Vaughn Russell WWII Iwo Jima Story Delaware Marine Veteran - True Story

[@americanhighlander3448]

That Delaware/Maryland accent brings back a lot of good memories from my youth, I haven't heard it since my grandfather died forty years ago. He was from Maryland's eastern shore and was wounded in in Messina Italy during WW2, shot in the face and right leg but he survived. It's sad to know that in my lifetime, all if our WW2 heroes will be gone, but they certainly won't be forgotten! Not by me anyway.

[@jaytrace1006]

It’s because of guys like this that we aren’t speaking German or Japanese right now. I salute him...

[@leoleonel6234]

language is good learn a language here in germany we speak many languages english german merrican

[@bang5953]

@Jason Donovan who knows what could've been if Germany took over Europe and had access to all those resources.

[@MyBoomStick1]

Bang you cant say for sure but most historians seem to think Germany was WAY in over its head... people always say if Germany had only done *blank* they could have won but that’s ridiculous, they lost the war for a million and a half reasons

[@mb106429]

If we spoke German and Japanese in the 1st place, the shitty 'governments' wouldn't have been able to set us upon each other.

[@NPC-xi5ki]

Jason Donovan - Germany more than likely didn’t, but Japan was in place for it. They wanted to invade Hawaii, then from there, the mainland. When they were thinking about invading, the fact that a lot of citizens have guns thanks to the second amendment, made them second guess. But they never got the chance, due to our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airman.

[@jameshigginbotham265]

as a Marine MYSELF, on our way to Vietnam we went by IWO, and 4 men in our company had fought on IWO, and i SALUTE ALL OF THOSE BRAVE MARINES. SEMPER FI.

[@teller121]

That must have been a moment for those four.

[@__Patrick]

James Higginbotham Semper Fi Marine. Thank you for your service James.

[@noahhess4955]

Charles McCarron wow I never knew they did that. I would keep it just by principle

[@jasonhiggins8909]

James Higgins? We may be related

[@joshuaholbrook1463]

James Higginbotham thank you sir! 🇺🇸

[@oldman9843]

Most definitely a WW II hero . These men were the most toughest men that ever lived .

[@iamevil79]

They were tough and were trained well but went through hell.

[@whitefox6926]

You left out bravest

[@1594simonsays]

Let's not forgot ww1

[@chevychase3103]

@@iamevil79 just ordinary American Heroes! Emphasis on the last two words!

[@frankwilson1776]

Amen

[@shinyrust4809]

25:17 This is one of the best first hand accounts of WW2 in the Pacific - these details of empathy make history real to others. This man has great recall of events long gone. What a generation.

[@kaseysimons128]

When I hear of "American Exceptionalism" or "Greatest Generation" or "Real Man", Vaughn is the type of image I imagine. This was a great interview and I'm grateful for having watched it.

[@pixelfire6121]

"I never saw a man take a backwards step" I hope to live up to the legacy of these men, however hopeless that may be. You have my utmost respect sir. Rest in peace.

[@sunzeneise]

God bless Russ. His memories left tears in my eyes, and prayers in my heart for him and his comrades. The Greatest Generation, whose memories are their great deeds.

[@Paleoman]

Your Grandfather was a man who was cut from a different kind of material than what is found today. Truly inspiring. You cant find people like that anymore. This story reminds me of my neighbor back in the 60's when I was a little kid. He was a "China" Marine. Fought in WW2 in the Pacific are for the duration of the war. We would sit on the ground and he would be with his war buddies and they would tell us war stories about the battles. In thinking back about this I really think it was cathartic or healing in some way to get these stories off their chest. After a while they would say story hour is over, away you go kids. They always took the time to talk about the war and what it meant to defeat what was wrong and evil. he lived to be 97. Like your grandfather, an honorable man

[@jamescrane6908]

...and they always took time to talk to the kids...they cared through and through...Koop. I grew up a child with they my generals...there never was a time they'd turn us (the children) away. They gave us every second of time they possibly could and true fullness of attention...true communion... They were and are truely wonderful...they you can safely wish all of good and all of Eternity...tthey will do you well every time..

