My Grandfather fought with the 42nd Rainbow Division during Nordwind. He told me a story one day about the battle. His company pulled back from a hill they were defending under intense German pressure, in order to regroup. But no one told him and his foxhole buddy they were moving out. Dawn broke and the Germans were coming up the hill but they were totally alone. With no other real choice, they fired their rifles as fast as they could in every direction. His buddy scavenged the nearby abandoned holes for more ammo while my grandfather kept up the shooting. They burned through the majority of their ammo and tossed all of their grenades through out the day. My grandfather said he shot his Garand so much and so fast that eventually he warped the barrel on his rifle. The Germans quit trying to climb the hill and bypassed his position. After dark, which was mercifully early in Winter, they crawled away in order to try and make it back to US lines. Eventually, they linked up with a friendly unit and after some tense moments, made it into the US lines again. My grandfather went to trade in his rifle to get a new one and was informed he'd have to pay for the damaged US property. He was laughing when he recounted that part to me. He had some choice words for the supply clerk. Needless to say, he got a new rifle and didn't pay for the old one. After finding his old unit, they were all surprised to see him and his buddy. They assumed he was dead or captured. Later, when they retook the area, German prisoners from the battle recounted the battle for the insignificant hill. They thought a company or at least a full platoon was up there. After several attempts to take the hill and incurring casualties, they gave up and bypassed it for following units to deal with. My Grandfather told me this story after years of never talking about it. What prompted it was his visit to my house in Virginia and looking at my rifle collection. Before my Grandmother died, she encouraged him to tell us about his WWII experience as he was reluctant to bring up those old memories. I showed him my Garand and he spent a long time just holding it, saying nothing. Finally he looked up and said, "It's heavier than I remembered." Then he told the above story, more or less how I recounted it. He was always self-deprecating in his stories making it clear that he was no hero despite the fact the I know he won a Bronze Star for Valor. I've seen the medal and citation many times. He was also promoted to Sergeant on the battlefield for his leadership and placed in charge of his platoon. But he insisted that the real heroes never came home and all he did was try to keep he and his men alive. Eventually he told me a lot more and said he felt comfortable I could handle them as I was a war vet myself and former infantryman. I hope you enjoyed the story. My Grandfather joined his wife and comrades in 2016. He was simply the greatest man I ever knew and best role model I could have ever had.
@periculosumadversario2 жыл бұрын
Fascinating story to read. We can certainly learn much from the older generations, I have as well. Maybe mostly, how futile and meaningless it is for humans to slaughter each other.
@garysmith44232 жыл бұрын
thank you for sharing! enjoyed the story of such a fine warrior!
@harrystoller41472 жыл бұрын
Some American soldiers survived but got shot in the knee! What could’ve they done if they weren’t shot in the knee?
@samwalton45982 жыл бұрын
You are a lucky man to hear his stories. My father took his to his grave. I was the youngest of his 5 children and tried everything from an early age through adolescence to get him to tell me stories about the war. He never did. He had a love for history and knew details about battles but never mentioned any personal experiences. Thank you for sharing this story about your grandfather. Great stuff!!!
@flyingf1sh2 жыл бұрын
My father flew 98 combat missions for China as a member of the Flying Tigers, but would only share 2 stories about those years. You are truly lucky to have such family history to cherish. All honor to your grandfather and his companions.
@theobserver13203 жыл бұрын
Fortunately, there are experts like Mark Felton who objectively bring the Second World War close to a generation that no longer knows anyone who has personally experienced this slaughterhouse. Mr. Felton you do a perfect job. Greetings from Germany.
@what-if-anime89233 жыл бұрын
There’s a WWII veteran in my neighborhood who eats at my local Coney Island. He was at Normandy in 1944, but her was under aged only 16 but lied to get in the army.
@11Survivor3 жыл бұрын
I knew my great-grandfather. He fought in the war on both sides. This is not as uncommon a peculiarity as you'd expect in Alsace.
@garylawless36083 жыл бұрын
@@11Survivor That’s an amazing story. Do you know the circumstances of his service?
@KernowekTim3 жыл бұрын
True words. Mark does a superb job for us.
@11Survivor3 жыл бұрын
@@garylawless3608 Conscripted by the germans, deserted and joined the french.
@charleswascher37513 жыл бұрын
My great uncle was killed serving with the 70th Infantry Division 274th Infantry during Northwind. He is buried at Epinal. Thank you for covering his contribution to Victory in Europe
@criplexxx3 жыл бұрын
Former Infantry, I salute your great uncle Charles ❤
@modelrailwaynoob3 жыл бұрын
I have been to the Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé. It is a very peaceful place.
@300DTurbo19873 жыл бұрын
My father in law was a charter member of 101 airborne. He fought at Bastone, was a glider soldier. They had to cover more aria with fewer men that the parachute guys, Thanks I will get your book from amazon for my kindle.
@charleswascher37513 жыл бұрын
@@danielandries3240 He was drafted. He didn't volunteer to fight in Europe . He and his brother both lie buried in Europe .. I appreciate your comment but our family didn't have a dog in the fight and we paid for it dearly ...
