“Can’t Imagine What Mankind Would Do To Mankind” | Memoirs Of WWII #22

WW2 Veteran Don Greenbaum talks of the realities of combat and the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp.
Memoirs of WWII Website: bit.ly/2w60kGM
Patreon: bit.ly/2HIebIN
Instagram: bit.ly/2FBGBhv
Facebook: bit.ly/2w5Lhgf
Twitter: bit.ly/2jlcp1A
Written and Directed by Joshua Scott
Filmed by Heather Scott
Edited by Joshua Scott and Christian McLean
Post Audio by Lane Tarr
Archive Footage Sources:
www.archives.gov/
Williamson College of the Trades
Archive Photograph Sources:
U.S. Army
National Archives
U.S. Navy
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Musical Score Source:
artlist.io/
Artlist Songs and Composers:
“Empty Room” by Max Herve
“Purpose” by Michael Vignola
“Grey” by Kyle Preston
“They Didn’t Believe Me” by Artie Shaw acquired from www.archive.org

[@austinpblack]

“In ten years, there’ll be no one left to tell our story.” :/

[@JnH5492]

When I first realized that I teared up

[@GingeyNHF]

Austin Black that statement alone hit me hard man

[@damiangrouse4564]

Austin Black this internet vids will be their testament.

[@113charlie7]

They shall perish from this earth physically but they will never leave our hearts and spirits UNLESS WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO FORGET! may we never allow these things to happen again God bless those brave answered the call and who still do

[@MrGeorgestrait97]

That hit me hard too...

[@American_boot317]

We are so lucky that ww2 veteran are still alive to tell us stories about what they did. And to help not go down that road again

[@brennantoy3088]

American Boot it’s sad that they won’t be around much longer😔

[@richiecuzzz1]

I’m so sad my grandpa passed away when I was 6. He was a tank commander in the U.S. Army. If I only could ask him the questions I have now... brings tears to my eyes that the last of them are dying off. Miss you everyday grandpa! Thank you for what you did. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Loup-mx7yt]

SKilledP0TATO if you are interested in that kind of thing, read the book "spearhead", best book I have ever read and it really gives you the feeling of what it was like to be in a US tank crew at the time.

[@richiecuzzz1]

ImNotMad ButUR Thank you for the kind words! I’m definitely gonna read that book he recommended. Your father was a brave man as well... they all were! They didn’t know at the time how much of an impact those young boys would have on the world. I know what you mean about wanting to ask questions you will never get the answer to. My dad told me my grandpa was very hard on him growing up and that the war really changed him. He’s now buried in a veterans memorial cemetery in Riverside, CA. I want to try and get some information on him like pictures and other stuff. My dads step mom had all his medals and Nazi souvenirs he brought back from Germany. She sold them all... it was very sad. Those would have been worth some money now a days but I wouldn’t have sold them. If I can get some pictures I might be able to find people that served with him or family members on reddit. I’m trying to find the free places but I don’t mind paying. I wish the best to you and your family in these troubling times. I don’t mind if you go on with long stories, I love reading!

[@ghaffir]

Sadly Germany once again has a rapidly growing amount of nazis marching again. I am so sorry that Don Greenbaum is here to witness that all the evil were fighting against is rising again.

[@daanbouwman2466]

As a boy from Holland I thank all the soldiers that have served to liberate my country 🫡

[@firebeard7]

Whenever I face any hardship in my life, I look back at these people. Then I say to myself: "You don't know what hardship means bro"

[@TheTryingDutchman]

Me to. Ive just shared this video on my Facebook for the people who are complaining about how 'hard' the quarantine is. Just to put things in perspective for them.

[@proper2753]

Facts these men are beyond incredible every single one them

[@nimrodquimbus912]

No kidding, our worst days are better than their best days.

[@johnclarencemercado4218]

Same bro. We complained about small things but they have experienced worst stuff so we can't complain because they didn't complain to us either.

