BAR Rifleman Describes Combat Across France and Germany in World War II | Brad Beeler
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- Опубликовано: 7 мар 2022
- Brad Beeler joined the Army in 1943 and went through basic training with the Army Corps of Engineers. Beeler was later selected to participate in the ASTP to become an officer, but quickly found himself reassigned to an infantry division to help fill ranks.
Beeler would land in Normandy after the invasion and travel across France en route to Germany clearing villages along the way. In Germany Beeler would be awarded the Bronze Star for his actions in combat.
Brad Beeler passed away on June 14, 2020.
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This makes me miss my neighbor Earl. I did a report on the Screaming Eagles 101 Airborne in the 8th grade. I sat with him after school everyday for a month taking in his stories and writing them down in this huge binder I had, I had way too much information for my report. If given another chance I would sit with him over and over again listening to all his stories. My grandmother had two brothers in the war, one went through Europe and then to the Pacific after the Nazis surrendered that was Parker. Her other brother Roy didn't make it out of North Africa until 1947 when the U.S.O brought him home. These men and women gave up so much to put their boots on the throat of the Axis powers. I am forever grateful for what they did not only for the United States but for the entire world.
My neighbor and fishing buddy Mike was a DI at Paris island during WWII served at gudal canal and iwo Jima.
Still have the binder? If so write a book. 👍
One of my biggest regrets to this day is not going to the retirement homes when I thought about it back in middle school/ highschool
I kept telling myself “you know these men in here are the last of a generation. The type of people you’ll never be able to speak to again”
I know there’s still some ww2 vets left and stuff but a decade ago I could have really gotten to learn a lot and I pissed it away
@@amfam100 it's not too late, get over there and listen to some stories, even if they don't have anything to do with war
If your family is still here thank them for us! One love from Portland OR ✌🏻💚 🌎
4:00 My grandfather (PFC Joseph W. Stockton) was in the 29th, 115th Rifle Company, that Sgt. Beeler relieved. The unit had been decimated during the Normandy campaign and needed to regroup for a couple of weeks in September 1944. Near the end of that month, it was recommitted to the fighting near the Belgian frontier.
During the first week of October, Private Stockton was wounded assaulting a German machine gun nest and had to crawl away on injuries to both shins. They amputated below the knees, then above the knees, and then the infection set in. He died on the morning of October 7 and was buried at the US cemetery in Neupré, Belgium. He was survived by his widow and two children, including a son (my father) he had never seen.
He was 23 years old.
Odd to hear his unit brought up all of a sudden like this.
I am deeply saddened by the tragic circumstances under which your grandfather lost his life, and send my sincere condolences to your family.
@@e.conboy4286
He died so others could live.
He died for my freedom, a debt we can never repay.
Im glad your family knows what happened , hope that is comforting !
@@smckay6438 They never found out much. I had to investigate the matter myself a few years ago. I even dove into regimental histories and the complicated world of Pennsylvania and Maryland National Guard deployments. The army wasn't very good about sharing details back then. Or now, I guess.
Tough men. Thank goodness we had men like this. My father carried a BAR with Patton
As did mine-a few months after this guy.
The sheer difference between the kids of today and what were then young men and women. Guy still fits his uniform 75 years later and doesn't have a mark or stain or any wear. The level of discipline and self control is lost on most today.
Thank you all for your sacrifice.
they were tougher men back in the day
Well, it probably is all new. You can still buy all that stuff off the internet..
give it a break will ya
Watching this interview reminds me of my Grandfather who was a tank commander in WWII. He fought in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. A mountain of a man who NEVER spoke of his time in WWII until I asked him. He told me, with tears in his eyes, he hoped I would never experienced what he had experienced. I miss him...
Those who are silent and who talked less are Those who have gone through hell and have seen the WORST..
@@manfredrichthofen2494 truth
I so appreciate our WWII veterans. They really are the greatest generation. I could listen to their stories for hrs. And sometimes do thanks to these videos.
The finest generation.
The same with me. I admire these men so much and hate the way today's generation fail to appreciate, or even want to know, what went into them enjoy today's freedoms. And now I'm seeing Western democracies starting to fantasise about how wonderful Communism is. We are even brainwashed into appointing weird socialists into positions of power because we don't want to be seen as Race Heist. It's all very strange to me.