[@RobertBrown-wm9ob]

@The fastest milkman in the West you may think its ignorant but you didn't know those guys from the korean war, ww2 and ww1 or you would feel the same way. Even some of the Vietnam nam are a bunch of whiners There are still some individuals today who are as Brave but they're far and few in between

[@petebradt]

@The fastest milkman in the West OK slacker...

[@jondough4227]

What an amazing Christian American... You are so fortunate to have had him as your grandfather Jason. I would have been extremely honored to have met him, -and bought him a beer -a Lucky Lager ! I had a friend in Montana in the 1980's who had joined the Marines at 16. He became a Marine Raider and was in the fight, and wounded on Guadalcanal, Guam, and Pelilu. What a quiet humble man he was...much like your grandfather. We had many conversations ....

[@vulgarismagistralis1098]

True badass right here. Tough as nails. They don't make em like that anymore. Much respect.

[@iamevil79]

He was tough as nails with a great heart as I just keep wanting his side of the battle of Iwo Jima to stay alive for the future generations.

[@Bert2368]

@@iamevil79 I respect Mr. Russel greatly. I've watched an interview with one of the VERY few surviving Japanese kids who were down in the caves being killed off as other kids like Mr. Russel took Iwo. Both flavors of kids stayed in there and kept fighting for their buddies, not whatever "greater purpose" historians might claim. This grandgatherly Japanese guy and his last surviving squad mate knew they were done for, the cave entrance had been collapsed and they were without water or food. His buddy couldn't be talked out of committing suicide. He did it with a grenade. The blast caused enough rock to shift so the surviving buddy could crawl out. FUCK politicians who cause this kind of shit show. Let's NEVER DO THIS AGAIN.

[@davidmiller767]

Yeah, he probably gargles with peanut butter !

[@teller121]

@Big Bill O'Reilly wtf??

[@TheMattc999]

Jason Spohn we need to keep these guys' memories and stories alive so future generations of men will know what it means to actually _be_ a man.

[@TimNelson]

This man could kick everyone’s ass here without even knowing it. Glad he’s on our side!

[@vincegedeon6583]

🙄

[@nmchugh1]

An old grizzled Marine! Salt of the earth, I could listen to him all night drinking at the bar.

[@iwillchoosefreewill9787]

Absofuckinlutely! He would be the guy I'd love to have the honor of being seated next to above everybody else in the place. One of my fav memories of bein a youngin was every now n then gettin to sit with my fam elders ( all country folk/hillbillies from Appalattchan range on east coast) and get to listen to their stories of yesteryear - from late 1800's through the early turn of the century to wwl & wwll Korea & Nam days & stories of cole mining & moonshining, road blasting & timber work. All tough guys, real mens men. I've also seen that all those much loved, respected, & revered elders gone now were the thread or bonding agents that brought the whole huge family together. And how since their passings all those things fragmented at best/FUBAR'd at worst. Lost to be learned from that. kind regards man

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

I feel so insignificant as compared to these men. My Dad served in the Merchant Marines and carried a lot of ammo for these heros. He was right in there with them when they were strafed and bombed. He had three ships sank from under him. I am such a lucky man. He survived the war, married my Beautiful Mom, and now she is 93 years old. Lost him about five years ago. Still miss him. And to think, the youngsters today idolize socialism. Ignorance is rampant in today's educational system. Freedom is paid for in Blood and Guts of American Soldiers.

[@robertyates6362]

Sadly, the youth today will never feel True pride in anything, because they don't know what it means to earn anything!...it saddens me to my core that the children of today will never know the meaning of honor, and loyalty!