@citizenjoe4333 жыл бұрын
Thanks for his courage we are still speaking English here today. My father was a ww2 marine
@stevethomasinnova3 жыл бұрын
I have a degree in, and am a life-long student of military history...and with each excellent video produced by Dr. Felton, I realize just how little I know and how much is left to learn.
@林文才-b3h Жыл бұрын
Graet
@corcoranranch3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Dr Felton. My dad was in the 12th Div, 43rd Tank Btn. He was in the first tank hit by artillery on the morning of Jan. 16th, attacking across the open field South of Herrlisheim. The 12th Armored Division Museum website and members of the association have been a great help with details surrounding the story of Nordwind and my father’s participation on that day. His body was never found, but he is memorialized at Epinal. I’m forever grateful for his membership in our greatest generation. I’ve been following your productions. This one, and your earlier Panther vs Sherman production are very personal. Thank you again..
@jeremy281353 жыл бұрын
That's exceptionally intriguing. Thanks for sharing. God Bless your father and those who gave their lives for their cause. Gone, but not forgotten
@hugbug44083 жыл бұрын
Nordwind doesn't get the attention like the Ardennes , in which my 82ND AIRBORNE Granfather was in , and had sustained wounds being a medic himself ! Nvertheless , Nordwind was to draw troops away from the Ardennes , and the fighting was as fierce . I knew a guy , who worked in the security outfit I was in , who eas in the 100th Infantry division , and fought around Bitche , France near the Vosges Mtn. area. He said constant fighting with against a formidable WaffenSS Division , 6th , in that area . He said the going was rough , but the allies prevailed . There were Free French Forces fighting along side too in some instances . At Epinal there's a big US of A cemetary there. 70th, 63rd , 45th , 3rd infantry , 36th infantry , 28th infantry , 44th infantry , 100th infantry , 103rd infantry , and later the 95th infantry all fought in that area France under 7th Army.
@hugbug44083 жыл бұрын
The Nordwind offensive wasn't given the attention like "The Battle of The Bulge" , which my 82ND AIRBORNE ,with rank of captain my grandfather was , and a medic , was in! He had some stories reluctantly told, for it brought back a harrowing , horrible time. Nordwind was really the last capability that Hitler had in the west. I had knew of a veteran in the 100th I.D. who was there, and he wasn't really all that enthused to talk about that either. Alot of bitter fighting in the Zwei - Brucken area ( near the voges mtns. ) . The U.S. 7th Army was in that area, and there's a big US of A cemetary there with all units that participated in that skirmish , on a plague at Epinal!
@jakezerr99632 жыл бұрын
My grandpa was also in the 43rd. His tank was hit that same day and he was captured in the field south of Herrlisheim. He was a POW for the remainder of the war.
@jeanharley6430 Жыл бұрын
My Pa was in the 12th, 17th Armored Inf Btn, Co. C. He was wounded by shrapnel hitting his jeep on 2/5/45. The museum is a great resource to fill in some of the blanks, and this production furthers that goal. We were fortunate to visit the Colmar area in '15, using the Co. C "diary" which was almost a day by day accounting of what they endured.
@joelellis70353 жыл бұрын
Each one of your videos demonstrates how vast the second world war was. Several forgotten operations on multiple fronts.
@1977Yakko3 жыл бұрын
The scope of his research is astounding. While the "big" battles like D-Day or Kursk are certainly worth the focus dedicated to them, the conflict as a whole was so much more.
@johnrogers94813 жыл бұрын
This one shows how important good communication was.
@chaptermasterpedrokantor16233 жыл бұрын
There's a lecture by David Glantz on youtube on forgotten battles of the Eastern Front, which Soviet history has covered up because they were failures. And not just in 1941 and 1942, when defeats outnumbered victories by far, even relatively late in the war. A very interesting lecture. Also there was also the Burma theater, which is basically a whole front that has been forgotten.
@elliotgregory33563 жыл бұрын
And one could argue that the Italian campaign too?
@hugbug44083 жыл бұрын
Not 2 much on the operations in burma @ that time.And,the struggles in the atlantic;vital victory of eto.
@RustyShackleford Жыл бұрын
Nobody comes close to Dr. Felton's detailed videos. We are blessed to receive this for free.
@jackavery71792 жыл бұрын
Mark Felton makes history addictive
@tombarnes1871 Жыл бұрын
A really great synopsis of a battle never covered in history books!!!
@paulredinger4203 жыл бұрын
Well done Mark!!! This is what the history channel used to be. You know? Non biased, and informative!!
@billd.iniowa22633 жыл бұрын
Learned something more about the Bulge action. Thanx Dr. Felton.
@bokane19633 жыл бұрын
Is it immature that I giggled at "Bulge action?"
@sannidhyabalkote95363 жыл бұрын
@@bokane1963 I don't really know at this point
@Jester-Riddle3 жыл бұрын
There's a lot of 'Bulge action' over the Christmas period ...
