TANK HUNTER: Armored COMBAT from Normandy to the Rhine | Wilbur Myers

[@anthonybush607]

These interviews are priceless. The more veterans who tell their stories the richer we all are. All of our war veterans, including up to current times have incredible stories to tell. The veterans and their families have made incredible sacrifices for our nation, the least we can do is encourage them to tell their stories. Thank you for your efforts and thank you to all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices.

[@1nvisible1]

"Scythia (torpedoed 1942 - limped in to Algiers) Built by Vickers-Armstrong Limited, Barrow-in-Furness, England, 1921. 19,730 gross tons; 624 (bp) feet long; 73 feet wide. Steam turbine engines, twin screw. Service speed 16 knots. 2,206 passengers (337 first class, 331 second class, 1,538 third class). Built for Cunard Line, British flag, in 1921 and named Scythia. Liverpool-New York service. Troopship 1939-48. Liverpool-Eastern Canada service 1950-57. Scrapped in Scotland in 1958. : P&O suffered heavily during Operation "Torch", losing the new troopship Ettrick, the Viceroy of India and the Cathay, with their worst loss occurring in December 1942 when the 24,000-ton troopship Strathallan was torpedoed and sunk. British India lost the Narkunda and the Karanja, Union-Castle lost the Warwick Castle and the Dutch lost the Nieuw Zeeland. Union-Castle's Langibby Castle and Furness Withy's Monarch of Bermuda were damaged by fire from the French shore batteries at Oran (which also fired at Hood during her bombardment of the French naval base on 3rd July 1940). Cunard's Scythia was hit by an aerial torpedo and had to remain at Algiers where she was used for a short spell as a naval accommodation ship. Anchor Line's Cameronia (renamed Empire Clyde in 1953) on her second trip to North Africa was torpedoed, eventually being repaired at Gibraltar. The Strathnaver was used in training manoeuvres for the North African landings and during the landings, while under fire, she ferried survivors from the Cathay and Karanja from Bougie to Algiers. In May and June 1943 the Strathnaver was stationed in the Red Sea and was again used in training for the forthcoming Italian landings."

[@CameronMcCreary]

I am impressed he is 100 and doesn't look it. He looks 80 ish! I hope he lived to be older. He is a true hero.

[@notfooled8535]

Yep exactly what I was thinking, when he said he was 100 my jaw dropped open, and I could've sit n listen to him all day n night, God bless him he lived with God's faith giving him the strength n courage to keep going even when he watched his buddies fall in battle, such a good man!!!

[@avaaro.o]

'His name was Albert Hashki' Thanks for sharing your experiences, Wilbur Myers.

[@Kendro311]

"And here I am at 100!". That whole part put a big smile on my face. As a civilian who owes my life of comfort and freedom to brave soldiers who put themselves in harms way for duty and country... Its hard to put into words the level of respect and gratitude I have for them. Thank you.

[@TRIChuckles]

Me too and so well said. And what an incredible man he is.

[@maxmann-td4hn]

Absolutely!💯 And this fine gentleman looks great!

[@rb67mustang]

Yeah, when he said he was 100 years old, I was surprised how well he remembered and spoke about what he went through more than half his life before this interview. I don't know if he's still with us today, but being a Christian, I know where he will spend Eternity. Maybe I meet him there?

[@Shade_Tree_Mechanic]

​@@rb67mustangI sure hope to be in the company of people like him after leaving Earth.

