Into the Bloody Hills of Normandy with the 79th & 90th Divisions | History Traveler Episode 298

One of the most overlooked parts of the Battle of Normandy is arguably the actions that took place around the 5 hills surrounding La Haye du Puits. As the Allies were moving off of the Cotentin Peninsula and fighting their way east, the task of taking these hills was given to the 79th, 82nd & 90th Divisions. In this episode, we're joined by Paul Woodadge of ‪@WW2TV‬ to take a look at some of the fighting that took place here in the summer of 1944.
For more on the book that Paul mentioned in the video, look up “The Armored Fist: The 712th Tank Battalion in the Second World War” by Aaron Elson.
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...
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originmaine.com!
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- Exploring a V-1 Missile Launch Site in Normandy!!! | History Traveler Episode 291: • Exploring a V-1 Missil...
- BLOODSTAINED! Bringing a Paratrooper Jump Jacket Back to Normandy!!! | American Artifact Episode 95: • BLOODSTAINED! Bringing...
- Purple Hearts & Paratrooper Brawls at The Bloody Gulch of Carentan | American Artifact Episode 94: • Purple Hearts & Paratr...

[@ronmoore5827]

Another great job JD. My father was in the 79th Infantry Division so this one has special meaning to me. He was wounded twice during the War. He never talked much about it, but he did say that he considered every year of his life after 1944 a gift. Now I know why.

[@jimfesta8981]

My uncle also fought with the 79th ID. He too made it to see VE Day. He said he never understood how lucky he was to have survived.

[@clarkbuckner4900]

So was mine. Co.B ,313th.

[@larrymiller8210]

My father also. Medic 3 rd wave Utah beach.

[@garybarrere7552]

My dad fought with the 79 during WW2 this is so special to me they did not get a lot of press, he never talked about combat . I am looking for him so hard in these videos.

[@pathofprophecy]

My father was Easy Company in the 313th. @@clarkbuckner4900

[@Hairnicks]

Finding this rather moving as my dad was an 18 year old Sherman driver in the 4th and 7th Royal Hussars, he had some dreadful experiences and this makes you realise how lucky I am to have existed as dad made it all the way to Bremerhaven.

[@Roller_Ghoster]

I dont know if anyone else thinks this but the music JD chooses makes his already great content even more atmospheric and evocative especially when its such an under played piece of history in the Battle of Normandy. Thanks to the ever wonderful Paul of WW2TV as well.

[@sandramosley2801]

Absolutely!!! I find it pretty amazing, really right on, and from so many styles of music!

[@randygerman2176]

This information is so important in regards to Normandy and specifically Operation Cobra in which my dad lost a leg. He was among the almost 600 killed or wounded during the bombing snafu. When asked about his loss, he often responded with a smile and ,,,,yeah but we made 50 miles the next day

[@timothyogden9761]

Randy thank you for sharing this and a big THANK YOU to your Dad for his service. Greatest Generation! Period!

[@MopTop88]

As someone who's always considered themselves fairly knowledgeable about the Normandy campaign but never had the means or chance to visit, I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate this series. The way you've attached places to these names on a map and brought the stories back to life has has me waiting for each new episode. Thank you.

[@julienporisse9902]

7.000 casualties…hard to imagine such sacrifice. My father and his father mother and brother and sister, left Northern France in June 1940. They came back in 1947 to Paris. I think to myself, these young men gave everything so that today, we can live freely. Merci 🙏🏼

[@russharbaugh2028]

many thanks, both JD and Paul. You both strive to find the truth about what took place and to bring forward the individual stories of the men who fought the fights.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@garyaugust1953]

Great piece JD, the real horrors of total war are always hard to bear. Thankfully, we had true heroes in those three divisions who fought for our freedom and should always be remembered for doing so. Great work.

[@kyleplantico8828]

Grandson of a 79th infantryman here thanks for talking about them they really were some of the best we had. I carry his flag, medals, and Lorraine patch with pride

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@skimmer8774]

So much bravery and determination among those troops. Thank you for telling the story of these men.