@madwolf09663 жыл бұрын
Well most people are born in September and November so....
@billd.iniowa22633 жыл бұрын
@@bokane1963 Yes. Yes it is. I had no idea I was making a funny comment. It just never occurred to me it could be perceived that way.
@detectivejohndyson3 жыл бұрын
My grandfather fought in the battle of the bulge as well as in and around Hagenau, before advancing further into Germany. He said that the fighting in Hagenau was very bloody with tons of house to house and room to room fighting. He said that they and Germans retook the town from each other three times. Finally, one day, low on ammunition and holding their part of the town, they heard tanks coming and they thought that the noise was German tanks. In my grandfather’s words they thought “they were done for,” luckily they were American tank reinforcements. Thank you for doing a video on this and including Hagenau, there is so little information I’ve been able to find about this. My grandpa’s unit was part of the 7th army force, but his regiment, or maybe his company even was actually attached to a unit under Patton for a lot of the campaign, my grandpa has a lot of stories about Patton in person. After further reading, my grandfather’s regiment the 255th was attached to the 100 infantry division from December 30 to beginning of February so he must have fought and defended Bitche from the German attacks there. Also, later at the end of the war his unit liberated the Landsberg concentration camp. He talked about marching the civilians from nearby through the camp, and forcing them to see it. The whole 63rd infantry division got the honor of the liberation, but only his battalion, the 1st battalion of the 255th infantry regiment took part apparently. He was in B company as a tech sergeant.
@HohmannChristian3 жыл бұрын
Hi there, Haguenau is my place of birth. The mini series Band of Brothers has a full episode about Haguenau and is pretty accurate. You may also like to read "OPERATION NORDWIND 1945 Hitler's last offensive in the West ", by Steven Zaloga, 2010 Osprey Publishing Ltd. Haguenau's local history association also issued books but only in French.
@arthurmontana87913 жыл бұрын
Your grandpa is my hero! Hug him for me.
@andrewchesler20293 жыл бұрын
My grandfather fought there also (German side) ! That is very interesting, 'cause he told me rather the same stories.
@detectivejohndyson3 жыл бұрын
@@andrewchesler2029 very cool, my grandpa’s father was from Berlin, two of my grandpa’s uncles died in WW1, one in Flanders and one on the eastern front I think. Some of my family fought in the Wehrmacht too, I don’t know where. Our family has been out of contact for the most part since 1938. Ive been trying to locate them.
@hugbug44083 жыл бұрын
What division was the 255th under , and Hagenau was depicted in "Band of Brothers ." It was a rough fight that wasn't suppose to be . The 101st was transfered there right after "The Battle of The Bulge ."
@nicholasroberts6954 Жыл бұрын
You may be able to read of these events in a book, but there's nothing like a spoken commentary to infuse a sense of dynamism and urgency which bring it to life. Dr Felton does this in spades.
@jonrettich-ff4gj Жыл бұрын
What I especially appreciate about you and other select presenters is your abilities to put these important pieces of history into relevant contexts so they can be better comprehended. I’ve seen a number of you guest each other and support each others efforts, as things should be but rare. And, of course, the well presented and clearly chronicled battle descriptions. I thought the footage superlative, you can’t beat reality. Thank you so much for your efforts
@grandpahickory613 Жыл бұрын
My dad was with General George S. Patton....He was blown out of 3 sherman tanks, recieved several purple hearts, but stayed in the fighting as so many of the greatest generation did...He was top machine gunner 50 cal. He talked about the direct hits from 88s...I lost him in 1975 to lung cancer...People.....We have a heritage....GOD bless America....
@mchrome33663 жыл бұрын
Your videos are the gifts that keep on giving for this WW2 armchair historian. Thank you.
@ИванИванов-ц9э7ы3 жыл бұрын
Преступники они
@christopherking39373 жыл бұрын
As a German and French speaker, I have to say that Dr. Felton’s pronunciation of words in said languages is spot on! Einfach spitze, Herr Dr. Felton. LG aus München, Chris King.
@ThomasfromAustria3 жыл бұрын
You are right , he is really good. Schöne Grüsse aus Österreich und wünsche guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr.
@japhfo3 жыл бұрын
Although: BASS-TONE is American
@benji.B-side3 жыл бұрын
Always loved learning about the history of WW2 but Mark Felton takes it to another level. So many things I did not know and delivered with an excellent, informative and captivating narration.
@michaelmcclay77493 жыл бұрын
Thank you for bringing attention to the lesser known but important events of WW2.
@johnvetter55263 жыл бұрын
I love learning about the WWII history, that history books have long forgotten or erased. Thank you for your time and effort I enjoy every video
@tomcox64293 жыл бұрын
Been a WWII history buff for 45 years and thought I knew about most of the major battles. But every week Dr. Felton puts up a new video and quickly realize how little I actually know.
@PanzerdivisionWiking3 жыл бұрын
This was one of the best laid out in my opinion of a little known action in late war Germany/France. I don’t know how you do it, but the through research made me feel like i was hovering above the battles as a spectator. Thank you very much for your work Mark!
