WW2 VETERAN VISITS SITE WHERE FRIEND WAS KILLED IN ACTION

In November 2019, World War II Veteran Ceo Bauer returned to Normandy for probably the last time. We made the trip a bit more special for the 95th Infantry Division Veteran and visited the site where his friend of the 35th Division was Killed in Action on July 14, 1944.
In Honor of Rolland J. Hill
Produced by: Joey van Meesen and Florent Plana
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Research a Veteran Yourself: www.footstepsresearchers.com
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Music Through Epidemic Sound Creator's License
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[@brucegarlock3630]

Rolland has been remembered again. A family album has been published (for the family) that includes all the surviving letters Rolland had sent home during his 18 months of military service. I am Rolland's nephew. My sister Karen transcribed all those surviving letters and associated historical documents and remembrances of family and contemporaries, including Ceo Bauer. It is something the family will treasure for many, many years. Rolland has been brought to life by his letters. We are blessed and remain grateful to the producers of this video and to Ceo for greatly enhancing our memories in such a meaningful way.

[@windellstephens9359]

And this man, at age 96, still speaks of duty. What an inspiration.

[@abdkim1917]

After more than 70 years, Ceo still vividly remember the exact date of when his friend got killed.

[@pensacola07]

This is why all these veterans that fought in WW2, deserve the title as the greatest and bravest generation that ever lived

[@SNAFUDOCS]

Exactly sir!

[@ducatiboy4951]

Totally agree with you sir.

[@bergydermeister5616]

Wiley soy Juiced drinking sjws of this generation are afraid of the common flu pretty pathetic

[@1973miniclubman]

Couldn’t agree with you more. The stuff these poor old boys endured for are freedom today, is nothing most of us will truly be able to understand. God bless them all

[@matthewarcher3024]

Amen

[@brucegarlock3630]

I am blessed to have the honor of knowing Ceo personally. I can tell you that he has followed through on his promise to honor Rolland with a memorial marker in the veterans section of Riverside Cemetery in Alma, Michigan. He is a man of his word. Rolland is the uncle I never met. Having told the story of his service during WWII told in such an appreciative way does my heart good. It fills in a lot of blanks for us, his family. Thank you Ceo for all your dedication and service. Our family is deeply indebted to you. And thank you so much for coming to my mother's 100th birthday party. Rolland's sisters enjoyed it very much.

[@pie5233]

Is ceo Bauer still alive?

[@quagmiredavis4117]

@@pie5233 yes is he still with us

[@DDDD-pv7fw]

Great story, thx for sharing! And God Bless your Mother on her 100th birthday

[@shaundavenport621]

Proper men were raised in that era.Respect!👍🙏👍

[@tomcrnkovich1661]

I've spent a lifetime studying these men. This video touched me deeply. I came here to say how much I appreciate the efforts of those working to tell these stories all these years later...and I stumble upon the comment of a direct relative. Know that 75+ years later, we are still here. Still appreciative and thankful. Still shedding tears and honoring these great men that gave everything so that we can be here today. That is not an exaggeration. It is simple fact. I spent my grandfathers funeral luncheon 25 years ago sitting with the vfw guys and not my family. These years later I remain that same awe struck kid when I see these men. The few that are left. They are our greatest and most important product. Even today. Thank you.

[@dnorfed]

Had Rolland survived the war, imagine how close ceo and Rolland would have been. CEO never forgot his friends who died so long ago, even getting a headstone for his fallen comrade, this is truly the mark of a man who’s mourned his friends his entire life. I commend you sir , only a few of the greatest generation left to tell these stories now

[@amandahojnacki6755]

Thank you so much for making this video. Rolland Hill was my grandfather, Bruce Harlow's, cousin. My father, Rolland Harlow, is named after Rolland Hill. It brings tears to my eyes to see him honored in such a beautiful way. Thank you.

[@jasonfiore8182]

His story is still alve , from the uk

[@fitt4393]

amazing

[@ontarioguyincalgary4845]

Yes very nice to see for sure. RIP

[@danielmouton4952]

Wow, cool and awesome testimony and it is truly inspiring to see great WWII gallant men of valor honored!

[@tinbadge]

His sacrifice to this great nation is not lost on me. Love and respect.🇺🇸

[@mblegend3056]

This old folk surely knows the true meaning of friendship, honor and duty. I salute you sir.

