Hill 95 & the High Water Mark of the 82nd Airborne in Normandy | History Traveler Episode 297

[@steves1112000]

I served proudly with the 82d. I was 508th (later 505th). They always instilled pride in us. We learned about the battles fought by those who went before. I had always heard about hill 95. You've brought it to life for me. Thanks. As a side note, I had the honor of meeting 1sgt Leonard Funk (MOH winner). Wonderful man with a great sense of humor.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@johnholmes6897]

Airborne ! E co 504 .

[@HistoryWorldWar2Channel]

never forgett

[@paullandreville5394]

My father-in-law was 82nd Airborne. He jumped behind enemy lines. He was terribly wounded. He never said where or when but it wasn't to long after D-day. He could never speak about it. Wish i knew more, but old vets won't talk. I miss him. He could hardly stand but he was a tough guy. Loved him dearly. RIP Albin Palmquist.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@joeritchie4554]

One of Mom's cousins was in the 82nd Airborne. I had the privilege of getting to talk to him about this battle. He said the terrain made it such a difficult battle. It is great to get to see where he fought. He hated those hedgerows.

[@MadOrInsane_wastaken]

Great video. I love to learn of these less talked about battles. Not less important, just lesser known. For that I thank you on educating us.

[@markwheeler202]

I don't know how you do it, JD. By the end, at the memorial to Kelso Horne, I was so choked up I could hardly speak. Thank you for bringing these personalized stories of war to us.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@paullane7853]

25 years ago I stayed with friends who'd move to that area of Normandy. Until I watch your video I'd not realised. Thank you.

[@stevecockrell8639]

Had the pleasure during my tenure with the 82nd meeting several veterans over the years. Biggest were WW2 vets. Quite the interesting conversations. Best was Division Convention in 1992 Valley Forge PA. Humbled didn't quite cover the how i felt speaking with them.

[@johns8771]

Thank you for making these videos. Your channel is one of the best when it comes to covering historical events.

[@jimcronin2043]

JD, another poignant D-Day video. By doing these you have enabled many Americans to have a much deeper understanding of our heritage. We should also be grateful to the French who have preserved these sites.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@paullandreville5394]

I'm glad the French take care of the historical sites.

[@stephenrodwell8125]

Contrary to what many people believe, The French, especially those in the Normandy area, are extremely grateful to America and the sacrifices that were made in WW2.

[@pamelaoliver8442]

Honestly the more I learn the more I love France. We wouldn't be America without her.

[@gazzertrn]

@@pamelaoliver8442 Visited these places in March of this year , fell in love with France .So much to see in Normandy , well worth anyone's time .The French people were great . Im lucky i live in the U.K . only a short hop away . Planning my next visit for next year , some of the Normandy museums are mind blowing the amount of original kit they have is stunning . Thanks to JD , who inspired me to go .

[@troykauffman3963]

Outstanding JD, great discussion by you and Paul. Thank you both for what you do for all of us. 🫡

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@craighagaman9414]

​@@TheHistoryUnderground⁰]q¹p😊0p

[@kathleendaugherty4218]

Awesome, that puts the battle into perspective. So many little-known stories that need to be told. Great job!

[@pdc.1508RedDevil.]

Thank you this was very interesting to me I severed in the 508th & 505. I always have held the up most respect for those who came before me and it was an honor to serve as a PARATROOPER in the 82nd..AATW!!

[@brutter602]

There’s so much more to learn and see if you get away from the touristified D Day landing areas.

[@nanabutner]

My Dad was a Glider Pilot with the 82nd airborne on D-DAY 1944. His co-pilot and he were two of only 5 from his squadron that survived the glider landings that day. The reason so many gliders crashed and so many lost their lives was the hedgerows. The reconnaissance photos were taken at 12:00 noon so there were no shadows to correctly show the actual height of the hedgerows and the gliders crashed into them. Thank you for this information.

[@aapex1]

28 months in the 82nd, 1978-80, and I don't recall ever hearing this. Thanx!

[@RangerB66]

Wow, I had no idea the hedgerows were so large and dense with overgrowth; I always pictured them about 4-6 feet high but thinner. That would be a massive ordeal to tackle, and hedgerows were one after the other for miles and miles. Certainly close quarters fighting.

