What an awesome story. My grandfather was a P-47 pilot as well and at 103 he can still remember the checklist for starting that aircraft and its V speeds
Hey man! I interview WWII veterans for a charity/ RUclips channel called Remember WW2. Do you think your grandfather would be up for an interview? Thanks and GOD BLESS
WOW!, 103!!!. Obviously a very special person. My Great Uncle Peter lived to 109 in Pennsylvania, in good health his whole life, a farmer and father and a very good uncle to his Irish nephews, in 1940 he visited my grandfather in nw Ireland and gifted my 10 year's old Dad a pair of bicycle tyres (impossible to get then) and a big bag of Florida Orange's. He returned to attend Grandpa's funeral in '81 when he was in his 90's, walking straight without a cane. An amazingly calm and intelligent man who had had his share of hard time's and personal tragedy but never let such change his belief in God, his fellow man and the goodness and greatness of the US.
I was born at the time of the Battle of the Bulge. My father had gone down in France to his death in his P-47 seven months earlier, as part of the 509th Fighter Squadron stationed in England. The best movie about the Battle of the Bulge is Battleground (1949); the screenwriter who won an academy award for it, Robert Pirosh, had fought in the Battle of the Bulge, holding the rank of Master Sergeant.
Awesome story. We had a family friend who was in the 101st and fought at Bastogne. He would never talk about it much except for how cold it was, and how they were in constant combat with the Germans. He was always a hero to me.
All of my WW2 friends have now passed into history. One by one I saw them go, each time both saddened by their passing, and the inevitability of my own mortality. God bless you, each and every one of you; please watch over us, we few remaining, and welcome us with open arms when we meet again.
My uncle Max was at the battle of the bulge... He was severely wounded and told me many years later that it was so cold that his wounds froze and kept him from bleeding out...I saw his scars and I was stunned at the huge scars all over his body.. He was just 18 and was in Patton's third army serving as a recon scout.. Our greatest American generation...🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 RIP uncle Max 🌹
Fabulous story. My father was shot down over Germany and spent 18 months in Stag Luft 1 prisoner of war camp. Many years later at a cocktail party, he met a German Ambassador who had been a Luftwaffe fighter pilot and who shot his first bomber down on the day my father was shot down. They ended up hugging and sank quite a few drinks down that night!
It’s a sad thought that we are losing so many WW2 vets. I am honored that I’m old enough that I remember meeting several and thanking them when I was a kid.
I have had the honor of meeting a handful. Had a late war pacific theatre army signals guy spin me a yarn about the soviets almost attacking allied occupation forces in japan
I’m 56 and my dad was a Korean War vet but I remember when I was young going to the VFW and meeting veterans of WW2 and Korea! Some even fought in both. Also knew a few Germans who fought for the Wehmacht.
I'm a bit older I reckon but adopted into a family where pretty much every male of that era served. United States Army, my father and one Uncle United States Army Air corps, two Uncles. My great uncle Edward Bernadzikowski was in Ander's Army Polish Free Forces in the British Army.
Loved being a part of this, good work as always! Edit: Seeing them meet and speak to each other was such a just, wow moment. "We are friends." How everything can come full circle is sometimes so amazing.
When my Dad was 80 he was believed to be last surviving member of his MP squad which had been in Malmedy. That these two men met in their late 90's is miraculous.
You know it's gonna be a good day when it starts with a TJ3 masterpiece. Keep up the good work TJ, stay awesome! Edit: seeing Ed and Jergen meet gave me chills and had me fighting back tears. Two warriors, once adversaries, now friends. God Bless our veterns and their honorable foes
The meet up between the two old men are really tear inducing.... thinking back when they were young and fighting each other due to the lunatic making wars.... shooting at people they did not know and could actually be friends with, shooting all just because of those lunatics.... Man, this is too complex.
My Grandfather (by marriage, but still) was in the 101st in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Try as I might, he would never talk about it. RIP Papa Gino.
My Grandfather was a P-47 pilot and also would never talk about it. He would talk about the flying characteristics of the different aircraft he flew, but not about combat. Just said "war is hell" and that was it.
This is quality content,I appreciate the the effort you put into this project and how you made all of this also for us,you are a very good man,thank you for your content.
Now this is proper historical content. Well thought out, thoroughly researched, a bold entertaining story all most importantly vetted by the individuals who were there. The meeting of Ed and Jergen is awesome, history coming full circle.
