WW2 Marine Recalls Okinawa | Memoirs Of WWII #53

[@johnkelley2615]

This is my grandpa, he’s 98 now. Thank you Memoirs of WWII for recording his story!

[@ettajfan5882]

He is one of the true heroes of our country. Please tell him we thank him for his service!

[@gilwhitmore9682]

We can't say thank you enough for him, and all those that were with him. Glad the angels were with him.

[@jayrowe6473]

I'm glad he's still with us, and I hope he's doing well. Semper Fi.

[@HissingKitty2008]

I offer your grandfather, my sincere gratitude. Please thank him and give him a hug next time you see him. God bless him and America.

[@DanielJMathews1]

god bless your grandpa im a active duty marine and i have mad respect for any and all devil dogs and service members past and present

[@tundralou]

98 years old and remembers his comrades names so clear-so glad his memories are recorded

[@freedfree7933]

He will probably remember them even after he forgets his wife’s name

[@HissingKitty2008]

This is what a real hero looks like.

[@shannonobrien9922]

Unassuming as ever!!!!

[@Poetry4Peace]

Chill shanno

[@Wes-l2d]

Amen 👍💪🇺🇸

[@mycigaradventures8322]

“I’ll be here 100 years if that’s what it takes” Soldiers mindset like that is what made us win the war

[@wattsnottaken1]

I’m not religious but god bless the Marines and Army Dogs who fought in the Pacific and Europe. We owe them everything

[@Benson_aka_devils_advocate_88]

Two years at war, older in heart, mind and soul than most of us ever will be, but still too young to go to the bar.

[@shannonobrien9922]

Not then......the legal drinking age was 18 then! Plus, overseas they follow local law! I was a US Army brat and went to HS in Germany and I was bar hopping LEGALLY at 16

[@roderickstockdale1678]

@@shannonobrien9922he said he was 20 when he got back himself and still couldn’t go in a bar…

[@thezfunk]

If my information is correct from my dad, beer was 18 but hard liquor was 21. There were places that only served beer you could drink in but if the place was a full bar you couldn't go until 21.

[@shannonobrien9922]

@@thezfunk I was in Germany at 16 from 90-93 ......I bar hopped legally, bought liquor on post too! The "law" for foreign nationals is you follow the host countries law! Legal consumption is 16 in Europe!!!!! Funnily enough, I couldn't buy a drink at the club on post but could cross the street to the PX and buy all I wanted!

[@roderickstockdale1678]

@@thezfunk that’s why I heard 18 before as rightfully it should be because a working man should be allowed to have a beer next.

[@matthewjay660]

My grandfather is still alive at 97. He fought in the USN at Okinawa. 🇺🇸🦅⚓️

[@Dulex321]

Please get him interviewed 🙏

[@randymiller899]

My father has been gone for 20 years he was a navy CeeBee that came in behind the Marines on Okinawa He never even mentioned the war and I know nothing of what he experienced I wish I could have known more but words weren't in him about WW2 God Bless these men and the things they went through !

[@codeman9145]

What did he do in the navy.

[@JEM133]

My dad was there with you,1st Marines! God bless you all!

[@katherinegates1559]

🇺🇲♥️🇺🇲 My Dad too....1942 - 46

[@99egam]

8:42 “were gunna cry and we’re gunna be alright, don’t worry about it” 👏👏

[@skimmer8774]

Mr. Kelley sir I thank you a thousand times for the freedom my family has. We do not take it for granted. Also you sure don't look 98. God bless you.

[@alexandermartincausey7333]

Absolutely incredible. Comes home from war, and can't get in a bar. "Wasn't old enough."

[@TheIObook2024]

Yup. Back when men weren’t afraid of words.

[@Sauerbrew777]

Amazing story. Thank you for recording it for posterity. Also, 54 magazines = 1080 rounds of 30-06.

[@frenchfan3368]

To add to your worthy comment, he said his BAR never jammed after putting 54 magazines through it. Wow!

[@wendielangborders4116]

Smoking

[@mahersalthomas1739]

25 rounds in the magazine?

[@B2091]

@@mahersalthomas1739 20 round magazine for the BAR

[@owen2x917]

@@mahersalthomas1739 20 round magazine

[@markpayson395]

Thanks to all Marines who braved so much in WWII!

[@MelindaBailes]

My father was a Marine that also landed in Okinawa. His name was Jerry Bailes. I love hearing your stories and memories because it helps me understand his life more and appreciate all that you all sacrificed. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

[@Bjorn_Algiz]

Always remember the fallen and those who served and live today to tell their story 😔🙏

[@shannonobrien9922]

AMEN!!!!!! Freedom IS NOT free

[@davidmaxwell1821]

This marine did more effective testimony in fifteen minutes than other videos. The clarity and cadence of what occurred draws the listener in and focuses on the abruptness of death. This needs to be archived.

