Last Living D-Day Pathfinder Pilot on the Mission That Changed the War | David Hamilton

David Hamilton was born into a proud military family whose genealogy stretches back to founding father Alexander Hamilton. The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hamilton walked into a recruiting station and volunteered for duty.
Late on June 5, 1944, Hamilton climbed into the pilot's seat of his specially outfitted Douglas C-47 loaded with paratroopers and set off across the English Channel. He was one of 20 select pilots and crews trained in secrecy known as the “Elites” who were to drop pathfinder troops behind enemy lines to begin the D-Day invasion.
Following D-Day, Hamilton went on to perform other Pathfinder missions, such as Operation Dragoon, the invasion of Provence in Southern France, on August 15th, 1944, and Operation Market Garden over The Netherlands a month later. Additionally, Hamilton led the cargo planes over Bastogne, Belgium to drop supplies to the 101st Airborne Division when Nazi forces had surrounded them during the Battle of the Bulge in December, 1944.
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[@americanveteranscenter]

Please subscribe to our channel so you don't miss future interviews with American heroes.

[@nmr6988]

I am definitely subscribed! 👍

[@genej501]

@@nmr6988 too bad thanks everything that's going on today will probably start to speak French German and whatever other language there is the new hierarchy of government in world domination. God bless this guy. God bless America

[@claireparr4489]

Done! 👍

[@ElijahMikaelson.]

I love this channel it’s always great to see these wonderful American Heroes i would do anything to fight along side with them.

[@johnboy6594]

100 years old and he doesnt forget a thing. Fact after Fact he spews out rapid fire. This man is what made this country great. Mr. Hamilton thankyou for your service and never ending love and dedication to our beloved America. God Bless You

[@johnboy6594]

My father and his 2 brothers proudly served in WW2. My uncle also my Godfather was hit by a German Tracer bullet just 2 months in country. He almost least a leg and was in hospital for a year. He alway thought that every young American should experience the Service. He believed in its character building tenants. God Bless you Uncle Fiore, Uncle Orlando and my dad Albert.

[@ryanjordan7268]

@@johnboy6594 , What a great patriotic family history. My Dad fought in Italy 88th Infantry Division (Blue Devil's). My three Uncles fought in WW2. My Uncle William Frances Jordan was in the Merchant Marines. He was killed in action September 1942. My Mom's three brothers all fought in WW2 Pacific Theatre U.S. Navy. My hero's growing up.

[@maxcullen3427]

Respect that as clear memory as day it happened respect 🫡 that

[@maxcullen3427]

@@johnboy6594 respect ur family for sure 🫡from England

[@pmccoy8924]

Yes. God bless, them. Day by day we're losing them. I love his generation. Not only because of what they did for our nation but they remind my of my grandparents. The sacrifices they made. My grandfather was in the Pacific as a naval officer from 42-46 aboard DD-501. He never spoke of his time in the war. He had demons buried deep, as they all do. This man reminds me of my grandfather and I miss him. Be 30 years in 24'. Just listening to him speak brings a rush of nostalgia I will always hold close.

[@fogart57]

Dave is an amazing person, a life member of our National Pathfinder Associaton and inducted into Pathfinder Hall of Fame in 2022.

[@samstewart4807]

PLEASE do more interviews with him!!!

[@bobbybobby3070]

Why so long?

[@njcjr79]

The real deal

[@jayklink851]

Maybe a year or so before the pandemic broke, I was working out at the gym and I saw an older gentlemen wearing an Army Air Core baseball cap, not Airforce. As WWII buff, especially aviation, I was naturally intrigued. So I struck up a conversation with him, turns out he was a glider pilot on D-Day. Man did he have some fascinating stories, I talked with him for almost an hour and a half. The guy was 104 years old, I realized it was probably one of the last times I was going to be able to talk with a WWII vet. Sadly, they're just about all gone.

[@samstewart4807]

@@jayklink851 wow

[@kiwi_comanche]

"He was the last bad shot in the family." That had me rolling 😂 this gent is a national treasure!!!!!!!

