The Unseen Battle of Easy Company at Brecourt Manor (PLUS MORE!!!) | American Artifact Episode 93

Anyone who is familiar with Band of Brothers if familiar with the fight at Brecourt Manor on D-Day. But there was much that was left out of the narrative. We're returning to Brecourt to get a look at the scars of battle that few have ever seen. In addition, we taking a look at a special presentation from The Gettysburg Museum of History of an artifact of great historic significance that is directly linked to Major Dick Winters.
A transcript of the D-Day diary of Dick Winters can be found in the book “Hang Tough” which is available here: www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
See our previous videos from Brecourt here:
- The UNTOLD STORY of Brecourt Manor & The Utah Beach Museum | History Traveler Episode 186: • The UNTOLD STORY of Br...
- The Artifacts of Dick Winters at Brecourt Manor | American Artifact Episode 12: • The Artifacts of Dick ...
- A 101st Airborne Paratrooper Killed at BRECOURT MANOR | American Artifact Episode 16: • A 101st Airborne Parat...
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originmaine.com!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- What WWII Soldiers Looted From Goering's House!!! | American Artifact Episode 73: • What WWII Soldiers Loo...
- The Eagle's Nest: Looted Artifacts & Engine Rooms | American Artifact Episode 68: • Liberated Silver From ...
- Exploring Hitler's Eagle's Nest!!! | History Traveler Episode 274: • Exploring Hitler's Eag...
- War Souvenirs From Hitler's Berghof!!! | American Artifact Episode 66: • War Souvenirs From Hit...
- The Heart of Hitler's Third Reich & What U.S. Soldiers Took From It | American Artifact Episode 61: • The Heart of Hitler's ...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

⭐ If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com

[@BoostedAgent]

JD did you have to go back and film this, or was your video recovered? Or was this saved before the unfortunate events in Athens?

[@DDGVET4]

The amazing thing about this area is the fact it has remained almost untouched for close to 80 years. Great job guys.

[@MrSebfrench76]

Times flies slowly in my beloved Normandy😉

[@mrDCunningham]

That's what I thought. The same shutters even.

[@DDGVET4]

@@MrSebfrench76 Thank goodness there is still peace and tranquility somewhere in your country.

[@MrSebfrench76]

@@DDGVET4 Paris....Paris got all the looks...Paris is not the real France😁

[@nissanman1983]

Funny how they kept it the same all these years. Not like Americans always trying to wipe out the past.

[@michaeladamo1188]

We are lucky to have JD and Eric because they have friends in Normandy and get us inside content like this! Thank you for all your hard work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Our pleasure!

[@HistorySavior1941]

Man am I so thankful you guys went back and re-shot this episode. I saw your original posts when you took the medal here and got so stinking excited because I knew that this was one of the videos coming. That was really cool to see that place with his medal in the place where it was earned. Awesome job brother! How lucky are we to be able to visit these places today and keep these stories and places alive.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@marshat.ordureau3121]

BONJOUR from South of France,,, enjoy your History ❤😊and I was OVER COME BY PRIDE,,❤when visiting Normany France,,, last Oct.. 2022,,, BEING A AMERICAN & MY husband is FRENCH ,,, we were thrilled walking together on OMAHA BEACH!!! ALL those young Men,,,, HEROS FOR EVER ,,, AMEN❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Really enjoy visiting your country.

[@c1ph3rpunk]

It’s sad that we’ll be the last generation to have been able to speak with the vets that were there in WW2. But it does help knowing there are those like you that will spread their stories for years to come. I was able to see, and sit in, the C-47 “That’s All Brother” back in the 75th anniversary of D-Day before it departed for France, what an amazing experience.

