German Defenses of Utah Beach | History Traveler Episode 51

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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

[@briandrouillard6896]

The History Underground I went to all beaches you've mentioned, for 75th anniversary! Stayed in Grand Camp Maisy I COULD FEEL YOU man

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I stumbled onto this video. Glad I did! 👍

[@dandare1754]

Those unknown structures you referred to, I believe were flame throwers. Also the Higgins boat is the one used in Saving Private Ryan. I think the cupola areas too small for mortars. Single manned so unlikely to hold MG42. More likely a soldier with a schmeisser.

[@philippepetain8071]

Dan Dare you are correct about the cupola, as there is a metal railing around the top for the MG

[@butchmonster8031]

the bunker at 6:30 and others could be tank turret bunkers, they used a lot of turrets off the captured obsolete tanks as stationary defenses.

[@357lockdown]

The guys who stepped out of those landing craft, and started their way up the beach, were the bravest men that ever lived in my opinion. How do we even begin to thank them?

[@jamesbrunk9817]

I thank my lucky stars that my Dad was a part of the effort on Utah Beach and that it was off course and lightly defended. He landed and fought his way into Germany in the campaign before being relieved. He was present at the both Bulge and also the Huertgen Forest battles, receiving both a Silver Star with Oak Leaf Clusters and a Bronze Star with Oak Lead Clusters along the way. I visited Utah Beach in 2023 to toast his memory.

[@amyjohnson5839]

My great-great Uncle Mark Johnson is buried in the American cemetery there at Corville. I got to go there in 2008. Best trip ever. I can't wait to go back.

[@JordanBlythe]

Went on a big rabbit trail and watched a handful of your videos today. This is what the History Channel should be. Top quality work, man. Thank you for producing this. Your wife is a great videographer, as well. Love the b-roll.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@bobgreenwood1066]

Thank you. It's amazing to see what those places look like today. I'm a disabled Vietnam veteran and my father fought in the Pacific in WWII. I'm proud to be an American. Thanks again. - Bob

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure. I'd love to get over to some of the Pacific War sites one of these days. Appreciate what you guys did over in Vietnam as well. Thanks!

[@guyatwood6969]

Thank you Bob Greenwood for your service to our great country. I hope you can get to see some of these historical sites some day. And I would like to thank your father for his service also. God bless you and your family and God bless America.

[@benjiarehart2878]

Thank you Bob for your service. My father, whose deceased now, fought with the 101st airborne. My stepfather, who is 95, and still living also fought in the Vietnam war, Korea, and WWII. Its men like you who we owe our freedom too. We will never forget.

[@joebell8422]

" Freedom is never free...."

[@adolfiehillarious6076]

THANKS BOB!

[@maggegene]

The only US Coast Guard serviceman to get a Medal of Honor was awarded for commanding a fleet of Higgins boats to rescue a group of marines at Guadalcanal. He used his boat to draw enemy fire to ensure the rest of the boats got away. His last words, he had been hit by enemy gunfire, were "Did they get off?" about a boat stuck on a reef. After his death, his mom joined the Ladies' Auxiliary, and insisted on going through basic, even though she was given a commission. Every time I see a Higgins boat, I think of Douglas Monroe. As a Coast Guard Vet, these boats have a special place in my heart because him.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@Jrr1976]

My grandfather stormed Utah Beach H- hour. The higgins boat came nowhere near the shore. They all had to jump out into deep water. Some guys didn't know how to swim and drown. All while being shelled. He dropped all his equipment and swimmed to shore. Ted Roosevelt Jr was there and really did say get off the beach keep moving.

[@benjiarehart2878]

Cant imagine being let out on that shore not knowing if you were going to make it or not. Thanks to all those brave men who gave their lives, and those who fought on that beach for our freedom. Thanks for the great video. Gives a lot more insight of what they came up against. My stepfather is 95, still alive, and fought in WWII. He was not on that beach, but I am proud that he served.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very cool. Could you send me an email please? And maybe mention your stepfather when you do. Have a quick question for you if you don’t mind.

[@eighmeeloo]

My uncle was part of the crew on a Higgins on D-day. After seeing all the sacrifices during that operation, he spent the remainder of the war on submarine duty. Thanks for taking me on this adventure.

