He Destroyed Two Tanks With a Bazooka at the Battle of the Bulge | Albert Darago

19-Year-Old Private Albert Darago was a fuse-cutter on a 90mm antiaircraft gun for the mobile 143d Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion. By the time he arrived at the Battle of the Bulge, he had never fired a bazooka before. After be asking by his leadership, he crept down a long, open hill with a loaded bazooka, figuring that he was going to die. He peeked over the top of a hedge and, at a distance of a few yards, fired at a German tank, disabling it.
He then ran back up the hill under heavy fire. He reloaded and proceeded to go back and destroy another tank with his bazooka. For his heroism, Pvt. Darago was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest award for valor, after the Medal of Honor.
Pvt. Albert A. Darago, Jr. passed away on December 22, 2020.
Recorded on May 10, 2017
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[@roysmith3767]

Search . ' Never Forget USS Liberty . '

[@mwhitelaw8569]

Done You folks are wonderful for doing these with these fellas. It's why we got what we got here today GOD BLESS AMERICA

[@ericsainte290]

This man and his comrades are the reason why I am living today in a free Belgium. They gave us back our freedom at the highest of costs : the blood of heroes !

[@estebanmiguel6019]

We’ll said. Watch a KZbin video about Vincent Sparanza, it’ll blow you away.

[@dosidicusgigas1376]

@@billywylie3288 they definitely lost ww2. And Nazis did not move to Israel. You're referring to operation paperclip which the US did to bring in German scientists, not nazi ideologues and sympathizers.

[@dosidicusgigas1376]

@@billywylie3288 Pretty sure al quaedas finger prints are all over 911 but you do you man

[@Betroid]

Russians were more antiheros during ww2

[@jesseroberts3115]

It's so nice to hear that appreciation from a Belgian, all peoples on this earth deserve freedom no matter the cost

[@MeMuppet444]

I lost my Grandpa at Anzio Italy and every time I see one of these interviews I feel closer to him. Thank you for this posting.

[@richarddainty2855]

A man who is more worthy of respect and admiration than any royalty, monarch or leaders.

[@joandar1]

It is a shame that I can only leave one like for this MANS BRAVERY to save Freedom and Democracy! I Salute you Sir from John, Australia.

[@phild8095]

I grew up in a baby boomer neighborhood. We had so many verterans of WWII as fathers in the neighborhood. I had uncles serve in WWII. None of them, uncles, fathers in the neighborhood, none ever bragged about their service. But in the quiet times, if you listened to them talk with each other they would tell stories about the heroes they served with. They would share their tools, help paint or roof each other's house, help pour concrete, help run wires, and play softball on Thursday nights. They worked hard, played hard, drank hard, prayed hard. They shared a love for each other even though they came from different branches or units. Damn few of them left. Less than one quarter million Americans left. About six of every ten thousand Americans. If you see one, thank them.

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[@walter2990]

Very well stated, and I've never really thought about it like that before, thank you. I remember those types of men of my childhood.

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[@Hillbillyz1]

I also grew up in a neighborhood like that. It sure was a good life, miss it a lot.

[@Duke_Jonnynocksville]

I was born on an Air Force base in 1956 and lived within walking distance of a military base until I got out of high school. Most of my friends growing up were all military dependents. I had a lot of friends whose mother was either British, French, Italian and even some German war brides. I had one friend whose mother was Japanese and married his father during the occupation of Japan. I only know 1 WWII veteran who is still alive, my Uncle who just turned 96. He served on the Saratoga in the pacific. LIke you say, those WWII veterans were special guys. We owe them a lot

[@rowancoggins9638]

What a bloody legend of a man. God bless that whole generation, from many countries that fought and bled, for a dream of freedom for all.

[@1949LA-ARCH]

My father was a 1Lt. USAAF he also had 4 brothers in WWII. FIVE BOYS from the same family. RIP Dad ! The GREATEST GENERATION……RESPECT ❤

[@badnewsbruner]

What a badass! His generation broke the mold, absolute legends, every last one of them.

[@Stevesautopartsify]

Courage, Bravery, Honor, and Love for their country is what these men were filled with!!! Nothing but the absolute most respect for them!

[@roysmith3767]

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[@mitchellzajac4059]

Unfortunately Not what u get these days

[@kilok9599]

Absolutely love how you are capturing his story. These stories should not be forgotten. Much respect!!

[@BEACH.LUVER101]

We honestly need to get as many more stories from these guys as soon as possible, they are from such a selfless generation that went to fight for us all over the world. Now they are a dying breed and as many stories need to be preserved.