[@brutter602]

I own and have driven Shermans for many years . They were mechanically very reliable compared to the German tanks but woefully weak in armour thickness compared to that of the Tiger and King Tiger. The Germans called the Sherman the “Ronson” after a famous make of cigarette lighter which was easy to light. For the British crewed Shermans, the Germans called them “ The Tommy cooker “ Many crews would improvise with additional sandbags, track links, wheels and wood tied to the exterior of their Shermans to try and increase the survivability of their Sherman against enemy fire. All of these tank crews were very brave men. They have my respect.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

100%

[@jamesryan5499]

GREAT JOB JD AND PAUL.. my uncle was killed there on July 7th..with the 90th Division ..18 yrs.old, my Brother and his family fond his grave...GOD BLESS ALL THESE BRAVE MEN...🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@kevinmacdonald5032]

I love your channel! Keep up the great work!! I appreciate you keeping these memories alive, good or bad. These men and ladies should not be forgotten. WW2 has a special place in my heart. My grandfather was a tail gunner for the Nine-0-Nine, he was an original crew member did 30 missions and 13 or 14 of them where over Germany. His name was Richard E Murphy. He was stationed in Bassingbourn England. So thank you for telling these stories a lot of us appreciate it. So once again thank you for keeping the memories alive!

[@michae8jackson378]

Another great episode JD, thank you!

[@swtexan6502]

JD, I think you might need to consider getting rid of your old ball cap and hit up Paul for one of his cool hats! Great job, as usual!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😅

[@SaundersE5]

You gentlemen do great work. Never let their sacrifice be forgotten

[@froot6086]

So many battles that took place that so many forget, I myself never even knew about this battle. Youre doing amazing work JD, thank you for bringing this back to life for us to see.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@zachary-du8mm]

another dandy. god bless the men who gave it all here, for us and the entire world. God bless you JD, and Erik and Paul! what a great group of guys telling stories we would otherwise, probably, never hear about. thanks!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Our pleasure!

[@thenikonjones]

Excellent piece JD. Kudos to Paul for the color here in telling some of the stories that we've never heard. So much attention is given to Airborne operations that units like the 79th and 90th are overlooked. I would personally like to see a movie or HBO-type series about the fighting that took place in Normandy with a lead into Operation Cobra. I think it's a story worth telling because of the significance of what these guys did from D-Day to the end of the war.

[@steveshipkie1624]

Thanks JD and Paul

[@foxtrotromeo25]

It's always great to see @WW2TV Paul Woodadge along on these videos. He's a font of knowledge!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@vivians9392]

A fount of knowledge...

[@stephenhill560]

Fantastic video which draws attention to the lesser known troops who deserve as much credit and recognition as the more well known . Their sacrifices should not be forgotten

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@dawndickson2156]

Always learn something with your videos. Paul is just a wealth of knowledge. Appreciate what you both do!

[@joeritchie4554]

Thank you for teaching and informing us about parts of the battle of Normady that are never talked about.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@larrydemaar409]

Excellent point about learning the lessons here to help with Cobra. Well done video! It helps to see the terrain.

[@MrRdwetmore]

This was such an excellent video and is so timely for me. I am doing a talk for our local historical society about 4 local men who are buried at the Normandy American Cemetery. One of these men was with the 314th Inf., 79th Div. and was listed as MIA on July 1, 1944 in the La Haye du Puits area. The other 3 were with the 90th Div. and were KIA July 4-5 during the fight for Hill 122. This video put everyting in perspective for me, thank you for what you do!!!

[@TheKillerDuelingPianos]

My great uncle , PVT , Lloyd E Smith , 90th Div 359th Infantry, was killed July 3, 1944. The actual first assault on hill 122 began 5:30am July 3rd.

[@perryj8850]

Thanks to you and Paul for another phenomenal video.

[@Wolverineinga05]

JD, another great video. My great uncle was a double amputee and served there in the 79th Div. He was wounded somewhere around St. Lo. Thanks for what you do.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸🙏🏼

[@RealismAndHonor]

Dude Paul is great, he's so through and informed. I speak for everyone when we say we appreciate you introducing us to paul and WW2TV

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Absolutely. 👍🏻

[@pathofprophecy]

THANK YOU for doing this video on the actions of the 79th and 90th Infantry Divisions. My father was in the 79th Infantry in the 313th Infantry Regiment. La Haye-Du-Puits was where he first saw combat in house-to-house fighting. THANK YOU again for all your work!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@kyleplantico8828]

My grandfather was in the 79th as well they were fierce fighters he has since passed I hold his flag, Lorraine patch and medals on display with pride

[@joeparvana9549]

Thanks again for bringing these actions to light.