[@your_royal_highness]

I was at that opening spot by the gate last year and at that time, I did not know that was where Michel de la Villavielle was shot. I ducked under the gate (trespassing I know) and briefly walked into the field. This gate is like 25 yards from the front of the manor. One of my companions spoke French and these very old ladies coming back from church went in and got another relative to come out to chat (in English). I was too dumb to ask her name and relation to the family but I think she was the daughter of Michel. I also found out much later that not only were Germans billeted inside the manor house but that there was a machine gun nest inside. Like most places in these battlefields it is so hard to picture what went on. Either the buildings are innocuous or the scenery is bucolic (think Bastogne area where I went this year). But, Normandy should be on anyone’s bucket list. I am so jealous of these guys! You do a bang up job dude. Michel single-handedly started the Utah Beach museum and it is well worth the visit.

[@johnbelfiglio562]

Thank you so much for keeping this important part of history alive!! It is imperative that this stays forever in our hearts. What these men did so we can have the life we have today! Great work and God bless the men of Easy Company and all of the men and women who kept us free!

[@keithmitchell6918]

Glad you are back in the saddle, Recondo. And you got invited inside. Very very cool.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@keithmitchell6918]

@@TheHistoryUnderground 🤜

[@robert8321]

You guys walked in the trench! Please know how we appreciate the time you take to make us feel that we are there- whatever site it may be.

[@andycraddock7677]

@Robert: Agreed, Sir. Well said. Wouldn’t you give just about anything to actually be there with JD!? Having permission to freely walk about BM! I can only imagine what an incredible experience that musta been for JD. Like visiting Gettysburg or any other site of military history. Reading about it is one thing. Actually visiting Gettysburg quite another.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@cyndiebill6631]

How wonderful to have an account of what happened in both Countries written by Dick Winters. You know he’s smiling right now. Thank you again for the wonderful video. This farm is just beautiful!!👍🙂

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@jetsons101]

First, Thanks JD, Erik and Charles. We all owe so much to Major Dick Winters (and all of Easy Company) and a tip of the hat to the Greatest Generation for our Freedoms we have today. Now it's up to us to guard and protect those Freedoms because if we don't, they could be gone in a heartbeat. Charles's home is so peaceful today compared to the days when the war was going on..... Thanks again to JD, Erik and Charles..... mike

[@MikeBohrer]

Very gracious gesture.

[@richardyoder3646]

Another outstanding video

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Wreckdiver59]

Unprecedented access to the Manor. Really glad you and Erik got together a few years ago. It's been a great partnership 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely.

[@paulshanahan135]

Very nice and touch in sharing the Dick Winters diary document with Charles and the Utah Beach Museum.

[@chrisa.ger.5360]

Nice 🙏🏼

[@lizlittle1641]

Thank you for sharing that moment. There are no words. Thank you for showing the battle scars on and in the house. So amazing!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@rutschip]

@@TheHistoryUndergroundwhen are you coming to NL for crossroads and Schoonderlogt, etc; the Island sites/Eindhoven/Uden etc?

[@user-mv3ki4ii5l]

Absolutely beautiful and so meaningful. I got goosebumps when Eric handed the document to the gentleman.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@carlryder962]

​@@TheHistoryUnderground Is the document part of Dick Winters memoir's and how can I access them to read? Great video!

[@acousticshadow4032]

This one is jam-packed. The blood-stains that remain on the floor are certainly chilling. Very appropriate place for the "onion" copy of Dick Winters' diary account, also. Well done! Thank you JD, Erik and Charles.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@tnwhiskey68]

Wow! Im amazed at the job they have done to maintain that manor so perfectly! Good job Mr. Charles!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@tubapower94]

I love that you go to these places and make the history seem alive.

[@dawndickson2156]

What a true treasure Charles is to have opened up his home and land for you to be able to document this piece of history. Hats off to Erik who could have sold the documents to a high bidder. Yet he felt the manor was the proper home. JD my hope is every history teacher across the US discovers and uses your channel in the classroom! Well done gentlemen. Well done.

[@joshuabrande2417]

What a fantastic gesture of respect and friendship by giving Charles those documents.

[@daldoc76]

You are doing some quality work these days. Thank you so much.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I appreciate that!

[@PremierHistory]

Amazing video as always, great to see Charles allowing access to his home for you to tell the story, it’s very fortunate there has been little development in the area to preserve the site

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markgorhk]

Great to see you back!! hope you are recovering from your loss in Athens...