[@Deej-ef9qo]

A centurion, WOW you have seen a lot of change in that time. ♥️🙏♥️🙏

[@ronaldwarren5220]

You saved the world. My Dad was a tank mechanic for Patton's 3rd Army and was shipped to Okinawa after VE day. His troop ship was 3 days out when we dropped the bomb. He did not get home until March of 46

[@wingsandbeaksbirder2312]

🫵👍🏼🇺🇸❤😊

[@MuffinManUSN]

Great perspective Ronald. I always have the most appreciation for the people that performed miracles and did more with less in any given situation while expecting nothing more than pay or compensation in return. No chest pumping, boasting or bragging; just sending it like they seen it and sharing their emotional and physical pain with the world. So sad that all these things were so preventable had Politicians been better leaders, more proactive and transparent with their people. I realize I wasn't there, but I see the wars and conflict of today and smell the same recipe cooking. Only now it's so blatantly about money, resources, land and time being consumed of people around the world. We're given no say and losing so much by the endless greed of countries that pretend they're Nations but acting like States the whole time. God willing Earth can come to terms as 1 and do away with the endless squabble over consumption. Using 3x what we would be in defending what we know is a limited supply. I love the innovation, life skills, opportunity and leadership I have been a part of thru my 18 years with the United States Navy; but the military industrial complex is perpetuating madness and geopolitical instability now in padding their purpose with our peace of mind just like the VA has done with our post-service Healthcare. The VA appears to be trying to get better and I admittedly ran from their system a decade ago because it hurt more working with them than it does without them in my life. Thank God for men like your father and your perspective and recognition of it. Wish you the best Mt friend.

[@griftinggamer]

Saved the world from what? Europe and America are third world bannana republics now. The world is a worse place since the Germans lost.

[@wolf-1346]

You're dad is one of many hero's... 🙏🇺🇸🙏

[@major_kukri2430]

​@@griftinggameryou must be stupid

[@matthewcurtice3476]

Greatest generation, thank you

[@WilliamandGabesWorld]

This man's a true superhero

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Lookin' awfully darn good for 100! Thank you for fighting for a better world! God bless!

[@melinda5777]

AMEN!❤❤

[@41tl]

Awesome interview with a tank destroyer crewman veteran! Tank destroyers don't get the recognition they deserve. The M36 with the big 90mm gun was used to counter the Tiger and Panther tanks, TDs played a vital role in the European theater.

[@nageeb96]

the best of what America has to offer by far. what a great man he is. GOD speed SIR>

[@CleotusPlays]

Absolutely amazing. If only these types of interviews were recorded decades earlier. Loved how he said “sometimes we do things we shouldn’t” in such an understanding tone.

[@drew65sep]

If memory serves, Eleanor Roosevelt's CCC Corp built a lot of the cabins and lodges for my home state of West Virginia's state forests and parks. Almost all still stand today, and are still used. Really remarkable, top-shelf construction. This man more than likely had a hand in the program. My family has stayed in many of them over the years and they've provided very wonderful memories. My thanks...

[@jacobschuurman5209]

What a precious man!!

[@tylerburgemeier3403]

We do things sometimes that we shouldn't. This man us a true honest soul! That lived something truly horrifying. I'm so so happy that he made it and survived much love to his family as well as him. And to yhe brothers he served with 🫡

[@boblynch7348]

A true American. Thank you for your service.

[@diesomeyoung]

Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you

[@sonofliberty92]

I am forever thankful for their service.

[@lucasschulze1318]

German here loving these Interviews!!! Grandpa was radio operator on a tank at Normandy. Ran out of fuel so they had to surrender, great to hear the other side of that story!

[@OR_USMCR]

This guys a hero who saved my parents' generation, i love america and americans, and im glad it stuck around

[@charlesmullins3238]

Absolutely precious..🫡🇺🇸

[@patrickrose1221]

Can't thank you enough for what you and your buddy's did for us all. God bless you and yours 🤗❤️

[@jimleffler7976]

Thanks for your Service from a fellow Vet

[@jessealexander9074]

Sad we lose more of these heroes everyday. Thanks for sharing his story.

[@PhilAlumb]

Forever Grateful 💯

[@ManiacRacing]

Thank you for your sacrifice sir. You are a honor to your country and a true hero.

