We Met a WWII Child Soldier of the German Army!!! | History Traveler Episode 61

[@oldskoolraver1079]

Hans has recently passed away. He was a great guy and well known in the area. Thanks for sharing his story.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m glad that we were fortunate enough to have met him that day.

[@oldskoolraver1079]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Yes, it's good he got to share his story. He had a great personality, a true good guy with a sense of humour. Next time you're in the Ardennes, hit me up. I got a lot to show you. My father has his own personal collection of artifacts both German and American. We also have an artifact of the 22nd armored division, maybe you can give it to your friend who fought here.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@oldskoolraver1079 - Thanks! Maybe send me an email so that I have your contact information. You can find my email on the About tab on the main KZbin page.

[@natalieford3238]

How sad 😔

[@vincentadams9569]

My his soul find Eternal Peace where he is a youthful boy again with his loved one’s where there is NO ILLNESS, AGING, only HAPPINESS!! GOD BLESS

[@jmiller1717]

It brings tears to my eyes knowing that men like this are almost all passed away. I wish they could live forever and share their stories of what they went through, teach our youth about how great they have it these days and make them appreciate what they have and remember that many men before them gave up their lives so they can live the easy going, comfortable life they have now. Such a shame. The world was a frightening place at times in history and men like this walked straight toward the most frightening places most of us alive could probably never imagine.

[@jorgecampos9659]

I don’t know if these kids nowadays have it easy. I think we live in a wicked time

[@kev03103]

Yes it's hard to measure how bad which time in history was. When I was young Vietnam hung over my head. The young people were up in arms, protesting and they were correct in their position that we had no business being there. All wars are stupid and need to stop. The sooner humankind knows this the better.

[@sagayagambrun5149]

@@kev03103 There are no winners in wars even the tyrants of any description fell down badly. When will people ever learn? Wherever there is peace there's prosperity. Vietnam is constructing a huge Airport to welcome humanity. Celebrate peace! Blessings!

[@rogermetzger7335]

Sorry to throw water on your idea but nobody will ever be able to "teach" appreciation for things people are given. And that applies to everyone - children and adults.

[@louisavevers9709]

It really is important to get so many stories before there are no one left to tell them.

[@motorrebell]

Im German - American , Both Grandfathers survived ww2 , One was in the 101st Airborne , fought at Bastogne , my other Grandfather served in the Kriegsmarine on a Torpedoboat & escorted Battleships "Bismark - Tirpitz - Gneisenau - Scharnhorst" and was hit by a mine and sunk - drowned almost 2 times in the ice cold northern sea and he also fought at the Battle of Narvik . Its unbelievable what they have been thru .They have my greatest respects .

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Crazy to think of what those guys endured on both sides.

[@TheTwon]

101st airborne got to loot Hitler's mountain retreat

[@mrhorrorgaming6909]

You are extremely fortunate to have chanced upon this man. His story shows that even the german army were just regular people. When I worked for a furniture company i took a lazy boy to this house and this old african American gentleman answered the door. While i was setting up his chair he told me about his time in the pacific serving in the 93rd infantry division. The only AA division that went to fight the japanese. When i finally left I sat in my truck and cried for a minute. He was such a nice man. 3 weeks later we had to go back and pick the chair up because he had died. I think about him alot

[@seanodwyer4322]

had a letter from- Arthur Crowley off Bridgeport- New Jersey state but lost his full address . if a can get it ahh will post him a letter.'

[@Bobg425]

My father in law is German,he was in the HItler Youth and at the end of the war drafted into the German navy,he was14.He did 3 weeks training at Kiel then joined a submarine which was raised and then sunk off Southampon 2 weeks later.He spent the next 2 yrs near Liverpool on a farm with another young lad before being sent back to Germany to a bombed out house and no family.He slept in the ruins and then walked to Kiel from Vismar 100mile? and joined the german Navy.He left a Captain decades later.He remembers walking to school where dead horses were scattered along the road and the stench was just of death.And kids today start crying because their iphone breaks?!

[@Bobg425]

@@Luke-Hike I lived inGermany for years and my local bar was full of ex WW2 veterans.Most had been POW in the UK and Canada.One still went yearly to visit his old guard whod moved to Maine in the US from the UK after the war.Sadly my FIL died 3 weeks ago.I never got his full story.

[@kcuzz4091]

Yes, I wish our young people would learn to appreciate what they have and be grateful for it.

