Landing Under Intense Japanese Fire on Peleliu and Okinawa, Remembered by WWII U.S. Navy Coxswain

Mathias "Matt" Gutman enlisted in the Navy in June of 1943. After basic training he was sent to Crane, Indiana to await assignment aboard the USS Landing Ship Tank (LST-135). The first thing he and his crew noticed about their ship was the camouflage paint design - Which could only mean that they were bound for the Pacific.
In the Pacific, Gutman would act as Coxswain for the smaller landing craft attached to the LST. His job was to land battle-ready Marines on some of the most heavily contested shores in the Pacific. He would make combat landings at Peleliu, Leyte, Lingayen Gulf, Subic Bay, and Okinawa.
After the war ended, Gutman was tasked with the dangerous job of clearing pressure mines from Japanese harbors and disarming the defeated Japanese soldiers.
This Video Made Possible with Support From
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The United States of America World War II 75th Commemoration
The Gary Sinise Foundation
Learn more about the American Veterans Center: www.americanveteranscenter.org/
Donate Here to American Veterans Center:
americanveteranscenter.org/don...
Like us on Facebook: / americanveteranscenter
Follow us on Twitter: / avcupdate
Follow us on Instagram: / americanveteranscenter
Subscribe to our podcast: www.spreaker.com/show/2980518

[@caidenbardsley4400]

I love that he still has his uniform. Thank you for what you did for America, Chief

[@bigpapa2730]

Heck! I have been out of the military for thirty-some years now and there is no way I could ever fit back into my uniform again and I never will.

[@Sequatchiemm]

I would not have thought about it but caiden your rite

[@barryrammer7906]

We all were as skinny twigs, lol. We did not have our man bodies yet. I was a size 28 waist lol Now I'm a 38. 40 years later. God bless the USA Navy SEABEES here, boys.

[@deadlyoneable]

I think he may have procured a new one that replicates what he had. That cover looks brand new.

[@bobmeier958]

Love this man. He may have dropped my late Great Uncle on the beach of Peliliu. Roscoe Mills, USMC, KIA 9-17-44, buried at sea. RIp 🇺🇸

[@Sequatchiemm]

Bob Meier. Do you mean that he buried your uncle at see, or the guy being interviewed is buried at sea. If your uncle was buried at sea I'm sure if he would have survived the war your uncle would be on these videos like the others. ( He is probably looking down from heaven smiling knowing people are still talking and sharing about him

[@Sequatchiemm]

Bob Meier. I would love to hear some more of what he did in war like what he did were was he how did he pass away u know stuff like that

[@puttumsftw8478]

WW2 Boys and Girls were a different breed. True Warriors

[@vivians9392]

They grew up during the great depression, and it made them understand what sacrifice really was.

[@austinshane26]

why doesn't this channel have 10 million subscribers??!? I would love to interview veterans. this is the most underrated channel on KZbin

[@kennethcaine3402]

I could listen to him for ever, he is a GREAT HERO!!!! THINK GOD FOR people like him THANKS FOR MY FREEDOM. HE was so through, he remembered everything, he is truly A GREAT AMERICAN.

[@briandesjardins728]

I absolutely LOVE Talking to these guys, i wish they could live forever. Whenever i see them out shopping in homes ETC, i shake their hands grab them by the shoulder and tell him what hero’s they were. Just think of the stories and memories that die with them… its heartbreaking. They are the greatest generation. I once ran into a marine who served probably amongst this gentleman. He said in the first days, supplies were so short they shot and ate crocodiles everyday, he said them damn swamp toothed chickens are tasty! I just laughed and laughed and he was the funniest most down to earth guy i ever met, I’m sure he’s since passed but god bless them all.

[@jonathanstatham88]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💯💯💯💯💯

[@cagutman]

Mathias is my grandfather. He turns 98 today!

[@jeriah4k218]

@@cagutman good to hear

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Deeply grateful for your service, sacrifice and courage for freedom 🇺🇸

[@Johnny-ip4mk]

What an amazing man. A truly wonderful storyteller. God bless you, sir.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

Thank you SO much to Matt and to American Veterans Center. My Dad was a US Marine artilleryman. His first battle was also Peleliu. He later fought on Okinawa. It was so great to hear Mr Gutman's account of these battles. I've spent a lifetime trying to understand the emotions of what happened there knowing that I never will. Artillery goes in on the third was if I recall, so these two may have fought closely together.

