Heroes of the Ardennes American Cemetery | History Traveler Episode 337

There's something special and humbling about visiting the military cemeteries. Not only does it give perspective and foster humility, but it's also a opportunity to learn. In this episode, we're visiting the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium and sharing footage of a special moment that we captured with a WWII veteran of the 4th Infantry Division.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
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[@roygarciaazborn64]

What really gets me emotional is when Veterans of WWII who are still with us visit the cemeteries where many of their friends, their comrades in arms who looked out for each other and a bond so tight that they were more like brothers remember with a sadness in their eyes and I believe that they still see their fallen brother as if it was yesterday. Great video J.D.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@jonsolomon4814]

This channel is a life lesson to all other generation’s that tells some of the stories that these young men went through for our freedom today. They fought so bravely so that not only we could be free but all the other countries and there people would be free. They truly were the strongest and bravest generation. Thanks, isn’t enough but we will never forget them.🇺🇸

[@Wreckdiver59]

I think probably one of the most moving stories I've read so far in Andrew's book was the first trip he brought two WWII veterans back to Italy and visited the cemetery and grave of one of the veterans fallen comrades. Heck of a book. Most people have no idea what these guys went through. There are so many untold stories of battles that took place but aren't widely known.

[@thomasroutson3046]

Thank you for the reverence and respect that you show in your videos. It is much appreciated!❤

[@sandykenuk]

As an English man with a father who thought in ww2, my father had great respect for these guys. And so do I.

[@dawnlefevre9172]

I get a lump in my throat every time with your visits and stories of the heroes in these cemeteries but shed some tears to watch a survivor stand among them and quietly remember.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@kennethwood2089]

Choked me up go see that warrior from the 4th "IVY DIVISON" pay his respects to a fallen comrade--what a snappy salute! He still HAD IT IN HIM! God continue to keep and bless him!

[@Dellboy56]

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” - George S. Patton, Jr.

[@PolsieDJ]

Great respect for that men for is tactics and skills, but he was wrong at this one. If you have never have time to mourn, then you are no men but a machine.

[@jetsons101]

JD, great back stories from the Greatest Generation. It seems that the American Cemeteries you visit in Europe are all so well maintained, hats off to the groundskeepers. Thanks again for keeping the history of the Greatest Generation alive........

[@rangerbull]

My first impression was how well kept the cemetary was.

[@TheRagratus]

What gets me is that the Europeans we liberated honor our falled more than most of us do ourselves.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, they do a great job there.

[@user-sz1dk4tw2o]

As an Army bandsman in my active duty career of just over 20 years, and 15 of those years having served in Europe, I had occasion to visit several American military cemeteries in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. There is no experience quite like seeing those rows of crosses and Stars of David. Humbled and with quiet respect, I walked through and, where and when appropriate, performed musically. In my opinion, the people of the Netherlands have honored American fallen far beyond what could be considered appropriate. J.D., if you get a chance, you may want to visit there if you haven't already. www.abmc.gov/Netherlands

[@helenabiesma5560]

a lovely remembrance and a place to rest of those again fallen for our freedom again never forgotten in these beautiful cemetery again indirectly reflecting this honorable way that we have not forgotten them and a beautiful stories of all these special people giving the ultimate sacrifice of their precious young lives - and may they rest in peace

[@skimmer8774]

Their stories are priceless and must be told , taught and recorded.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@308driver]

Went in 2019. Hollowed ground. Peace to all buried within it. Thank you.

[@HistoryWorldWar2Channel]

🙌

[@cii1072]

Really glad to see this video. Thanks for posting it. My mother's 1st Cousin was killed in World War II and is buried in this cemetery. I was in France and Belgium in 1974 and I visited his grave.

[@MrBradleyDavid]

I once served as an escort officer, bringing a deceased soldier home from overseas to his final resting place near his home and family. Veteran markers in the local cemetery, and National cemeteries are special places for me, as my family has learned. They all have stories to tell.

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Just started The Rifle 2 this morning. The story's about these American heroes is beyond incredible. The horrific events that so many experienced. Truly the greatest generation. God bless all of them. My flag flies 24/7/365. 🇺🇸

[@TheFamilyman7]

I'm something of a newbie to your channel but I've had a lot of respect for your work since I've accidentally discovered your channel. I'm an ex-USAF enlisted who was stationed at Soesterberg, NL betw '78 - '80 and I'm embarrassed of my profound ignorance of history then but gradually soaking up valuable info from your channel and a few others. This post really hit me for the sacrifices made by those who proceeded me a mere 35yrs before this 18yo set foot in that area. I have a lot to learn. Thank You for your work and for those who sacrificed for this Country.

