D-Day: The FIRST Man on the Ground in Normandy | History Traveler Episode 178

[@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 www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!

[@thetruthhurts7675]

Maybe you should (that is if you haven't done it already) do a piece on "MAD Fighting Jack Churchill." He fought throughout the Normandy campaign, and all the way to Germany with a bow, arrows, a Scottish Longsword, and he carried and played Bagpipes. He died in 1996.

[@narcanninja]

As a young teenager living in the middle Georgia area when I was in 8th grade, I got to have the opportunity of speaking with and exchanging letters and phone calls with a Normandy veteran from Toccoa, Georgia. We quickly became friends and I made plans to go and meet him. Unfortunately, he passed away before I got the chance to meet him, however, I had no idea that this man was the first American officer to land in Normandy, Lt. Reed Pelfrey. He was larger than life, and a joy to learn from and listen to. And it wasn’t until I watched your video that I realized who he actually was, so thanks JD!

[@JulezWinnfield]

As a former 82nd Airborne paratrooper, I'm always drawn to any mention of soldiers jumping out of perfectly good aircraft with a parachute strapped on their back. Back around 2002 after Band of Brothers came out, I was at my local post office and saw an older man wearing a 101st "Screaming Eagle" baseball cap. I approached him and after we exchanged the obligatory 82nd vs 101st trash talking (we can do it, but you "legs" better not think about it...lol), we talked for awhile. Turned out he was in Baker Company, 2/506 and made the Normandy and Holland jumps as well as fighting at Bastogne. He and his wife had gone back to Normandy in 1994 for the 50th D-Day anniversary and he was able to find an old farmhouse which was his unit's rally point on D-Day. I'm sure he's long since passed by now but men like him are why I'm proud to have "stood in the door". Airborne All the Way!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! That is amazing.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

"We're not lost private. We;re in Normandy." Love that line!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@jetsons101]

Always love a story about the "Greatest Generation'" My Uncle, now passed, went the Europe on the Queen Mary and was part of D-Day. After the war he came home again on the Queen Mary and went back to his small town in Maine. It must have been very horrific as he told me he gave away all his guns and never hunted again. He was a Great Man. Thanks for this video

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for sharing that. Those guys were a different breed.

[@timothyogden9761]

My dad was a WWII Marine and the friends he made afterwards were other veterans of that war who were all family men that loved this country. Greatest Generation for sure.

[@stephensmithies6552]

Hey Man... I've have just visited Normandy.... You have made such a difference to my experience, what a humble guy you are... God bless you... @@TheHistoryUnderground

[@stephensmithies6552]

My grandpop was captured off Italy .... just watching episode 183 ... awesome!

[@goldgeologist5320]

You bring tears to my eyes because it made me think of my father and what he went through. He landed on the first wave of D-day. He rarely talked about it until I became a combat vet and even then he the conversations were far and few. But he told be he crawled up the beach pushing a dead GI in front of him like a shield feeling the bullets impacting that man’s body but acting as a shield to keep him alive until he could get cover and engage. Miss you dad.

[@jasonarcher7268]

I was in the 82nd, the 2/504 to be specific. Thanks for making this video. Those old timers had some giant brass balls. For "all American week" the ww2 vets would come visit and tell their tales. I always loved hearing their stories.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh man. That would really have been something else.

[@dougellis4092]

Airborne! 1/504 Red Devil here!

[@jasonarcher7268]

@@dougellis4092 Strike Hold brother.

[@dougellis4092]

@@jasonarcher7268 strike hold! Was a Red Devil from 08-13! You still over at fayettenam?

[@jasonarcher7268]

@@dougellis4092 I was a White Devil from 03-08. I was stoplossed for 18 months, for my third deployment. By the time I ETSed, I was itching to get the fuck away from division. I've been back a couple times over the years though. I took my 13yr old boy to the airborne/SF museum in fayettenam last year, and he loved it. I'm getting the feeling from him that he wants to be a paratrooper, so I might be visiting a few more times in the future.

[@luskimo1]

really enjoying this series...my dad was in the 1st wave at Omaha Beach on D Day..thank God he survived it all

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Those guys were something else.