[@UtahDelaCruz]

I was stationed on Okinawa as a young Marine in the early 90s. I've heard many of these stories before, but it's hard to reconcile the violence of the war with the sleepy little island of my memories.

[@lonnyjaw]

Thank GOD for these REAL MEN that fought for OUR liberty and freedom! GOD Bless you Charles Kelley.

[@jeffreyknight3884]

It's sad, all the world war 2 veterans are dying off everyday. Damn, I'll miss the stories, including my dad who lived to be 100 years old.

[@roderickstockdale1678]

Did you get any of his?

[@FrankJCarver]

Amazing people. You could listen to them forever.

[@gilwhitmore9682]

I don't know how these men did it either, but I am thankful every day that they and all those that followed them did. So lucky to be able to hear these accounts from everyday heroes. God bless and keep them all.

[@adriannogales7676]

Mr. Kelley is a national treasure. He and Joe Pinio and Jimmy Malleson, Goertz, Bobby Monroe and the rest of those gents are legends, Oklowitz and all the corpsmen too

[@jgonzalez101]

So thankful for these brave and courageous men who served our Country with honor and dedication!❤️🇺🇸

[@tomperkins5657]

My father was a warrant officer on the USS Biloxi. Standing topside, talking to no one in particular, he saw those waves of Marines heading to shore and said, "Those poor bastards." My dad saw combat up front and personal with both a kamakazi and torpedo hit. We lost him in '08 and my mom 7 years later. It truly was The Greatest Generation.

[@Rzr543]

Every time I watch a Memoirs of WWII video, I tear up. I’m a 56 year-old retired US Navy veteran. Half of this world is alive and free because of men like Chuck Kelley.

[@zachfryar1820]

I’m 19 and so scared for the future of the United States. Genuinely terrified

[@thomasmerrill2287]

Did all this before he turned 21 they don’t make them like this MUCH anymore thank you sir for your service 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🇺🇸

[@hsaccount_]

Well thats because luckily we dont have to. If it were to repeat, they will rise up once again. But yeah, i think back then there were more real men as well.

[@leonmeekel5486]

2:17 you know, these stories are always so incredible that its hard to relate sometimes. People today can only kinda do it when they have a modern day equivalent like those marines essentially saying: "we are doing our part but we don't know how you guys ever did it when you didn't have flak jackets". But this little moment is something that i, probably along with most people here, can relate to. Just your mom wanting to say goodbye to you right before you are being send to fight far away for a long time. I can't imagine what it must have been like for those mothers and fathers who's children never returned.

[@brianhornsby4627]

This is the generation of folks that were around me when I was growing up. The conversations and lessons I learned from these old timers should have been cast in iron and taught in schools in perpetuity. Great men they were and forever will be. Courage and humility are almost non existent today. Hard times forge strong men. You know the rest. God be with us all. Bless you and no amount of gratitude could be afforded to your generation that would suffice. Thank you, sir.

[@SergiuM42]

Agreed!

[@minuteman-RN]

Truly and different breed and definitely the greatest generation. Thank you for your service, sir! You and your fallen comrades will not be forgotten.

[@lordkuma7935]

My Grandfather was a Cpl with Able company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Marines. Earned a Bronze Star on Guam, and a Purple Heart on Okinawa, from a grenade, much like Charles. Those Marines of the 6th Division were a special group of men. All honor to the men of the 4th, 22nd, and 29th Marines. A job well done.

[@airgunfun4248]

My Grandad was 7th infantry Okinawa was his landing. He went from there on a hospital ship to Guam I believe. He was sick for a long time. He got down to 97 pounds. He told his family dysentery when my mom was a kid. When I was a teen he said to me the doctor told him it was nerves. He told me a lot of things that he didn't tell them

[@gmagee5184]

I love this Marines story! How vividly he remembers and recalls it (like it happened yesterday). The emotion… you can hear it in his voice. His 1000 yard stare. Thank you sir for your service and your generation’s sacrifice! 9:16

[@DaystromDataConcepts]

They really were the greatest generation. I salute all of them, they're bravery and endurance in the face of appalling conditions just boggles the mind. I dread to think how many nineteen year olds today would fare in those circumstances. I fear not very well at all, assuming they even volunteered. Okinawa has to be one of the most brutal and appauling battles of attrition in history. May I recommend to those interested the superb book entitled "with the old Breed" a memoir by Eugene Sledge. In it, he graphically describes the most horrific scenes imaginable. Those descriptions of his time on Okinawa and Pelilu will never leave me.

