cause, if you,re, captured, the, germans, weren,t, going, you to McDonalds. i know, this soldiers, realized, this, during, combat

[@3John16]

Unfortunately, we are about to find out.

[@jacobsparry8525]

A REAL HERO!! He is just such a remarkable personality. I wish him and his wife many more good years together!!!

[@fredlew781]

GOD BLESS YOU JIM MARTIN AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

[@randalllusk8547]

My Uncle served in the 5th Marines in WWII on Iwo Jima for 31 days and went on to finish the war in the pacific. I served 20 years in the Army and served 6 combat tours and still can't imagine the hell my uncle went through. God bless my uncle and all those guys that fought that war.

[@jasonhutt9117]

Hi From New Zealand seen the band of brothers many times now. A real education to hear how they got through the war

[@patspencer5649]

Respect!

[@ridwanramelan9872]

Tour of duty, bid & sweet your experience, its your nice story & memory, I salute for you Mr Jim "Pee Wee" Martin, you are one of the hero for this world.

[@kenmcelroy7250]

I offer a prayer, dear Lord thank you for your Mercy and Grace. Lord you gave our country these men, you forged them in the difficulty of a depression. You tempered them with hard work. You gave them Christians parents, who raised them in faith and hope. Thank you Lord for these men and women. They blazed a trail for the rest of us to follow. Lord be kind to them in their final years. In Jesus’ name amen.

[@brentsarazin4346]

AMEN. It seems easy to forget about God in times of trouble, BUT, it is he who delivers us from evil.

[@jimmymalone9139]

Cop on

[@richardkirk5098]

The greatest generation.

[@roubini74]

great american patriot. i had serve 9 year in the navy, everytime i see what these guys had to gone thru. I had experience nothing. thank you sir.

[@anthonywilson4873]

I have a neighbour lives opposite who is 94. Operation Market Garden he swept the road up to 101st and it all stopped just beyond the bridge. British Artillery at night cleared an area for a large group to escape over a river at night. Read a book on the 101st great respect.

[@johnwilliamson2276]

This is a Great American Hero!

[@jeffkitney39]

These are giants of men who gave there lives to save all of us 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@James-yg4xu]

To Jim's family I loved every word he shared. My grandfather and uncles grandfather fought ww1 uncle's ww2 and Korea I loved everything that I was told from all. So Jim I could hear ALL of what you have to say. Makes me mad that they want you to stop your story I'd listen all day every day. Thank you Jim Martin

[@Laconic-ws4bz]

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. The Ode of Remembrance is a poem that is commonly recited at Anzac Day to commemorate wartime sacrifice. Best Wishes from someone in Australia.

[@tomroberts9794]

Thank you for your service Sir. Your honesty and transparency are most commendable.

[@mccuenoirfilms]

I hope you have a wonderful 100th Birthday tomorrow, Jim!!!

[@johncoffman2703]

Salute to all our veterans

[@glennlandry7714]

God Bless this Man. I got no words.

[@javiersilva5409]

Nowadays, guys are in the military for pensions, bonuses, medical for life....these guys, which included my dad and uncles, were real patriots. My dad, wounded twice, second time battle of hurtgen forest with a bullet through his gut, my uncle on the carrier that sank in Leyte gulf. My dad said he had nothing to eat but chocolate for weeks. Their pay was crap, the benefits and service from VA was crap also. These guys, along with Korean and Vietnam vets, deserve to be called heroes.

[@markypolo55]

Wow. I could listen to this guy for a week!

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

Now this man is what I consider a Hero!

[@MagicalBikeRide]

as would I but these heroes always say the men who didn't come home are the true heroes

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

@@MagicalBikeRide you are absolutely correct. I am amazed at the courage and sacrifice. Makes me proud to be an American, just wish more people felt the same way.

[@clifforddodginghorse7070]

That was so awesome. I had a grandfather who drove a tank for Canada. I was so lucky to have such a man in my life and I teach my kids that the reason that we are living free was because of all the the great men that made that sacrifice for us so many years ago.

[@pascalpai3726]

Never forget what we have is granted by the heroes who gave their lives to the justice

[@MrJamesjustin]

Thankyou so much for that wonderful talk. That was really special. Thankyou to all you guys who served.

