The UNTOLD STORY of Brecourt Manor & The Utah Beach Museum | History Traveler Episode 186

This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburg...
The story of the Easy Company assault on Brecourt Manor is one that is familiar to anyone who is a fan of the book and series Band of Brothers. But few know the full story of what happened there on June 6th. There was a family who was living there who were deeply affected by the events of that day. In this episode, we're diving into the story of how a tragedy at Brecourt developed into a story of grace and forgiveness that gives much more depth to what happened there on D-Day.
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Other episodes that you might enjoy:
BAND OF BROTHERS: On the Ground at BRECOURT MANOR!!! | History Traveler Episode 185: • BAND OF BROTHERS: On t...
The Guns of EASY COMPANY!!! (Band of Brothers) | American Artifact Episode 1: • The Guns of EASY COMPA...
The African American Soldiers of D-Day | History Traveler Episode 184 ( • The African American S... )
Was General PATTON Influenced By THIS Book??? | American Artifact Episode 4: • Was General PATTON Inf...
The Private Collection of Major Dick Winters (EP 151): • The Private Collection...
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[@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!

[@4thamendment237]

@The History Underground -- All of your videos are excellent. Your personal reactions and impressions give additional richness to the vicarious experience of being along on your various tours.

[@chadkeller2144]

Love your content and your deep respect for the men and women who sacrificed so much for our freedom. I also appreciate you digging deeper and providing another perspective of what happened there. Keep up the awesome work!

[@benlincoln7358]

Did you notice that Teddy Jr is now buried next to his brother Quentin who was killed in WW1 as a pilot? Very special they were able to bury the brothers together.

[@henryibekwe1073]

Quick question. Does your camera have automatic image stabilization ?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@henryibekwe1073 yes

[@sebastieneude8199]

As a Frenchman from Normandy, I am blown away by the dimension you are giving to your channel. There is NO other channel that goes so deep into the aftermaths of ww2 here. This goes far beyond the business as usual on YT. You are working for the education of all. My proposal for a stay in Rouen remains intact.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you! That means a lot to me.

[@MBremer]

'The power of grace and forgiveness', something we all need to learn and remember in our lives. Great episode.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Absolutely. Thanks.

[@gforceeatingcorrect]

AMAZING....Thank You 🙏🏻🌎🇺🇸💝

[@jonhoggard691]

Very moving. The impact on civilian populations, ordinary families like this caught in horrific situations, must have been immense. Great that you're telling their story as part of this awesome series.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Glad that I was able to share it.

[@TBNTX]

I agree with Jon.

[@Kortxero]

There is one important detail told by Charles which was not translated by the lady at 4:05: both Germans next to the door were shirtless and willing to surrender. Thanks a lot for yet another educational video, JD. The ordeal of civilians throughout Europe is often overlooked in videos about WW2.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. Thank you.

[@WedgesVideoChannel]

@Olivier, do we know why the two Germans were standing next to the door? Where had they come from? How long had they been there? And I'm still a bit confused as to how Michele ended up being shot by accident? Who were the American's aiming at? Thanks for any additional insight? Jeff

[@anthonydm2947]

Absolutely touching. The ability to not only forgive by Michel and his family, but to honor the history that took place in front of their eyes. Not only brings history alive but also the human spirit.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty amazing story.

[@keeftaylor834]

Sir, your channel is one of the best on youtube: beautiful photography, great editing and expertly narrated with history content. I always look forward to your updates.

[@jimcronin2043]

Nice job on this video! I especially appreciate your giving the son of the Brecourt civilian casualty the time to tell his complete story and have it translated. It makes it a more personal and poignant connection.

[@grimmace9081]

Dick Winter's told this story in an interview with his congressman, that interview is on YT also...thank you for getting the story " first hand", another outstanding video. thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I went back and watched that and didn’t see him recounting this particular story. Was it maybe in another interview?

[@grimmace9081]

@@TheHistoryUnderground it is possible it was another interview he did...I do know that the interview I watched that was done by his congressman was in several different parts...cant remember how many video's in all that made up that whole interview...I will try to find the exact video I saw of Dick winters mentioning this story, he also mentioned that he had met the family on several occasions, and that the particular soldier who shot the father in the back felt terrible...don't think he mentioned the soldier by name though...i'll do my best to refind that interview and let you know.