[@roadlizardcu8664]

Your telling the story of the first man to land on that fateful day nearly taking out a cow reminded me of one of the stories that my wife's father shared. They were working their way through the country side and had stopped for a short period and Elton was on night watch. He woke up everyone when he opened fire thinking the enemy was working their way through some small saplings and it was only the swaying of a small tree in the breeze. From that point until he was injured just before the battle of the bulge he was known as Eagle Eye. He was a teenager and understandably jumpy, thrown into war. Thank you for sharing the "Human Factor" of the war, these were boys and girls yes girls in the resistance dealing with so many emotions, fighting and dying for us. Thank you to all of you whom have served.

[@printolive5512]

Similar story.....my father was with the Americal Division on Guadalcanal in late 1942 . The island i was a coconut plantation, but the locals also raised cattle. Dark, raining nights with daily bombardments, and night time visits offshore from the Japanese navy and nightly banzai attacks, spooked all the North Dakota boys of the 164th Regiment so one night they cut lose and fired at shadows and it turned out they had shot up a herd of cattle. The official report was they shot "slow elk" !

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! My grandpa had a similar story. He was on watch one night and blew up a small cedar tree.

[@keithrayeski3147]

This was an exciting episode for me. The Lt., on the picture board next to Lillyman, Reed Pelfrey, was a most memorable man. I had the honor many years ago, of accompanying Lt. Pelfrey, in Toccoa, Ga., where he lived. I was there as part of a reenactment unit that had acquired some items recovered from the crash site of the plane carrying Lt. Meehan on d-day and we were presenting those items to the museum on the day of the dedication of the new building containing the stable that housed troopers of Easy Company. Programs had been set up at the schools and again, I had the honor of being picked up by Lt. Pelfrey, driving to the school with him, spending a good part of the day with him and, having those memories still with me today. He took me out to the former camp site and talked about the training and his memories of the most crucial period of his life. Then, there was very, very little remarkable about the camp remaining. It’s changed a great deal since then and, Reed has gone on to his final jump with his brothers in heaven. I can still hear his voice today. That was in 2005, and he was still driving. He was very humble and though he spoke of his experiences, he did not do so in a braggart manner, but as matter of fact…as if telling a story. I had the privilege of meeting and speaking with many, Jake McNiece was the most animated an colorful!!😁 but it was his wife Martha was the more alluring!! She was just sweet! What great men we had! Thank you for sharing this site…it felt that much more appreciative of Reed and what a truly great man he was.

[@philliplum3845]

As a brit.. Thank you so much for keeping the history alive, and in such a interesting way too

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. Got a lot of good British stories that we’ll be hitting in this series. Feel free to share them out!

[@jonmulack4226]

I love the history and stories told by History Underground. No disrespect to any one, but I had to chuckle when he mentioned that Mr. Lillyman "Knocked on the door, waited for an answer". The begining of the end of WW2 is just starting, and he had to wait for the door to be answered. One of so many moments that are just incredible.

[@Mike12522]

I, and many others, can never thank you enough for your WW2 history. Though your stories are accurate, thank you, Allied troops were actually on the Normandy beaches prior to D day. These tiny groups were landed on moonless nights, in total darkness, on every beach, to collect sand or soil samples, and memoriize beach and water and gun defenses, to be drawn out later. The beach samples were later analysed by experts in Britain. This had to be done to prevent a tank, jeep, or any other heavy vehicle landing disaster as occured at Dunkirk. On every beach, including Omaha, a few safe paths were found and marked. They operated sometimes within a few hundred feet of patrolling soldiers and guard dogs. The bravery of those few troops is beyond your and my imagination. They all made it back to their tiny blacked out inflatable crafts, or maybe other small boats, or maybe a submarine, safely. This operation was so secret that it has not, at least until recently, been reported on the Internet.

[@bluejeans8001]

So many owe so much to these brave and courageous warriors. 🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

100%

[@Chiller01]

Pathfinders really had to be some of the most courageous men in Normandy at the time.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

100%

[@cheetahlip]

One slight correction, some of the most courageous men in history ❤

[@jared1870]

J.D. was not injured in the filming of this video. Thank you for this very inspiring story to start my day. I appreciate the work that you do.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Yes, managed to make it through this one intact.

[@markkirkby5377]

Another great vid JD …. visited Normandy in 2015 …. Best experience I had in my Life . If there is in this world ,what is called hallow ground it is Normandy. Thank you JD for bringing D day back for all to discover and marvel at the courage and commitment that our forefathers displayed in this incredible feat of arms . From a big Australian Fan of your channel

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I appreciate that. Hope to get over to your part of the world one day.