[@dwightcurrie8316]

This is the kind of man I'd like to hear speak as long as he wants & about Anything he'd like to share. I had numerous Uncles & Cousins who were in WWII & many were the nights a bunch of them would gather at Mama's Table & talk into the wee hours. One thing I never heard from them was a single "War Story". They were never loquacious about that & I knew better than to ask. They're all gone now, and their stories with them. None of "Us Kids" ever knew what they did in the War.

[@blainedunlap4242]

That old man can run.

[@simonacland9028]

He's nothing but correct about the greatest generation

[@paulredinger420]

What a generation!!! My heart cries when I think of this generation and the cry babies that we have nowadays. My America has lost what she used to be. 😪😪😭😭😭😭😭

[@paratrooper7340]

Keep voting for demoRats and we'll loose a lot more than anyone can imagine. China will rule the world and our crooked politicians will do noting but give us lip service and fill their own pockets with cash - just take a look at hunter biden has managed along with his nasty ass father.

[@marionlacebal9498]

Maybe we need another war to see what this present generation is made of.....

[@MrSmokincodz]

@@paratrooper7340 You cant even spell. What could you possibly know.

[@davidbranin969]

I think there has been and still is a rare and elite group who have served above and beyond in every conflict ever fought for their country and for their brothers. I'm glad that Easy got their due so magnificently captured in Band of Brothers.

[@AuralDows80]

Great presentation, thank you for sharing. Makes me proud to live in the shadows of outstanding Americans like Mr. Martin.

[@swamprat69er]

Thank you for your service, sir.

[@romansroad2007]

Who could put a thumbs down for this great guy. Thanks

[@williammawk1720]

Today's liberals who have been brainwashed into believing the U.S. is the cause of the wars.

[@biggerbehindthetrigger2814]

God bless you and your brothers in arms. You will always have a place in our hearts.

[@robcochran1264]

My Father enlisted in The US Navy in August 1936..... He retired as a Commissioned Officer in 1976 ..... 40 years.... 3 wars ....

[@jduff59]

When I was in high school wrestling - we had a word for guys like this - a STUD! He is still a stud.

[@darknight9302]

Thank you, Sir!

[@alagaesia241]

I could listen to Jim forever. And the more I see of his lectures the more I think he would have made a great officer - he's pragmatic, well-balanced, and very articulate. If you pause at 50:51 to read over the letter, you'll notice he was a great storyteller back then too, with incredible eye for detail. The only thing I'm pissed about is the presenter and his passive aggressive "but he chose to talk about other things." Uh yes, other things that were incredibly valuable and informative and personal. You have this war hero on as a speaker, one of the last of his generation, and you're griping about lost time? Show some fucking respect.

[@glennlandry7714]

I agree .

[@biancamarcu8004]

May GOD BLESS YOUR WIFE AND YOU SIR, proud to be an American

[@jerrysullivan7223]

These young men went off to fight for the free men and women of the world there is nothing you can do for your country that is more honorable than to be willing to fight and die for the freedom of your fellow man not to enslave or concour but to insure there freedom this was the greatest generation and set the example for those that would follow in the service of there country . It is a history that has to be taught to our children today but it I'm afraid it is not being done so . I pray that will change if this country is to survive . God bless all those that have fought and those that died in the service of there country .

[@paratrooper7340]

I'm listening to this hero and I'm remembering my friends who served in Vietnam and I'm thinking maybe they weren't fighting to keep America safe from NAZI's and for sure most of us weren't thinking about the domino effect but we were doing the best we could for America and especially for each other and I think there's a damned good argument for saying the North Vietnamese were way better soldiers than most NAZI's who got to a point where they just threw in the towel while the Cong and PAVN never gave up their cause which was in reality a crusade the reunite their country. So in my mind anyway anyone who puts on and American Uniform no matter the service or the time date and year on a calendar - All American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are the Greatest of all Americans.

[@johnyoe7674]

I could sit and listen to this man talk for days! Thank you for your service sir and having the balls to relive all the negative and remain positive! God bless you and your family 👪! And I couldn't agree with you more about the horses! I would have more of an issue killing loyal animals than nazis!

[@ashhamilton3989]

wonderful, in debt to champs like him.

[@evankrhodes]

Excellent. Thank you for sharing and your service.

[@jdliefting8926]

What a legend.

[@James-yg4xu]

Jim I have much respect for you sir I'm here in 2023 so if you're gone to God's reward for you I want your family to know that I missed on the opportunity to meet you personally. So to family left I say that God blessed us with this great patorit

[@HerewardDundasTaylor]

Wow, what a story, what a man. Very honest, warts and all. One of the best personal accounts of WWII I have ever heard, aside of my fathers in North Africa. Thanks also for acknowledging Australia a few times.