[@tomratcliffe9363]

War is a terrible thing My father was a grenader in France fighting the Germans. As a young boy i met German prisoners of war. Exceptionally friendly people. War's should be a thing of the past

[@bradmarkell12167]

Aaah. And it was America's fault for all that death and sorrow, huh? Do your homework. Our kids and grandkids have the right to LIVE FREE whether they gripe about their cell phone or not. Our forefathers and my grandfathers fought & one died to preserve the FREEDOMS WE SHALL FIGHT TO DEATH to preserve. What have you done?

[@VictorySpeedway]

Without that chance encounter, this man's story might never have been preserved and told outside of his family. Videos such as these are priceless. My Mom's Uncle had a similar experience. He was drafted into the German army at 14, but he fought for the Kaiser in WWI. He was wounded twice, emigrated to America in 1923, lived in the same apartment with his wife for 55 years. He was one of the most patriotic Americans I've ever met. Thanks for this series. Your camera work is excellent, and the subject matter and locations are fantastic.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Have to wonder what kind of stories he had. Thanks for the kind words 🙏🏼

[@Wolfietherrat]

I had a friend who’s mom was German, she said they more more afraid of the Germans. She ended up in the USA, I don’t know her story. So sad.

[@krisfrederick5001]

If you were looking for a sign of any validation of your mission, here you go. You didn't see this coming and now we all know part of this man's story. Thanks to you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I definitely got lucky on this one. Thanks.

[@johnschofield9496]

WOW !!!!! These personal histories are quickly fading from our lives, and regardless of which side they fought on they MUST be remembered and documented! Thank you so much !

[@stephenmanuel1120]

I have a neighbor who was born and raised in Germany, when he was 16 he was drafted into the Wehrmacht, his first assignment was manning an Anti-Aircraft gun in Holland shooting at American Bombers flying over to bomb Germany. Later he was called back to Berlin to fight against the Russians. At the end of the war, he and 3 buddies drafted their own discharge papers and deserted trying to make the British or American Sectors, my friend was the only one who could speak english, 3 times they were stopped at check points and managed to make it to the British sector, all this time the Gestapo had orders to shoot on sight anyone deserting...He ended up with a degree in Electrical Engineering and worked for a company that moved him to NJ and he never left and became an American Citizen...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Holy smokes! What an amazing story. Could you maybe send me an email and reference this comment? My email is in the About tab on the main page.

[@susankraft77]

Wow! Amazing!

[@thomascrowley9122]

Amazing, Glad he made it out

[@ChristopherWray7]

Sure and my cousin is barney

[@robertafierro5592]

Yes. As the Germans lost the War, they HAD to emoy the little that was left. The very young and the very old.

[@1rikkenz1]

What Marcel meant with "We used to be Germany" is that this particular piece of (what is now) Belgium, used to belong to Germany and was given to Belgium after the war, hence the reason why he could be conscripted to the German army. Greetings from a Belgian, love the channel.

[@buickadelaide1283]

Exactly ..correct…they were German ethnic people of Belgium ,,

[@p.h.3987]

And today it really does not matter. We sre ine region with one language, no barriers, same currency. St. Vith & Prüm. 😄

[@theoderich1168]

@@buickadelaide1283 I thought he was an ethnic German from the German minority because of his pronounciation and he obviously spoke French too (speaking of "prisonniers americains") what a story; my father was a FLAK-helper at the end of the war near the Belgian border and managed to run away back home to Cologne....

[@kcuzz4091]

Ahhh, this makes sense to me now. Thank you.

[@Mondo762]

Priceless. My father was also in WW2. I so wish he was still here. So many questions that I never asked. You were very fortunate to find this man.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so. I wish that I could ask my grandpas some questions too.

[@MarineBis]

I'm french I'm 50, my grandfather was sherman M4 chief in 2ème DB Leclerc ... I tried to ask questions for many years.. difficult to have answers. One night they were so tired that they felt asleep on the side of a road... at morning he discovered that his "pillow" was a dead german... After Paris liberation, he got seriously sick with the gun shots smoke into the turret. He died in 2000.

[@johnkelsey2482]

As I mentioned before, I used to travel to Koln for work a lot. I made friends with a few older Germans and they were hesitant to talk about the war... When I would ask about it, they were ashamed to talk about it at all....One gentleman said that he was sorry for what he did and started crying...You were lucky, in my opinion, to find someone that would talk about the war....Excellent vlog....Thanks...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. I felt very fortunate to have stumbled across him. I’d love to talk with more.

[@kev03103]

Some Germans remained resolute in there hatred of just about everyone until the day they died.

[@midwaymonster30]

That was absolutely incredible. Those poor kids forced to fight. What tragic times.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. Pretty crazy story.

