We're Going Back to Europe For Something HUGE!!! (and we need your help)

Andrew Biggio, author of "The Rifle", has organized a trip to take three veterans of WWII back to the battlefields of Europe. This trip will be filmed for a future series on The History Underground so that we can preserve these stories for future generations. If you'd like to help offset the costs for these men and their support team, you can do so via the link below. The time for us to do things like is drawing to a close. Your support in helping to make this a reality is greatly appreciated.
gofund.me/3b78...

[@stevemaryellen91]

This is awesome! We will donate. Your channel is one of the best! Between 2003-2005 I spent a lot of time researching my Great Uncle’s death on June 8th 1944. He was 21 years old. He landed on Utah Beach on June 6th with the 4th Division 12th Infantry, Company C. He was killed in action with 22 other men in a field outside of Emondeville France and is buried in Normandy. My wife and I were lucky enough to have a copy of his best friends journal which documented June 8th in that field. Long story. We used it along with other documentation, war era troop movement maps and modern walking maps to find the exact spot where they died. I broke down and cried. You could literally feel the energy that day. We had the honor to visit his grave. It’s a dilemma I had since then, I know how 22 other men, by name and serial number, died that day, and their families probably don’t know where they fought or how they died. You are bringing history to life every video.

[@56dh]

Ty for sharing your awesome story!

[@debdewitt4779]

Thank you for sharing and so glad you had all the documents to help you find where your uncle and his friends served so sorry for your loss and the families that lost their loved ones the greatest generation

[@Ronaldl2350]

Absolutely! These men more than deserve to go back were they saved the world. When they go back it's going to be amazing!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@thelorriesweeneyable]

Absolutely. I'd like to see that before they cross over

[@TheOldSalt]

I met a WWII vet at the market today. He served in the Seabees during the war. Due to the fact that I had to run back to work I didn’t have much time to speak with him, but I thanked him for his service and went on my way.

[@matteblack5805]

My grandfather was a Seabee in world War 2. I have a picture of him on Okinawa. I wish I could have met him, he passed before my time.

[@ronswinford4952]

I was lucky enough to go to Germany with my grandfather, a 2nd Armored Division vet of WWII, in the 1980's and we took his division book with him. We went to a few places he went and saw so much that he both remembered and tried to remember from his first time there. You can see it in those guys eyes when they get back over to to Europe, they remember so much they wish they didn't and so much that they thought they had forgotten about the people they served with.

[@stephaneeternelle-vie4664]

Sure ,these men absolutely deserve to go back where they fought for our freedom !! Thanks J.D and Erik can't wait to see more !! and have a good trip and God keep you safe !!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@blewett76]

Donated! I'm in the middle of reading The Rifle now and I've been a fan of your channel for a couple years now. It's wonderful to see two worlds collide. Your style of videos with that trip is going to be seriously impressive. I cannot wait for those videos! Thank you JD and Andrew!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@deniseroe5891]

What a wonderful idea. My dad was in the Aleutian Islands, I always wanted to take him to Alaska but never could afford it. He passed away on Dec 9, 2016. This January he would have been 100 years old. Record these memories, this generation is almost gone and with them the stories of the heroism and valor these 18 &19 year old “kids” gave. God bless.

[@anchorageprepper9008]

I hope you all have an incredible trip and memorable time.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@arielcabalin2746]

Done ! Bring those heroes boys back where they helped us so we can hear their stories !

[@SandervkHistory]

That is awesome! Cant wait for it, and well deserved! 👍

[@lynnessewimperfect825]

What a great idea to get their stories before they pass away and take the stories with them. I'm concerned for their mental health returning to the places where they may have had to kill other men. I hope the support staff you spoke of will include a counselor well versed in combat anxiety and PTSD. Wishing everyone a great trip and Thank You for bringing history to life. ~~ Lynne

[@joloy5394]

I agree wholeheartedly with you Lynne, as does my above comment.

[@perryj8850]

More than happy to contribute. God bless these heroes.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@alitlweird]

I’ve been rewatching Band of Brothers again because of this channel. 🥳 I wish that series was 10 seasons and had 26 episodes per season.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I hear you.

[@thinkforce]

Happy to help fund this, trip of a lifetime for some of these men. Hope they get what they need from it, will be emotional for sure. Great work JD as well

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@petercliff4023]

Just donated and highly delighted to do so. It's an honour.

[@trevortheisen6595]

JD, there needs to be more role models like you in this world today!! Is Erik going with you guys for this trip?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yep!

[@ElectromagneticUK]

Easy to support this project. Well done, your a good man.

[@caroltricarico5936]

Donated and shared. Good luck to Andrew and these vets.

[@Mrtom248]

Donated. Just a small amount I'm afraid but a very worth cause to donate to. We owe these men so much for what they did back in ww2.

