A Flurry of WW2 Veteran Bring-Back Guns! | Walk In Wednesday

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

I appreciate hearing these stories of WWII veterans. I don’t understand why people would sell off their belongings but it allows us to hear their stories.

[@scoutsabout]

While stationed in Germany in the late 90's I had a surprise visit while on range duty. I was guarding the entrance to one of out small arms ranges when a German pulled up in a pick-up and offered to share his lunch. His job was kind of like what we know as a park ranger here in the states. We sat on the tail gate of his pick-up for a sandwich break (and me faithfully standing my post. lol). He began to tell me a story. He served in the German military during WWII as a fighter pilot assigned to the Russian front and how proud he was of his nice flight suit. He poked out his chest in fun and said with a smile " I was going to be the terror of the shy's and shoot down many planes." He indicated he was then shot down on his very first mission and spent the rest of the war in hell as a prisoner of war. His task was digging holes and constructing bomb shelters. When he arrived at his camp there were only about thirty other prisoners there. There would soon be more arriving as time went on. Life was very brutal and the aspects of survival looked bleak at times. Out of those original 35 men only him and and two others would survive. One of the survivors would later commit suicide. I am very glad I took the time just to sit and listen to him. I got to hear the war from a different perspective. He talked well after my shift was over and I just sat and took it all in. These are the stories that need to be cataloged for future generations and those future generations to take heed to the lessons to be learned.

[@imbok]

Others have picked up on it, but the B-26 Marauder "Flak Bait" is still in existence and is currently being restored by the Smithsonian. It's a national treasure, just like the gentlemen who served on her and the heroes that fought along with them.

[@edwardcharlesworth9679]

I was lucky enough to tour through the restoration area during an open house. Never thought I would see it mentioned anywhere else!

[@michaelwinklerpugnatumadvo237]

You can send the Erkennungsmarken (dogtags) to the German Bundesarchiv (federal archive). This is the authority responsible for providing information on members of the armed forces of WW I and WW II. Greetings from Bavaria

[@jefferyrichards3165]

Greetings Sir, i noticed the Erkennungsmarken had not been broken in half which means the death has not been registered, is that correct?

[@michaelwinklerpugnatumadvo237]

@@jefferyrichards3165 Yes Sir, normally one part would have stayed with the dead person to identify him. The other part should be used to report death or loss. Maybe one of the dog tags is an unexplained case of missing in action.

[@thelastjohnwayne]

@@jefferyrichards3165 Not necessarily many were also lost or thrown away or any number of possibilities. Remember these were allegedly found in Stalingrad which during WW2 was a littoral Hell on Earth especially for German soldiers. Even when you see a split Erkennungsmarken might just mean that the other half has broken or rotted off after 70 years in the ground. I have watched people dig these up many times in all sorts of conditions.

[@SirPyroNights]

Why would the family get rid of this I treasure my grandfather’s medals

[@MrADjam5]

Not everyone is the same. Maybe not what we would do. But, It is their choice. Money perhaps.

[@mikeseier4449]

I agree, such heirlooms.. They have no idea of the historical significance...

[@Hidalguense]

That suprises me every time i see a video, people just dont apreciate items left from their family anymore.

[@mayfieldca]

My thoughts exactly

[@GeneralRamstein]

Blows my mind ! i would never get rid of any of the stuff my grandpa gave me... I have his booney hat he wore all through out his time in Vietnam. it might be old and beat up but you can pry it from my cold dead hands.

[@klausvonschmit4722]

Awesome episode Fellers! I really enjoyed this one! Thank you Klaus

[@chrisgabbert658]

This is the earliest I have ever been 👍

[@gregchervenak2602]

Awesome video I'm always looking forward for the next one thanks for doing them

[@browngreen933]

I half expected Patton to roll up and congratulate the B-17 gunner who kept shooting at Nazis from the blown off tail section of his B-17 as it plummeted to earth.