[@terrysmith4831]

Thank you for your service to our country 🇺🇸

[@oledahammer8393]

I had 4 Uncles in WWII. My Uncle Bill was 82nd Airborne in D-Day and the Bulge. I'm amazed anyone survived all that. To say they were brave is an understatement. God bless them all.

[@readelundy7620]

My grandpa and his 4 brothers all served in WW2. The greatest generation!! Thank you!🇺🇸🫡

[@steveboor1119]

Thank you ❤️. Semper Fidelis.

[@aust1ntexas235]

“I think every American Soldier Ive ever met does nothing but his best because of the wonders of this country”

[@tsiyon12]

I’ve both served and mingled with combat units of other countries. In most cases, yes there may be some altruistic motivation such as serving something greater than self. Practically, it wasn’t even a consideration for me. Looking out for your brothers and them looking out for you is king. Get the job done, no one is left behind, everyone gets to come back home. That’s all that mattered.

[@roysmith3767]

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[@emmgeevideo]

It would be nice if the same could be said of elected Senators and Representatives.

[@edwinsalau150]

@@tsiyon12 once you get in combat. before that we have no idea what it is or about. No matter how much training or how realistic it is!

[@tsiyon12]

@@edwinsalau150 and you’re telling me this because?

[@wayneblackwell1476]

Such a brave man,and you can really tell what a good heart he has in his compassion for the wounded men.

[@jfm562]

Well done Sir. We're Proud of You! You and your Brothers in Arms saved the World! Thank You.

[@roysmith3767]

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[@DRFelGood]

Thank You for your service, sacrifice and courage for freedom Sir 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@edwardp.sullivan6682]

I grew up with three WW II Combat Vets, My Dad was aboard Enterprise in the Pacific, My Uncle Gene was with the 101st from Normandy to Berchtesgaden, and my family’s Best friend, Herb Cohan was with 1st ID from Normandy to Liberation and he stayed in the Occupation and met his Wife, Marcia in one of the Recovery Camps, she had tattooed numbers on her left forearm……one of the nicest ladies I have ever encountered in my life. Those men taught my Brother and I , just by talking, doing shots and beers, how to survive in combat. Both of us had three Combat Tours and we both Retired as E-9s, Brother a CMC and I a CSM!!!!!!

[@jmsgridiron5628]

CMC? I know what a CSM is but I'm not familiar with the other one.

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' Never Forget USS Liberty . '

[@edwardp.sullivan6682]

@@jmsgridiron5628 Command Master Chief (Navy)

[@howardkey6152]

He isn’t most proud of his service or even winning the war but helping others in need. A lost generation of great men.

[@cmaugle]

My great uncle was a tank destroyer and POW in France. My great aunt even got a telegram saying he was killed before the red cross found him. He had some crazy stories and was one of the reasons I served.

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[@DogeickBateman]

@@roysmith3767 Naw

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[@muratgirrey74]

Absolute legend

[@dennisnaderhoff2008]

This man is a hero, to all human beings of his time and all born after forever.

[@johnny5805]

Except to the many parents of the German Infantrymen he killed.

[@Matt-xc6sp]

@@johnny5805 Well either they shouldn’t have been Nazis or they should have fought better

[@davidca96]

Thank You sir for what you did for all of us and all of Europe.

[@oyvey1155]

lol

[@ottoso7044]

Couldn’t even imagine being 18/19 at combat! 🇺🇸 my grandpa was In the 173rd in Vietnam @ 18 yrs .. thank all veterans !

[@Earth11111]

My grandpa turned 18 on the battle field in Korea war

[@ottoso7044]

@@Earth11111 such an honor to be related to someone with such huge ass balls

[@roysmith3767]

' Never Forget USS Liberty . '

[@gulliver3644]

I was with the 173 in Vietnam. 2nd Bat 503rd. 19 when I got there and turned 21 in 1968 when I left. Outstanding men.

[@Earth11111]

@@gulliver3644 well salute you brother man!!! So you spend what a year and Half there? I’m assuming you didn’t get there right on your 19th bday and left on your 21st?

[@johndilday1846]

My dad served in WW2 in the ETO, as a member of the 127th AAA gun battalion and was also in the Battle of the Bulge. He told amazing stories of his experiences. Thanks for your service.

[@danhillman4523]

I had 5 Uncles in WWll. One that never stayed married or had children of his own left me all of his war stuff. He started out in the 90th Div. and somehow ended up in the 11h AD 63AIB He survived he war but died in 1972 at only 50 and while he was a nice man, he was never the same after the war. I recall seeing him cry too, and this video really hit home. Thank you, Sir.