[@zairabriceno1077]

Gracias a usted, a sus amigos y compañeros por lo que hicieron. Tengo 27 años y solo pienso en la manera de que niños de entre 16 y 20 y tantos años no tuvieran que haber pasado por eso y que todos pudieran haber llegado a tener mi edad. Me rompe el corazón. Mas aún, que esos niños se comportaron con el compromiso y la seriedad que requeria cumplir con todas las personas que dependian de ellos, gente como yo, incluso mayor, que no pudieron protegerlos sino ser protegidos por ustedes. No puedo poner en palabras el respeto que les tengo por haber arriesgado la única vida que tenían. Les debemos la bonita vida que podemos llevar ahora

[@tonychiarello6422]

I hear my dad when he speaks!!

[@stevevanvalkenburg5449]

At 9:50 he mentions the 104th Infantry Div. My uncle was a rifleman in the 104th, The Timberwolves. He fought from their landing in France in September thru the end of the war in Europe. He fought as an enlisted rifleman, promoted to sergeant and finished his service as an officer in California preparing for the invasion of Japan. Sadly, my uncle passed away two years ago at age 96. Thank you, Jack for your service to your country.

[@ashleywootton9556]

Very sorry for your loss. Your uncle was a great person.

[@XHollisWood]

Thank you for your service ❤🇺🇸

[@garylawson5381]

Thank you for your service Wilbur Myers. My uncle Joe Carchidi is buried somewhere in France. He lost his life as a Sherman tank crew member under command of General Patton.

[@nickmalone3143]

Sherman tanks were pathetic compared to the germans ....panzers...tigers

[@Warthunder_carrot]

@@nickmalone3143and the Sherman’s still won….

[@Jnd_0247]

@@nickmalone3143maybe inferior as far as armor and firepower. But more armor and bigger gun doesn’t mean a thing when u can’t keep the tank running. So depends on how u look at it I suppose

[@phoenixfox3379]

100% the best generation. God bless this man.

[@thomasmacek5745]

What a great story. Thank you for your service sir.

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

This man deserves to never be forgotten. A true American hero!! God bless you, sir!! Thank you for sharing your story. God knows how much I appreciate you and your incredible story!! God bless America!! 💯💯💯🇺🇸

[@tommychew6544]

Great episode, his clarity at his age was excellent, I wish my grandpas was the same was the same back in the early 80's. he was already a 1st Sgt when WWII started. Demetia took him over and he tried to tell me things but couldn't by then, the few good times were all he could remember, and he would end up laughing about those and eventually walk away when he lost track, I guess.

[@nickmalone3143]

I love hearing your story .... -next generation

[@Lik-mrs8]

I have Respekt for vets u guys saved the world

[@gunnarr9882]

Wilbur Jackson “Jack” Myers is great. Hero.

[@mannyg9059]

KZbin started on February 14, 2005, too bad that these life story WWII concepts were not thought of earlier, when these brave military men were 18 yrs. younger. First person veteran stories are so much better than the often-embellished stories written by others.

[@TreySkidmore07]

Thank you for your service sir. Your generation saved the world and too many people in my generation don’t know enough about what y’all did.

[@mightymadzak]

Hero with a heart. Thanks, Mr. Myers.

[@richardbutterfoss2353]

Thank you Will! Wherever you are! RWB ❤🎉

[@philgoulet3486]

thanks you soldier!

[@danam0228]

OMG, this guy reminds me so much of my uncles on my mothers side of the family. 17 kids, 3 of who died when very young. So, 14 kids much like this guys family. All very devote Christians. Super nice guys who were brought up during the depression. Had great parents, had amazing work ethic, a mother who was very kind, always optimistic. 6 of the 8 boys served during WW2, one from Normandy to Germany like this guy. Another who was in a Japanese POW camp from '42 until the end of the war, barely survived. The others in the merchant marines, a MP, you name it. The girls in local factories. All did their part. Just one still alive. So many similarities to this guy and his family. Figured there were others out there, but this is first time I have heard from one. Thank you so much to this man and this channel. I greatly miss my aunts and uncles who have passed, were my connection to a world people nowadays can barely imagine, my kids barely got to know.