[@KoKissaki]

As a german hearing the German conservation between them is really heartwarming. Too old men understanding each other

[@edthered1971]

Wow, what that man must of seen and witnessed as a child soldier is unimaginable, he was one of the lucky ones that survived and had a family and a life, may god bless all those who didn’t survive the war, great interview. 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Can you even imagine? I wouldn't trust most 14 year olds with an iPod, much less a machine gun in combat.

[@av8tore71]

What an honor talking to someone like him. Simply amazing!!

[@fred_fred_fred]

When I was in 5th grade, so around 1980, I attended summer camp in the Colorado Mountains. The gentleman assigned to our cabin had fought in Europe, showed us the multiple bullet holes on his torso and scars on his body. Told us harrowing stories of his time there. He had parachuted in at some point during the fighting. Said he prayed a lot. He was calm and kind. I was honored to have known him.

[@mcvickerf]

I served in and lived in Germany for 12 years. Hearing him say it in his own words was incredible. I would have loved to be there to hear it for myself!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I wish that I could have sat and talked with him for longer. Pretty crazy.

[@Loiyaboy]

Ich spreche ein bischen Deutsch. Das war ausgezeichnet!

[@seanodwyer4322]

ahh could not stand the germen food when ahh was there and went very skiinny from food poisoning in Frankfurt.

[@rmargonne117]

My mother in law’s partner was a German child soldier also. Sadly, he passed a few years ago. He said the same thing, “either you joined the army or they killed you”. He immigrated to the US in the 50’s and led a very successful life! Love your videos.

[@brandonking5111]

they pretty much had to take everyone as a soldier because if you were a civilian and were captured by an American or Russian, you'd be brutally r*ped by every soldier in the area before being executed. it was more humane to die by battle instead.

[@bruce545]

Very interesting interview. As an American soldier in the 1980'2 I remember a former SS NCO approaching my unit in 1985 as we were on a multi-national operation deep in Bayern (Operation "Flinker Igel"). His English was good, with an English (possibly Scott) accent, as he had been held EPW in the UK into the '50's. It was an interesting conversation as he shared his history being captured following the Normandy landings, and the history of the village we were in. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@chadanderson8692]

That was a extremely Raw but excellent interview. Thanks for talking with these old timers for all of us who can't make it across the pond to interact with them. They seem very willing to discuss and tell you about their experiences during that time in history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, about as on the fly as you can get. Glad that I was there at that time so that I could share it though.

[@johnyannelli2480]

To the History Traveler. I can’t express enough gratitude for what u do. So informative, so well done and so respectful. U should b required viewing for all high school students. History should never b forgotten! Thank u for all u do.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@ericre1919]

Great story! I was a mechanic for a VW dealer in the 80s and my service manager was a German from Berlin. He was in the Hitler Youth at the end of the war. He told us about throwing rocks at Russian tanks, the bombings and how bad it was after the war. He said they cut up his fathers leather uniform coat to make shoes. Sadly we are loosing the first hand perspective of WW2 so rapidly.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I know. It’s sad. That’s why I have been racing to capture as many stories as I can on film. Thank you for sharing that.

[@krisfrederick5001]

"Get closer so you can translate" Hans breaks out the English.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! I know.

[@pd1jap]

Kris Frederick yeah, that Super....

[@krisfrederick5001]

@@pd1jap Quoi

[@alfie4troy]

Kris Frederick 😂😂😂

[@webbryan1]

He’s just testing

[@thegreatest2740]

That's amazing. Would love to sit and hear his stories I could listen to him all day. Shame this generation is dying out truly inspirational.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I know, right?

[@CJ_esc.artist]

Dang! What a “treasure” to stumble upon! In history books we get big numbers and dates with big troop movement arrows showing a battle. But being able to talk to a WWII veteran and hearing the foot soldiers personal story is makes history more personable and tangible! With WWII veterans in their mid-90s they are literally a dying breed. Hearing stories like this and sharing them is what keeps history alive.

[@cgaccount3669]

My dad was his age in Canada. Pretty much just riding his bike around town... doing what any other 14 year old would do. Such a different experience. Amazing story, so cool you found this guy!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Strange to think about, isn't it?

[@danam0228]

same with my dad, also 14 at time in small city in New England where they produced boots and uniforms for soldiers, he rode his bike around delivering newspapers to people with news of the war, went to the movies every weekend to see newsreels, see latest cartoon (Tom and Jerry being his favorite) and movie, 10 cents was enough to buy a ticket to see the movie, a fountain drink and popcorn or licorice, and whenever he had extra time he would go around with a wagon of his collecting scrap as part of the war effort

[@brentreid7031]

A neighbour north of us joined the Canadian Army at age 15. He always said he remembered his 17th birthday. On that day they landed on the beaches of Sicily.