[@johnspizziri1919]

Thank you for your service, soldier.

[@sonyascott6114]

I had 5 uncle's in the WW2.3 were in Europe,2 in the Pacific.Uncle Shirley was in the 3 Rd armor in the bulge.He once told me while being in a foxhole,he could hear Germans talking a few feet away.He said the U.S.soldiers killed a lot more than they lost.He said one day at noon there were 600 men in his battalion,and the next day there was 200 left.He also told me there was a lot of small action fighting going on around the clock.He said one day he did nothing but throw hand grenades all day long until he couldn't raise his hand.He said U.S.soldiers fought to the death in place if need be after hearing about the murders of soldiers at malmady.He fought thru north Africa,Sicily,Italy,and Germany.He was in the po valley in Italy,one of the most deadly tank battles in italy,and survived.He came home in 45,a year later joined the air force and retired after 20 yrs.He passed in 1994.He had a great sense of humor considering what he went thr.

[@roysmith3767]

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[@UncutSavage9858]

Wow..that's many. Since WW2..my Granddad,Dad and Uncle ..and brother went to the military..I thought I would be the next to serve but it just didn't work out that way.

[@linkslayer15]

He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said. He said.

[@UncutSavage9858]

@@linkslayer15 . There is much to be said by someone who experienced what they experienced..

[@sonyascott6114]

@@linkslayer15 He said you had a sense of humor!

[@Solhai]

Thank you for recording these stories and listening to adamantly to these veterans. Their service lives on always.

[@roysmith3767]

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[@kevdadd1976]

I absolutely love these old stories, such a pleasure.

[@trevergoick9341]

God Bless you Sir! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@xvomthemadd5910]

Thank you for your service and for sharing this story with us i know i dont know you but i love you dude

[@holdfast7182]

19 years old and he says, "If I'm gonna die, might as well be now." Good God, how this country could use men like this now.

[@roysmith3767]

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[@sam8404]

@@roysmith3767 sounds like some conspiracy theory bs.

[@roysmith3767]

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[@sam8404]

@@roysmith3767 do you know where D.B. Cooper is too?

[@turtlesarecool1488]

We already have those 19 year olds currently enlisted. That doesn't mean we use them in a justifiable manor

[@christopherbrodie6987]

Sir you are a real hero, Thank you

[@Dubi2062]

Thank you, Al.

[@rikijett310]

Sir thank you endlessly for your service and may God bless you always!!!!! ✝️🇺🇸✝️

[@DRFelGood]

America Hero, Thank you for your service, sacrifice and courage for freedom 🇺🇸

[@MrGp3po]

Amazing story and amazing men. God bless this man and those like him.

[@hopeshefloats8489]

He's a sharp man his clarity is amazing for his age along with him memory we are blessed

[@Nighthawk1966]

God bless you and thank you for everything !!

[@zacharycrago2753]

My great grandfather was in the 5th infantry division. Told me many stories about when they crossed the Rhine at Oppenheim. Said that was the most brutal fighting he witnessed, even more so than when they got close to Berlin.

[@UncutSavage9858]

Yeah..those Germans could fight like crazy..but then..so could we..no other choice if survival is the main thing..it's a sink or swim type if thing in a way.

[@chillis28]

Much respect Sir!!

[@TJ-USMC]

"Semper-Fi Sir !!!"

[@dave3156]

Another brave soldier of the Greatest Generation. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[@kevinpritchard3592]

WOW, just WOW, Thank you Sir

[@RichardBietz]

These are special stories that every American should remember My grandfather served in New Guinea, Japan, thank you!

[@roysmith3767]

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[@markstine781]

Much love for what these men did.

[@srnordli]

That man is a HERO! Thank goodness he is an American!

[@stuontwo677]

Why not any other nation of the allied forces? Were they not all heroes or was it just the americans ?

[@srnordli]

@@stuontwo677 why don’t you come up with some? I would love to read about the thousands+ of heroes from each of the allied services. I’m sure their stories would be just as motivating.

[@christopherc3017]

Thank you for sharing. My grandfather was 13th army air. But his brother was 3rd armored. He got injured around the time of the bulge.They’ve both been gone 20 years now. I enjoy sharing this with my children to show what my grandfather was explaining to me when I was young.

[@roysmith3767]

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[@christopherc3017]

@@roysmith3767 thank you

[@drbrown300]

Thank you for your service! I wish that I knew your name and rank so that I could address you properly. Thank you for sharing that incredible story of courage. You are a hero! Those 2 tank kills saved a lot of lives. You are a forever member of the Greatest Generation, and for what you have all done and accomplished, I salute you, each and every one of you. God bless you! 🙏

[@dennispfeifer7788]

He prefered to be a life saver and not a life taker! Good man!