[@douglashall2141]

Kiwi Comanche, I agree, and that was comical.

[@evanpetelle5669]

Jahahah I was about to comment this exact sentiment!! I love it. These guys are great.

[@yamabiru4553]

His name is Hamilton, as in Alexander was his great great great great…

[@evanpetelle5669]

@@yamabiru4553 there we go

[@nocturnalrecluse1216]

Actually, Hamilton missed on purpose. His shot rang true when it ruined Burrs political career. That's what he was aiming for.

[@kevind3185]

Men like him are the reason why his Generation is the Greatest Generation.

[@FoulPet]

And why the current generation is the worst. Makes me sad for the future that we may never see people like this again.

[@jasonfarmer4490]

No doubt "The Greatest Generation"

[@fazole]

@@FoulPet Remember these men were made through the hardship and kinship experienced in the Great Depression. My grandparents lost most of their land during that time. They bathed in wash tub filled with hot water from the wood burning stove. In the 1980s they were still saving and washing their aluminum foil and eating burnt toast from an old toaster because they did not want to spend money on a new toaster. They farmed, canned their vegetables and got by because grand dad could work on the railroad from time to time. I think one child died when my father was young or before he was born. Pioneer type hardship. No electricity until the 1930s.

[@mariothemartian2016]

@@FoulPet These people created the world that raised the next generations. 😂🤷‍♂ I dont think if the Germans had won, we’d have the culture problems we currently have in the west.

[@FoulPet]

@@fazole unfortunately now if kids get a dislike on social media it's a catastrophe.

[@tomahawktom7595]

I met this hero on the 75th anniversary in France (2019). Him and his handler talked to me for a bit and he gave me two photos of him and his troops before the D-day invasion. Those photos are on display in my office in a common area so everyone who comes into the office gets to see them.

[@jackmunday7602]

I love hearing first hand accounts from second world war veterans. These men are so humble and selfless. They risked their lives time and time again for people they would never even meet. I was delivering to an old world war two veteran back in 2020. I discovered that he served during the war in Burma. And he told me a few tales that would make your blood curdle. One that gave the chills was when they were out on patrol one night in November of 1944. They had dug some defensive fox holes to set up for evening. As the sun went down, the jungle went pitch black. You could never see the Japanese soldier, but some how he could always see you. And they would shout and scream, yelling things in English like "we kill you Tommy!" Or "English, you die!" This particular night, they had two young replacements sharing a foxhole. The Japanese slit their throats and mutilated them during the night. "We never saw or heard anything" he said "we all feared the Japanese soldier, when in the jungle, the Japanese soldier was the king, and if you let your guard down even for a second, he'd get you. He'd cut your throat before you even had a chance to scream. And your mates would find your mutilated body at sun rise". I then asked him if the actions of the rioters, desecrating our war memorials infuriated him like it did me, as this was during the 2020 BLM riots in London. He replied "No, it just makes me sad, that these people will never appreciate how much my generation went through. To be thousands of miles from home fighting a cruel, ruthless enemy in a country you've never even heard of. To be so tired, so hungry, so thirsty and so scared you start loosing your grip on reality. But it also makes me feel happy, knowing in the end, because of what we did, those kids will go home in the evening, to a warm house, a plate full of hot food, and a warm bed. And they'll sleep soundly without the constant fear of someone sneaking up and slitting their throats. Just knowing that I can't complain"

[@on-jo7716]

people like you act as if Germans Russians and Japanese Koreans and more didn't exist. Since you guys can never comprehend you're enemy or neutral countries ever were in a war you type of people never say anything good for Germans or anyone else. yeah those were real men and they fought and died for what they believed in. it is obviously to you horrible but you type of people have never had to worry about someone invading you're country right next door.

[@seangrexa4707]

Well written story, thank you for sharing!

[@fazole]

Incredible! I spoke with an in-law who had been in an anti-aircraft battery in New Guinea. He didn't fight the Japanese, but they had to eat basically SPAM all the time, they had to worry about malaria OR almost just as bad the Atabrine tablets which also made you very sick. There were deadly snakes in his trench that came out during the frequent rains, mosquitoes, jungle rot, filth, high heat, humidity and generally a very uncomfortable existence. And there were cannibals in the jungle! All of this is outside fighting the Japanese.