[@cinemaparadiso1991]

I really love this channel. A lot of historical knowledge is gained when I watch your travels. The enormity of loss of lives of these very brave people stays with me. The respect you show during your travels stays with me as well. You are fortunate to be able to travel places where I will only be able to read about in books. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us on this channel.

[@Tld0026]

I could see the memories Mr. Ruser had while looking at the grave. Probably lots of confusing thoughts running through his mind.

[@ebonykids9991]

A big salute to my father Army Air Corp and my brother Army and by best friend Marine Corp.

[@paulopraieiro5947]

This channel is fantastic, really exciting stories. I'm Brazilian from São Paulo, I was at the FEB veterans cemetery in Pistoia-Italy, a place of respect, reverence, courage. We need to preserve the memory of the fighters who gave their lives for a freer world

[@chrisnichols4228]

My uncle was in Pattons’ Super Sixth tank division and fought at the Ardennes and the Battle of the Bulge. I have his DD-214 and had no idea how much he did in WWII because he never spoke about it. ❤

[@danielsibley2723]

OK, I held it till he saluted...then I was just done....great stuff again JD.

[@ejparker13]

Thanks for bearing witness. May there never be such need again

[@bords3838]

Thank you J.D. this is so moving and powerful. Those poor men. God bless them all. Thank you for bringing us closer to our American history.

[@Chris-Nico]

Thanks as always JD. Excellent 🇺🇸 I’ve been and walked thru this cemetery. Very much appreciate pointing out the graves of the MoH and, OSS agents, and the Tuskegee airman…. And their personal stories. They all fought for freedom and are my heroes…. 💪🇺🇸

[@erikguth4830]

Very great video. The crosses that “Known only to God”. Compared to the MOH recipients has to be nearly equal by the glory of honor itself. Nobody knows that man in that grave. Not his story or fallen sacrifices. That is deeply touching to this very day, at least to me. Thanks for filming this.

[@TheBeerdedGuy]

My great grandfather, Charles Urban Rapp, is buried there. Would love to visit someday.

[@pauldouglas3084]

Really enjoyed the video mate can't wait for the next episode of masters of the air

[@mhutchins27]

When i was a kid (early 1980’s) my grandfather used to take me to a small memorial day parade. My other grandfather was a USMC WWII vet so he thought it was important that i learned and paid respects. Back them, there was two, may be three very old men who rode in an old military vehicle at the front. I found out they were some of the last remaining WWI veterans. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but he explained when he was my age (1932) that there was 5-6 old men who were civil war veterans. I have been thinking about this experience a lot lately, how time moves so quickly and how wild it feels to know my grandfather shook hands with veterans of the Massachusetts volunteer regiment and conversed with them. I my self served 13 years, a total of 5 years spent in Iraq and it makes me think that one day I will be that old man, part of history. It wasn’t long ago, but my generation of veterans who fought OIF/OEF are pretty much all separated and today’s military is a different generation than mine. It took over 40 years but i finally love and appreciate these stories and feel so connected to all these warriors who fought for our flag.

[@84hurstoldsdude77]

I am from Racine Wisconsin . Jerstad-Agerholm middle school in Racine is named after John Jerstad and fellow Medal of Honot recipient Harold C Agerholm both Racine natives. Never Forget.

[@jeanamichelle]

Such beautiful grass grows atop some of our finest men. God bless them all for their sacrifice. My great grandpa served in the US ARMY 47th A.I.B 5th armored division in Central Europe, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace campaigns. He received 3 bronze stars and a medal of good conduct. I thank God that he survived. I would not have been born had he not survived. I am so proud of him. It's been an adventure trying to find out what he did during the war since he did not talk of it much when he returned home.

[@davidolien2828]

You bring these men to life. That is essential if we are to understand the cost of war. Thank you.

[@erikpeterson25]

Thanks for this 👍.....people in America today could use reminders of those who sacrificed in WW 2...

[@mikeivey8471]

These videos with the great veterans are simply amazing and so moving !! I truly love what you're doing!!! Please keep up the good work ?! God Bless Our Veterans !!!

[@baldophil1386]

Profond respect pour touts ces jeunes Hommes.

