Last Surviving Member of 'Band of Brothers' - Easy Company, describes D-Day and Battle of the Bulge

Private First Class Bradford Freeman was assigned to the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in February 1944. A member of Easy Company - today known as the famed Band of Brothers - he served alongside such
battlefield legends as Richard 'Dick' Winters, Lynn 'Buck' Compton, Don Malarkey, Wild Bill Guarnere, among others.
On June 6, 1944 -- D-Day -- PFC Freeman parachuted into Normandy, experiencing the grueling combat of the "Longest Day."
Later PFC Freeman would participate in Operation Market Garden, and serve in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge during which he was wounded in the leg.
With the passing of Colonel Edward Shames in December 2021, PFC Bradford Freeman is the sole surviving member of Easy Company. A unit that would be made famous by the HBO miniseries 'Band of Brothers'.
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[@Caeleinn]

For the past 11 years, I have lived about a mile away from this man. I'm going to miss seeing his old blue truck going past my house every Sunday morning, on his way to church. Rest in Peace, Mr. Freeman. No more battles to be fought.

[@bennieboi7114]

I’m from Columbus right down the road

[@fascistalien]

What model was the truck?

[@vanenmar7491]

Bradford Freeman sadly passed away on 3rd July 2022. He was 97. RIP.

[@tedrussell902]

Let me tell you about Mr. Freeman or Brad. He used to live 2 miles from me when I lived in Mississippi, till I moved a few years ago, but I still get by to see him. He is 97 now and still gets on his tractor and plows. He still cuts his own yard. And he has his own personality and humor for sure lol . He’ll sit there and tell you all kind of stories about back then and laugh at some. But once in a while, he’ll cut his eyes at you and say “but if you were there” He’d do anything for you that he could! He speaks extremely high of every single person he served with!! Good man!!! Ha I have watched him sit down for lunch and eat a pack of crackers with a whole can of Vienna sausage and a glass of milk! As he would say, “ I like fat “ that’s fat as in on meat. So many good things I could say about him!

[@daniellinehan63]

A real human A Hero in our eyes A Hero in God's eyes

[@rileymcintosh4852]

Amen

[@KRACKER13]

Thats so awesome .thank you

[@ronaldmcdonald3965]

Thanks for taking the time to tell your story

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

Thank You For Sharing.

[@frankknight7968]

Typical of the greatest generation. My father, a DDay British commando, had exactly the same attitude. It had to be done, we dod it, we came home and got on with it. The modesty and stoicism are astonishing.

[@daniellinehan63]

My Dad was in D Day and the way he stared down bullies when I was a child...amazed me.My hero.

[@jamie49868]

We sure could use that attitude today. My Dad missed WWII but enlisted as soon as Korea broke out. Of course, every single uncle I knew (that made it) served. They were some truly humble and amazing people. I wish they were still around.

[@joshshepherd5660]

It truly is an honor to say my great uncle frank, whom I would never know, was one of the first casualties on Dday. He survived the thru the attack after being hit while running ashore. Passed in a field hospital the next day. These interviews are priceless. We stand on the shoulders of giants but I do believe we all have their courage within us. It's simply a matter of hearing the proper call.

[@brettfavreify]

Totally agree. People today are so incredibly self absorbed, trying to use social media to stand out. Every Second World War veteran I've ever met has been the epitome of class, humility and a gentleman.

[@mangofrugtmos]

I live in Europe and just want to say: Sir, thank you for your service and thank you for my freedom.

[@UrAJok3r]

Unfortunately, Mr. Freeman passed away yesterday, July 3, 2022. I can't believe no one is left from Easy Company.

[@mccuenoirfilms]

I was in Normandy with Mr. Freeman in 2019 for the 75th Anniversary of DDAY and we went back to Brecourt Manor. Incredible experience to say the least!

[@alexandrumurgu2354]

U had the greatest experience:)my gran gran father got shoot in rusia :(hi didnt die dough

[@doriancrayy7707]

Man you are that old and you figured out how to work KZbin good going

[@mccuenoirfilms]

@@doriancrayy7707 Huh? No, I’m 34, lol.

