US Army 2nd Armored Division | Hell on Wheels | 1942-1945 | Documentary

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[@Arafingol]

My Dad was with 2nd Armored in North Africa, Sicily, and Europe. He remained friends for life with many of those he served with. Reading his memoirs I am always amazed that he survived the situations he was in, ... and extremely grateful. Thank you to all who ever served with 2nd Armored.

[@codyjoewhite2563]

My Dad T-Sgt Jack M. White drove his M-26 Pacific tank retriever "BETTE JANE" from Omaha Beach to finally camp just outside of Berlin! During the 2nd Armored Divisions Red Army's exclusive invitation inside the destroyed city. After being the first American unit into Berlin he stayed in camp resting when President Truman arrived he was sound asleep. 😴 🛌 Thanks for this videos 2nd AD Hell On Wheels brief bio and reading all of the COMMENTS were a history lessen revealed that deserves a🏅from each contributor. Our brave 2nd AD troops and their historic actions seldom get time on the AHC and the thousand of WWII documentaries. But here was an exception Thank God. May he also Bless Everyone who served battling any cruel dictators whimsical destruction of men, women and children! Best, CJW

[@debiwilliams9298]

My dad, Col. Frank K Britton, was a battalion commander for the 2nd Armoured Division Hell on Wheels in Europe WWII.

[@falcocremers7402]

@@debiwilliams9298Hello, my name is Falco Cremers from Stein (The Netherlands). On September 15th 2024 our fanfare band will give a Remembrance Concert in memory of 80 years of liberation of our village. On September 18, 1944, Stein was liberated by the 2nd Armored Divison Hell on Wheels. I am looking for possibly living veterans or surviving relatives who can tell something about that operation. Is there anyone who can help me on my way? That would be fantastic. Even after 80 years, we continue to commemorate with gratitude. Thanks!

[@TheM4Sherman]

I notice something. From 13:08 to 13:23 it showed the 3rd Armored division M26 tanks firing a panther. That duel was a famous duel named the "Cologne Tank duel". Clarence smoyer the Gunner of the T26e3 fried 3 rounds into a German Panther and the rounds of the panther cooked off setting the panther on fire for 3 whole days.

[@jackbarnhill9354]

I commanded D Co. 17th Engineer Battalion, 2d Armored Division from 1984-1986 in Garlestedt Germany. “We Pave the Way”. Great unit.

[@connorparrish8120]

Did you know Harry Parrish?

[@klbrady123]

My Dad was there. His tank was named Tina. He became one of 5th highest ranking officers in the Army / Commanding Sergeant Major General Hell on Wheels Second Armored Division!!!

[@clintholloway7109]

I was in the last of the Hell on wheels division from 89 to 92. We went to desert storm as part of the VII corps that took out Saddams greatest fighters, We were absorbed into the 1st cav division and disbanded befoere mwe got back stateside. I was sad to be leaving and proud to be part of such an esteemed, brave and hystorical division.

[@JMark-zk5pj]

The last was December 1995. C 1/67.

[@clintholloway7109]

@Frank Masuzzo Thank you for your service. I'm in coburg also...Oregon

[@sayhey7482]

66th armored reg, my pop 42 thru 46, moved on in 07 his stories would curl my hair and swell my chest

[@scottmmm5275]

My dad was a tank driver from 1942 to 1945. He’s 97 years old. Love that guy!

[@nmelkhunter1]

Hooah

[@irhusker6569]

I'm sure your father saw a great deal during his time.

[@dancesario9132]

My grandfather Joseph DeMichele was a tank driver with the 66th AR. 1941-45 7 battle streamers.

[@scottmmm5275]

@@dancesario9132 My dad has since passed from my original post. He also was in the 66th Armored Regiment. Dad trained at the Desert Training Facility, went to North Africa, saw combat in Sicily, France, Holland and Belgium. He was wounded at the battle of the bulge, and then went to England and retrained as a paratrooper medic, and was shipped to the Philippines for the 11th Airborne.

[@dancesario9132]

​@@scottmmm5275 My other grandfather served with the 188th GIR 11th AB. 1943-45

[@C8Z51Scott]

My Grandfather was in the 2nd Armor division. Richard Ratkoski was his name. He had a Silver Battle star and other medals. Have most of them.