@PanzerdivisionWiking3 жыл бұрын
Also it’s terrifying to know that Himmler had the ability to “direct” armies
@guadalahonky40023 жыл бұрын
Mark, you are one of the finest historical narrators I've ever heard. Thank you for your work.
@rokassan3 жыл бұрын
All of Mr. Feltons documentaries are 1st rate in all aspects. Beats the crap out of the History channel. I particularly love the neutral unbiased presentation. Outstanding.
@arjundiwaker34493 жыл бұрын
I've looked around for operation nordwind documentaries for so long now but haven't had any luck. Thanks Mark Felton for this amazing video. You never fail to impress.
@lapoint76033 жыл бұрын
Thank you for producing this video. It has special meaning to me as my uncle, SGT James F. LaPatka who fought in and survived the Battle of Herrlisheim, was KIA Feb. 5, 1945 by a German sniper while his unit, Co. B/66 AIB of the 12th Army, was closing the Colmar Pocket.
@darknight93023 жыл бұрын
My condolences about your uncle.
@gordoncavis13743 жыл бұрын
I knew *of* this event, but virtually nothing *about* it. The educational work of Dr. Felton and a very few others is reason enough for the Internet to exist. Thank you, sir!
@alanmoffat44543 жыл бұрын
DR M F DOES IT AGAIN THANK YOU HAVE A BETTER YEAR ,FOR US ALL .
@redtobertshateshandles3 жыл бұрын
@Dan Pearl things are going to get worse, before they get worse.
@chrisf88553 жыл бұрын
You called him Dr. Motherf'er? wtf lol
@asianlifter3 жыл бұрын
@Dan Pearl The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia will expire in February 2021 unless both parties agree to an extension, which could last for up to five years
@iggy9955 Жыл бұрын
Watching Band of brothers I realized what agony and courage it was. Kudos to them. they all deserved the Medal of honor. I am a war veteran of 4.5 years in the fight for the independence and integrity of Croatia, but I have never been in such a situation. There were terrible battles, but this. Some guys were in the snow for 2 years on the Velebit and Dinara mountains. Kudos to them. Volunteer - Zadar - Croatia - Adriatic sea coast
@nyguesswho11 ай бұрын
Thank you for your service, sir! For the world!
@andrewthompson572810 ай бұрын
The war in Croatia was no picnic. Names like Split and Vukovar will never be forgotten.
@benjaminrush44433 жыл бұрын
Excellent Narration & Info. Thanks.
@jimbane15683 жыл бұрын
Finally someone is talking about this. My father was in the 103rd and caught in the middle but my research was turning up very little. Jan 19th, Seisenheim is not mentioned here but was fought at this time. I never heard of the Gambsheim bridge head attack but Seisenheim was in the area. The 411th regiment was to move thru and hook up with the 410th. 6 Tigers were in town. It did not go well. Casualties were high. The book From Bruyeres to Brenner said The food prepared for one company fed the battalion. My father talked little of WW2, occasionally mentioning certain towns. He believed attack was supposed to make a name for a politician or his son. Thank you Mark!
@briannicholas27573 жыл бұрын
I highly reccomend Dr. Felton's book "Operation Swallow " , it is very true to form for him. It reads like a novel and carries a very similar rhythm to his excellent narrations. I have read several of Dr. Felton's books, and each has been excellent. After you read the first one you'll be hooked and rush out to buy more. Happy New Year, Dr.and Mrs. Felton and to all the subscribers and viewers.
@jduff593 жыл бұрын
Thanks Brian - I have notifications set for al of Dr. Felton's videos, but I'm certain his books will be even better. I'll be looking them up on amazon tonight. yet another WWII rabbit hole for me to explore, and I'm not complaining about that! Who'd think after the disappointments of the History Channel and Military Channel we'd end up getting better quality on KZbin - and there's a quite a few excellent channels here fro WWII info - Mark Felton's being the finest IMHO.
@kstreet74383 жыл бұрын
No plagiarism?
@StevenKeery3 жыл бұрын
@Abu Dabu : Evidence for your statement?
@StevenKeery3 жыл бұрын
@Abu Dabu : I do watch his channel on a regular basis. You still haven't supplied any evidence for your allegation. Supply some evidence of the facts that he is narrating, that are false.
@sttvoyager17273 жыл бұрын
Who would have known? Thank you Dr. Felton. You’re an amazing educator and make WW2 more interesting than any other channel I have watched.
@MrScubajar10 ай бұрын
My Dad was there with the 44th division, 156th artillery battalion battery B. He said the 105 howitzers started firing continuously on New Year’s Eve and didn’t stop for 3 days. They had to cool the cannons off with the snow.
@Fvan-z3j3 жыл бұрын
Every time Mark Felton uploades I learn so much history that's the main reason I love his channel
@ted3563 жыл бұрын
My uncle fought in the 409 regiment, 103 Division, Seventh army. He left me unit history books that describe fighting in the Voges mountains and part of the winter offensive described in this video. Thank you for the great story telling!