[@doriancrayy7707]

@@mccuenoirfilms oh crap I just now saw the 2019. I thought at first you landed at Normandy

[@doriancrayy7707]

@@mccuenoirfilms Yeah I was like damn this old dude just watching KZbin videos and commenting

[@losratitos8277]

My dad served in the Pacific in WWII...(USS Monaghan/Destroyer) Battle of the Coral Sea, Battle of Midway, The Aleutians...saw lots of action..kept a diary...he was terrified most of the time but still did his job...he transferred to flying blimps up and down the West Coast...USS Monaghan went down a month later in a Typhoon with 90% casualties...after the war, he tried to make it in civilian life but it was no good. He re-enlisted in the Navy and made a career out of it...drank heavily but never talked about the war...RIP Captain Gillette (his final rank)

[@luxintenebris1776]

Rest easy Soldier. You served your country well. Thank you

[@fload46d]

I was drafted and sent to Nam and spent two weeks in the field before they found out I could type. I am happy to have been a member of the 101st. But these guys earned their right to wear that patch. God bless and keep them all.

[@chs82ndab]

So did you Bro.

[@kevbullock8313]

R.I.P Mr Freeman..Another hero gone forever but will be forever remembered ❤️

[@MrFletch821]

Just heard that Mr. Freeman passed away on Sunday night. He died in his hometown of Caledonia, Mississippi. Got to meet Mr. Freeman in the 1980s. RIP hero

[@bennieboi7114]

You are correct

[@BobandBear1]

He is so matter of fact and humble when describing the actions....as are they all. The humility of these veterans never ceases to amaze me. The horrendous level of death and destruction they witnessed and endured.....not to mention the fear they faced and had to conquer in order to survive beggars belief. They are the personification of courage and determination. My respect for them is immeasurable.

[@oledahammer8393]

God bless all these men and the ones that didn't make it home. My Uncle was 82nd Airborne in D-Day and the Bulge. He survived the war. He died some years ago, but he was the nicest guy. Band of Brothers gave me a whole different view of what he went through...how he made it home is beyond imagining.

[@geno5592]

Rest in peace 🙏

[@krisgreenwood5173]

This man was from Easy company. But there were hundreds of units from across the U.S. Army. Easy company got the recognition, but I'm sure there are many D Day soldiers who still have a story to tell.

[@ronniebishop2496]

Of course but I think these guys depicts the entire situation in a way that most can understand, Because they were in the most dangerous outfit of the dangerous outfits and easy company was the Assault company so they were in an even more dangerous part of the war.

[@cliffright1142]

My Dad was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. He was a medic and only twice talked about those freezing cold times. Those occasions were when his close friend came to upstate New York to visit him. We sat around the dining room table transfixed by the tales of those two. My Dad died very young and to this day, I wished I could have heard more about those times. My sons and I were in Europe for the Band of Brothers seventy fifth anniversary and it was the trip of a life time. Serving in the military seemed the natural thing to do back then. I’ve always been taken by the fact that only around one percent of Americans serve. The exploits of those WWII heroes no matter their job always awed me. Thanks for your comment of recognizing all of those men and women.

[@paulwolf7562]

Ohh, they do. If, your father or grandfather was there, or an uncle or older friend of the family, a neighbor? But, you have to let them talk. Most of them won't even talk about it. They think, nobody cares or weren't interested. It's a shame, most of them are gone, before the real interest got started. It's a shame KZbin wasn't around 30-40 yrs ago.

[@ronniebishop2496]

@@paulwolf7562 Well we do have them on video, and hopefully they’ll never be forgotten.!

[@kingzjuliobx9369]

@@cliffright1142 q at up

[@vampkity1749]

Thank you, Private First Class Bradford Freeman, for sharing your story.

[@bigwoody4704]

I knew he was still alive during the 75 th anniversary,but wow just incredible - a very humble and soft spoken man.Who incredibly still has his faculties

[@mccuenoirfilms]

Yes! I was there with him! We took him back to Brecourt Manor. It was amazing.

[@bennieboi7114]

Not anymore. Unfortunately he just passed a few days ago.

[@ppumpkin3282]

I love how in these newer interviews by the American Veterans Center - they let these guys talk, instead of peppering with questions, that are mostly meaningless.