[@grimmace9081]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I think I was wrong when I stated it was in the interviews done by his congressman Rep.John Payne. i've rewatched them and did not hear the story being told in them...I do know it is mentioned in a book I have titled "Biggest Brother, The life of Major Dick Winters, by Larry Alexander on page 18. I will keep looking for the interview I referred to seeing where he tells the story. my apology for not remembering correctly where I heard it, it was a couple of years ago I saw the video

[@monitor1862]

@@grimmace9081 I thought I heard Major Winters telling this story in an interview myself. But I do know I've heard/read this story somewhere.

[@jolenehendrickson8915]

My dad was at Normandy! Very proud of my dad

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@peacemaker-du4hz]

to your brave and honorable father ,thank you for your service sir

[@darkoflight4938]

War is hell. Started by politicians and ended by people like you and me. We tend to sort of glorify it in movies and such and always forget how the ordinary civilians and citizens suffered amongst all the bravery, cruelty, fighting, killing and... madness. Suffering is real, hurt too. Nothing glorious about that. An eye opening video, as always. Keep up the good work, sir!!!!

[@benjaminrush4443]

Great that the family is gracious enough to share their story with you. Sadly, a lot of Civilians got hurt during the Liberation. Nice Museum. Thanks for sharing the whole story. Humble Family. Amen.

[@stephenvince9994]

What an outstanding man is the proprietor of the museum. Restores ones faith in humanity. Wishing him a long and happy life.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Absolutely.

[@PeteV80]

I had the chance to visit Brecourt on the 70th anniversary. Incredible to stand there. You're truly lucky (not unearned) to have such access. Great videos.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. I was glad that Charles set aside some time for us and allowed us to share the experience.

[@rustymacneil3227]

This is a bucket list of mine to visit Normandy, I'll be 70 yrs next year. This is my goal. Thank you, this far surpasses The History Channel .

[@GuyPipili]

That was just incredible especially when you have the human element from a civilian perspective. That museum built in and around a German bunker really hits home of what occurred Utah Beach and the manor. Thank you JD for an insight from a different perspective.

[@jetsons101]

What a great way to spend a lunch break..... The story behind the main story is just as important. The B-26 was also referred to a race car of the skies, it was design for speed from the start. Really wished American public schools would teach American History like this. Thanks for all you do for the Greatest Generation.....

[@timothyogden9761]

I agree with Jon Hoggard. This is moving. This families strength and forgiveness should give us all hope.

[@oconnellsfarm811]

Amazing story thanks Utah beach museum is amazing place to visit I was there 6 years ago it's a must for any history lover

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@richelias2973]

Excellent presentation

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@davidwillis4839]

Very cool to hear this story presented by a family member. Also, Dick Winters remained close to this family and visited them several times. Thanks for showing the museum.

[@TheZotya70]

Thank you so much! I was crying all of way down! Deffenetly will visit the museum! I was crying 😢 and a same time I was amazed! Please continue 🙏!

[@hooper4581]

Another splendid video JD. As always it’s a pleasure to watch pal thanks for taking us along

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@dennisunglesbee1391]

Outstanding story of the impact of war on people other than combatants. You have a way of using these stories of other civilians in other wars to enlighten us of the suffering on the home front. Loved the message you ended with, of grace and forgiveness. Really loving this series.

[@cyndiebill6631]

We all need to learn from this. Forgiving and Grace are two words that are often lost these days. Again another beautiful video. ♥️👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@philcockerill2802]

Another amazing eye opening video thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that.

[@jefferyfowler7860]

Looking forward to learning more J.D. 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@1psychofan]

I can’t wait to see the Holdy Battery episode….cool!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@ImJustKaren_]

Well said JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@lucky_one2]

Fantastic!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@mamab4211]

Wow!! 😔 I can’t even imagine. The museum however, very cool!! Thank you so much for taking us along !! 🥰

[@shelleymflorida]

I love that they took a structure (bunker) born of anger and hate and turned it into something born of understanding, forgiveness and love (museum). Thanks for another great story!❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@muddyfox4x4]

Brilliant as usual 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@gregbuscemi5558]

JD YOU DO AN EXCELLENT JOB GOING IN DEPTH LIKE YOU DO I HAVE BEEN WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS SINCE THE GETTYSBURG SERIES AND I HAVE LEARNED ALOT THANK YOU

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@trondarvidhov9379]

I’ll say it again: This is definitely the best channel on KZbin! The videos you make are really good! Really interesting and moving to see the interview with the landlord of Brecourt Manor. Thanks for the effort you put into sharing history. People like you, are the reason that it’s still history, and not forgotten!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I could name several channels that I think are way better, but thank you. Those words mean a lot.