[@ettajfan5882]

Thank you for your continued dedication to our WWII veterans. As a proud daughter of a WWII veteran, I wish my father was still alive to recount his own story. He served in five countries in the European theatre as a 19 year old. God bless every veteran and God bless the United States of America.

[@RachelLeMay-y9w]

Read a book called I think it was 40 days in Okinawa. It was very descriptive. I don't know how they came back without having been affected I don't think anybody came back unaffected. Just reading the book affected me. My uncle died in that battle. Killed by a sniper at the very end of the battle. Rip Omer Lemay

[@jessicakcarvalho]

RIP Omer Lemay!

[@hsaccount_]

Rest in peace Omer Lemay

[@owen2x917]

my great uncle was killed on the last day of the battle of saipan in the biggest japanese banzai charge of the whole entire war

[@RDMash]

As I say in all my WW2 memoirs, these fighting Men were absolutely the GREATEST Generation!! Thank You All 🙏

[@scottlehman9738]

SEMPER FI brother. Thank you for your service.

[@robertweingartner2055]

Another great video, Josh! Thanks for keeping their stories alive. I dread the day our WWII vets are no longer with us.

[@BoldLion]

It's been awhile! I know it's hard to find them and then get to them as quickly as possible!! Love Yaw

[@Hevynly1]

How does he look that fabulous at 98?! I don't know what I am struck by more- his story or how youthful he looks and sounds! I love that he mentioned the fallen soldiers he knew. It's nice to learn a bit about them as well.

[@kennethcaine3402]

Great video, Great Man, I can't believe he is 98 years old, he has been blessed. My Father was on Okinawa, 1st Marine Division his mother's birthday was April 1st the day of the invasion.

[@markcmann]

What an incredible Gentleman, he is an excellent example of the Greatest Generation. 🇺🇸👍🏻

[@kelvissnyder2134]

Thank you Mr. Kelly for your service. It was an honor to watch your story. The price of freedom isn't cheap I know that much. My three older brothers served. I wanted to enlist in the summer of 1974. I failed the physical ( I had tuberculosis four years prior which scared my right lung).

[@dashreasinger1430]

My great grandfather was one the cruiser carrier CVL-26 USS Monterey during the battle of Okinawa. I remember when he told me what it was like seeing the landings, and hearing the explosions. He told me how helpless it felt and how hard it was knowing that good men were dying there and there wasnt much he could do from onboard ship, besides keep making sure the plains were flying

[@Chris-of6xm]

Channels like this one or one of the only redeeming qualities of modern technology. Thank you to all veterans and a special thanks to those in World War II who allowed me, firsthand, to have the life I do.

[@SmoothBalla1]

Growing up, I’ve always learned that the relationship between a Corpsman his Marines is something special. I’m so glad I joined the fold and became one myself! Thank you all who served, and paved the path for future Docs🤙🏾

[@DamWalsh]

I have listened to a few stories about how these brave men fought in ww2 my heart is heavy with emotion god bless your soldiers

[@tommyellis3521]

Without a doubt. THE GREATEST GENERATION!!!!!

[@bitterellaselectricgroove8544]

Bless him!! Can fight a war but can't go have a beer. Thank you sir for your incredible story and service. 🇺🇸

[@kaykay8551]

My great grandfather died in Okinawa, he was 28 years old.

[@Dulex321]

May he rest easy 🙏❤️

[@curtisholmes9988]

He’s very sharp for his age I would’ve guessed mid 80s, thank you for your service from one marine to another.

[@gmatuz8276]

It's still crazy to think this generation will be completely gone one day, it really puts things into perspective

[@SwoozyIRL]

Thank you for your service 🙏🫡, Veterans no matter what branch, no matter what country will always have my respect 100000%

[@XHollisWood]

Thank you for your service Charlie 🇺🇸💕

[@williamcampbell6794]

The work you guys do is incredible, thank you so much for documenting these stories, it’s incredibly important, thank you.

[@dhuramc-qo9nz]

Respect and salute to all veterans. May the souls of all fallen soldiers rest in eternal peace. There's no winners in war, only survivors with terrible memories. They deserve our respect.

[@davewelsh4505]

God bless you and thank you for your service!!!

[@nick3d155]

I was so excited to see there was a new video today

[@Sleeperdude]

Incredible

[@SSO1025RET]

Very brave man and thank you for your service.

[@wademccormick4371]

Thanks for your service and thanks for helping preserve our history. I feel like a lot of the younger generation have lost touch with our past. These stories should never be forgotten ❤

[@macmccollum6064]

Great video. Great hero.