@@BelloBudo007 glad someone said it. Cause that’s all I can think about. How this neophyte anti American people. Remember the phrase love it or leave it?!? That should be brought back cause it would apply to many people who don’t appreciate any of the freedoms that they gave their blood for. They don’t like free speech cause it hurts some feelings. They don’t respect the American border or how my great grandparents had to go through Ellis island and become citizens the proper way. I’m not against immigration. Just come through the door. Not over the fence. And the people who are following the rules and goin about becoming a citizen the proper way is cheating them. Maybe they need to visit a diff country and see how great America is. There lots of one way tickets for them.
I like them too. But thier kids grew up to be dirty hippies.
I 100% agree
I’m grateful for these men.
Yeah the SS COULD OF BEEN MARCHING AROUND TIMES SQUARE
They fought the wrong enemy
This man saw horrific things but his heart is still joyful. I cannot explain how encouraging he is.
God bless him.
My grandfather was a kamakaze shooter in the Pacific. He never spoke of it until I read his diary of the battles he fought. These were valiant and honorable men of whom I am not worthy to speak.
Love how this true patriot still wears his wristwatch on the underside of his wrist. I had an uncle who was a forward observer in the Army in WW2. I asked him why he wore his wristwatch on the underside of his wrist and he told me he wore it that way so the Germans won’t see a reflection. God bless this man and all our remaining WW2 vets.
Good eye Kevin!
oh so it's that simple? Guess its still true to this day, I always thought servicemen had their watches like that so they could see the watch when holding their gun. =)
@@Zorieke Its both but the looking at the time while shooting thing is only used in special forces when things are planned to the second
@@contraband1543 Ah ofc, makes sense. Thanks for your reply.
@@Zorieke the time of day doesn't matter in a gun fight. It's about glare, but once the roads are flying all that other stuff goes out the window.
I'm always careful about tooting if the old man in front of me is slow at the traffic light. He may have been a courageous hero but we just see an old codger. Show respect, veterans are everywhere and most of them don't mind talking.
this is true beyond words.people envelope themselves in there own little world's , selfish and ignorant of those around them.these men are now old and we loose more everyday along with the story's and lessons taught and learned over the years.my heart and mind goes out to them all.
Keen awareness Jimmy. Thank you! ✌️♥️
Jimmy that is exactly how I think while driving! Just showing some respect.
You shouldn't be tooting either way.
These men are the real heroes of the red,white,and blue. THANK YOU!
Thanks for saving the story of this brave soldier. We have lost so many stories, so I am glad you are recording these so they are not lost. Thx
I could listen to you tell your story all day.Thank You for your service and sacrifice Sir.
Damn!
These guys are unbelievable 💪
The greater the warrior the more humble 👍
My dad was a refugee from Germany who came to the USA in 1938 as a kid. He was later on inducted in the military and served as a naval aviator in the Korean War and the Vietnam war. Retiring in 1974. Unfortunately I only have 2 war stories that he told my mother. He never talked about being in the military
It doesn't surprise me. Korea was a nightmare. Most of the Chinese were Kuomintang POWs who were "given the chance" to be repatriated back into the CCP and live in China without harrasment. They sent them on suicide missions. I met a Korean vet once who didn't like talking about it either. They would do bonsai type suicide attacks and usually thousands of Chinese would die for 1 or 2 Americans. China and China alone is responsible for North Korea still being there , even to this day.
My uncle max was a bar man.
He died somewhere taking Duren.
He received a silver star for a battle couple months before that day. And got a Purple Heart that day as well.
His suppression fire saved his company so they could escape not sure what area.they moved fast with patrons 3 rd army.
These stories are so important to preserve. Keep up the good work gentlemen.
My Dad was a WWII veteran. I had the honor of taking him to a reunion. I can say no more. Thanks Dad, and all your buddies 🇺🇸
Goodness, he's aged well! Looks more like a Korean vet!!
Good heavens, we sent twins. :(
This guy looks to be in great shape. Thank you for your service.
That man is dead. He’s been dead since 2020 maybe read the video description at some point before commenting.
@@botulismcasserole9832 You okay sweet potatoe? Bad day? Worse wife? What's the deal?