[@roysmith3767]

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[@tammiea8552]

My grandfather fought with Patton at the Battle of the Buldge. I would've loved to have talked to him.

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[@mikeholland1031]

@@roysmith3767 what's your problem? You put this on almost every comment

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[@roysmith3767]

@@mikeholland1031 What seems to be your problem . Truth hurts ,but it is Lies that kills . You need to wake up

[@rcnewman51.]

When I was a kid my parents and I would go to a rod and gun/ sportsman’s club (mainly to fish, only had an archery range but had access to the main river which was nice) there was a man there who fought in the battle of the bulge. Everyone nicknamed him “safety bob” because he was always keeping an eye out to make sure you were doing things correctly, and he would let you know if you weren’t. I remember he got mad at a group of kids and myself for not having life jackets on the docks. At the time I thought he was just being an ass, but I didn’t know any better I was 7. I can’t imagine what he has to go through and can completely understand why he was so vigilant about those things. The respect I have for that man is indescribable, hell for anyone to serve but let alone see combat and to of that degree.

[@mikeholland1031]

How does his military service have anything to do with crying about lifejackets?

[@chris77jay77]

Damn he had to be close to get two kills with a bazooka. What a badass.

[@danielreichert2025]

Thank you for your service ❤️

[@seanohare5488]

A true hero I salute you sir

[@anlerden4851]

Thank You so much for your service Dear American Sir , I love American Veterans Center Program so much.😊😇🥰😍🤗🙏❤🤍💙✝☦☮

[@roysmith3767]

' Never Forget USS Liberty . '

[@jerryjustice8803]

This country doesn't deserve a man such as this. A hero in every sense of the word.

[@travisaldous2294]

Al was a dear friend of mine. great guy and so humble for having earned the Distinguished Service Cross

[@toddcameron6298]

Tank hunter 💪

[@alale923]

What a great man.

[@garymcaleer6112]

My uncle Don was in the Bulge. He was one of only two out of his company to survive. His training as a sniper was key.

[@tallspaniard1]

This man is and will always be a big part of The Greatest Generation …. These men served their country for $20. a month and never complained !

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[@jimshoe402]

I Tink my Dad made $50 Navy..

[@thomasquinnan8238]

Thank you sir we all owe you a lot for keeping us free.

[@justonemori]

Hey man nice shot!

[@georgeescaped6035]

A true hero I salute you Sir !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank You For Your Service !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@williammarsh2713]

God Bless you. And e every one who you fought with.

[@bananaboy482]

Absolutely incredible. What a great good it is that these stories can be preserved in such a way

[@PL-rf4hy]

What did you do today? "Well, I knocked out two tanks and kept the Lieutenant from bleeding to death." "Oh, that's fine." Another day in the Army.

[@roysmith3767]

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[@rileydavis435]

I met a man in hot springs village Arkansas that was in that battle and he had Purple Heart. He passed server years ago he was a interesting man to talk too

[@roysmith3767]

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[@Kate-wu9if]

Heartfelt thanks sir! Ty so much for your service in the battle of good vs's evil..we will never forget..God Bless you

[@josephkasprzyk4758]

God bless this man!! Nobody today is anything like him!!

[@UncutSavage9858]

I honor this warrior ..he reminds me of my granddad..only my granddad was a radar operator in a three man crew on a P- 61 and possibly other medium fighter bombers at New Guinea. They might not say it..but they don't think fighting is right though they understand it might have to be necessary. I'm fortunate to have known my granddad..fortunate that he made it back home.

[@roysmith3767]

' Never Forget USS Liberty . '

[@DavidPruittTV]

I hope that gentleman like this man have peace today and in the after life. Gentle soul's!

[@dutchymon]

An old German with one arm (lost in WWII battle) once told me, "the thing that baffled os Germans the most about you Americans was your complete unpredictability".

[@seanodwyer4322]

Dutch- ahhh knew a german who since 1944 could only eat soft porridge and nothing else cause he had a dum-dum bullet shot into his stomach. - inmagine been forced too hav a retricted diet cause off war. He an idol for the vegans and perhaps vegetarians out there.

[@roysmith3767]

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[@formerparatrooper]

@@roysmith3767 WHY, do you have an agenda?

