WWII Marine Recounts His Brutal Flamethrower Combat With The Japanese | Remember WWII

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Remember WWII a mission to interview WWII heroes daily, to raise awareness of their enormous sacrifices, and to provide a proper in-depth filmed interview of their experiences in WWII.
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Founded in 2016, Remember WWII is a nonprofit 501©(3) organization. (EIN/tax ID number: 81-3064351). 100% of Remember WWII's expended resources are devoted entirely to interviewing interview with the vast majority of money going to travel costs.

[@tikitavi7120]

My dad was a WW2 vet. I feel like I am listening to him again. Priceless stories from this man. Never forget!

[@donc9751]

That must be a pretty cool experience, being taken back to those times! I remember when I was 5-10 years old, wanting my Grandpa to tell me more about his time in the war. I was too young and dumb to know better I guess. But I was his 1st grandkids. He passed on all of what he brought home, his decorations etc. Rainbow Division history book ets to me and a German Officers dagger. Has blood pits etc on it. My Grandfather was in WW2 with one of the Divisions that liberated Dauchau and he fought all through Germany I treasure those times too. Dad, on the other hand was a Vietnam vet, and I knew better than to question him about those experiences. I never heard him complain about it though. I think if young people these days took the time to listen to what the people of their generations went through, they might find their lives are not so tough after all. I can listen to them for hours. Of those, experiences in combat, while all would be horrible to have haunting you for a life time, I always thought (and probably feared having to face in combat) the worst of them all I always felt were fighting in the war with the Japanese. Your comment brought back some old memories, sorry for the book sized reply!

[@libertine5606]

Same here. My dad was in the 82nd "Wild Cats" and fought on Peleliu. It's great we are now getting the stories because, like my dad, many didn't talk about the war.

[@Synchrimedia]

same here. after they defeated Germany, my dad's unit got sent home and then on to invade Japan. he was told it would be a suicide mission. on the way there, though, they dropped the bombs and Japan surrendered. they redirected to the Philipines till they were sent home. my dad got a Bronze Star for capturing 30 german solders after he and his buddy got the drop on a couple SS officers. one was sent back to his unit to convince the rest to surrender or the other one would be shot. He had 20 minutes to return. his buddy had a brother killed in Normandy, so he was ready to do it, too. 15 minutes later, 28 more germans came down the hill and surrendered. my dad didn't get his Bronze Star until a year before he died in 2002. they found out he should have had one and it was presented to him locally in Pittsburgh by a general. all the memories came flooding back when they told him what the medal was for. quite the tear-jerking ceremony. proud moment for the whole family.

[@tikitavi7120]

Thanks for sharing that, your family should be very proud.@@Synchrimedia

[@donc9751]

@Synchrimedia I am so glad that your Dad lived long enough to be able to receive his long overdue medal in front of his whole family and town! Your dad is a true American hero!!! God rest his soul! Wow, your father, I think, deserves at least a Silver Star medal for his incredible action and capture!!!! It's such a shame that it took his country so many years to award it to him!!!

[@MWL4466]

What a great man. I would love to shake his hand and thank him. The Greatest Generation.

[@jeffreyjohnson9821]

Excellent interview ! This Vet is sharp as a needle and at his age still talks like he’s 20 years old. Thank you to ALL Veterans who ever served in wartime, peacetime and will serve in the future. 🇺🇸

[@Stew357]

Thank you for your service, Mr. Crumbie. You are truly an American hero, Sir.

[@aegontargaryen9322]

These men went through hell for us. God bless all the men that fought in the Pacific and in Europe . Thank you sir for what you did and for all the suffering you endured so that others may live free . You have my full respect This is certainly a brutal description of war but this is what these men went through day in day out when in combat. I hope this man does get to 110 as his doctor suggested and is in good health .

[@dianegenx]

This gentleman's mental acuity is phenomenal. He remembers every detail...amazing. 💛

[@dennismoore2209]

How he survived both Saipan & Okinawa is unbelievable & still, at 96 years old, remember so many details. My dad was on Pelilue but never talked much about unless I asked

[@AnthonyOMulligan-yv9cg]

Near Death experiences imprint on your mind, this Boyo became a man on his first day of combat

[@Slithey7433]

His vivid memories of horror are important for all of us to hear. May God bless him. 😢

[@HomeDefender30]

He has no choice but to remember every detail…. I’m sure it’s horrifying for him and he probably wishes he could forget.