[@emilyshort2812]

Well done JD & Paul, you both bring the stories of WWII battles to life & remind us all how important it is to learn from our past & never forget those who sacrificed their lives in the battles in Europe so that we can have our freedom today; Thank you for all the hard work you do & for keeping history alive & the memories of the men who fought so bravely alive for those who were left behind so they are never forgotten

[@user-cu7mq5cl8h]

Great job again JD. Always learning something new and keeping the memories alive for the ones who gave their lives for our country. I just hope you can get all your stuff back that was stolen while your traveling through Greece

[@jbellos1]

This is excellent! You and Paul making an amazing history traveling team! Thank you for sharing this important history.

[@Shawnroberts1980]

JD...every video....is just so damn good. Thank you for everything you do. I love learning about this stuff.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@CreatorInTrng]

Walking through history - in country. Great mix of 'then' and 'now' imagery. And the knowledgeable explanations, right there. (this is my go-to boots-on-the-ground history channel.)

[@michaelgalea5148]

J.D. Thank You for another great video. I didn't get the information about this battle in school. Learning about these battles from you is the best information anyone can get.

[@4harps753]

Thank you so much for covering the 79th my father was in one of the artillery battalions and experienced some intense combat. He spoke only sparingly about his experiences so it’s nice to get a little insight into what he went through.

[@GhostRider247]

fantastic as always JD , thank you so much !!!

[@beckybanta126]

I so agree. I have noticed & appreciate the music picked for each episodes!...thoughtful & adds much to the themes. Thank you muchly! 🎶🎵🎶😊

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you so much!

[@mikerologameplay8281]

I love these videos, learn something new every time! Great job as always!

[@jamesschroeder969]

Wherever you go in Europe, homes,parks, common areas and from every window box are flowers. They are everywhere and nice to see you show that even though it's hard not to. All well tended are these flowers of life

[@duanelawrence78]

Thanks J.D. for sharing this history moment!!✌️🇺🇲

[@cyndiebill6631]

We only learn about DDay and the other big battles. It’s like the Civil War you never hear about the the small ones only places like Gettysburg and Vicksburg get told but it’s the small ones that win the wars and seem to lose the most men. We to have more of these in the history books. They tell so much more than we could ever imagine. As always you and Paul make a great team. 👍🙂

[@Carp1959]

My uncle was in the 90th and never talked about it , I received all his WW2 stuff after he passed away and was amazed at his war record !!

[@ponderingthepast]

Thank you for telling these stories. Learning this history matters.

[@mikemercer5808]

This channel is some of the best content on KZbin. With all of the information and being at the actual sites, it really is exciting when a new video comes up. Great job guys!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that!

[@alejandronovoa8188]

Waiting for videos about the mighty 8 in England,where they lived,aerodromes,etc I now you could tell the history like no other Paul is amaizing

[@rw9866]

Great video JD & Paul this is one of the those places that is far enough away from the main beaches that it does not get the credit it greatly deserves. Thank you for showing us and I hope that it will start to get the visits. I was lucky enough to know what happened and was able to visit the locations. Best Rob

[@LETOUR7TIMESFRANCE]

There is so much historic information that happened during the breakout of Normandy during World War 2 alot of people don't realize which is a pity.I am so proud for all these men from the greatest generation that fought for our freedom.May society never forget!!! Thank you JB and Paul for sharing this amazing story...keep spreading the history and knowledge.😎👊👊

[@Wreckdiver59]

I finally got around to watching this. Let's just say it's been one of those days 😉 I appreciate the stories you tell. The more people hear about what these guys did, the more their sacrifice is appreciated 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@ericaubel332]

love your videos, brought to life the action area my Uncle was killed at 7/5/44. Actually was looking at the relics at the Gettysburg museum. GREAT JOB.