[@nanabutner]

My dad always said that they were expecting the small hedgerows and because of the height of the hedgerows so many men lost their lives when the gliders landed or the paratroopers jumped.

[@sscinamon]

Another excellent video. First time I heard of this story. Thank you for all you do

[@MatthewCarmichael-od4yv]

Love hearing from Paul 👍 my favorite two channels history underground and world war 2 tv.

[@dusty7264]

Fantastic video, my grandpa was with the 1/504 82ABN on D-Day, they couldn’t even get replacements in England. They were beat up from Italy. They volunteered him to jump because he was a Pathfinder and they needed all they could get.

[@dfusit]

Well done JD, I appreciate learning more about these smaller battles that never get talked about. Paul is a great asset to have available.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Paul is the man and his channel is top shelf.

[@Chard-O]

JD, thank you for another powerful video. Hill 95 just made it on my list when I next visit France in 2024.

[@kyles9320]

Enjoy it for those who cannot go yet

[@Vcaser]

My Dad was in the 82nd just a few years later in Korea. I would definitely want to see this site in person. The thought of Dad possibly being deployed here had he been a few years older is sobering ❤

[@bottomlesspit7]

The 90th Division (aka Tough Ombres / aka Texas Oklahoma, TO is why Ombres is spelled that way) my great-grandfather's division. He was 357th Regiment Co G. The 90th went to St. Lô.

[@i.r.oldairborneviking2823]

I was with the 82nd during the Vietnam War. Great division!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@PorscheSC]

Thanks JD. Appreciate you taking a few minutes to recognize a hero. All of them were, but glad you shared his personal story.

[@your_royal_highness]

Only having four days in Normandy, it was obvious I could have easily spent four weeks or four months touring. I am glad (and jealous) to see these videos. One area I want to see if I ever go back is La Lande des Morts and the area of Operation Cobra. Mark Bando’s book on that event was very interesting. Please get down there and do a piece please!! (Assuming you have not yet done so)

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

On my list.

[@lthom5158]

I wonder how many other battles we don’t hear about. Thank you for telling the story of the 82nd Airborne. Very touching story.

[@Deus-Too]

I met a fellow yesterday who was with his kids, and was complaining about how much junk is on the Internet. I had to agree with them that a lot of junk is on the Internet, but I happened to mention your channel , “History Underground “ and how much I enjoy the work you do to bring these events from history back to us! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your contribution to American history, thanks very much!

[@stargazer4625]

My grandfather was in ww2. He was on a battleship in the south Pacific. He told me stories that were just heroic and sad. His sole job was to clean the big guns . All we get are reaccounts of what happenend now. I made sure I tried to absorb as much as he would talk about knowing one day all the ww2 vets would've passed on.

[@mrDCunningham]

81 yrs after Gettysburg and close to 80 yrs ago. History is something else isn't it. Great video as always. 👍🏼😎

[@jeffbosworth8116]

Thank you so much for this video. My father (SSG Don Bosworth) earned a Silver Star at this engagement for delivering ammo to the front lines in a wheelbarrow while under comstant fire (the wheelbarrow had bullet holes in it when he was done and he was being tracked by an MG42). I was able to visit that very spot last March - fortunately our guide new of this place. I can't describe the feeling of actually being there.

[@petercliff4023]

Thanks JD and Paul for another very interesting and moving video, always nice to hear about the 82nd in Normandy.

[@sandramosley2801]

Bravo, JD and Paul. Extraordinaire.

[@lucky_one2]

JD...Thanks for taking us along! Great content and perspective.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure!!

[@ButlerFam]

I took my family to the Cafe B-29 in Ozark, Missouri this weekend. I learned of it from your videos. It is a great place of history.

[@1psychofan]

This is so great! Sweeping the places where my great grandfather fought~ 82nd Airborne 505 PIR Headquarters co. W wish I could have known him.

[@johnsparry3498]

What is your great grandfather's name? I bet my grandfather, Mark Alexander, knew him.

