Walking the Final Footsteps of Easy Company | History Traveler Episode 323

In the past few episodes, we've been tracing the path of the men of Easy Company as depicted in Band of Brothers with the guys from We Happy Few 506. We're wrapping up our time in southern Germany & Austria by walking the ground, telling a few stories that we didn't tell the first time around and showing a few artifacts from The Gettysburg Museum of History that you won't see anywhere else.
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.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
For more on We Happy Few 506, go here: www.wehappyfew506.com
To book a tour on the Obersalzberg with Tom Lewis, email at [e-mail]
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originusacom and jockofuel.com!!!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- At the Eagle's Nest with Easy Company (w/ Matt Leitch of Band of Brothers) History Traveler 322: • At the Eagle's Nest wi...
- Into the Tunnels Beneath Hitler's Mountain | History Traveler Episode 321: • Into the Tunnels Benea...
- The Dead of Verdun at the Douaumont Ossuary | History Traveler Episode 317: • The Dead of Verdun at ...
- Myth & Reality at Verdun's Trench of Bayonets | History Traveler Episode 314: • Myth & Reality at Verd...
- Documenting Death: Verdun's Military Museum | History Traveler Episode 308: • Documenting Death: Ver...

[@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.

[@roygarciaazborn64]

I think the reason why the Band of Brothers hits home to many of us is that these actors brought back to life the men who served in the 506 parachute regiment. It told their story and of what they went through and the atrocities they observed. It put us in their jump boots and how each and everyone of them depended on each other to survive. Band of Brothers will have a special place within all of us and will have a huge impact on why we must never forget why so many American, British, Canadian, French and all the men from different nationalities died to defend and we must honor their sacrifices for that cause.

[@johnwilliams1091]

I’m a paratrooper from a different era, (1985-1989) and never spent a moment in conflict. I’ve been with this storyline from the moment Mr. Ambrose published the book, and I’ve watched the miniseries at least ten times. I’m always amazed that I learn something new and pick up on some subtle nuance every single time. Without stereotyping too much, there are composite personas that I can easily relate to fellow paratroopers from my time in service, and I wish I had been a better student of relationships at the time I was in. There are a group of people from my time that remain in loose contact to this day, many of them made the combat jump into Panama after I was discharged, and I love every one of them like a brother. No matter where you go or what you do in life, make the most of the relationships. You never realize you are a part of something great in the moment, it normally takes time to process it in order to make that conclusion. BoB takes this to a completely different level, and if you read their individual memoirs you’ll gain that sense of all of the different and powerful relationships interspersed throughout. It was life and death for them even for many years after the war. A personal side note for me, Buck Compton is my favorite person and persona from the series, and if you read his book you’ll gain a much deeper understanding of his life. Also, Dick Winters should have been awarded the CMOH that he earned.

[@jackmountain8503]

That's how I felt as a teen reading a signed copy of Ambrose book on them, than I watched BoB and some how it was my first unit in the GWoT deployed from Korea where it had been since Vietnam. {super secret...there are unit silver cups NCO's drink from made from the reserve handles of D-day and silver taken}

[@renegadehomesteader3127]

Brought back my father Now i will travel his path from dday to the nest, Starting this dday. Bless all

[@foxtrotromeo25]

I love how the original Easy Co. guys had their reunions, their children and grandchildren are continuing to meet up regularly. It's like another extended family. And they link in with the BoB cast too.

[@jimshoe402]

My NAVY Dad ran a 1K reunion once a year they would meet .The other time he spent Looking for People. When a lot of them passed the kids would GO !!!😁

[@justinpasternak5192]

The greatest generation will soon be gone forever. Remember these men and their sacrifices. Continue their legacy through these types of videos.

[@LashChronicles]

Love how you addressed the tombstone of Hitlers mentor. It’s so true that if we try to erase or ignore some of the worst parts of history, which taught us valuable lessons, we are inclined to repeat it. Much respect for your work.

[@dustyvanbrocklin4731]

We as a family watch Band of Brothers around Veterans Day every year. I am an Amry vet myself and it helps connect to important parts of our past. Great work JD and Erik.

[@angelamary9493]

I've the box set ..watch it many times

[@dustyvanbrocklin4731]

@@angelamary9493 same here.

[@danielknox3551]

I came late to the B of B party, discovering it in 2020 during Covid. I immediately fell in love with the series with its rich history, the relationships of salt of the earth people in good vs evil struggles. I find myself returning to it over and over when I need to be reminded of a simpler time when good was overcoming evil in this world.

[@soccerreff]

I've always been a WWII history buff, Band of Brothers just enhanced it. I really like you videos and watch them a lot. Thanks you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@jtslmn720]

Glad to see you're still pumping out great videos after everything was stolen!