[@hungrymon7887]

a silver star is a major award for valor in battle

[@paulmedvetz3735]

I am still wearing my 2nd Armored Division Hell on Wheels patch, I belong to American Legion Post 616 Sheppton,Pa. And we have services at four cemeterys every Memorial Day including Louis Bova's grave who is emtombed at the site of the Sheppton Mine disaster.

[@jamescouillard7352]

My grandfather was with you guys. He told us the story how they won the maneuvers in the state's They said Patton cheated by going around the state. Lol

[@EdwardWDion]

My father fought with the 2nd Armor from North Africa to Germany including the Bulge 7 Campaigns and 42 months overseas. I enlisted and served as a tanker in Vietnam following in my father's footsteps.

[@bobbrooks80]

My father fought along side with yours. 39 to 51

[@jennifersessentialtruth2091]

And my grandfather fought along side with your father from 1942-45. Africa to Germany! AND...a good friend's father was in the "Hell on Wheels" division in Vietnam! Were you in th same division?

[@carolshoup6758]

My dad was there at the same time

[@carolshoup6758]

My Dad was in the 2nd Armored and I can remember him talking about North Africa, Sicily, Normndy and Italy. I am proud to be a daughter of a Hell on Wheels. He was wounded, scars on his right forearm , shoulder, and neck. Hated Patton.

[@cun009]

2nd armored never went to Italy

[@jennifersessentialtruth2091]

LOL! My grandfather said that Patton had a foul mouth - he was not a fan of the cursing! I have my grandfather's letters from the time when he was in all of the places you mentioned (or at least when he was able to write about them!)...Crazy what these men sacrificed for the greater good!

[@jennifersessentialtruth2091]

I really loved this. My grandfather was in the "Hell on Wheels" 2nd Armored Division from 1942 until 1945. He and my grandmother "courted" via mail all of that time (having met at church in Columbus, GA...when he was at Ft. Benning, I believe). We have EVERY letter that he wrote to her for those long years of separation. It's truly amazing - and I have no doubt these men were of the greatest generation. Thank you for this! Hi name was Fred King... in case anyone out there has info to share!

[@rachelcochran5092]

My great uncle was in the 66th Regiment , 2nd Armored Division from Fort Benning . He died Oct 1944 when they were in Germany .

[@gryphonshire]

Thank you so much for posting these most informative videos. They show a History we might not know about otherwise.

[@Goddessofvets16]

My Dad was in the 2nd Armored Div under Patton in the bulge 1942 to 45. Africa Sicily England France Belgium Holland Omaha Beach Berlin etc. Amazing man. Known as "the old man" in his unit. Received the Bronze Star. Still miss him terribly. Passed at 93 in 2007.

[@moeteasirgaming2793]

My great Grandad served in the Second Armored Division

[@gerrybennett7705]

Ft Hood 1958&59 basic training with the 2AD. Rotated to Germany with the 4AD

[@farmalldanzil]

Ft Hood 1972/73 2nd 67th. Rotated to Germany with 1st 16th Inf. Big Red One

[@hicx8734]

My grandfather was in the 2nd armored in Korea as a tank commander

[@TheIsagregorio]

My dad drove tank. He was in the basic training platoon after Elvis Presley and got his bunk during basic training. That's his claim to fame.

[@irhusker6569]

I'll bet he's told those great stories a few times!

[@richardgriffin4407]

My dad was a Sgt in 2nd hell on wheels name was Franklin griffi

[@STEVEN-gl9cg]

Second generation of military here, my father was in Hell on Wheels from Africa to the invasion and to the end! I followed in his foot steps and did 5 combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan but it still doesn't measure up to what they did. This country's population just doesn't care anymore. LET SOMEONE ELSE VOLUNTEER! God help us! I will be buried with my father when I die! Hopefully when someone passes our headstone they will take the extra step as we did to go and defend this nation!! Wars are hell they are fought most of time by people who real could have done something else in their life but there was something in side them that made them chose this path. I have seen a lot of people killed and I fight with my demons every day as my father did but I would never change what I did to protect this country. God protect this nation!

