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

[@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.

[@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]

🙏🏼

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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]

🙂

[@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!

[@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]

🙂

[@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?

[@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]

👍🏻

[@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

[@AnyaLexi]

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!

[@HiddenHistoryYT]

So jealous! Fantastic video/production as always

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks so much!

[@tnwhiskey68]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@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.

[@tubapower94]

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

[@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.

[@daldoc76]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I appreciate that!

[@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]

🙂

[@paulshanahan135]

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

[@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.🇺🇸🙏

[@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.

[@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.

[@chrisnolin7103]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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]

👊🏻

[@vega1824]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@Smoshy16]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@MrSebfrench76]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@markgorhk]

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

[@BenitaGrattan]

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

[@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!!!!!!

[@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!

[@jimcronin2043]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@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.

[@OTDMilitaryHistory]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@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]

🙏🏼

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!🇺🇸🇨🇵

[@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!

[@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]

👊🏻

[@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.

[@emilysaxton1247]

The Band of Brothers series is really awesome. Me and my dad are watching it now. I am a history guru and nut. Lots of love JD. Keep on doing what your doing

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@tedbeaver2394]

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

[@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🫡.

[@ianlast6722]

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

[@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. 🙏

[@fordguy3032]

JD and Eric, you guys are the best at keeping history alive! Its unbelievable that the same family still lives there and has not repaired the damage from the battle. If this happened in the US there would be no trace it ever happened!

[@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.

[@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!

[@dannyb9140]

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

[@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..

[@Tjumi]

This is honestly the best history channel on youtube in my opinion. Love the effort put into the videos and the in depth story telling. Thank you for putting these videos out for all of us to see.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@Dylantuning1995]

My favorite video on this channel so far! The history that place has seen and the memories still kept there are amazing. The blood stains are a special thing to keep but just adds to the place. The way you present things is just amazing. Stood there at Brecourt at the 101st memorial and Maj. Winters memorial down the road last year June 4th in the storming rain thinking about these great men. Thank you and Erik yet again for an amazing history lesson.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that we could share it. Thanks for watching.

[@therampanthamster]

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

[@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]

👊🏻

[@robinburke2036]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@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]

🙏🏼

[@MrOmgwtflmfao]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@andycraddock7677]

Although it’s #1 on my list of European locations to visit- really the entire Normandy region (and ESPECIALLY Brècourt Manor and Omaha Beach), the realities of life may not allow. That’s why these historical videos by you JD (and team) are so incredible, so visually interesting to watch. The next best thing to actually being there. So, TY JD for this amazing presentation. And let us all not forget and give thanks to ALL the veterans of the Allied Nations who fought to free Europe from NAZI tyranny. E Company, 506th PIR might arguably be the most famous Company/regiment fighting on D-Day (for obvious reasons), but of course they were but one Company, among thousands of Companies, comprising so many regiments and divisions, which landed on French soil that historic day. IMO all who served honorably should be remembered and appreciated. What Easy did at BC is one of the most incredible stories of close-quarter combat during WWII I have ever read about. And now, thanks to you, getting a walking tour through history. I don’t know about others, but, when I watched this video I kept thinking to myself, did Lt. Winters step there? Did Lt. Spears of Dog Company run there? Did Easy confront Wehrmacht troops with the deadly MG-42 there, etc.? Fascinating. And I think we should also remember that, to the best of my knowledge, all combat actions by the various Companies of the 506th were their first actual combat, June 6, 1944. That Easy performed so incredibly well is a testament to their training and leadership. Finally, a suggestion and a wish for a future video JD. If the bridge and underpass where part of Easy, together with some 82nd Division Paratroopers encountered and destroyed a horse-drawn Wehrmacht squad in the opening hours of D-Day - if that bridge location is known and still exists (even if it was rebuilt. I don’t know), I think it would make for a great video as part of your travels in the Normandy Region. I would respectfully suggest that the video be dedicated to the memory of Sgt. Wm. Guarnere. TY again. Best wishes.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Check the video right before this one. We went to that spot. Thanks for the kind words!

[@all.day.day-dreamer]

fastest 15 mins ever. Love this channel so much and good news, it was once again automatically recommended to me as where this hasn't been recommenced to me for many weeks.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Good deal! Hopefully, we're getting back on track here.