He sounds like a sweet old man.This interview helps us to remembert at one time he was an Absolute Badass. Thank You Sir.
They don't make men like this anymore. Not once did he complain or ask for pity for what he had experienced or act like he was owned something for his service. These are genuinely good people with strong resolve that know where they are from and what they believe in.
God bless this man. My gpa and great uncle both fought in ww2. Similar stories to what I heard growing up. Especially uncle Gerald and his trench foot and toe amputation... or gpa's boat being blown up in the south pacific. Him and around 10 sailors survived... had he not, I wouldn't be here. God bless all of these men and women in our armed services
These stories are so important! It's great to share these! Thank you! He's a real hero!
brave men. Thank you for your service i don’t know how to thank any of the soldiers that fought in WW2 thank you❤️
Thank you for your service and for keeping us free.
Thank you for sharing your story, service, sacrifice and courage for freedom. God Bless You, family and friends 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
What these men went through,my grandpa fought was awarded 4 medals up untill the day he died he still had shrapnel in his leg.miss him a lot,was called up the day after he got married, he was a miner so was considered a needed worker they sent the paper work down but he was already on the boat. He was firing artierly one day and his pals said you've been doing that all day swap round (there was ten soilders in a line) they swapped over ten minutes later a German she'll came in killed the first 6 he had moved to 7th came to in the medics tent and they told him you've done enough you go....he survived,my other grandfather I never met he is buried in France he was shot down flying over there
have you noticed how he still wears his watch so that the glass won't give a flash and give away his position. he also still looks amazing in his uniform. an honour to hear your story. thank you
Rest In Peace Mr Beeler, thank you for your service and sacrifice!
How awful to have your twin killed just feet from you & you can't stop but go on fighting.
I enjoy these life story episodes from "the boots on the ground" from the soldiers, sailors, and Marines. Non-commissioned soldiers especially of WWI and WWII. These military people never get enough credit for their courage under fire, instead historian and the press like to highlight the achievements of the brass and military leaders instead. I am grateful that in the past ten years, more and more stories and videos are being produced about them. Thank you for sharing.
I grew up around these guys and heard a bunch of stories I have such a soft spot for these guys. They were tougher than an old boot they dont make men like this anymore. So sad they are getting way up there and dying at an alarming rate now. Most in their late 90s I just lost a freind last year Dee Walker Marine Pacific theater. God bless every one of them
You are a man amongst men sir
Greatest Generation Ever! Much respect for our Veterans🙏🏼🙏🏼
I love hearing the sorties of WWII vets. I just made a lecture on my channel about Sam Sachs. Flew gliders into Normandy. 106 years old!
Thanks for sharing Sargent Beeler. Thanks for your service and keeping us free. 🤟🏼🖖🏼🙏🏼🇨🇦
We're lucky we have these kinds of interviews/stories archived on video for future generations to see
These men are without a doubt the greatest generation and bravest ever 🙏
God bless all those men that fought in Europe or the Pacific. I’m from the UK but I love listening to all the stories these guys have to tell . They all put their lives on the line so not only America but the whole world could be free .
You should be thankimg the Soviets. We did very little
From a 19 year old Mexican American Italian I’d like to thank u for your service god bless your soul long love liberty and freedom🙏✝️💯
A true American Hero! Thank you for your service and for telling your story.
Thank you sir .
I love your videos You talk about wars that’s my favorite I’m really smart about it
Thanks for sharing your story, and thank you for your generations incredible service. I wish these stories were mandatory viewing for our current young folks.
My uncle was just a few weeks ahead of this guy. Really, really wish I had known him. November 16, 1944. Hürtgenwald.
Freedom Is Not Free. Be Thankful to those who serve.
Amazing story. Thank you for sharing.
It's so important sharing storys like this ... thank you so much for sharing ... and a big thank you for your service and your sacrifice ... i appreciate you ...
GOD Bless you men like you i have the highest respect
Thank you for your service and bravery
You can see his experiences in his eyes as he remembers them. Such brave people. We have so few of these men now. It might be best for them seeing what our country has become.
Thank God for all our veterans.