[@kenrowe5809]

It must have been terrifying at the front of the Higgings boats, hearing bullets clatter the front, and your just waiting for it to drop. Very very brave men, we owe them so much. Great video yet again. 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. Crazy what those guys faced on that day and the days after. The veterans that I've talked to say that when it really got bad was in the days after when they were fighting in the hedgerows.

[@chrismaile637]

@Tazmar, Don't be an a$$. None of the men in those Higgins boats are alive anymore. Certainly not taking your freedom away.

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

It was and still is an honor to be one of the first to hit the beach and live to talk about it).

[@kob71]

@@3John-Bishop You must be a youngster, try and learn some sense.

[@jamesricker3997]

@@3John-Bishop you're forgiven to Spanish influenza pandemic was from 1918 to 1920 many of the men storm in Utah Beach went through the pandemic and they were patriotic enough to obey the quarantine laws.

[@gameram6382]

As a Brit its nice to give this beach sometime, you in Americans sometimes forget this beach. As its all about omaha. Great channel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@jimsmith965]

My dad landed on Utah beach D day+ 30. I had the honor of going there and see where the 8th Inf. Div. landed. It was an amazing trip. The museum is incredible. All the equipment there is original. Great video, thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! Very cool.

[@troystievater381]

jim karcher does the +30 mean thirty days after Dday?

[@jimsmith965]

@@troystievater381 Yes it does. I believe they landed on July 4th. As a dumb teenager I said to my dad that there wasn't much going on by then. All he said to me was "Oh there was plenty happening". I soon found out that the Allies hadn't broke out yet. He was wounded in combat (shot through the leg) awarded the purple heart while taking the Cherbourg area.

[@Flymurd]

My grandfather was there on D-Day. 237th Engineer Combat Battalion. He was supposed to have been in the second wave to hit the beach but ended up in the first wave because of the weather blowing them all off course. But the foul-up ended up allowing the 237th to complete their objectives way ahead of schedule, one of which was blasting two large holes in the seawall to allow troops and armor to advance off the beach. The 237th received the Distinguished Unit Badge (Presidential Unit Citation) for their actions that day. Thank you for this video.

[@bobross5580]

This is my favorite education channel! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@VolpeWhereAreYou]

It's an incredible beach! I recommend everyone to visit once

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed!

[@LuckyTheCat777]

sure if you got the money for it

[@nassermj7671]

If you could show the actual photos taken at landing as you shoot each beach, we can visualize the intensity of the moment vs the current calm. Great vids!

[@michaelthomas5121]

My Dad was a royal navy signals man that landed the American 4th infantry at Utah in a LCA off the LSI Empire Gauntlet

[@Theakker3B]

The circular Tobruks (or 'Ringstand' was the official name) was generally used for machineguns, as you can see the rail mount for a gun to swivel 360° at 6:35 and the step for the gunner to rise above the lip at 7:04. The octogonal-shaped Tobruks were the ones intended for mortars, as they are usually larger than the circular ones.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ah, thanks for the clarification. Appreciate that!

[@bassmaster3nj]

Such a shame that the younger generation doesn’t seem to appreciate the sacrifice that occurred on these beaches. God bless all those who gave so much so that we could enjoy the tremendous freedom and opportunity this country provides. Thank you for sharing this, your channel is excellent!

[@rrudydedogg3779]

How sure are we that the younger generation even knows of the sacrifices made for their freedom?

[@DaveSCameron]

Blame the teachers, parents and society!

[@peterfleming292]

I don't think it's fair to make a sweeping generalization about the younger generation not seeming to care for this portion of history. I'd love to see the age demographics of this channel, but one could surmise that out of a video with hundreds of thousands of views, there are still plenty of younger people who remain fascinated by and have a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those during this period.

[@Ghostface944]

@@DaveSCameron I’m young and my parents, teachers, and society has taught me and people my age tons about wwii and wwi, so i dunno what any of you are talking about…and seeing the younger generation is more respectful of the environment, I’d love to know the age of the people using these sites as trash cans

[@DaveSCameron]

@@Ghostface944 Good to hear, I wish it was across the board...

