Oral Histories from the 82nd Airborne Division on D-Day

Paratroopers from the "All American" 82nd Airborne Division describe the days leading up to Normandy on D-Day, and the harrowing night drop behind enemy lines in the pre-dawn hours of June 6, 1944. Interviews include Captain Roy E. Creek, Captain Chester E. Graham, 1st Lieutenant John W. Marr, 1st Lieutenant Homer H. Jones, Sergeant Elmo E. Bell, Private First Class Fred E. Morgan, and historian Ed Ruggero.
Discover more at www.nationalww2museum.org/visit.

[@matronista]

My uncle jumped at D-Day and was captured. He hid his wedding ring in his mouth and they never found it. He wears that wedding ring today! He will be 101 in a few days and he & my aunt just celebrated their 78th anniversary. Amazing true story!

[@cpeezy3119]

I hope that he made it another year

[@charliegreer4507]

@Koa Bryant why is everyone putting this in the comment section bro

[@steveguild871]

@N P He probably did that when they searched him for anything valuable.

[@Swoopdaddyy]

My grandfather was 82nd airborne 504th was captured several times. Even hid for nearly a year with a Italian family before finally escaping back to allied lines. These men went through things i could never imagine

[@ricardcastanyer9372]

Omaha b each

[@mowenreal]

My great grandfather was there. Edward struchen during ww2. Sadly he died in 2014. I sat on his lap when I was a baby. Love you great grandad. Thank you for your service. *salute*

[@chickamoore3612]

My grandfather was in 507th Parachute Infantry, 82nd "All American" Airborne Division. He was shot on the way down. I never knew him. Thank you to all these men who served.

[@zacharymuzichuck123]

I wonder if your Grandfather new mine

[@paulnewsome5551]

My dad, Edward Newsome was in the 82nd and dropped behind enemy lines in the dark early morning of the 6th of June '44. He was a very modest man and reticent to give me the details of his heroism from North Africa through Sicily and finally into Normandy. His arm was nearly blown off by shrapnel as he descended and literally carried his forearm to a medic who who was nauseated by the extent of his wounds. Miraculously, he was sewn up and regained use of his arm and ended up playing a mean game of golf. My dad was a cool guy and a great husband and a great father. He passed a number of years ago and I miss him now more than ever.

[@tango4637]

I served in the 82nd a few years ago, your Dad is one of our heros.

[@declangavin7949]

James m gavin was my great grandfather, so proud of him and all of those men who fought alongside him.

[@thomassonnenberg1915]

I joined the army paratroopers cause they were brave

[@agochoa]

And to think Eisenhower didn’t have any faith in the airborne in the beginning. Gavin proved him wrong.

[@PeterSotosEPT]

I got to see your Grandfather up close when he was at Ft. Bragg for a Division Review in the mid 80s. I also got to see the spot he landed in at Nijmegen. AATW!

[@ftroop4815]

Declan, it's been over 30 years since I've run down Ardennes or humped a ruck down Longstreet rd.; I do still have a set of keys to area "J" :-) …. being kin to General Gavin and an Arsenal fan... if our paths cross, pints are on me...

[@coffeehugger]

Wow!! That's very cool.

[@TheDjsupermix]

the craziest thing is i never even knew my father was in 82nd till people told me after he died.these were special men.They said few words.till this day in honor of him,i wear 82nd airborne tshirts

[@MrRokinrob]

My dad was in the 82nd 508th company f,the red devils.AWESOME WORK He was a scout on classified missions.He also was a sniper.

[@declangavin7949]

My great grandad was general james m gavin so proud of him and all those men.

[@MrRokinrob]

Declan Gavin My dad told me about him,He met him.WOW What a small world.I'm proud of them ALL!

[@declangavin7949]

Its wierd tho cos i live in the uk. He was born in america as james ryan. My great great grandparents moved to america and adopted him when he ran away from home.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

I belonged once upon a time in A co. Moatengators 1/508th INF ( Airborne). I was in the Panama Invasion of 1989-90. I am proud to be part of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment's history. We are the Red Devil Paratroopers!

