The Adventures of Charles DeRudio

The History Guy remembers Carlo Camillo Di Rudio who was notably hard to kill. His story is a ripping yarn that deserves to be remembered.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
You can purchase the bow tie worn in this episode at The Tie Bar:
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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Script by THG
#history #thehistoryguy #CusterBattlefield

[@TedBronson1918]

WOW ! A royal assassin (attempted), survivor and escapee from Devil's Island, last minute reprieve from the guillotine, shipwreck survivor, Little Bighorn survivor.... this man's guardian angel worked overtime protecting his ass ! DeRudio definitely deserves a major motion picture of his life that depicts it honestly. It doesn't need to be fluffed up !

[@finddeniro]

Garibaldi too.

[@51WCDodge]

Ironically, in 1870 Napoleon and Eugene went into exile. At the invitation of Queen Victoria, they settled in Chiselhurst Kent.

[@BlaBla-pf8mf]

Spoilers!

[@themonkeyhand]

Series, a movie wouldn't do it justice.

[@johnstevenson9956]

Wow, was the first word that came to my mind. A movie would hardly be big enough to hold it all.

[@ElementalMaker]

Forest Gump doesn't have shit on this guy. What a story. I wish HBO or showtime made a series following his life story. A movie just wouldn't do it justice

[@BamaChad-W4CHD]

Netflix seems to pick up anything so why has 5his story not been pitched!

[@martinphilip8998]

I was about to say something similar. This guy just keeps turning up.

[@takeohtyme]

Never thought I'd see you here.

[@Ivanalager]

I love these stories of people who lived incredible adventurous lives.

[@newyardleysinclair9960]

Look up Shackleton

[@kindcounselor]

I think this guy just lived "between raindrops". The story of his life is quite remarkable!

[@CanadianMason85]

Koontz

[@deserthorsedude]

Now that's a story of historic proportion. He was a man's man. He lived a charmed life that was highly unlikely at worst and magical in it's telling. Thanks Hitory Guy for an outstanding story from History that truely Deserves to Be Remembered!

[@marymoriarity2555]

That was a great story about Council Rudio in his miraculous escapes from disaster

[@rickharold7884]

Holy cow that’s was one mad and crazy life. Totally fascinating story.

[@ArditiPiave]

The Adventures of Charles DeRudio was a joy to watch. Very well done, and with honor and respect to a great warrior. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job. For what it's worth, I was struck by the numerous similarities to the history of my family. My ancestor also from Lombardia, also served under General Garibaldi (as a Captain) during the Risorgimento (Italian Wars of Unification). His first name was Carlo too, and changed it to Charles when he came to America in 1863. And he also was a 2nd Lieutenant of Colored Troops (39th U.S.C.T.) and cited for bravery in action. But that is where all the similarities come to an end. He was killed along with over 200 soldiers in the fort's powder magazine explosion after the 2nd Battle for Fort Fisher in 1865.

[@skywayminicabs6292]

With regards to the battle of Little Big Horn, just before setting out to find and fight the Indians many of the troopers bought life insurance from a newly arrived salesman including Custer himself, and amazingly they paid out on all of the claims!!! Custer's widow even appeared in their adverts right up until her death as a living testimony to the honesty of the company!

[@dugroz]

Which company?

[@pamelamays4186]

Such an interesting person. I half expected that somehow, he had once been a pirate.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

It was a notable gap in his otherwise impressive resume. However, the boat used to escape Devil's Island was stolen. They lured them in pretending to be interested in buying fish, overpowered the crew, and took the boat. So he did take a ship at sea, which is pretty much piracy.

[@ibsonthegrey]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel All good stories need a pirate!

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Haha nice

[@ericdeer5887]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel now that is one added nugget that would have made this story even better!

[@matthewishunting]

Anyone else loves his inconsistent intros? I love how he can't settle and every video has a different intro it seems. LOVE IT!

[@alanclark988]

As always: "A Story-Teller-of-Note". You have *SUCH* a fantastic ability to enliven historical events that can *ONLY* come from absolute passionate belief in what it is that you are doing! Well Done. Thank you again, until the next episode :-)

[@desiduarte969]

I'd heard stories of DeRudio, but never anything like this. An excellent history. Thank you.

[@georgec4917]

I agree with others, a motion picture or mini series is in order for this man.

[@guyonearth]

Except they'll cast Tom Cruise as the lead, turn him into an American, and have him hunting John Wilkes Booth. That's about how Hollywood handles history.

[@Matt85ism]

Hollywood would ruin the story.