[@harryfaber]

The plaque on the pedestal of the statue of the Virgin Mary holding her son, Our Lord, reminds us to remember 'Our Lady' for her protection, given to many on 6th June 1944.

[@kathyevans3251]

Thank you for sharing it. Their efforts are still remembered and appreciated today

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@HarryBrehh]

I am from England and I grew up next to the airfield Frank and his men took off from. After compiling lots of information and speaking to relatives of them men, as well as the locals, I have almost finished a book of the men’s stories. All proceeds will be donated to a charity

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That’s awesome!

[@1968fordman]

I love learning about WW2. My Grandfather was in the 328 Infantry and made it home safely. He passed in 1971, 4 years before I was born. I do have the Nazi youth dagger he sent home. He's the main reason I'm fascinated with WW2.....Thank you, greatest generation!

[@anthonydm2947]

After watching your previous video with Eric and now this one, it really gives you a visual of the events. Again, thank you for keeping the importance and heroism of the greatest generation alive…

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that!

[@jdon4447]

Doing what these men did is mind blowing , doing it with 1940 technology is even more impressive. These men really were the greatest generation... watching this makes me proud of what my grandparents were part of . Now if we could repay their sacrifice with peace what they did would not be for nothing.

[@bradmiller3367]

Once again, I simply must thank you for this channel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@MaxPulse1]

As an Aussie, I had never heard of Frank Lillyman. By Googling whether he survived the war, I came across an amazing story of Frank at the Pennsylvania Hotel in New York with his "dream week" I teared up when I read what happened. We need heroes like him today. Lest we forget!

[@1paulgood]

Your videos are so cool... I just want to let you know that my mom and dad were children living in France during WW2. My mom was living in occupied France in a little town called Bonny Sur Loire. All the bridges over the Loire River near my mom were bombed by the allied forces just hours before D-Day. My mom remembers collecting radar chaff in the fields behind her house. My dad was basically an orphan during the war... his dad was taken prisoner by the Germans early in the war and his mom was too sick to take care of the children; she died in 1945. My dad was moved from German occupied France to the Pyrenees mountains during the war because his mom’s Meriden name might be confused as Jewish. About 15 years after the war, my parents immigrated to the United States. My dad worked on the Apollo program since the early sixties and helped put man on the moon. My dad turns 90 next April.

[@stevehise6207]

Franck Lillyman, had never heard of this hero before. Thanks for informing me of his great contribution to the war effort. Great video with lots of information I hadn't known.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! So glad that you enjoyed it. Got a lot more to come!

[@timothyogden9761]

I'm 61 years old and I see males at the ages of 18, 19 and 20 as boys. So much to learn. But, for these "boys", bravery would not be one of them. All Freedom loving people should be thanking them everyday. Another great video Teach!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hard to imagine. Those guys were something else.

[@lthom5158]

Those were amazing men that God put in the right time and place! Thanks for another great video!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@BryonLetterman]

You're walking where heroes walked and died for freedom. I love WW2 history

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@ColdWarFilms1947]

Another incredible story about D-Day! Thanks JD and Eric for bringing this history to all of us...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@mamab4211]

Thank you for taking us along 🥰

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@BHBU11]

Hey JD, I live in south west France now. Every time I see one of your videos, I put it down on my list of places to go. Last time I was in Normandy, we could stay at Manoir de Juganville, so we had to stay at Domaine Airborne. Next time we are in Normandy, I’m going to visit all these places in your new series. Hopefully one day we will cross paths in France and I can learn some history with you. God bless you and thank you so much for the passion you have for WW2 history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! I really do appreciate that. Hope that our paths cross at some point.

[@1psychofan]

I am binge watching your WW2 stuff in honor of the 78th anniversary of DDay

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@oregonoutback7779]

JD, you are a true bloodhound at sniffing out these amazing stories. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Thanks. Glad that I could share it.

[@philipcollins5440]

You and your friends are so much help to help us understand what went on that faithful day. Thanks 👍

[@michaelstirling3782]

The first men to land on d-day were the glider troops at Pegasus bridge led by major John Howard, this is a fact and is indisputable, it was NOT the pathfinders.Apart from that great video as usual.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

You’ll need to take that up with author Alex Kershaw then 😉. Honestly, a lot of what happened in Normandy is up for debate. The more that I learn, the more I see of how foggy things are. Like I said in the video, what matters most is what they accomplished.