[@swright5690]

​@HomeDefender30 you read my mind.

[@ajbaumgart4774]

My great uncle norman dewitt was a marine with the 29th marines division he was killed in action on sapain but when this man said the 29th marines i got excited cause that was my uncles unit in the marines sad that my uncle died in the war and i never got the chance to meet him but he is well remembered he has a baseball field named after him and a hallway named after him at a place called genesee high school i viset his memorial at vetreans park in downtown geneseeville but the one thing i see is my uncle is with his other fallen marine brothers those young men shall remain young forever i just hope no one forgets these ww2 veteran's i know i won't cause i come from a big family of ww2 veterans of all branches of the military

[@TickleSalty]

My dad was with the USMC 1st Division on Guadalcanal in 1942. He never talked about his combat experiences with anyone other than the men in his company at the reunions. After listening to this, I can now fully understand why.

[@brendano4196]

Your doing the Lord's work here interviewing these heroes.

[@superfuzzymomma]

My heart is filled with joy that these Greatest of Men continue to be able to tell their stories of sacrifice. I stand absolutely humbled. God bless them all

[@Kidgavilan700]

My father was in the 2nd Marine Division at Guadalcanal. At Tarawa , Saipan, and Tinian he was a combat engineer as a flamethrower so he was with this man at Saipan. My dad was much older , born in 1918. At Saipan he was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart. He never told anyone in the family he was awarded these. I found them in an envelope one day a few years before he died. When I asked him why he never told us about these he told me Medals don’t matter. The only hero’s are the guys who don’t come home. Most combat veterans feel this way. He told me of the banzai attack, the largest of the war, 4000 of the enemy coming out of the mountains. He told me a Japanese jumped into the foxhole he was sharing with another Marine. The Japanese killed the other Marine. Then he changed the subject. I asked him what he did. He liked away and then said @ let’s just say that Jap didn’t end up working for Toyota. He did not like to say he killed someone. He also told me how horrible it was to set human beings on fire either his flamethrower. He said they were trying to kill him and they were the enemy but they were still human beings. He had nightmares for the rest of his life.

[@Kakkoii_ne]

Agreed

[@andrewholdaway813]

The Lords work. How?

[@brendano4196]

@@andrewholdaway813 Have you never run into this turn of phrase before? It's just an expression that says what he is doing is worthwhile.

[@jonbeckman9566]

love hearing the memories of those who fought in fighting for their country!

[@TArthurSouza]

My grandfather was on Saipan in WWII. He operated the tele-type and a bugler I was glad I got to hear his stories. These stories are important

[@markjamison9677]

This man had the most dangerous job doing the most dangerous tasks . Much respect .

[@carlmontney7916]

The thing that always impresses me about our greatest generation is the way they don't consider themselves to be heroes. But rather consider themselves to be Americans who were called upon to do a job. That said. When you are called upon to do a job and you know that job may end up with you dying and yet you go to do it anyways. Then you are definitely considered a hero. Thank them all for their service. Also thank you for posting their stories that deserve to be remembered. 🇺🇲🎖️🇺🇲

[@fido4450]

Wonderful man. Sharp as a tack.

[@jacedjohnson3541]

It’s incredible, the detail he remembers

[@alexb7641]

I’m barely going to give him a pass for saying clip instead of magazine though lol.

[@doctordetroit4339]

Semper Fi....men like this are the reason we joined the Marines.

[@greggtrubee9565]

My Father was on his way to Japan to clear the beaches for the invasion. Combat engineers. Pattons third Army from Europe. They Nuked Japan and the holed up in the Phillipiners for Six months. My father said the same thing about the Japanese subs. I hope they heard the war is over. They ended up disembarking the Philippines to go into San Francisco to be released. He was in the European campaign and then shipped to the South Pacific. Always very proud of my father!

[@truthtriumphant]

Thank you Sir, for your very amazing and brave service for our country!! Semper Fidelis!! You are a true, American hero!!! God bless you!!!🇺🇸💪💗👏💯🙏🫡

[@heatherhigson342]

I could sit and listen to his stories of true accuracy all day long

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

What an incredible story of courage. The USMC in the Pacific fought in something way worse than anything in Europe. I salute this veteran. God bless him. He is a hero.