[@malcolmmeer9761]

Was there about 8 years ago right after Thanksgiving. My oldest son and I walked out to the waters edge just around 7AM. Walked out with eyes shielded as not to see much of anything. Closed my eyes and turned around to see what the soldiers saw when the ramp fell. Low tide,almost a mile back to the bunkers Can't believe what they went thru. Omaha beach La Fiere bridge Point du Hoc The causeway at La Fiere Bridge still gives me shudders and tears

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

You can hardly imagine it, can you? Humbling.

[@janssengm]

I did a personal tour of all the WW2 locations last July...and just amazed and speechless to think of the balls it took to do what those men did. Every place I went from Normandy, St Mer Eglese, Bastogne, Foy, Malmedy just left me speechless. Pont du Hoc and the German gun battery nearby were unreal and the craters by the battleships and bombs all over Pont du Hoc had to be incredible to witness. Glad I did it!!

[@jasonstachowski2932]

That sounds amazing. Is there a website or anything for that service?

[@winnifredforbes8712]

What an experience!

[@TheGeoKing22]

But did you go to the Caucasus?

[@daboss2138]

I am really glad u were able to come to Europe to film all of these videos despite the current Corona situation. Really interesting stuff you are putting out. Keep it up

[@braxtoncreakbaum4582]

These videos are just great. Many of my family was in the Airborne and Marines during the last Great War.

[@kysersose3924]

This is the first video I have ever seen dedicated to Utah beach. Maybe they are out there, but I haven't seen it. Another outstanding video in a long line of outstanding videos. Bravo Sir.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it! Most of the focus seems to be on Omaha Beach and I wanted to make sure that Utah was shown as well because like you, I hadn't seen much on KZbin on it. Got some other videos on this channel that you might like as well.

[@louisjones4644]

I was lucky enough to visit these beaches when I went to Normandy to see the bayeux tapestry and went and visited these beaches. Its a very ery place to be it has a feeling that words can't really discribe. Big respect to all those men who fought on that day and all through the war 🙏

[@VoiceMessage]

Very well produced! I love the music! It flows perfectly, I did the same thing you are doing in the summer of 2019. Really humbling experience.

[@DanPowers-r8h]

Here's the way my Dad told it: “The Navy provided a nice turkey dinner the night before, unfortunately, for some, it would be their last meal. Naval guns started shelling before 6 AM and the landing crafts started to load soldiers. We had to climb out of the ship, down a rope ladder, with full gear and ammunition and hope you didn’t fall into the water-I couldn’t swim so I held on with a death grip for sure. I carried a heavier load than most-I had 30 lbs. of plastic explosive on my back that I was going to use to blow up the beach obstacles-this was not going to be a fun day for sure. For most of us, this would be our first experience in combat-all the training in the world can’t prepare you for the real thing….and we were all scared.” “Boy it was loud with the naval bombardment and there were airplanes flying over-so many I thought I could have walked across the sky on their wings. I came in on the 5th wave of landings on Utah Beach-it was a flat beach, about 100 yard run to cover, we were sitting ducks for any gun emplacement the Germans had. The driver of the Higgins Boat we were on, beached the landing craft (none of us got our feet wet) and pulls the 30-caliber machine gun off the boat mount and comes off the boat with us laying down cover fire as he charged forward. I hear him say,” I’ve been dying to try this thing out-good luck to you all!”. Never saw him again-he was brave soldier and I hope he survived the War”. “Since the tides had changed and we had landed later than expected, clearing the beach using explosives was nixed. We just start working our way into France. We ended up 6 miles inland by nightfall. Sounds impressive but you knew if the Germans mounted a counter offensive, we were going to have sprint those 6 miles back to the coast.” I did ask Eddy about the plastic explosives he carried in-what ever happened to it? He replied with a smile on his face: “Yeah, never got to use it on the Beach, but there were a number of pillboxes (German gun emplacements that got the “benefit” of those charges. I figured a way to combine the smaller charges into much larger charges that were very efficient on blowing up the concrete walls that protected the guns and surprise the German soldiers inside.” RIP Dad, and thanks to you and all the other soldiers and sailor that made the D-Day landing. You will never be forgotten.

[@IllllIIIIllIlllIIl]

I walked those sands as well it is pretty cool knowing those pictures were taken right where your walking

[@UnderMyBrim]

Stuff like this makes me emotional. I’m glad I found your channel. You’re doing a great thing

[@colleenbechtel7148]

My 97 year old father landed on Utah on D-Day +1. He was an anti-aircraft gunner on a half-track. He said that for him and his unit, Hell started in the hedgerows.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Colleen Bechtel - Oh my goodness! That is amazing. Is he still in good health?