[@dw566]

I'm speechless and a little choked up after watching your latest video. As is the case with many of your videos, you deftly manage to meld a commercial enterprise with the significance and incredible human sacrifice of the individuals associated with the items on offer. Please keep doing what you do!

[@maverickfoxbmsn]

He’s got so much history on his hands.

[@EROCK1966]

What a great informative, historic, educational,channel.. Cant express how thankful i am on finding you . Hats off and Salute to you SIR !!!

[@ThePyramidone]

"Flak Bait" is the B-26 that is in the Smithsonian currently under restoration- it is the plane that has been identified as performing the most USAAF combat missions of the war. Over 300 missions. Many aircrews flew this aircraft.

[@blipblip88]

Cool. Pity I wasn't old or smart enough to have appreciated my dad's stint in the Army. As a last child, I was allowed to play with his medals and war souvenirs, like his SS dagger, and (Luger?) pistol..my dad had memories he wanted to forget, and let me do what I wanted with them. Sadly, as a kid, these foreign objects became fun toys and were rough-handled. I'm sad about that... but he was a loving father, and was happy to be shed of the war, and enjoy the newspaper, golf, camping, and a nice meal with the family. Cheers!

[@chrism4008]

Noice!!! I love that you are a morning person, unlike so many of my other favorite tubers

[@caslinden1373]

Nice guns as always 👍

[@jimmccue577]

Great video! Reminds me of a PBS show I watched several years ago that had a segment on a Russian motorcycle mechanic who lived near Stalingrad. He would go in the fields outside town, to various known battle areas, & search for artifacts. He would also find remains. He would then repatriate the German remains on his own dime, sending all the identification items found with the remains to the German government. Love the bring backs!

[@MrADjam5]

Another great vid Tom. Thanks.

[@mattmcmullen1145]

Keep up the great videos

[@MGB-learning]

Outstanding video and presentation.

[@garykurtz3009]

Had to tell you that my Mom who was an insurance adjuster in NYC, worked with the radio operator on Flak Bait. I never met him personally but he gave my mother a copy of a manuscript he was working on so I could read it. It was based on his experiences as a crew member of Flak Bait. I spoke with him on the phone to give him my impressions on his writing. He was incredibly interesting. Sadly, he never got the manuscript published as he passed away about a year later. I'm sure he knew the subject of your video as he spent quite a few years on Flak Bait; in fact according to him flew most of it's missions which is quite an achievement considering it holds the record for having flown the most missions of any B-26 in Europe during WW2.

[@jons23]

Love the channel!

[@Jimijaz]

One of the first model planes I built back in the 70’s was a B26 named ‘Flak Bait’. What a great story. I realize Legacy is a business and needs to make money but a cache of documents like this really needs to be in a museum.

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

We working on doing that now. The gun is going to a collector but everything else to a WW2 museum. Thanks !

[@larrybear238]

Great story , thanks Tom

[@devinj.3657]

Another great video and story of some of our American hero's! Thank you! Have you ever worked with Earl Sheehan of Earl's Repair Service? I think it would be great if could "team up" with him and show off some of his collection and story.

[@juanpablogomez7030]

Great video Tom!!!!!!!

[@i.r.wayright1457]

Camp Phillip Morris? My Dad was at Camp Lucky Strike. Apparently they named some encampments after cigarette brands. I grew up in Camp Marlboro as Dad was a chain smoker, and I hated every puff that got in my face.

[@blksubiesti]

My grandfather joined the Army and fought in WW2, Korea and Vietnam he started in the Army and was wounded so Many times they moved him to the Army Air Corps he did 30 years and retired as a E-9 in the Airforce

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

You come from good stock !!! Thanks for sharing. !!