[@yahchile7681]

Every hero of of War should be able to tell their story without questions or interruptions.. I do appreciate thus generation and our veterans, my dad has been gone since 2004, a WWII VET..SALUTE you all!!

[@Chiller01]

“It was cold for a southern boy.” Classic.

[@paulbentley1705]

A different breed of men. Thank God for these brave soldiers.

[@michaelharding1520]

The freedoms that we have today were paid for with the blood, sweat and tears of millions of Americans, like Mr. Freeman. As an American history teacher, it is imperative we pass these stories of sacrifice on. Sadly, we are forgetting what it means to fight for survival as the Greatest Generation slips away. May God bless you with continued good health for many more years, sir.

[@FullFrontalExposure]

Watching points as this notification came up. These are true hero’s!! Thank you for all you’ve done!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TheStandardBearer]

I hope you find rest and peace. I salute you, warrior.

[@overanDownUnder]

The greatest generation. I miss hearing the stories from the older folk in my neighbourhood. Had an older neighbour who showed me his tattooed number from concentration camp, didn’t know what that meant until years later. An amazing group of people.

[@ub1953]

Untold gratitude that men like Mr FREEMAN were around at a time they were needed, Will forever be the GREATEST GENERATION

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, story, service, sacrifice and courage for freedom ❤️ God Bless 🇺🇸

[@chillis28]

👍👍 much respect sir!

[@bennieboi7114]

He passed Sunday.

[@canecorsomolosser3294]

Its weird to even not knowing the veterans, but very gratefull for what all these men has done for us, to be in freedom. They sincerely talk to us, with there heart, soul and mind. Just a few special ordinary men, that just wanted the job get done. More down to earth then this, you can't get. Heroes 4 ever

[@philbrennaman4572]

I could listen to him all day.

[@rf6724]

Thank you for our freedom. Rest In Peace.

[@kittybitts567]

I cared for two WWII vets that I loved so much. I miss them. I cared for other WWII vets, but the two I remember best were the two I cared for at the end of their lives. I wish this channel could post videos from the WWII veteran round tables at the Collings Foundation, now the American Heritage Museum, in Hudson, MA. Those men told the best stories! God bless their souls, one and all. May the rest of us live lives worthy of their sacrifice.

[@Cincinnatus1869]

My old friend Jack got shot in the thigh in Vietnam after being there for only 8 days. He was walking the point and a bullet hit him from pretty close range. It went through muscle and didn't even bleed much. He got sent home and received a purple heart. He was only in the Army for a very short time. He got drafted , trained, shot , decorated and sent home within a few months.

[@jackiekinner3826]

What’s your point?

[@Cincinnatus1869]

@@jackiekinner3826 Well , the video reminded me of my friends experience in the Army so I thought I'd share the story with the people watching this video and reading the comments. If my story doesn't interest you , you're welcome to ignore it and go on reading the other comments.

[@Dan-di9jd]

Really loved the movie and glad to hear easy company is remembered.

[@jameswhite4018]

Got to meet Mr. Freeman when I was in Easy. One of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had.

[@ThirdDegreeWitchExplores]

A special breed of man . Sleep well Sir , Utmost respect from the UK

[@danielhughes5517]

Ah man before we know it there won't be any WW2 veterans alive! We need to cherish these moments and I thank you sir for your service! It looked like they did this interview at Battleship Park in my home town of Mobile Alabama

[@StanvilleBrown]

I HOPE this man live a peaceful life after the War. R.I.P.

[@jamesupton143]

Words do not do justice to the gratitude that this nation owes to this man and many many more men. Suffice to say, Thank You. It's all that we can say. Thank you.

[@manuelvasquez9923]

These were real badass , That’s why they were our greatest generation. Thank God for them .

[@cliffright1142]

“Compared to war, all other forms of human endeavor shrink to insignificance”. G.S. Patton. These men, every one of them were unsung heroes at least in their minds. I pray we will forever honor these young men for the sacrifices they made for us. These days seem so insignificant compared to their feats of bravery. God bless him and all of his band of brothers.

[@daniellinehan63]

Met Bataan Death March hero Motts Tonelli for a few moments in '85....I never forgot him.

[@hangin-in-thereawesome4245]

Thank you for your service! HERO!🇺🇸

[@Makajezi]

Rest In Peace. I'm sure you've reunited with everyone.