[@cun009]

My father was 2nd Armored from North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Belgium and Germany. Silver Star recipient in Sicily. Didn't know that until applying for VA aid. I went USMC for 8 years. 5 deployments during the 21st century is astounding! With a father who fought in WWII! I enlisted after high school and was out by 1992 after Desert Storm. Can't imagine being physically capable of doing 5 combat tours in my 40's. Hat's off.

[@jennifersessentialtruth2091]

Love this! I bet that your father and my grandfather knew each other! God bless you both for your service to this great country!

[@carolshoup6758]

My father was there along with them in the 2nd Armor and boy did he hate Patton!

[@WASRGP]

My Dad was in the 2nd in '83 stationed over in Germany. Fun fact: The Division and I share birthdays 7/15 😬 Salute to all whom served in the "Hell On Wheels" Div.!🖤👊🏼🤘🏼🇺🇸

[@dankmazzi2376]

2nd AD 76 Germany recon...

[@kursed34]

My grandpa was in the 2nd Armored. His tank was hit near Saint Lo France

[@vidalsepulveda5081]

I was on the 2/41 in 1986. It's takes a special kind of man to be a soldier. GOD Bless America.

[@johnmetcalfe2482]

My dad, TSgt Dick Metcalfe, was a tank driver in 2nd Armor Div in Germany from 1944-1945, passed away in 1998.

[@TheM4Sherman]

I have a question. May I know where you find this archive. I need to use it for a video. Thanks. Also 2 armored are the first few division what comes in mind.

[@danabogue1804]

I wish this documentary included an Order of Battle.

[@gagecorbett1674]

I love these videos

[@lucillegreen4779]

My father Sergeant Billy Parker was with the set the 2nd and the 3rd Armored Division at Fort Knox Kentucky he took the second over and then he came back and got the third on the division then he fought in Korea and then my father and he would have fought in Vietnam but Mama died

[@lucillegreen4779]

And when he passed away beard at the Georgia National Cemetery in Washington DC he died in 2010

[@jduff59]

Those GI's shown in Sicily (at 5:09) were driving their Jeeps with the windshield down - they learned soon enough not to do that. Late war Jeeps had a piece of angle iron welded onto the front - my Pop told me the Italians strung wires between the houses on those narrow streets - just at the right height to decapitate a GI who had their windshield down. A bad way to go....

[@MrMenefrego1]

So did the Germans.

[@jamescouillard7352]

My grandfather was in the 2nd. Under Patton.

[@thomasdillon7761]

Patton was a southern boy. You may be bigger but he believed that the way to winning was grab grab 'em by the belt buckle and don't quit whipping on them until they hit the ground.

[@allgood6760]

Incredible stuff.. a bit of history there.. thanks from NZ 👍🇳🇿.

[@xrel7298]

My great great uncle served as a 2nd armored division in Korea, he died at 98 years old and was doing 150 pushups every morning up until a week before his death, and he sadly passed away from covid in 2020.

[@davidpresley7022]

Great video! My Grandfather Jesse Presley was in the 2nd Armored 41st Infantry

[@gr1mthegamer420]

My grandfather was in this division, he served over , 40 years in the military, experienced Vietnam, his name was Arthur Ruben Brady, miss that guy so much lol.

[@agrimensor6406]

2nd Armored Division.... second to none....

[@shannonautrey7872]

My grandfather was there in the 2nd. Walter lyon

[@noahbutler1310]

My dad served in hell on wheels in gulf war tho i think its still really cool idm wut division though

[@qianjinqian5461]

please please please give us 1080p HD archives!

[@rutabagasteu]

One of my uncles was in Patton's Third Army.

[@mikeowens3283]

My father was the 2nd armored division, HELL ON WHEELS, greatest generation to ever live on this earth. With all the liberals today and their action against America they should be ashamed, this generation gave all for all nation. The NFL AND anyone that shows disrespect for the flag, anthem and america needs to see this and they still believe the way they do, then get the hell out . I am so proud of my father George H. Owens one great American

[@paulmedvetz3735]

You got that right Mike Owens, I also was in the 2nd Armored Division 50th Infantry Ft. Hood, Texas 1964-1966

[@paulmedvetz3735]

@Truth seeker That is what my crest says play the game.

[@ijusthatestupidity9074]

I was 2/5 ADA, 2ND AD at Ft. Hood, 79-81. The 2nd AD was deactivated several years ago. No longer in existence. Dad, had great history.