[@blksubiesti]

@@thomaswhiteman4261 my grandfather had seen a lot and it plagued him into his old age he told me don’t ever join the military be a doctor a lawyer or a priest... So there I was at 17 years old I’m the Marine Corps Infantry. Did 5 pumps 3 to Iraq made it to E6 as a infantry platoon Sgt before I had to walk away was starting to detach from reality and wasn’t in a good mental place so I bounced couldn’t deal with seing anyone else die and the Marines had other plans for me to go back over. SgtMaj said if you don’t like it there’s the door. So I told em okay and walked out it lol Best and worst times of my life.

[@davidschaadt3460]

I have one of those first serie cyq ,it really nice shape and a later (Nov.44) cyq ,and that shows the finishing shortcuts but it still is in beautiful condition .Both are Vet bringbacks .

[@davidschaadt3460]

And the early one has the shiny black grips .

[@davidschaadt3460]

And I got a set of the red grips but now I put the original shiny black grips back on it .

[@jefferyrichards3165]

Greetings Sir, when I heard “Flak Bait” and 322nd Bomb squadron my ears perked up, a quick google search confirmed my suspicion there is a strong possibility that he could have flow in a very famous Martin B-26 Marauder of the same name which is now undergoing restoration at the Smithsonian. It was the first Bomber to pass 200 missions and live to tell the tail. You should do some additional research as this would be a major find, love your videos keep up the good work.

[@imbok]

Flak Bait very much is the same airplane currently being restored at the Smithsonian!

[@mateoocampo3165]

Eugene continued to fight because it was his duty. 🇺🇸

[@mikemeadows7312]

I saw the story of the tail section that free fell with the tail gunner in it on the history channel. Wow now i know the name of the tail gunner, what an amazing story he had to tell.

[@MrMr-mq8yd]

Flak bait is a very famous plane, flew more missions than any other B26, maybe more missions than any other ww2 bomber. Look it up on KZbin.

[@oldschoolnekker6485]

wiki said it holds the record for the most survied bombing missions

[@grumpyoldfart1945]

Thanks for another most interesting video, Tom. I believe that the front portion of the fuselage and cockpit area of “Flak Bait” were once (and maybe still are) displayed at the National Air and Space Museum. The Martin B26 Marauder, because of its short wing span (no visible means of support) was sometimes referred to as the “Baltimore Whore.” The props were electrically controlled and built by Curtis Wright. They were problematic and contributed to many of early high crash rates. McDill Army Airfield, near Tampa, was a major training center for the B26 and large number of training accidents occurred there. Hence, “A Widow A Day In Tampa Bay.”

[@SVT40AK47]

Tom, I made a comment earlier but deleted it. I was looking for an A.F Stoeger and wanted to locate a catalog of theirs that is close year wise. I deleted because I didn’t want to give anyone the same idea lol and just have someone else out there looking. Anyway, I went to your site and you actually had one! Ed Tinker had nothing but good things to say about you so I grabbed it a couple of hours ago! So now I have to figure out how to date it and find the right year catalog. Love how easy your site is. Just sent my C&R dropped the Stoeger in the cart and checkout can’t wait! Also, got you guys to do a certificate for it. You have a customer for life!

[@haydenchamplin370]

I jus realized something very cool, when you go through the documents of who he flew with, 41-18099 ER-V. Lt John B Champlin- MIA has the same last name as me and there aren’t many of us left. Very interesting, I will have to do some family history.

[@Bernie_747]

I visited the Champlin Fighter Museum in Mesa/AZ in 1990. Wonder if you are related to this museum. It was a collection of WW2 fighter aircrafts in flying conditions... best regards from 🇦🇹

[@broznkyra4853]

My dad was stationed in Boca Raton before anyone was interested in it was a retirement location...dad hated it and SWORE he'd NEVER visit or live in Florida...he's buried here....he made that vow B a/C...before air conditioning...

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you!!

[@chrism4008]

God that m30 is gorgeous!