[@WarInHD]

Every time I come against something hard in life I just say “it could always be worse”. Then keep going until it’s done

[@deborahchesser7375]

He waited for 57 years to thank this man, that really hits you

[@SunnyIlha]

*3:36*

[@LoganBrasi]

This is probably the greatest account I’m subscribed to. Such a touching episode. I’m so glad we are getting their stories on record before all of our veterans are gone

[@mikew1374]

The YT channel "Legends of WWll" has tons of interviews also

[@TX.RigWelder33]

My grandpa on my dads side was a 1st ranger went in early in 43 did a lot of volunteer work wound up in France after in 44 fought in the bulge and Hurtgen later on in acchen Frankfurt and so on I never met him but my dad passed his stories down they came across concentration camps in Germany and states that the smell and sights they saw were so unreal they had to take cologne or baby powder or anything with a scent and cut parts of clothing off and drown it with any scent a wear it as a mask I can’t imagine these events in person and wouldn’t want to.

[@rickvelocity5578]

Yip, thats sad. I'm glad your grandpa was on your "Fathers Side". ???

[@butternutbestboy1251]

My great grandpa on my moms side was in the battle of the bulge and he was shot multiple times and spent about about a day on a pile of dead body’s. Sadly he has passed away and I was to young to here his story from him.

[@hello1236096]

Rick Velocity he’s referring the his grandfather on his dads side. Aka his fathers father as opposed to his mothers father.

[@TX.RigWelder33]

connor rose thanks I didn’t feel like making that comment it should be understandable thanks!

[@Loup-mx7yt]

Rick Velocity he meant the father of his father to clear up his story. Remember, you have 2 grandfathers.

[@ThePponu]

The thumbsdown people are pathetic and extremely ignorant. They give reason to why history repeats itself.

[@rickvelocity5578]

L Mar, you're right. There is always going to be anti-Semitism in this world, & deniers.

[@timeouthumanity2067]

​@@rickvelocity5578 And people who like to know the truth... I think you forgot the other option

[@timeouthumanity2067]

Probably bots

[@Hotdog1863]

Only an ignorant fool would give a thumbs down.

[@superluigigamergamerisback263]

You are right people need to show RESPECT these days

[@Ron55669]

You’re doing a public service. Thank you for these videos. And obviously thank you to all the men and women who sacrificed so much to rescue humanity from this evil.

[@ad5047]

That's the exact term "public service"

[@huzaar100]

Thank you Don. My grandfather was in Dachau. Your march on Dachau did him survive Dachau ❤

[@emilbratteberg1455]

I just turned 15 and love these videos, i am born in 2005, and i can tell You that 90% of my generation dont care about anything around ww2, and i think that is a shame, these videos should get so more many views. I wish my generation could care a little more for about your sacrofises, love from Norway.

[@cartercavicchio5524]

Emskbra Gaming I’m 15 born in 2004 and yeah I agree none of our generation care they just don’t care

[@orryhansen403]

About to turn 16, born in 2004. Your right. Most of our generation doesn’t care and take our freedom for granted.

[@mr.ghiondi7948]

People like you make the world a better place to live

[@sebastians.6796]

I'm 34 and even in my generation the interests of ww2 has decreased. It is impressing to see such young folks like you taking the history seriously and discussing about it. That is very important. My respect to you. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@Guitar7776]

Emskbra Gaming I’m 13, I am lucky to have a small group of friends that also love history. We all have personal ties far back. It is sad though how ignorant the rest can be.

[@mgmmac36]

My late Father was also a liberator at Dachau. He had nightmares, terrible nightmares until 2002. They stopped the day before his wife, my Mom died. He went on another 8 years & spoke to thousands of schoolchildren of what he witnessed. Never forget.

[@pillager6190]

My late father liberated a death camp. He didn't tell me the name of the camp & I didn't ask. I got many stories from him, the most graphic ones were only after my 6 months of medical training with the Navy.

[@billyc9707]

@@pillager6190 if you knew his unit you could easily find out

[@huzaar100]

My grandfather was liberated at Dachau. I went one time to see it with my uncle. My dad couldn't do the trip to emotional for him. Did your father visit the camp after the war.

[@gregkerr725]

My Dad's ww2 outfit...the 12th Armored Division....liberated Landsberg Concentration Camp and others down near Munich. In the last couple of decades I have run across Holocaust Deniers. The conversation usually ends after I bow up and say "What?...you calling my Dad a liar?!!!!!". That question and my obvious anger shuts the ignoramuses up real quick!

[@ExcelFrost]

These videos are a treasure we as a younger generation shall preserve and learn from, may their memories be bestowed upon humanity

[@rickvelocity5578]

Yes, with today's youth it seems all their interested in is SOCIALISM, & any free stuff they can get for themselves! Ridiculous!!!!!