[@nannafrye9731]

Thank you, JD, for sharing the solemnity and serenity of this cemetery. My uncle, SSgt Benjamin A Frye, Jr. is buried there. His B-24 went down on Apr. 7, 1945, a time when the war was winding down and the family was looking forward to him coming home. My father could never speak about his beloved big brother but the flag ALWAYS flew on Memorial Day.

[@barbaramai7610]

Thank you for this very touching video, J.D. There were tears in my eyes at the end, especially when the visiting veteran paid tribute to his fallen comrade. My father served in WWII and I am very interested in the history and stories of that generation, which you so brilliantly tell. I have not watched all but many of your videos on WWII and have been impressed with your knowledge. I have learned a great deal through them. Thank you for keeping our history alive.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@geoffthiessen646]

I sure enjoy you giving us the narrative of these hero’s

[@Straydogger]

Everyone should read The Rifle and The Rifle 2. Fascinating stories told by the men who fought in WWII. Great books.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@UsGal65]

Thank you so much for going back, our weather is very unpredictable. Respect to the WWll hero who still proudly salutes, we can never thank you enough, Sir. So moving to see the cemetary where several of my "Godsons" are buried, still so well taken care of, so quiet and beautiful. I wish l could still go say hello and a prayer to my "Band of Brothers" there ❤ Lest we Forget. 🙏

[@1psychofan]

When he saluted the grave I teared up! Wow! We really have no idea how much has been sacrificed for our freedom! Thank you JD for reminding me to be forever grateful 🇺🇸❤️🙏

[@stephenrrose]

Humbled and emotional with this one! Brother, you do such great work, with respect, and reverence !!! As Mr. Ruser saluted, I found myself very emotional! God Bless them all! Your video captures the essence of the sacred ground you walk. Words cannot convey what they and their families went through, or still going through. Great Job JD! Thank you for keeping History Alive in a very touching way!

[@americanschweitzer45]

I know exactly how you mean folks feel when they loose someone near a holiday! My dad died 12/23 and it’s always there around Christmas! He died at home but he was in the 33rd armored division in the army during the Koren war and Vietnam! I miss him every day and especially at Christmas!!

[@edherrmann182]

Thank you! I appreciate the stories of the fallen. I like how you remember the men that are forgotten from battles and exploits that tell the story of supreme sacrifice.

[@robbrookes4686]

Amazing. Thank u so much from Australia🇺🇸🇦🇺

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@jefsantamonica641]

So moving. Thank you for this. Oh, we know about the Hurtgen battle - horrific.

[@randystolz]

Watching a medic like Jake Ruser at the grave of a comrade in arms pause & relect, then snap to attention and salute, the look in his eyes... that grabs you... 💜🫡"Lest we forget"🫡💜Ty Jake, and Andrew, and JD & Eric...

[@randystolz]

*pause and REFLECT...

[@brettschwantes6851]

I work at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison. We share John Jerstad’s story in our gallery.

[@thebattlefieldhistorian8990]

Thank you for another great video! I can shed a little light on a couple of the men you highlighted. Nenad Gjockic, an OSS agent, parachuted into Germany during the night of 23-24 February 1945 with Staff Sergeant John Perich to report railroad traffic over the Rhine River. Both men had false identification papers--Gjokic as French factory worker "Emile Robert Burton" and SSgt Perich as Croatian farm laborer "Oscar Silic." The next day a German forest ranger saw them walking down a road and became suspicious. He notified a German officer. The officer and a squad of Germans found the two men in a German cafe at Wagenschwend and confronted them. Either Gjockic or Perich pulled a gun and shot the German officer, killing him. They then engaged the other German soldiers in a gun battle inside the cafe, and both OSS men were killed. Although Gjockic was a civilian, he had no next of kin, so the U.S. Army provided him a military burial. Private William Alvaney was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. He entered the military at the end of March 1944. He was indeed killed in the Huertgen Forest, west of Kleinhau and southwest of Grosshau. Although he was killed after only eight months in the military, he was born in 1913, making him 31 years old at the time of his death. He left behind a wife and two children.

[@sandramosley2801]

Thanks, JD. Very powerful. The scale makes the point of the breadth of loss. It wasn’t just MY uncles; so many were lost and shared/share in this loss. Stunning.

[@1CUR5ED9]

Another top tier video from The History Underground. Thank you for everything you do J.D.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@dankorolyk5917]

Wonderful work JD

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@danferrell674]

How calm and peaceful. Thank you Veterans for making it this way.