[@XmadbeastX]

I loved listening to this. Hearing his account of Okinawa was especially interesting

[@MichaelStef77]

Just found this interview It has to be one of my favorites, the way he describes things, it’s so very well explained, and his memory is on point. God bless this amazing man

[@jeriah4k218]

I pray I’m as sharp as this man if I get that old. The fact that these guys can recall so much is amazing and we need to hear every story from vets like him

[@brianfergus839]

My dad Lt.jg CL Fergus, was CO of LCI-79, also at both Peleliu and Okinawa. His ship took a shell that went right through the hull without exploding! Huge respect for you, sir 🫡 🇺🇸

[@remalm3670]

... They don't make them like that anymore. Sir, you are missed ...

[@Stitchxavi]

We met this amazing man today at the Eisenhower WW2 event. Thank you for sharing your story. It was an honor for my sons to meet you. We deeply appreciate your service.

[@91Redmist]

Amazing man. Amazing generation. Thank you all for keeping America and much of the world free from tyranny.

[@thatCOSMOSkid]

Something about this man’s cadence and general story telling ability gives me chills. Thank you for your service and god bless America

[@gsmith207]

I’m 55 and want to go right now! Makes me so proud to be here because of these men that made it so. Another hero talking to us. Thank you so much for these and telling it like it is….

[@stonks_n_chomps7556]

Thank you for your service

[@brantfrederick9917]

One of the best retelling of the Pacific theater of WW2 that I’ve ever listened to. What a sharp memory Mr. Gutman has to clearly illustrate his story of when he was in the Navy during and after the Japanese surrendered. What a dangerous job he was assigned to do, those landing crafts took hellfire on some of those landings. Also like he said kamikaze aircraft would and could take out a whole landing craft in one blow and they would. Thank you for your service Mr. Gutman and thank you for clearly illustrating what it was like piloting a landing craft in the heat of battle. God bless you and God bless America ♥️🇺🇸♥️

[@Error_404-F.cks_Not_Found]

Love see new episodes. We need to get to hear from all the men that are left and able to share their stories. Incredible work guys.

[@jaybarnett211]

I play poker in a local Indian casino with a 99 year old ww2 vet.. he is sharp as a whistle. Greatest generation.. respect ✊

[@insuster9914]

no one asked sir, go back to your retirement home 😂

[@j1st633]

In my career as a licensed nursing home administrator I was the CEO of a veterans facility. I had a few that servived in WW2. What storiies! Terrific guys.

[@randystanley3910]

Thanks for your service Boats

[@Dahbz14]

This channel should be used in every history class curriculum. A book could never do justice to the horror and sacrifice these true men faced. Thank god such men lived.

[@chrisr7143]

Thank you Chief, I appreciate you sharing your war experience, God bless you.

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

LST: landing ship, tank This is the official name for some of those boats. The sailors called it, “large, slow target. A coxswain was made of steel. Those men performed their jobs under such intense conditions. The men getting out of those boats, and having to getting equipment out with them were brave beyond my ken. What wonderful men we have and have had with our veterans. My father was one. He served in Italy. I always said that he was made of steel. They all were. God bless our men in uniform for what they endured.

[@edstyer2566]

A Real hero

[@Blackhawks87]

This guys voice sounds just like my great uncles...... eerily similar. Bless you and thank you for your service, sailor!!!

[@aaronbeeler8907]

Sea stories are my favorite, loved sitting around with our NCOs and vets telling us there sea stories for hours when out to see. One of the best ways to pass time. Thank you chief. 🇺🇸

[@B-leafer]

My Uncle was commanding officer of 2 minesweepers, and 2 destroyers in that south pacific theater. I remember him talking about the kamikaze attacks against his ships, how dangerous and close they came, showed me pictures he personally took of those battles. He got a samurai sword as well off an officer. I wonder if this guy knew my uncle? God bless America.

[@jasonbull6560]

I miss my Grandad.

