Iwo Jima USMC Vet Gus Anastole tells his story (Full Interview)

[@Thetalinshow]

Thank you for getting these interviews. While we still can. Preserving their storys is priceless.

[@Chief2Moon]

Talapino Music Agreed! These men are going fast, people need to be reminded of what they went through.

[@300whiteout9]

Powerful Stuff

[@darrensnorthernlife1184]

You can feel his emotional scars, even after 75 years! What a historical treasure, a truly amazing generation!

[@williammorris1564]

These veterans and their stories are amazing

[@JamesSmith-oe1ot]

How can you not just absolutely love this man

[@markmeyer1964]

Very special person. Thank you for your service

[@curtisake7431]

In 1995 while serving with BLT 2/5, 31stMEU. The BLT SgtMaj. took a group of Marines to Iwo Jima for 4-5 days. I was fortunate to go. What an experience I will NEVER EVER forget! I served 20-years (1982-2002) as an 0311/0369. ----- Semper Fi!!!

[@joeroubidoux2783]

Yeah he still has a peaceful heart even after Iwo. Doesn’t want his family member to be a trained killer. That’s the kind of people who were doing the fighting and dying. God bless him.

[@thomasklugh4345]

This guy is priceless. No big hero stories. He was just there. Cool guy with great memories.

[@Tater4200]

God bless these men and women. Thank you for capturing their stories so they never die.

[@JosephRodriguez-jf5my]

This is my papou my grandfather who I haven't seen since my grandmother died in 2003 and it is so good to hear his voice and see his face. God bless him and his services for our country. He never talked about the war so it was interesting to hear his story.

[@josephcosmos2962]

It's wonderful someone from Gus's family left a comment. I'm also a part of Gus's family. My father and Gus are cousins. Gus is my brother's Nuno, godfather. I was there in Georgetown in 2003. Your grandma B. was an amazing person. I was always loved her baking specially her pies. When I was old enough, I was told of Gus's service and to respect his choice to talk about it or not. Yes, he rarely if ever talked about his service. If he did, he was very reserved. As I got older, I took it as a sign of respect for those fellow marines that died in the battle. if you ever want to reach out J. Cosmos

[@davehiggins5903]

Thank you sir for fighting for our freedom your truly an American hero from the greatest generation

[@stevenkoehler6018]

This guy is honest. I think he was holding back quite a bit. I knew a Marine who did 3 tours in "Nam. He told me a lot of stuff, but then said that he could only tell me so much, and that was it. He sid that there were things that you just couldn't tell to a non soldier.

[@gmoops8986]

Gus was an ordinary man thrust into an extraordinary circumstance.

[@stevecastro1325]

It’s so important to hear the unvarnished story, it’s really important to know that reality is very chaotic, screwed up, and is never as was hoped, planned or dreamed.

[@GorGob]

I'm not sure about the interviewers skills but great to hear these stories from veterans.

[@benyoung552]

The interviewers pretty good... He does a lot of these and that fact alone goes a long way... Keeping their stories alive...

[@formerparatrooper]

@@benyoung552 Absolutely, one of the better interviewers on this type of memorial.

[@paulredinger420]

Everyday we loose more and more of these remarkable men. I love hearing their stories.

[@neilmarmor8706]

Touching story. A fine human being. I appreciate his service to the USA.

[@tonythegreat8481]

Gus looks pretty good for being 92.

[@benyoung552]

Sir you can call it whatever you want. Gun, rifle, whatever.... You earned that right... Stepping foot on that island at that time earns you the right to do and say whatever you want however you want... Thank you for keeping that right for the rest of us as well...

[@vivians9392]

I agree! YOU were the one who was there and know how everything happened!

[@NancyBiker]

It’s wonderful that you’ve documented these experiences. They’re priceless. Thank you.

[@dawor1761]

Semper Fidelis! Thank You for your story and service to our country.

[@derrickblacketter7182]

G.I. Gus, a real American hero. Thank you for your sacrifice and service!

[@iancostigan5047]

Not a GI a Marine...