@maureenstevens68249 ай бұрын
I would love to hear those.
@ted3562 ай бұрын
@@maureenstevens6824one book is called “Report After Action: The Story of 103rd Infantry Division”…it’s excellent
@360Nomad3 жыл бұрын
>echoing your victories of 1940 when the Soviets are literally one river-away from overrunning Berlin
@bubbasbigblast85633 жыл бұрын
"Alright boys, they took a sliver of France they can't hold, let's turn the armies around and head back to Moscow."
@kutter_ttl67863 жыл бұрын
PRIORITIES!
@johnrogers94813 жыл бұрын
Whacko Hitler.
@lordgarion5143 жыл бұрын
Fake it till you make it, or fake it till they take it. Same thing really.😆
@filipkopec5253 жыл бұрын
Warsaw was lost in January 1945. Soviets were on the Vistula but got to Oder very quickly
@charlieorsak66793 жыл бұрын
Charlie O. Thank you for this story. My father was with the 100th at Remling...awarded Bronze Star for his actions there. These images bring his stories to life.
@hugbug44083 жыл бұрын
The 100th suffered bout 800 sum kia and 31/2 thousand wounded.The sons of bitche!7th army ran in2 sum bitter defense of the nazis.800 kia from the time it la ded in europe 10/45 till wars end.Quite high losses.The 7th army had sum hard fighting in the vosges,alsace,andlorraine areas.The nazis put up sum under estimated defence in those areas.
@jeffstone21363 жыл бұрын
Possibly the best of Mr Felton's many fine WW2 documentaries.
@jameshattaway70173 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Dr. Felton!
@bruces123 жыл бұрын
23 minutes and 18 seconds never passed so quickly! These contributions to our history are fascinating, informative and just downright entertaining. Thank you Dr. Felton for keeping this alive for us and future generations. Happy New Year, Sir.
@PYRO-ON3 жыл бұрын
I love how you give attention to the lesser known footnotes of ww2 ....it was such a broad and complex war all over the globe
@justat11493 жыл бұрын
Every time I see that notification, I drop everything. Every-time I hear that intro, I know I’m in for amazingly choreographed and well researched information on some of the most interesting parts of human history. Thank you so much Mark for providing that to us!
@stuartharper39683 жыл бұрын
Another work of excellence by this world class historian, educator and author. It just doesn't get any better than this!!
@ClarenceCochran-ne7du11 ай бұрын
Excellent video and coverage of an oft forgotten battle.
@MadTrapper13 жыл бұрын
Mark Felton to oversee production for the "History Channel". My kind of heaven.
@patriotadam40913 жыл бұрын
Finally someone gave nordwind the respect it deserves. Im going to buy your book.
@robertwatts15383 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed this! My father B P Watts was wounded severely in the battles for Hatten France. He was a heavy machine gunner In the 79 Inf. 315 Div. Co H. He never talked about the war so thanks. He only would talk to our Preacher, who was also in the war in that area at the same time, who would eat Sunday dinner with us sometimes. From that I learned He was injured after the third time taking the town and losing it. He said he set his machine gun in the second floor of a house that was located in the center of a street with a Y arrangement. He said He, his Company CO.and 2 other soldiers were standing at the entrance of the building which had stairs going down to a basement He said, there was a knock out German tank in a field across from them, so they thought, since it had been their the other times they had taken the town. This time the tank fired a round, hitting a tree in front of them. They were all blown into the basement, killing all but him, and his CO. lay across him.This was on the 16th of Jan.The Germans took the town again as the Americans were trying to retake it Four days later they succeeded and he was found by a Group of Black soldiers. Father said this was the first time he had seen black inf. in the war. The 79th was a part of Patten 3 Army but was transferred to The 7 when the 3th and the 7th meet. One other thing my father said was the war would have been over twice as fast if all had fought instead of running. Another thing I have ask myself since Looking at ww1&2 deaths in my county why were there so few blacks death in ww2 verse ww1?
@fordfairlane662dr2 жыл бұрын
Just watching this now..great historic information
@marvwatkins70292 жыл бұрын
Naturally, I never heard of any of this conflict. And fortunately. Mark Felton informed me well, as usual.
@trevordavis93903 жыл бұрын
Im a simple man, I see mark felton, I click
@trevordavis93903 жыл бұрын
Also, your stories on the ww2 podcast are excellent. Best episodes of the series in my opinion. I could listen to you for hours.
@1977Yakko3 жыл бұрын
History might call such battles "footnotes" in terms of scope to other battles but for the men who waged the battle, I'm guessing they weren't thinking "It's OK, that bullet which just missed my head was just a footnote."
@lordgarion5143 жыл бұрын
By this point, soldiers on both sides had been shot at so much, it probably was just a footnote. Except for the newer troops. Probably more like front page headline to them.
@jimmiller56003 жыл бұрын
@Josef D And today you can hear "populist" leaders beating the same drums and dancing to the same lies..