[@allengrant]

@@TheHistoryUnderground : Personally, I can't think of a single channel that even comes close to yours. You've got a unique and wonderful way of presenting our history with, not only facts, but a genuine respect and reverence that is due these great men of history... whether they be military personnel, or as in this case, civilians who joined the fight, and whose personal stories need to be shared and remembered as well. Nicely Done, JD.

[@JDDupuy]

Wow! This episode blew me away to learn of the family, their events and what the Father did after the War. We would of never learned of this if it had not been for you. The interpreter, spot on, excellent job. The Museum the Father founded, absolutely amazing. Thank you to the son for such a gracious opportunity for us to finally learn from. JD (I'm also a JD) your ability to tell and document these events have been nothing less then exceptional. I was truly moved and enjoyed this video! Thank You. Grace and Forgiveness!

[@jeffvinson4875]

Awesome work as always JD! What a blessing to do something you enjoy doing and at the same time fulfilling a great service to us all by teaching history in a way that causes us to ponder and think it through. Well done my friend!

[@Hawker900XP]

As usual, great story.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@pajooo123]

Im so exited to watch this

[@keithrayeski3147]

WOW!! If I wasn’t already a subscriber, you couldn’t hold me back from subscribing after this episode! I am a 4th Infantry Division veteran so that was great for me but more importantly, I am a Christian so the Bible story and the wonderful lesson you brought into this episode, made it one of the greatest things I’ve ever watched on KZbin! I pray God blesses you and your channel more abundantly than you could ever envision.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that! Thank you. And yes, I liked that story with the Bible.

[@kennethnew3075]

Very powerful story of forgiveness. And to go on and honor those men that fought, is most amazing. Thanks for rounding out this moment in history. This is why your channel is a cut above the rest.

[@CAHelmer]

Please thank the family for sharing not only the property, but their stories. While the outcome of the invasion was overwhelmingly positive the tragedies like this often get overlooked or only stay within families and are not shared. If the story is not shared they are lost. By sharing this deeply personal story they honor their grandfathers memory and give us an insight into and more of the history of Brecourt Manor and the events civilians encountered during the invasion.

[@augustreigns9716]

this is the only history presentation that has ever made me cry. (.........well done...) grace, forgiveness

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Appreciate that.

[@oregonoutback7779]

Amazing. You do such a great job of "finding the story".

[@theresagura74]

That was excellent. Thank you for such a great story. Remember, grace and forgiveness.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@graemeatkinson2138]

Outstanding report JD. The fact the Brecourt Manor family leader had the presence of mind to start the Utah beach museum demonstrated the vision and recognizing the moment in history as an important one.

[@vawterb]

Thank you for this video. It was, indeed, very moving.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@tonyk1584]

Nice New Year's gift to us. Thanks

[@-.Steven]

Excellent! Simply excellent!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you :)

[@bcnewsome]

Great video maybe best one yet. Thanks for sharing the back story. An amazing family. Grace overcomes everything.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Thank you. Glad it connected on some level.

[@TheCelticgirl62]

We can't thank you enough for your tremendous work on this channel. We ❤ history and will be traveling to Normandy next spring. Your videos have been instrumental in our trip preparation. Your channel has to be one of the top history channels on KZbin. Keep up the fantastic work on preserving history for future generations.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@mathieuraymond2196]

Man oh man, other history channels great vidéos, History Traveler : " hold my beer" 😅😅

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! I don't know about that. There's a lot of good stuff out there, but thanks.

[@1psychofan]

That Goliath machine is cool!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I thought so too. Pretty amazing.

[@cnickle100]

This was a powerful video with a great story!

[@tennesse_courier]

Amen, brother amen this is a truly amazing story of war, forgiveness. A lesson for all of us ..

[@joninx]

Awesome video. Thank you so much!