[@aaronlee2371]

What was stolen? I didnt hear about that. TIA

[@CarbiesChronicles]

@@aaronlee2371 he was a victim of a smash and grab

[@IanV10]

@@aaronlee2371there’s a whole video he made about it, I forget what it’s called though

[@yesitreallyisme]

@@aaronlee2371 Everything Was Stolen From Me in Athens

[@aaronlee2371]

Oh my goodness. Ive just watched that Video. What an awful loss of content & equipment. V sad that happened. Good to see the channel bouncing back, says alot.

[@perryj8850]

Always a good day when JD shares another video!!

[@terryeustice5399]

Erick these silver cups were awesome. Easy Company did cover some ground. And special thanks for JD and his commentary on these events including the Germans in Austria. Thank you for your expertise! ❤️👍👊

[@cyndiebill6631]

Such beautiful country. Hard to imagine that it was a war zone 80 years ago. Beautiful video.👍😊

[@1psychofan]

Wow! I love this episode-the story about renting out the boats-clever guy!!!! Beautiful scenery-wow!

[@pascalblanchet4881]

Thank you for another very good film. I really enjoy your take on history.

[@skimmer8774]

I first shared these videos with my daughter. Now my son and his wife watch each one and talk to me about them. Sharing with them at their request says alot about your excellent work. Thanks much.

[@brianseybert192]

Speaking as an 82nd Airborne veteran. Their generation made it possible for future generations to carry their own, "Band of Brothers".

[@paranormalseeker1728]

Band of Brothers is my favourite show. I've watched it more times than I can count. For someone like me who didn't k ow much of that particular war, the show offered do much knowledge and insight into what those brave men went and died through. So very sad but very interesting.

[@timwirasnik5878]

ANOTHER Home Run JD!, You really bring a " Humanity" to these WW2 Video's Brother, Good on you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@SidKingsley]

I was literally in Berchtesgaden at the beginning of November. Feel like I just missed you guys. Didn’t discover this channel till I was in München but a huge fan of the Band of Brothers series.

[@stephenrrose]

Well Done JD and Erik! Well Done! The Greatest Generation for sure! Thank you for all of your hard work and time in putting all this together! Keeping History Alive!

[@daltonbolser5100]

as always looking forward to the next adventure! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@kwslife116]

Love this series. These men were so young. 😢

[@Hairnicks]

Fabulous video as always, it so tragic to see so many young lives destroyed for the fantasies of stupid old men. Tragically it's still happening today. Bless you and Eric for this amazing exposure of history for our youngsters.

[@jacquelinebloom4339]

I have not seen Band of Brothers but will definitely do so soon, because of the fine history lessons you have given me. Thank you.

[@JennaCee]

This entire area is definitely on my list to visit when I go to Europe.

[@calvinnichols3607]

I walked through the tunnels through the Zum Turken. Powerful to think what our soldiers went through to liberate that area. Great videos and hope to join you in the furture!

[@StevenJeNova]

Thank you, JD. Amazing content, masterclass production! 😊👍

[@nicholasgus]

recently i took a short trip to Berchestgaden from Italy. Thanks to you i've been able to observe in first person all this detailes of history you just showed us. Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Great to hear! Thanks!

[@joshcarnahan3155]

You said "rhythms and patterns of history " as to not be repeated. I don't think I've ever heard it said so well. Santayana would tip his hit. Well said. Love your channel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@jonathantitus2629]

I have a history degree (although I now teach English) and I am a veteran AND soon I will be on a Beaches of Normandy 80th Anniversary of D-Day tour with my wife. Thank you for adding to my knowledge and understanding. I have been to some of the places where this history was written, but I so look forward to new stops and to seeing my wife's reaction. God bless JD; you are appreciated.

[@albriggs1542]

Love these videos

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@Wideoval73]

Thanks for another really good video. I really enjoy everyone's insights. I can't imagine what this must have been like? The greatest generation.

[@champie3368]

I love Band of Brothers.I watched it along with my dad who loves WW2 history. I was a teen back then, now I'm 34. I'm thankful to my for exposing me to history.

[@jonesygrets6029]

Thankyou for doing these videos I’m a huge history buff ,particularly ww2 and easy company. I’m also panning my first trip to France in the next two years to finally walk in the steps of these brave men.

[@DSWL_]

i love that Eric brought the chalice back there. really cool thing to do

[@JOELCONLEY]

Amazing content as always. Tying to reconnect with history and your channel is a big part of that. Thanks !!

[@peterkruse788]

Guys it’s just a place for me , when I finish work to learn something . Great show ❤

[@stevenallen2530]

No words are enough, thank you!!

[@The-6666]

Keep it going bro love the work you put into it

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate it!