[@tomwilkins6479]

Thank you for keeping their memories alive!! Very important work that you're doing!!

[@johncurtis6815]

What an absolute legend of a man. A true hero. I would be beyond honored to shake his hand.

[@Sladep123]

Nothing but complete respect for Mr. Crumby and his actions and bravery then, and now. Thank you Sir for all you sacrificed and gave us to keep our country independent, free and safe. While his story is remarkable, they are so many like Mr. Crumby whose stories were not captured and we owe the same respect to them. My dad was a Marine staff sargeant who was nearly killed landing on Guam so Mr. Crumby's story is very meaningful to me.

[@GeorgeJefferson1775]

I can't even imagine being in the same room with this man. Watching this made me feel like nothing compared to him and what he went through.

[@johndilday1846]

Thank you for your service! Thanks for sharing your memories with us.

[@chrisphillips408]

I wish I had done a proper interview with Dad before he died. He was a combat engineer during WWII in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy on D-day, Hurtgen Forest, Battle of the Bulge and Leipzig. Was lightly wounded in the Hurtgen and his feet froze. He said he had enough “points” to get two soldiers out of the army. I got a little out of him but left many questions unasked. I never saw him lose his head about anything. I guess those experiences steeled him for anything for the rest of his life.

[@ericpetty9236]

Thank you Mr.Crumbie for your service

[@Brough1111]

My Dad was a marine at this time period. Thank you for your service, the greatest generation.❤

[@macmccollum6064]

Great interview. Always appreciate the detail these soldiers provide of combat in World War II. Thanks for your service.

[@d.g.n9392]

Thank you for these testimonies, thank you all veterans for your sacrifices.

[@road_warrior_1]

He reminds me of my grandfather 😢

[@jamespike5161]

This man is INCREDIBLY sharp at his age, my Lord. God, please give this man many more happy and healthy years with his family.

[@Brian-om2hh]

These men shaped the World we live in today. Although I'm not sure they'd be happy with the way it's run anymore..... When he sadly passes away, he will take a piece of history with him....

[@adriansolomon6805]

You are a top man for bringing these men forward...thankyou❤

[@RememberWW2]

What are you talking about??!? I interviewed Mr. Crumbie. If you are referencing the American Veterans Center video, I put them in touch with him after I interviewed him. You can clearly hear my voice in this interview. Please don’t spread lies. Thanks and GOD BLESS the WWII Veterans

[@lucasallesfreitas]

It would be nice it if you could put subtitles for the interviewed like you do for when the interviewer speaks. As a non native speaker it is sometimes difficult to understand their accents and their voice is nor always very clear. It would certainly make your content more accessible for those with hearing impairments as well as for those for whose first language is not english. Best Regards!

[@eagleone5456]

There is an auto generated that translates to English pretty well. It definitely isn't perfect..

[@edwojtecki3851]

The truth of the matter is war is not the answer but the reality is to preserve that statement requires men like this soldier. Kudos to this man.

[@philomath67]

He's amazing. Will have to watch the rest tomorrow. Thank you for interviewing this man of the greatest generation. Very important to know what they experienced.

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you Sir for your courage, sacrifice and service for freedom 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸God Bless you ❤

[@65TossTrap]

This should be mandatory viewing in all American high schools. Such is the bravery of the US Marine. God bless this brave Marine! God bless this great country, the greatest in the world.

[@stevemilne4669]

Not the greatest country. Merely the most powerful.

[@brianpeck4035]

@@stevemilne4669 I have never liked that boast but...this melting pot has been the greatest supporter of Human Rights and charity across the world. With freedom and security supported by law, America has been a workhorse of invention spreading the benefits of the plane, helicopter and internet and more medical advances than you can shake an insulin filled syringe at while talking on a cordless phone. . The innovation and transfer is next level. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:American_inventions What for you are the qualities of greatness in a country? Do you have a candidate in mind?

[@65TossTrap]

@@stevemilne4669 and what other country feeds the world and generated more prosperity in 200 years than all other civilizations combined in the past 6,000 years? What other country conquered Europe, and Japan in a bloody world war and then ushered in democratic reforms? What other country defends the world’s sea lanes and has the capability to interdict ballistic missiles before they wipe out civilization?