[@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!

[@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.

[@SoCal780]

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

[@judygrandstrand9784]

What a beautiful gesture to gift the Utah Beach Museum.

[@gordongordon4434]

I would love to read the whole document you gave at the end of this presentation. I have grown more interested in the history of WWII and the others after it than I did at a younger age. I have learned and tried to pass along the fact that history should be one of the main subjects taught in public and private schools starting at an early age so as not to forget what we came from throughout hard times and comfortable ones. Our forefathers didn't sit back and just let things happen that gave us the freedom we share today, but they fought hard during the times of their lives giving all they could on our land and the foreign lands in the different parts of the world that would and will become a threat to our ways of life. I admire you and the people like you who still spread the knowledge which will be forgotten if the information is pushed aside for another time and forgotten forever. That is what those who want to take over our country want us to do. We MUST learn from other's mistakes and the hard times they had in making it better for the future generations to come.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

You can read the whole document in the book Hang Tough. www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com/gettysburg-battle/gettysburg-story-dvd-books/hang-tough-the-wwii-letters-and-artifacts-of-major-dick-winters-hardcover-book-2/

[@willdouglas77]

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

[@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.

[@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]

🙂

[@michaelhiggins7072]

Dude this is so cool! So happy to see this channel taking off! Been a fan for a few years

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@stephenrrose]

Wow! Just Wow! When you and Erik team up it’s another over the top video!!! Touching, humbling!!! Thank you both for keeping History Alive!! Well done JD!!!

[@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 .

[@keithmitchell6918]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@keithmitchell6918]

@@TheHistoryUnderground 🤜

[@thenikonjones]

Excellent work as always JD. I get these pulses of excitement every time I see you have a new video! You and Erik are such a great team and the level of access you are afforded is second to none!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad to share the experiences. Thank you.

[@jrranch9712]

Once again, a wonderful video and information. Thank yall.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Our pleasure!

[@markdraskovics1962]

HEY,.. JD Hope Everything Is Going good and also Hope everything Is Getting Back to How It was before the incident in Greece I really Appreciate and Enjoy what your Doing I so much enjoy the History Of WW2 your channel helps me Get through my bad Days of Depressionso Thank you keep vlogging Take Care and Stay safe

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@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!!

[@johnnymaclq]

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

[@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

[@joshuabrande2417]

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

[@thinghammer]

That's one of the best properties I've ever seen! Thank you to all involved who brought this to us. Remarkable stuff.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@saj8937]

Getting to see the behind-the-scenes look at history. This is why this is such a great channel.

[@historyinyourhand1787]

Wow - what a great video 👏

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@JoeGill888]

Love your content! I went to Normandy with my dad last year. Just incredible memories and life changing experience!

[@kevbullock8313]

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

[@douggoss4855]

Thanks for the updated video Erik and JD. We were there in 2017 on BOB tour , but only had a brief time to tour the site and visit with Charles. Thanks for adding the additional information.

[@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.

[@kswalker75]

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

[@fixfalcon2628]

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

[@SueProv]

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

[@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!

[@Demon_Outlaw]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@bugdrvr1971]

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

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@ronaldwarren5220]

Amazing. I am currently watching the HBO series of Band of Brothers on DVD again. I know that there were other units that performed just as well in WWII. The 101st was one of the great ones. When, as a draftee, I got to Vietnam I had to wait for a few days for assignment in Oct 68. We would form up and they would announce the unit's name and then call out individuals. The majority of the guys were assigned to the 101st even though they were not airborne qualified. I was worried that they would get me as this unit was known to be in the thick of the fight. Luckily I went to another, easier location. This was fine with me as my wife was expecting our first child. God blessed me.

[@MikeBohrer]

Very gracious gesture.

[@richardyoder3646]

Another outstanding video

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dnldcow]

Thank you JD and Erick for presenting this video giving The Diary to the Utah beach museum is the right place for it, I did wonder what happened to the machine gun nest , just can't imagine being in the manor with the bullets flying thank the family for showing the inside of the manor .I'm ready for your next adventure.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@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!