[@billbaker3565]

Back in the 80’s I worked with a man named John Kirby. He had enlisted in the Army back in the 1930’s for a 20 year enlistment, if I recall correctly. By 1941 he was promoted to sergeant. When they asked for volunteers for the Army Air Corps he stepped forward. Became an officer and piloted B-17’s. Served in England. Performed his quota of missions over Germany. I think he said it was 36. Took him six planes to do it, they all being shot up so bad they were scrapped. He said his proudest accomplishment was his entire crew survived together with only a few minor wounds. Was promoted to Major and served as an operations officer till the end of the war. Being Regular Army he was given the choice off staying in but would have been “restored” to his pre-war rank of sergeant! Unsurprisingly he decided civilian life looked a lot better and was honorably discharged even though he had not completed the term of his original enlistment. He was a great guy and passed away in the 1990’s.

[@stuartwhelan233]

R.i.p John

[@kowalski363]

Great video

[@Kenwood1990]

You have wonderful videos.

[@richhiway]

More great stories!

[@cleondubois1270]

My dad brought a Czech rifle & bayonet from the Pacific theatre. He sold the rifle long before I was around. & I inherited the bayonet. ..... As usual your history has caused me a misty eye or two....On a lighter note, Eugene's bravery was quite a "tail".

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thank you...!

[@nikonmark37814]

My father served in occupied Germany, occupied Japan, the Korean War and the Vietnam War and retired from the USAF in 1972 and there is no way I could get rid of any of his service time memorabilia.

[@lisar3006]

I have a P-38 marked cyq with a four digit serial number 1430 no date like my Walther AC 44 has. It was a bring back the guy I got it form in 1973 (cyq) sold me the pistol and holster he captured it in in but kept the capture papers. What can you tell me about it and why no date.

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

CYQ was Spreewerk manufacture. They did not date their P38's. Is there a letter suffix after the date.? Most likely made in 1943 or 44

[@davidschaadt3460]

cyq's generally didn't have a year date on them .I have two ,one first series No.8xxx ,from 1943 really nicely finished ,and a Nov.1944 No.9***X that has the rougher finish .Both are vet bringbacks .I had about seven of them over the years .

[@jonh4301]

B-26 Flak Bait? THE Flak Bait in the Smithsonian? I would think they would be interested in his collection!!

[@farmerbobross]

FLAK BAIT, the B-26 Marauder is in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

[@brianjschumer]

Legacy collectables are one of the reason these type items prices are so high..You have workers who call in or attend every auction for these items and the everyday person has to pay up vs. the professional

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Actually, all of these items were brought or sent to us from the families of the Vets. We did not solicit them and I have not been to a gun show or auction in over a year. Due to our KZbin videos, people watch and then send us items.

[@markwoodger2]

Flak bait is a famous plane.cannot remember exactly where but I read about it.

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Yes, it is in the Smithsonian and being restored. Hayes was not the pilot of that plane but an officer in the same squadron. I corrected the information in the written description.

[@lex1945]

Seems i'm early for this one

[@jcmaxie4758]

Almost first! Story of my life😉

[@LegacyCollectibles]

You were all over it !! Thanks

[@MrOtzelot]

@@LegacyCollectibles Hey for the ID tacks, you can contact the Wargrave service in Germany, they do the identification, to get the fallen listed, Adress is Sonnenallee 1 ; 34266 Niestetal ; Phone [phone] ; Telefax 49 (0) 561-7009-221; Email [e-mail], sadly the site is only in german but a call or mail may do the trick, they do the identification via the archives and are the state recognized institution for this over here

[@lex1945]

@@LegacyCollectibles 28 seconds flat

[@bavariasuhl]

I got my FG42 .................. thanks Tom

[@roberthubbard2684]

Flack Bait is a famous plane!

[@rcheek207]

how do people give away there dads stuff like the luger, sword, uniform, medals, like how

[@BoomstickOperator]

Why would you get rid of the sword of all things? Like that seems really disrespectful to me especially since his own son didn't keep it .