[@jdmohr6178]

Otpyrc Ralph Pierre My father was also in the Merchant Marines; he graduated from Kings Point in Feb 1945, and spent a few months transporting ammo and evading enemy submarines. He will turn 100 years old this November, and he is still proud of his service in WWII. Like you, I feel small compared with these men. We are truly fortunate that they answered the call of duty and took care of business when the time came. May our country never forget their sacrifices.

[@user-vz2sy7tx3w]

@@robertyates6362 not all of us.. my grandfather was also in the merchant marines and his storys play in my head over and over... He passed away 2 years ago but when ever im feeling lazy I think about what he would say to that..

[@TheMattc999]

Otpyrc Ralph Pierre not all of the youngsters today idolize socialism. I think if we can make it past the millennials we might be alright.

[@michaelcuff5780]

Otpyrc Ralph Pierre I cant even imagine what that was like. With subs always around looking to sink such ships. I have nothing but major respect for the sailors of WW2. But then again Im 60 yrs old. Not a young buck anymore.

[@ChristopherSmithWHAM]

My dad was a 2nd Lt in the 3rd Division, who made the trip from Guam to Iwo Jima. He came ashore on D-Day +3 as a replacement, and was assigned command of 1st Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion of the 9th Marine Regiment, under Lt Col Robert Cushman. He played a part in the assault this gentleman mentions...which was on Hill 362, by the way. 1st and 2nd platoons of E/2/9, plus a couple of platoons from F/2/9 assaulted into a hill that was north of hill 362, as a diversionary attack to take the Japanese' attention off the main effort against 362. Unfortunately, 362 had a sort of double crest, a fake one, and the bigger one that the Japanese held, which was a little further on, and the marines unknowingly assaulted the false crest. The attack was at night, or rather in the early predawn darkness, and the initial assault got off to a good start because the Japanese were caught completely by surprise at first. The assault platoons from E and F companies made it all the way to their diversionary objective without firing a shot; but when dawn broke, the Japanese just mowed them down. My dad was shot in the chest within the first few minutes of light. His best friend, 1st Lt George Todd, had command of 2nd Platoon E/2/9, and was killed about the same time. They were trapped in a position that came to be known as "Cushman's Pocket" until late the next night, when the marine survivors were able to finally escape under cover of darkness the next night and get back to American lines. There were 10 survivors from the 4 platoons of E and F companies-3 from F company, and 7 from E Company. My dad was one of the seven, and the only surviving officer. There was ONE survivor who wasn’t wounded. It’s a much bigger story than that, but that’s it in a nutshell. My dad received basic aid in an aid station, and was evacuated by air to Guam on a C47. By that time, the big airfield on Iwo, Montoyama #1, was already in use by American aircraft. After recuperating from his gunshot wound, he was promoted to 1st Lt, and placed in command of a rifle company, training for Operation Downfall-the invasion of Japan. The 3rd Division was slated to land on D-Day, on the west-facing beaches at the south end of Kyushu. I might not be alive to tell this story, had the atomic bombs not been dropped. My dad never bore any ill will towards the Japanese after the war, but he remained convinced that the bombs had saved *his* life, and he was never apologetic about it. Anyway, the bombs were dropped, and my dad's war was over. Being an officer, and having been wounded in action, he had enough points to be sent home, instead of being sent off to China, as happened to a lot of other marines.

[@robertlucyksr667]

Yes but this is about Russell not you.

[@sixstringmarauder]

Lived next door to a marine who helped take Iwojima, he talked a little bit about it but not too many details. God bless all those young men who fought and bled and never took a step back.

[@DanielMulloy-bg6gw]

These guys are almost all gone now, it won't be long before the WWII generation falls into history with no one left with living memory of the conflict. I'm so glad to have had the honor of knowing so many of them, I feel so fortunate because they really were the greatest generation America has ever produced, no doubt they were boneheaded about a lot of things but when all is said and done their greatness can't be denied!

[@gibsondrummer]

This man IS America , when he remembers the pilot who rode his doomed plane into the sea rather than risk bailing out and allow it to hit a navy ship , he starts to tear up a little , thats America

[@dukeman7595]

Yes he is, and that pilot who rode his plane down, so not to hit any ships... No greater Love has He that would Lay Down His Life for a Friend...