[@patriciavinten9700]

Your an amazing man and I’m honoured to hear your story, thank you so much

[@garyhill2740]

A grateful nation thanks you, sir! I wish I could thank you in person for your service!😊 Thank you for sharing your story.😊

[@treboris]

I love how wholesome this man is while describing the unwholesome events imaginable.

[@Jestin612]

This guy is not only a badass, but a great wealth of knowledge. God bless him, and all the veterans 🙏.

[@markhirsch1782]

THANKYOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!❤

[@bigkuma1]

Thank you so much for getting these incredible men's stories out there in their own words. They deserve to be immortalized.

[@webstercat]

Amazing clarity from a real hero.

[@justme-ys5pd]

God bless that man,the way he spoke about his wife touched me.

[@JayS819]

Amazing listening to his story and battles. My dad was a gunner in the 629th Tank Destroyers, everything he is describing are the stories I heard from my Dad from shooting at the tracks of the Tiger because they had 75's and couldn't go head to head to getting the 90's which was a game changer.

[@JawsHLL]

Hero

[@JohnJaneson2449]

🫡🇺🇸 greatest generation.

[@craigphillips792]

Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸

[@davidrose2382]

One of 13 kids in the depression,germans didn't stand a chance,god looked after the good,evil will always lose ,thanks to guys like this

[@j1st633]

If you go to Munich a must see is Dachu. Easy public transportation.

[@gordonhall9871]

much respect

[@crystalheart9]

Thank you Mr. Myers for your story and service.💖

[@edsonkidwell2522]

Truly , a great interview with a man who severed honorably TRULY ONE OF THE GREATEST GENERATION THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICES SIR THE WORLD OWES YOU AND THOSE that didn't make it home a debt of such depth and breadth that many can't comprehend all we currently have is because of all of you WITH GREATEST GRATITUDE THANK YOU GODSPEED SIR

[@mitchellculberson9336]

Thank you for your service to a FREE and grateful nation.

[@Beniah107]

This man is an inspiration to all who aspire to live a meaningful life. What a champion.

[@Joelontugs]

Thank you for your service

[@banzaibill4290]

What a heroic, wonderful, amazing man.. God Bless him.

[@terrysmith4831]

Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@jackolantern404]

Thank you for your service and sacrifices.

[@SheepDogActual]

The greatest generation. Where have gotten to. We miss you.

[@kevbrix9686]

Sir, thank you.

[@don66hotrod94]

My next door neighbor was a gunner in a tank destroyer. He was one of the finest men I ever knew, just like Wilbur appears to be. When asked about his role in the Battle of the Bulge, he couldn't recall a single thing. Apparently, he blocked it from his memory. Thank you Wilbur!

[@buzsalmon]

Thank you Sir for doing your duty! May God continue to bless you and yours. Also thank you for telling us of your service during the war.

[@douglassellers7528]

I've heard a lot of these same stories for my Father. He went just about the same route as this man. Dad was in the 372 tank destroyer battalion. They had the 90mm gun.

[@JohnMcMahon.]

Amazing detail. Jack is sharp as a tack for a hundred years old.

[@jimcipriano5322]

Thank you wilber

[@altonfarnsworth10]

This is an amazing way to preserve thier storys and our history thank you

[@johngrogan7585]

Thank you

[@jim99west46]

Theres some rare stuff he tells about 1 is destroying German refueling points during Battle of the Bulge. 2 is the Christmas day truce at the Ruhr. Hes a great guy and a amazing veteran of WW2.

[@Rono99]

Thats sad but cute to here him talk about his wife , truly the greatest generation

[@russellkoopman3004]

What a good honest man. Maybe that is why God spared his life? The horrors of war, may we never forget.

[@Canuck037]

God has no say whether you live or die in war, nothing can control a bullet or piece of shrapnel with your name on it

[@kennethreese4659]

Jack is my neighbor. I just did an interview with him about 2 weeks ago and posted it on my channel.