[@1psychofan]

@@johnsparry3498 his name is John Cordial,

[@johnsparry3498]

@@1psychofan I have definitely heard that name before. I used to attend reunions of the remaining 505 men between 2005 and 2010. Maybe I heard it at one of those.

[@1psychofan]

@@johnsparry3498 maybe, there was a big rift in the family before I was born…the divide separated the family…my grandfather and his sister reconciled before they died and all others took it to their grave. I know little else…lol quite a mystery for me to uncover

[@lappin6482]

glad we have people like JD and Paul to help us not forget those men, rest in peace

[@dawndickson2156]

Greatly appreciating the efforts of yourself and Paul to bring these little known battles and poignant accounts to life. Humbling. Glad the family honored the final wishes of this soldier. Hard to grasp how much that place imprinted on his whole life.

[@kevinkonig879]

Grateful and thankful that you take us off the beaten path and into other areas that most know nothing of and bring awareness to these overlooked events. All deserve to be remembered and we need to know so we can give honor where honor is due! Great video as always!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@JDDupuy]

Wow, another outstanding episode. So well told by the both of you. Both of you are a credit to your countries in preserving this valuable history of those you fought and died in France!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@Nyllsor]

Great editing, filming and explaining in this video! Always good to have Woody on the show. Also great archive footage. Thanks for making this!

[@franktomsich6318]

Hi JD! I’ve been watching your show and gleaned some great ideas from watching you and Paul Woodage. Based on much of your information, I’m taking our oldest grandson on a tour of the battlefields. Tonight, my grandson and I were walking back from dinner to our place and I noticed a guy who looked familiar. I walked up to him and ask him if he is Paul Woodridge. He said he is. He was quite pleasant . Anyhow, I’ve learned a lot from you and him via your KZbin channel. Thank you both!

[@rickobrien7961]

Love your content especially the way you cover the operations of the Airborne. I was a member of the 82nd 40 years ago and take an enormous sense of pride that I was a descendant of such soldiers. I think one thing that gets overlooked is the 82nd was a regiment down from full strength during the Normandy operation. The 504 PIR did not take part in Operation Overlord because they had recently (April 1944) returned to England from their Italian campaign.

[@MrBradleyDavid]

Thanks JD. I’m remembering the Ambrose books, like Citizen Soldier and Band of Brothers and how it covered this part of the invasion. As I’m watching this I’m telling my kids about battlefield terms like Key Terrain and you are pointing out everything. An Army would want to seize the hill tops, river crossings, causeways, and it makes a great deal of sense watching your videos showing the geography of the peninsula. For example, at Burnside Bridge, it didn’t make much sense to me until we visited Antietam a few years back and looked up at the bluff from the other side of the creek. Thanks for brining it to my iPad.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that it’s proving useful. Thanks!

[@MikeDorman-g2p]

I am here in normandy now thank you for the video I will go and see where this great man fought and is laid to rest

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@Diz33]

Love following your journey! Well done!

[@brentanderson3887]

Y’all should consolidate all your WW2 episodes into a Blu-ray. I’m sure thousands of people would buy it!!

[@garyb351]

This episode is exactly why I subscribe to this channel, thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@kevinmoraghan2088]

Thanks, as a former member of “Americas Guard of Honor” I had not heard/learned much about Hill 95. Great presentation keep up the good work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@moisesperez4605]

This is why I care so deeply about our freedoms, my heart, my tears go out to these brave men for that great generation, that will never ever be seen again, for them to die, and to see what America is going through being ripped apart, from a politician that doesn’t Want to admit that he lost. God bless America and God bless the souls and their families.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@iankerridge5720]

Hey , JD, Great Job getting Woody to help you tell this Story!" He Knows June?July '44 like no one else: being resident in Normandy, having learnt and done tour guiding, and genuinely "geeky interested" in the events of that time + your passion for learning about real history. As Ever, Many Thanks for A Real History Lesson"!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@Chiller11]

Always enjoy a Normandy lecture from Paul Woodage. World War 2 TV is among my favourite channels for detailed, sometimes obscure, insights into WW2.

[@marykrueger6039]

Another moving presentation. This one had me tearing up. Thank you for bringing these forgotten battles to the masses. We all appreciate it very much. Thanks JD.