[@Tom-dz6yo]

Outstanding, guys. Awesome that you could/would provide Charles, his family, and all, such an important document representing the liberation in that region of France. Bravo! So grateful too for Charles and his family sharing the premises with all of us.

[@anthonydm2947]

Absolutely amazing. The respect you and Erik show not only for our history but also for the people you meet along the way and the friendships made.🇺🇸🙏

[@MrOmgwtflmfao]

Such amazing content! Thanks alot and keep up the amazing work! Love from the Netherlands🇳🇱🇳🇱

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@larryburwell8550]

great video JD and historical explanation of the sequence of events there at brecourt manor. nice of eric to share a copy of Winters Diary of the events with the utah beach museum. its a great place. at that museum they have a B-26 just like the one my dad flew 2 missions on d-day. thanks for posting. larry

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jimcronin2043]

Another excellent episode! Your work in Normandy has been superb.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@vega1824]

Thank you so much for taking us with you to these places.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@fixfalcon2628]

Wow, it's so awesome that you guys have a rapport with the owner of that property.

[@chrisnolin7103]

Wow. That was incredible to watch! Access inside Brecourt. Excellent work. I love this series!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@historyinyourhand1787]

Wow - what a great video 👏

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@TheHistoryWonderer]

So cool JD. Never knew about the damage on the house and in the house. That is so wonderful that the family let you come in and show it to the rest of the world. Just fantastic. As always, love your videos and keep up the great work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@danielsibley2723]

Nobody else can do this that I know of JD..thank you so much for an insiders look at such an amazing part of world history.....Take care buddy.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@nanetterolph2972]

Eric i am 63 years old and i remember those copy type sheets you speak of!!!!! It really makes me feel very old!!!! JD and Eric i am grateful for the wonderful historical knowledge you bring to all of us history buffs!!!!! Also hopefully at least some young people will become interested in history because of your informative videos!!!! Thank you very much!!!!!!

[@johnnymaclq]

gives me goose bumps watching these .......

[@dannybartlett4225]

As part of the ultimately unsuccessful Operation Market Garden, E Company was assigned to support the British forces around Eindhoven by defending the roads and bridges that would allow British armored divisions to advance into Arnhem and force a crossing over the major bridge across the Rhine in September 1944

[@ED-ti5tc]

Ive seen The Band of Brothers quit a few times. Wish i could remember everything but i do remember the guns and the trenches. That was amazing seeing the gun position and that trench. This is such a great history channel! Thank y'all!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@gbssurvivor130]

I LOVE this channel!!! I also LOVE that they have left so much of the history untouched at Brecort manor!!! This is amazing work!!! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@MrSebfrench76]

Great, briliant job as always. As a Norman, thank you for putting things into context, especially regarding the civilians. Much appreciated.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@user-in8ep9tz9r]

You two guy's told this story with such honor and respect...❤️❤️❤️

[@HiddenHistoryYT]

So jealous! Fantastic video/production as always

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks so much!

[@marcoosvald8429]

I can tell you that as a mortarman myself with ACo. 2/502 101st ABN, even with a baseplate, those tubes still punch hard and will bury with the base plate on.

[@troykauffman3963]

Another great video JD, thank you. I had the honor of walking the field where the guns were and where assault took place last year, amazing place. Didn’t get to meet Charles, but he invited the tour group over to the Manor, but our historian chose not to since Charles had COVID at the time. Erik, awesome donation sir to Charles and Utah Beach Museum🫡.

[@terryadams1951]

JD, you mentioned that your Grandpa was an Engineer in the Korean war. I just wanted to tell you that my dad was a member of the 320th Engr. Battalion, Company A in WWII. Just this week, I found a picture of his Lieutenant. I had kept his name in my memory banks all these years. I was searching Army records and there he was: Lt. Glasser. It was kind of overwhelming to look into his face. I had heard many things about him from my father when I was very young. My Dad died when I was nineteen. To put a face to the stories brought the reality of it all hitting me like, so all at once, a giant haymaker .