[@mreyn17]

Agreed, these videos remind 11 year old me the stories my grandfather would tell about his tours during WWII.

[@wyattpeterson6286]

Memories and lessons.

[@williamkeith8944]

My father, Jack Keith was a medic that was in a unit that liberated a concentration camp. There were hundreds of those camps that were liberated. He is gone now, he was a good man and I miss him.

[@donnycooke56]

Greatest Generation ever. Losing them everyday. I love these. Maybe I will catch a glimpse of my Grandfather who was KIA March 4th 1945 Rhine valley. Heroes everyone of them.

[@nimrodquimbus912]

The coming Generation can't tell the difference between a man and a woman.

[@ethantwolfe]

Nimrod Quimbus No, we just respect people who have always existed and are simply empowering and validating their existence via language. The men that fought are hero’s - however, the prevailing ideas in their ailing society are simply a menace

[@justmerc1642]

@@nimrodquimbus912 You have provoked a gang war.

[@nimrodquimbus912]

which one ?

[@Iamibee_21]

I’m from Nigeria but I swear I have watched every episode and I have to say I’m grateful for those men

[@Deziirexo]

I live in New Zealand and since I can remember, it was my dream to go to the beaches of Normandy to pay my respects to the fallen heroes. So for my 21st birthday present a year ago, I went. I was hoping to meet a veteran along the way, unfortunately I didn’t but nevertheless it was an absolutely humbling experience. I hope to go again someday. I would love to shake one of these men’s hands and thank them for really being the golden generation. No amount of words can describe the respect I have for these men.

[@TheDeepsix13]

Undeniably respectful, genuine and great attitude you have, young man. The people of his generation had to answer a life-changing call, because the world as they knew it was ending. And answer it with pride and determination, they did! Stay cool✌️ Semper Fidelis...

[@bluespruce679]

Jack Cottrell.... I like that very much...."The Golden Generation." They truly were that and more. I deeply appreciate our young people who are wise enough to care about our history enough to learn, study and share with others. Thank you, young man, and may the Lord richly bless you all the days of your life. Shalom! 🌺🕊🌺

[@billyc9707]

Your men fought bravely and are well known for their sacrifices. Blessings from an American

[@unnamedchannel1237]

Hiya from the naki

[@thomaswentworth6433]

@Jack Cotterell - I too visited the Normandy beaches. Ironically that stretch of coast line is lovely and hard to imagine the carnage that happened there on 6th June 1944.

[@CmdrPewpeez]

You should do one on the Native Americans who fought, code talked and served the US.

[@thunderbird7020]

It’s unbelievable. The horrors brought upon by Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. And how some can deny they happened. Thank you for getting this mans story out there.

[@Loup-mx7yt]

Thunder Bird look at General plan east (General plan ost). What the Nazis would've done if they had won the war is pure evil.

[@goodolzimm5827]

And the cruelty still goes on, a slap in the face to all those who served thinking that theirs was the last war. Thank You Don Greenbaum for your service.

[@harryshriver6223]

That was so moving and powerful, I can hear the pain the horror discovering the concentration camp.

[@indridcold4469]

Thank you Mr. Greenbaum. I'm sorry you had to but thank you for enduring.

[@Currens-]

Wish these were 20-30 mins long , seriously some of the best videos on the internet , respect to all the men who fought for our freedom along with others ! Keep up the videos y’all are doing numbers!!!

[@ja8965]

nah mate I want 1 or 2 hour :D

[@taddyfaddy]

It's just so sad what happened. It's so surreal and yet it happened. May they rest in peace.

[@whatonearth9809]

I’m crying at this. 57 years later he finally got to say thank you 😢❤️

[@hkobel3358]

I want to thank Mr Greenbaum for his contribution to the liberation of Dachau. Because of him and others, my father and great-uncle were saved. May God bless you and your family.

[@bradfordeaton6558]

These stories never fail to move me deeply.

[@navy_dude1343]

I took a tour of Dachau a few years ago. I must say that it was one of the most depressing places I have ever been to. The entire time I was there I could feel the negativity and demonic presences. I am so glad that history turned out the way it did, and they were liberated.