[@petebradt]

You won't find a Trumper respecting this man.

[@danielsimmons7397]

Telecat Johnson, this isn't the place to bring Politics. Respect the man, and don't bring that trash here where it doesn't belong. What that man is talking about is bigger than one Political Party or another, it's bigger than any President. He's talking about men who gave their lives, or were willing to give their lives for the men to their left & right in ranks.

[@estebanmiguel6019]

@@petebradt Please don’t be an ass on here. Daniel is exactly correct. Besides, it’s a stupid damn comment.

[@evanabbott2737]

My grandpa served in the navy during WW2, aboard the U.S.S Hamlin and was there in Iwo Jima. He came home physically unscathed,(luckily)and immediately married my grandma who was waiting for him.👍🇺🇸

[@jimwiskus8862]

God bless him & all hero’s like him from every war.

[@daspicsman]

This awesome Marine passed on in 2016. He was certainly a character and my life has been enriched by the stories he told. Oorah, Semper Fi, carry on…

[@MrWahooknows]

A hard salute from a squid to a jarhead. Thank you, Marine. You and your brothers in all services saved the world.

[@davidryan4127]

I learned so much about life listening to this man. I cried and laughed with him. Thank you so much for sharing this gem of human condition.

[@ardendorney9991]

This is why we say “The Few, The Proud, The MARINES”. Semper Fidelis buddy, Rest In Peace. You certainly earned it. True salt. I’m proud to be your brother.

[@charlesg1150]

We owe our freedoms to the greatest generation like this man. To say he's a hero is a huge understatement. Thank you Vaughn

[@javasrevenge7121]

Freedom?

[@maranti34b]

My father's first cousin, Ira Davidson of TN, was on Saipan and Iwo Jima. He earned a Silver Star and a Purple Heart on Iwo. My father was Navy, 6 years, USS Trinity AO13, Asiatic Fleet, USS Porter DD800.

[@marchitson5757]

The name Ira Davidson is familiar to me. My Dad was on Iwo and told a lot of interesting battle stories. He may have mentioned your father’s cousin

[@TomBartram-b1c]

He looks hard as nails even as an old fella!

[@iamevil79]

He was the nicest guy but hard as nails plus even through life, he would not take any crap from anyone if they pushed him (on rare occasions). Thank you for watching as I want to keep the stories alive.

[@TheMattc999]

barnbersonol hell yeah he does 👍

[@jasontipton8430]

Id bet on it

[@fdegeorge2000]

He is hard as nails he is a Marine

[@peteyou2325]

Of course he does, he's a MARINE!

[@Fernwald84]

What a wonderful man--you can tell that in 5 seconds. It is so sad that he and countless others like him had to experience that awful hell.

[@embersuhnuhk346]

We are entering another "awful hell" now with a world full of weak & morally bankrupted so-called "leaders" (who couldn't find their way out of a paper bag). So-called "leaders" who pay homage to the WEF & globalism: USA, Canada, Germany, France, UK, China, New Zealand, Australia, & countless more. I thought we had shown, during the 20th century, how evil & destructive Marxist ideology is. But here we go again with a revived global love affair with Marxism spreading all over the world AGAIN!!! The human race is tragically predictably PREDICTABLE. Hard times (WWII) creates strong 💪 men. Strong 💪 men create GOOD times! Good times create WEAK men. WEAK men create hard times ($CAMdemic response). Hard times will eventually create strong 💪 men again. But until this current hard time, caused by idiotic knee-jerk reactionary executive orders, plateaus & starts to be turned around by strong men , we shall be forced to endure & wait for these strong 💪 men to be born.

[@robertgilsinger820]

Met your grandfather many times at I39 reunions. My dad hosted a couple in StL and went to a few others that were hosted in other cities. My dad and he were chums. I heard a 100 great stories but those guys kept the war stories among themselves, unless it was one they could laugh uproariously about - and sometimes they did. His life was full of *great* stories.