[@colleenbechtel7148]

Up until this year he was climbing up steep river banks so he could fly fish, climbing the mountainside to their water tank, and splitting wood for their wood cook stove and main heat source. He doesn’t have the energy to do it anymore. However, if he gives you a hug, you could get some broken ribs. He is still very strong.

[@tonyclarke]

I have watched a few of your videos over the years, and I have to say the dedication and humility you put into them (admissions that you aren't the expert and then point to others as an example) is brilliant, just plain brilliant. Thanks for doing this and keep up the good work.

[@GunDrummer]

This is fascinating

[@randymeyers9014]

My Uncle, Pvt. George Leonard Meyers was there with the 4th Infantry Division. Killed in St.Loraine. France. 1944.

[@max.1030]

Randy Meyers we thank him for his sacrifices

[@mikebingham7189]

Sorry for your family's loss. My father was a B-24 belly gunner at age 17. He never talked about it. Yet he saved a lot of memorabilia stored in a cedar chest in an attic for years. All of it has been handed down to the grandsons and later great grandchildren. He had a beautiful leather flight jacket with colorful stitching. "Only the dead fear not war."

[@humphreeyy3726]

God bless his soul

[@benjiarehart2878]

Thankful for his service. He was one of the brave men who fought for our freedom.

[@braxtoncreakbaum4582]

Love the raider emblem.

[@history775]

Another great video from France 🇫🇷

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that. Got a few more and then we'll be in Belgium.

[@351wmustanggt]

I was there in July of 2019, also on Omaha Beach along with a visit to Point Du Hoc. Hard to describe the emotions those places bring out of a person when you are standing there. The beaches are beautiful and serene, very hard to imagine what took place. The place that brought out the tears is the American cemetary at Omaha. One of my favorite places we visited while there was Angoville-au-Plain and the church where the story of two youg U.S. medics took place. The church still has the blood stained pews in it. Look up the documentary called Eagles of Mercy.

[@etchisketch5090]

I was told that my great grandfather was on landing craft set to land at Utah where all of the crewman died or were unable to operate the craft before they reached the beach so my great grandfather and his comrades drove the boat the rest of the way to the beach just to face this.

[@itsmrpyro842]

Thank you for posting these videos. It is so fascinating to learn WWII history and to see the places where thousands of men fought for our very freedoms today. I found your channel today and I have been watching all day. Your extensive knowledge of the subject ties perfectly into the video, keep up the good work of preserving history. I hope I can one day take a trip and see all of these places.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Trampush Studios - Thanks! That’s appreciated more than you know. I should be posting videos twice a week throughout the duration of this France/Belgium series so be sure to subscribe to catch all the new content when it comes out. Again, thanks for the kind words.

[@bobgarr6246]

First , I'm surprised that no mention is made of the fact that the LCVP/ Higgins Boats were made out of plywood and offered little to no protection. Even the front ramp was not well suited to stop rifle or machinegun fire. I have an excellent book on the TOE of the German Armed Forces of WW2 which includes everything, and I mean everything. From uniforms, field kitchens, and detonators to prefab concrete firing positions, mines, and communications equipment to flamethrowers, vehicles, armor, gun enplacements and bunkers. So, when you were veiwing the inside of the bunker, you mentioned that the portal was likely for an MG42. As most of the troops on the Atlantic Wall were conscripted from occupied countries such as Poland, Estonia, Ukraine and the like they also stood an excellent chance of being armed with the older MG34, MG08 and captured equipment. I must also point out that the portal's opening had large bolts anchored into the concrete of it's face. This would indicate that a mount had been installed for a heavier gun, possibly a 20mm or slightly larger weapon. If you had looked you would have found that most all firing positions, pillboxes and bunkers had at the entry and firing port openings some type of grenade sump which prevented a tossed grenade from entering the position and killing it's occupants. The grenade would instead be channeled into a pit designed to prevent the blast from reaching the men inside. Sure it would be LOUD, VERY LOUD, but with all the firing of various types of weapons going on your hearing would have already have been compromised. I do find your walking history very interesting and well done and I commend you for it. It must be an overpowering and errie feeling to walk in the footsteps of where so very many brave men perished, on both sides. We should never forget the evil of the Nazis, but also remember that many were not, and were just men conscripted to fight for the lie their country had told them. To this extent they were only fighting for the men next to them and to stay alive. In the end DEATH DOES NOT make a distinction, the only thing it has in common with the other side is it's finality.