[@mikenew9263]

I too toured several years ago. I felt the same as you. A cold forbidding place that I never want to see again. Mike New

[@theondebray]

A friend of mine's father was one of the first troops to enter Belsen Concentration camp, which gave him a complete mental breakdown after he got home. He never fully recovered, became a devout Christian, and spoke about his experiences to a trusted few.

[@chickensandwich8808]

My great uncle was the only one of that side of my family to tell his story. His brothers, including my grandfather, too their stories to the grave. No blaming them. But im glad my Uncle told his. He was a Tank commander under Patton. His unit was tasked with surveying the area around Dachau a few days after that camp was discovered. They ended up finding a satellite camp that was specifically for disposal. He never got into detail about it. It was too emptional for him. I just will always remember him saying "i would fight the hardest battle I ever faight all over again if it meant I could unsee what i saw in that camp. RIP Sgt. Dale Gibson.

[@britmusic375]

Just a little brag. It was my son (14 at the time), who put this together for Memoirs to visit Don. We know Don through Ernie, the Holocaust survivor in this video. They are both amazing gentlemen and a privilege to know.

[@EmperorCheed]

What a man! Thank you Don.

[@codyh6405]

We needed this right now. Like he said the things people will do to each other is atrocious.

[@robhu2477]

My Dad was with the 42nd Rainbow Division in WW2 and later in the war the Division was assigned to Patton's Third Amy for the big push against Hitler's forces. He also was at the Battle of the Bulge and saw the carnage of Dachau. I have pictures he brought back of boxcar's loaded with human remains, the furnaces, bodies stacked on wagons like cordwood. He passed them on to me before he died. Five people in the last 4 generations of my family have served in the Armed Forces. My Dad, me, 2 of my son's and one of my grandsons. My youngest son is still in the Air Force Reserve, He joined the Army after high school and did an almost 1 year deployment in Aftganistan. Then about 2 years after his time in the Army he joined the Airforce Reserve and is still in. He is a crewchief on a C-130 now. My grandson just joined the Airforce last August. I'm kind of proud of that. And no I won't sell the pictures my Dad gave me. I'll pass them on to my son's when the time comes. I'm getting old now too and I want them to remember what people are capable of doing to each other after I'm gone and not around to remind them that freedom isn't free. It has to be cherished and fought for. And this family has a history of being willing to do that.

[@pillager6190]

Awesome story! My late father was in the bulge for clean up. Jan'45. 13th Armor Div under Patton. No photos. Just vivid testimony.

[@jongrant1215]

My father was in the USMC in the South Pacific. He never talked about his experience to me but you could see PTSD symptoms. Plus these men survived the Great Depression, food shortages, homelessness, deprivation even before WW2. My wife's father served with Patton and spoke fluent German and went into these camps and saw the inhumanity of man first hand and he was of Jewish ancestry. My son served in the USMC in Iraq during the invasion and saw what Hussein had done to his people. He was there during the invasion and the Najaf and Fallujah battles. He has PTSD symptoms. Most modern youths have no idea what it means to suffer or go without.

[@quest-fish]

Love what you’re doing with these videos, keep it up.

[@boofarama]

I cry and cry every episode, thank you thank you thank you for capturing these men and these stories.

[@r.girouard5886]

My grandfather was wounded in the BotB and liberated Dachau, Anthony Castriotta. I wonder if they knew each other. He used to talk about the smell, the box cars and the anger he felt that anyone could deny it. He's been gone for 30 years now. Thanks for this.

[@bobgaysummerland]

I was at Dachau 50 years after you liberated the camp. It was the worst place I have ever been and I have been to more than a few bad places. I never visited another death camp. I couldn’t. You are right. The horror that people inflict on others is unimaginable. You are part of my father and uncle’s generation and they all served in Europe and the Pacific. You really are the last great generation. Thank you. I always made it a point to visit our dead in the scattered graveyards in Europe. I always thought an American accent and a Lucky or Camel left on a grave marker let them know they were not forgotten.

[@garrettL.95]

My Great-Grandfather was a medic who helped liberate Dachau. I can't imagine what he had to see... what he had to go through throughout the war. Though I wish that he had talked about it, I understand why he didn't. He died when I was very young; these videos make me feel closer to him. Thank you.

