The Last Viewing |

Allen Hoe was as a combat medic in Vietnam. His oldest son, Nainoa K. Hoe, served as a first lieutenant infantry officer with the Army’s 3rd Battalion in Iraq. In January 2005, while leading his men through Mosul, Iraq, Nainoa was killed by sniper fire. He was 27. On Memorial Day in 2005, Allen traveled from Hawaii to Washington, D.C. for an event honoring Army nurses returning home from the war. He remembers meeting the Army nurse who had cared for his son after he had been shot and killed during combat in Mosul, Iraq.
Funding provided by:
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
In partnership with POV.
Directed by: The Rauch Brothers
Art Direction: Bill Wray
Producers: Lizzie Jacobs, Maya Millett & Mike Rauch
Animation: Tim Rauch
Audio Produced by: Nadia Reiman, Katie Simon & Michael Garofalo
Supervising Sound Recordist: Naomi Greene
Music: Fredrik
Label: The Kora Records
Publisher: House of Hassle
Please tell us about your StoryCorps viewing experience: bit.ly/2wG8DIr

[@gd442]

I personally knew 1LT Hoe when he was a cadet. He was an SMP Cadet assigned to my unit in Hawaii. I remembered him as a quite cadet who was always willing to learn from other seasoned soldiers in the unit. I learned of his death while we were at Ft. Polk La. getting ready to deploy to Iraq in 05. He was the first person that many of us personally knew who fell in combat. Unfortunately he was not the last. At the end of the deployment I learned that his younger brother had joined our unit. Myself and a handful of men paid our respects to his younger brother who was a spinning image of 1LT Hoe. Rest in Peace sir.

[@jbsulls]

What became of the Lt's brother?

[@Bowfella]

It's amazing how small our world is. Almost all these videos have someone who knew the people in the videos in the comments.

[@dann._.2553]

NutLover360 thats not funny

[@dann._.2553]

NutLover360 he died and u think funny take piss his name

[@nutlover3609]

Random channel 9875410 Well who cares

[@grindstone4910]

God. He died before I even enlisted. I joined, did my time, and got out as many years ago as I spent serving. We have been at war for too long.

[@ethanstang9941]

Grindstone, how are you doing?

[@andrejbusin3508]

War can last as long as there is hate, weather it be a human against a human or a whole country against another country,today its peace, but in reality its just a retreat for a limited time, because war is still going, we just prepare for the worst,that being human annihilation by nuclear and biological weapons.

[@rust1eronblitzrussia542]

@@andrejbusin3508 there is no peace without war because if you get invaded by another country with no war allowed you are done

[@rokkfel4999]

So uh may I ask a simple question....how did you pass the time and how did you eat....some more human things because I’m sure you get all the same stuff said I’ve rand over as well as thank you for your service

[@notsans9995]

Repent, or you will join him in the fires of hell

[@theredviking1905]

It doesn't matter if you're anti military, or pro. We are all human in the end. Lets have some respect for those that witnessed hell and taught us what is right from wrong. I would have prayers for each and every one of these brave souls. But i believe my hands can do more. Soon i will become a pararescueman for the air force. We all desserve a second chance to do good. Much love from Texas.

[@e-d-e1148]

The Red Viking did you just assume my animal!! I am a Donkey

[@thesssradio5008]

Aye I'm from texas, you sprak for us both

[@averythesuperhero]

I'm not anti-military, I'm anti-killing. I'm not saying that we should fight wars with words, I know why we fight wars and I know why people have to be killed so someone can win the war. That doesn't necessarily mean I like it or romanticize it. If you are or were in the military: good for you! It takes a lot of courage and I'm glad you're still alive to talk about it. Yet I will not hold you to a higher standard or treat you as though you are some metahuman or badass. Killing is disgusting and it will never be enjoyable in any fashion.

[@bishop51807]

@@averythesuperhero Any solder worth their salt hates fighting but they know this world needs to be defined.

[@averythesuperhero]

@@bishop51807 I know. I wasn't saying that they don't.

[@Joshmaen1]

fuckin video gave me tears....

[@robertfreid2879]

Joshmaen Same here bro...