[@michaelmeadii9394]

Thank you Sir!!! God bless you!!! If it wasn't for men like you I don't know where this world would be. I can't thank your generation enough

[@Scottberto]

Incredible sir. Thank you so much for sharing even the most difficult times.

[@Cam_88]

Our nation owes you an un payable debt of gratitude sir. Thank you ❤ My grandpa, Sgt. Donald Sprauge landed on Utah beach as a mortarman and fought his way to the Rhine River as well. Your generation is the greatest to have ever lived. I'm sorry that we haven't kept it up like it was intended. There are still patriots out there who will do their best to preserve our way of life. You will never be forgotten. 🫡

[@knaggs71]

My grandfather was a tank commander he also crossed the Rhine river love watching these videos hope I hear his name someday ….🙏

[@leapinlizard9487]

My dad served for 3 yrs. in the 62nd Field Artillery in WWII, it was known as Patton's "Shock Troops". He was in 13 different countries. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge and Omaha Beach Red (second wave). He was in charged of the parts for the 62nd and had 4-5 extra tank engines for replacements. He drove a 2-ton truck with a 50 cal. machine gun on a turret and carried a Thompson machine gun. His name is engraved on a wall at the entrance of the Patton Museum near Chiraco Summit, California. My dad lived to be 100 yrs. and 4 mos. Something he said to me once when I was in high school was "son there is something that is even worse than communism and that is radical Islam". His words are ringing very true today. My dad was a very strong Christian and I know his faith got him thru the horrors that he experienced in World War II. He was never bitter and was always friendly and upbeat his entire life. He was a parts manager for a Ford dealership in Arizona for 40 yrs. John Wayne had a large cattle feedlot in the area and would occasionally bring in a work truck to be worked on. He like to wait in the parts dept. and chat with my dad. He once asked if he could walk down the parts aisles as he like automotive "things", my dad said sure, just don't touch anything. We all loved John Wayne, but to me and my brother our dad was always our true hero.

[@wildcolonialman]

Fabulous Man.

[@tonymanero5544]

Unfortunately there are many who are Christian in label only. They fail in the 💕”What would Jesus do.”

[@randalsiggson7178]

@leapinlizard9487- Your words of your father he’s an hero in your family as my father’s fathers friend. He’s portrayed by actor Carl Muldon in the movie in 1980 “Patton”….. My cousin fought many battles…. Dominic my 2nd cousin we respectfully called Uncle Dominic he served in WWII he was General Patton’s first Lt. an served in WWII as an staff officer under General Patton he was on General Patton’s staff an drove Gen. Pattons driver in combat an service for are fine hero’s as we live an breath in America. “I thank you 1 an all”.

[@leapinlizard9487]

@@randalsiggson7178 Your 2nd cousin was a great American hero. My dad met General Patton twice, he always spoke very highly of him. The "slapping" incident of a wounded soldier in the hospital was widely & unjustly reported, but my dad said Patton did it because he wanted to maybe give the wounded soldier something to hate more than the war. Patton wasn't a believer in hand-to-hand combat, he told his soldiers to shoot the enemy from a distant. He said if you used-hand-to-hand combat and survived he would have you court marshalled.

[@FakihArgan]

Im christian my self but trust me it’s not just ine religion, every faith that has reach radical level are dangerous

[@haroldmclean3755]

Good on you Mate, Super High Kudos 👍 Merry Christmas Sir

[@jeffr6280]

Thank God for this warrior and all the others in the greatest generation who literally saved the world.

[@SleezelGreezel]

I hope Wilbur sees all these good comments someday so he knows how much everyone appreciates him. You’re a hero Wilbur!

[@sarashoemaker961]

Mr. Myers is from the same area I’m from. He is well known here, we love him very much. I’m glad he got to go back to Germany and got to do this interview about his experience in the war. I hope you are doing well Jack. Hello from Hagerstown, MD. Just 8 miles from Williamsport where he’s from. They had flyer a few years ago about him around town. I remember picking it up and reading it. Jack is a great man and loved very much by us all here. 🇺🇸🤝 God bless him and his sacrifice during the war.