[@jamie49868]

My Dad just missed WWII but was just about first in at Korea. All my uncles, grandfathers, and older relatives served in either WWI, WWII, or Korea. I say this only to point out that I was around service men (I'm Navy, AZ2 85-89) from that era my entire life. The stories and personal bits of history about the wars always enthralled me. I couldn't get enough. Sadley, they are all gone, and I have forgotten so many parts of their stories. Thank goodness for channels like this to preserve these wonderful warrior's tales. When I hear these men's stories, I always picture my dad an uncle, or even an old teacher who had first-hand accounts that made you feel connected to the War.

[@jackmunday7602]

@@jamie49868 never truer words said my friend. As you know it is imperative we treasure and preserve the memories of these men. Otherwise our leaders and politicians will make the same mistakes as their predecessors. And we will be subjected to the same horrors and carnage these men fought so hard to protect us from.

[@clayton8565]

I had the privilege of attending LTC Hamilton’s 100th birthday where this was filmed. Incredible meeting him, still very well with it. What an inspiration! Will never forget his or his generation’s sacrifice.

[@dreamersdisease2481]

Hey Clayton could he still get it up?

[@logicaredux5205]

So this man, in addition to being a WW2 hero, is a descendent of Alexander Hamilton. An honor, sir.🇺🇸

[@ivanlowjones]

A great Broadway musical too.

[@carolecarr5210]

Alexander Hamilton??? I didn't know he had any child.

[@jscho8674]

@@carolecarr5210 He had several children. His oldest son was killed in a duel too.

[@logicaredux5205]

@@carolecarr5210 He did. A fairly large number. I can’t remember the exact number. He didn’t say his ancestor was Alexander Hamilton, but his name is Hamilton and he said his ancestor was a General under Washington and that he had been killed in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr. Both were true of Alexander Hamilton. It’s hard to imagine who else it could be.

[@rg20322]

@@ivanlowjones Disagree with that comment.

[@RLB1833]

Thank you Lt. Col. Hamilton for that amazing story of such important history you were a part of.

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

My father did the same thing. He didn't have the 2 years of college, but tested in as cadet and became a lieutenant in the USAAF. Great to hear this fellow recount his experiences. May we all be as vital as this fellow is. Thanks for this upload and preserving his video accounting.

[@georgemacdonell2341]

I believe Alexander was a Col. during the revolution, aide decamp to Washington , distinguished himself at Yorktown, never knew he was promoted. Glad you made it Colonel, God bless.

[@chevyon37s]

The picture of him leaning against his plane with Eisenhower and Patton id great!

[@71jolanc]

Wow. He turned 100 this year. Still sharp and witty! Thank you for your service.

[@johnboy6594]

Amazing

[@nmr6988]

"My father flew in World War I." -- God bless this family of heroes.

[@Robin6512]

This gentleman is a hero. Plain and simple and so where all these other guys doing their thing.

[@robertlayng2732]

Truly apart of "The Greatest Generation ". They did there part in WWII with pride and honor. Incredible stories he related!

[@depow5217]

Thank you Lt. Col. Hamilton. I could listen to your stories all day.

[@jscho8674]

What an honor to get to listen to this amazing man tell his story. I'm in awe of him in his own rite, and who his famous ancestor was. Wow.

[@mickeyp5122]

Agreed J Scho

[@johnjacobs1625]

David May have Flown the Mission that Dropped my Dad & the 508 th PIR Co H! THX for Your SERVICE HERO!! JJ VF-142 USN 75-79

[@ericwilloughby3713]

Who knows, your dad may have jumped from his exact plane.

[@patrickjohnson2886]

I love these old vets telling stories. God bless them all.

[@allanfranklin9615]

Great story. Col Hamilton is one of last of the Greatest Generation. Thank you for doing your job fir the country. Too bad we have no generation to match his, our country is safe thanks to the millions of others like him. We sorely need another like the WW2 vets. Thanks again, Col Hamilton, for your service.