[@oldtanker4860]

Great story and one that is not well known. The citation and story of Lt Butts is also remarkable for his actions.

[@normahird9059]

JD..... Still another fantastic vlog. As I have said before you have made all of your viewers experience the experience as if we are right there during the battle. You put Ken Burns to shame!! Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. To be fair, Ken Burns is way better 🙂

[@user-j4200]

Thank you for the history lessons. We should never forget what these HERO'S went through for us and for the world.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much to learn in these places. Thanks!

[@markwebster6568]

As a veteran myself Feb 89- Dec 92 to think of the sacrifice that was made there at Normandy beach. ALot of blood, sweat and alot of tears by my past brothers that made the ULTIMATE sacrifice for us so we can be free. And to the family that was living there at the time, I salute all of these REAL men. I love the history of the Normandy invasion and it really humbles me to think of what went on there. My dad was part of the 101 Abn during Vietnam and I'm so proud of all these men who gave EVERYTHING so we can be free. I have had a tear in my eyes for all of what went down on that beach and for the men who gave EVERYTHING on that beach. That time period was the greatest generation and they don't make people like that anymore. I raise a toast to all the men of that generation and say..... Thank you for your sacrifice for all of us!!!! Salute 🇫🇷🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Those guys were something else, for sure. Thanks.

[@robertforrest7956]

Most Excellent!!! Facts straight from the families involved. May time and History Never Forget!! Thank You.... 🕯️🕯️🕯️

[@frankmarullo228]

JD. I don't know what to say other then you are a very lucky man,, more then you know. THANK you very much Frank from montana...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I do feel fortunate to be able to share some of these stories. Thank you.

[@thomasbullock6416]

This is one of the best episodes great job 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Wreckdiver59]

Very Interesting story. One you probably wouldn't get anywhere else. It sounded like he said he got some help with the museum from Eric to make it what it is today. Definitely adding this to my list of places to visit. Thanks JD 👍

[@bradbalderson8172]

This is probably my favorite episode so far on your Normandy trip JD, truly amazed at what Michel did to honor those who fought and through grace remained steadfast in keeping the memories alive with the museum.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. And yes, he must have been quite the man.

[@beardedanglertv]

Thank you for another great episode! After watching this series I started looking up how my country contributed in the Operation Overlord. I was truly amazed by the info I stumbled upon. Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴

[@justinweaver8787]

May god bless an have mercy on all soldiers souls!! Hope ur havin a good week.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@christinmarshall7267]

Just knowing folks like this seen so much and can still move forward with grace compassion and forgiveness is amazing

[@follkiej]

I love how you present history. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure!

[@JimJoeKnoxTenn]

Super powerful on so many levels -- thanks so much for this very informative, moving, and inspirational installment of your Normandy series. And the excellent translater allowed the Manor family's story to be told in a smooth and easily comprehended narrative. Top notch!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I was grateful that they took the time to share with us all.

[@carlchurch2687]

Great episode, and great closing thought. Thank you for producing these very educational videos

[@MikeyVerhulst]

Thanks for sharing man! What a story! Keep it up

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Specter502]

@18:13 I have that same LIFE magazine! My grandma kept all of them from that time period and I'm so grateful that she did. Another amazing video through and through. Thanks again for all you do! 🙏

[@janicepounds9934]

A poignant story that I am so happy you found. Amazing grace under the circumstances, I don't know if I could have done what this wonderful family did without anger or dislike. Thank you for another great episode.

[@DDGVET4]

It is amazing how they have preserved that area and it has remained almost unchanged for 78 years. Here in the U.S. we've built shopping malls on vacant land and abandoned them in less than 1/3 rd that amount of time leaving behind nothing but decay. There in France you can literally walk back in time. In America you can't even imagine it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yes, it is nice to be in areas that have been well preserved.

[@curtisg.8671]

Absolutely priceless JD. The history from the minds that still lived it. Unreal journalism of this property. You are on next level of being a bachelor to society brother. God Bless!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Appreciate that. Thank you.

[@jbellos1]

You have a true calling. Excellent episode and thanks for sharing!

[@gordonvpeach2589]

Salute JD..Thanks for telling this story.

[@Calif5150]

All these episodes give me chills and tears when I can picture, the noise, and what those on D-day went thru

[@windellstephens9359]

What a great testament to the honor and integrity of this man! Thank you for educating us on not only the American heroes but also our allies.