[@melanielester2106]

Amazing, brings tears to your eyes. What a lovely gent and how wonderful to form a friendship with someone that he saved. Shame on the people who have given this a thumbs down. X

[@captainskippy6622]

Today I showed this to a 95 year old friend that was part of the troops that liberated this camp of horrors. He stared at it intensely as if he had gone back in time as the smile that is always on his face faded. His reaction brought tears to my eyes. After the video finished he said “Yep, it was worse than you can imagine” and then after a few seconds started relating funny stories from the war. I recognized this as graveyard humor from being a police officer and firefighter for 28 years. It is a coping mechanism where your brain tries to compensate for the horrific things you have witnessed. God bless him and all veterans.

[@WillWag-YT]

I’m 14 years old and my great-grandpa served in the army during WWII. I was never able to meet him because he died 2 years before my birth. I’ve always been amazed by what these guys had to go through and I’ve always wondered what it was like for him during that time. I’ve watched every single video that this channel has produced and it’s given me a pretty good idea of what it was like, but it would never be the same as us talking face to face. Now I truly know why they call y’all the greatest generation! 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

[@Wollie1979]

I was blown away by this story! Im 40 y/o so second generation after WW2, but know quite some of what happened back in the days thanks to my late grandpa. As we’re from The Netherlands close to the eastern border with Germany, my grandpa experienced a lot back in the days (crashed British airplane and helping the pilot to get safe, helping to hide people and so on). He even made the crashed airplane’s propeller as an art object and put it in his garden for decades after the war. But what happened in the concentration camps just goes way beyond every imagination who never saw it with their own eyes. Thank God we have these stories to make it real for every generation.

[@Fabylocity]

These memories are unforgettable!! Thanks to all the veterans of all war, and to those who still Are serving our country..

[@andreschavez9671]

I heard "our generation is the last generation who will be able to talk to ww2 vets" the other day. These memoirs are something we won't be able to do for long so thank you and I hope generations after mine will see these

[@mikelballard5041]

Absolutely heartbreaking. When I think I am having a bad day I sit down and watch one of these videos and it reminds me that no matter how rough my day is it will never be as bad as what these guys had to go through. I have never had a chance to sit down with the world war II veteran but I hope I get that chance before they are all gone. Thank you for doing these videos. It is so very important.

[@joshmendenhall6445]

In high school i had a history teacher that i absolutely loved. He created classes that were approved by the school district. He had one that i took about the Holocaust. He said in the beginning, if you cant handle the images you will see in this class you shouldmt be here, but i want you to stay cause this needs to be taught. He had a wall of pictures of victims and their stories we would read every day at the beginning of class. I learned many camps, many victims, many stories, and saw many images and i dont believe how anybody could deny it after seeing and reading these things for themsleves.

[@1991tommygun]

The day that someone says to my face that this didnt happen, it wont go over well

[@kierandoodykd]

Oh the bit when he said about the Surviver saying thanks for saving my life... that got me 🙏

[@Widderic]

This should be broadcast on every television channel.

[@jennifertrejo7109]

I love how he adds the videos of actual stuff that they are talking about it makes such a great story

[@sarama4153]

History teaches valuable lessons. We must visit the past regularly to make sure we don’t forget these lessons. It’s the least we can do from our comfy couches. Thank you for creating and sharing these videos!

[@rnmike1569]

What an amazing man...thank you!

[@raystevens1458]

I had the opportunity to go Dachau, what an incredible sobering trip, my life was changed by those horrific tragedies, and I pray that this never happens again. The museum was done extremely well telling the story, if you ever get a chance, please go.

[@kevin-sawmill-lx25]

I don’t have the words to say that would express the gratitude i have for the men and women who served our country! Thank you! May God bless you all the days of your life!

[@ZGHistory]

Fantastic episode. Emotional and real. I've been to Dachau and it is a sobering place. I hope it always serves as a reminder to what can happen when hate, pride, and fear become dominant social motivators in a society.

[@anvi357]

My grandfather was also a ww2 veteran, member of the Guerilla unit here in the Philippines. They were the greatest generation. More power to your channel.

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

As a Veitnam vet, I'm very appreciative of your posting this one and others like it. Hopefully, we don't have toencounter this again but, with the way things are going, I'm afraid it's on track to happen again. Thanks for doing this. It really does mean alot.

[@adihell-9535]

Really heart breaking when I see and hear last stories of our greatest hero's. My thanks to all the Veterans out there for giving me a freedom that me and my family can have.