As a combat vet and the quartermaster of a VFW post only 2 decades after WW2 and being a Army Ranger myself I met hundreds of Battle of the Bulge vets through my VFW and my father and uncles who were all WW2 vets. No Battle of the Bulge referred to Bastogne as 'Bastonia' like this narrator says it. Evidently he knows how the locals in France and Belgium say the name Bastogne but in 75+ years I've never heard one veteran from WW2 Europe theater say it like the narrator. Even the incredibly brave and young looking P-47 Thunderbolt pilot Ed Cottrell refers to Bastogne the only way it was pronounced by the brave veterans or the newscasters and reporters from the 40s. Is it so hard to go with the flow? The Siege of Bastogne in 12/44 is engrained in the minds of all older vets!
Excellent video. My grandfather piloted a B-17 and was shot down over France in 1944. He was safely returned to England. He later went in to become base commander at Maclellan AFB in California.
Thank you sooo much, TJ, for another interesting story. So well done. Jürgen Tegethoff was born September 24, 1924 in Königswinter and died May 4, 2024 in Bad Honnef (RIP). And by the way: You can write Juergen instead of Jürgen (for example), ä as ae and ö as oe. Even in Germany it's correct to spell names in this way. Wish you all the best and greetings from Germany :)
I was assigned to the modern iteration of the 48th FG in the 1990s - the 48th FW, also known as the Statue of Liberty Wing ( The name "Statue of Liberty Wing" was conferred on 4 July 1954 and the 48th remains the only U.S. Air Force unit with both a name and a numerical designation). I was assigned as cadre to transition the Wing from F-111s to become the first overseas F-15E Strike Eagles base (RAF Lakenheath). Our WWII Vets usually came over during the summer. I read their various after action reports for stories to share and inspire our young airmen. And to be equal opportunity, We also honored the RAF Battle of Britain Veterans with a yearly celebratory dinner. One year I had the great privilege of escorting Flt Lt Wilkerson to the various functions. It was something to see our young fighter pilots gathered 'round those battle tested warriors, soaking up their every word.
Girls: She forgot my birthday she is going to be my mental enemy for the rest of my life. Boys: we tried to kill each other some years ago, lest be best friends
Ed Cottrell is amazing and a hero for sure,meeting Jergen Tegethoff = AWESOME.....Thank you Trent and your team at TJ3 History.....Sorry i am a day late......Your friend Old F-4 pilot Shoe🇺🇸
I still remember the meeting between Bob Stanford-Tuck, and Adolf Galland, at North Weald Air Display, after the Second World War. They never met in combat, but both had earned their post war celebrity, and became fast friends. Both gone now, sadly, but I'm certain their friendship endures.
As a decorated United States Army m1 Abrams tank commander it is heartwarming to see at the end of this film the two adversaries come together with respect and admiration for one another and finally in decency and friendship. What a wonderful story with a very satisfying ending. Kind of reminds me of my days in the early 1980s in The former West Germany, a place where I have very many happy memories serving with the third infantry division based in Aschaffenburg am Main on the front lines of the Cold war. I was so grateful that two former adversary nations had come together in friendship and mutual camaraderie to keep the world at peace together. My hat's off and my love and admiration for the German people as in my older age now I wish to return to my former Garrison town and say hello once more. Peace and love to all.
My uncle Jordan was in the Blackhawk div. He earned the bronze star during the battle for the Ruhr pocket. He came home after WWII and through all that death & destruction he experienced my uncle died from a heart attack in a hardware store, in South Boston when he stopped to buy a gallon of paint in 1978 as he was being laid to rest it began to snow, and that storm turned into the blizzard of 1978 that rocked the East Coast of Ma. God bless all the soldiers of WWII
It's amazing these Men survived and made it into their late 90's by this point. War is Hell but the most beautiful thing is years later these Men could shake hands and have a laugh. God speed to all who suffered in War, we can only hope the next go around their souls know only Peace and Joy.
On March 2, 1945, Major Arlo Henry was leading the 387th Fighter Squadron near the Cologne suburb of Stommeln when a 3rd Armour Division forward controller directed him to attack a trio of Tiger tanks that were stopping their advance. He led 2 other P-47s down to attack, first dropping six 500 lb bombs on them. When the smoke and dust cleared, one Tiger was knocked out in a ditch with its cannon twisted down and sideways. The second tank was backing into the cover of an orchard, and the third was heading east on the main street of town. As Henry and the others dove down to strafe it, he directed them to maintain a steep angle of attack and aim for both the ventilator grates and for the street under the tank. After working it over for several minutes, it finally stopped in the street, not moving. The third tank was then targeted, but the attack ended early when the Thunderbolts exhausted their ammo. Major Henry states: "Next morning we received a wire from the tank commander expressing appreciation for the attack. His forces took the town without further casualties. They found one Tiger destroyed, the second was incapacitated and it was captured, while the third had gotten away. From this we learned that our guns could cripple a Tiger tank despite its supposed impenetrable armor." "Hell Hawks!", page 231, by Robert F. Dorr and Thomas D. Jones.