[@andycraddock7677]

If I’m correct and it’s the same Paratrooper, there is that very famous, oft-shown documentary footage (taken or filmed by himself by what was the equivalent of a Go-Pro 80 odd years ago) of Lt. Lillyman doing a jump somewhere (cigar clamped tightly in teeth, of course.) The footage shows him squinting at the moment of or just after exit from his aircraft followed by a happy grin when his canopy deploys (I’d be happy too!) But I had no idea what a pivotal, crucial role he played in the opening hours of D-Day, and many thanks for discussing he and his fellow Pathfinders. All Heroes. BTW, although not in the Normandy Region, I hope your travels (an easy train trip away or a beautiful drive) will allow you to visit the ruins of the French village of Oradour-sur-Glane, and pay respects and tributes to the people of the village who were massacred by Waffen-SS. That visit would deserve a video all its own. Thank you again for today’s fascinating presentation.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That place is quite high on my list of places to visit.

[@dukeofoven]

Having watched a good number of your films I Just want to express an appreciative word about about your style of presentation sir. It's respectful, highly informative, concise and clear, totally lacking any trace of triumphalism or jingoism and concentrates on telling the extraordinary stories of exceptional people. The standards of filming, editing and use of soundtracks are also highly professional. Please keep them coming, there are a few producers in the mainstream broadcasting industry who cover similar territory and subject matter who would do well to watch and learn. Many thanks from an English admirer.

[@kateclark7250]

Thanks JD and Erik for this history lesson. An amazing story.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@fredv7487]

Funny story. Old man crossing French border was hassled by French border officer. FB - ask him if he had ever been to France and why he did not have his passport ready for him. Old man- yes I have and there wasn't any of you SOB around to check my paperwork then. He was referring to landing at the beach on D-Day. My dad landed on Normandy beach +7, he's 96 now. Great videos FYI they zigzag from my father's recall.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Maybe shoot me an email. I’d like to learn a bit more about him.

[@fredv7487]

@@TheHistoryUnderground love to if I knew how.

[@1psychofan]

Oh wow J. D. That was AWESOME 👏 I love that Eric is with you! Great episode

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! We had a lot of fun on this one.

[@1psychofan]

@@TheHistoryUnderground it looks like it! Very interesting! Was looking for a memoir by Lillyman, can’t find one…did he write a memoir do you know?

[@saltyassassin]

Our Greatest Generation indeed! They blazed the way for us Airborne Rangers to walk in their footsteps. Those old timers had huge brass balls!! They walked into a buzzsaw and still prevailed!! RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!

[@talbertsmom7667]