[@StonewallSowash]

There are no words to express the feeling of walking into those camps and seeing what was done to those people. God bless them all.

[@joshuahuard6213]

Plz never ever delete your videos or your channel, these stories will be here forever

[@RMFishing23]

I respect all soldiers during the war because they were brave enough to risk their lives for millions of people

[@KikiRevenge]

I love this channel. Though I end up crying at some point during every single episode, which is a testament to their power, I still love it so.

[@thommigen9628]

Best channel I've ever subscribed to. Hands down. Stay healthy guys!

[@kaypolo_]

Doing some research on WW2 for college and saw this, it is incredibly powerful and moving. All I can say is wow! Thank you for your service Don then and now. What you and Ernie are doing telling your stories is so important. It's a gift and service to society to share your perspectives and wisdom. My love and prayers go to you and Ernie, I cant even imagine what you all endured and am grateful that you made it through and are now able to bless us with your presence and indescribably valuable words.

[@timmccomish1531]

Cant say enough for this channel.

[@eevvaann11]

This channel is extremely under viewed for the content it provides. I swear no matter how long between videos I am always excited to see a new one. Keep up the amazing work!

[@MWMPeddyKiller]

Very important to record and document these amazing stories from the greatest generation our country has produced. Ladies and gentlemen in the next 5 years almost every World War 2 vet will be gone from this world. Especially with this virus currently living among us. I'm 32 now. When I was in my early 20s I had 2 close family friends that were both WW2 vets. One was part of a secret rocket boat mission early in the morning before the invasion on D-Day. The stories that man had were simply breathtaking. You could look in his eyes and see the memories running thru his head as he talked. I only wish I had been smart enough to record these conversations. I knew this man for 10 yrs bf I ever knew he was a WW2 vet. He earned several medals and his story is recounted in a book. He single handedly saved an untold number of American lives that day. The book confirmed what he had told me. He took out 3 German pill boxes that day. From the group of men he hit land with that morning only him and the group leader survived. He never talked freely about his experiences. They had asked him to speak on camera for a history channel special and had asked him to consult for the "Saving Private Ryan" movie. He was even asked to come to Washington and be part of the WW2 memorial service. He had no interest in any of it. All he said was it was his duty to serve his country and do the things he had to do. He didnt want to be rewarded or congratulated for the things he had done. It took him being hospitalized and damn near death bf he allowed the governor of TN to present him with a medal. All that seems incredibly unselfish in so many ways. In a time where alot of vets and war heroes write books or do TV shows or podcasts and talk about their stories meeting and knowing a man like Bethel Payne was truly a honor. It's a name we should all know and only a few ppl actually do. Some of these Vets dont want to tell the story of their combat experiences. But it is so very important that these stories are told and preserved for historical reasons and just as much for future generations. Both the WW2 vets I knew are gone now. Alot of their stories went with them. Thank you to all the veterans who have fought and served our country to protect our daily freedoms and our way of life. God bless our veterans and God bless America.

[@bluespruce679]

Michael Wyatt... Thank you dearly for sharing what you know. Do you happen to know the title of the book? I'll look up Bethel Payne soon, see if anything has been written about him. I didn't get the name of the other WWll hero. Anyway, thank you with all my heart. Shalom! 🌺🕊🌺

[@MWMPeddyKiller]

@@bluespruce679 I have found the book on Amazon but its crazy expensive 175.00 very rare apparently. But here is the title I copied from Amazon William Howard Palmer Jr. We Called Ourselves Rocketboatmen: The Untold Stories of the Top-Secret LSC(S) Rocket Boat Missions of World War II at Sicily, Normandy (Omaha and Utah Beaches), and Southern France I have tried to find things about Bethel for a long time now and have failed to find significant info. Although my wife's aunt has a copy of the book somewhere? I saw a printed off copy once bf i was into WW2 like I am now. I wish I cld remember it better and provide more info but I do recall out of 24 men in his boat only Bethel and the leader of the men made it out alive. ( may have been more or less men in the boat) Hindsight is always 20/20 they say. With that said I regret not recording his story in some way.