@stevetilford77493 жыл бұрын
My Grandfather witnessed Hatton being overrun at one point with an entire company next to him getting completely wiped out. The fighting was intense taking buildings only to retreat then recapture. That was dangerous business. He said at one point The dead Germans were being stacked like cord wood.
@jimmiller56003 жыл бұрын
@lati long The tragedy that was WW2 is both wide & deep and usually seen from the nationalist perspective of the viewer.
@stevetilford77493 жыл бұрын
@Josef D my grandfather was in his early 30s during the war
@jeeptk3 жыл бұрын
My great uncle served in the 70th and was referred to as pops since he was 35 at the start of the war when he joined. He survived the battle of the bulge. My mother talks about him from time to time.
@michaeldicker48393 жыл бұрын
John Wayne was about the same age but used it to side-step the draft. He did become a great American patriot though when the fighting was over.
@speeedskater3 жыл бұрын
My son told me he was watch this mark. I finished his sentence for him , been watching your videos for a couple years, great work
@cyberpimp293 жыл бұрын
Thank you Mr Felton for being the highlight of our 2020! Much appreciation for the quality videos and hope for another great year of amazing little known War Stories!
@emandelacruz1233 жыл бұрын
If Magellan TV is listening: Give Mark a series and I'll buy a subscription.
@amandabrank46523 жыл бұрын
I've learned more from this channel & other YT channels than ALL school years!😉This is BEST WW2 channel on YT!
@criplexxx3 жыл бұрын
Same Amanda 😎 bit of a shame I guess cuz history is the future
@NotThatGuyPal.3 жыл бұрын
School history is too censored and narrow minded lol
@audiophil49463 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your excellent analysis as always Mark. You may be one of the most neutral historical commentators left. Kudos my friend!
@林文才-b3h Жыл бұрын
Bravo
@RobertStewart-i3m4 ай бұрын
My grandfather was a founding officer of the original US Army Airborne Rangers- known as Darby's Rangers. My great uncles were in the Pacific theater, one a Sargeant at Okinawa, the other an admiral. Thanks for the video!
@DJP-ph7yj Жыл бұрын
Another excellent production. Well done.
@modelrailwaynoob3 жыл бұрын
I've been to the Vosges and Colmar/Mulhouse many times but for my WWI research. It's a fascinating area clearly showing it's French/German history. There are incredible WWI battlefields to explore.
@xXDARKORBITFIGTERXx3 жыл бұрын
Without taking any position and always reporting neutral. Excellent work Mister Felton
@brunotulliani3 жыл бұрын
So much blood spilled in the Ardennes during both world wars. May their souls rest in peace.
@billfariss15143 жыл бұрын
Once again, Dr Felton released historical information, that as a a historian, I was dumbfounded to not be largely aware of. Thanks to Dr. Felton we can now understand the true and consequential nature of this very important battle.
@dr.barrycohn54613 жыл бұрын
Yet, another awesome presentation of material not well known. Thank you Dr. Felton.
@liamjack49963 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video and analysis. Thank you for keeping history alive with your videos. My Grandfather was in the RAF navel command in WW2 and was my main direct source to the war. He passed away 12 years ago, and with ever year that goes by I learn more about this period of history. My only regret is that I wish I'd asked him more questions.
@corey37883 жыл бұрын
My father was wounded in the Colmar cleanup in the 75th. He said mud was everywhere nothing moved well. He hid wounded in a tank track of tall mud from a German-French woman sniper.
@hugbug44083 жыл бұрын
German french woman a sniper?The ironies!
@timothychapman2695 ай бұрын
My dad was a cook in the 75th. He would drive food up to the front lines in the dark of night, not having much idea of where he was.
@manoelreinaldoreinaldo61203 жыл бұрын
Mr . Felton this job is incredible , history rescue . Is incredible , Vídeos , footages , maps . Congratulations , thanks . I learn very with their job . 👍🇧🇷
@eisaatana963 жыл бұрын
K
@thebutton3 жыл бұрын
Just about to say the same
@williamjacobson83213 жыл бұрын
Just a heads up, you don’t have to space before the punctuations.
@gangstar86523 жыл бұрын
William Jacobson Thankyou in your help to educate people to the glorious English language.
@manoelreinaldoreinaldo61203 жыл бұрын
@@williamjacobson8321 happy New year , pardon me . Will Win me difficult at gramatic . I am studing all day . I go to get better .
@MrMaus19723 жыл бұрын
It's always a delight to watch the latest video's of Mark Felton..
@ChrisBakerYT3 жыл бұрын
Thank you sir, listening to you as i go to bed gives me my best rest!
@StonedSquirelStudios3 жыл бұрын
Lt. Richard E. Vensel, who attended flight training with my grandfather in 1944 was killed in action as a platoon leader with I Company, 222nd Inf Reg, 42nd Division on January 26th, 1945. The 222nd would in 2001 be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their stand during Operation Nordwind.