[@brianferry4038]

Just donated. Two of my favorite “social” historians working together. Thank you to you and Andy for all you guys do. Will be sure to share this on my social platforms as well.

[@stephenrrose]

This is so Awesome! What a treasure that will be! Safe Travels when you go!!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks so much!

[@aussieoffroader1974]

Happy to donate mate, Much respect from Australia.

[@wrangler70jkujeep74]

That's great in the sense of preservation of history and one on one the troops were there .

[@user-qj3ns8kn4t]

I always watch your videos but rarely take the time to comment. However, this is a wonderful idea and I ran to the website to donate. I hope these veterans can go back and share their stories with us. History cannot be lost and right now we have the best resources to preserve it.

[@janetcarey6954]

Awesome! Unfortunately we can't help but I'll share this with family and friends. So cool!

[@thomaswalsh2110]

You’re one of a kind my man. You have a good heart. donating now.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@beardedanglertv]

That’s awesome! Of course I’ll support this project!

[@debdewitt4779]

Just contribute they deserve to be able to go back the greatest generation thank you for all you do so that we don't forget have a safe trip thank them for their service and thank Andrew for his be safe have a great trip and can't wait for the video of the trip

[@surfacingcom]

Can I just offer props to Erik @ the Gettysburg Museum for his large donation to this project? Good for you, sir!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

So I'm going to say something here and if Erik happens to see it while browsing the comments, I hope that he doesn't mind. I've seen people throw some hate (and in some cases, outright lies) in his direction that is completely unjustified. In the time that I've been around him, I've only known him to be exceedingly generous. When I dropped everything to go to help with the flood of Ukrainian refugees last year, Erik was literally the first person calling me to see how he could help. So yeah, when I saw that on the GoFundMe page, I was unsurprised and he deserves every bit of credit for helping out on this project in a big way.

[@robynw6307]

Erik Dorr is one generous man. Looking forward to these videos.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so.

[@tracym9225]

What a beautiful thing to do! They are one of a kind and each story that needs to be recorded & remembered. We wouldn't be here without their sacrifice. God Bless all of you.

[@lisanewman3543]

Thank you for sharing this opportunity to help make this event happen! It was bittersweet to see Woody Williams picture pop up. Sadly, he passed away last summer. I knew Woody and his wife Ruby from church and spent time on their farm many years ago.

[@skiddouk]

Great idea for the 3 WW2 veterans. Donated and looking forward to seeing those episodes

[@david-yc7bc]

look forward to the episodes. It is an honor to help send these men.

[@kd259]

Wow! What an opportunity! I'm in, shared all over as well :)

[@southpaw4590]

I’ve watched your history stories for a couple of years now and was pleased to donate to this wonderful project. My Dad flew c47s gliders over France during WW2 and seeing these videos brings so many memories of my Dads war stories. We lost my Dad a few years ago at 95 so anything I can do to help offset the cost is greatly worth it Thank you and keep us posted Steve

[@user-md7cs9yr2s]

In ROTC we trained with an M1 Garrand in 1965 and had a WWII First Sgt. teach us about what an incredible weapon it truly was. He told a story about being on a hillside in 1944 with two squads (around 16 Infantry soldiers) and taking a breather on a roadside embankment. Through binoculars they saw a German courier working his way up the hill on a bicycle. They sat still until the was within range of their rifles. As a Group they stood and started firing at the guy on the bike. They could see dirt kicking up but no direct hits. The guy spun himself around and started back down the hill at at least 60 mph. When he came to a curve in the road he sailed out into the Meadow where he started running from his wrecked Bicycle. He said that any one of the guys could have killed him but he suspects they got too excited or just felt sorry for the guy. In 2012 I bought a Pristine M1 Garrand and researched the history of the Rifle as best I could.

[@daleriggins4138]

I have had the honor and privilege of knowing a few WW2 vets, their stories always fascinate me. I'm a bit envious that you get to be in the place where it happened with the men who were there. Keep up the good work JD.

[@nationalsocialist6590]

I respect anyone who was fighting and dying for their cause. War is a great human pass time.

[@obizzil]

I would Absolutely love to help done and done it’s the least i can do for the great sacrifices theses men have made for our freedoms 🇺🇸

[@pierreaucoin2480]

A truly worthy cause! Yer a good man JD. As is the author.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I'm just the camera monkey, but thank you.