[@dcash7018]

Thank you Gus

[@edstyer2566]

Thank you for your kindness and service

[@loetzcollector466]

My grandfather's number come up late in the draft. After X-ray training they put him on a train heading towards overseas. But the train stopped unexpectedly in the middle of the woods. They sat there for hours no one knowing what was going on until another train came heading back the opposite direction. It was taking them back to their base because the Battle of the Bulge had just happened, and the casualties were coming home for him to treat there.

[@vivians9392]

Wow! What an intro to the war...

[@matthewprentiss1460]

4th Marines had a large encampment here on Maui. It's a large park now called "giggle hill". The story is the hill was nicknamed for all the "interaction" between the marines and the local wahines (women). The marines were all very welcomed on this island.

[@motorbandit7]

My dad was with the 4th marines,22nd mag...guess he knew "giggle hill" & mawie.

[@JosephRodriguez-jf5my]

This is my grandpa and I never knew anything about his story from in the military thank you for this video. I miss him so much.

[@SportsGuruAK47]

God bless this man

[@bryonmason6330]

My Dad was there. Thank you Brother!

[@JVogt-lz6dr]

Thank you Sir. I understand concerning family. Semper fi!

[@kevinpence8590]

Such a beautiful person this veteran man. The reason we can so simply put messages and speak on this is because of men like him that fought for our freedom. God bless you kind sir. And THANK YOU SIR.

[@Chrisamos412]

Thank you Gus!

[@rikijett310]

Sir, thank you endlessly for your service!! May God bless you always!!! ✝️🇺🇸

[@michaelriley2]

This is a good man. I am thankful he did what he did so the world could have freedom.

[@wesinman2312]

Such a humble man

[@fleezy1579]

Love these interviews! I just think that these men deserved alot more time telling their stories instead of segments of max minutes. Should have interviewed them fully and get the fully story they remembered.

[@davidca96]

thank you for everything Gus.

[@ericzapata8162]

These amazing an insightful programs are great for anyone interested in history an life during a memorable time!

[@brainded4681]

This is a blessing

[@crabwalkarms7347]

Gus saying "A marines always gotta bitch about somthing..." Just killed me😂😂😂

[@jaygonztx]

A tale as old as time

[@rickybobby5907]

Sir thank you for your service. There is no possible way we can repay your generations sacrifice and service for our freedom. From one Marine to another Oorah. 3/5 OIF/OEF. My father was 1/4 at the end of Vietnam and got out a few months before his unit was deployed to beirut. His unit was hit by the beirut bombing. Anyways. We appreciate you and your service very much. Its men like you and my father that made me want to be apart of Americas best fighting force and i wouldnt trade any second of it for anything.

[@rickybobby5907]

Mark Young thanks for sharing. I had a dear friend of the family. He passed about 6 years ago from liver issues. He drank a lot. He had a dear buddy die in grenada next to him and he was always in the bottle never able to forgive himself. I never understood as a kid but boy did i understand when i was in the corps. Thank you for your service. Oorah

[@dong5708]

What a nice man. So honest. All the best too you.

[@caveman726]

ThankYou Sir 🇺🇸

[@georgeevankovich3489]

GOD Bless these guys

[@healersandkillers4357]

Thank you sir, for your service! say this with tears in my eyes, knowing my children live free today, because of the sacrifices you and your brothers made for me and my generation! You are not forgotten, your sacrifice is honored and remembered always. bless you sir, bless you!!

[@robpelick7460]

A brave man with a great sense of humor. America owes these men a debt we can never repay.

[@matthewblackwood4704]

God Bless this man. Same division as my grandfather Elbert Harold Blackwood. Iwo Jima, Saipan, Tinnian, and Kwadjalein. Have a Nambu pistol he brought back.

[@robertgracia2197]

SO glad I was drafted into The Army. I had a couple of friends who were in the Marines, and everytime I saw them, they had this creepy look in their eyes.

[@ChevisPreston]

It’s that crayon toxicity from all the crayola snacks

[@chevychase3103]

@@ChevisPreston dude!