[@jennifersessentialtruth2091]

My grandfather's letters home say OVER AND OVER again how the US is the greatest country on earth. He never felt more blessed than after all he saw in Africa, Sicily, England, and Europe. And not just because of war...but because of the sad conditions people were living in on GOOD days. (no running water, no sewer systems, ...etc). He was VERY proud of this country and never felt the urge to leave it again after his return!

[@markjamison9677]

I was in the 3/63 third infantry 63rd armored then the 2/67 second armored .

[@amptapes]

Was great watching this. My great grandfatherand my namesake was in this division during WWII

[@KPearce57]

2nd AD 1972-1981

[@oldreliable40]

when I left alaska 80's I was sent to ft.hood I was supposed to go to 2nd a.d. but I ended up in 13 th spt cmd!!!! god bless the 2nd a.d.!!!!

[@vanpearsall]

I served with 2/67 armor and 3/66 armor at Fort Hood, Texas 81 to 85 the second armored division water tower Could be seen from everywhere

[@barriepayne904]

You missed all the tunisia battles.

[@tjd4600]

nice old videos u got

[@lewiswilliamson1073]

my great uncle Doc Williamson served in that unit ,ww2 ,Korea , Vietnam . retired as master Seargent

[@GIJO]

Anyone else see the guy doin drills lol his feet at around the 1:38

[@falcocremers7402]

Hello everyone, my name is Falco Cremers from Stein (The Netherlands). On September 15th 2024 our fanfare band will give a Remembrance Concert in memory of 80 years of liberation of our village. On September 18, 1944, Stein was liberated by the 2nd Armored Divison Hell on Wheels. I am looking for possibly living veterans or surviving relatives who can tell something about that operation. Is there anyone who can help me on my way? That would be fantastic. Even after 80 years, we continue to commemorate with gratitude. Thanks!

[@TheKaylyn9]

My father also fought with the 2nd. 2nd lieutenant John Snodgrass. Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart

[@texasredneck9226]

I had 10 family membets that served. Dad with 4 brothers Moms 4 brothers Then my Father in Law All made it home...Uncle Willy was 82sd Airborne. Dad and Father n Law Navy Uncle Frank USMC Uncle Jerry and brother Smokey Army Air Corps Uncle John Seabees The rest regular Army.

[@chaso4937]

I'm sorry to have to say this, because this division IS FAMOUS for its combat record in WW2, but the narration of this film is PURE PROPAGANDA!!! 1) he makes it sound like they just "strolled " across the top of North Africa without ever seeing the Africa Corp. 2) did he mention any beatings Herman Goring Divison inflicted on them in Sicily?? 3) they showed 1 light tank with a Cullen Heathrow Chopper breaking through a Headgerow WITHOUT BEING FIRED UPON; no mention of how many tanks they lost before they got the "Choppers" ?? 4) didn't say anything about running out of gas so Monty could overrun the V-1 launchers?? 5) only showed German tanks knocked out; DIDN'T THEY LOSE ANY?? 6) Did they list the total number of casualties in KIA, Wounded, and tanks and other vehicles lost?? SORRY TO RAIN ON THEIR PARADE; CAN'T BLAME THE ONE SIDED NARRATION FOR PAINTING SUCH A ROSE COLORED PICTURE OF SOME OF THE BRAVEST MEN IN WW2!!!

[@jennifersessentialtruth2091]

Oh it's propaganda....but that is the way of war. It's also true...the division DID all of the amazing things listed...but it was a hard, sad, scary road for sure

[@charlesfiscus4235]

On 11 September 1944 around 18:15 B troop 85th Cav recon squadron, 5th AD crossed the Rhine river into Wallendorf , Germany.

[@chriswilsie8276]

My grandfather was colonel Calvin s. Hannum.

[@jsullivan9238]

I flew UH-1s at Hood in the 80s. Proud outfit. Sad to see it's gone. 2AD!

[@lucillegreen4779]

Sergeant Billy Parker 92 this yea

[@sayhey7482]

rode a tank ,had a inlisted rank ,stopped the blitzkrig cold ,made nazies ass stank, ud been pleased to meet him

[@shane2026]

my dad was in this division in Vietnam

[@jennifersessentialtruth2091]

My friend's father was too - Charles (Chuck) Schmeal.