[@jamesholbrook7785]

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! The only story I ever heard my Grandpa tell is when a Kamikazee slammed into his ship, the USS Lexington. He seemed like he wanted to say more, but then he fell silent. He passed in 1988, so I’ll never know what he was thinking. In one of my favorite John Wayne films. “Go get ‘em JD”! 😎

[@alecbrown66]

In europe from Normandy to Berlin there is an actual marked trail (marked with concrete posts between battlefield museums), where there are cinema units of locally shot in real time through 1944 are shown, along with artifacts. You can literally walk or drive along the allied armies footsteps. Also at the Aromanche D day complex there is a newish, fantastic fly through the battlefields and out to the war path line in full 3D, 360degrees panoramic setting, under the largest German bunker on the cliffs. Using these you really get an unbeatable experience of what the European battle was.

[@patriciacroft9816]

Gettysburg is an extremely interesting place to visit., I visited there years ago. I swear I got vibes from the soldiers who were there. My father was a WWII Infantry soldier in the 42nd Rainbow Division. He lived to the age of 94. I would think all the WWII vets would be decreased.

[@libbylife7161]

Awesome 👍 just donated. Love the truth you put out!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated!

[@justinweaver8107]

Outstanding idea JD. Hope u had a good deer season.

[@HistoricScents]

Love this, just donated, wish I could give more.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated!

[@brianb7701]

It’s been a while since I got a minute to watch your videos man, but I’m glad I did! Gonna make up for my absence. Likes and comments coming your way to make up for the last few months buddy.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@mitchelleveritt3204]

Great idea, glad to contribute!

[@patrickbolmeyer9515]

Thanks!

[@BevSantini]

Done! Thank you for sharing this opportunity with us. Can’t think of a better way to spend my money!

[@karenbassett9058]

Thank you for doing this.

[@jeanlilley3139]

I am enjoying your videos as well as learning about historical facts I was never taught! Thanks.

[@Airbornedroneworks]

That's awesome man!! Good on you guys

[@CorSmit]

Beautiful initiative, I will definitely contribute something towards your goal! Best of luck to you, and I hope to see you all on this side of the pond soon. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated!

[@aslooijer]

Huge is an understatement. I donated. Fantastic. Can’t wait to see it. Always thankful to these men. I had the luck to speak a few veterans when I was in the military here in the Netherlands. They were “housed” in the base where I was. Had a few drinks with these men and listened to their stories. Like I said I’m always thankful for these men.

[@RJC-_]

DELIGHTED to have made a contribution to this marvellous and worthwhile endeavour. Looking forward to seeing your video when this all comes together.

[@davidking6172]

Great idea, JD can't wait to watch 👍

[@SoCal780]

Absolutely awesome idea! 👍

[@sherrilee230]

I will absolutely share it on my fb page. This would be awesome for these men that served us and for us to learn first hand. Thank you JD.

[@kimberlyjirkovsky8827]

What an incredible opportunity!! Your last video was so well done, of course I cried but well worth it for the knowledge.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you so much!

[@arslors]

Can't wait for the footage from that trip with the vets! What a great thing you guys are doing there. God bless from Finland.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I'm pretty excited.

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

My dearly departed dad & uncle both served and fought in Europe durning the Second World War in the CEF 🇨🇦 great to see your efforts in bringing these 🇺🇸hero’s back to the continent to share their stories & sacrifice

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

Nice touch this will be the last opportunity for these guys. About ten years ago I met a guy who was a part of the British navy on the landing craft bringing in the American GIs. He had literally just lost his wife but I shook has hand and said I'd never met an actual d day veteran and thank you for all you did as it was probably the only time I'd ever meet one. He's probably passed away now but I'm sure he said he'd researched the Americans on his landing craft and none of them came back. In the same way the last veterans of ww1 finally ran out, now it's ww2

[@jeroenwiegers1701]

Let’s make this happen! thanks for all you do👍

[@michaelbronsteijn8492]

The Helikopters are the sound of freedom he. Nice episodes 👊 i share it on my Facebookpage and Twitter ⚪️

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@carlenlanser2276]

This is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved. Love the idea of the veterans stories being recorded by JD. This will be great history lessons for years to come.

[@Sevaanmeneemuteimeeonneks]

History is needed to future generations to hopefully learn, I donate. Too many storied allready lost forever. Greetings from Finland! If i would find some video footage of my grandpa telling storied about the war that would be awesome, but sadly i never got to hear about that because theres no one ta ask. Thanks a lot!

[@3-2bravo49]

Don't think I will ever get back to Afghanistan where I fought but I would be happy to contribute to sending these guys back to the places they fought when they were young. Sounds like a hell of a thing to do.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much. Hopefully Afghanistan comes back around someday.

[@tonydeardorff]

JD, this is amazing! Happy to give a few dollars for such a great cause! I can’t wait to see it.