JD, Back in 1997 I was at work, I had gotten in an hour early because I dropped my son off at kindergarten and had nothing to do. There standing at the door was an elderly man waiting patiently shifting from foot to foot. It was 8am and we weren't supposed to let customers in until 9am at opening but something about this man pulled at my inner being. I asked him what did he need and he said he just needed his classed adjusted. I had to beg him repeatedly to come on in and he kept saying he would wait, it was okay to wait. Finally I led him by the hand up to the desk and had him sit. He said he did not mind waiting because he couldn't sleep. I then started talking to him about making ideal adjustments and then he started to talk. He told me that he had made it inland with scatterings of other men, they had scavenged extra equipment from those who didn't make it off the beach. He had said he was 19 that day, 4 days after his birthday. He went on talking and I was never going to interrupt him, even opened the store 30 minutes late. He started out that he could not sleep because of the screaming. That he and the other men had gone into a village and there were no people around. They went to a church and someone heard something in the basement and they slowly made their way down. He told me that the German's had these women and children in front of them, that there were many soldiers and they had to make the instant decision on taking the fire thrower to all of them to stop the Germans. He said he never went a minute without hearing the screams of those women and children, that he had not had a decent sleep since he was 19 years and 4 days old. I had already been a proud American but this man taught me that there was more to just being a proud American. I then made a point to always thank a Veteran for my freedom, not for their service because they have given me so much more than that. They are bigger heroes to me than that. I took great pride taking my son to civil war re-enactments when we lived in North Carolina, I took him to some in South Carolina but the one in Saltville Virginia struck him at his heart when he was 8 years old. That day I had gotten him to the grounds at 9 or 10 so he could wander the camps and talk to the actors, who always had bits of history and family stories. All day I would just move my chair to the next set of tents. For the actual re-enactment they got him a uniform lol that was too big for him and had him be water boy, going from downed actor to actor with bottled water in a side sack and a bucket he would ladle water on them as they laid in the sun... in wool original uniforms. He held that as a very high honor. After that he went back to the camp and enjoyed eating camp fire meals with the actors still gleaming history. A couple of years later we moved to Missouri and he won the heart of his history teacher when he told of many of the battles and skirmishes along the East Coast. Proudly telling her why Charlotte, NC was know as a wasp nest by Cromwell and how ALL of them in the hills and farms fought for freedom from the North and for what they thought was their rights as landowners. She was so impressed on the reason the battle of Saltville was so important to the South and how he knew about the first and second battles so well. I wish I had gone with him to hear all of those stories first hand that day because I know that is what made him want to stand for his Country, which he couldn't fight for it because of several issues so he learned what he could. He went to Boys State here in Missouri, He was Senator and ran for Governor, he also proudly stood in the Color Guard. My son made me very proud, he made the Vets proud and he made many former participants of Boys State proud when in session he gave a 22 minute speech when 2 of the boys wanted God stricken from the Boys State Oath, I was so proud when 4 attorneys from around the state made points of calling me at home to tell me how proud they were that my son had been raised in his Constitution and standing for Freedom. It makes me think on things deeper being I lost him in 2020 in an accident at 26 of what my son could have done for the common man and their freedom. I find it questioning that he passed the weekend before the riots started, I wonder often what he would have done because I know he would not have stood by quietly. This is why now I take a taller stand for my Freedom and Country, holding my Veterans in the highest of regard. It really scares me that people do not realize we are the last FREE country in the world and I don't want to forget that just like I never want to turn my back on the fact that God sent His son to die for my sins.. in no other country is so much lost on so many who have not been taught our real history and our real meanings for having our freedom. Thank You JD and Eric, you mean more to me that you can imagine. Keep up the great work!

[@johnh383]

Many free countries in the world.

[@talbertsmom7667]

@@johnh383 Not as free as we are! We have to fight and keep it this way

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you for sharing about the veteran and your son. I appreciate that.

[@ReeseMacalma]

Sorry for your loss.

[@johnh383]

@@talbertsmom7667 Most western European countries have the same as here. The whole "freedom" rant is hype.

[@scottdesart275]

That was great. What incredibly brave men.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Absolutely. Thanks!

[@scottdesart275]

@@TheHistoryUnderground just a friendly reminder, we are the forgotten branch.

[@MjrCarnyx]

Again a fantastic episode, I love to watch them very much. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them! Appreciate that.

[@robertmoyer175]

What a pleasant surprise, returned from church (1st Sunday of Advent) and your video was ready for viewing. Another unknown story for me.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@tommmarree3689]

BEST channel on KZbin, BAR NONE !!! FANTASTIC JOB JD..............

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow. Thank you. That means a lot.

[@tonydavis6903]

Thankfully there were men standing ready in a time when evil had to be confronted. They were good men who did the required task so that evil did not flourish in that day. We need to take a lesson from them. Rest in peace men of courage.

[@bvyup2112]

I cant imagine the first guy was alive to tell the tale. There was too much time in that type of battlefield to survive I'd imagine.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

No, he survived the war. Pretty amazing story.

[@teeguy100]

Thanks for a great presentation. That first early morning action on 6/6/44 is one of the most interesting stories of WWII.

[@GClooney17]

Thank you my friend. I really enjoy watching your channel more and more. Did some research sad to say Frank Lillyman passed away at a young age of 55 in 1971. Looking forward seeing more of your great work…

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that and thanks for the extra info.

[@Kapgunzz]

These need to be longer

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I'll take that as a compliment :) I try to keep them a bit on the short side so that teachers can use them in the classroom. Thanks for watching!

[@Kapgunzz]

@@TheHistoryUnderground it definitely is a complement. Especially since I want to visit Normandy soon and try to use these videos as a travel guide lol

[@timcairns30]

For anyone wondering, Franck Lillyman retired as a LTC in 1968 and died of a stroke in 1971 at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks !!