[@samuelpepys2108]

I'm British, quite a tough person but I stumbled upon e video and now tears are streaming down my face. What a gentleman!

[@scottpopowski902]

Amen to that brother !

[@lemonaid8678]

Atleast I’m not the only one.

[@murpho999]

Sorry but how does being British add to your point? This video is a human story not nationalistic one and I fail to see how any human could not be touched by it.

[@peterchessell28]

@@murpho999 He was just letting you know that all peoples recognise this story of humanity ..just chill and stop causing division.

[@wendyHew]

​@@murpho999you pathetic person, making such a silly comment. People's nationalities are extremely relevant to WW2 and to the subject.

[@samwise7001]

Made me smile & cry at the same time. They will not be forgotten.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

I'm crying after viewing this. My father fought in WW2 ( ETO). I'm from Michigan too. The Greatest Generation..you betch ya. Never again will we see the likes of all these folks. Good bless them all. Mr.Bauer, thank you for your devotion.

[@noelignacio4774]

HUGE RESPECT to these warriors

[@SNAFUDOCS]

Hell yes!

[@53bigmikejones]

Last of Americas Greatest Generation. These young men, put their lives on the line for our Freedoms. Many are forever young as they did not come home. As a vet, I will always honor these men who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Thank you for the awesome video. Thank You Mr Ceo Bauer, for your service.

[@iLLWiLLx21]

And thank you for your service🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@SchnelleKat]

Hard to believe at almost age 100... This guy has the Voice & Memory of someone no older than 40! (At least I view it that way). The end of an era to men of courage like this! Much Respect to all War Vets.

[@bcknight727]

This kinda brought a tear to my eye seeing the guy smile so big...these were some great men who risked their lives for so many.

[@markwebster586]

From one veteran to another, thank you sir with all the respect to you, your family, and to the greatest generation of soldiers on earth. Salute

[@stanwestervelt75]

What a great, humble Man.

[@ColinH1973]

Well said.

[@sphinx1020]

I salute this younger generation making this precious moments of history. Snafu Docs your doing a great job.

[@SNAFUDOCS]

Thank you Aaron

[@MetalDetectingChannel]

why is this only viewed a few times. this needs to be viewed by millions!!!!!!!

[@dannyh8288]

Because democrats dont want Americans to have any pride.

[@BelloBudo007]

Wow!!! I can only dream of having such a loyal & true friend and comrade. I love and admire this bloke's determination & attitude. America must been doing something right to produce such wonderful warriors, friends and human beings. May it long continue.

[@nkpv808]

@@Howie875 I am a current US serviceman and NCO in a combat unit that has recently come back from the "Sandbox". I'm 25 years old, and of the generation that's usually seen as not "filling the large shoes" worn by the Greatest Generation. Although it's not widely known, I would like to tell you, Ron, that people - warriors - like these still do exist. The people that I reserve to call my friends and comrades have a love and devotion to each other that is of the same caliber. I hope that this might instill some reassurance that we are not all poor productions of our time.

[@nkpv808]

@@Howie875 Ron, I appreciate your kind words. I honestly don't think that you owe me an apology. Impressions are hard to break and unfortunately, my generation will have a hard time breaking that impression set forth. You're right that we are not producing the quality that I wish that we did... I hope however, that it makes you feel better to know that not all of us are like that. I transferred to a reserve combat unit, meaning that I also have a job outside of the military. As you might be able to tell from my profile picture, I'm also a proud State Trooper. From my police officer perspective, we have a lot we could improve upon as a society, and I hope that eventually my generation changes that narrative.

[@user-xt3be8tu8t]

@@nkpv808 Well said! Thank you for your great sacrifice and dedication to preserving freedom You are all heroes deserving of great respect and devotion! Love and Blessings! Thank You forever!

[@Geraltk]

My god, It must be really difficult for him just to be right on the place where his buddy was killed long time ago. Heroes.

[@davemacdonald3889]

Thank you sir from the UK 🇬🇧

[@rideandsmile822]

My parents emigrated in 1964 from Portugal to Germany, i was born there in 69. This wouldn't be possible without this men that did their duty and saved Europe and garanteed peace till present day. Thanks to all these heroes that suffered so much for us. Big like for this video.

[@Pixel8Head]

Thank you Ceo and your mates for your sacrifices and service in defeating evil, and making us all free to live happy lives. RESPECT from Australia.