[@bmcg5296]

Fantastic episode from your hard work J.D, and knowledge from Paul too. This is so important for all Americans to see, and a question I need to ask after watching. As a non American person who admires this American nation at the time. Where has this American pride in people who fight and fought this oppression of evil disappear? It seems the nation is eating itself alive from the inside, which Americans are harming one another for its outside enemy’s to use! It’s disturbing for this one fact fact at least 430 000+ lives died. Feeing people from those who hate others, just because they are different from what they think is right, isn’t! Do hope that America finds itself soon for the world needs its guidance, and fight back for freedoms we all endure in democracy nations.

[@vivians9392]

God will work his ways...America must keep praying for his protection!

[@elephantjr22]

I'm from Scranton PA that soldier needs to be remembered and I've just heard of his name Thank you for your bravery courage and giving your life for our freedom

[@user-cx3kz2tn6h]

My father was in the 90 Inf Div. He was assigned to the 90 Signal Company. I’m not sure if he was in the fight for Hill 122 but it was extremely interesting to watch your video on the hill. I learned a little more about the hill. Thanks for continuing to produce these videos.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow!

[@1psychofan]

Intense passage from that book! I am going to buy it! Fantastic episode! Having Paul come a long is a brilliant touch!

[@davidk7324]

Appreciate your work on this JD and Woody.

[@rarebond8102]

On the fourth day... my father climbed over the corpses of those who fell before him. 22 years later, the fourth of his 5 sons was given the Air and the Opportunity to be here today.

[@Edwilliamjr]

I'm loving your videos and the content, I've learned a lot from them and I hope I have the chance to visit all these places. If possible, could you make videos about aviation in war? As I am a pilot I would love to see this type of content with the quality you do.

[@antoniosimasml]

Congrats!!!!! Great episode! Cheers from Brazil!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@davidmathie9512]

Fascinating to hear about the war in Normandy away from the beaches .We have friends who have a farm near Langronne .During Operation Cobra a squadron of Sherman tanks were decimated by anti tank guns possibly two 88mm situated above there farm on a ridge , The farm was damaged and still has the shrapnel damage on the walls.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@maartendezwaan9715]

Awesome episode again JD and PW 🙏🏻

[@fredv7487]

Another fantastic video JD. Thanks for taking us along. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 👍

[@shawnastephens1536]

They really were the greatest generation. My grandad was a paratrooper in the Army. I miss him so much everyday.

[@oOneenOo]

Damn well done! I absolutely go nuts for highlighting these lesser known actions and accounts. The numbers of casualties can be seen for any given division, but videos like this help put them in perspective showing us how these numbers came to be. There's an good little book, A Day Without End by Van Praag which is a fictional account about slugging it through Normandy. It's not very well known and was the inspiration for Men in War with Robert Ryan (though they changed it to Korea for the film).

[@willpilkington2679]

My dad S/Sgt Clifford Pilkington came in at Normandy and went all the way into Germany and the end of the war like thousands of other soldiers. He was wounded once that disabled him for a while and was awarded a purple heart. He said he was slightly wounded another time and they were so short of men that they put a dressing on his wound and sent him back into action. They had so many men to bring home after the war that I don't think he got home until January of 1946. I am writing this because I think it is important for people to realize what the guys went through. By the way he was drafted with five children and my mother had to wait out the end of the war. I remember my mother saying she was always frightened when any mail was delivered personally fearing terrible news of my dad. Enjoy your series very much.

[@tkreelman18]

These videos are amazing!! Very well done!

[@robertmorey4104]

I love the small battle stories too! Excellent series. Those poor Sherman crews got the hell beat out of em.

[@elliotreeder7417]

Just wanna say your content as been second to none … such a brilliant channel and bring a freshness to ww2 history. Love the stuff over in Normandy with Paul so interesting and informative in an era i don’t think its appreciated enough. Keep up the good work can’t wait for more. Thank you

[@greggriffin1]

Thank you again always a great vid, with so much info.We never miss your vids.

[@bobhartman2571]

Thank you, for looking at the the basic "Leg" unit that fought just as hard, just as tough, just as determined as the elite airborne units. Everyone forgets these are the units that do much of the heavy work in fighting.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸👍🏻

[@alanrichard3931]

JD, thank you for making us all aware of this story. I had not heard it before. Great job!