[@normahird9059]

JD.... What could be better. Sunday morning starting off with a great history vlog and later NFL football. Your vlogs are so informative. The vlog of the x-ray of Hitler's skull really put to rest all of the theories of the Argentina u boat theories. Thank you for all of your hard work and effort. Best from Vegas

[@alexmclean760]

He made it to Argentina don't be part of the cover up 😜😜

[@BryonLetterman]

Which video was that? And if lots of Nazi officers made it to Argentina, which did really happen, why couldn't the Fuhrer himself?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I like how you roll. Thanks!

[@Hangtough1944]

Buddy your channel is one my main sources of Inspiration. Thank You. And keep going

[@michaeldouglas1243]

Great story J.D. I love the statistical type videos where u show the exact spots of events. Really brings history all together. U teaming up with Eric is a perfect combo. Can't wait til next episode.

[@charlottereed8060]

JD, I really enjoy watching your videos!! You make things so clear and interesting. Your enthusiasm is so contagious. Thank You so much!!! You are a great teacher!! 👍🏻

[@dave3156]

Amazing story. Thanks for putting this together!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that.

[@alexmclean760]

Great job as always JD you and Sabaton education is better then any history teacher I've ever meet

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Thanks!

[@alexmclean760]

@@TheHistoryUnderground well it's true if ur not into metal style at least check out some of sabaton history

[@KowboyUSA]

Have always wanted to visit Normandy. You fellas are living the dream.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@grahamtravers4522]

I used to live next door to a quiet old chap called Peter Mutimer, who spent much of his time in his garden, and kept it immaculately. We would pass the time of day when we happened to pass, but he kept pretty much to himself. At the time of one of the D-Day anniversaries, I happened to be passing, and mentioned the celebrations. " Yes", he said, "I was there." It turned out that he was a Royal Navy diver, and was on the beaches before any landings started, disarming mines and explosive devices which could have endangered shipping. "I saw some awful sights that day", he remembered. When he died, a few years later, there was an obituary in the local newspaper. He had a string of medals to his name. I don't know about actual timings of his involvement, but people like him may well have set foot in Normandy before anyone else - certainly before the landings proper began.

[@cliffright1142]

Another great story JD. Thank you so much for your work.

[@dawndickson2156]

Can you imagine that poor priest. It is amazing he did not just pass out! Beautiful location. I’m thankful it was just a cow and not a bull! An encounter with a startled bull could have changed his course!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha!

[@dawnberthold3894]

Thank you JD, I so enjoy your channel. You bring history to life. Thank you for bringing out the truth in history. God bless you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That means a lot. Thank you.

[@johnblessing2642]

Loving this new series. Normandy is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! It’s quite the place.

[@jefferyfowler7860]

Very interesting JD. I always learn something new. We love your channel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@BurnettVice]

Where the legend of Harrison Summers began

[@sheldor5312]

I had the honor of serving in that regiment. I served, many years later, in the 3D BN the unit led during D Day by LTC Cole. Quite a storied unit. “STRIKE AND KILL!”

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸👊🏻

[@punkinpunker]

Normandy is a truly beautiful place. Love your content, you have a very nice way about you. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you so much!

[@alexhyams2091]

So much respect for you for doing this series! It’s something that I have always wanted to do! You are doing those heroes proud. Keep it up, keep them coming and hang tough👍🏻 🦅

[@Spitnchicklets]

Love your videos, great way to start my Sunday. Thank you guys.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Thanks.

[@markdraskovics1962]

Hey, JD Hope your well Yeah those Pathfinder soldiers where one hell of a bunch brave of guys got to give the 502th a 👍 for there gallantry and devotion to our country OK take care stay safe God bless and will see you on the next awesome adventure

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🇺🇸

[@virginiasoskin9082]

Love the anecdote how the Americans woke the priest and the one who could speak French said, "you have just been liberated!" I bet the priest could have fallen over with surprise!" These are the kinds of stories you have that make history just come alive. I am surprised at all the signage relating to the invasion in these villages. When we were in St. Petersburg (Leningrad during WW2) we were told that there were signs on the southern side of Nevsky Prospekt (the main drag extending down the city from the Hermitage) that said, "Comrade, stay on this side of the street because the bombs usually crash into the buildings on the other side of the street." And on the northern side, "Comrade, cross the street to avoid bombs!". The south side was more protected by the existing buildings because the Nazis were firing on SP from the south....

[@jonathanchalk2507]

Great story and one which I hadn't heard before. More please.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Got a lot more on this channel and a lot more on the way.

