WWII Marine Veteran Herman Shirley Discusses Guadalcanal

[@VictoriaTexasVideos]

Watch more World War II Veteran Interviews here: yt.vu/p/PL2tngDVtqTwLYIGNXGJ6F5B5pxgbtAstg

[@samking73]

Thank you, I will watch more.

[@Carvin0]

My uncle Herman died on February 28, 2015. His brother, Carvin, my dad, was with Herman on Guadalcanal and is mentioned in this wonderful interview. Carvin died on March 10, 1994.

[@VictoriaTexasVideos]

Thank you sharing that news with us. We regret seeing Herman leave, but everyone sure did love listening to him! His memory will live on and we were lucky to be able to meet him and speak with him.

[@TheGallantgesture]

+Carvin0 The U.S. Navy abandon 5,000 marines with little supplies on Guadalcanal when they thought the Japanese navy was coming. Your uncle and his comrades still accomplished their mission building Henderson field using Japanese equipment and living off Japanese rice and dried fish until they were properly supplied. When Japan sent 35,000 elite Japanese marines to take the island back, those 5,000 annihilated those 35,000 imperial Japanese troops. I am a former marine and I'm honored every time I meet one of these old jarheads. Those WWII marines soldiered hard for the European war was one on capitulation, one side was going to surrender but the Pacific war was one of annihilation, one side was going to wipe out the other.

[@jerrystell2252]

Awesome. Salute

[@andrewwebb-trezzi2422]

Your family are heroes, what an honour it must have been growing up with such giants of men to look up to. Rip

[@adamcaza879]

He could have served with Sydney Phillips of mobile Alabama

[@seanhaley857]

I want to hear as many of these men’s stories as possible before they’re all gone

[@michaelgrimes1131]

My dad was with the First Marine Division in Korea from 1952 to 1953. When he came home he went to East Tennessee State College which became a university located in East Tennessee. That's where he met my mother. That's where I was born and the family adventure began. He went back on active duty and ended going to Okinawa before he retired in 1971. It was an adventure and he retired as a Master Sargent! Semper Fi!

[@cheskanno9908]

My grandfather, from Mobile Alabama served with the 1st Marines on Guadalcanal. He survived but the war tragically destroyed him. The irony of it all is his son (my father) married a Japanese woman. I can't help but feel WW2 was more like a civil war... all these men, on both sides, served nobly and just glad their sacrifice created a better outcome for both countries.

[@ronmangrum7073]

Herman Shirley, God bless you my Marine brother. And thank you for going before us and paving the way! It was an honor to serve in the Marines behind you! Semper Fidelis forever! Oohrah

[@hoffenwurdig1356]

Thank you for your service.

[@Texanhessian]

my uncle wendell was another Texas marine at guadalcanal. many hails to these brave men.

[@maryreardon6512]

Edward Patrick Reardon USMCR was in the 1st Marine Division (Guadalcanal, Gloucester, Pelielu): He was my dad. Died on the 35th Anniversary of his first assault -- 7 Aug 1977 in the Veteran's Hospital, Pittsburgh. I miss him.

[@VictoriaTexasVideos]

We are thankful for his service.

[@terry2315]

He sounds like my Grandpa, has a similar accent and way of talking. I miss my Grandpa it's sad that generation is almost gone. We owe them so much.

[@BookofProverbs]

I miss my papa a lot too. I’m really grateful because I believe his military service has greatly influenced my love towards this particular time period. Hope all is well, God Bless

[@TheAdventuresofMrMrsB]

This is great! I sure like watching these WWII vets. History first hand. My Dad was in the Army, both theaters. He'll be 93 this year. Just can't imagine what these men went through.

[@ArcticAmaarok]

Could you have your dad interviewed...sort of in the manner like this? That would be something to document. Cheers

[@TheAdventuresofMrMrsB]

I did. I did a video of him last fall. Wish I would have done it years ago.

[@J23-o7u]

@@TheAdventuresofMrMrsB where’s the video so I can watch it it ???? Plz let me know 🙏

[@counciousstream]

Good story teller. Would loved to have sat with him and listened to even more of his stories.

[@MarkMasters...]

Semper Fi Brother...Thank you...🇺🇸

[@Rams4life94]

The Marine he was talking about that won the medal of honor around 9:10 was John Basilone. He got the MOH and did a tour around the USA selling war bonds but wanted to go back and did. Eventually he died on the Iwo Jima Beach landing.

[@ghosteffect926]

Didn't he die at Iwo Jima?

[@jerrystell2252]

Yes

[@casperdraven2927]

He was portrayed in the film flags of our fathers

[@slick8038]

As well as The Pacific mini series

[@danielb8199]

@@ghosteffect926 didnt you read the full comment?? 🤦‍♂️

[@cadegray2482]

World war 2 veterans (espcially Marines) we're the best generation of war fighters the world will ever see.