[@Joshmaen1]

Robert Freid man those storys are do beautiful and heartbreakin

[@robertfreid2879]

I know. That's what I like about these stories StoryCorps collects...

[@Joshmaen1]

ya...have a nice week man!

[@robertfreid2879]

Joshmaen You too bro...

[@bigpiso9]

I love that this man, after losing his son, had the wondrous light within him to be there for someone else. Sir, your son was a warrior, and he must of got that from his father. I am proud to have served because of men and women like him and because of men like his son.

[@Alberturkey54]

Where else can I find real stories like this? Stories that describe characters and give the reader an intimate glimpse into their lives?

[@samanthapol7477]

Have you ever tried "Humans of New York"? They have a facebook, instagram, and website where there are photographs of every day people and their stories.

[@Finitetoast]

There’s a podcast called The Moth, where people tell true stories from their lives.

[@MrGraykl]

Hooah warrior, Rest in Peace

[@NostalgiaArtist]

it's bittersweet knowing even long after allen went to sleep for the last and final time, in a way he still was watching over his men.

[@BlaqPheonix]

Love that the dad was about to laugh now when thinking of him; she helped the dad ease his sorrow and she did her and now I’m hoping all is well and his son seemed to be a grand kid and thank you for ur service

[@teltautolo4145]

These videos are so beautiful and they always make me tear up...I never know if they're sad tears or happy tears, but regardless...they all have their own stories that are different in their own way...which is in my opinion beautiful if that makes sense haha Anyway great stories, I hope they keep doing what they're doing 😂😀

[@josephmccafferty4172]

Funny how simple things like that man's eyes being partially open can have such an effect on us. Both good... and bad.

[@EsotericOccultist]

Grown man crying over here

[@s.d.6759]

Okay. What's so surprising about that?

[@schlachtfilms7179]

Uhh dude

[@odin5255]

Little kid crying over here

[@onechunkyaircraft4872]

EsotericOccultist it only shows you are human and you should be proud of that

[@ajhproductions2347]

Absolute same...Veterans Day = tears

[@popze]

I will never get tired of Storycorps. I have experienced so many stories from so many people, good stories, bad stories, fun stories. But all of them are some I love to hear. It just makes me realize how many different people there are here on earth, how different we are and just how many personal stories that are out there, ready to be told. Thanks, Storycorps.

[@blazingjalapeno9096]

Man what a small world we live in

[@annelisewilliams03]

I love this story so much, it's sad and it's sweet. Both of them were able to give each other a little more comfort and peace with his death.

[@TeamStevers]

He was holding up a mountain while he told that story. Took some strength. This is truly beautiful.

[@Jimbo1257]

5 years later and these still make me cry dammit

[@RyanSaundercook]

I don't even know how to adequately express how much I love these stories. Keep it up, please. So many amazing stories waiting to be told.

[@andreastrickland6942]

These stories are just so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time no matter how many time I watch this series.

[@benhenry3953]

I really mourn the soldiers who gave their lives for this war. As I write this today, the US troops have been withdrawn from Iraq and I'm really not sure what we ever accomplished other than losses on both side

[@jettthewolf887]

We were fighting a war that we should never have been involved with and I say the same for Ukraine and the current Israel/Hamas war where people are saying we should deploy troops. We have been in back-to-back wars non-stop and frankly, I'm sick and tired of people like this man's son dying over resources, religious disputes, etc. And I say this as someone who s grandfathers from both sides served. My dad's side, my grandpa was a marine in WWII. His cousin was one of those who lost their lives in Pearl Harbor. My grandpa on my mother's side was an Air Force Col. who served in Vietnam and has a purple heart or some kind of medal at that level - I wasn't quite sure because he was one of the ones who absolutely did not like to talk about it and as close as he and my mom were, she didn't even know. Sorry for the ramble, but I agree with what you are saying. War is hell for EVERYONE.

[@noranizaazmi6523]

@@jettthewolf887war is pointless. Something that takes but never gives. I wish humanity…didn’t have to be like this.

[@525Lines]

I love these videos. One of my PBS stations will play one very occasionally and I finally caught the name StoryCorps. Just gold.