[@gotkin2385]

What you people do is amazing ! If you don't shed a tear watching this video , i don't know what to tell you ! Mr. Bauer and all of his fellow Heroes will be honored forever because of the work you do. Unfortunately there are people in my country that think it's not appropriate to teach this true history in school any longer . We must continue to honor the memories and accomplishments of of our true heroes so these stories don't die with them.

[@Glee73]

i was holding in my tears but lost it at the end when Ceo started speaking about what he was going to do for Rolland.

[@markwhitton8785]

Well done guys for making this beautiful video, cried through most of it. My grandfather died in 1943 fighting Japanese in Java, so can relate to loss that WW2:inflicted in all parts of the world.

[@kartikasari2631]

Java? Do you mean Java island in Indonesia? I am Indonesian. When Japan was defeated, it gave a great contribution for my country's independence. Thank you for your grandfather's service, and all the heros there. May they rest in peace. Sorry for my bad english

[@MrSebfrench76]

Thanks to these guys , my parents survived the war, and i am here , 53 yo ,paying once a year a tribute to your troops at the Colleville cemetery, with my 2 kids, for they never forget that they're breathing a free air because of these fallen young men.

[@markleaning107]

God bless this hero he never ever forgot his friends

[@lonnyjaw]

God Bless you Ceo and thank you for your service and thanks to your brothers-in-arms that fought hard and well to the end. I'll always have the utmost reverence for this greatest generation.

[@purdyquibb]

Always makes me ponder life when I see people from the greatest generation. He’s old and he’s frail, but I can’t help but think, no matter what we go through in life, whatever life may throw at is, We will never be as bad ass as these guys were and still are. WE reap the benefits every single day of what these guys fought and died for usually without a single thought. God bless the men and women of the greatest generation.

[@JohnDoe-tw8es]

It saddens me that all these young men from all nations died and never got chance to experience life in its full. I just wish that war could be put an end too. Thanks for this.

[@kevingraham8181]

That is great. He's getting around like he's 56 not 96. We owe so much to Mr. Bauer and his buddies and all the men that fought in WWII. There are very few still alive and I wish I could meet one before they're all gone to tell him how much I appreciate their sacrifice. My grandfather died before I was old enough to realize what all he must have gone through fighting in Europe but I'm very proud that he did and made it back. Thank you to all our veterans 🙏 and all those serving currently.

[@markalexander6517]

Go State! Go CEO! Mad respect from one Spartan to another. I made it to Normandy, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery in 2017. Peace to you CEO! Best wishes! My maternal family is from Alma. Vive la France!

[@fredjohnson1202]

Mr dad, SP5 Wesley Johnson served in the 35th during wwii. He never talked much about what he went through unless he ran into another soldier. I had the privilege of listening a couple times to those stories. The 35th was tough division, and saw their fair share of combat. Someday before the world gets any worse I'd like to honor him and all his buddies by visiting their battlefields and seeing the monuments the French erected for them like the one at LA Meuffe. God rest their souls. They deserve it.

[@IFIXCASTLES]

He has spent a lifetime mourning his friends passing. Looks to me surviving a great war is harder on the living than I thought. God Bless you all. Thank you for your service seems a little weak when you consider the anguish and despair you have to live with every day. There has to be ,there better be, a special place in heaven for these special people.

[@galghaidhil]

I salute you, sir, and all of your generation who gave us all so much. It’s up to the rest of us today to not squander such a precious gift.

[@nunomvm1]

Very touching story. Ceo at age 96 is doing well done .

[@johnsimms4501]

What a great video. Amazing heroes. Now, people get upset if McDonald's doesn't give them a burger like they want. Please keep these stories alive.

[@SNAFUDOCS]

Ha! Exactly. Thank you for watching!

[@pie5233]

Right. The old society was much better. Men were busy and very courageous at that time

[@hateantis8249]

I love videos like this. Almost all our WWII Vets are gone now. And to have stories like this recorded are just a blessing. May they all RIP.

[@georgec4917]

a very moving video, my father was in the south pacific on many islands. much more difficult to walk in his footsteps. My hat is off to all the ww2 vets, definitely the greatest generation.

[@jduff59]

I tear up anytime I see a soldier salute the grave of his buddy, but this is special. Imagine how this man felt as he walked these steps. Thanks for what you guys do - it makes me feel hope for the young generations. They're not all playing games on their smart phones - some are out there doing important historical work.