[@angelathomas2493]

yes

[@danielb8199]

"Especially marines" So you're taking credit away from the rest of the men who were there by their side? Ok

[@thespook1482]

Daniel B we can’t all be Marines. Semper Fi 😉

[@theduffpig3172]

The entire generation was amazing. You can't single out one particular branch of arms. That's like putting British Commandos at St. Nazaire against American Airborne at Bastogne. It wasn't a competition. They all did their job amazingly and deserve the respect equally.

[@afroliciouspresents3603]

What a comment. Every man and woman who put on a uniform to fight against tyrrany had an equal part to play, along with the countless women in the factories, making arms, ammunition, tanks and planes.

[@douglasturner6153]

Battle of Guadalcanal "And one thing and another like that"! Haven't heard that in a long time. We still had a lot of these guys in the Marines when I was 66 to 68.

[@windwhisper100]

What a an "Old Breed" Marine!!! Semper-Fi!!! from another old Marine!!!

[@TheGallantgesture]

+windwhisper100 The Boot Camp us old breed marines went through is not like the boot camp these young marines go through today, that is why we call them "pogey bait marines" but they still hold to the standard the old breed set.

[@toddjones6463]

Men of blood and iron. There will never be another like them.

[@brianfalicki4827]

Excellent Interview! I grew up next door to a veteran of Guadalcanal. Didn't talk much about it, but I remember him talking about Bloody Ridge! Also my doctor was pulled out of med school and did his on the job training there. Met several other local veterans that were there.

[@binko969]

Blood nose ridge would be Peleliu

[@harrykuheim6107]

My Dad was at Camp Pendleton just a month after USMC Paris Island Boot Camp when they Nuked Japan too...he had 3 Kids and was immediately Discharged within weeks on a Hardship Discharge ...They were all Dreading to go to Japan as Occupation Troops.....I was born 6 years later...My Brother Joined the Marines in 1963 and I joined in 1970....USMC

[@unsalted_walrus1575]

Harry Kuheim Thank you for your service Marine

[@harrykuheim6107]

You're Welcome...

[@icanhasjesus]

Thanks for sharing this. It is interesting as a New Zealander to hear a bit of our joint history. A lot of our Servicemen are dead now as well and did not want to tell their families what happened to them whilst in the Pacific theater of war. We also appreciated the U.S. coming to our aid when we became vulnerable to a possible Japanese invasion in 1942 . My parents were children at the time and have memories of the U.S.Army and Marines in Auckland and the Marines in Wellington.

[@nuzuk]

There is a brotherhood and kinship that goes back to ww1.You'll never hear an American make the same boast about Aussies or NZ that will jibe the French with.

[@cwsfan2930]

​@@nuzukexplain. Be specific.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

The autobiography this gentleman is referring to is called With the Old Breed and it's written by Eugene Sledge who was the replacement he was talking about in Melbourne. If you ever want to read a book that makes War very very real this is a must read.

[@only5186]

One of the best military books ever written if not the best

[@Miatacrosser]

This man was born 3 days before my father. Last week he would've turned 100 had he not died from injuries suffered in an automobile accident a year ago. He was in perfect health for a man of 99. My father was asigned to the U.S.A.A.F. 15th AF 450th BG(heavy) and flew 16 missions over enemy territory. They don't make em like these people anymore. At least not in the quantity they were back then. R.I.P. DAD

[@philipnestor5034]

Your dad is part of the Greatest Generation ,men like your dad saved us!

[@boiledliddo]

great man. I feel lucky being able to hear his experiences. It's a piece of history. :)

[@Jayty676]

Thanks you for your service, much respect from us here in Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands 🇸🇧 🙏🙏

[@christ6070]

"One thing or another like that" Love it. Thank you for your service.

[@yig_501]

The marines that island hopped in ww2 down in south east asia were the bravest went throigh some of the most horrible conditions known to military so brave hope god has all their souls

[@Makeitliquidfast]

To go through all that these brave men did and then die on some remote desolate island is heartbreaking for me even as I lie here in peace and freedom. I can only pray for them and those they left behind, surely God has a special place for those who have all they had for the cause of liberty and their fellow men.

[@MattMcClary]

They don’t make guys like this generation anymore!

[@danielb8199]

Hard times made hard men

[@jimross4184]

My grandfather was also onboard the U.S.S. Barnett. 8th Marines arrived on Guadalcanal Nov 2, 42

[@ruyjose6015]

My respect to ALL gallant Mens wit figth and die in Guadalcanal!!! Salute Marines a brazilian friend

[@travellingsoldier5018]

Good onya mate. Joined up end of 1941, slogged aaaall round the South Pacific doing marine stuff, 4 years later shipped back to Santiago & on to Camp Pendleton in mid 1945, given about a $100 after Hiroshima/Nagasaki & told to go home. Classic understatement.