@wbl56493 жыл бұрын
My dad was in G company, 222nd. He got an injury on January 26 which earned him a Purple Heart
@StonedSquirelStudios3 жыл бұрын
@@wbl5649 G Company took a decent chunk of casualties attempting to rescue the remains of the surrounded E Company on or about the 25th-26th. It’s not surprising your dad was hit then. Heroes all of them.
@wbl56493 жыл бұрын
@@StonedSquirelStudios thanks much for that info...fortunately my dads injury was not fatal...and he then went on through Germany than Austria where they ended up
@mwnciboo3 жыл бұрын
Platoon Leaders always have such horrendous casualty rates. Leading from the front.
@NemoBlank3 жыл бұрын
@@wbl5649 I wonder how he felt about DeGaulle.
@vtbmwbiker3 жыл бұрын
If anyone's looking for a good book for the campaign before Nordwind, I'd recommend Keith Bonn's "When the Odds Were Even-- The Vosges Mountain Campaign"-- fascinating look at the battles in this little reported sector.
@kathyt98373 жыл бұрын
I agree! Bonn’s book is excellent.
@josiahgodwin29333 жыл бұрын
I think I'll look this up!!!
@stevemeska77843 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad you posted this. Several years ago I was visiting with my Dad and he was reading a book about the Vosges campaign and he showed me a picture in the book and told me how he recognized that particular road and scene and was certain he was there when the picture was taken. I couldn't remember the name of the book but your post just jogged my memory! Thanks!
@yyz47613 жыл бұрын
Yep, great read!
@15kr3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Paul. Just looked it up and my local library has it here in the Badger state.
@andrewthomson3 жыл бұрын
Love your work Mark. All the best for the new year!
@suzyqualcast62693 жыл бұрын
Echo E C h o ECHO that !
@arkbuilder20123 жыл бұрын
So interesting seeing the tiny town where I grew up on that battle map. It’s an area you don’t normally associate with major tank battles so close by.
@mottthehoople6933 жыл бұрын
bet it would be a waste of time having a metal detector
@11Survivor3 жыл бұрын
@@mottthehoople693 No, it would. The Alsatian ex-permafrost clay is pretty hard, and the shells usually wouldn't go very deep as a result, meaning most inexplosed projectiles are gone by now.
@jamesbrown97362 жыл бұрын
Professor Felton as always a fantastic lecture! Thank You.
@williammorse83303 жыл бұрын
very complete documentation of an operation left in the shadows..... thank you, Mark, and a very fulfilling 2021 to everyone!
@carlgriffith46602 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great video Mark. My dad fought in the US Army XXI Corps and use to tell me stories about fighting in the Colmar Pocket. Your video helps me to understand better what was happening at this time.
@expandedhistory2 жыл бұрын
Your dad must have had amazing and fascinating stories of the fighting in Colmar Pocket! I’d love to do more research on that region during WWII!
@moonmunster3 жыл бұрын
Nothing like watching these winter battles in my low heat house before I get the wood stove going. I feel the cold like the guys in the old videos. It must have been freezing....
@moonmunster3 жыл бұрын
@@brianjones7660 Didn't they sleep on top of the warm engines?
@BrianHayter-zl2uc Жыл бұрын
Great information/ topic, well done as always. Love your show.❤️
@apexclanosrs63793 жыл бұрын
MARK FELTON BEST HISTORY CHANNEL ON KZbin - THIS IS HISTORY !!!
@TimberwolfCY3 жыл бұрын
Mark, it is obvious you are absolutely passionate about what you do. Cheers mate
@scottcody4063 жыл бұрын
Your videos are some of the highest quality I’ve watched. You have a great way of personifying the soldiers that no other channel can touch. I’m firm supporter of you and your work! Please keep the videos coming! I will be joining your Patreon soon
@Gupadodo3 жыл бұрын
A fantastically detailed and well put together video, as always. Thanks Mark!
@charleslatora57503 жыл бұрын
Outstanding as always sir thank you
@andreasleonardo67933 жыл бұрын
Too nice historic video with clear explaining of events which occurred at that time thanks for sending
@wayneantoniazzi27063 жыл бұрын
Speaking of anti-tank weapons, here's something I learned recently. According to General James Gavin of the 82d Airborne his troops captured truckloads of German "Panzerfaust" anti-tank weapons, figured out how to use them, and use them they did. They liked them too! And on the other side, the Germans were impressed by the American bazooka and developed their own, the "Panzerschreck." A good idea's a good idea, no matter where it comes from.
@greglaplante75933 жыл бұрын
The panzerscrheck was called ‘ stove pipe ‘ because it made so much smoke when fired. The bozooka was named after a funny pipe interment.
@wayneantoniazzi27063 жыл бұрын
@@greglaplante7593 Right, the "bazooka" was a comic musical instrument played by Bob Burns, a member of the Spike Jones Orchestra. If you listen to a Spike Jones recording you can usually hear the bazooka honking in the background.
@donjones47192 жыл бұрын
@@greglaplante7593 Yes, the bazooka-on-steroids was the Panzershreck. Certainly believable it made a lot of smoke. Was a heavy sonofabich. But Wayne is referring to the Panzerfaust, a much lighter and more portable weapon. Effective against a surprising thickness of armor, but, IIRC with a shorter range than the bazooka. But if you have no bazookas, a Panzerfaust is nice to have!