My Father Lt Col Ralph Carter Army Air Cor flew B-25s in North Africa mounted with 8 50 cals and a 75mm cannon out the nose chasing Romels tanks and artillery then into Italy. They flew with the P-47s all the time in Europe. Both planes were the A-10 Warthogs in their day! Great story about 2 soldiers meeting 80 yrs later. My Dad had many friends from the German Airforce later in life as they flew with my Dad in Korea and Vietnam. I knew quite as lot of them as a kid. Crazy enemies, them co-pilot and best friends for life after war. My Dad would be 102 now. He lived for 94 yrs and flew til 84 yrs old! I got my Dog Duke, a 125 lbs German Shepherd from Germany and Lt Col Ernie Bastian German Air Cor in 1972! Best Dog ever!
My dad's cousin Sparky was taken POW in Battle of the Bulge. He escaped the Germans and found by peasant farmers and turned over to the Russian Army and returned to the US Army. After the war he joined the newly formed US Air Force for a life time carrier. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him after he retired at the War Museum in Danville IL. What a character he was. RIP Harrold (Sparky) Songer.
What a great video once again you some managed to top yourself . Great Story too. Thanks for all your hard work and research you put into your videos. It's always a great day when you turn on see TJ posted a new video. You can easily tell you put your heart into these amazing videos. Most W. W. 2 videos show or tell you the same old pictures and stories that we who enjoy history have seen and heard 1000 times before. But You have broken that mold and surprisingly find information thats new to even the most knowledgeable History lovers. Several times you have even covered subjects that I have wondered about for years. Like the video you made with what happened to the Japanese Fighter pilots after they shot down Yamamoto's plane. You don't just tell the same old stories like everyone else Putting you in a league of your own. Please Keep "em Flyin we've got your six.
The tanks around Bastogne were some Panthers and Stugs. No way did tiger or royal Tigers Tanks fight there. They were all concentrated in the SS Units which didn't attack in this area. They were fighting north of the area close to st vith.
My pop, like a lot of veterans, didn’t like to speak of what he went through. In Korea he was with the artillery of the 29th Infantry Division, Tropic Lightning, on top of a hill with 4 105s, one pointed in each direction because they were surrounded. I had to learn this after he died.
Man, just came across the channel. Gotta tell ya this is good stuff. Been binge watching my whole shift well mostly binge listening lol. Really good work youre doing memorializing our brave service crew in their actions and stories. Keep em coming im all about it thats for sure!
Although the planes were grounded by bad weather, there were certain actions that determined the outcome of this battle. Not the least of which are the action of Lanzenrath ridge and the Engineers at Trois Ponts.
I wish you were a little more accurate. Those are Tiger 2 or King Tigers there is a big difference in armor and firepower, so it's an important distinction. Otherwise, great job. It was a good video, and none the less good storytelling
@@Plastisemlimites The video is correct, but the names are confusing. That's another thing we can blame the Germans for (😀, yes, satire), that's not your fault. For argument's sake, a Tiger Ausf. B (translates to Version B) is a Königstiger/ King Tiger, and a Tiger 2 also is. The Tiger 1 tank got the re-designated "Panzerkampfwagen VI" (literally "Armoured Fighting Vehicle", don't you just love when the abbreviations still is a mouthfull😀) after the introduction of the 2 (the Königstiger/ King Tiger). So, to put it "simple" (or to add even more confusion, make your pick): The PzKpw VI is the Tiger (with the Pz.Kpfw. V being the Panther, and the Pz.Kpfw. VII being the Löwe (Lion) (a concept design)). They really loved their kitty cats.... The Tiger 2/ Tiger B or Sd.Kfz 182 (Sonderkraftfahrzeug 182, oh man!!) is the King Tiger witch you refer to in this very nice and interesting doc.
As a person that appropriate history, I would like to see some stories from the other side of the battlefield. I bet there would be a lot of interesting events there too.
that was a beautifully done video. tip top. the only question left remaining for me is how those two old veterans can manage to walk around with those giant balls.
Back in 1987, outside of the 'Roaming Panther' Game/Hobby/Model store, in Phoenix AZ, I witnessed a loud discussion between two 65+ to 75 Yr.-Old men, after they had seen the HO-scale models (some of which were Mine!) set-up in the Display window. The Store had set-up 3 time-lines; Modern, Viet-Nam, and WW-2, with many local Model Builders being put upon Display. I had contributed an M-10, Stug-III, Panther, and an M-18 Buick Hellcat to the WW-2 group, and quite few to the later Era's displays. These two gents were in the Mall center-corridor, a few meters away this Store, sitting at a Table near a Coffee-shop and a Cookie Kiosk, actively getting Louder in their 'Discussion' about WW-2 tanks. The yelling Stopped, and the two departed, after the German called out the American by saying the Sherman was a 'Ronson' (after the then-famous Cigarette Lighter that didn't "blow-out" in winds). It seems that both parties had fought in WW-2, one being a Sherman/A-36 Commander (whom I talked with later), the other, a Panther/Stug-III/Panzer II Commander. They were friends after the War, but still had a few issues about which-what was Better, 43+ years later!