[@larrymiller2370]

Interesting seeing how history has changed things

[@andrewhill7071]

My uncle, jwo Andrew F. Hill, Easy company, headquarters company, was killed at normandy in 1945. Buried at flanders field. It is documented in the book. Wish i could have met him, he was our family hero. His brother, Percy B. Hill, came home from midway, Marine corps. My dad was in Korea, made it home too.

[@moisesperez4605]

I just want to say that I enjoy your content, I’m history, buff, love it, and actually definitely learn from it,

[@iamfr00tl00ps]

In Band of Brothers, the Grand Hotel in Zell am See was filmed at Grand Hotel Geissbach on the Brienzer See in Switzerland. Both such stunning places. Thanks for these walking tours, JD. They're really special.

[@d.g.n9392]

Thank you for your great history documentaries.

[@kylegreen3183]

Thank you for this series! My Grandfather was with the 506th PIR, my father was with the 506 in Vietnam, and I proudly served in the 1/506th in OEF. This is by far the BEST content on KZbin! It’s beautifully shot, you tell amazing stories, and your bring another pov for what people see through war. I look forward to going to the final places my grandfather went, before he became apart of the “occupation force”… Again, thank you for amazing content Sgt Green US Army Bravo Co 4th Platoon 1/506th 101st AIRBORNE 2003-2008 OEF CURRAHEE!!!!

[@lornegould9764]

JD - I follow you and your journey’s, I am a history buff and would travel every place you’ve travelled to if time allowed. I will be planning a trip to Gettysburg to see Eric’s museum: truly amazing!

[@vw2112]

Erics place is a great stop He happened to be there when i made the journey and we got to talk for a bit between customers. glad to have met him since i already knew him a bit from JDs vids

[@kevos65]

You bring us to alot of great places JD, places alot of us can only dream of but you do it very well.. If you feel as though you were there in those tragic times it's because the storyteller tells it well.. Excellent as usual

[@luskimo1]

thank you....from an old guy whose dad landed on Omaha Beach on D Day...makes me feel closer to him even through he's been gone since January 20.1996

[@amanda2068]

Thank you again for the amazing videos! They bring me a little closer to my grandfather (RIP) and gives me more knowledge about the war.

[@badkneesone]

Such quality episodes, man you are killing it! Excellent.

[@Brendanno100]

I was lucky enough to live in Zell am see and work in Kaprun for a couple of years before I knew about easy company's connection to it, it's a beautiful place, must've have felt like heaven to them after their previous year

[@richarddelasota1812]

“Masters of the Air” about the 8th AF in WW2 will soon be coming out. I hope it will come close to the authenticity of “Band of Brothers.”

[@turtelz217]

This place is serenely beautiful,

[@pauldouglas3084]

I love looking at old pictures from the war and old buildings i love band of brothers been reading the book the rifle can't wait for the next one mate

[@eyewetoddid]

I think that its important to point out that most German solders were not "evil"...they were just young men who were serving their country as do all, (most), when called. Love you guys work in bringing the past back to life so less we not forget those brave young men (and women), and their stories....some who unfortunately gave all in the fight for freedom and peace. God bless you...and all those who fought in this terrible war.

[@larrymiller2370]

Very interesting history of time past and the men who made it that way God Bless all there souls

[@user-j4200]

Thank you

[@GhostRider247]

Thank you JD for bringing this content to us all , i could watch your WW2 content forever as its so interesting to see the places and the men that were involved in the biggest crusade in history , thank you , thank you and i'll take this oppertunity to wish each and everyone of you a very Happy Christmas and an even better New Year and hope to see more content from Europe and other theaters in the near future , All the Very Best ...Shaun.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@stevepritchett6563]

Another fab video JD, thank you. Hope you and your family have a great Christmas. Greetings from the UK.

[@deehentz7142]

Excellent video JD! I've always been absorbed in history especially world war I and world war II. For me it was the soldiers that the actors portrayed. I had read several books before the series came out. My FIL was stationed on Saipan and was a fighter pilot and supported the Carlson Raiders. His journal is absolutely amazing.

[@Chadlcarroll]

Regarding jumping into the lake, when I first started skydiving I had to go through water training. You loosen your leg harnesses and open your chest strap on the way down so you can swim right out of your gear when you hit the water. I know the gear was different back then, but I think they probably did something along the same lines. I’d have been more nervous about a bad spot and landing into those buildings 😂. The canopies now allow you full control of where you land, and with those rounds, you were kind of along for the ride, wherever it was taking you 😂

[@robertdacquisto6871]

Interesting video, I think it's very important that you pointed out how many men were killed in the Caucasus mountains and Russia. In the US at least, I think so many people associate WW2 with the Americans and D-Day/France, forgetting that a huge chunk of the war was fought between Germany and the USSR. I would love to see a 10 part series on the Eastern Front, like Band of Brothers, that would be so cool. I have seen Generation War which I thought was really good, but it's very short. Great video!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed. I’d like to see an expanded Generation War type series.