[@mare2971]

My grandfather was born in 1916. He served in the Wehrmacht for nearly 5 years at the eastern front as paramedic. He also stayed a longer time on crimea. He received the Krimschild for that. Happily his Unit was relocated to the western front at the end of war. It was around that time the Battle of the Bulge took place. He was wounded by a splinter of a granate in Luxemburg. Transported back into the Reich his war ended in a german Lazarett (Hospital). He never told us grandchildren anything about that time. More than 40 years after that, I changed my school and suddenly had to learn russian. Everybody in my class had already learned reading and writing cyrilic, except me. What did my grandfather do? Went to his bookshelf, took out his old Langenscheidt Dictonarys from WWII and teached me writing, reading cyrilic and also so much about the russians. We nearly forced him to write his biography down, because there where so many untold stories, he was unable to tell. Unbelievable what he survived!

[@tubadude905]

These types of encounters are priceless. I had a neighbor who was a B-24 ECM operator during the Dresden raids. He documented his experiences for his adult children and I got to read them. His recollection of fear from flak and how it sounded like hail on a metal roof was harrowing. In addition, I told him about the Eagle pub in Cambridge England and the 8th Army Air Force crew memorabilia - gave him a photo of it which he included in his memoirs. As a side note, a trip to East Anglia in the UK where the 8th Army Air Force was is worth a visit - I actually learned to drive on the runways of RAF Matlaske, an abounded WWII airfield used by P-47s.

[@rohan-qd6py]

I grew up in South America… many of my neighbors had left Germany post ww2… some were silent others not so… as a child I did not understand anything I only knew they were nice older people and I played with their sons…what a beautiful man…

[@michaelpawluk6791]

Both of my grandparents are from Ukraine. They did not know each other yet, and later met in Brazil (really cool actually). In 1943 My Baba (grandma) was 17 when the Germans came, they pulled her from her house in her village. She was a worker for them until the end of the war. Her entire family died, the only survivor was her brother who was conscripted to the Red Army and never heard from again. My Gigi (grandpa) was 7 years younger than her during the war. His father received a letter in the mail saying their family had to move to Siberia. So they fled their home in the Carpathian mountains. In doing that they encountered Nazis. His sister was shot, and she saver her own life by begging for mercy and kissing the soldiers boots. There's so much I can say from both grandparents stories. They later met in Brazil, and immigrated to the USA in 1965.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

MikhailBarracuda91 - My goodness! It’s crazy what those people went through. Especially in Ukraine. Thanks for sharing that. If you don’t mind me asking, are your grandparents still alive?

[@michaelpawluk6791]

@@TheHistoryUnderground no, my Baba passed away in 2009 and Gigi passed in 2014.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@michaelpawluk6791 - I'm glad that they could leave you with the stories. A part of them lives on that way. Thank you for sharing some it with me.

[@AndrewJackson-rx6ld]

This is why your station is so valuable to history. These people of that generation will all be gone soon . Thank you for sharing this story .

[@EchoKilo]

The last time my wife and I were at the Normandy American Cemetery we became acquainted with an older French gentleman there that wanted us to take his picture of him at a particular grave site. From what we gathered, when he was a child during the liberation of France he became friends with an American soldier that was later killed in the area and that was his burial site. He did not speak English, we don't speak French, so with the aid of Google Translate we were able to slightly piece together the story. We were later able to email the photo to a friend who passed it along to him.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. That is incredible! Thanks for sharing that.

[@daewalker3892]

I'm speechless. These stories should never be forgotten.

[@marioroth2987]

I' m German! What for a great Video! I live here in the hurtgen forest! We are playing childrens... in 1981 we found the rest body from PFC Paul Peternell 121 8th Infanterie Division Pennsylvania at the areas by Hill 400 near Bergstein! He was burried in Belgium Ardennes American Cemetry We Brothers ...American and German: NO MORE WAR for us!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you for the kind words. And that is an interesting story about finding that soldier. I will have to look him up and see if I can find any more information on him.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

Wow!! Saw your story of finding the lost American soldier. Thank you. The young man is now be buried with his flag & his family will know what happened.

[@vivian2217]

My Mom told me that I had a 14 ? Year old cousin that was killed near the end of the war because that's all there was left to fight along with elderly men. So very glad that this gentleman survived WWII

[@brownfox6523]

I've been watching your videos for 2 hrs now ( 6 episodes and counting ). I love hearing stories straight from WW2 veterans because they remind me of my grandpa who was an officer in the USAFFE under Gen. MacArthur in our country (Philippines). I used to ask my grandpa to tell me stories about WW2 aside from reading books about it. Thanks man for your very informative videos.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that.