[@MWMPeddyKiller]

Kingsport - Bethel M. Payne, 89, of Kingsport, died Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Indian Path Medical Center after years of declining health. He was born October 26, 1924 in Blackwater, VA. Bethel volunteered and joined the U.S. Navy at the beginning of World War II. On D-Day, June 6, 1944 in Normandy, he was a gunner and backup coxswain on a top-secret Rocket Boat Mission, clearing Omaha Beach of enemy Pillboxes ahead of the U.S. troop invasion. Several years ago, Bethel received a Congressional Commendation for his heroic performance at Normandy and in January 2013, State Representative Tony Shipley privately delivered a proclamation issued by the Tennessee House of Representatives citing and declaring heroic actions taken that day for the single-handed elimination of several German Pillboxes, just minutes prior to the Normandy Invasion. These heroic actions were memorialized in a book by William H. Palmer, Jr. entitled "We Called Ourselves Rocketboatmen." Following the end of World War II, Bethel moved to Kingsport where he went to work for Borden Mills (which later became J.P. Stevens Co.), and worked there for forty five years - the last thirty of which he was a foreman, retiring in 1996. He was a member of the VFW, enjoyed gardening, listening to blue grass music, going to flea markets working on his vehicles and several lawn mowers. Bethel had a loving generous spirit toward his fellowmen and enjoyed helping other people and never refused anyone in need. The family would like to extend a special thank you to a special friend and caregiver, Nancy Oaks. He was preceded in death by his parents, Worley and Cannie Bowen Payne; sister, Georgia Maye Payne Spears; brothers, Sidney Payne, twin brother, Dan Payne and Bill Payne. He is survived by his son Scott Payne and wife, Rita; brother, Connie Payne; several nieces and nephews and a special companion, Nancy Oaks. The family will receive friends from 4 - 6 pm Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga St., Kingsport, TN. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel with Evangelist Garry Hood. Music will be provided by Evangelist Garry Hood & Servant's Heart. Military Graveside Rites will be conducted at 2 pm Thursday, July 31, 2014 at Oak Hill Memorial Park, by the VFW Boone Dam Post #4933. Pallbearers will be Scott Payne, Lawrence Payne, Luke Minor, Jr., Michael Wyatt, Brittany Oaks and Wesley Oaks. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 1 pm Thursday to go to the cemetery in a procession. Got lucky and found his obituary.

[@josiahbaum2165]

I’m 18 and me and unfortunately not many others realize the significance of ur sacrifice, but I will teach my sons and family about the sacrifice all u made. We can’t let this great sacrifice be forgotten. I and every american are forever indebted to u and ur fellow soldiers and all the soldiers of the allies thank u

[@ihl8608]

Every time I see these guys, I cry so hard and realized we will never have guys like this ever again in this country. Thank you Don for your service and sacrifice.

[@doa_824]

He looks like in his 70’s wow he looks young wut a lucky man 👍😁❤️

[@boolationnation9263]

Also these videos should be way longer I’m sure the interviews didn’t last 10 minutes

[@andytaylor1588]

Some of them are very much longer.

[@boolationnation9263]

Andy Taylor I’ve seen them all it’s just that I’m sure there was more story that they cut out of the video

[@themoocow7718]

Watch the Update and FAQ video, they explain why it’s so short.

[@andyZ3500s]

@@themoocow7718 thanks I forgot about the "Update and FAQ video. Just watched it again.

[@chip9649]

This is a good ww2 interview channel they last for hours kzbin.info/door/Rikw4uCjS8ck3O9Mj-N35Q

[@lukestory5042]

Wow that was a great video. Can wait for the next one

[@brig4775]

Thanks for everything you and your generation accomplished. Words can not express our eternal gratitude.

[@michaellnss]

Just wanna give a huge shout-out and thank you too Memoirs of WWII for bringing and trying so hard for us too learn what really happened and what our true hero's did too fight for us and the world

[@Maaarrina]

Would love to hear more stories like these about the experience of the soldiers that liberated the concentration camps.

[@lauramiller3372]

You sir, are from the Great Generation. That makes you a true hero. Thank you.

[@bonniefurman7476]

So true. People need to be reminded of what happened during WW2.

[@jbess6505]

Thank you sir for doing what many can not even imagine having to do.

[@kingerikthegreatest.ofall.7860]

Thank you for sharing this man's story. Important history.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

My wife and I visited that camp or what is left there for a memorial. It is a very humbling place. Can’t imagine what those poor torchered souls had endured. God rest their souls. Thank you gentlemen for speaking out about this atrocity.