[@dougdircksen8318]

My grandpa, Harold Romie, was there.

[@justinsquire4212]

My Grandfather served on-board HMAS Canberra at that time, now known as the "battle of Savo Island", one of the Australian Cruisers He referred to.

[@vicmclaglen1631]

I exchanged a few emails several years ago with Mackenzie Gregory who served as deck officer aboard Canberra. He's gone now but you can still find his blog at, "Ahoy! Mac's Weblog", if you haven't come across that.

[@GraffitiRockstar]

Wow I really enjoyed hearing this mans story, I appreciate him sharing the time to talk about it.

[@petercrall3434]

Mr. Shirley, you have our love and respect

[@alethamobley6688]

Thank You for your service sir My dad was a marine.

[@nicolasvillamil7523]

Man I love hearing all these stories. My great grandpa was a scout in the army (in europe), but I was too young to really understand or be interested in his stories. Now he's 97 and his alzheimer's is too much, his stories get melded together and can't even remember names. Wish I could go back in time and ask him more about his time in the war :/ hindsight's a bitch

[@TheSpeakingsilence01]

My Grandfather John A. Naccarato was with these fine men as a demolition expert in this 1st Marine division.

[@williamdelong1936]

God bless those who gave so much.

[@gmh6747]

That was the old Corps, thank you for your service, I got out May of 77. Best thing I ever did.

[@maddog9693]

Hard to believe that this happened almost 80 years ago. Time flies.

[@jamiecalder5459]

Thank you for your service 🇱🇷

[@st7728]

One thing another like that. I could listen to this man all day.

[@Alex_Gorell]

The loss of 4 brand new transport ships at Guadalcanal was more devastating than Pearl Harbor. My neighbor watched from the shores thinking the USN was kicking ass when in reality they were getting their ass kicked.

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

So many stories to be told. Thank you sir for sharing your store and for your service. ATB

[@Makeitliquidfast]

I love these guys, really I'm glad I got to live with (my parents) and learn from ww ll vets, they all were the best of the best.

[@randyschaff8939]

What a great guy. Respect ✊🏻 🇨🇦🤠

[@johnpeel8005]

Melbourne now has the BEST coffee. It just took 70 years. Thanks to the Marines from a grateful Melbournite.

[@intrepiddrums]

Absolutely stunning interview and man, thank you very much for uploading

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

That Marine that he's talking about that got the Congressional Medal of Honor and was set to retire but went on to Iwo Jima and was killed was John Basilone.

[@tyroniousyrownshoolacez2347]

This man did some great work setting up comm links after the combat marines did combat.

[@loganevett2393]

"One thing or another like that" man I love this guy haha

[@kiwi_comanche]

"The fight'n'ist people" Semper Fi Marine.

[@francissullivan6400]

Spoken a TRUE TEXAN,ATRUE MARINE,...Like A TRUE MAN!!!!! GOD BLESS TEXAS and the U.S.M.C..from a new yorker

[@garygreer1854]

I appreciate you sharing this video.

[@riverisland111]

What a great interview, what men these people are. I've read a lot of books regarding Guadalcanal, I'm thinking of going this year.

[@ForgottenHonor0]

They broke the mold after these lads...

[@soaredwood162]

I fear that if something like this were to happen now days, all these skinny jean wearing young men would pee their pants and protest the war. TRULY THIS WAS THE GREATEST GENERATION!

[@JefferyAshmore]

I disagree they all are not like that!! Seen these young men thru 2 Iraq wars and Afghanistan. I coached them in football and wrestling. Thank God they all came back, the things that I was told was just as bad as any war. And I grew up with ww2 vets. When I wanted to join all ww2 vets told me not to. They all said war isn't worth it, these were my heros many with bronze stars and one with silver star. Often said the bad dreams are not worth it. Seeing your buddy killed in the most horrible way.

[@rnjr1031]

Semper Fi, Brother Devil Dog!

[@toddjones6463]

When the last ww2 vet passes away. This country will have lost a treasure.

[@frankdodgee]

Absolutely

[@richardbowers3647]

A witness to war!!! Great job!!!

[@dive2663225]

Semper Fi Herman!! Marines DO NOT Die..WE Just RE-Deploy! USMC..out in 73"

[@aussierule]

Hey I live in Victoria as well! So crazy to stumble upon a KZbin channel with the name of this small city on it.