[@conallmclaughlin4545]

Brilliant work, you guys. The quality of your videos and bringing the story's to life is better than most big TV studios. The effort is much appreciated

[@johnnicatra570]

Great job as we have been accustomed to.

[@doodlebug1820]

great work, thank you for telling these stories, because a lot of the people there couldn't.

[@larryburwell8550]

well JD another great video for sure and history lesson. the photography and narrations are top of the line to me. love your channel. i wonder each time i watch what story is next and you never fail to satisfy my quest for the the next story. thank you Buddy. i love it and i come from a military family hell im 68 years old and still learning every video i watch of yours.!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@davidwillis4839]

What a vivid description. Indeed, war is hell.

[@ub1953]

So pleasing to see Paul of WW2TV add his expertise and join forces with HISTORY UNDERGROUND as the Allies did to give us their joint perspectives....

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@niamhconnell3140]

Thanks for this. I did not know about these hills and the battles that took place. Very interesting. What a sad account about those salvaging dog tags. While gruesome, I think it’s important those accounts are shared and remembered so people have some understanding of the severity of what took place.

[@MrBradleyDavid]

Nicely portrayed the issues of an area other than Normandy and the units involved with this campaign. I remember when I first read about these units and the casualty rates, some over 200% over the course of the war. We had to fight our way west and north prior to fighting towards the east, was a revelation. I’m looking forward to hearing about operation Cobra, and the fall of two German Armies in the Falaise gap

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@SGTWARDADDY13]

Another 5 star video jd you guys together are great. His wealth of knowledge is unmatched.

[@randystolz]

Ty for telling us the stories that screenwriters never get to, or that producers never get financed.🤓🤓 They all deserve to be remembered, and it is in the retelling that we may honor their sacrifice

[@richelias2973]

Thlanks guys excellent video.

[@livelife4471]

Another very interesting video and well narrated by the two of you. Thank you very much.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Mist3rData]

Dang, these men went through hell! It is such a great thing that you two tell their story! Now as a former tanker myself i know that tank warfare is not for the faint harted. What only makes my respect for these men greater.

[@pauldouglas3084]

Great video mate enjoyed it mate can't wait for the next one 👍

[@Mike.driessen]

Awesome video again allot of information, learned allot! 👍👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome, thank you!

[@j1st633]

Wonderful!

[@briancooper2112]

Hello from Arizona

[@tundranomad]

Hello from Alaska!

[@orwellboy1958]

Greetings from the South coast of England

[@KINGGHOST1.]

Brand new subscriber and I've found myself binge watching alot of your work. Thank you for all you do !

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@dfusit]

How many millions of men the world over died just to capture a hill? Some nondescript terrain feature on some General Staff map taped to a wall. Usually that same hill would soon afterwards be abandoned as a worthless feature to defend once captured. Such a damn shame. Fathers, Uncles, Brothers, Sons - gone forever for some damn hill. Mankind will never learn because we can’t stop sending men to die on some hill somewhere. RIP 🫡🥃🇺🇸💪 Great job JD & Paul once again.

[@daghettoghost5539]

The thing is u had so many under documented battles like this whare so many lesser known soldiers lost they're lives that they're efforts most the time gos unnoticed which is such a shame so those men would be forever grateful to u for shining a light on them and they're stories so thank u for all of these videos and may those men who didn't come back rest in peace

[@adammitchell3462]

I love the work you do man,great job!

[@steveparker7240]

Never heard of it. Thank you.

[@wnorful]

As a history buff I’ve always enjoyed your channel content, and seem to have have noticed that your recent productions are more polished and produced. The presentation, narrative, pacing, flow, and even the camera quality are better than ever. Very professional. Thank you for the great work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I really do appreciate that. 👊🏻

[@SueProv]

I love the footage.

[@Schmittyapolis]

Brilliant!

[@tomo9613]

Well done another great program. I really enjoyed this one as it was all new to me. On my next Normandy trip I will visit the area.

[@MrEaglesfan40]

Im really enjoying this Normandy D day series fantastic work Jd Thank you

[@heyvideog]

Well that was a little more detailed than I'm used to. Wow. No words.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hard to imagine.