[@xx1352]

And these men came back and gave us a wonderful society

[@fretworkpeddler]

Excellent interview! Thank you.

[@ghostgk5888]

Amazing interview. Thank you for your service🫡

[@rhettwindahl2089]

Thank you, sir. We'll always remember you

[@harvyss136]

Sir you are a true hero. Thank you.

[@jyellowhammer]

Top 3 interview I’ve seen from a WWII Marine. Very sharp and matter of fact. God Bless this man and God Bless the interviewer for answering the call. Rah!

[@markhirsch1782]

THANKYOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

[@CJArnold-hq3ey]

New Sub these are precious interviews , thankyou , cheers from South Oz 💪🇦🇺👌

[@Oz_Nino]

I have subscribed. Thank you for letting people like me know of the Heroes experience

[@MichaelPelestano-it4ym]

Outstanding more precious than diamonds or gold these men and their stories are

[@johndial3018]

This was a great interview. I’m such a student of Okinawa history. I’ve recently retired here. My great grandfather was in the 77th. He fought Ie Shima and the pushed south until the end. This land is special to me and home.

[@RoyalTDynoman]

MY father was in the 2nd marines 1st raider batt.1st Recon he was a BAR man and used to backup a Flamethrower i told me how frightening that was they would hose down the caves and tunnels then ignite it the flame would follow the oxygen out of the tunnels revealing the exits and you never knew where that would be it was horrifying he said the japanese soldier was not afraid to die he tokl me it was an honour, mu father was shot on guam ,and okinawa i have his portfolio of his war years photos of these campaigns he later went on to fight in korea, 3 tours in nam where he commanded the 4th taider batt upon promotion to general he said Im out of the corps 3 purple hearts 2 bronze stars and the navy cross he passed away in 2000 from agent orange contamination he was my hero a real hera like all the others that fought and died for out counyty God Bless You All!!

[@Digger8Five]

Thank you so much for recording Watson Crumbies story and sharing it with the world. Such an amazing, sad and powerful story shedding light on the brutalities of warfare. Thank you for your service Mr Crumbie.

[@sandygibson4584]

Thank You for your service to our beautiful country 🇺🇸

[@Isgonesomewhere]

Amazing work.

[@davidkimmel4216]

Great interview

[@richardgraves8398]

Thank you sir for you have done and what you have been thru!! God Bless You

[@paulnelson7479]

For as long as I live, they will never be forgotten. Amen

[@robertraikes9409]

Mr Crumbie you were a man at 17 to go into the reserves, it is the likes of you and all you comrades that risked your lives to make this a safer world for us civilians. I feel so proud of you men and women that you should all feel like heroes. I am so awed by your harrowing stories, that I feel that the interviewer is doing a sterling job in captivating these stories told by you legends .Thankyou from NZ 😊

[@nommadd5758]

Truly the Greatest Generation! Thank you for your service, sir! May God bless and keep you and yours!

[@superrf85]

Such a brave soldier and I have such respect for men like this. Thank you for your service sir.

[@AnthonyOMulligan-yv9cg]

Simply INCREDIBLE Bravery And LOVE Of FREEDOM. I Remember Wearing My Grandfather's Medals In Belgium And I WASN'T Allowed To Pay For ANYTHING!. I've NEVER Known Such AFFECTION.

[@youdaman5069]

Thank you Mr. Crumbie for your service and thank you Rishi Sharma for capturing these important memories! 🇺🇸🫡❤️

[@theroller5673]

I hope there is a special place in Heaven for WWII veterans. I had one grandpa who served in the Philippines and the other served in Europe during WWII. I never heard either one of them ever talk about the war. Thinking back, they had two things in common, they truly appreciated every day, and they made the most of every minute. There will never be a greater generation, ever.

[@Braveheartman123]

Excellent memory and articulation of a 96-year old Marine’s experiences on Saipan.These interviews are priceless. I love these videos. Real war is definitely NOT portrayed by Hollywood movies.

[@tomtaylor6163]

Thanks for this. It’s very hard to think of things to ask these guys before they are all gone

[@haroldmclean3755]

Great Interview 👍 Super interesting 👍

[@trevorminer3413]

Thank you Sir!