[@joellehner6643]

Definitely needs to be a mini series. There is way too much to cover to put into a movie.

[@paulgiarmo3628]

As both an Italian-American and an historian, I was surprised to learn of Mr. DeRudio, although I was aware of another 7th Cavalry trooper, bugler John Martin, (real name Giovanni Martini), who survived the Battle of Little Big Horn and who carried General Custer's orders to Captain Benteen urging him to "come quick, bring packs". He too was born in Italy 🇮🇹 and served many years in the U.S. Army.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

There were quite a number of Italian Americans with the 7th cavalry.

[@nickpaine]

I had no idea growing up that Italians played much of a role in the Civil War or westward expansion. New York fielded an entire regiment for the Union cause, I understand. There's nothing new but the history you don't know. Thanks, THG!

[@njpaddler]

Truly remarkable, a ripping yarn worthy of a good screenplay !

[@yeahitskimmel]

Do you mean a "ripping yarn"?

[@Matt85ism]

As long as it wasn't done here... Hollywood would screw it up.

[@BrentBestwick]

This man is the patron saint of 'plot armor'.

[@thomasbooth9079]

“Charles DeRudio, One Lucky Bastard” should be the title of the movie made about his life.

[@sparky6086]

What an eventful life! ... General Custer, good, bad, or indifferent, likely recognized DeRudios sophistication and savoir faire as rivaling his own. DeRudio's mere presence, made Custer feel less important. Custer's ego just couldn't abide DeRudio. Lucky for DeRudio, as fate smiled upon him.

[@lddcavalry]

Deradio could sell you the Brooklyn bridge. Custer was not Jealous of this officer he simply didn’t trust his ability and that’s why he was moved to a different company so he wouldn’t be the ranking officer.

[@sparky6086]

@@lddcavalry Interesting. I guess; it ended up working out for DeRudio. ...I'm probably relying too much on Errol Flynn's Custer.

[@d.m.8175]

This fella should have a movie made about his life! What a great story. Thanks THG!

[@mannys9130]

Hey THG, I have a suggestion! Cover the history of Joseph Lister and how he led to the discovery and use of antiseptics in medicine and then how that evolved into the concept of sterilization of surgical tools, sites, drapes, gowns, and the operating room itself.

[@tedjones3955]

He used carbolic acid to sterilize his OR.

[@jtgd]

Isn’t listerine named after him?

[@finddeniro]

@@jtgd y e s ...

[@mannys9130]

@@tedjones3955 Correct. However, I'm sure you know that it's nasty stuff and very unpleasant to work with. That fact spurred the research into better antiseptics and disinfectants and later on, sterilization methods.

[@masterimbecile]

DeRudio should star in his own series of Dos Equis commercials.

[@g00gleminus96]

I don't always survive impossible odds but when I do I enjoy [insert product name here]

[@carlhicksjr8401]

'I do not drink much, but when I do, it is Dos Equis... mostly because the first horse was shot from under me...' 😁

[@teddyxny]

Stay thirsty, my friend

[@fredlougee2807]

@@carlhicksjr8401 Oh, that's horrible. Brilliant, but horrible. 😁

[@carlhicksjr8401]

@@fredlougee2807 I live to serve. Mostly breakfast 🤣

[@raydunakin]

Now that is one heck of a great story, and a truly amazing life!

[@richardmourdock2719]

Amazing story! One of the HG's very best. Who would have thought that smoking could save your life!!

[@footnotedrummer]

This guy seems like a real life Baron Munchhausen. Crazy! I love the obscure tales that you tell. We need to be reminded of such amazing people, with extraordinary lives. Thank you!

[@raydunakin]

I was just thinking, this guy could have been the inspiration for Baron Munchhausen! Except that all of his exploits really happened.

[@tomjones2202]

Excellent post!. I did not know all the " little" things about this man even though I knew about him because of the Custer battle. We never cease to learn new things do we? Thanks so much for this,,,,

[@michaelmccotter4293]

I expect THG to go down in history as one of the world's greatest story tellers. Thank you sir for sharing the grand adventures of a great American hero before now, unknown to modern times.

[@mellissadalby1402]

What a remarkable story about yet another historical figure of whom I had never before heard anything. I have undoubtedly learned far more history from "The History Guy" than in all the years of my formal schooling.

[@johnreed8336]

Why have I not heard about this amazing gentleman before ? What a lucky and eventful life he led . Thank you for remembering the life of Charles DeRubio !