[@robertgilsinger820]

I also met Tom Ford on a couple occasions and he was exactly as quiet and unassuming as described. He always deflected the recognition that he was company commander. The Viet Nam era I39 guys on a couple occasions tried to get the WWII I39 guys to join reunions and be their guests going forward. The last couple reunions, they did so. Man, those Viet Nam marines had heartfelt respect for the WWII marines - and they are all tough-as-nails themselves.

[@SeattleMarinerMan]

This man and the men like him should never be forgotten. I hope people continue to watch these videos the numbers are sad

[@iamevil79]

Thank you as these men should never be forgotten as true heroes of this country.

[@Tater4200]

Youd be hard pressed to come across men like this anymore..strong morals..brave. And tough as nails. Good bless you

[@elvisischrist]

This man was the real deal - Semper Fi and thank you devil dog.

[@leachimleedo7853]

salute my father survived IWO god bless the marines

[@A_Goat]

This is brilliant. I will miss this generation.

[@BUDDYSHADOW]

Amen.

[@vivians9392]

I really miss them because this was my father's generation. I remember when I was about 3, going to Union train station in Houston, TX with Mom and a friend to meet a soldier coming home. All I remember was men in uniforms, everywhere and being surrounded by people all around...it was almost claustrophobic to me!

[@shananagans5]

I really appreciate these old stories. My grandfather was in the 3rd Marines & he was on Iwo. He passed away in the late 70's & never talked about WWII much.

[@MrRexdale71]

When he says: "After Iwo Jima what's there to be afraid of? "That speaks volumes of the courage of these Marines. Men like this are not made today. Yet they feel they were just doing their duty. This country owes these men so much. It is a debt that can never be repaid.

[@ericbruce8606]

I cherish these men. Truly a National Treasure RIP Devil Dog.

[@craigthomas486]

Amazing man! Truly a member of the "Greatest Generation." Thanks Mr. Russell! RIP

[@Bawlswet]

After watching this all i can say us WHAT A MAN and what a soldier. this is what a hero sounds like

[@walterkowalskisr186]

He was not a Soldier.

[@liamclark2002]

my great uncle was in WW2. up until the day he died we never got but one story out of him. we didn't ask out of respect and when you hear it from someone who was there. you find yourself not even breathing cause you want to be quiet enough to hear. your grandfather was one of the best

[@jamessholtz6016]

From a younger Marine - "Semper Fi big brother."

[@adrianjames4447]

Massive respect to this man and all others like him.

[@tha_only_menace1232]

I would have sat and listened for days to this mans stories , incredible life this guy lived

[@ThePponu]

Semper Fidelis means something far above survival to some of us. I think Vaughn possessed a good understanding of those words. So Godspeed, You Brother. I hope i am as faithful as you, Vaughn.

[@tomjustice3790]

L Mar )7)

[@francissullivan6400]

Typical U.S MARINE tough as nails..GOD LOVE them ALL ..GOD BLESS the U.S MARINE CORPS

[@Clarkecars]

S/F!

[@AWallgren]

I'm glad we kept their experiences for posterity. I served 16 years in the Army, and worked for the VA for 10 years, just retired. I loved interacting with WW2 Veterans. Truly the best generation. They set the standard for everyone to follow.

[@southernshop8424]

Thank you

[@MikeSmith-ve2qu]

True humble warrior thank you for your service .

[@iamevil79]

He was a very humble man but never took crap from anyone even when he was older.

[@heeelgekkkkkk]

Those men is what they call ''The old breed''. Your grandpa is definitely one of those

[@MikeSmith-ve2qu]

Thank you for this My gramps served under Patton my great uncle liberated a camp then stepped on a land mine and died in the closing day of the war.

[@friedmandesigns]

"Hard times create strong men...". Thanks for your Grandpa's service and thank you for sharing his stories here, Jason. Both mine were WWII and I can't imagine some of the things these men and women faced during that time. Keep on.