[@gordongordon4434]

It would add great value to history if we had videos of people from the past telling exactly what was going on in years gone by and how they lived. A person writing about what went on is somewhat like a written story where personal input adds more life feeling to it in being true. Just as the book and mini-series Band of Brothers is from information gathered from the men who actually participated in the unit I have learned more about the battle in Europe than any other way. I often study pictures of old houses that have seen their days from the early 20th century and wonder what life was like there. Life is what makes it a home and the true stories tell the strength that was there of the people who lived in it.

[@gregsayre4700]

This!!!! Is going to be awesome

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I've been in contact with Andrew about the details. It's going to be something else that I can't wait to share.

[@dawnlefevre9172]

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!! Safe travels to all!! And thanks for the book idea. Ordering now!!

[@markdraskovics1962]

Hey JD Hope the family are All doing Well And just a THANK you for everything your doing to help educate us on The history of the US During our war's

[@acousticshadow4032]

An affirmative with no hesitation at all, JD. Great idea & can't wait to see the videos.

[@vawterb]

It is an honor and a privilege to contribute to this cause. Thank you for the opportunity!

[@linseykeats2129]

Thank you for helping to do this - I will go to the link. I have been binge watching you for weeks, and appreciate your shows so much. Especially thank you for your shows on the Canadians in WW11 and at Juno Beach! From a Canadian on B.C.'s West Coast, take care, Blessings and gratitude! How special for these special men! ox

[@terryeustice5399]

Hope it helps. Not a lot but some. Thanks for sharing!

[@dillonsparks4709]

Love it! Definitely will be sharing

[@82566]

If there was any a time to donate for a cause I'd definitely donate on this one and wish y'all the best , thank you .

[@richardsmith3091]

I took my father to revisit Saipan and Iwo Jima on the 50th anniversary of the battles. He was in the Marines 4th Division Regimental Weapons. I was able to retrace his route on both islands with his commentary. Even found where his best friend was killed on Saipan on July 4th, 1944. I could see on his face and eyes of the memories he was reliving. Afterward, a war historian interviewed him for over three hours. My dad passed away 11 years ago, but I'm so glad that i was able to capture his experiences that ultimately shaped his life. Great documentation for our family and future generations.

[@mikemontgomery2654]

What a fantastic opportunity for you guys. I would love to have an experience like that. I’ll settle for the vets that were kind enough to share their experiences (through different wars) with me.

[@JustinHEMI05]

Absolutely! What a great idea! I put a little in the kitty. I'm going to Iwo jima in 2024 and am hoping there are vets still making the trip. Would love to hear a story first hand.

[@1psychofan]

I love this….I will be giving and sharing!! THANK YOU JD!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@darkoflight4938]

Wow! Great stuff! Such a great idea!!!!

[@bruceklassen8261]

You do an amazing job of showing these videos from a very objective standpoint thank you

[@jessw6932]

"Kinda pronounces the word 'Concord' a little bit funny..." This is why you're my favorite KZbinr. You're hilarious! 🤣🤣🤣 Update: I cannot wait to see these videos. 💛

[@sdobs9011]

Donated! What a great cause

[@born2bwildne744]

Thanks for the providing the opportunity to help.....

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

You bet!

[@thisisfun3662]

My great uncle (1Sgt Lucien Bourgoin) was in the OSS and was KIA in France, running away from the enemy after being surrounded. Would love to see a piece on the OSS and what they contributed to the war.

[@ED-ti5tc]

That'll be an awesome trip!

[@aaron_osborne]

I cannot wait to hear what they have to say. Great idea JD.

[@David-ub3gs]

Great videos

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@Strength-in-Union]

Sure are! 👏🏼

[@roberthanson6136]

This will make for some great content. I love learning about this. As the grandson of a world War 2 European veteran this is part of the way I've learned more about what he might have gone through because he passed before I was born. He was also a POW at a prison in Bavaria. And also learning more about the Civil War history about Chickamauga in particular because of being a dependent of 15th Pennsylvania unit that was captured there.

[@ernestalfano666]

Great idea and cause. Easy decision to donate.

[@squirrelsmagnetfishingoutdoors]

Have not been around hope you are doing well you always have a great channel hope to return very soon great content thanks for sharing

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@tundranomad]

What an awesome idea and trip! Have an amazing time!

[@GermzZz33]

Awesome!

[@Roller_Ghoster]

You should come to Northern Ireland. So much WW2 connections with USA. The first US troops to land in the British Isles arrived here on 26 January 1942. The 82nd Airborne where here and Eisenhowers last inspection of troops prior to Dday took place here in late May 1944. On top of that Andrew Jackson, Ulyssees S Grant and Woodrow Wilson are descended from Scots Irish. I think Northern Ireland gave the US something like 18 presidents!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I would love to get up there.

[@richardbills4100]

Done! A fine cause I'm eager to donate to because it just became our adventure . PS I had you pegged for a deer hunter thx for confirming it