[@randymagnum6680]

The ability to lead a life this eventful has long passed us by, at least we have epic stories like this of a forgotten time.

[@w.m.woodward2833]

I doubt one can make up a story as fascinating as this man's biography. It reminds me of the old saying that often truth is stranger than fiction. Amazing. Thanks THG! 👍

[@tomobedlam297]

Yes, and there is another saying: "Truth will always be stranger than fiction because fiction has to make sense."

[@StevenDeanMacMandeere]

A colorful history that deserves to be remembered

[@monday8895]

A well lived life is more valuable than anyone can expect. I got my laughter back at one point thanks.

[@HangtownDave]

What an absolutely amazing and incredible life Carlo Camillo Di Rudio led! Well told as always History Guy! I will remember this one for the rest of my days! Thank you for sharing!

[@karlhorn7747]

THG, this is my favorite channel. I love history as much as you do.

[@dennissmith5037]

Is it even possible to live a life like that of Charles Di Rudio today, I can't imagine how. I do enjoy these history stories.

[@dwbsovran]

One of the best stories I have ever heard - anywhere! Thanks!

[@kennyhagan5781]

Liked the story so much that I had to watch it again. This just has to be one of the best channels for history on KZbin, and the History Guy is just so personable. 🖖

[@jeffmorrison6074]

DeRudio was also the only soldier to have a saber at the Little Big Horn (although not in battle). Custer had ordered all his officers to leave them behind with the main column because they would make too much noise but DeRudio smuggled his onto one of the pack mules because he found that sabers were good for dealing with rattlesnakes in camp.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

The story is that he had been presented a sabre in appreciation for some actions protecting settlers. Custer had derided him for accepting the sabre, and it was a sore point with him. When Custer ordered that the sabers be left behind, DeRudio kept his apparently just to spite Custer. DeRudio did write a letter after the battle and said he had the only sabre at the battle. But it apparently isn't actually true- though he was not attempting to lie and was likely unaware of any others. Reportedly another soldier had carried one in the baggage, as you mentioned, for killing snakes, and there are documented to have been at least a handful carried by the Lakota that had been captured in the Fetterman fight.

[@andrewbrown6522]

This guy managed to get his nuts written into history! What a legend.

[@rhenderson9234]

Out of all your videos, this is my new favorite! Keep them coming!

[@skyden24195]

Great story, The History Guy. Thanks for another bit of history deserved of remeberance.

[@cash14587]

Excellent episode. Thank you. I have always felt Di Rudio was a forgotten figure.

[@vice6996]

As soon as you mentioned he was assigned to the 7th Cavalry I let go a very vocal "No......" and sure enough you continued on with Little Bighorn. What an amazing story.

[@mattjohnson3877]

What an amazing life Charles DeRudio lived. I had no idea... Your videos continue to inspire and entertain!

[@uralbob1]

Great episode! Thanks sincerely for this gem!

[@nilo70]

I am amazed at this man’s account of his life.

[@scottclay4253]

Fascinating, simply fascinating. Thank you Sir!

[@kirkrasmussen9629]

WOW what a great story! Yes this is history that deserves to be remembered!

[@iakazul]

Balls of steel story! Thank you for sharing.

[@briantucky5783]

My God, this guy was a 19th century Forest Gump.

[@tonyperez4791]

Another great video, Thank You for sharing ! And Thank You for expanding our gray matter, your subjects are always fascinating ! Hope you and your loved ones have a great/safe weekend . Cheers, Tony

[@paulhunt598]

THG, Two in a row this week of obscure, but wonderful delight!

[@WildWestGal]

Wow! What an incredible man and amazing life! I think it's wonderful that everything came full circle in the end with the family title being passed down to him before he died. It would then have accrued to his oldest son (assuming he had one) allowing his cultural heritage to continue alongside his naturalized American sonship. Didn't drink, gamble, or womanizer, and had the manners of a gentleman. This was, indeed, a very special soul with a great deal of angelic protection! Another great "ripping yarn", THG!!!

[@jefftheriault5522]

This story would make one hell of a movie, or two seasons of gripping television drama.

[@ltd2372]

Awesome story. Never heard of him before and now certainly won't forget him. Thank you.

[@lolly2222aa]

Always fascinating. Thank you

[@notthefbi7932]

Not a dull life, that's for sure 🤯

[@garycorrick]

What a great story! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@anwargorham]

That’s truly an incredible story. Thanks again history guy!