[@cliffright1142]

The irony here for me was, as I communicated to you some time back. My father was a medic wounded in the Battle of The Bulge and it wasn’t until years later that the entire story was told to me. He had been wounded by a young Hitler Youth. His people killed the assailant but, it left such an effect on my Dad because of the age. Another sad irony of war. Such great interviews. Thank you so much....

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awful that they were put in that position. Thanks for sharing that.

[@MiJacFan1]

Wow! Such a unique experience! He was so young, but kids back in the day had very little time to be kids. The youth of today could learn a few lessons.

[@patrickburton4195]

Yes, another global conflict should straighten the youth up.

[@nmelkhunter1]

This is a perspective you rarely get to see. I’m happy you experienced it and were able to share it.

[@jamesrieben7378]

My name is Hans Rieben. I am Swiss und Austrian . I am proud of me in heritage even though my family fought for the father land.

[@SteJohnAllen]

What a nice guy! It was brilliant hearing his story, really nice!

[@krisfrederick5001]

Absolutely

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Super nice guy. I was glad that we ran into him.

[@georgemakuca8870]

@@TheHistoryUnderground ....if I was there I would have burst into tear's....i was in the war in'91 when ex YU broke up i was then 21.....

[@تومىتوما-ص7ي]

@@krisfrederick5001 جججج٠جج١ططضضض ضطض

[@krisfrederick5001]

@@تومىتوما-ص7ي Exactly what I was trying to say

[@stevemcgarrett317]

The stories these men tell are invaluable. Thank you for being there to document.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@tracym9225]

That was so lovely! What a wonderful opportunity to meet him! & tell his story. Talk about a life changing experience. My aunt was in the Hitler Youth & she said the same "no choice. Either you joined or your family could be hurt". It was an awful time. We are so blessed to have freedom.

[@mresch8]

When I was a Deputy sheriff, I loved pulling up at the front of the ASL, nursing homes and talk to the old men, who had fought in Korea or Vietnam. Never got to meet a WW2 vet....

[@richardannaken]

My Opa and mother served. My Opa was captured in August 1943 near the Black Sea, by the Russians and worked as a laborer in a salt mine for 3 years until released. My mother was an auxiliary lieutenant in the German Air Force was a pointer on an anti aircraft gun at a uniform factory which she was also a foreman for prisoner of war making uniforms.

[@svir1115]

Thank you for the extraordinary video. Meetings like these are becoming extremely rare as older generations pass on. Documenting the experience of this very kind gentleman is a service to the future - and a service to his family as well.

[@CitizenSnips69]

If you like this stuff, KZbin search “medal of honor book.” The full interviews are out there too. Also, “memoirs of WWII” and a lot of the videos on the “American veteren’s center” channel. Look at the playlists, the one on Iwo Jima might be a good place to start.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you :)

[@coldspider2199]

At the end not gonna lie, im in tears right now. The way you show the history and the music you added is so humbling. Such a nice old man and i remember the soldiers like shifty powers and many others talk about how they may have been good friends if the war didnt introduce them. Like many said, they hated the germans during the war. But towards the middle to end they explained how they got to know the german soldiers after they surrendered and how they coulda been good friends. This video and seeing how humble this old man is, just shows how they were forced to fight. Just like american soldiers they had a job to do. And seeing the goodbye at the end made me cry. Germany is such a beautiful place. I wanna go sometime.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Dan E - Pretty amazing that we were there when we were. So glad that I could capture the experience and share it.

[@FabrizioZago]

Interesting interview, specially now that every day we lose persons like him.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Sad that there are fewer every day.

[@W.A.T.P...55]

Sadly we are losing more and more vets from ww2 every passing year...we must try and get as many people's stories before they are lost to history

[@discoverynorthcarolina9824]

Fabrizio Zago - Photography and media and the world forgets 😢, only to eventually repeat its self.....

[@FabrizioZago]

@@discoverynorthcarolina9824 Exactly, for some time it seems that the lesson is learned but then...

[@MiJacFan1]

@@W.A.T.P...55 that is why I am trying to fill up a Reader's Digest book of World War II veterans with their name, rank, and when they served. I have a bit of a collection, but I would like to fill it so I can cherish the names of all who served during that time. Sadly I know of at least one who is gone.

[@timothyramsey7010]

What a sweet old gentleman you were so lucky most of the veterans I have met from both side so polite and well mannered

[@stevelubbehusen5842]

I loved hearing his perspective....Serve or die at the hand s of the Germans....he had to serve. I also love that when he was captured by the Americans, They said go home, you are still just a boy. He went home and started his life anew. and he has VERY MUCH FAMILY. Imagine how horrible it was being conscripted, had to wear SS Uniform, and not being fed..???? Great timing by you to meet this Gentleman.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I felt pretty fortunate to have been at the place at that time. Crazy story.