[@krisshepherd740]

These men are sp special and must be respected and revered. Love them all!!❤❤😊

[@jeremyronald]

If you ever read this Mr. Kelley, hello from a fellow Michigander and thank you so much for your service ❤

[@debrakleid5752]

I really like this channel and appreciate all you do keeping their memories alive because in the next few years there won’t be any WW2 vets alive.

[@jeffreylucas2027]

What a brave man at that age another great story and looks great for his age

[@dave3156]

Very moving account--so glad you got his story! Thx

[@magnumx70]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

[@richardthornhill4630]

Thanks to all our Veterans who served. Semper Fi. Stationed on Okinawa 20 years later. They paid the price for us.

[@richardpage7323]

Uncle Simon died there but loved you guys unto death.

[@Petestakes]

13:21 13:22 13:22 20 years old and couldn’t go into a bar. Wow bless these people forever and ever

[@benbrown2470]

Thank you for your service, Sir.

[@craigthescott5074]

BAR was a work of art, heavy but was very well designed by the Einstein of gun designers John Moses Browning.

[@jonathanmanzano3902]

Thank you for these memoirs

[@FredSmith-s5t]

Thank you for your service!

[@JG-sm9wm]

God Bless you sir, America is forever indebted and all those men and women who fought and serviced alongside you, God bless you

[@PoupstainKilla]

I'm in Flint RIGHT NOW watching this

[@drew9195]

Everyyyy timeeee i watch these it makes me cry Jesus Christ. So many brave lives lost. Children. Some not even recognized as adults in most governments (17). And most not old enough to drink. But old enough to watch their friends, new and old blow up by mortar strikes & get left in the dirt under the hot sun for days until the day they’re able to retrieve the bodies. God bless these men.

[@andyharris17able]

Good good man , I always choke up when I listen to there tails, just can't imagine doing what they did . Hope you live well past hundred sir .

[@youknownada2326]

I salute that man. A legend.

[@Wil_Liam1]

The greatest generation of all time.. The greatest war machine ever... There will never be another generation that even comes close to them... Thank you sir for your service,HOOOAH !.

[@fufu889]

Thank you sir! You are incredible & your soldier friends too. You are the best! ❤

[@pedenmk]

I've seen NAHA in Okinawa. During the 70s I was at camp Hansen. Hope to go back to visit someday.

[@kranjcalan]

Thank for all the videos. keep up the good work.

[@danielclark2864]

My grandpa wasn't in the Marines but was in the Army in the 7th Infantry, I can just imagine what he went through and the others. I hope that we don't have to live through another World War hopefully.

[@longtyler182]

My favorite channel on KZbin. Thank you for finding these vets and recording their stories so they may live on forever now

[@OscarDunn-yb9is]

WW11#;..its a long time ago...but is still so real for so many families...and so many countries. Respect for ,and to,all who served,in whatever capacity. War is cruel.!!😢

[@mikeschillinger4427]

❤ what else is there to say? A very moving story to listen to.Thank-you for recording it and to the Marine who so generously shared it. God bless our Veterans.

[@asherweck]

What a living legend. I wish I had half the bravery these guys had..

[@Rusty_shackleford]

I wish I was half as hard as as this man.. We live so great right now due to people like you, sir

[@kennethprice5628]

Thank you sir for your service...God bless, you are a hero

[@asherweck]

Can’t imagine having conversations with friends again a common enemy and then surviving the war and knowing/ seeing they perished in the battle. Must hurt like hell

[@johngrogan7585]

Thank you Sir

[@masudashizue777]

Only 20 years later, in 1965, Okinawa was a quiet, sleepy place where trash collectors came in horse-drawn carts. Yet, every time it rained, vestiges of the war would wash out of the soil...bullets, parts of equipment, and bits of uniforms. I was told where I lived was the site of some of the fiercest fighting in the battle. But in 1965, we lived in a palatial home, across from a huge sugar cane plantation.

[@TRockett55IRISH]

Memoirs of WW2 thank you for another amazing episode Mr. Kelley was one of your best interviews yet and that is saying something keep up the phenomenal work in seeking out the Men and women of the GREATEST GENERATION to get these stories told for all to see just thank you for all this.

[@JacobHeupel]

If I ever hit the lottery I’m gonna donate to this channel. You guys do a amazing thing

[@arshooter1]

Thank you Sir for your recollection, Semper Fi Marine.

[@RocknRollHairMetal]

9:26 Damn that’s heavy! I would feel the same way!

[@Simbadalion]

Thank you for your service

[@ChairmanLebron]

Lest we forget.

[@garymckee63]

This individual still has a great memory and is very articulate. SEMPER FIDELIS