[@imaXkillXya]

Absolute madlad this man

[@kenchesnut4425]

Every episode yall put on is so good ..professional..consice...historically correct... And the writing is superb..".His retraction was retracted..." Doesn't get better than that

[@yeahitskimmel]

Dear THG, I see you for finally updating the podcast playlist here on YT and it's just another reason why you're the greatest

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Thanks for bringing my attention to it!

[@davejackson925]

Very Interesting. I always learn interesting history from the "History Guy"!

[@olorin4317]

I love the remarkable characters you inform us about. Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites for history.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

13:10 He looks like Wrongway Feldman!🤣🥳🤣

[@thomashenniger2070]

As I regularly enjoy your bits of history and have seen many, this might well be my favorite about someone I’ve never heard of again thank you and may I say well done! Tom

[@frankgulla2335]

A great vignette of a character of history. did not expect his brush with death under Custer. Wow, what a guy.

[@roxannaweaver2155]

Another superb telling of a person I have never heard of. Keep it up, History Guy.

[@rhondahuggins9542]

It's miraculous that Hollywood has not made his movie!! I would rather read the book anyway. Big thanks HG! This is the first time, I had heard of Capt. DeRuidio and am most certainly glad to have be introduced to such an amazing 'old soldier'💜

[@DoomerONE]

This was a truly fascinating episode. Thank you for an amazing story to start the weekend. Can't wait to share this with my kids.

[@TT-nx1wh]

This guy needs a movie!

[@JP-su8bp]

Solid tale, thanks.

[@williambarck5958]

What an amazing biography; and to think of all the times and ways that he escaped death! Thank you, sir, for once again regaling us all with a ripping good true account of one of most intrepid characters from history; you knocked it out of the park once again!

[@danielcostello4041]

Great video. This guy deserves a mini series.

[@callmecamo2]

They failed to mention that his singular descended testicle was solid brass...

[@julianlicon7962]

Wow!!!! What a story!! One of the best you have covered!!

[@kayzeaza]

I always think I’m not gonna like the videos topic but I always end up liking it haha. Another great video!

[@BamaChad-W4CHD]

Every single video from The History Guy is great bit this one is particularly good. I've never heard tye name DeRudio. That's a shame. This should be in more front historical learning! This is history. History that deserves to be remembered!

[@bavondale]

A great story indeed. Thank you for sharing

[@MagisterCobb]

Great episode! I’m currently listening to Mike Duncan’s Revolutions podcast. I just finished the episode from season 7 about the Resurgemento, this was quite serendipitous and very enjoyable. Thank you!

[@PlanetEarth3141]

That is quite a tale ☺️. How Hollywood has missed it is no doubt a blessing to real and accurate history and to Rudio's descendants.

[@bryantsemenza9703]

Another home run. There is so much information on forgotten history than anyone can imagine. What an amazing life and adventurous one. Not to many survivors from Little Bighorn that could give an account on what happened. Thank again, History Guy.

[@mb8804]

What an absolute bad ass...................and that's just The History Guy.

[@hickory572]

a true man's man. some times ya just got to do what you have to to get by.

[@erictroxell715]

As Always you are FANTASTIC in your teaching

[@Ronaldl2350]

Dang! That man's life experiences etc.. is just mind boggling.

[@keogh65]

Wow thank you for this post!

[@diogenes34]

A incredible story about an incredible man.👍👍

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇸

[@neileskew3454]

Thanks great story

[@harryparmley1193]

Wow, loved this story..! Keep up the good work!

[@ardellewachter1649]

This was simply wonderful!

[@punditgi]

A most eventful tale as only the History Guy can tell it. 😁

[@FeedScrn]

Wow what a story. I'm left wondering why I've never heard of this hero up to now.... Many more should hear of his adventures. Thanks.

[@jamessexton2807]

That's a great bit of history! Thanks!

[@petersack5074]

16:35 '''' He lived an eventfull life......"""" wow...THAT, IS AN UNDER S T A T E MENT. ''' a miraculous life....''' angels, were with him, working through other people, almost continually. For a '' greater purpose '' from above. HE will be a future teacher, in the WORLD TOMORROW....

[@HM2SGT]

How do you know about these things?! Rare, esoteric... in history that was on the cusp of being forgotten is now exposed to millions of people. Really something to think about!

[@djohnson9083]

Good one! Really enjoyed this.

[@charlesfairweather9961]

I read somewhere that Di-Rudio was one of the only cavalrymen on the field that day in 1876 that carried a saber. This was, of course against Custer's orders.

[@stevedietrich8936]

Good Morning and Happy Friday THG. Class is in session.

[@yitzchakmordechai]

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