[@ILuvMy6String]

@@ChevisPreston cornflower blue is still my favorite!

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

@@ILuvMy6String purple Haze is a trippy color

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

Thousand yard stare

[@geauxtigers648]

Thank you sir!

[@ATITKD]

He reminds me so much of my grandfather who also survived Iwo. It's the look in his eyes.. Iwo turned his hair white and he never spoke of it.

[@garymckee8857]

Outstanding

[@bradflanagan7302]

These are greatest men that ever lived . They kicked a** stacked 'em ten high!

[@beckiterry9382]

Hi Gus

[@aaronseet2738]

His cap states "survivor". He is under no illusion of his fortune to be standing alive today.

[@andrewsmith3257]

😭

[@normplatt7549]

Salute!

[@mdutchy2582]

Interviewer kind of pissed me off here. You dont tell a man who has been through what he was through to fix his hat. In my opinion you shouldnt have done that.

[@sirtype-alot3391]

The Interviewer also got Loud with the gus early on,he seems kind of disrespectful.

[@davidchristensen2970]

I also feel an almost dismissive attitude from the interviewer, certainly not respectful.

[@jordancox559]

If y'all think that was disrespectful I totally understand why everyone is always being shitty to each other. Asking him to tilt his hat back so they could see his whole face wasn't rude. That's how interviews work. Lighten up people.

[@Vinclum]

wow what a stupid opinion, yes you tell someone to fix his hat in an interview so the face is clearly visible and he had to speak loud so he could understand him, that guy is over 90 and has a hearing aid, wont understand a thing when the interviewer mumbles the question. So many idiots here.

[@tomortman4850]

My Father was wounded on Saipan with the 4th Marines. My lottery number for the draft was 36. I tried to enlist in the Marines I failed the physical. I told my Father the night before my physical what I planned and I thought he would kill me. He read me the riot act. Told me what happened on Saipan and that it was the poor guys who fought in wars. On September 12th 2001 the company I worked at had a gathering outside to reflect on what just happened. The owner was very patriotic but I looked at him and his son and remembered what my Father had said. The tears in my eyes were not for Sept 11th. They were for my late Father and I wished he was there to tell him he was right. I do regret not serving but it would have killed my Father. I feel guilt I didn't serve when I had friends who did go to Vietnam and lost a cousin to agent orange. I fully support the US military. God Bless the US Marine Corps.

[@galejennings1879]

My story is identical. I failed the physical because of a stainless steel wire wrapped around my collar bone the result of a motorcycle accident. My father who served in the south Pacific around Guadalcanal told me not to enlist. He said that he put in the time for the both of us. It took a huge weight off my shoulders since I felt that I should go to Vietnam like most of my buddies.

[@USMCghost]

My grandpa was a Corpsman with the 4th Marine Div, on Iwo. He's still alive, 95 years old, and quite a story telling character. Joseph "Pep" Vocelka, Fairbury Nebraska (originally Omaha). Semper Fi Mr. Anastole.

[@johnbasiglone1219]

Write a book with him. If he is willing, interview him and pick his brain. Do it before it is too late. That is if he wants to talk about it or if he still can.

[@curtisake7431]

You probably already know this. But cherish every moment you have with him. Make video and cassette tapes with him. Record his stories. Have him write stuff so you will have it to show to your kids and grandkids. ----- Semper Fi!!!!

[@jaxon3249]

@JJ0three11 is he still with us?

[@trqenaw]

I wonder if he gave aid to my uncle (if he was not killed instantly) who was in the 4th Marine Division and who unfortunately died on Iwo Jima on Feb 20 1945

[@1.354]

i would like for the interviewer to work on his skills, this is times that will disappear in a little and we wont hear from them, i would ask from the interviewer to give them as much time as they need, like jocko willink does

[@matmichaels441]

WoW great story tell us about ya family tell me about the Family!!

[@dks13827]

Speak up to him. Please.

[@misterpogi1352]

My uncle was there. My dad was too young.