[@noahcount7132]

What is the significance of a crossed out name preceding Rex Hiser's name on the capture papers? It strikes me as not being straightforward.

[@connordarrow9670]

You can’t identify German dog tags to individual soldiers today. Unit records that listed names from the number on the tags were pretty much all destroyed. All you’re doing is wasting your time by sending it back to germany.

[@AdamosDad]

I was thinking why would anyone get rid of these treasures, my dad was at Pearl Harbor, he had a lot of things that we as kids (there were 6 of us) tore up and not much is left, I'm in my seventies and in my case there are dozens of his grand and great grand kids around to collect his Legacy. There are many people though that are the last of their generation and have no one to pass things on to, so for them why not get a few bucks and pass on collectables to someone who would appreciate these items for what they are and the generation that fought for their way of life.

[@jdheinsen]

Send the tags to the German War Graves Commission, better than the embassy.

[@gibsondrummer]

Broom handles were exported in large numbers to china , didnt you do a segment on a chinese broom handle brought back by an american who served in china in the flying tigers if was that ian ?

[@grayharker6271]

What could be better, people send you vintage guns that you can buy, sell or keep. How could life be better?

[@philipfreeman72]

My dad said he wanted to fly in WW2 until he saw how many got shot down.

[@johnhooperm.d.4222]

I figure there is not a simple answer to my question. But maybe it's also 'NO'.........Is it ever (trick question) worth removing the nickel plating from a bring back P38 and having it 'restored'. I have no idea if this is something I should do to a 1944 Mauser P38. It's also the one that also killed a German who was trying to kill General Patton, LOL. I wonder how many of those are out there. :)

[@johnblood3731]

My son gave me a shadow box with all the medals my father earned in the pacific theater. Although they are not the exact ones of my father I treasure them highly.

[@theragingcreeper9040]

I want a cheap luger P08 ww1. Willing to spend about $1k, doesnt matter if its numbers matching.

[@rockandlockgunsmithing8373]

Can you find me a death head Mauser?

[@stang3787]

9mm Broomhandels go to 500 meters, 7.63 go to 1000

[@thelastjohnwayne]

There have been thousands of German ID tags sold to collectors and I think that trying to find the family is a great idea or at least given to the German Govt to catalogue them and put them in a War museum

[@davidschaadt3460]

I hate to hear of some young ones who inherit these beautiful collectables and the first thing they want to know is how much is it worth ? And sell them .

[@xray86delta]

Those dog tags looked Unbroken. German dog tags broke in half, have taken, and half left with the body. They may belong to Mia soldiers.

[@rhombifer566]

😎 cool

[@rockandlockgunsmithing8373]

The Germans are going to sell them on eBay

[@GeneralRamstein]

ill give you 1400 for all of it...

[@davidschaadt3460]

$1405!

[@gibsondrummer]

To the winners go the spoils True 50,000 years ago and true today Did the cave men bring home nicely carved clubs from the field of battle ? Probably

[@Kaktus965]

A vets’ family just gave this stuff up!?!? What trash this modern generation is…………

[@jhernandez8830]

the new generations just dont care about family history anymore. sad.

[@dmg4415]

Or they want it to go to a person/museum who could take of the material, going to Your local museum, it will probably end up in the trash, as You are heading out the door.

[@davidschaadt3460]

YES ,all they want to know is how much can I get for it .

[@gefreiterjohannes6195]

Schade das diese Gegenstände nun in den USA sind und nicht in dem Land wo sie hingehören, nämlich Deutschland!

[@michaelvandorn604]

Why not ask the German embassy first, before sending it back.

[@davidschaadt3460]

I would send a photo of it first .It might just go into someone's personal collection and never get to the family

[@gefreiterjohannes6195]

Hoffentlich haben diese Amerikaner eine grausame Strafe für ihre Plünderei bekommen!

[@davidschaadt3460]

Valid point .

[@1339LARS]

666 the devil's number!!!! But never mind!