[@OldSkoolGrandad]

Inspired by your videos me and a friend rode our motorbikes from the UK to Berchtesgaden to see the Eagles nest , on our return journey we spent two nights in Bastogne , we used your videos as a reference where to visit , especially the Easy Company foxholes , which are now surrounded by security fencing so you need to purchase an entry ticket for the security entrance , while we were there we spoke to an American tour guide who actually knows you ... Thankyou for invaluable battlefield guides they really helped on our roadtrip 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! So glad to hear that!

[@JakeHurtt1994]

The blood stained tile. What a powerful piece of footage. The man who was hit there may be long gone, but that is a more grim reminder of the lasting effects of war. The obvious bullet holes are a reminder. But the blood stained tile hits deeper.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely.

[@jeffreym.keilen1095]

Absolutly THE BEST episode I have watched. The history tid bits are awesome, but the creme d'creme is Major Winter's copy of the events. The fact of BOTH copies surviving alone is tops, but to have one AT the place it happened is unfathomable. Well played gentlemen. Keep up the fabulous work!🇺🇸🇨🇵

[@user-zp2ms8cv5r]

Share history with younger generation of 🇫🇷 that is amazing great job.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@jordanmargetts3193]

This is crazy, a friend and I visited brecourt manor yesterday as you happened to release this video. Thanks for all the great content and sharing these insights, made my visit a much richer experience.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@Tuleyne]

RIP Dick Winters and all the great Americans who have passed.

[@walterecklund1502]

I was on a day tour in 2008 and when we visited Brécourt manor we were shown one of the support legs from one of the German artillery pieces that was kept in the shop area to the left of the manor as you face it from the field where the guns were. I hope they still have it.

[@johnyaniuk1254]

Onion paper or onion skin paper as I am familiar with... is something I actually was exposed to and used back in the 80s & 90s early in my military career when I was young. It's great material.

[@1psychofan]

This was incredible! It was so nice of him to let you see inside his home!!! God bless him! That blood stain on the floor though? Wow! That was amazing-that it’s still there!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@eamo106]

He thanked you and said he was happy to have the papers as part of the Special friendship he had with Major Dick Winters. You are years too late for the originals but do good work and we thank you.

[@therampanthamster]

Great to see you back in business sir. Love the content.

[@tedbeaver2394]

Great to see your content again! Nice job & very moving giving Dick’s description of the battle to the Utah Beach History Museum! 👌

[@mikecasale9360]

That was great that Eric gave that paper work to the man. that was beautiful!. That made my hair stand up on my arms. called goosebumps. the museum that Eric has is great in Gettysburg, love going there when I go up there..

[@kevbullock8313]

Thankyou for these fantastic doccos guys👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@judygrandstrand9784]

What a beautiful gesture to gift the Utah Beach Museum.

[@robmisener2786]

Awesome video, so glad you have some Normandy footage! You and Eric are a credit to the preservation of history and it is greatly appreciated.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Our pleasure!

[@Bam_Like_Dat]

To add something tangible like the battle scars, medal & letters is what gives this lesson definition. Quit selling yourself short JD. Your work is top of the line. It sets the standard and your work with Erik is phenomenal!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that.

[@thomashudgins996]

Thank you very much for this video. Most people of today do not understand the efforts and effects of this part of the war. You give it a personality by taking us along to see where it took place.

[@dannyb9140]

Currently re-watching Band of Brothers and this video is an incredible source of more information.

[@bradbalderson8172]

So glad you and Erik went back to do this and having Charles there makes it so much better and seeing inside the manor gives another view of what had happened. Great job JD, Erik and Charles.

[@ebola1974]

I'm going to Normandy next May and I'm already looking forward to reading that report! Simply amazing

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@michaelhayden5264]

There was a post some years back, written by a US soldier who survived Utah Beach landing. He recalled the damage those 105mm guns were doing. He often wondered why the fire stopped. It was only after B of B screened that he learned the full story. He was most grateful to the men of Easy.