[@blindlemonjello]

My Dad was a Red Devil as well. Clabon Watkins.

[@adareone]

My father was in the 82nd during the Vietnam years.

[@edwardsharpe6234]

My father was from Pennsylvania and was in the 504th Regiment 82nd during WW2. He was quiet and never talked about it but would always watch the WW2 documentaries. I used to tell him it's over and he would chuckle and say no it's not over.

[@CharlesBairdSR4865]

My Dad Jumped as a Pathfinder he was one of 45 Paratroopers he was with the 504th as a Communication Specialist! Thanks Dad for your Bravery and Service! You are my Hero!

[@Skytrooper82d]

Your dad has Big Brass Balls.. Salute..! AATW..!

[@mikemccarter289]

My Grandfather jumped as a pathfinder too. He was with the 502nd and jumpmaster for his stick. Amazing story. Too bad he died in '59. I never knew him.

[@CharlesBairdSR4865]

My Dad never told me he jumped as a Pathfinder his younger brother Col Alan M Baird Ret. told me a long time ago was after my Dad had passed away! He was with 82nd Airborne 504th! Thank you for the post! C A Baird

[@Swoopdaddyy]

My grandfather was also 504th 82nd airborne. Was captured several times before escaping back to allied lines.

[@jaygreider4753]

Dad was 505 and absolutely LOVED Gen. Gavin.

[@justpassinthrough7]

1 505 PIR here, thanks for getting some and paving the way for those after.

[@williamsoileau1802]

My uncle Ray inspired me to join up, he was all Army too, went through all 3 wars, WW2 with the 82d in Sicily and Salerno. Then for D Day went to the 101, DIVARTY, then Market Garden, the Bulge and Rhineland, Korean War and back to the 101 DIVARTY 2x Vietnam, retired SGM and those class As , never seen so much gold and fruit salad, hash marks overseas stripes. Sadly he passed on in 1997, I retired out 35 yrs. Army. Orville Raymond Davis, Chattanooga, TN. That man was tall blonde hair blue eyes, never had a bad thing to say, never raised his voice in anger, never turned anyone away.

[@jamrom5429]

My Great Uncle Cpl. Ben (Biaggio) Bennardi was with the 508 PIR 2nd BAT HQ. I had an amazing conversation with Cpt. Chester Graham (4:45) on the telephone back in 2010. The stories he told me about their unit's selfless accomplishments, and my Uncle that Chester knew and fought by each other side, pulled me in, like a little kid on a Sunday afternoon. I have nothing but the deepest respect for these men amongst men. They were all asked to do things for their country like no other men before them. I'm privileged to have met Cpt. Graham and hearing about their experiences on D-Day as a unit. Listening to stories of Lt. Col TJ (Tomato Juice) Shanly and learning about this unit, what they did and how my Uncle was a part of it was nothing short of a prized family gift. Thank you all.

[@janetmiller1608]

I could only watch and not listen while at work. But saw that Roy Creek & John Marr of the 507th were interviewed. My Dad, Sgt. William H. Buchta, Jr., 82 Airborne, 507th PIR Co D 1st Platoon, was injured in the Battle of the Bulge. I'm always searching for things about the 82nd. I'l definitely be watching this later.

[@nicholasdavies6264]

All superb soldiers with Balls of Steel !

[@garyschneider]

My dad was 82nd WWll. Made all 4 jumps.

[@TheDjsupermix]

im very proud

[@j.dunlop8295]

My dad's five brothers served in WW2, his dad fretted horribly, aunties said. Of the seven brothers only two lived past 70 years old. Two younger brothers served, Korea and Vietnam. Two brothers served in the paratroopers, 82nd and 101st. Neither seriously injured, but talked little about it. One did say, "on the front line, you can't say "no," to an order! But they can't order you into a suicidal actions." Olen, 82nd was ordered to setup his machine gun, under fire. He told the new line Capt. "If I do that I'll be killed!" That Capt. Got another new guy to do it, who was shredded to pieces. The Captain, shocked stepped back, and the top of his head was blown off. My Uncle, had been fighting over 2yrs front lines, that Capt. 2 mo.s (Olen, only told this story, as a survival lesson for his little brothers, one served in Korea, the other Vietnam.)