[@wayneandrews9298]

im pleased for you that you had that experience , it will never happen again , there is such a thing as " right place , right time " ..

[@benadam7753]

My dad served in the US Army 26th Infantry from January 1945 till the war's end! He told me that they put German boys 14-15 years old in the open air POW camps all the time! Hans was lucky!

[@randyjenkins8743]

@@benadam7753 you mean dp camps?

[@benadam7753]

@@randyjenkins8743 The Rhine-Meadows Camps.

[@blakedaulton8120]

That was an incredible interview. Story’s like these needs to be shared.

[@gregdavis19]

What a treasure to have been fortunate to interview them, and get it on film.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty fortuitous meeting.

[@gregdavis19]

The History Underground indeed.

[@DaSchnuz]

Kind of stumbled into your posts, Boy am I glad I did. Thank you for taking the time to make and post these videos. His story is amazing!! My grandfather on my moms side, served on Eisenhower’s staff, and he had something to do with getting Werner von Braun out of Germany and into the US. He was also a recipient of Frances highest military awards. He never really opened up about the war. Again, thank you so much for posting!!

[@pamelakern2849]

I loved the gentleman, who fought as a young boy. A big surprise and a joy to see him and listen to him . You definitely were very fortunate to have met him . We were all lucky you met him . Another WONDERFUL video. 👍👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! It was certainly fortuitous.

[@janetruiz3372]

So awesome that you could get such a great story from someone who was there. History must be remembered and preserved. Awesome video!

[@bonnietjomstol6975]

Wow, fascinating, this man’s interview stayed with me a lot longer than I thought it would. So glad I watched it, thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure. Thanks.

[@petepure3387]

Such an honourable person... Stories like this remind me of the true cost of war. Thank you for sharing this.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Adds a new layer to the whole conflict. Crazy.

[@XxBloggs]

Great interview and nicely handled.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@rickyricardo5441]

This is an awesome interview. I am so glad you could share it with us. It always fascinates me to get other sides perspectives.

[@NeoByteNL]

Talking about the Luger P08, what a nice guy, thanks for sharing these.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

When he said that, I thought "Dang, I'd really like to have that gun."

[@alexanderpatrick4866]

Wow! You were very fortunate to meet this man. Getting the perspective of the other side is important to say the least. Imagine how many were forced into combat? Thank you so much! See you later!

[@atamagashock]

I’m not gonna lie, but at the end when they say thank you and goodbye, I teared up thinking about what that poor man was put through. As a father of two boys 6 and 10, I couldn’t imagine if my child was taken at 13 and forced into war or else.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty moving moment for me. One that I’ll never forget.

[@johnelliott7375]

Still there after all these years and still have it in his leg is incredible for all the years.

[@joes8087]

wow an absolutely amazing interview with a 14 year old nco thank you its so rare to talk with a German vet I feel many do not want to talk about the war My Grandfather was in the Hürtgen Forest with the 83rd Infantry division "Thunderbolts" he said the Germans had an impenetrable defense there and the forest was very midevil he was later in the battle of the Bulge "in and around around bastonge, St. Vith , Houffalize" said they were sleeping in "bombed out buildings and whatever they could find knee deep snow and some men with no shoes". He also said that he saw the English speaking German commandos misdirecting american troops. I once asked him about child soldiers he said " they were absolute fanatics and worse then the ss divisions I ran into , the ss divisions would surrender once surrounded or out of ammo and the Hitler youth would fight to the death we saw kids as young as 12-13"

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

joe s - Gosh. That must’ve been just horrific.

[@mamavswild]

I’m not sure I would call that fanatic- I would call that not knowing any better. I have a 12 year old- he would do anything to get his dad’s approval.

[@joes8087]

@@mamavswild well that's exactly what it was it was either fight or we kill you like this vet said . Many were brain washed

[@joes8087]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I know it bothered him seeing kids so young and they way he said it did make it sound like they were able to get several to surrender

[@bradjtrains]

This was amazing! I love how he learned American curse words. You were blessed to see and meet him on that day.

[@andyanderson8383]

This is a story that I am glad they got on video. Wish someone would do a more thoroughly interview, for all of us.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I really wish that I could’ve had more time with him. Glad that I was able to get the little bit that I did though.

[@bradleyweiss9509]

It’s awesome to meet these people. We have been to a town of Horstmar Germany several times were my family was from. The SS took over my grandfather house as its headquarters there. It’s like a dream to relive the stories about the place my grandparents spoke about

[@tankerbill1431]

There is nothing like hearing history right from the source! Keep up what your doing!