[@swtexan6502]

Never knew about this engagement until today. Thanks, JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@sadiejustin]

Wonderful tribute to the men of the 82nd. Well done sir.

[@Qigate]

J.D., you always bring the greatest stories and histories. Those forgotten or mislaid events that made all the difference.

[@bobpowers6239]

Great Story TY To JD and Paul

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@drewlear1585]

Another great video JD. My experience with the European side of WW2 is lesser than the Pasific. And a good point that these "lesser" battles are just as important as the well known one's. Thank you again for all the hard work that goes into these videos.

[@elchapito4580]

*ones

[@jacquelinebloom4339]

Thank you JD and Paul.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for watching!

[@wayneallen3035]

Thanks JD for opening up these unknown (to me) battles from ww2 I would otherwise never have found out about! Your channel is awesome 👍🏻👍🏻

[@russharbaugh2028]

many thanks, another exemplary effort in remembering ordinary men doing extraordinary things.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Many thanks!

[@glenndavies2200]

I've 1 last day in Normandy. I've seen Kelso's picture in many places over the last few days. But never knew his story. Thanks guys you do awesome work. Kia kaha

[@beckybanta126]

Thank you again for a great history lesson & honoring those there. They are not to be forgotten. I LOVE the maps & drones. I also learn & retain better when can see the lay out of land & how it fits in with its surroundings.

[@bngbraz2]

Great maps. Good organized presentation. Great content. Salute!

[@lyndabarnaby5253]

Another amazing story about history that I had no clue had happened… I’m addicted to your channel … many thanks and prayers for all those who fought for us!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@sevenonthelineproductionsl7524]

I really like how y'all emphasized showing the geography of the battlefield. As always great insight and it's always delightful to see you and Paul working together.

[@simonward4072]

Very informative. Hill 95 isn't something I have come across yet. Will defo look it up.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@bobbyl6972]

Thanks JD & Woody! Another great video

[@windellstephens9359]

Awesome video, as usual! I look forward to more content about the 82nd, for obvious reasons.

[@peterbrown1208]

Good work JD. It's your time to explore and explain new pieces of our heritage that keeps me coming back.

[@swgeek4310]

Never aware of this action. Thanks man, again humbles me by how little I actually know

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@stephenrrose]

Great Video JD, Great teamwork with Paul as well. Thank you for bringing to life the Battles that very few talk about or know! Thank you for keeping this important history alive!!!

[@aprmk7gti]

Found your channel recently and have spent many evenings just watching through, absolutely amazing work, thank you for these videos showing so many places and areas of history. Keep up the great work!

[@johnsparry3498]

Thank you for making this excellent video. My grandfather was Mark Alexander, who as you mentioned was badly wounded by mortar fire the night before he was to lead the attack on Hill 95. He even appears briefly in one of the clips of old footage. (At 13:17, he is exiting the screen to the right. That clip was taken a some point during the Normandy campaign, but I don't know when. I wish I knew who the other men in the clip were.) Like Paul, I was also fortunate enough to become friends with Captain Chet Graham, a wonderful guy. He briefly led the assault the next morning. As he adjusted the movements of his battalion to meet conditions on the ground, he explained his strategy to 508 HQ, but was overruled. He then remarked that they should move up and see the situation in person instead of commanding from a mile behind the front lines - and was immediately relieved. The one thing I am wondering about is that Paul said Captain Graham was 3rd Battalion 508. I was thinking he was 2nd Battalion 508. Just a minor detail. I realize I have a biased opinion, but I always felt the attack on Hill 95 deserved much more attention that it received. Thank you again for your good work covering this battle!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Thank you for sharing that.

[@terryeustice5399]

Great History with the taking of Hill 95 in Normandy France and the 82 Airborne’s, high water mark there. And Lt. Horn’s ashes at memorial.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@JennaCee]

I just learn soooo much from these videos. Thank you for making them!! They are so beautiful.

[@jonorr7984]

Amazing how Normandy still resonates after all this time. Much like Gettysburg as well. Thanks guys

[@michelledorman805]

Wanted to say thank you for the video. We saw it before we left for our trip. We are here in Normandy now and made a trip over to visit this hill and monument. Wouldn’t have known about it if we didn’t see your video. Again thanks for getting the information out there.