Thank you endlessly Mr. Beeler!!!! May God bless you always!!!! ✝️🇺🇸👍👍
I do wish they would include a photo of these men when they were in the military. It really puts it into perspective seeing how young they were and I like to see what they looked like then. Thank you for your stories and service Mr. Beeler.
Thanks for your service sir
Thank you sir for your service!!!
God bless him and his family.
My father was in the 3rd Army! He basically never talked about. Never said a word about the lost of his best friend and his sense of morality. He talk about this stuff, but in bits and piece over the course of his life, only a small amount here and there, . Probably because he said he lived it everyday of his life. So two much would become overbearing at one time. He,lived 95 years, so for 70 years he manage his experiences the best he could !! A thankfull praise to all are service men and women !!!!
Great video...Makes me think of my dad that did the same thing in Europe with the 🇨🇦 army
Thanks for your service
Thank You Sir!
Amazing story. War is hell. God bless!
Thank you sir
Love the fact he still rocking the uniform.
I had two uncle who served in Europe in ww2 (British Army ie DDay, Holland - Bridge too far, Germany) around the Sunday dinner table they would tell us amazing stories (never told us about the terrible graphic experiences).
We Cavalrymen were later tasked with some of the Engineer's duties such as road classification and obstacle evaluation ahead of the advance of the rest of the Army. Our training was probably quite similar to yours. Well done, and thank you for your service, brother. 👍
Because we could carry more than what grunts could carry on their backs....keep in mind this man was humping a BAR which is an absolute beast of a weapon to run around with!🇺🇸
The things these men went through to save so many lives !! praise everyone of them!
Thank you, young fella. 💜
Wow, thank you for telling us this.
I am a Swede but really appreciate story's like this.
Thank you sir. God rest you in peace.
I had a neighbor, he was a navy veteran in WW2, I never got a chance to ask some of his stories, as by the time I was old enough he had passed, but I remember as a kid my dad had mentioned talking to him about his service, he was on a ship (I’m assuming in the pacific but I have no other details) that hit a mine, said he was in the chow hall sitting down when it did, and for a second everything and everyone just started levitating, then the ship came back down and everyone with it.
30 years ago, I lived next door to old Dirk... At the time, I worked the graveyard shift; got home at 8:00 am... Lots of breakfasts with Dirk as he told me the sea-stories of his experience as a submariner in WWII... Dude actually had tears in his eyes as he described his vessel stalking and torpedoing Japanese ships; "... I never got to see the bastards drown..." Hard core mutha who actually married the daughter of a Japanese admiral...
Thank you sir for your service 🇱🇷
I loved seeing his ribbons, medals, and American flags in the background!
It makes me cry to listen to the stories and think about the bravery of all the soldiers!
I wish he would have spoken about his bronze star and how he earned it? The greatest generation and this man is the poster child for them!
Thank you for your service God bless
always amazed me how a WW11 vet could go thru the whole war and just get 3-4 ribbons. and a vet today gets a whole chest full for years time in country.
What an amazing story!!
Thank you
This man is in great shape. Stud hero 💪
Thanks Boss.
My respect for you is immense
God bless America and God bless the men and women of the American Armed Forces
thank you
Thank u from canada
The greatest American generation. Children of the great depression then young adults fighting the great fight and winning, God bless these men and women in uniform. Past, present and future.
Love this new intro
Our nation grateful for your service.
He passed on July of 2020. We lose more every year. Rip sir.
Greatest generation. God bless all of them. Will always be my hero’s
These brave men were indeed the greatest generation
Having the voice of GWB Jr in yr intro does a massive disservice to yr channel
I can not imagine the ghosts that combat Veterans have in their minds...we owe them everything....
The Greatest Generation! Never again will there be another like it!
Mr. Beeler was the type of person who should be managing pharmaceutical companies and their research---he actually cared about the people!
Trench foot may have saved this guy's life.
In many WWII veteran videos i hear more about how they heard about PearL Harbor, what they were doing before the war, how they signed up, and where they trained.
My father was a BAR Rifleman and was severely wounded in Dec 1944 early in the Battle of the Bulge. He didn't like to talk about his experiences in the war but I know he was evac'ed to London where he spent months before being shipped to New York and eventually ended up in Colorado. I wonder if their paths ever crossed?
Thank you sir for your service to defend our freedom!