[@peterkulikowski7540]

My Father Sergeant Stanley Kulikowski was with I and HQ companies. He made all four combat jumps. He will always be my hero.

[@williamdean4101]

PS--the book was originally published by Penguin Publishers, WWII division. I have it in paperback from when I was a teenager. It might still be had on Ebay or Amazon.

[@jimjoyce1638]

I was in the 82nd 69-71. Was a rigger, started a fight with a guy during jump school, talk about becoming brothers, I married his sister 50 years ago, still together with his sister and always in touch with each other.

[@greggdarbygregg9760]

I was in 82nd airborne parachute rigger outfit 407th, heavy air drop most of my enlistment, 1974-77, my platoon Sgt was Teddy Hebron, didn't go to Nam but we were on alert for it a few times! Nice to hear from another rigger, take care

[@lawrencelimco]

I was at museum in 2003. Awesome place to visit

[@Davidmichail66]

Declan Gavin, interesting to hear about your great grandfather General James "slim jim" Gavin. He is definitely a hero of mine. In reading " on to Berlin" he struck me as a very humane man who was always up front with his troops. He always had nice things to sat about most, one of the few Americans to speak well of Montgomery. I know that he served as ambassador to France during J.F.K.' s presidency yet could you share any more info. On family that adopted him in PA.. Any and all info would be appreciated, thank you, Sincerely, david michel

[@coffeehugger]

Yup, my dad was a paratrooper and spoke very highly of Gavin.

[@agochoa]

Only real men jump out of a plane with a cigar in their mouth and a camera in their face. 1:17

[@EPICFAILKING1]

Me and a few of our lads from the 82nd Airborne (re-enactment group) went to Quorn in England, and went to all the Pubs and even the 82nd Memorial Park which we do every year :)

[@timf2279]

Those guys were heroes each and every one of them. They were our finest. Sad they are mostly all gone now. I'm proud that I was able to continue their legacy.

[@hr6334]

These men are so brave

[@sharkbites9977]

Respect for these troops!! Airborne all the way!!!

[@brosefmcman8264]

My great uncle Andrew died June 6th 1944 (D-Day) defending our great country and it's allies with the support of HQ Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division

[@waynearnall6588]

508 parachute regiment were based at wollaton hall Nottingham England prior to d day . We have a memorial in the grounds and also a café there named after the 508th . Every year in November in the u.k. we have a Remembrance Day for our fallen in all wars all over the country but also not forgetting the American serviceman we have people bring wreaths , flowers and cards to the wollaton memorial.

[@soldtobediers]

''None are closer to the author of sacrifice Than those who place themselves in harms way In order to perform it for the sake of others.'' -former recondo sgt. 'rock' 82nd abn. 1/504 '71-'74 11218

[@johnthurber6011]

Arthur Clyde Yohn was my granddad, he was in the 82nd on D-day. He survived the war and made it home. I never met him, he passed before I was born. I watch these things to see if I can see him in the background.

[@jerrywilbur7020]

My grandfather was 517th PRCT, Operation Dragoon jumping into S. France Aug 15th 1944. I was lucky enough to know him but I was too young understand the value of the history of his experience. Although he was my hero cause he was a paratrooper and I used draw him pics of planes with troopers under chute and bullets flying around. Anyway, I look at every video also. I always hope! Maybe they trained in the same place, it's likely. Take care brother

[@Ryoma_lawang]

All the way!

[@ComradeJorji]

My great grandfather was there in the 82nd Ralph Pacheco I'm unsure his division was but I have the physical copy of a picture of him right as he jumped from the plane nothing but respect to all the brave men who gave their lives to fight for our freedom

[@eymoose]

Great Uncle Robert “Bob” Nieblas jumped into Normandy and fought in the Bulge. Grandpa was busy in the Pacific

[@fabiosunspot1112]

The young men didn't have any idea what they were getting into...