@axeaddiction7963 жыл бұрын
Love your videos Mark. Well done. I visited the Colmar Pocket area in Alsace. This is where Audie Murphy received the Medal of Honor for the fighting that took place
@timjones58913 жыл бұрын
Best WW2 channel on KZbin!!! I’ve learned so much about the war and sacrifices from your channel. Thank you so much and keep up the awesome work. I look forward to your next video sir. Thanks!!!
@williammiller83173 жыл бұрын
I really enjoy Dr.Felton’s unvarnished accounts of historical battles, he presents the facts as they unfolded. Happy New Year to all!
@DRFelGood3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing Dr. Felton
@37Dionysos2 жыл бұрын
Another great job, Mark! I think you've even improved the use of maps and unit locations so we can really see who/what was where. You're becoming an industry standard! Keep 'em coming.
@SolracNexus3 жыл бұрын
German commander: "The ardennes assault was a failure. What do we do next?" Hitler: "Do the same thing but smaller, that'll do the trick!"
@davidgoldberg82383 жыл бұрын
The same thing, but smaller, and no strategic target.
@chrispatten34823 жыл бұрын
I suspect that this Hitler wasn't the military genius that he believed.
@shawn5763 жыл бұрын
@@chrispatten3482 He was addicted to meth. Absolutely nothing in the world can convince a person on meth that they are wrong or that a plan might not work. On a similar note, don't go to the casino when high on meth.
@DonaldMcNuGGeT3 жыл бұрын
That’s exactly why you don’t listen to drug addicts that have reached rock bottom. By this time hitlers mind was gone and just paranoid thoughts running rampant inside his head 24/7,, through hitlers drs they succeeded in ending the war for Germany years before the actual end of the war, if Hitler was sober minded no doubt Germany would have won ww2, or it would have ended in a stalemate from just the Mas loss of life
@opoxious15923 жыл бұрын
@@chrispatten3482 He should have sticked with politics, and let the war be fought by capable officers.
@nmr69883 жыл бұрын
Dr Mark, i benefit and learn from all your videos. I'd love more videos on the war in the Pacific under Nimitz and also the area under MacArthur.
@retrodemogamer3 жыл бұрын
Maaaaaan Mark Felton never seizes to amaze me.
@gregbellinger57653 жыл бұрын
Good voice tone on the commentary. It helps to keep the audience focused on what's most relevant.
@paddy78123 жыл бұрын
Once again an OUTSTANDING JOB DR.FELTON!!! Keep up the good work Sir and Happy New Year!!!
@andrewmstancombe14013 жыл бұрын
You just keep on pulling out a rabbit from the Hat. Your a must watch for me. I subscribed a few years back. I was lucky to have a History teacher who really loved his subject, when I was around 6 or 7 over 50 years ago. I've been an addict to history ever since you constantly remind me of him. I really can't think of a higher praise from me. I hope you understand my meaning.
@AmishGuy2220003 жыл бұрын
Hey Mark, great footage of mortars. I was a mortarman in the Iraq war. Ever think about doing a weapons loadout video specifically for the infantry including Mortars, scouts, paratroopers, etc?
@criplexxx3 жыл бұрын
Thank for your service Amish 👊
@pc869143 жыл бұрын
That’s an awesome idea. Not sure if Dr. Felton has any videos like that, but I know you can find videos on the topic by another excellent history professor over on the channel Military History Visualized.
@caseyholland78603 жыл бұрын
Lots of different infantry loadouts were used by various branches and countries across time. I like your idea, but, I think it should be a multi episode series. Lots of material to cover, how do you cram basic U.S. weapons and field kit into just One episode. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
@cursednormie78543 жыл бұрын
It might be better to look to the channel Battle Order for that one, his coverage of tactical formations is pretty extensive and he's open to suggestions.
@ИванИванов-ц9э7ы3 жыл бұрын
И газвагонов.. говорят ездили по улицам а от туда люди стучали..
@MyelinProductions3 жыл бұрын
Another Excellent video on very important human history. Very useful and informative videos. Thank You. Peace & Health
@brentdoolin47913 жыл бұрын
My great-uncle was a comb-out from the 69th to the 45th ID and was reported to be MIA on 3 Jan 45 near a road block at Meisenthal. Thank you for covering this series of battles.
@katherinequann71902 жыл бұрын
Did your Great Uncle get moved to the 179th Company as part of the 45th ID? My father was part of the 179th and was captured on 3 Jan 45.
@brentdoolin47912 жыл бұрын
@@katherinequann7190 PFC Clayton Siple was assigned to Company K, 3d Battalion, 179th Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. He is still an MIA. He did his training with the 69th Infantry Division but due to the US Army's ineffective replacement system he was reassigned to the 45th ID due to the tremendous losses from Operation Anvil, the advance up the Rhone Valley and the Vosges Mountains