[@mcm95403]

excellent comment sir!

[@iHateTheAntiChrist]

what book is it, sounds interesting

[@bobgarr6246]

@@iHateTheAntiChrist the book is " handbook on german military forces "it is published as a declassified manuel by what was the U.S War Department. And was printed in the 90's I believe.

[@trilithon108]

I always wondered if the Allies could have had some sort of dense shield to be behind (would have weighed a lot) as they hit the beach but your mention of 20mm or larger weapons - forget it!

[@m.m14433]

This boat looks to be made out of metal in the video

[@nharp83]

I felt a shock run through my body when you stepped out on to Utah, much like if I was there. Thanks for sharing.

[@kenanlujnovic9642]

RESPECT FROM MY HEART

[@jeffreybarker9561]

Thank you so much for this wonderful price of history. It brought back memories of visiting Normandy with my father in August 1980. Dad as a twenty-three year old captain lead Battery A of the 65th Armored Field Artillery's landing on Utah Beach.

[@perryj8850]

Awesome. As always.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Perry J. - Thank you. I enjoyed putting this one together.

[@Davehash]

My grandfather came in four days after DDay on Utah. He was a cook. It's pretty cool to see the area he landed in and what he saw going in. Thank you for this.

[@eshelly4577]

You really do a fantastic job…great balance between respect facts and entertainment…well done

[@Charles-xe2qh]

Another good video. I shall check out those somewhat forgotten bunkers when I am next in Normandy. One of the great things about the Utah and Omaha beaches, and the countryside and villages behind them, is that they are little changed from D-Day. St Marie du Mont looks just like it did on D-Day.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I had the same thoughts. It felt like I was driving in 1944 at times. Very cool feeling.

[@misamone]

1:56 that location in front is a little bar where we had a cup of coffee in our trip through Normandy in April 2019. There are lots of messages of the solders who landed there that day and the days after the landings, written on the walls. The owner assured us that they are real. It appears the building hadn't suffered too much damage. It's really interesting to see it, it's like messages through time...

[@mcvb765]

What an incredible trip you have taken us on. Fantastic job. THANK YOU

[@pamelakern2849]

I feel lucky to be able to view your videos. You put your heart and soul in these videos!! This one was had fascinating information and wonderful footage. I was excited to see the harness horses . 🤩🤩

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pamela Kern -Ha! I was lucky to be there at the right time to catch those horses on the beach. Thank you for the kind words. I enjoyed putting this one together.

[@craigt9203]

Thank you for letting me see where my grandfather. Landed during World War II he was fourth quartermaster core Utah Beach to the rain river in Germany ! Men never spoke of much of what he saw during the war gave two stories to the family ripped up his paperwork destroyed his uniform passed away as most veterans do who don’t want to talk about very painful things they saw. I do not have the funds to see this in person I cannot thank you enough for letting me see it with limited funds please keep up the good work and show more on your channel. My grandfather died 83 years old in the late 90s respectfully I knew he never wanted to talk about it.🇺🇸🤔🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mweinbender]

Your vids are so well done, it's a real pleasure living history vicariously through you. Can't wait to go to the beaches for myself. Thanks again!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! So glad that you’re enjoying the content 🙂

[@Mike_Stramaglio]

Excellent videos. Thanks for sharing this. This is personal knowing what my brave family members, as many others in our nation, had to endure on D-day when they prepared for the ultimate sacrifice during WW2.

[@bobcrawford5083]

Thank you for these videos..shows just how brave those soldiers were..God Bless them all..as a US NAVY VET...I appreciate your time you took to do this and the money...thanks again Bob in Pgh.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That really means a lot. Thank you.

[@bobcrawford5083]

@@TheHistoryUnderground the way you talk and film these I would guess you are also a Vet?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

bob crawford - Nope. The Lord has a different path for me. History teacher. I just do a lot of reading and research. 🙂

[@bobcrawford5083]

@@TheHistoryUnderground well either way those of us who enjoy what you put up here understand your passion..we all need history...what grooms the future...thanks stay safe to you and yours

[@nmelkhunter1]

I’ve been making plans to visit Normandy and now I’m even more excited to go. My cousin lived in France as an exchange student and she said visiting Normandy was like walking on sacred ground.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Hope the videos help you with your planning.