[@FairladyS130]

This is not a documentary, it's a puff piece. EG there is no mention of the hiding this div got on the Roer plain where between 20 Nov and 28 Dec 44 636 Sherman tanks were lost.

[@JMark-zk5pj]

They didn't have 636 shermans.

[@FairladyS130]

@@JMark-zk5pj Official records say they lost 636, fact > opinion.

[@JMark-zk5pj]

@@FairladyS130 They didn't, but thanks for playing.

[@2paulcoyle]

Accurate # Meh. It happens. Rain, wet fields, restricted to roads, loss of mobility took away Shermans tactics. Never the less 2nd, Ninth Army prevailed. Ease of manufacturing, shipping, reliability let Detroit Shermans overwhelm near by made, low numbers, unreliable German tanks, as they had done since Atlantic Algeria.

[@FairladyS130]

@@2paulcoyleThe Sherman had the poorest mobility in adverse weather compared to all competing tanks including the T-34. No excuse for poor design which ultimately cost US lives.

[@lucillegreen4779]

My father was stationed in career don't forget the 3rd Armored Division in Korea

[@fastfreddy3103]

If I recall correctly: North Africa 1942, first action against the Afrika Corps. Tanks in a big V formation in middle of valley. Germans at other end….CHARGE! Just like The Washita. 🇺🇸

[@markgarin6355]

2nd AD at Hood with his Son wasn't bad.

[@rein1705]

I was in E-co 2nd BN 2003-2010

[@isaachernandez7349]

Fury anyone?

[@gameboygamer6498]

They had Pershing's is WW2? I thought they were used in Korea.

[@peterson7082]

The US used 20 T26/M26 Pershings during the war. Most were the T26 or T26E3 (not 100% sure what's the difference, think it's the transmission). However, the pilot T26E1, with the T15E2 90mm high velocity gun did see service. the 3rd Armored modified this with two extra 38.1mm thick boiler plates on the front, the front section of the Panther's hull on the mantlet, and then more boiler plates fitted to the cheek of the Panther plate. It was predesignated the T26E1-E4 'Super Pershing'.

[@printolive5512]

Last four months of WW II about 60 were used.

[@lucillegreen4779]

Don't get the 3rd Armored Division in the Gulf War his grandson picked up the Gulf War Charles Charles Hazard he wore the same sing patches his grandfather

[@connorparrish8120]

My grandpa was apart of the division

[@jennifersessentialtruth2091]

Mine too!

[@connorparrish8120]

@@jennifersessentialtruth2091 cool

[@connorparrish8120]

What was his name

[@connorparrish8120]

@@jennifersessentialtruth2091 his name was Carl Sherman

[@jennifersessentialtruth2091]

Fred King

[@EarleALLEN]

hated ft hood in winter

[@YARROWS9]

It's a disgrace that the Allies could only come up with two decent tanks in the Pershing and Centurian near the end of the war.

[@ernielara1553]

How is he related to mary palmer?

[@shadowtornado7778]

nice my mother was in the 2nd Armored Division

[@pessimiztcburger743]

How? No women were able to join the army back in the 1940s.

[@pessimiztcburger743]

Truth seeker I honestly forgot I posted this comment. But thanks for the correction. It just tells me I need to do more research.

[@stacycentral]

@@pessimiztcburger743 No , they weren't in WW2; however, there were a number of women in the division in the late 70s and early 80s.

[@lucillegreen4779]

Don't forget the 3rd Armored Division in Vietnam my mother died in Vietnam so he got a little bit of Vietnam there to tell him to go home to take care of his for kids

[@bcask61]

It’s a crime that we sent our guys to war with those lousy tanks we had. If we had tanks equal to the Panther and Tiger, many more Americans would have come home to their families.

[@lucillegreen4779]

And he was black and he was in the Army when the Army first started subrogate Subway

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[@lucillegreen4779]

Dragons professional Individual Comcast Home Business Network History News organization black Smithsonian Washington DC Lucille Green 6925@net work the 2nd Armored Division Sergeant Billy Parker the 3rd Armored Division Sergeant Billy Parker my father was in the 2nd and 3rd I'm division petrol station in France in Germany

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