[@sarashoemaker961]

He will be 101 years old this year.

[@brianschwary6610]

The greatest USA generation, good people, so much humility and humanity in a Victor of war. mr Myers embodies this.

[@Fittafella27]

Always blows my mind how well these vets remember their war stories 80 years out I barely remember yesterday's breakfast 😂

[@sunshineviking9933]

We here living, and the many future generations, will never achieve the level gallantry and heroic sacrifice shown by these men. We are truly blessed to have heard his words.

[@richardthornhill4630]

Thanks to all our Veterans who served. So much more agony and death beyond his short related experiences.

[@mjccarpenter]

We have gone so far in the wrong direction as a society. This man was part of the greatest generation. Simple life, hard working, concepts people cannot comprehend these days.

[@nelsonlanglois9104]

Those Simple Soldiers who were in the Armor Corps and manned our M - 4 Sherman's really suffered terrible losses in Normandy... Thinking their M - 4 tanks were better then German Panzers.. Many reasons why : 1. The M - 4 Sherman had to be build " Lite " enough ( 30 tons - compared to a Tiger at 60 ..😮 ) to be able to transport / ship over seas.. 2. Built as a " Infantry Support Vehicle " ..knock out pill boxes , machine gun inplacements , etc. Sooo..yeah Simple Men trained to do an Important function , under extreme conditions ( imagine operating inside a Tank dury the Winter / Battle of Bulge...😮 😰 ) Who We All owe Everything too.. SALUTE

[@Jotgut]

Shermans weren't necessarily worse than the german Panzers, they just faced a well dug in opponent who was on the defense since 1943. Mines, Artillery, AT emplacements etc all took a heavy toll on the Allied armor. Tank on tank engagements were relatively rare. I agree on your 2 points, and Sherman did the mentioned job exceedingly well. So it's not fair to call it "worse" than the german big cats.

[@larryb982]

Sherman tanks lacked armor and knockout power compared to the panzers. The German Tanks was superior in armor and cannon both. The Sherman tank was a rolling coffin it definitely still helped the infantry troops and played a important roll in helping achieve victory.

[@nelsonlanglois9104]

@@Jotgut Tank against Tank...the Sherman M - 4 was exceedingly lacking... It only had 3" of Front armor ... And its 76 mm lacked fire power to penetrate the panzers unless they hit it in the tracks , thus disabling it ; so they could out maneuver it and obtain a hit in the panzers rear....

[@EgoAlters]

There were so few German tanks to counter the allied armor, that most US tankers in ETO finished the war without having seen one. Even the TDs were mostly delegated to infantry support, acting as mobile artillery or a direct fire asset against bunkers etc. Something like 80% of 76 & 90 mm rounds expended were HE. The Sherman was very capable of taking on the bulk of German armor; P3s, P4s, and the myriad of the Marder-series. The few P5s, P6s and Jagdpanzer-hevies were so few on number, they did proved to be nothing more than curiosity on the tactical level.

[@Jotgut]

Except wars aren't fought Tank against Tank. And 76mm could definitely penetrate panzer 4s and tigers. @@nelsonlanglois9104

[@robertspickler1385]

Ty.....as I am from your Area... know your home area, names caught my ear..

[@brucemoore463]

My Dad was in the Army in Europe during WW2 and he sounds like the same things my Dad went through! He went through the Depression and joined the CCC ! He got drafted into the Army, he and his 3 brothers served! His oldest brother was killed in the Philippines fighting the Japanese!

[@stevegerrish6720]

Thank you for your service Mr Myers. The world owes you a debt.

[@JustaFupa0315]

my great grandfather was in the 818th TD battalion during world war 2. he ended up retiring out of the army as a SFC. he would light up when he spoke about his experiences fighting in the war

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

I like the reference to the CCC, civilian conservation corps. had similar experience in the Youth Conservation Corps in the 70's

[@The_Not_So_Great_Cornholio]

Can you imagine what life would be like if most men were still like this man?