[@scuzzbecuzz]

What an incredible man, what an awesome story told by an incredible man! God bless him and those who served with him in WWII

[@royd5323]

I love to hear the stories from the men that were there. I wish I had recorded the stories from my Dad about his war. As each of them passes, we lose a piece of invaluable history. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Canada!

[@dannygrey6621]

I could listen to thus great man for hours and hours. Wow what a great guy, this last hour has been a pleasure and went far too quickly. I don’t understand why so many have disliked this. What the hells wrong with them! Respect from a friendly English man!

[@brycemaier1354]

Brave men like him are why we are all able to be here today thank you so much sir.

[@TheAdventuresofMrMrsB]

I just love first hand history. Thanks for your service. My Dad was in WWII so I really like this.

[@bodhisattva87]

Jason, your grandfather is awesome

[@jchuggins4534]

Thank you sir. My dad was there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

[@MrDavesoutdoors]

God bless the Marine Corps, and God bless America. I am currently reading with the old breed, and my respect for these men is very high. The sacrifice they endured will never be forgotten.

[@rubycollins3492]

This man was as tough as they come Thank him for his service.

[@davewiegmann5812]

The real deal. Respect.

[@iamevil79]

Thank you as he was a real Marine with no filter.

[@spartanmac911]

This man was a gentleman and from this video he had a filter. My own experience sailors cuss more then this hardened marine. He is still an inspiration and like most men of his class. Classy to the end.

[@patrickreilly2338]

No lie there

[@patrickreilly2338]

@@spartanmac911 good comment sir Xusn not Gunna swear

[@Doofus-fbi]

Very moving testimony... I both laughed out loud and fought back tears. Thank you for sharing this. I often wonder if there will ever be another generation of men like this again...

[@tree7249]

These men were born into a world that was hard. Not soft like today. When food was scarce and you ate every bite no matter what it was. Today people are spoiled because there is plenty. The amount of food that goes into the trash these days. Then there was no air conditioning. No TV. They walked most of the time. They had tough fathers. So on and so on.

[@phillipkrikorian761]

the answer is ... NEVER ! the breed of men today are femanint. you doint make men if they cant drink ,smoke ,talk and walk tough , work hard. and are taught in school to love country,flag and god !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jaminwhite17]

We'll never see a breed like this again. These men and women were born and bread to fight this war.

[@vivians9392]

A next war will never be fought like this with all boots on the ground! It will be a battle of "technology."

[@vivians9392]

@@tree7249 It made a BIG difference! You worked for everything you got, and made do with what you had...

[@majorpayne5289]

👍Thank you, Marine....wherever you are. “Respect” ✊ to everyone involved w/ this video. Really lovin’ these war stories of his! Betcha he’s standing strong w/ St. Peter! God bless.

[@sherisparks7757]

Thank you so much for sharing ... Amazing generation . I wonder how many WW11 guys are left? I just happened to have Christmas lunch with a World War 2 guy ! An older man was going to sit by him self at the restaurant for Christmas lunch so my sister and I asked him to please join us and what a BIG surprise he was a WW2 man. What an honour to sit with him and hear his stories.. AMAZING CHRISTMAS for my sister and I.

[@WhiteManXRP]

REAL MEN... GOD BLESS YOU SIR.. THANK GOD FOR THOSE MEN OF WW2 UNBELIEVABLE STUFF

[@quickscopedmofo]

Reminds me of my Great Grandfather, who fought in World War II in Italy. I was about 6 when he passed away, almost 17 years ago. Thank you for sharing.

[@plastricksfantastic1149]

Thanks for posting this awesome interview. He is the perfect model of an American hero. I think i'm gonna have a bumper sticker made up - "what would Vaughn Russell do?".

[@iamevil79]

I have (for many decades) wanted to make bumper stickers that said "What would Vaughn Do" but if I do, I will be sure to send you some :)

[@robertevans1996]

Thank you for sharing his story, he was a extraordinary man!