[@dallascraft3877]

Every time I watch one of these episodes I shed a tear.

[@rozi2089]

All of these videos are great. This one hit me differently. This was probably one if my favorites. God bless our WW2 soldiers.

[@andrewfleckenstein7599]

Wow, amazing episode by Josh and the team! This is important work to preserve these memories for historical purposes. This is why I support this mission on Patreon!

[@topfuelfan]

I traveled to Israel in 1988 and visited Yad Vashem The World Holocaust Remembrance Center. There were Holocaust survivors also visiting. That day changed my life prospective forever as I struggled to understand how this could possibly happen. " NEVER AGAIN "

[@trippyptat8479]

I cannot believe this channel doesn't have more subscribers...such amazing content

[@marypoppins7360]

Yet another incredible video and story. As always, thank you for sharing.

[@bradmoberly6164]

2:09 When they put him in body bag. That young man's trigger finger was still bent when he died. Poor guy . Rip sir.

[@bigchickenjoe123]

Brad Moberly good catch

[@IAM-zu9nx]

I was stationed outside Dachau in the seventies and God bless those men and the poor souls that were at Dachau and all the concentration camps

[@markrothenberg9867]

Powerful...just so powerful. Thank you for creating this video. And thank you Mr. Greenbaum for service. Thank you Mr. Gross for sharing your horrible story so that others may learn and understand.

[@josephkicklighter8100]

Such a powerful testimony. What this channel is going is so vitally important. Thank you for working so hard to preserve the legacy of the Second World War.

[@matheussanches6964]

Love these videos! These stories cannot stay untold!

[@noahcount7132]

This video and Don's mission to keep the truth alive and counter the holocaust deniers are VITAL! Thank you for bringing us these historically significant Memoirs of WWII.

[@bikebuilder89031]

I just want to personally thank this man for the effort he and ernie put forth to make sure the memory of this atrocity doesn't die. I also would like to personally thank him for his service and his sacrifice during one of the worst times in human history. May we never forget this time or these men and women for everything they did world wide.

[@RileyFM]

Amazing work, Josh! These stories are so important

[@lennwel]

Really appreciate these men who want to share their story! Also I never spoke a veteran myself, but I would really like to hear it from somebody one to one...

[@roccomanucci]

Wesley Nixon I was lucky enough to speak to someone who seen these horrors of war........ he was my grandfather.He never spoke about the war until I decided to enlist in the Army.He said he only did it because he wanted me to know what war was like and that I myself , could possibly be sent to fight a war like he was.That conversation lasted over three hours and I'll never forgot the look in his eyes and the cracking in his voice as he spoke.I was 18 years old and for the first time in my life I had the hairs on the back of neck and arms stand up as I listened to his stories.My grandfather was a very emotionless man and I had finally found out why on that day.He never kissed or hugged me as a kid but that act of love he showed me that day made up for all of it. You see , he relived his all those horror stories that he tried to bury deep inside in order to protect me.I eventually did enlist in the Army and when I graduated boot camp and came home he finally hugged me and told me how proud he was to see me wear the same uniform he once wore.My grandfather passed away 15 years ago but I still think about him and that conversation almost every day.May God rest your soul grandpa........You was more than a great grandfather , you was a great man and a great American.

[@lennwel]

Italian Pride that is very lucky friend, because only when you have heard those stories you can understand what they did. I come from the Netherlands and our country was liberated 75 years ago (5th May). Unfortunately due to the corona crisis we can’t have any ceremonies. But the stories are the most important. I don’t know if your grandfather still lives but if mine still did, he would definitely want to thank him, so hereby I will! Thank you for your service!

[@lennwel]

Italian Pride I didn’t see your full message when I posted my reply but that really is meaningful story! I’m 24 now and always wanted to go in the army to help others as your grandfather’s generation helped us. Unfortunately I couldn’t because of my physical health a few years ago. Are you still in the army?

[@roccomanucci]

Wesley Nixon No , I got out of the Army in 1994 after 8 years.I learned how to be a man in the Army and I would do it all over again if I had the chance.Sorry that your health wouldn’t allow you to join but remember that everything in life happens for a reason.I appreciate your kind words and please stay safe during the times of Covid 19.Much love from the United States of America to the Netherlands!!!

[@hydrojedi]

Well done! Bravo & God bless!

[@61684ryan]

Thank you for these memoirs.