[@joshualacross9969]

Your videos are amazing they truly transport you back in time as if you were there its hard to imagine what it was like then but you make it a bit easier to understand what these men women and families went through

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@MarkfromtheStates]

JD. My God what a touching story. Thank you so much for directing me to this. Not sure how I missed it but I'm so glad you took the time to respond. Thank you again for showing these amazing and heart moving stories.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@aslooijer]

Humbling story. I guess I missed that museum when I was in Normandy. Guess I need to go again one day😀. On to the next place JD.

[@GlennFam]

Touching video, Keep up the excellent work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@SandervkHistory]

What a story! There needs to be a book on this story... i would 100% buy that!

[@machtschnell7452]

Great interview and your. Thank you for your time and diligence to bring this to us who will not ever visit.

[@aslooijer]

Humbling story. Missed that museum when I was there. Guess I need to go again one day…. 😀. On to the next place jd?

[@lthom5158]

Grace and forgiveness…the Bible that stopped the bullet, it had the power to save his life and his soul, the de Vallavieille family, and the stunning museum all make this an excellent video! Can’t wait for the next episode!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh, we've got a lot more coming :)

[@michaelmccotter4293]

What a lovely man. Lovely family. Lovely legacy, born of an epic tragedy. History that deserves to be remembered. Needs to be shared. Thank you!

[@neenmach]

Beautiful! Thank you, and hopefully we will get there one day. My heart breaks for all these people and thank you to the family for doing this. And yes, let’s not forget about our past, it made our future. We should always learn.

[@icetre7436]

Profound and touching. I know of no one who could tell this story any better. As always, well done!

[@stephenrrose]

Grace and Forgiveness! Amen!!! JD, God has blessed us with you, and the way you bring History back to life! Very emotional story, and you told it like no other can! Great filming, editing, music, I know, I say that a lot with my comments to you, but it's true! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do, and teaching this 61 year old new things, or old things that are new to me now...............

[@alitlweird]

I envy this fella! He’s living his best life with this channel!! God bless him! 💪🇺🇸 Also, I love that the bunker is now a museum. It’s like, “Thanks, Rommel! Nice building you left us. It’s going to make a GREAT MUSEUM!”

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Decent point. Thanks.

[@boydyates9454]

So I just found you guys but this is so well done. Thank you. This is better than the majority of stuff that comes on TV. Wonderful job! Much appreciated!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow, thank you! I really do appreciate that. Feel free to share with a few others if you think that they might get something out of it too :)

[@jasonlander9572]

Another amazing video, JD. You have a very unique way of teaching and featuring that gets the point across without at all making the video about you. Simply the very best at what you do. Thank you!

[@offworldatom8850]

Simply amazing

[@jetdocj1441]

Thx for sharing this. I was at this museum the day after christmas having read online that it would be open. no such luck. Bummed that I didnt get to see it. But I enjoyed your tour!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh dang. Glad that I could share a bit through the video. Thanks!

[@stevelinscome728]

Wow! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

No, thank you for watching.

[@johnwhyte4931]

I am Canadian, with no direct ties to World War 2 other than my complete reverence and respect for the brave souls who put themselves in harm's way to rid the world of tyranny. I grew up as a child in the 60s when World War 2 was still fresh enough in the collective psyche to be part of the social milieu, and I became a student of World War 2 history at that time and have continued today. I am writing here to express my profound appreciation for the respect your channel pays to those who lived through the terror of war and the sacrifices made. I thank you for the approach you have taken in recounting what transpired and the lives affected. The power of grace and forgiveness. Very well said. This is a great KZbin channel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. I’ve got a few videos on this channel that focus on the Canadians on D-Day. Love their stories.

[@edthered1971]

Wow, 👏👏👏👍I am lost for words, what another humbling and brillant episode from You and all concerned, keep up the superb work. I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment and I can’t wait 😀👏👍

[@philmathenia2265]

Another awesome video. Thanks for sharing this unknown history and museum at Normandy. Its really neat how you get this personal information and share it. Thank You JD work and effort you have put in on your videos For a year I have been watching your videos I went back and watched all your video and you always put 100 percent in your videos. Thank you again.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. I try. Appreciate the kind words.