[@209brandonb]

I love this man a true hero I love everything about him how he talks how he sounds his story's everything

[@Randus62]

I could listen to him all day. He is fascinating!

[@marthavaughan4660]

This mans stories are pure gold. I found myself looking at the time left, hoping that it wouldn't end.All too many men such as Mr. Russell are leaving us along with their stories. What an amazing recall he has, along with a sense of humor brings a grin whenever I think of his stories. Godspeed sir and as always,SEMPER FI.

[@scottthornton9237]

I so much appreciate that you took the time to film this with you Grandfather! My Dad was a Sea Bee on Iwo Jima. So that story Dad told me about shooting a sniper from a Dozer. Is now confirmed at 43:34 by Mr. Russell. Thank You!

[@stoneshire645]

I’ve listened to this interview twice. Mr. Russel reminds me of my grandad, also a Marine Corps veteran of WWII. I have so much respect and gratitude for Mr. Russel and men like him. Thanks for making this video available.

[@davidnagel6291]

Proud to be an American. Rest in peace Vaughn.

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

Thanks for uploading this interview. RIP Mr. Russell you are gone but not forgotten. A true American hero indeed!

[@1980bwc]

So this was uploaded the day before he passed away? What a great man. Mr. Russell lived to be 90 years old. He passed away on March 30, 2016.

[@kevinamack6]

Your grandfather was amazing. It’s so great you documented this and that he was willing to share his story. I was friends with a guy who lost both legs in the battle of the Bulge and he was reluctant to talk about it. All Americans should hear these stories. God bless.

[@lindaconner2133]

I just watched this tape of this wonderfully honest hard working husband, father, grandfather.... and not only did he made me smile... he showed me his pain.... l wish l'd of known him personally. But am blessed to have met him by way of this tape. Thank you for sharing him. He was a good honorable man. God Bless him and all who fought in WWII.

[@jimblack5153]

Amazing stories. God Bless him! We will never see the likes of that generation again, I'm afraid.

[@secondthought2320]

Love hearing history of others. This was absolutely fascinating!

[@michaelcuff5780]

Wow! A truly amazing guy! And hero. We were lucky to have men like this fight that war. God bless him and his family. Thank you for his story also.

[@pomod]

Amazing what they asked these kids to endure. I can't even imagine.

[@all.day.day-dreamer]

Watched every single minute of this interview. Makes me proud that men like him protected my kin folk along with the rest of America back during WW2 and continue to inspire new men and women to protect me and my Family along with the rest of America in this day and age. Thank you Mr. Vaughn Russell for proudly serving during WW2. God bless and RIP.

[@gogoplata464]

This man slept through an artillery barrage. Let that sink in for a bit.

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

I do not know how I could. Its so far beyond my comprehension. I respect and am very humbled for their courage and my freedom.

[@mangelwurzel]

1971 I worked with an ex-Marine who was wounded on Saipan. He was a surveyor when I met him, and I personally observed him sound asleep during our lunch break with a column of ants crawling into and out of his ears. When asked WTF? He said that fighting on those Pacific Islands taught a person how to sleep through anything. My own experience with artillery was in Vietnam: Outgoing no problem ... just snooze right through it. Incoming had you wide awake in a heartbeat. Ants in the ears is a whole new level of mind control!

[@estebanmiguel6019]

@@fivecitydirttracker4776 well said. I was in the navy and had a very hard time sleeping when the cooling chillers went out.

[@garyschultz7768]

in the field you can sleep through (friendly) noise & even explosive concussion... but a 1/2" twig snapping in front of a quiet perimeter at 4am & that same man instantly awakens.....

[@bobloblaw2958]

His thoughts are all jumbled together, which is the way with age and time. Yet he did what he did, and we should be thankful for such as he. We owe this fast disappearing generation everything.