[@mosin9105]

Thank you

[@dudley5658]

Thank you Sir for your service. My apologies for allowing the country you fought for to become what it is today. 🙏

[@rodneywatson4532]

Thank you from Australia

[@timothyogden9761]

Hello Dear Sir! My Father was with the 1st Marine Division on Okinawa. Thank you for your service and the important information provided here. God Bless You!

[@goforit7595]

I could listen to these stories all day long. So fascinating!!

[@mikechrister2736]

Thank you sir for your service. Merica!

[@Lowertoaster55]

Thank you for your service Mr.Crumbie

[@johnclark1612]

I lost my uncle there blown to kingdom come. Thanks to these men I am healthy, free and grateful forever.

[@lar842]

hard to comprehend that two different wars been fought by the US in WW2 in the pacific most were teenage marines, hard to imagine restarting your life in your early 20,s after such experiences.

[@bigredgreg1]

My dad was in the 6th Marine Division, the only division to be formed and dissolved while overseas in the Pacific.

[@ronaldkaipio8324]

Thank You Sir

[@armandhammer9617]

God bless tou Mr. Crumby I hope you live to 120. I could listen to you for hours you're very articulate and well spoken and a great memory to recall 80 years ago. Wow. Thank you sir and Peace be with you.

[@lwild04]

Wow this is heart wrenching and shows just a tiny amount of what these men went through

[@goldenlass9488]

Amazing interview! How sad that we still invest in war instead of peace. 💔

[@dougnelson8121]

Thank you sir God Bless you.

[@jjosephm7539]

I wish we had men like this in our government today

[@tylerburgemeier3403]

God bless this man. May the lord have mercy on his soul. I enjoy these videos so much because it truly shows you the raw aftermath of war. Being in battle isn't something I've ever experienced but I'm sure if one day I di it'll be horrifically horrifying. I want to personally thank this generation for being so strong brave and exponentially heroic. I prat that one day I can be as amazing as yall are

[@PonyBoy1776]

The "waving hand" bit really got to me for some reason. Almost like a message he was receiving.

[@VDP207]

Watson Crumbie is most certainly an outstanding name for a Marine

[@thomasstephens4954]

My father fought the Japanese in WW2. He was in the Navy and said the atom bomb saved his life.

[@dsbmwhacker]

My Father in Law was a couple of weeks behind this gentleman aboard a Troop Ship. As a Navy Medic, he eventually moved onto Saipan to help man the first permanent field hospital. He later moved to Tinian where he remained until Wars end. They were still under occasional sniper fire and occasional Japanese bombing raids. He had photos of dump truck loads of dead Japanese soldiers that were headed to a pit for burial.

[@adriansolomon6805]

They were men of steel! How in hell could they keep going????

[@14goldmedals]

They fought for the guy next to them, their brothers.

[@katr8756]

It would be awesome if their military photo could be shown!! So people can see just how young these guys were!! Would of loved to hear more stories from Sipan.

[@theprofiler8531]

Thanks Rishi

[@indiosveritas]

TEXAS LEADS THE WAY 🤠👊

[@harry7456]

Great and terrible story😢😢 thanks

[@onlybugwit]

Do you REALLY think that you can heat your home with a candle under a bean tin ? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@waynegrieve8633]

Thank you for your service sir. Its a shame most of Gen-Z don't appreciate the sacrifices you made.

[@stevecastro1325]

More and more evidence of the greatest generation.

[@arielsfish]

What a story ! Right place at the right time !!! Cant plan that

[@schmekky]

I SINCERELY HOPE that these stories motivate the leaders of the world to NEVER LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN....PLEASE HONOR THEIR SACRIFICE BY LIVING IN PEACE. THEY PAID WITH BLOOD FOR OUR FREEDOM....

[@johndenugent4185]

My father was a Marine on Tinian and Saipan.

[@MBJ36]

Thank you for my freedom sir!

[@TheFunkhouser]

People like this man in WW2 are next level zen epic compared to most of the same aged people today :(( My wife is Japanese, we visited Okinawa a few times. I can tell you wholeheartedly those caves today, that are open now, are a monument and very very somber~! I can also tell you the Japanese people today understand how horrid, sad and wrong it was. They are very humble in their silence on their part of WW2, but PLEASE believe me they know and understand 😔🙏