[@emmgeevideo]

This guy is a kick in the pants. I'm glad he was on our side! I love listening to these guys.

[@ericwilloughby3713]

Wow, this dude was an amazing hero. He lived life to it's fullest and the reason why we don't goosestep and speak German today

[@aledakivett9255]

Amen!

[@dontshitsh9404]

Ist dem so, oder irrst du dich da etwas ?

[@masonpressive283]

Too many not celebrated, but they weren't there for celebration, they were there for liberation. If you can read this...thank a teacher, if you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.

[@richardhiller3135]

We just put our heads down hoping we don't get cancelled for the English words we speak. I'd take the goose stepping. At least I'd be on a side willing to fight for what they believe in. Instead I get to listen to those on the right who just talk talk talk. Afraid to confront today's loudmouthed female or feminine male. I'm really not supporting Nazis. I'm saying I'd support an honest Nazi before today's deluded coward on the right

[@LilMilan420]

@@dontshitsh9404warum hätte er es gesagt wenn es nicht wahr wäre

[@bryancostello52]

The Greatest Generation. Where Men were Men. And they were damn proud to be.

[@marijooneill8015]

We need to have more guys like this, the "greatest generation ". God Bless this Man".

[@joshalsea]

This man is truly hero. Calling them the greatest generation..... they've left us in ruins. Tax cuts, inflation, no universal Healthcare. Unless green energy takes off soon we're fucked. They're not the greatest. They milked this country dry and voted in people that weren't interested in helping us, just their corporate sponsors

[@bryancostello52]

@@joshalsea I'm talking about the silent Majority. True patriots that loved this country till the day they died. Not the liberal minority who think a man can be a woman. We would of lost the war with that bunch.

[@UnknownUnknown-ev1yi]

I love this guy. I'd listen to him for hours his stories are amazing. He's needs weekly short podcast.

[@benmiz9742]

This might be the best episode yet! I could listen to this gentleman for days, just incredible and the pride he has for the job he did! It really brings a tear to my eye. Just a outstanding man, thank you for your service good sir.

[@andrewmacdonald4833]

I could listen to this guy all day....amazing life..

[@1234munchlax]

Men above men. Thank you for your service sir.

[@claireparr4489]

Lt Col Dave Hamilton is a truly remarkable man and his story telling of his recollections are absolutely riveting. He is inspirational and a treasure. How I would love to meet him one day. ✈💕🎖

[@DFA2503]

What an incredible heritage this man comes from.

[@andrewbrady3139]

This is a real man. Someone to be proud to call an American and a fellow veteran. Not these nut-less wonders we have today. I was in 12 years and 4 deployments in the navy then the CA-ANG. Those 4 deployments were in 5 years. Then I deployed as a civilian many, many times after I was forced out on a medical. Still serving but as a civilian. Many of the active duty now I would not trust in battle. We are living in scary times.

[@stephenedwards5038]

Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

[@noahcount7132]

Col. Hamilton is a great storyteller, and from where I sit, a hero!

[@gerryomahony1234]

This wonderful gentleman has a superb memory for his WW2 recollections , and narrates everthing beautifully. Part of the golden generation that we all owe so much to. Thank you sir. and god bless.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Thank you Mr Hamilton. Thank you for sharing your story and more importantly your service. I needed to hear this today.

[@jamesburris8803]

What an honor to hear this story. What a great memory as well. Thank you for your service sir!

[@crownlands7246]

Dang, this Gent takes it away, love, how he emphasizes the tightknit brotherhood and the super tech, allowing them to roar away at treetop height and deliver to the mission

[@kenk1959]

I met Mr. Hamilton in 2017. A true gentleman. I was truly honored to shake his hand. He told me many stories about his exploits throughout his career. I will never forget that afternoon.

[@bobglazauskis6720]

Wow. What a great story. He lived long enough to tell us all about it.

[@JohnnyPollas]

A family of heroes, god bless y'all, and thanks for your service

[@HOTDOG401]

Their words are precious and they must be listened too, recorded and remembered.