[@michaelcarron3418]

"Currahee" Airborne All The Way.

[@derek7676]

Great stories.

[@DDay-vv9ec]

True hero...

[@av8tore71]

RIP Mr. Martin

[@Laura-wc5xt]

what a great talk......thank you for posting

[@martincleere3010]

Thanks jim for telling us about your experience in the war,i was born 1942,so interested in your experiences.

[@LiberalinOregon]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@stevenbowman761]

This man is fascinating!

[@adamwilliams5849]

Thank u sir.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

The world is really a small place sometimes. I currently live in Louisville, Ky., just down the road from Bedford, Ind. Dad was a retired enlisted veteran (21 years, veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars) of the U.S. Air Force, stationed for a while at Wright-Patterson A.F.B., we lived in Fairborn just on the outskirts of Dayton, Oh.

[@Hn-gz5iw]

good man this one

[@WW5RM]

RIP Pee Wee and all of the greatest generation! Kind of interesting he served in the 101st and died at 101 years old!

[@hungrymon7887]

THAT is a warrior!

[@darrenstockman9268]

Salute

[@user-fv5tt8zi2w]

고맙습니다.

[@davidjsouth231]

I saw him at WW2 expo in Reading, PA. The battery on my camera died as soon as I walked in the gate. I didn’t have a smartphone then

[@tracymesser296]

BUMMER!!

[@Doyledidit]

Awesome!

[@SunnyIlha]

And many wisdoms.

[@Loneranger670]

Respect 👊🏻 from one paratrooper to another.

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

This ain’t about you.

[@Loneranger670]

@@JohnDavis-yz9nq - never said it was. Now piss off.

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

@@Loneranger670 why did you have to bring you in it? You are a narcissist. Everything has to be about you doesn’t it. I am sure that your ex wives would agree. Now you piss off.

[@Loneranger670]

@@JohnDavis-yz9nq Yes they most probably would agree with you because you are a Simp. Pity this is virtual since you dont have the balls to confront people in real life. You will note that you started this. I was simply paying my respects to a fellow paratrooper - something you would know nothing about

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

@@Loneranger670 if the truth was known the closest you have come to being a paratrooper is falling out of a tree when you was a kid. You would not make a pimple on this old veteran’s ass. Stop trying to be something that you are not.

[@jamesbetker6862]

My mother told me that during the Great Depression they all got coal in their stockings at Christmas time since the family had no money to buy gifts.

[@tommythompsonsurfer]

only bad kids.got a lump of coal>. good families had deep love....gifts very simpler and love of family and AMERICA!!!

[@jamesbetker6862]

@@tommythompsonsurfer I think you misunderstand what the Great Depression was and how it came about. The family I speak of had no money to buy gifts for the children. When they needed shoe repairs the father cobbled the shoes himself since they had no money to pay for professional repairs. The Great Depression happened after the stock market crash of 1929. Then the banks refused to make loans and the money in circulation decreased markedly. When banks make loans they only need 10% on deposit. The other 90% is created out of thin air. As the loan is paid off the money is extinguished. But the bank makes its money on the front end of the loan. That is why I call them banksters since they are gangsters disguised as legitimate businessmen. The process I just described is known as the Fractional Reserve system of banking.

[@TEXCAP]

@@jamesbetker6862 Sir. My old mother still warns me that that's all we may find in our stockings every year. I bet those were some tough years. She also lost a brother in WW2

[@BillMcSwain]

I went to Jump School in June of 07. 3 weeks of harsh training, but had a blast! I wouldn't trade it for the world! DEATH FROM ABOVE!

[@The.Original.Potatocakes]

love the speech, why not just let him talk for 3-5 hours uninterrupted ?

[@dropzonewarzone5251]

I agree the host was probably another college educated fool with that overlord mentality we see so much of in this marxist indocrinated country.

[@larryb982]

R. I P.

[@37Dionysos]

THANKS for this. Can only complain that people ought to have all the time they want to talk---who are these "adults" who tell us we have to stop now? Really, why? So you can get back to the TV?

[@EricRush]

The officer who killed his sergeant at 57:25 was Ronald Speirs. It is fully described in Speirs' biography "Fierce Valor" by Jared Frederick and Erik Dorr.

[@kohnbonn9744]

Jim's the man.

[@craighorton9398]

Big brother..