[@coraggio93]

I watched the National Memorial Day concert on PBS tonight. Mr. Allen Hoe was in attendance and this story was voiced by the actor BD Wong.

[@angeredjsarge6220]

I watched it too! incredibly powerful! As they were saying the story, I immediately remembered this video.

[@mikejordan8259]

I see these on PBS every now and then. They are so good.

[@lucianamansolelli1121]

I’m not even close to being brave enough for something like that. I’m absolutely terrified of getting hurt at all. So to be willing to risk death so often is absolutely incredible to me. Amazing job to any soldier out there. I could never do what you do. Thank you for making it so I don’t have to.

[@thecoolnerdplaysvr5674]

We all pray to the soldier above. For he protects those who follow the path of peace. He knows the soldier does his job like anyone else. But some decide to follow the great soldier to a path of rest. Where they can lay down their empty guns. Take off their War torn uniforms. Lay down. And sleep, And when they wake. they will be greeted by warriors of the past. Those warriors will be welcomed by the valkeries. The parajumpers. Those who fought for what they believed in. Those who gave it their all, Their lives so their brothern could live. So their families at home could live in safety. Now lone soldier. Lay down your rifle, Your bag. its ok. You can let go lone soldier. You have given it all. Your Family and friends can live in peace. Take off your armour, relax your tired muscles old soldier. It is ok. You can finally be safe, Your in the arms of the great soldier. The Father of all warriors. You have returned home lone soldier. To a place you can rest forever. Where the beer flows endlessly, Food is plentiful and good. Fill your empty belly. Lay your weary head. Your friends go on. Now you will rest. There will be much crying, But today. You have returned. You will live in the land of kings. You are free of the battlefield. of the heat and suffering. You may rest lone soldier. Sleep endlessly. Do not worry lone soldier. Your child will grow old. You will meet him again. Goodnight lone soldier. Sleep now, Dream forever. Lone soldier.

[@nikosilvis4568]

Rest in peace I'm so sorry why do we have to fight wars it's just so sad

[@xNIGHTWOLFx19]

Niko Silvis wars with no real meaning and only made things worse if anything put America in greater risk than ever before.

[@maxf6383]

Americans never had to fight in this war. If you think you can just go and invade some countrys because of terrorism, you are stupid.

[@blukat232]

Hate, it's everywhere.

[@facelessjoe455]

Niko Silvis some wars have reason , like ww2, while others don't, like Vietnam, but either way, we should support the army and America

[@adriansanada3549]

Anonymous Gamer All wars have reason. They just might be reasons you don't like.

[@dualmonkeyx]

I love these stories so much. As sad as they can often be.

[@magdalenawilliams1692]

Wow! God made sure he met her so she could tell him the story. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing. God Bless You!

[@CarolinaCastroParra]

What a sweet story. The fact that this two ppl met is really a blessing!

[@StarwarsFannick]

Hearing storys like this, does make me tear up. I won't lie about that, but again war is never about glory. It's he'll and even during this time, we must appreciate and always honor the veterans that come home and try to comfort those and reach out and say that your not alone.

[@dinobytes5092]

Happy Memorial Day. And all the fallen have my deepest thanks, I will never forget your sacrifice.

[@ninjaman505]

I love this story it's one of the few things that can make me cry and it makes me cry every time

[@DICINGKING]

I started crying really bad R.I.P

[@miriamhellreich3509]

Totally amazing story of love, courage and the unlikely meeting of a father, who lost his son in Viet Nam and the Army trauma nurse who was with the son when he passed away.

[@oscarstrokosz2986]

+sskspartan Loving the army doesn't make someone a fascist or a supporter of a police state. Plenty of British civilians loved their army during WWII because they were protecting the world from the fascist empires of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. I love the UK armed forces today because they are an inclusive organisation that helps with many humanitarian operations and have a perfect balance of military discipline and individual personality. The same more or less goes with the US military. Please don't think of the modern militaries as political, especially as a tool for the right wing to use against their opponents.