[@danielc9847]

Lt. Col. Hamilton is a great man! I had the honor of interviewing him for my book series a few months ago!

[@skimmer8774]

Dam smart and gutsy move turning fuel off for an engine shutdown. Thanks for my freedom. Salute.

[@davidjames2788]

What a legendary man. Truly the greatest generation in recent history.

[@RdkAllDAY98]

Dudes got a better memory then I do lmao what an absolute legend. 🇺🇸

[@avajohnson1710]

Hello

[@christophersibley3023]

What a wonderful man thanks for your part in our Freedom sir.

[@jumper9259]

"They sure did have alot of vodka, so I stayed at my mothers club. I wasnt about to hop into my aeroplane and fly home." Sir, your absolute badassness is showing.

[@jackdundon2261]

Whom ever interviewed him, PLEASE MORE INTERVIEWS! (and post them). Thanks

[@FarmerDrew]

My great-grandfather was a signal man in World War I. Both of my grandfathers served in World War II, one as an MP and pilot trainee in Europe/North Africa (got his wings 2 weeks after VJ Day) and the other as an aircraft radio technician Sergeant, stationed in Kansas. I never got to meet either of them, they both died before I was born, and so these interviews are near and dear to my heart, almost like my own Grandpas are talking to me. Thanks.

[@newsnowmilitia1147]

These men are awesome can’t get enough of these guys!! The heroism is unmatched people aren’t made the same now days. Now days everyone seems weak and sensitive

[@carloscortes5570]

God bless LC D Hamilton where ever you are sir,thank you for your honorable service and great stories

[@BamaScarface]

These stories....these people are LEGENDARY

[@sneakypeacock8394]

Long fan of the channel love the British veterans. Amazing man

[@carloscortes5570]

Amazing stories. Incredible pictures of you and the generals laughing. I just don't have words to thank you for your service and wish you health and happiness. When you have a ww2 aircraft with your name on it in a museum, life is good.

[@wesleyallen1173]

Thanks! I think it's great that you are getting these story's recorded by the people that lived these situations, for generation's to come to learn from. G-D Bless.

[@americanveteranscenter]

Thank you for your donation! Every penny goes towards collecting more stories like David Hamilton. We're lucky to have viewers like you.

[@cfltitan]

Thank you Sir and God bless you!! I could listen to these WWII vets all day long. Makes me miss me grandfather even though he didn’t talk about it much. He was Army infantry that landed on D day. He made it all the way to Germany with a few small “breaks” that earned him two Purple Hearts and shrapnel/bullets lodged under his skin in several places. Truly the greatest and bravest generation ever!

[@RGPGAME-Z]

I could listen to this Gentleman all day! A true hero! Thank you for your service!

[@rikijett310]

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

[@tarjeik7162]

Legend! Can still see the young man in him.

[@lindagardenlady]

These men and women were wonderful! ❤️❤️👍 Amazing they still have a sense of humor after what they've been through. God bless them, every one!!

[@michaelmccotter4293]

All I can say is WOW! What an experience! Great story! Bless you Sir for your service!

[@jahns6980]

Loved listening to this guy. What an incredible history

[@emilyhorak5651]

Thank You for your service, God bless. My Gramp's was 82 nd Glider Pilot

[@FilmcastentertainmentBlogspot]

I can't feel more grateful for your dedication and valor as a Pathfinders C-47 pilot and also happier to see you and hear you recount of those harrowing days of the "Good War" and your sorties into Normandy and behind German lines with such vivid detail. Your selfless effort allowed us to enjoy the freedoms and human rights we enjoy today. 🇺🇸

[@jeffestrada6857]

Amazing man, fantastic memory, very with it! What a character and person with a contribution that nobody could copy or surpass 👍

[@grumblekin]

He’s the second man I’ll go to meet in Heaven, right after my uncle. What a hero!

[@treaty92]

What an interesting man, I could listen to him for hours. A great American

[@funsmasher7018]

Author's brother may have studied languages with my uncle at Harvard. He was a Japanese interpreter, interviewing Japanese prisoners the US captured.