[@alanobrien3736]

nmelkhunter1 Just a tip, make sure you stop for a coffee at the Roosevelt Cafe at Utah Beach. It looks closed in the video. (Its opposite the Higgin's Boat.) returning soldiers have left very moving messages on the interior walls of the cafe. You'll see some familiar names if you're a Band of Brothers fan.

[@nmelkhunter1]

I'll keep this in mind. Thank you!

[@sappalicious]

When you like the video before you even watch it cause you know it’s gonna be excellent lol

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

sappalicious - 👊🏻

[@calan101]

was just in the exact places you where in november, completely gives you a new perspective on the way these battles really went down.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so.

[@derekrohan9619]

Love the videos, I’m a huge history nerd. I’m also a combat vet and served in the 101st 1/506 easy co in Iraq in Ramadi. I wish I could do what your doing. So jealous. Keep em coming.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@hermanderidder508]

Thank for showing and sharing. Been to D-Day 50 and 75 years on, my goal is/was to pay my respects.

[@darthluke655]

Another excellent video. Loving this series

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that. Got a few more in France and then it's off to Belgium.

[@ashventures7946]

Enjoyed this a lot! The mixture of information and smooth b roll/drone shots is a nice combination 👍🏻 keep it up 😊

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kennethmay5624]

When I was there, last year on the 75th Anniversary, I waded out into the water to take pictures...water was cold and only up to above my knees....a moving experience. #lestweforget

[@someweirdguy5721]

My grandfather landed on that beach when he was just a kid. One of my family's famed heirlooms is a spoon he took from the lunch pack of the first life he took from that beach. It's so amazing to actually see this place finally.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

My dad went in at Utah Beach and no doubt saw many of the entrenchments you showed. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amazing what those guys accomplished.

[@donaldsavitski9433]

I'm from Gary Indiana and I enjoy your videos very much, I find myself watching them and in no time at all an hour or two have gone by. You are a very good host, keep up the good work 👍🏻🇺🇸😷

[@SueProv]

Great catching these videos. Love that memorial. so touching. Great video hard to believe all those men fighting in the now tranquil beauty of Utah beach. I live on Long Island and know Sagamore Hill [Teddy Roosevelt's home] like the back of my hand. It's one of my favorite places. Sharing these.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Sue Prov - Oh my gosh. Sagamore Hill is one of the top spots that I’m wanting to visit. Gonna try and put a trip together one of these days to see it.

[@SueProv]

@@TheHistoryUnderground It's worth it. It's near NYC so lots of history. George Washington was on LI as well during Revolutionary War. Maybe after alk the pandemic stuff. Good luck.

[@Monticello28]

Just found your channel today and I’m burning through your videos. Great idea and very well done

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Thank you! Glad that my ugly face hasn't kept you from moving on to the next video :)

[@johnnicatra570]

Great job brings back do many memories of my trip my son and I took in May of 2017.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Glad that you enjoyed it and that it brought back some fond memories. I hope to be able to take my kids there one day.

[@robertcompton5232]

Great video. My grandfathers were both at Utah with the 4th Infantry Division

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Robert Compton - Oh wow. That is amazing. Especially to have BOTH grandpas there. Hope that the video served to show a bit of what they saw. Thanks for sharing that!

[@robertcompton5232]

@@TheHistoryUnderground It was the best view of Utah I have ever seen. I can't wait to visit there myself one day

[@Jrr1976]

Great video my Grandfather, still alive a d kicking landed on Utah Beach first wave, stepped over Roosevelt, who was directing the men off the beach. He was in 4th division 8th infantry 2nd battalion Co G

[@robertcompton5232]

@@Jrr1976 Wow, you're so lucky to still have him. Mine were 4th ID 8th IR 3rd Bat H Company and 4th ID 12th IR 3rd Bat H Company respectively (if my memory is correct about the battalions)

[@Jrr1976]

Came across this video again. Grandpa cashed out 6-12-22 at 98 yrs old. We had our last visit and talk 6-6-22. ALL those guys were real men.