[@Buck123four]

What a bunch of studs. 82nd had fought in Sicily, Italy, and on to Western Europe. 82nd had about 1,100 KIA in Normandy.

[@d.parker4328]

My dad was stationed there when the paratroopers came down in the early morning of June 6th. He had taken two prisoners, but lost them when the grenade's from the destroyers exploded around them. Eventually he was taken POW.

[@chriscarr9171]

82 nd will always be respected and remembered for their time in Wollaton Park Nottingham.

[@williamdean4101]

Why no mention of the post war book "Those Devils in Baggy Pants" by Sgt. Ross S Carter, who survived the war along with the other last trooper Sgt. Berkeley, only to die from cancer two years after the war? This is a fantastic book written by a college graduate from Virginia and with absolutely no bad language. It takes the reader from North Africa to the Sicily drop to the fight up the Italian peninsula, to D-Day and the end of the war.

[@dellalderman8011]

A most awesome book. Read that book back in 1971. I need to read it again.

[@oneman1812]

AMEN.

[@dougkerr8696]

Ted is seen between 0:39 AND A0:45.Please send to all of you family to show what a hands-on and brave young man your father was

[@paul123ggggggggg]

2-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment and 3-325 Airborne Infantry Regiment 1999-2009.

[@NYCEst_FLaMade]

My grandfather was in one I’m trying to find Joesph steihl

[@zacharymuzichuck123]

My grandfathers Group was called The Devils in Baggy Pants.

[@-nitroace]

My great great uncle was in this one. Baked my great grandparents a cake everytime they came over. Had to hide in the garage to get a beer. Came back and survived dammit. Fuckin merica

[@rayscott4780]

I had three separate tours with the division. If you served In the 82nd you refer it to Division. Everyone who served in division knew what you were talking about. No finer soldiers than division because each one understood the sacrifice. You were the shock troopers for the United States. You trained to hold ground for six days. Hopefully by that time the armor units showed up to releave you. Take the big step if you want to prove yourself. It’s not for everyone. Airborne all the way.

[@timf2279]

Well said, AIRBORNE!

[@jsantini8075]

Like My Father Before Me 1/508 82nd Red Devil

[@zacharymuzichuck123]

Is it possible you gentlemen new my Grandfather his names was Edward Muzichuck from Farmington West Virginia

[@zacharymuzichuck123]

May I ask you people some thing Did you people know My Grandfather his name was Edward J Muzichuck from Farmington West Virginia

[@johnjacobs1625]

Dad was 508 Co H What battallion < I dont know Sam Jacobs!! But I bet he Knew Chester. REDDEVILS JJ

[@massimoloduca8055]

✌️

[@oneman1812]

We Fly High 420 dronevilla!. FAA.

[@agrberry]

This video is riddled with inaccuracies. Excellent footage poorly captioned by people who haven't done their research.

[@rondelayo]

Sooo these actual ww2 veterans who actually fought at Arnhem are being innaccurate?

[@agrberry]

@@rondelayo @teara deford well, the 82nd didn't fight at Arnhem, for a start, and aside from that I don't understand your point because the veterans didn't make the video, the WWII museum did. Plus I'm not talking about the interviews with the veterans or their testimonies, I'm talking about the actual footage much of which is regurgitated from archival footage. If you'd like me to point out each section that's inaccurate I'd be happy to do so. Signed, Airborne and Troop Carrier historian and author.

[@orsboo4447]

@@agrberry What battles did they fight in ww2?

[@jonporter1233]

My grandpa was in the 508th. I remembered him always telling me that what saved his life was a pile of cow shit. He landed in a tree and couldn't see what was below him... cut his chute and landed in shit. haha. Sgt. Stanley Kotlarz.

[@CRA5759]

The five dislikes must’ve wanted the Nazis to win.

[@antel704]

Yes we must have forever foundamently focus on ww2 and finaly D Day brave herous sacrefaced fight for freedom of the west and whole world. D Day finally crashed the crown of evil. Liberated people I think and Jesus Lord for mercy to all. God bless USA and Allies