[@thomasday8656]

Thank You for your Service!

[@danielcunningham7319]

The greatest generation can not be thanked enough.

[@dsanchez9703]

Just want to say thank you to all these brave men for all the things we enjoy because of their Braveness!❤👏🙏

[@MrPlankinton]

Grand old fellow. He did magnificent things with his mates and you couldn't tell it from what he said here.

[@OldNavyAirdale]

Hats off and a Hand Salute to the Greatest Generation! This man is an American Hero!

[@stevenklinkhamer9069]

"Band of Brothers" is as good as your going to find for a good read on inspiring military history. Right up there with Sargent York, and Audie Murphy's "To Hell and Back" and a few others, who performed with outstanding heroism and courage under the most trying of circumstances.

[@whiteytera3956]

Thank you for your service.

[@paularndt6111]

Thank u sir! It's sad so many r gone. My grandfather was in the 101st 502nd. He's been gone for some time now. .....

[@joecardenas2562]

Thank you sir for your service.

[@everett123hawj2]

My upmost respects to you and your mates. I have the collections "Band of Brothers" . Thanks for your services!

[@vinoman123]

I think Pee Wee Martin and Bradford are the last two original Toccoa E Company members alive. I had the honor to meet both of them last year at the Show of Shows. They are true American gems. So humble, polite and honorable and I will never forget that day. I am so saddened to see these special men pass away and our country will never be the same without them

[@rikijett310]

Thank you endlessly for your service Mr. Freeman, may God bless you always!!!! 🇺🇸

[@brianpotteiger5987]

Bless all the men. Glad he’s still telling stories

[@MrHalohunter24]

Rest in Peace, sir

[@riverbender9898]

I salute you Sir.

[@jeffskousen7454]

Thank God that such men lived. There is a reason why this was the greatest generation

[@knottsscary]

I honestly didn’t know he was the only surviving member wow…

[@stuartscheinson6654]

Lt ed shames died last week 99

[@OldFellaDave]

@@stuartscheinson6654 I just read that right now because I saw this video linked on FB and thought, wait a sec, Ed Shames is still around isn't he? Very sad to hear he passed away do recently :( Ed Shames has a number of video's on KZbin describing his experiences. He wasn't very complimentary towards Ambrose, Winters and especially Lewis Nixon, and didn't appreciate the way he was portrayed in the series. Good interviews thought, check them out.

[@bennieboi7114]

He gone now. Died Sunday.

[@russellgtyler8288]

RIP trooper, a job well done.

[@jtrocker9976]

RIP Mr. Freeman.

[@p47koji]

Combat Infantry Badge... That says it all. God bless them all.

[@georges.patton4241]

It will be a sad day when all these men are gone

[@daniellinehan63]

But will leave us their legacy

[@billyruprecht9581]

I thought about this for a few years. When the last man of Easy Company passes away I want someone to play the song The Last Band of Brothers by Keni Thomas. There’s another thought, for his funeral every paratrooper should place or pin their jump wings onto his casket. Depends if the service is open to everybody.

[@billyruprecht9581]

Today passed away at age 97. I’m thinking of the last verse of the song by Keni Thomas and how true it sounds when you listen. Here’s the verse: …I noticed there was one more stone in the ground where Easy laid. And I said, buddy if you hear me well I know you gave your life. And I won’t forget the others on your left and on your right. A generation gone while you’ve moved on and I know you band with them. And now your last band of brothers will rise again…

[@williammoseley17]

God Bless you sir.

[@derek5547]

I have watched band of brothers over and over again and I wonder if I would have the courage the nerve and the down right guts ,to go through what they did they were awesome thank you and all that gave so much

[@thatperformer3879]

These men are real life superheroes.

[@virgil.101]

Rest in peace sir. You wil not be forgotton 🙏

[@guyinthehammock5616]

unfortunately Mr Freeman passed away on 7/5/22. he'll never be forgotten.

[@bennieboi7114]

No, he passed Sunday the 3rd.

[@pfzator]

God bless these great men!

[@jharris0341]

Respect.

[@JamesSmith-oe1ot]

Southern gentlemen and patriot! Look for you younger guys enjoy these men. Those guys were the best. They were our fathers, teachers, neighbors, workmates, and drinking buddies.I The best of the best and I try and live my life like they did because it was a wonderful life.... back then....loved those days!