[@squirrelmaster9]

God bless you, Sir. I'm a veteran of the global war on terror and i never had any combat stories that come close to these stories. God bless you, Mr Russell.

[@Kindsbach99]

I worked with many old German veterans. Their stories could top anything Americans could come up with. I also had a friend who was a Soviet soldier. Geeez! The chills!

[@gottiaristo3088]

@@Kindsbach99 I bet especially when you systematically murder 6 million innocent people women and children included. Oh those darned Nazi's and their war stories.

[@roderickstockdale1678]

Gotti Aristo don't forget how they got their ass chewed at Stalingrad for about 18 months! Any survivor of that is worth listening to!

[@Edwardnarby92]

This man is a hero in my eyes. I wish more people like him were around today. You have my respect, gratitude and support! Thank you and your brothers for your service!

[@brandonh8910]

What an awsome man! Thank you for your sacrifice!

[@tonyv.207]

52:10- Wow. “I never saw a man take a backwards step”.

[@teller121]

I noted above that that one caused me to tear up.

[@PFWoody488]

Over 165000 people have heard this brave man's stories and, I am sure, honor and respect his service. i wonder what he would think of that. These videos are inspiring an humbling. Thanks for uploading.

[@luvsilly60]

My father was one of those submariners on Guam. He’s cool.

[@tedbaxter5234]

I am happy I watched this video. It was worth my time.

[@PuddleofOJ]

Salute to this man Japan was ruthless in ww2 my moms uncle arnie was in the Bataan death march

[@luvsilly60]

Noah Ferrandi I interviewed a Bataan survivor 1996 he passed away 1997.

[@stevearkie5722]

My uncle was in that march to ,he got malaria .

[@vivians9392]

Wow! A true hero!

[@larrylomascolo6289]

Vaughn Russell you are a mans man, great marine Rest In Peace soldier

[@steve734]

I was hoping that this would be the 3rd of several episodes featuring this hero. All I can offer is my sincere and heartfelt gratitude. Jason, thank you so much for taking the time to make this recording and for sharing it with the world.

[@everydayhero5076]

One of the best interviews on the internet. Thank you for sharing this.

[@chillywrinkle]

What an awesome man! Damn, that was so powerful! I’m so honored to have seen and heard his stories. Absolute bad ass!

[@danlanders9653]

Thank you for sharing your grandfather's stories. God Bless him.

[@lisagerman2111]

Semper Fi, old warrior. You're story is much appreciated, only overshadowed by your service through the S. Pacific and Iwo Jima. My father was also a S. Pacific Marine - tail gunner through Tarawara, Pelilue (sic?), a few additional islands before being assigned to China in chasing the Japanese out. There were few times he would talk about his war experiences, until diagnosed terminal in '09. At that point, he began to open up in recognition of only a few months to live. He took me to the basement, brought out an old cardboard box not even known about by my mother, and went through picture after picture of the battles and aftermaths on each island. In one, a ten foot high pile of dead Japanese soldiers were pile up just prior to being burned by his platoon - they had systematically picked off multiple members of Dad's platoon with snipers and ambush, when finally found in the jungle they were killed to the last man and burned. It was a brutal campaign, and those pictures finally made me realize why Dad refused to talk for 60+ years about any details. Semper Fi Vaughn, and Semper Fi to Dad. May they be at rest and at peace.

[@kathygulch1445]

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[@vedranbalic5918]

There is such a sense of realness and dignity when you can hear these stories coming from the mouths of those who saw and lived it; to see their eyes, to see them thinking and remembering, To see their facial expression as they re live it all.

[@Drift-Tastik]

These stories are timeless. I hope these testimonies are told forever.

[@allthehardtimes]

Guy is a great story teller its been great to listen to

[@SerpentOfTheWound]

A very touching set of stories by a great storyteller. I couldn't keep from watching from beginning to end. RIP All our little problems should seem insignificant now.

[@baptankna6187]

Mr.Russell, God bless you sir. Look forward to meeting you and your buddies.