[@charlesrs]

@@roysmith3767 The day our dammed fool government got Americans killed because we were eavesdropping on Israel's military communications

[@charlesrs]

@@formerparatrooper he's a jew hater that what The USS liberty was the fault of the US Government we were eavesdropping on the Israel military communications during the sixday war and sharing what we learned with the British the sailors paid the price that the jackasses in Washington should have paid

[@MasonCatalone]

Thank you, #GarySiniseFoundation!

[@russbarker2727]

From New Zealand. Thank you for your service Sir.

[@davebarrowcliffe1289]

I wish I could've got my grandad to talk about the war. He signed up in the Army in 1939, all his mates got killed at Narvik, he missed it because he got glandular fever, he got two home leaves between 1939 and 1945 with a wife and two toddlers, he got in trouble for going awol to see them, he was then trained up as a radio operator, so he got transferred to the Navy, who were short of comms guys, he served on ships out of the port of Trincomalee in Ceylon and he spent all his post-war gratuity on cigarettes. That's ALL the information I managed to wheedle out of him. He always changed the damn' subject!

[@derrick8341]

My great uncle fought in WW2. The only time he would talk about it was when he was drinking and all he would say is that it was terrible

[@johnspizziri1919]

You poor brits who had to fight for 6 hard years. Its a miracle all those boys weren't insane afterwards.

[@roysmith3767]

' Never Forget USS Liberty . '

[@milamguthrie7457]

I wish I would have met my grandfather and talked to him about the war. Unfortunately he passed it the late 80s. He was at the Nuremberg trials and saw all the Göring and all the other bigwigs on trial.

[@davebarrowcliffe1289]

@@johnspizziri1919 My Gran went psychosomatically blind with worry while he was away.

[@darthsilversith667]

Thank you for your service. I’m sorry we’re throwing away what you fought for.

[@danielwykowski6069]

God bless this man for what he went tbrough and what he did. My Dad served in the pacific.

[@HistoryOnTheLoose]

Bless this man and all who serve.

[@richardrogerson2383]

Sir, I salute you. Thank you for your service my grandfather served aboard the USS Basset (APD-73).

[@nolinwaterhouse9615]

It blows my mind how all these WWII Veterans can recall the war so vividly and yet I cannot remember what I ate last night. Great men

[@garymorris5974]

Thanks to all Vets✌

[@Joshtow167]

It saddens me deeply that these guys are passing I'm not sure about this gentleman. But when talk keep them ears open as I'm sure most do. The greatest generations gives people hope for a what a nation should and could be again. Utterly discussed at the moment. Anyway God bless

[@roysmith3767]

' The Day Israel Attacked America . '

[@rtrobinson88321]

Thank you for your service Mr. Darago. God bless you

[@stevedoyel]

You’re a hero, sir. God bless you.

[@kristoffersmith8289]

Good on you mate...

[@stevetaterus8303]

Real American hero, very moving account, superhuman bravery

[@aaronthomas8834]

I think that might have been my grandfather. They landed D-day +6 and of the two or three times he talked about his time in the war he told me that exact story. That he jumped on the gun atop the truck and started blasting at the Messerschmitts… they had pulled off the road behind the berms that were along the side of the roads for just such an occasion and a German plane was flying overhead and they hadn’t been spotted yet. Everyone jumped down to take cover but my grandfather jumped on the 50 (I think he said it was a Ma Deuce) and said that he knew if he just trained the weapon on one spot and started shooting that the plane would fly right into his rounds. When the plane came around he let loose with the gun and everyone just about crawled on themselves because they thought the plane was strafing them. He said his Lt… said, “THOMAS!, IF YOU EVER DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT AGAIN ILL SHOOT YOU MYSELF!” My grandfather had just a few stories and he only started telling us about them when my brother joined the Army and I joined the Marine Corps on Sept 11…

[@Perichoresis777]

Thank you for sharing. Find out as much as you can from your surviving family members while you can! For instance, find out about your great uncle, and confirm if this story is about him and your grandpa.

[@aaron6178]

Bless that man.

[@dorianculver3145]

Outstanding sir! Thank you for your service

[@Robert-py4ce]

Amazing stories of individual heroism abound throughout the war, I’m absolutely humbled when I hear them.

[@ems7500]

Man gave up his best years to fight for human decency and for what’s good, good on em

[@jwrn4u]

When I came back from desert storm they called us heroes, this guy here, now that is a hero, wow

[@irafair3015]

Don't sell yourself short. I'm proud of you too. Thank you for your service.

[@kcender3771]

Man, you are the best. So impressed. I'm so glad you lived and thanks for our freedom.

[@sinclairmarcus]

A great man respect from New Zealand