[@polachetchirasathit9394]

RIP

[@cotton9087]

I salute you, what a chap 🤝🇺🇲🇬🇧

[@beasy2055]

I don’t understand how somebody interviews an actor and gets million+ views. yet the videos over here aren’t even getting 100k views consistently. these people are the reason why we are able to live free yet don’t have the respect to hear them tell their stories that allow us to be free. Everybody that fought in the wars to keep my county free I thank you for yalls service.

[@bigwoody4704]

That's fine we don't really want idiots flooding the board except to give a thumbs up

[@TrayStephany]

Thank you Bradford Freeman.

[@mikeybreakz6292]

it's awful. they made it home. and watched the moral fiber of our country be shredded and chewed up from the inside out and i know it hurts their souls. it hurts mine to think about how much the times have changed and how disappointed they all are with the state of everything. we live in different times.

[@bulldawg6259]

God bless you

[@khoile976]

Met him at a military show in July. I asked him his thoughts on the German paratroopers they faced at Carentan. He responded simply, “eh...they were alright.” Was a very funny moment, and true too! The Fallschirmjäger by that time had lost most of their most veteran troops.

[@billytheearthworm573]

Thank you Mr. Bradford Freeman for your service. Thank you for risking your life, your future, for pennies on the dollar, to serve, to serve, to kill other humans in behalf of the allied forces,, representing the Republic of the USA👍, as a American Combat Soldier, you trained hard, you did your duty, you luckily survived! The duty of every American is honored by serving in time of need, for the just battles, come what may! 👍

[@PathfinderHistoryTravel]

Thank you for my freedom Sir.

[@bradmoberly6164]

Legendary gentleman

[@patrickduley405]

So respect the ww2 veterans spent hours listening to my neighbor Loyd Raffle talk about his landing on D Day all the way to Berlin carrying a German mouser he picked up second day on Utah beach he carried it all the way to Berlin through machine gun fire dropping it going back through enemy fire when the war was over he beat it against a tree and he said he left the war at that tree. I made it to the 75 anniversary of D day I placed a wreath in memory of him.

[@jeffsmith2022]

God Bless...

[@bennieboi7114]

Mr. Freeman passed away a couple days ago yall. 😔

[@phrotojoe]

I mow a lawn and work for a friend of mine Don,he was in the Battle of the Bulge ,Don is 97 and still going strong.

[@daniellinehan63]

They are living for their buddies

[@sippiknot8478]

This American hero lives ab 15 mins from Mississippi! Humble gentleman! He broke the mold when he made easy! Hooah mr brad!

[@michaelsullivan6854]

Thanks for your sacrifice, Sir !

[@spankthatdonkey]

Thank you for your service! 1% of the people in the world do something worthwhile, and 99% just existed….

[@TrungNguyen-kw2hg]

❤️

[@outdoorniederrhein6724]

RIP, Salute from Germany

[@soldieramerican5964]

✝️Bradford Freeman🇺🇸✝️

[@glockparaastra]

Lest we forget!

[@daniellinehan63]

Heroes

[@cmdrshotgun8971]

Many men would not talk about the war with anyone but another veteran. My Father said precious little about it, "The Ardennes was very cold" is all he would say. My Uncle who landed in Anzio was much more talkative about it. I never really hated anyone before Gen. Mark Clark he once said, I have heard a lot of people say their Fathers felt the same way. I am glad Mr. Freeman took the time to tell us all a little something.

[@GBendi-tp6rk]

We will never see His like again.

[@jesseprice3577]

Absolutely

[@loganw1232]

Met a Colonel in the Band of Brothers in 2015.

[@ottoso7044]

101st airborne is just full of real American heroes

[@krisgreenwood5173]

Today as we speak there are American heroes in and out of the service. We are a very lucky country.

[@ottoso7044]

@@krisgreenwood5173 ofc but them airborne troopers were different

[@athanakop7775]

He just passed away a few days a go.

[@dennisyoung4631]

Yep. Them *fog-thrower* rounds were trouble if one came down nearby. (Fog-thrower is the literal translation of *Nebelwerfer.)*