[@Nyllsor]

Really cool to read the real typewrited page 6 of Winters report. And i feel honord our community here got to see inside the Brecourt manor and meet Charles again hearing some new stories. I really reccomend the other episode on the Brecourt manor and Utha beach museum story. Much thanks and god bless you all!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Our pleasure!

[@SueProv]

Onion paper? That must be why I have some tears here. Just beautiful all around. Thanks JD and thanks Eric and Charles.

[@bugdrvr1971]

Very Nice, very honorable to present these items to the Utah Beach Museum. Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@ryanshutz4748]

Incredible to be able to see these places in person. I wish I was able to travel to these places, but thanks to you, and people like Charles that graciously allowed you to video inside that home and around the house is amazing. I love how so much of that area is untouched. If it were NJ some greedy developers and state officials would build right over it. Thanks for the video!!

[@willdouglas77]

JD…you and Eric absolutely killed this one . What gem of a video 😎👍🙌🏼🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@tnarggrant9711]

This was a good one. Thank you.

[@mikemontgomery2654]

Damn man! You guys really delivered on this one! You are one blessed man to be able to see this and film it. Almost forgot: a BIG thank you to Charles for allowing your audience see this side of the war. You and Erik go on some epic trips.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@NoelG702]

Amazing! That was so nice of Eric to give the other copy to Charles and the Utah Beach Museum. Maybe I'm a softy, but it made me tear up. Great job once again JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@DmG2007]

Great and moving video again, I loved how it looked like the family left the battle damage (e.g. ceiling bullet and blood stain from German soldier) and not tried to repair them, to tell a story. I have had an interest in things WW2 for quite a few years, but watching your videos has inspired me to want to go over to Normandy etc from here in England and visit all these locations and pay respects etc.

[@joshh8245]

That was really cool to watch Erik present that copy of Winter's diary account of the battle. I could tell that meant a lot to everyone.

[@jbellos1]

Wow! The DSC got me a little choked up. Amazing artifact return. And, what a fitting presentation of the letter. Great job, you two.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@ElainesYT]

Onion skin. Haven't heard that term for many years. What a wonderful gesture to donate the copy 🙏🏼

[@HumanLikeMan]

J.D & Eric, than you so much for bringing this to us. I enjoy seeing these areas since my Dad & 4 brothers served in WW2 with the Canadian army.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@ianlast6722]

Brilliant! Great video and a lovely idea to share a copy of Dick Winters report with Charles and his Museum

[@Snecks]

Truly enjoy your take on the day the 101st came alive

[@SoCal780]

What an amazing story! Thanks so much JD and Erik. You guys did a fabulous job on this one.

[@kswalker75]

As always, another outstanding video!!! You never disappoint my friend!!!

[@robinburke2036]

This is the first episode that actually made me tear up! Wonderful--thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@stuman01]

Passing over Dick Winters text like that was beautiful.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@tracym9225]

What a nice thing for Eric to do! Now people in that part of the workd can see it first hand in the useum there. Bravo!

[@Smoshy16]

What a privilege to be invited into the home! Thank you Charles de Vallavieille.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@Josh-nq6lh]

To be able to stand where the men of Easy Company fought, to be in the same trenches... I'm in awe of those men so I can't imagine the feeling of being there.

[@OTDMilitaryHistory]

Great video JD! It's always nice to see organizations and museums working together to share stories and artifacts.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@garyaugust1953]

Outstanding episode with a fitting finale' presenting Winters document to the Utah Museum. Hopefully, that will be on display when we visit next month.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@terryjohnson7389]

Another outstanding video, well done guys.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you so much 👍

[@user-j4200]

Thank you Easy Company. Rest in Paradise. Thank you!

[@russfoulkes5490]

Not only do I immensely enjoy all of your videos, i always learn so much from each and every one. Every person on your team is a treasure to the art of keeping history present. Thank you. 🙏

[@chadkeller2144]

Thank you for all you do to bring this treasure trove of history to your viewers, JD! Your hard work and dedication to your craft is evident and very much appreciated!

[@peteschiavoni]

Awesome video. Thank you Charles for sharing your family history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