[@davidwillis4839]

Greatly enjoying your Normandy series. Another potential location and story to tell is the church in Angoville au Plain. Interesting tale about two US medics. Post visit, I learned that COL Sink had his HQ in a nearby building for a bit. First discovered you on the Bedford Boys FB group. Love your work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I think that there’s an episode coming up in this series that you might like 😉

[@PaulSpencerImages2012]

A great place to visit and a lovely monument to the two medics who looked after the men including German prisoners in the area, Col Sink was indeed based there in the farmhouse opposite the church.

[@ferrari2k]

Wow, never knew about this, extremely interested, thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that I could share the story and experience. Feel free to share it with others 🙂

[@stevearita3267]

Wow! This was SO interesting to watch and learn about. I didn't realize there were pathfinders, although learning about them now, it obviously makes sense! Thank you very much for this very interesting video and showing us the places where the liberation of Europe FIRST STARTED!

[@Carolbearce]

I love all the history I learn from this time. Thank you for sharing these videos. I can just imagine that this is an awesome visit to this area.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! It’s quite the place.

[@livinlifeadventures6711]

Enjoying this series a lot. Thanks for what you do. 🙂

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!!!

[@jeffthomson1777]

Great work on these videos loving them

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@Peterleverton]

I’m loving these videos, Great work!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!!!

[@robertmorey4104]

So cool to see the parachutes at museum and where they came from. Fantastic!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed!

[@oconnellsfarm811]

Normandy is my favorite place as a history lover few years back I visited Normandy I could spent a year there amazing place sets your mind in a different place I found

[@pauldouglas3084]

I love going to Normandy and love the history of it

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It’s an amazing place.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Outstanding as always

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@Eupher6]

Excellent presentation about a relatively unknown facet of the operation. Thank you for your efforts! Really enjoy the channel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad to share the experience and learn a bit more myself. Lots more to come!

[@G503-e8p]

Nice one! Normandy is a special place. Please do more on the US WWII Paratroopers - can't do too much. Let's hope Dale Dye eventually completes his movie with Hanks "No Better Place to Die".

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh, there’s a lot of airborne stuff coming. A lot. And yes, hopefully Dye is able to get his project off the ground.

[@G503-e8p]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Great, looking forward to it! Until then let's hope Masters of the Air will be as good as billed. Have you ever read Don Burgett's four books? Incredible if you have not. WWII 506th Able Co., and his first book "Currahee" was published in 1967 and was one of the only WWII books Ike ever endorsed before his death. Ambrose wrote the forward as well, and his series was basically the first pass at a Band of Brothers storyline only following Able Co. Ambrose basically took the concept and re-created following Easy. Really straight forward good reading.

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for telling the story!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@andyt9296]

Another great video. I love hearing about things in Normandy and D-day

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!!!

[@thenoworriesnomad]

Was this the first American or Allied soldier to set foot on French soil on Day?, because the first glider of the British 6th Airborne Division landed at about 00.16am at Pegasus Bridge...But like you said its what they all did and not who was first...God Bless Them All... Another fantastic video

[@kurtbaker4078]

Very cool. And the adventure continues. Thanks JD Stay well- Kurt

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@steveshipkie1624]

Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@jamesholt7612]

I'm loving your videos my friend. I'm a bit of a history nerd.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! So glad that you are enjoying them.

[@stephenrrose]

JD, Thank you for the educational video! Thank you for teaching me new things! Please keep up the great work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@michaelbruce6190]

I can't even imagine dropping into a country/town in the middle of the night all alone that's occupied by a whole bunch of the enemy and then running around that town and country all alone in the middle of the night waiting for all my buddies to show up......these men had courage that was beyond comprehension.....as did every other Allied soldier that landed in Europe on that day.

[@richardcurrin7812]

My uncle was a 82nd 505th Pathfinder and was in one of the photos used in this video He was James Currin and was KIA at the bridge at St Mere Eglise on D Day

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow!

[@wrangler70jkujeep74]

Now that great history lesson on ground .

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@jondoe399]

Always great! Thank you both.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@jeremybarnes7867]

I just wanted to say man you a good teacher I learned a lot from you in the past years not many teach like you do hands on check this out very interesting. Thank you for doing so hope you keep on going I have never been outside USA or gettysburg will definitely put it on my bucket list