[@soldierfield8580]

Semper fi sir. 2nd battalion 11th Marine

[@waltercurtis67]

God bless all these men and women my dad was staffssarg USMC ww2 and korea second devesion scout sniper notin ever sed about this marine that was thruw all that stuff and more he allso did recon Rest In Peace sarge my dad🇺🇸🍻

[@waltercurtis67]

🇺🇸👍

[@noelwhittington6457]

Thank you. Sir.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

When the tide came in so did the huge saltwater crocs. There's so many stories of the Japanese soldiers being eaten alive by these strange triangular shapes just under the surface. American Marines learned not to shoot at those because they were actually in a sense their allies. I can't imagine the level of fear and adrenaline on both sides.

[@randyschaff8939]

You do as much damage as you can before they get you. That’s the way to go !!

[@buckystarfinger2487]

what a great guy. thanks

[@mattshirley3883]

Salute Sir

[@JohnTimmy-p8j]

Thank you for your service iam from the solomon 🇸🇧

[@Skinwalkerxiv]

My grandpa was there too

[@HighExplosiveDualPurpose40mm]

Semper Fidelis Brother!! SSgt Dennis P.K USMC Company A. 1/5 Company K. 3/5

[@oldman9843]

Definitely hardcore , I am very grateful to men like this for my freedom .

[@davidfusco6600]

I clicked on this because my fathers buddy had the last name of Shirley. Dad told me he was from Louisiana. Unfortunately he was killed by friendly fire in Germany.

[@wittwittwer1043]

The USMC emblems on his hat have the anchors pointing outboard. They should be pointing inboard, toward his 1st Division patch. I was in a rifle company in the early to mid 60s. We trained on Vieques in the Caribbean, participated in Operation Steel Pike in Oct/Nov 1964.

[@nathansmith5331]

Semper Fi sir.

[@ClassicBoxing88]

Reminds me of the TV series the pacific

[@at1212b]

Robert Leckie, the first main guy fought in Guadalcanal so they served together in the same regiment (1st) under the First Marine Division. His book talks alot about the battle which the series is heavily based on (Eugene Sledge's "With the Old Breed" being the other).

[@philbyd]

Hell on earth,a true battler

[@jamesdallas1493]

Semper Fi

[@robamaral9089]

❤godfather: Gunnery Sgt. Eddie Amaral. Squad leader, Marine Assault Rifle Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1 Marine Division. Peleliu and Okinawa

[@hacksaw8214]

SEMPER FI MR SHIRLEY

[@gravy1471]

Respect

[@princeofrance]

and one thang another like that

[@AS-zk6hz]

What a great American a good representative of his heroic generation that saved our country. Thank God for the marine Corp they got all the dirty jobs. The Japanese according to my relative a marine on Tarawa. 4th waive in they were real brave when they outnumbered the marines 10 to 1 but after the marines increased in numbers they were not that brave also the marines could out throw them with grenades. And in the grenade contest they had blew them up big time so they quit trying to out grenade the marines.

[@lastofthefinest]

Roll Tide from Bama and Semper Fi! OEF vet 04 to 05!

[@patriot5.56]

This man seen some shit !!

[@jerrystell2252]

No kidding. Not counting WWII, imagine 1919 to 2015 the changes. He's blessed he is missing out on today's ungratefullness in America.

[@davy1972]

Real men.

[@terryv]

Thumbnail photo - "Guadal Canal"?!?

[@knightwatchman]

Semper fi, mac.

[@triciaanddennisb9548]

Semper Fi my friend

[@Bredaxe]

5000 + sailor's died in that battle. triple the Marine casualties. Early operations where definitly shoe string.

[@garysmith5781]

The greatest generation ever. Everyone wanted to join and fight for our country immediately after Pearl Harbor. And President Roosevelt didn't waste any time, declared war and got to business. That would never happen today.. God Bless the men and women who have fought for our freedom.. Semper Fi..

[@kentuckybeararms]

With The Old Breed was written by Eugene Sledge if that’s what he’s talking about

[@retnepracyldarb2219]

world hero

[@batman38721]

My birthday is December 2 too

[@georgegordonmeade5294]

Southerner's .......... Always smiling. lol

[@allencollins6031]

"So I smiled at the yankee slinker with a big 'ol southern grin." Ronnie Van Zant

[@rolandmartin1483]

Vous aviez à faire a job, et vous l'avez fait. point. Ne glorifiez pasla guerre, la seule raison que vous avez est que vous avez u la chance de survivre. Avec le temps tout s'estompe; en général les survivants sont ceux qui n'étaient pas en première ligne.Avec tout les respect que je vous dois,statisque

[@PINKMYST]

SEMPER FI. 3/2 Kilo Betio Bastards 13-17

[@Legendary_UA]

In the "Guadal Canal"? Seriously?