[@oneyearoutproductions]

Another amazing video...thanks!

[@randystolz]

As ever, ty Paul & JD for showing us the terrain bought by the blood of our grandfathers. The quality of the Greatest Generation that I've always admired most, in addition to their toughness, is their RESILIENCE. The Depression had weeded out the pussies (forgive my courseness, pls). And the attrition of boot camp at Toccoa and elsewhere had winnowed an already resilient group of men to their MOST RESILIENT... I am humbled... and I am grateful for their examples, many of which you are putting names to. Thank you for reminding us🫡🤓🤓 LEST WE FORGET...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@stezve1913]

This was a very special episode, very moving. Never heard as you mentioned of this battle of the 82nd. Poor guys. I have a ton of respect for them and what they did.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@ianlast6722]

Really good video and detail, thanks for sharing and telling us about what happened

[@Hobbitma]

Always humbled. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Our pleasure!

[@TheFunkhouser]

Thanks JD... Gosh having you as my professor of history at Uni would be a golden thing for sure! How lucky your students are!!

[@jamesschroeder969]

Thanks for taking us up there sir. Spent time in Germany. Saw the museum you +aircraft visited. But to find a spot like this ......makes me think that all the boys killed there ( German too) had a smile for you today that they are not forgotten and visited.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@davidlavigne207]

I look forward to Paul Woodage's book about the fighting for Le Haye du Puits. Thanks for the look at the actual ground over which the 82nd Airborne Division actually fought over. As a former member of the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division I can relate to their heart rending sacrifice.

[@gaylewilliamson9183]

Thank you so very much J D.God bless you.🇺🇸👍❤️

[@TheHistoryWonderer]

Awesome vid. Love learning about these little known about engagements.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@rickseconds7676]

These stories of our brave Airborne troops are why I necame a Paratrooper myself. AATW!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@markpalmer6760]

Excellent video enjoyed it, learned something new which is always good.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@peteranstis3818]

Great stuff JD, I really enjoy your presentations and this helps me appreciate the history of WW2 particularly D Day with all the personal connections showing the reality of the liberation of France in 1944. I think you and Paul are very complementary in your story telling done with great respect and dignity. Thanks again, Pete from the UK.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@williamwindomtributesite1640]

Excellent video. Actor William Windom was with the 82nd Airborne, 508th, Company B. Jumped at Normandy and Operation Market Garden. Saw a lot of action in the meat grinder too. He was a risk taker at that age. Years later he has a fear of heights and was the most optimistic person you ever met. He also loved being a practical joker!

[@johnstup4479]

Once again, thanks JD, for bringing to us one of the lesser talked battles.

[@johnwhyte4931]

I love this channel! And JD, you are a great presenter/host/guide. Thank you for these episodes, and please keep them coming!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@larryburwell8550]

another great history lesson for us JD. thank you and your friend there for the story. its a great one

[@janregterschot7152]

Great video JD, these kind of stories i love the most, cause they dont come around as much like the stories on D-day, battle of the Bulge etc. None the less, i learned something new today. May those guys who gave their lifes for our freedom, rest in peace. Much respect and appreciation for you by sharing this video, keep up the good work with these kind of stories🙏 Greetings from Holland🇳🇱

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! This battle kind of falls into the gaps in WWII history.

[@kevinhensley4643]

Amazing history, thank you for sharing

[@cyndiebill6631]

You and Paul make a great team. Thank you both for sharing and explaining story of the 82nd. As always another great video. 👍🙂

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@cyndiebill6631]

@@TheHistoryUnderground 👊

[@jrgeoghan]

Hoping to make a family trip next June for the 80th. These videos keep me motivated! I just noticed the “adopted” on your arm…

[@maartendezwaan9715]

Another great episode JD, never knew about Kelso, thank you for sharing! Its great when Paul Pops up and shares his knowlege too!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Paul is the man.

[@maartendezwaan9715]

I love all your WW2 video’s (keep ‘m coming), is the Vietnam war also on your list?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@maartendezwaan9715 - Definitely. Logistically, that’s a bit more involved though.