[@texasford]

Totally jealous! Love your videos, such wonderful insights on a war that’s fading from memory as our veterans pass away. My dad was a bomber pilot in WW2 for the US Army Air Corps & I absolutely love your WW2 history vids ! Bravo & thank you 🇺🇸

[@DeimosPC]

It's crazy that a forest that looks so beautiful, was once a place of such brutal horror.

[@PedroPatsf]

Great videos, I learn so much from them. My father was in the 84th Inf. div 335. He was wounded and captured at the battle of the bulge. He was able to escape and finished WWII with a Bronze Star with three OLC. Growing up I always remember him getting the shakes around any 4th of July fireworks.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow. Can't even imagine.

[@ernestpaul2484]

As a veteran of the US Army with 10+ years, I found myself actually smiling and chuckling when he was explaining about the recruitment efforts of the Belgium Army about bringing him back in at the same rank. And him then declining the "offer".

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ernest Paul - Ha! I guess that they didn’t dangle the re-enlistment bonus in front of him.

[@ernestpaul2484]

@@TheHistoryUnderground For some reason I don't think even a bonus would have worked. I believe he had seen and done enough as a kid to know he was done.

[@Philtopy]

I Once met a customer (I sell hearing aids) of ~90 years of age. He had a remarkable story: He was at Leningrad, got shot by a t-34 tank MG when he tried to retreat. 3 shots through his lungs from the back. They fetched him and stitched him up. He was long in hospital. Lost a lung from it. But germany was loosing, so he got levyd back into an army contingent on the Selow heights. he mentioned some of the fighting there and it was really horrible. His eyes faded off in pain. Lost some friends there. He got peppered by a grenade shrapnel. One hit his spine and almost paralysed him. The last frikkin doctor of the unit stitched him up under artillery fire and sent him out. His medical contingent was later captured from the US. He later found a beautiful wife and had 3 sons. One is now a doctor and father in africa. He then was diagnosed with cancer in his head! He had a surgery and they removed part off his skull and replaced it with a metal plate. And this man stood before me and I had the pleasure to tell him that he is hearing better than average for his age. A real experience that was. Standing there jsut with a stick and a big smile on his face. He died some while later.

[@bigbensarrowheadchannel2739]

Who sends an innocent, poor farm boy to man a machine gun? Germany was so damn ruthless. God bless anybody involved in that terrible war. What a tragedy.

[@ascendency228]

This is remarkable! Just discovered your channel and am enjoying the detail and care you put into your videos. My grandfather was a German immigrant who fled and joined the us army. I always wish I could spend some more time listening to his stories, but interactions like this are so inspiring!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! So glad that you are enjoying the channel. Feel free to share it out from time to time if you get a chance.

[@Wankerstew]

Magical moment. Glad you experienced that and shared with us all!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad I could be there to share it with everyone.

[@toddmac2020]

How very fortunate to be able to find him and have a conversation. Thanks for sharing it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty fortuitous.

[@rjwintl]

never underestimate the enemy ... on D-Day , Willy Kretzschmar of the 12th SS Panzer Div. (Hitler Jugend) took out 15 American Sherman tanks with his Mark 4 tank ... most of the Hitler Jugend were not even 20 years old when fighting the Americans and Canadians ... and, they took NO prisoners !!!

[@johnelliott7375]

I'm glad that you have met these men and told their stories.

[@russellmcdonald6033]

Wow living history right there I could listen to old timers talk for ages. Only 14 and in a war I was 23 and wasnt ready I cant even imagine

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Can you imagine any 14 year old that you know grabbing an MG42 and going into combat? Crazy.

[@toddandangelbrowning2920]

You have a priceless piece of history there. Glad the chance encounter happened. I’m an avid WW2 history buff. I’ve watched soo many of these videos but I often wonder how many stories have not been preserved to video. My mothers family were German and came here in the latter part of the 1800’s. My fathers family were English.

[@LuukvdHoogen]

travelling pays off in these kind of ways. thanks for sharing

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, I lucked into this one. Who could've guessed that this encounter would happen?

[@haroldgardner9463]

I lived in LockHaven Pennsylvania where the made Piper cubs! And I know some of the Pipers! My Grandfather worked a Piper aircraft ! Small world! Great video!

[@royda60]

Simply unbelievable. What an experience.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I know, right? Crazy.