[@Mike1104USAA]

Just found your channel. I love WW2 history. Thank you for all the videos you’ve made. I hope someday I can visit these historical sites in person. It’s easy to tell your honored to physically be at these locations and understand what took place at the sites.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It really is something else to walk those grounds. Thanks so much for the kind words and for watching.

[@carlanderson2623]

Again, thank you so much for posting this @TheHistoryUnderground!

[@Shawnroberts1980]

Re-watching some of your older videos JD. Damn, they are so good. Gives me chills.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@tonyromano6220]

Very good of you to do this! Thanks for videos.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure!

[@amydarley3822]

I had the opportunity to take the full-day Battlebus tour in France out of Bayeux in 2004. Best travel experience ever. While at Omaha Beach a fellow tourist was put out at the beach activity which consisted of families picnicking, flying kites, and generally enjoying life. He felt it should be a somber place. Our tour guide set things right when he said all the guys who died here did it so these families could do exactly what they were doing. Enjoying life to the fullest.

[@geodes6722]

My father in law landed on that beach at H-Hour on June 6, 1944. He was with the 531st Engineer Shore Regiment of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade. My wife and I went back there for the 50th anniversary of D Day in June 1994. While there he pointed out to us the remnants of steel roadway that his unit laid on the beach. He also recalled seeing a German bunker with firing azimuths painted on the inside and we hunted for hours to try to locate this. When we went into the museum they had a glassed in area that looked down into the inside of a bunker. There as he said were the markings. The museum had been built right over the top of the bunker! More and more memories came back to him as we drove over to Ste Marie du Mont and Ste Mere Eglise. He was 30 years old when he landed on D Day. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 95.

[@judygrandstrand9784]

Fascinating. Great tribute to them. Thank you.

[@MjrCarnyx]

Beautiful episode again! As always, thanks for sharing :)

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@billdanosky]

6:45 That Tobruk looks like it was for an MG-34. The '34 allows the bipod to be placed in the rear position, close to the receiver, then the feet sit in that steel track you see ringing the "manhole".

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Kind of thinking it was something like that. Thanks!

[@Leatherneck1057]

I always enjoy these videos; they are so informative.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@justandrew3844]

Imagine going through what these men went through. That would take a lot of courage. Some men these days don’t even know which bathroom to use 🤦‍♀️

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

#perspective

[@benjiarehart2878]

Right!

[@mouthpiece200]

Yes took tons of courage. And also on the American side too.

[@lazyhead123]

Not sure why you feel the need to make this about gender identity issues. People like that were persecuted by the Nazis and liberated by the brave men you talk about

[@justandrew3844]

lazyhead123 just comparing men back then to men these days

[@billd.iniowa2263]

At 13:00 the "tobruk" you show may have had a one-man turret from a French tank in it. There is a lip around the edge that a turret ring could have fit into. I can't tell the diameter but this is only the second one I've seen in your videos with that lip. The Germans used everything they could salvage from conquered lands. The tank may not have been serviceable, so the turret would surely have been taken off and used in the Atlantic Wall defenses. This was a common practice. There were several French tanks crewed by Germans in Normandy. They took on roles of lesser importance to free up their Panzers.

[@gameram6382]

80th anniversary this year, we can never forget. 🇬🇧🇺🇲🇵🇱🇫🇷🇨🇦.

[@samiam261]

Thank so much for doing these videos. Hopefully younger people will watch these and get a better understanding of the sacrifices these men made for them.

[@Ganiscol]

5:55 - These Splitterschutzzellen or one to three men shelters were even built inside buildings! I've seen footage of such a thing inside the control room of a power plant - because power plants were popular targets too. 😅

[@kenreilly5308]

I was there in July of 2019, such a beautiful and serene place hard to imagine all that took place there.

[@tylerjohnson9949]

I appreciate you video series. I’ve long wanted to visit Europe to view these WW2 era locations. It’s going to happen someday, but until then I”ll be enjoying your content. Thanks again.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that you are enjoying them and that they are helpful.

[@alanhardcastle7176]

Excellent! Your'e a great presenter. Really enjoyed this.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you kindly!