[@scottwooster4102]

It's great that we and future generations will be able to see and here this amazing man years and hopefully centuries from now.

[@xvsj-s2x]

God Bless you for sharing your experience along with your courage, sacrifice and service for freedom 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@vincentmelini9129]

What an amazing man!!! Im sure he has a bunch of great stories.

[@Airbornedroneworks]

Wow what a great piece of history and it's nice to know you guys are out there seeking out these heroes.

[@neilcrowesongs9768]

What an incredible man and amazing family history

[@andrewhaley8992]

Dude what a story. Both of my Grandfathers flew and sailed during WW2. They both died before I really had a chance to talk to them about their service. This guy is a national treasure!

[@j1st633]

Wonderful story.

[@flyinghigh2373]

A great story of a true Airman (Pilot) I could listen to these servicemen for hours Thank you

[@Flyfishtherockies]

Thank you for sharing this! What an amazing man and American treasure. I could listen to the Lt. Col. For hours. Please share any more footage you have of his interview.

[@bradwolfe2993]

Amazing life tempered in experiences, a time and place that will never be again, that's and greatest respect for all who served not only in this war but every war that has kept this great country free for all

[@shaker7804]

What an amazing man and so full of life. God bless you David.

[@bakernathan98]

This man is 100 years old and sharp as a tac thank you for you service .

[@galghaidhil]

Outstanding! Thank you, sir, for all you’ve done for us. We can never repay you or your generation.

[@dorianleclair7390]

So awesome to hear his story. And the picture at the end was priceless.

[@kevinmccorkle7476]

We lose a treasure every time one of these veterans from the Greatest Generation passes on. Hand salute sir, much respect.

[@eljefeogt8149]

What an amazing story. Thank you so much for your service. Your sacrifice will echo through generations.

[@davidbenner2289]

Interesting. Respect. Dad flew around with a lot of former AVG Flying Tigers (Catha Pacific, Catha Air Transport, Air America, Southern Air Transport) in his long cloak & dagger career during the Cold War. The breed of pilots that went through and came out of WWII were probably the best we ever had. All gutsy and fighting each other to see who could go in first and leave last! Lt. Col. Hamilton's ancestors and mine fought in the battles in the American Revolution. Only, mine were privates. Lol! Good historical autobiography, by the way.

[@norikootsuki4661]

Someone needs to encourage Lieutenant Commander David Hamilton to write a book about his experience with a ghostwriter if necessary. This gentleman is a gem of World War II. Thank you for your service Lieutenant Commander Hamilton. May you live long and continue to prosper!

[@michaelcoulter714]

I could listen to this gentleman's stories all day long...what a pilot !

[@billybubba8344]

That was great. Thank you

[@georgec4917]

What a great memory and story teller.

[@markcampbell9477]

Thank you so much for serving for our country

[@robertthomas3777]

And Europes freedom. 🦘🇦🇺👍

[@overanDownUnder]

Stories like these are why I would volunteer at the senior centre in 1999. Most these gents just wanted people to listen to their stories.

[@jamesireland6606]

Incredible story thank you for serving

[@dorsai]

The pathfinders he talks about on the brick pile in Bastogne were members of a unit the army dubbed 'The Filthy Thirteen.' Some of their exploits during the war served to inspire the story which became the film 'The Dirty Dozen.'

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🏆🏆🏆👍🇺🇲🙏 🎖️🎖️🎖️⭐⭐⭐ Thank you for sharing

[@ANXIE7Y]

Got nothing but respect for folks like him.

[@rb67mustang]

What a great story, and what a great guy.

[@TheDarthSoldier]

I love how he talks about the 99th and how those guys were stuck on him like glue. Those guys were amazing pilots

[@samstewart4807]

OMG! One of your best interviews. Please tell us you have more with him. OR has someone else interviewed him. Is that HIS airplane? His hanger? or?

[@vppnbrent]

God bless you David!

[@rtrobinson88321]

Thank you sir for your service. God bless you