[@bettytote3771]

I want to say that what I say is not to be took lightly, I appreciate all the hard work you do. Sending much love and respect your way. Ste

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@JennaCee]

Boy, if only we can learn from the horror of war! Too bad we can't. 😞

[@JorgeTheChosen]

I visited there 7 years ago on one of my trips to Bastonge. I have tried to make it to every US military cemetery that I can.

[@terryeustice5399]

Thank you JD for the tour of the Cemetery. It has some heroes there. Love the stories. Thank you for Sharing this video. 💯👊👍

[@tomshoemaker662]

Thank you for this video and all the others like it! 🇺🇸🙏

[@larryburwell8550]

nice video JD, sad and great at the same time. thank you for sharing Larry

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@JMX2323]

You need to get down to the American cemetary in Luxembourg where Patton is buried, one of the nicest places I've been.

[@TheRagratus]

JD, @11:20 The list of missing shows Capt. Darrell R Lindsey MOH, who was a bomber pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor. I was stationed in Germany as an Army MP in Wiesbaden and Mainz. In November 1946, Lindsey Air Station, Wiesbaden Air Base, Germany, was named in his memory and served as the location of the Headquarters for the United States Air Forces in Europe. The station closed in 1993 and a red granite monument there was returned to Jefferson, Iowa, and placed on the lawn of the Greene County Courthouse, where it was dedicated to Lindsey on June 12, 1993 I loved working midnights on Saturday night because Sunday morning was Steak and Eggs at the dining facility on Lindsey- the Air Force has the best chow, and as an "on duty" MP, I was able to eat in their chow halls lol. 1982-1985. Nothing like steak and eggs for .75 cents.

[@cinemaparadiso1991]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@TheRagratus]

@@cinemaparadiso1991 You're very welcome. Family occupation, from the French and Indian War to Desert Storm, a family member served.

[@user-sz1dk4tw2o]

Ordered both of Biggio's books. Looking forward to the experience. Thanks, JD, for hooking up with him, and to Andrew for his perseverance and hard work in putting pen to paper.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@sbishop6450]

Every man had a story and hopes for a future which was taken from him. So sad. 🇬🇧😢

[@jamesbrunner6377]

I was surprised when I heard a potential relative mentioned, now I dont know if I'm any relation to Fredrick Brunner, but kudos to pronouncing his last name the same as I do. I now have to look up to see if I'm related to this hero! Thanks for all you do JD!

[@gravellegb]

If you haven't already done so, you should watch the videos by Ruth Aisling from Scotland. She recently visited the graves of some of her family members who fought in WW I. She visited the Commonwealth cemeteries in France and Belgium.

[@terryroths4254]

My father would walk past the headstones of men he knew that served and say. " Rest easy boys, smoke if ya got them". My father and uncle earned silver stars in Korea.

[@mweinbender]

He still has the salute of a young soldier...

[@NickyB0718]

Outstanding video. Very interesting and humbling

[@simonrichards6739]

Once again I love your videos, I admire all you do. Lots of love from your allies across the pond, where I dare say most of those servicemen left from.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow, thank you

[@swtexan6502]

Bravo, JD... Bravo.

[@scottbivins4758]

God bless all our soldiers that fought or served in ww2 northerners westerns an southerners🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸thank you all

[@Wideoval73]

Thanks for another excellent video. You do really great work. Thouroly enjoy all your videos. This video as many was very emotional. Thanks again.

[@pappyjoe1955]

I took part of some Memorial Days in this cemetery and adopted 3 graves : Harold J. Wilson, Peter K. Wilson and a Comrade in Arms known but God.

[@helenabiesma5560]

we can only be eternal grateful 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@thecarnivoresanta6509]

Thank you for the beautiful series of videos that has me addicted lately. I have seen you visiting the cemeteies at Omaha, the Ardennes and Henri Chapelle, however there is also one in Margraten the Netherlands. Was there recently worth the visit also

[@jbellos1]

Another really great one, JD.

[@spo307]

Always a great job you do!! as I watch videos like these, or the series band of brothers it very sad were we are today as a country, what this generation did for the world was amazing and never will be duplicated,, very sad

[@matthall143]

Thank you for sharing this experience with us all

[@camdodge9891]

Thanks JD what a fantastic video and keep up the good work JD

[@user-mv3vu7bu6p]

Tyvm cheers from freezing Northern Canada

[@erics.786]

Wonderfully done my friend. My thanks for this video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@helenabiesma5560]

no one can not say much by only saying nothing just being there makes that ok toom, he never forgets

[@thomashyler6174]

Semper fi to all Marines wherever they serve. Who knew?