[@rw9866]

At a loss for word's we owe so much to these men.

[@ivywilliams9427]

so true

[@jeremyroberts6690]

They are and forever will be the greatest generation that ever lived.

[@rw9866]

@@jeremyroberts6690 very true

[@DW-qe7qe]

My God, what a wonderful tribute. Hats off and deep bow to all of you who took the time to put this together.

[@ducatiboy4951]

Your work is brilliant it brings so much detail and actual emotion to these stories of courage and dedication. Thank you for helping keep the memory of our golden generation alive 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@SNAFUDOCS]

Wow that means a lot! Thank YOU for watching!

[@zolfodor4835]

Perfectly put,thank you.

[@Ionalito]

Fallen but never forgotten. God Bless all of them.

[@sarge6870]

That was an outstanding story. God bless this man. He has more spunk at 96 than I do at 57. SGT. Tim Hickey 1980 - 1992 - U.S. Army - 1st Army

[@carabus0354]

People like him, the greatest generation bring me to tears with there stories, courage and just being so humble. Thank you for your service.

[@zolfodor4835]

So glad I found this channel recently,that was one of the most moving things I have ever seen,may God bless this man & his fallen friends,I salute you & thank you ❤️❤️ this channel is the best thing on KZbin,I can't thank you enough.

[@julioaranton461]

Thank you for your service, love of country & your beloved friend in peace & war.♡

[@conpop6924]

I always find it hard to imagine that these sweet looking old men were once out on a battlefield getting shot at, shells blowing up all around them etc. I salute them

[@welder296]

Respect from Poland.

[@march3769]

We owe so much to these guys! Thanks for making this video!

[@SNAFUDOCS]

Thank you Marc!

[@dwizzleusa4202]

We owe the respect for freedom and democracy they sacrifice so much for but really nowadays we are forgotten the sacrifice and many taking for granted that these are rights..we need to respect and live together in these troubled times.. RIP to all lost men of ww2 .

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

Thank you for creating this video and capturing moment's of our heroes who fought for the freedoms we have today.

[@351wmustanggt]

I feel I may have just found the best channel on youtube. I have been to the American cemetary and it will bring you to tears guaranteed. This truely is the greatest generation.

[@SNAFUDOCS]

That's a big comment mate. Sticking it in my pocket. The cemetery is breath-taking every single time.

[@Sabretooth-jm2kb]

Margraten the Netherlands nl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amerikaanse_Begraafplaats_Margraten#/media/Bestand%3ADe_mist_zorgde_voor_een_serene_rust.jpg

[@Sabretooth-jm2kb]

Ijsselstein the Netherlands nl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duitse_militaire_begraafplaats_in_Ysselsteyn#/media/Bestand%3ACemeteryYsselsteyn5.jpg

[@nicholasdavies6264]

What an inspiration this old soldier is. Went through hell , came back and at his fabulous age still has the strength to go back and re live those terrible times. Thank you for your courage, determination and most of all never forgetting your brothers in arms. Superb !

[@189951]

I am as overwhelmed with emotion as this man who comes back to his painful history and the loss of his friend during the fighting in France! This trip back in time must be for some veterans a real emotional ordeal, the smells, the rain, the temperature, the wind and of course the place, even if it has changed a lot, all these elements contribute to put you back 78 years and bring back memories that we think forgotten forever! A big thank you from France to you sir for you and your friends who came from so far to defend freedom!

[@thomasquinnan8238]

Thank you all for all you sacrificed for our freedom today. I will never forget. God speed you hero’s

[@ToBeOrNotToBeThatIsTheQuestion]

Great video. Surviving 75 years since his friends were killed and living with those memories must be really tough. Like a lot of people who lost good friends in times of war, the years ahead would undoubtedly be hard. Live life to the fullest and appreciate every day.

[@fernandochavez4312]

You do your friend a great honor and respect. Thank you your service and great sacrifice.

[@mvdp]

Respect for all who lost there lives.

[@subterfusion4005]

Thank you Ceo, for your service and your devotion.

[@qrgaming1421]

I’m friends with a Pearl Harbor vet and it’s always amazing hearing his stories, ww2 was a very big impact and still is today. To know how many lives were lost and some made it home. We are grateful for these heroes for protecting our country

[@thenewjerseydevil997]

So sad! May The Lord Father rest those young men and give him his wings he deserves.... God bless you and THANK YOU!