[@brianfergus839]

He is lucky he has a grandson who remember him

[@fozzywxman]

What a great storyteller. My father helped disarm Japanese soldiers on Kusai and Penape. He brought home a lot more than one artifact. 😉

[@robertmoyer175]

It wasn't more than 3 minutes into this interview that I recognized his Pennsylvania Dutch accent. I also was born in Allentown and served in the Navy.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Great channel

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Love the channel

[@rtrobinson88321]

Thank you for your service sir..God bless you

[@donnamarsh3474]

If still living, this man is 100 years old. So sharp. Thank you for your service, sir.

[@atenachos6282]

Thank you for your service 🙏

[@smallkrmit5717]

Thank you for your service sir

[@codyhilton1750]

Chief Gutman would be a wonderful speaker on WWII. Good Bless you and your generation Chief.

[@jadedannar5877]

Thank you sir.

[@mikeblankenship7930]

My dad was on Pelelui with the 1st Marines

[@lingmingching1]

That was pretty rough to say the least.

[@ericmailander3361]

What company?

[@timfoster4979]

Thank you sir

[@botulismcasserole9832]

“So I unbuckled it and said you won’t be needing this anymore”

[@gregbutler9873]

There have been five out of the last 15 generations that have served this Nation from fighting the British and Tory’s in North Carolina to my son doing two tours in Iraq. I was still serving and retired shortly after he started his first tour . My father fought in the Korean War , my grandfather and great uncle fought in WWII , my grandfather was a coxswain and had three Higgins boats shot out from under him on DDay and my great uncle fought with General Pattons 3 rd Armor and had two tanks shot out from under him on the Battle of Bulge . The second tank he was driving that was destroyed he had lost three toes of his left foot when a glancing round from a pac gun sent shrapnel inside the front side where he was driving , he was driving to avoid getting hit by the 88’s so intensely , he didn’t realize he had been wounded until leaving their disabled tank , he tried to follow the rest of the crew to safety , he slipped and fell on his third step and fell flat on his face from tripping over the toe of his boot that was still attached by the leather .

[@realwealthproperties5671]

Fantastic interview!

[@cavemanlovesmoke4394]

Love these so much !!

[@lingmingching1]

Thank you so much for posting. And God willing, I'd sure as hell buy you guys a beer, Chief.

[@francopasta3704]

His narrative and recollection is fabulous.

[@justonsullivan3807]

Thank u Mr. Gutman for everything u have done and given for our country, u are a real Hero Sir, I wish nothing but the best to u and your loved ones. 🙏🇺🇲🗽🇺🇲🙏

[@345Weeehrs]

These men were and are incredible . The world owes them so much and so few even know it today.

[@johneynon7121]

My father served on a destroyer doing picket (spreading smoke) along Okinawa when his ship was hit my kamikaze planes and sunk along with 32 other ships during that conflict. He also lost another destroyer the same way. He retired in 1959 as a chief petty officer. These guys have some great stories and I have mine own, serving as a navy Corpsman with the marines in Vietnam. I retired medically from combat wounds in 1968. A brother served in the Army for nearly 20 years, catching Agent Orange & 2 purple hearts then dying because of that at age 38. All for what ?????

[@brianfergus839]

“Doing picket” could also describe the “radar picket” which many smaller ships were engaged in around Okinawa. My fathers ship LCI-79, was on the radar picket duty at Okinawa as well.

[@evanderson92]

Bit of correction to the video description: Chief Gutman says he was assigned to LST-553, not 135.

[@nelsontodd9184]

Awesome video

[@isaactrujillo76]

‘You won’t need this anymore.’ 😂😂 love it

[@margaretdonato7888]

🇺🇸🇺🇸thank you for your service Chief. Like you, my maternal uncle, Pfc Micheal Cardone, First Division Marine, joined up after Pearl Harbor. From New Brunswick, NJ. Son of Italian immigrants. He was killed on Peleliu and was awarded the Purple Heart. To his nieces and nephews he was Uncle Micky, the uncle we never knew who was a hero. The Greatest Generation! 💜💜🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@hatuletoh]

My grandfather went ashore Luzon after fighting on Attu. He was on an LVT at some point during his Pacific service and he hated those things only slightly less than the even smaller LCVPs. He said that he suspected those all those little boats were designed to make you anxious to get into combat, because you got so seasick on them that all you wanted to do was get back on solid land, even if that meant getting shot at. Or as he succinctly put it: when you get boat you're afraid you might die, but after bobbing around for a while, you're afraid you won't.