[@paladinboyd1228]

oscar strokosz, I have to agree and this is what makes me angry beyond reason that our soldiers who have done nothing but protected us and our values, were sent to fight in a illegal war and have had their reputation tarnish. And don't even get me started on terrorists suing our military's for ill treatment.

[@duckboiii4441]

oscar strokosz o

[@wolflover6452]

oscar strokosz us military is the best because my family have served in every war but two

[@pizzatime3367]

oscar strokosz what disgusting person would type something so horrible?

[@elgrandosmokionumbanine3021]

People should have respect for their country's military but the Nazi's were socialists.

[@kian9096]

Thanks you for your service

[@gc6329]

I'm a grown man, 26 years old. 6 and a half feet tall. I just bawled my eyes out like a baby.

[@m3rrys0ngstr3ss]

Paying the appropriate respects to the dead is one of the great acts of mercy we can pay to their families.

[@Dblock8998]

It’s funny that hearing this story 7 years ago. Him and his son were featured during The National Memorial Day Concert. It all clicked for me when the showed that “my hero” button on screen

[@aamiricale]

The memory of the glorious dead stand as an eternal monument that time cannot erode. Peace be with you.

[@chemarubiosoler]

My respects to this father and his son. From Spain, RIP to those people who has lost their lives in these times of hate and war we are living now.

[@commanderbeepo8066]

The animation is so well made, and the message these give is so moving. I'm in the Army, On the outside I'm tough I never smile I'm just that Goliath in uniform, but these remind me of why I joins the Military, to protect people, I've lost so much of my family to tyrants and dictators. Parts of my family were executed by Bolsheviks after the revolution, I joined to not only honor their services before mine but to try to ensure no one else has to endure my pain. To have your family lined up against a wall and shot or hung on your front lawn. It feels terrible that I couldn't save them, but I serve so that I can save someone, so that I can help ensure everyone out there has freedom

[@ethanstang9941]

Commander Beepo, how are you holding up?

[@cherrycola542]

They way they drew her was so cute. I wanted to hug them both

[@Nejidabest]

OH GOD, I started crying , hard .... and laughed through tears... Thank you storycorps !

[@lil.larsson2388]

You should do more od these great stories.

[@dickpoblojesd4564]

Represent Hawaii rip

[@jmalbrue6236]

I really like these cartoon pictures of the military barracks, weapons, and gear! I draw and wanna know how you get these pictures unless you make them?

[@ethanstang9941]

I've been drawing guns since I was a boy,the trick to it is to find a picture of the side view of a gun and draw it. The simplest of guns are the best to start out with. A glock, and AK rifle of some kind, or a mac 10 or 11. From there you can progress to other angles to draw guns and other kinds.

[@petestrong7434]

To all you serving in the military thank you and take care come home 😭 I shake the hand of all serving been doing this it's not much but I believe a thank you for your hard work is deserved and boy howdy earned 😭

[@soulstealer_actual]

Our boys and girls in combat should always be remembered, God bless all of our service members.

[@jeremydayner1482]

The feels, and I'm not to keen on feelings but these videos really hit home, learning about the people you never knew who die to protect you and your families and seeing the affects it has on their loved ones really is sad, Bc you never knew these people yet they died for you.

[@CBromfield]

Oh Boy, I'm a wreck now :_(

[@ismailhmulem8641]

i just love listening to veterans in the comments telling their stories about him so cool

[@ritraxfr7970]

I dint cry because his dad was happy and his dad allways knew his son was brave not scared of war if you see this comment dont cry Say Thanks To god that we are alive and see this man as a great warrior!

[@Maikologi]

I love these stories so much. My heavy heart feels so warm.

[@holo2153]

war is hell...

[@andrejbusin3508]

It always was, and always will be, countries think war is the bestest solution to a conflict, yet the hardest problems can be solved with a simple solution like a trade of goods.

[@Eliseo3000]

i cryed cuz i have had family in the military even tho they have not died in the military when some of them did my father would say dont cry and i would only drop one tear and every time i see vids like this i tear drops mt eye

[@talkindurinthemovie]

I love story corps and I love how they have the old youtube layout...speaks to their genuineness,

[@GeneralGoldfi]

Not many people has as much respect for veterans as they ought to

[@MarkArandjus]

So many feels, every time, StoryCorps, every time.