[@BikerJim74]

Visited all the Normandy landing beaches last September, I'm happy to see your KZbin channel cover all this

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad to share it! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@allanlabay1433]

Oh my..!! Liberators are really a sitting duck at the Utah beach... W the mg 42 ..on sight... God bless their souls..🙏🙏🙏🙏 ..the hailed heroes of ww2 dday.. .. N a very nice beach on view ...tnx for the vdeo...scenery... Buddy..🙏👍

[@davidm469]

Thank you for these fascinating videos.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching and spreading the word!

[@conservativecarpenter1284]

I really like your videos, and you describe everything very well

[@thinghammer]

Another outstanding video. I'm really enjoying these. You must have some deep pockets!

[@brettlacy9973]

Was there in 2019. The Cafe outside the Higgins Boat Memorial is Amazing. Filled with Band of Brothers memorabilia. The Building was also a Farmhouse the Germans had converted into a Bunker that still exists on the back of the Cafe. The Museum there is also fantastic.

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

Fantastic. Just subscribed. The 6th of June was a full moon until the 9th and I believe that this was by no accident but on purpose. To assist with the landings and many other theories, why they attacked on a full moon. I found this very interesting. The moon has power, enough to effect our tides and even our personalities. Enhancing the course to victory. Thank you from Belfast Ireland.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for the kind words and for the extra info. Really hope to visit your country one day

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

@@TheHistoryUnderground No problem, I found your channel on recommendations feed and glad I clicked. Sharing stories and remembering is so important. I don't know if you know, 5 days before D day on the 1st of June 1944 a B 17 flying fortress crashed into Belfast, she crashed into Cave Hill near by our local zoo and I will be making a visit to the locations of this crash to see the plinth on the mountain side, dedicated to all men who died. It's a fantastic story, in 1998 a young man who was walking his dog found the wedding ring of the radio operator and was returned to the widow and was found here, about 25 minutes from my home. Crazy or what? Pleasure to talk to you brother.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Irish Technical Thinker - Holy smokes! That is crazy. Thanks for sharing that.

[@awy1977]

Thanks for these videos. I really enjoy hearing about the various bunkers and defenses. Would like to see more battle damage on these structures and your thoughts on how the damage was sustained. Naval fire, armor, small arms, etc. Great job, keep up the good work.

[@peterknoll3836]

Another great video. If you get back, you should check out the bunker complex at Azeville. I missed it the first time I was there, but found it when I was back last year, great find. Unexploded shell from one of the ships off of utah beach in one of the bunkers. Blew a hole in three feet of concrete and is still lying on the floor.....amazing....site is inland from utah beach

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Cool, thanks! I will definitely have that on the list for the next time around.

[@Mickcotton]

Thank you so much. My Grandpa was with Patton’s 3 Rd Div. but they came in from Africa & Italy. I have a lot of Original Photos I need to find out about how to save them.

[@s.t.3041]

Your videos are great. Thanks for all you do to help preserve history. What is apparent from this video, is that while it was lucky that the Utah force missed its landing zones, Utah was not nearly as heavily defended as was Omaha. The fortifications at Utah did not seem as numerous or as thoughtfully placed as they did on Omaha. But, as you said in your conclusion, lives were saved by that miscalculation and so it was a lucky one. Keep up the good work!

[@brutter602]

Great video. If you go there again and onto the beach, turn your camera back to look at the sand dune concrete retaining wall behind the museum. You will see that it is heavily pot marked from the incoming fire prior to the landing. Along this wall the freshly landed troops dug a trench to give themselves protection prior to moving inland. Also, when the tide is out you can see the remains of what possibly is a landing craft just poking out of the sand. I have been to Normandy many times and always learn something new . God bless all who fought for our freedom.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@davehoward2791]

My father-in-law landed on Utah Beach that day, and I remember him telling me they had it "Much easier than the boys on Utah". He never talked about it much, and I didn't push it. But he told me enough. They were the Greatest Generation, for sure. I sure miss him, a true man of honor.

[@davehoward2791]

Necramonium Yep, you're right, I had a brainfart. 👍

[@muzzafreef8250]

Enjoying your vids very much Thank you for the effort you put into them Greetings from Australia

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for watching! Really hope to get over to your part of globe one of these days.

[@anthonycoffer3633]

At 13:35 that is a 50mm pedestal gun bunker like the one by the Utah beach museum

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Anthony Coffer - Ahhhh. Thanks! I knew that it was something like that but didn’t know specifically. Appreciate the clarification.