[@denniscoleman8802]

My father in law was drafted into the German army in August 1944. Was trained as an MG34 machine gunner(three man team) captured by the British…..many stories. Shared the fear of SS. Left Europe in 1948(married with baby boy)went to Canada,in 1958 went to USA(Wisconsin) I met the family in 1964 married the oldest daughter in 1975 he past in 2018. His birthday was yesterday and My Wife and always remember him with a shot of his favorite Brandy. My Mother and Father in Laws….Emma and Leo are/were the greatest people I’ve ever known.❤️

[@padmalosan23]

I am very fond of WW II history, i almost everyday watch videos in youtube of 2 nd World war and very fanatical about watching world war II movies. It makes me sad immensely when we know that we are losing these people, who once been soldiers of this Great war. I want to go to those places and visit and see what these great men have done serving for their motherland, whatsoever with different perspective and objectives. you "Man" you are lucky as u met suddenly this Gentlement from the German Army who was a child soldier during WWII. I am so glad to see this video and also i am sad that by the time if i get a chance to visit there, i shall not be able to meet such great people. Gr8 work Buddy..

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that I could be there to have captured it and shared it.

[@davecass485]

Thank you for sharing this gentleman's story. All stories are important regardless of which side they were on and really puts the truth to the reality and horrors of this conflict. We generally associate all German soldiers with the Nazis but many we conscripts and were only fighting for the defense of their country, or as in this gentleman's case, as an occupied citizen that had no other choice. The fact the American soldiers that were treating him had the compassion to let him go shows how even the GIs at that time realized that truth. He remembered how he was treated and appeared thankful and was able to go on to live a productive life.

[@Stemolap]

2 years ago, i was on a roadtrip in Croatia and visiting Sveti Jure peak, an older man came to me and pointed to my car licence plate and asked if I'm from "Estland" in German. After confirming this, we started to chat, although my German isn't the best, we still managed to communicate and he told about the time he served in Estonia and fought in the Battle of Tannenberg Line. At he time he was 92 years old and one of my friends grandfather (who is a legend, fought Russians, then was forced to fight Germans and later send to POW camp in Siberia), was 91 and also fought at the Battle of Tannenberg Line in Estonian SS Division. We conversed for a hour maybe, before his tour bus had to leave, one of the best random encounters I've had.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Imagine all of the stories that he must have.

[@alexpage7292]

That was absolutely fascinating, living history right there! Thanks for sharing.

[@sweetcaroline7Ö]

My Austrian grandfather (maternal) was forced into Hitler's army. When I was a child I innocently sketched a swastika on my homework (because we were studying the war) and my native Austrian mother gave me a scolding that I will never forget. It was that day that my eyes were opened to my heritage. 🇦🇹🇺🇸 edit: I was born in California, first generation American.

[@patrickburton4195]

It is honestly a deep shame that that symbol among many others were stolen by the Nazis and twisted and perverted in their meanings to the point that I am not sure if they can or ever will be able to be associated with their original meanings ever again.

[@rongreen4231]

One of the most incredible war stories I've heard. As someone has already stated, so sad that these guys will soon be gone from us.

[@SueProv]

Random thing? No way. Wow. Even that Marcel was there. Amazing interview

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hard to believe that it worked out how it did.

[@tessaleroux7725]

Bless these two men especially Hans. What an amazing story. Bless him. May his soul RIP. Salute and Respect

[@murielvaessen5657]

I apprecIate all the comments given by all the different people who have seen the video ! It was a lucky hazard we met this man !

[@eugenebell3172]

This was a great interview. To be able to have an ex-german soldier tell his story of serving as a 13-14 yr old child is very interesting. The truth of what they had to do or his own government would kill him if he refused. There are many wwll soldiers dying every day. Oh how important it is if they would agree to tell us what really happened instead of the down played story issued by the higher up military of both sides

[@UncouthedChurlishness]

AMAZING! Great interview!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. I was pretty fortunate with this one.

[@pamgoldsberry8643]

I love WW2 history, too. My dad was serving the US in the pacific theater. He was crew member on a plane and had the "barflies" painted on it. Saipan.

[@XHollisWood]

Incredible “14” years old , put in perspective life of our father’s

[@vipergtsmre]

true insanity... it was a much different time wasnt it

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah. Can you imagine a 14 year running around the Ardennes with an MG42? Crazy.

[@XHollisWood]

The History Underground ..... that So Amazingly Crazy. Thank you for your service and adventures. I tip my hat to you including any Soldier fighting for his or hers country. 🇺🇸

[@vipergtsmre]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I've held an mg42... its friggin heavy

[@billd.iniowa2263]

@@TheHistoryUnderground And being an NCO at that.

[@fyrchmyrddin1937]

The chief facility engineer at Ayers Kaserne, Hr. Knabe, was proud to have worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers until his retirement. He had been Hitler Youth and once told me how in the final days of WW2 he had been pressed into service as an air defense artillery solider, recalling how his crew tried to shoot down a British aircraft.