[@ayeayeron1514]

I live in Evansville, IN and we have an LST memorial (museum) on the Ohio River. I would bet this man would love to see it.

[@camokiller9119]

God bless this man

[@chickenfist1554]

This guy could read a menu and I'd listen intently

[@robertmoyer175]

For many years the Greatest Generation did not share their stories; thank goodness that has changed.

[@robertboney4493]

Smart,brave sailor; thank God for the US Navy.

[@Fufu0117]

That man stole a family Heirloom. I woulda used the sword before I gave it away. Honor for his service, but he went too far.

[@rickysmith2248]

Awesome show us the sword!!

[@JEM133]

The big time relief to those men(at Okinawa),was learning,that they weren't gonna have to invade Japan.My dad was one of these marines.Instead of invading Japan, many of them occupied China,to get them back to status quo.

[@stokiestewpotter7956]

Heroes,all of them.

[@samuelwatkins5145]

Where can I find these full interviews?

[@antonleimbach648]

So different from the horde of stolen valor heroes we have today. This guy has seen it all.

[@billblackwell6098]

What a great historical story. I Slaute you SIR.

[@barryrammer7906]

Great men, then American greatest generation.

[@johnannethegirlsmom]

My husband has been trying to get WW2 Vets to autograph his WW2 era M1 Garand. Is there a way we can get in touch with some of these fellas you have interviewed? Or can you have them get in touch with us?

[@juangringo3906]

Wow Okinawa was invaded on Easter Sunday which just so happened to be on April fools day which doesnt happen often at all. How ironic. Js

[@christinalynn8143]

🫂🇺🇲🫂🇺🇲🇺🇲 God Bless America God Bless the service men and women.

[@tegridyweed7863]

Big fan of the original Medal Of Honor Pacific Assault release before EA changed the name to "Allied Assault"... not so much a fan of the most recent conflicts in Nam and Afghanistan when you consider the fact that all we brought back was poppy and heroin.

[@b_em0]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@king_Perixus]

im sorry to tell you this sir, you might have in your mind disarmed him from his sword, but i can gurantee you that was a family heirloom, and does rightfully so belong to his family. you should therfore try to bring it either back to his family, or to his country as it belongs there

[@atenachos6282]

Too bad about those millions of Japanese that never had a voice.

[@inepetersen802]

His family must be so proud. It is wonderful that this history is preserved--if the Democratic Libs will leave it along.

[@brianfergus839]

His family are Democratic libs

[@Justthatguy420]

Damn this is scary. Hell of a man and generation. May be coming again soon. I hope not

[@keithrosen1139]

Me too chief. boatswainmate 3rd class

[@chacdogful]

Stole the sword though

[@koolaidria4801]

They weren’t using it anymore

[@chacdogful]

@@koolaidria4801 lol. Yeah, still wasn’t right just to take it for a souvenir. Especially after it wasn’t really fought for. Wars over now it’s just abuse. But that describes Americans well

[@francopasta3704]

Oh please…

[@chacdogful]

@@francopasta3704 oh you’re welcome

[@bryanwaitman586]

The atom bombs weren’t the reason for japans surrender it was the Russian invasion of Manchuria that sealed the fate of Japan.

[@pickleman40]

It was both

[@JoeyWilliams89]

I’m not tryna come across as an A-hole but why when older folks are mic’d up does it sound like their tongue is constantly making a figure 8 motion? I can hardly focus on what he’s saying because the only thing I can hear is his saliva in the mic 🤦🏼

[@brianfergus839]

I know what you mean. You can read the transcript if it’s too annoying

[@frankm2588]

Great interview of a great man. Interesting article about the LSTs. Over 2,000 were built designed by the British and Americans, all built in the U.S.: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_Ship,_Tank#:~:text=Landing%20Ship%2C%20Tank%20(LST),assaults%20on%20almost%20any%20beach.