[@Bibi87777]

Who knew what

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, pretty wild to see a Marine buried in Europe

[@semperfi5861]

🇺🇸 Semper Fi 🇺🇸

[@edwinbruner1026]

Interesting background on F. Brunner. My father C. Bruner was approached by the OSS to serve.

[@kellahella5286]

Thank you for this. I have an Uncle who lies at rest there. 🇺🇸💪

[@yodawg3469]

1-12,my old battalion in Ft.Carson

[@BeachHunter2024]

Personally, it leaves me heartbroken to see video of a veteran standing at the grave of a once long ago, comrade in arms.

[@adgriff4]

My sons junior high is named after Charles Carey here in Cheyenne.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@Bodhran67]

I'd like to suggest a few amendments to your commentary. Since I have been working at this site as an employee of the American Battle Monuments Commission since 2000, I know quite a bit of its history. The area was not liberated by the First Division on September 8, 1944. It was liberated by elements of Combat Command B of the Third Armored Division, more precisely Task Force 1, commanded by LTC William B. Lovelady, on September 7, 1944. The German forces had vacated the place early evening on September 6, and the village was liberated without a shot fired. It was never retaken and the area was not involved in the Battle of the Bulge. About OSS Operation Chisel, it is unclear why Pl Sgt Brunner was employed onboard the plane that crashed with Kurt Gruber onboard. His OSS file does not mention an assignment for this mission, so we just can suppose that he was to be a "chaperone" for Gruber, potentially to make sure he would not defect to the Russian forces. But that is clearly speculation. As for Nenad Gjokic, captured German reports reveal he was infiltrated into Germany with another agent, was turned in to the Feldgendarmerie by a suspicious landlord and died in a fire exchange. He was apparently a French national, although his name suggests a Balkanic origin.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. Appreciate the extra insight. As for liberation by the 1st Infantry Division, I got that information from a booklet produced by the ABMC here: www.abmc.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Ardennes_Booklet.pdf

[@Bodhran67]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I know, sometimes "official" history is a bit off the mark, but this was corrected and this booklet has been retired a long time ago. Here is the new version: www.abmc.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Ardennes%20American%20Cemetery%20and%20Memorial%20%282019%20brochure%29.pdf My info is well sourced, you can find the article (in French) and bibliography here: memoiredeneupre.be/la-liberation-de-la-commune-de-et-de-quelques-communes-avoisinantes/

[@TeutonicNordwind]

My Uncle Donald Emerick (335th InfReg/84th InfDiv)/mom's brother was killed in the Bulge and is buried in the Henri Chapelle American Cemetery

[@theresagura74]

We live 25 miles away from Mountain Home cemetery,. The most beautiful cemetery ln the world.

[@theresagura74]

For the veterans.

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

I believe the civilian Gjokic is pronounced (Yokich)

[@ncwoodworker]

Gloomy day. Gloomy story.

[@Gitarzan66]

There's a war memorial here in Colorado on the north side of Buckley AFB. It has the name of every Coloradan KIA in every conflict. It's called "The Colorado Freedom Memorial" I'll bet that feller is on there.

[@user-fb2ed2er3m]

great channel respect what you do for people in wheelchair....... i cant vissit all these places in real life

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Glad to share the experiences.

[@Kazahad1110]

Imagine if there was an app or something, that when you scan a tombstone, it would tell you all the info about that person's life that is public knowledge, and any info uploaded by family and friends. Anyways, as you were.

[@TheRagratus]

You can do it with your phone with medal of Honor receipiants but to be able to that for all Vets would be fantastic. Only problem is it would have to be done by the VA. YIKES. The Government can't get websites to work as it is and now the VA would be in charge?

[@Ro6entX]

I often wonder if the unknown soldiers ever had any DNA testing since being buried, or were but no results came to be. I can’t remember if the life expectancy for bomber crew was less than soldiers but I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like in those days, let alone modern war especially with advanced technology and weapons. Thank you to JD and crew for another great video, thank you to the fallen for ultimate sacrifice so others may live, and thank you to Jake Ruser for his service 🫡🇺🇸

[@timvanacker5129]

Is there a wall to the missing like some CWGC cemeteries or monuments have? Like the Menin Gate in Ypres, of the Thiepval memorial?

[@stijepovicnemanja8790]

The name of the civilian working for the OSS is Serbian name, Nenad Djokic.