[@heatherordonez1490]

Band of Brothers hits me in the feels because it reminds me of my Iraq deployments. No, I was not in combat like they were, but the connection I share with the people I went on two deployments with is similar. The few of us who went on three deployments together, the bond is that much stronger. I can agree with the gentleman who said it's a good entry point. I always recommended it to new Soldiers in OSUT, either to watch or read.

[@lappin6482]

Thanks JD 🙏👏👏👏

[@-jk-2580]

Been there last year. It’s really beautiful place. I’m glad you did a video of Zell am See!

[@pelon3104]

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO JD AND ERIC 👍😁🙏🇺🇲

[@fredv7487]

Gorgeous country side down there. Use to take leave down in that area when i was stationed at Hahn AFB. Thanks for the another fantastic video JD.

[@MrEroupe]

The boot rebuilders sent me here, nice channel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Hope that you enjoy the content.

[@larryburwell8550]

great end to the story. thank you

[@bobgrewe988]

Another awesome video JD. Keep going.

[@richelias2973]

Excellent as usual JD

[@nicholaserickson2994]

Water airborne jumps are actually extremely safe and a lot of fun. Airborne units usually do them a couple times per year on active duty depending on the particular unit and what else you’ve got going on. Good training and community outreach events. Win for everyone

[@thinkforce]

Superb content as always, doing it right and doing it so well x

[@arthurcavaliere1256]

Excellent as always…., really whets your appetite to delve into the video’s content for more

[@Wideoval73]

Really great video as always. Thanks

[@greggriffin1]

Great vid once again, always the best info, thank you again

[@squid7004]

Great work as always!

[@iconoclastic12007]

According to Wikipedia HBO stopped running promos for the series after September 11 and viewership declined over the course of the series. However, at the time the History Channel and the Military Channel were both running many WWII documentaries and I think that may have helped give the series a long term success.

[@DiscoverHudsonValley]

Excellent tour man and what a cool concept with the whole Band of Brothers thing! I 'm going to go back a fe episodes and start this from the beginning. Cheers.😉

[@wildcolonialman]

Fabulous opinion. Fabulous effort.

[@camdodge9891]

JD thank you for another epic video & JD do you have any plans to make a battle of Berlin series that would be awesome & keep up the good work JD

[@mrs.g.9816]

My late husband bought DVD's of full series of Band of Brothers in a steel box. He got me to watch the series with him. It was a powerful story. I have nothing but admiration for Dick Winters and Easy Company. Although I've long associated Berchtesgaden with absolute evil (Hitler), I have to admit it's a beautiful place.

[@angelamary9493]

Same here

[@simonrichards6739]

Absolutely, I sat down to watch it with my son, he was used to ‘game of thrones’ etc, he was hooked, “dad can we watch the next one before bed”?

[@gregoryegan4132]

another moving episode. thx.

[@philarcuri6338]

I found that cemetery early January 2023 and saw the markers for those 4 brothers...just so sad.

[@Bernie_747]

Another great video - specifically interesting was the section of the German gravestones - looking forward to the videos of your next visit in the region - kind regards from 🇦🇹 and Merry Christmas to you and your team …

[@NDB469]

Great video! Thank you

[@ArturBFPV]

Excellent as always

[@richardyoder3646]

Another great one guys

[@Infinitegrowth-zt1mh]

Awesome as usual

[@angelamary9493]

Rest In Peace ...Lest We Forget 🙏

[@GunDrummer]

Doing great work

[@am_s9695]

Great series guys,greetings from Berchtesgaden

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Another outstanding video

[@cassardean]

Another great video!

[@randomunicorn1578]

The cemetery walks always make me cry. All I can think of is how many young, vital men were never allowed to have a life. Killed so young because one crusty old bastard didn't like the other one. What a waste 😢

[@liamhunter]

I would love to see a video showing a map of the journey the band of brothers did from start to finish in WW2. The amount of content I have consumed has been amazing but it’s still confusing in terms of the geography of it

[@massagedude3487]

I stayed there when stationed in Germany in around 87

[@alfiedog2942]

Interesting and perfectly true that Matthew believes that Band of Brothers ignited people’s interest in WW2 but from a personal experience it helped my late father to talk about his own story from his time in Normandy through to Germany and finally in Palestine

[@Wreckdiver59]

I hope to go on one of their tours. I'm not sure if I can make the upcoming one, but it's on my list