[@BMWe-oz9wk]

These always hit me right in the feels

[@ethandanner487]

These videos are sad but also...(lack of better word) heartwarming

[@lunamellor3432]

What a beautiful story to have these two to meet.

[@cheesequeenthelordofcheese5420]

each one of your videos put a smile on my face

[@carjockey7]

Just a simple American here who has tears in his eyes I am wanting for all the killing to stop can’t wait until it happens God bless all those who have died and all of our wars even from the beginning all the way up to today I’ll thank you for listening to me

[@Shadow-1810]

This is sad...😢😢😢We need to help our soldiers and our Nation and our country...we need to help...

[@treycantrell6857]

Beautiful

[@TheAlex1962]

My eyes just started watering up while I was listening to this story.

[@olav7422]

you probably make some of the most touching short films i have ever seen.

[@VitalArcade]

I get a weird feeling from this because that interaction Allen had was way back when I was 2 years old, my birthday often popped up on memorial day

[@legoboy24mw3]

My dad is out in California on deployment and I'm a bit nervous what is going to happen to him. One time on deployment a aircraft carrier crashed into my dad ship and it was all over the news and he survived that. When I was little my family was at the docks waiting for his ship to move and when it moved and went out to see and when I turned around looking at the ship I was crying insided. And a couple months past and when I was at school my class was walking down the hall and when I looked to my right I saw my mom and my dad and I went out of the line run up tords him and hugged him and I was so happy.

[@juliebrown114]

THANK You FOR your SERVICE

[@awesomeologyism]

Please, keep making these videos. Damnit, my eyes keep sweating trying to keep up with these videos

[@Gronk_God]

Finally a good story channel that don’t fake videos for views

[@solomonharris7414]

he died on my birthday..rest in paradise fallen warrior

[@11FrenchFry]

oh my goodness. I light up when i see an upload from this channel because i know its going to be beautiful

[@gmoney3811]

Tank you for your service Allen, Nainoa and the trama nurse

[@pan_jzm]

At first I teared up, but then I couldn't stop laughing. Rest in peace, brother.

[@hollyshoemaker]

the feels are strong with this one...

[@waterlilly143]

The stories w/ people going to war really hit me, because although no one i knew died because if it my brother had told me once that when he was coming home from from the air force for 3 years (i think it was) being that my sister and i were quite young when he left he was worried that we would not of remembered him.

[@glyndaholman4751]

Man these tear me up

[@Seekyourtruth777]

Wow just wow !

[@GoodMorningVietnam98]

2024 Memorial Day concert included Allen Hoe and Paula. God bless them both.

[@PiccoloSaucin]

When I visited the Vietnam memorial, it was raining, so that just set the whole mood...

[@noyou9847]

These should all be trending for Veterans Day

[@zukomomo]

So beautiful. Such an amazing encounter.

[@rossmuir741]

You guys should make more like these, amazing man💪

[@monkeyman6522]

Respect the vets

[@nizzlenotes3892]

Tears like desert winds blowing sand in my eyes.

[@valoney306x2]

This made me cry😢😢😢😭😭😭

[@itspizzabox]

Happy Veterans Day

[@DirtCraft101]

Oh my...these are emotional

[@ethan9869]

Beautiful.

[@sunitakulkarni2442]

Wow made cry

[@Monkeynut2]

This one made me cry more then anything

[@kalebmiller8916]

My hero, is everyone in my family and everyone in the U.S. that have served in the Armed Forces, but especially one of my uncles was a Marine back in 04-06 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, died in Action, today he's my Hero, God bless his soul. He laid down his life for his country and family. And I'm willing to do the same to. SEMPER FI

[@souleater1193]

we salute and honer those who served and are currently serving

[@VictoriaStobbie]

Just the little things in life. Even though we’re in this massive universe.

[@misstajay9697]

cried for this one

[@MrDK0010]

Thank you for your service, Rest In Peace.

[@dx_12b10]

Im crying 😢