[@simonrichards6739]

The fact his memory is so good on dates, at his age proves how much of an impression on him!

[@deathdealer294311]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for what you guys are doing. It is very impactful. Thanks again from a grateful Texan and a proud American.

[@bksettle6294]

You guys are special human beings by taking your time to show this American hero the area where his friends were killed. God bless you and him

[@casqueadrian]

Merci beaucoup pour votre aide. Cela ne sera jamais oublié . From France .🇨🇵

[@PCLA7]

- Giants Amongst Men - Greatest Respect For These Valiant Warriors -

[@lazier96]

Humble soldiers. Thank you for producing this moving video.

[@m.aguirre6640]

What an amazing video, thank you very much for showing that level of respect.

[@ericlandry7520]

Thank you for your story so honored to hear it

[@geraldbrowne]

Thank you all for recording the details of these important lives

[@southpaw7364]

What an incredible video. Thank you so much for doing this. I am looking forward to watching your other videos. I salute Ceo Bauer and every other vet and active military for what they do.

[@DamienCross66]

One of the best videos on KZbin. Thank you for honoring our fallen so that we may never forget what they have given us.

[@bmcg5296]

Incredibly moving for this veteran and all his emotions that he has had to carry all his life, that very few only get to see is an incredible story and thanks for sharing it with us. 👏🏻

[@mustread1]

Wonderful! Thank you for the story, nicely done.

[@yveaux500]

Wat prachtig dat jullie dit mogelijk hebben gemaakt voor deze held. Dank daarvoor!

[@tectorama]

What a lovely video. Such a shame that lessons learned back then, have so often been forgotten.

[@mikekelly571]

That was a great vidoe, had me in tears. I love these stories. Just think about what these vets have seen and done.

[@Ann-kw1pn]

Such a strong sense of honor. Thank you, sir.

[@iancartwright9992]

What a beautiful tribute to Rolland Hill by his true buddy and battle comrade Ceo Bauer. Ceo is such a fine example of the caliber of men of that era and it's really sad that the war took so many lives, on all sides, before they had the opportunity to blossom. May they all rest in peace!

[@barryolaith]

Superbly done. Thank you.

[@SNAFUDOCS]

Thank you too!

[@joebudi5136]

Thank you Sir! Thanks for the producer of the video as well.

[@realwealthproperties5671]

Very touching video. It had me in tears. Thank you.

[@hulkhoganstights6596]

A true hero. Not a famous you tuber that kids look up to that will be forgotten. This man was just a part of the greatest generation, a generation that saved the world. God bless

[@RSTI191]

So sharp his memory is. It's tremendous you are keeping these memories alive. The younger generations today don't even know what Memorial Day represents here in the States. Powerful video.. really hits it home.. Thank you for your work..

[@eshelly4205]

Thank you for doing this.

[@treadheadpete4770]

Fantsstic work sir, thank you for keeping these stories alive!

[@desmondobrien68]

A massive Thank you from me and my family here in the 🇬🇧 Ceo! What a great man! The greatest of all of us!

[@Amicalementvotre4807]

Dear American soldiers my utmost respect, my sincere gratitude, My most beautiful tears ,When I listen to you. Thank you for ever

[@huibertlandzaat1889]

Thank you for uploading.

[@locusm]

Thats a really lovely tribute, well done.

[@mynameis3568]

Yup, I cried.Man i love what this channel is all about!

[@khammar6081]

Great story and an amazing man! Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Very good video!! Thank you!!!! Thank you!!!

[@SNAFUDOCS]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomboering163]

Thank you for your service!

[@tennesseeridgerunner5992]

Thank ya'll so very much for the honor and respect you show our veterans. France was there when we needed a friend most in 1780, and had they not been there the US would most likely not exist. America was there for France in 1917 and 1944. May we always have each other's backs. VIVE LA FRANCE!

[@user-ei3dq2dw6i]

Iam for ever grateful thank you sir and to your falling friends

[@pixeltoxgg.6163]

i cant stop crying ....96 years old and still fucking holds his weight in the words he promise ...

[@dennisvanmason515]

So proud to see this!

[@brianmcnevin1419]

Very moving vid. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you sir and your friends who fell! I will be forever grateful. Your friends gave their todays for our tommorows.