[@Lordestroyer]

The last 2 minutes are brutal.

[@ChevisPreston]

The only easy day was yesterday

[@gikaradi8793]

wow!! liked that !!!! thank you

[@dadedowuh]

❤

[@haroldburrows4770]

Yes it was screwed up, about 100 10,000 lb bombs with delay fuses would have collapsed most of the underground tunnels and saved thousands of marines

[@toddscallan8781]

They did not know about the tunnel structure and the various networks. And the carrying capacity of the B 24 would restrict it from dropping a bomb of that size

[@haroldburrows4770]

@@toddscallan8781 , the B 29 could have handled it easily, after Pelilue it was sheer stupidity to not think they wouldn't be dug in. They had stopped the banzi charges by that time, for the most part

[@loetzcollector466]

@@haroldburrows4770 this nation needs more armchair generals like yoy with 70+ years of 20/20 hindsight.

[@chevychase3103]

Pretty sure they didn't have 10,000 lb bombs back then! Which they did!

[@Vinclum]

yeah keyboard warrior, shut up, like you know anything.

[@pjbikerful]

Took 2 months on a ship just to get there? 😳

[@owasso8775]

My fathers ship did too. They didn't go straight and they where in holding patterns with stops on.the way, lol.

[@Lordestroyer]

Interviewer is terrible. Guys he interviews are badass.

[@eaglemri]

A Marines...Marine.

[@JOHNBURG1917]

How hard could it be? If you know where the ray gun is on the beach it shouldn’t have been too difficult

[@TrungNguyen-kw2hg]

👍💐

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

I'm pretty sure the number ofair crews saved is egual to or close to the number killed takin it. Couldn't we havef starved them out don't let any supplies get on the island how could the enemy feed themselves and get water and supplies needed for thousands of troops I quess it was time

[@thomasward8498]

Same birthday as me many years before me tho lol

[@wittwittwer1043]

Unfortunately, this former Marine has not only a poor memory, but an equally unfortunate inability to express himself. It is painful to listen to his testimony.

[@Jayhawk_Nation]

"How intense was the fighting?" Really? WTF do you think. People were dying all over. Your interviewing skills really need some refining!

[@beckiterry9382]

You are Jeff DeVreese

[@beckiterry9382]

Your Dad is Danny

[@beckiterry9382]

Uncle Rick ,Trey , Danyelle ,Candy,Anne

[@cupcakechagrin]

This interviewer needs to prepare. And ask specific questions.

[@n2deep637]

The interviewer 🗑 Find a new hobby.

[@redsunn21]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@jaywinters2483]

Ants

[@danakelly6600]

The ritzy norwegian metabolically scold because nest prospectively observe minus a foamy net. guiltless, aromatic protest

[@malingl5758]

Thank you Gus!

[@LPJMagicmusic]

What a very gentle soul. He has such a kind presence about him that I could listen to all day

[@oldmanwinter3597]

From what I have read, Iwo Jima turned out a complete waste. Neither the Navy or the Air Force used the island other than for emergency landings. Terrible planning and execution leading to massive casualties.

[@brianstreet2123]

Thank you Marine! OOH RAH!

[@mikeblough942]

Loved his comment at the end, Truly a great companionate person.

[@danielreichert2025]

Soon to be gone and all will forget unless we keep the memories of their courage intact.

[@BenMcneil-hk8xv]

I would like to stomp the guts out of the people that gave this a thumbs down!!!!

[@pointingdog7235]

Knew how to shoot a gun excuse me a rifle. 😅

[@lorenzocarrillo]

I think of this great hero here and others who've come after him. I also can't help to think of Russia paying bounties on our servicemen and women and the president turning a blind eye. Astonishing and Unfathomable.

[@georgewallace103]

I don’t believe that bull about the Russians paying bounties and our President ignoring it? President Trump has completely rebuilt the military and VA that treated our veterans poorly! Obama and Biden regime destroyed our military!

[@galejennings1879]

I think that rumor turned out to be fake news.