Please let us know what movie that is you referenced and had a clip from. I would like to try and find it to watch. Another great video, outstanding work- Thank You.
My father was a US Army infantry man who missed the Battle of the Bulge because he was wounded in the Hurtgen Forest battles in November 1944 and was in an English hospital recuperating during the Battle of the Bulge. By the time he was released from the hospital, our Army was in Germany so he spent the last few months in Germany but far from what fighting remained. My dad said he was always wet and cold. The winter of 1944/1945 was an exceptionally cold winter.
Amazing story My great gtandfather fought against the germans in North Africa as part of the South African Expeditionary Force Amazing to know history is still alive amougst us. We should make the most of it while it lasts
I do not know any more World War II veterans ,they are all gone. But I did know one of the band Brothers that was at Bastogne. He was kind of like a grandpa to me, Brad Freeman! As he would talk about the men of his unit, he would say, he was a good man! And as I would say about Brad, he was a good man!
@TJ3 History have you thought about making a behind the scenes video covering things like how you get the camera and situations in WarThunder or those cinematic recreations? Pwetty pwease? Added in Edit: How much more poignant can you get? TJ, your preservation of these treasures needs to be Library of Congress.
Yes please! I really want to see that. I would like to participate in making your battles for the videos but I don't know the procedure and if I can do it.....😐
Hatte mich als deutscher Historiker immer über die erstaunlichen Erfolge der Ardennenoffensive gewundert. Die niedrigen Temperaturen befeuerten die militärisch aussichtslose Offensive.
I would suggest you use the actual version of the P-47's that were being used in 1944. The P-47 had gone to the Bubbletop canopy late in 1943 and by the mid 1944, no more of the older canopy models were left in theater.
@@awcvn this is absolutely not true. Every detail in this video is based on the historical aircraft flown. His aircraft flown at this time was a Razorback - I literally went through and looked at his flight log and looked at every model flown by the unit. Although many switched, especially in 8th AF, the razorback was still in use on the frontlines.
My grandfather was in the 10th amd in one of the 'combat commands" of the div that got stuck in Bastogne and since his unit was a "ghost" div that was unmarked and labeled "do not report" to the news media his unit really never got credit for holding the town till the 101st got there....but he was there and so were those tanks and big gun artillery that really saved the day. remember the 101st might be highly trained BUT its still a light infantry unit VS heavy tanks so US tanks and guns HAD to be there (unaccredited) or they would have been run over like a speed bump! thought the "band of Brother" tv show did show the 10th armd there with BARRF Jimmy Fallon, they got most of it right...but he is wearing a unit patch that they would not have been wearing!
Hello TJ3 History, I realize this video is primarily about P-47 Thunderbolts. I do NOT mean to Hijack the video or comments either. However, some of the facts are NOT correct. It was NOT the 101st Airborne that 1st arrived Bastogne. The 10th Armored Division "Tigers" CCB provided 1st relief for the 9th Armored, 4th and 28th Infantry Divisions. Also on a lesser point, Bastogne as you say in the French pronunciation should probably be, Bastown as in the American pronunciation. I would believe the people in the region would allow this in view of the 25,000 Allied and in this case mostly American Souls would appreciate. After all, the 10th Armored Division "Tigers" also became known as the, "Stone of Bastogne"; rhymes better ...smiles Incidently 10th Armored Division "Tigers" after a short regrouping/ resupply was then used as main spearhead (very tough fighting) through to the end of the war. Please, review the following infromation and add this to your research and correct the error published in this video. Thanks ---- -References- also See ---- Source: ruclips.net/video/MzJ2g7q40nU/видео.html Title: Tigers On The Loose - Part 1; 10th Armored Division Channel: 10th Armored Division Time: 00:27:19 ---- Source: ruclips.net/video/Tv3gnyrarsc/видео.html Title5: Tigers On The Loose - Part 2; 10th Armored Division Channel: 10th Armored Division Time: 00:29:09 ---- Website: www.10tharmored.com Source: www.10tharmored.com/bastogne.html Title: The Defense of Bastogne by Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division "Tigers" Article: Press Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 67 Years Later - A World War II Division’s Combat Action Is Finally Recognized Bastogne, Belgium - December 10, 2011 - The combat actions of the U.S. 10th Armored Division in the defense of Bastogne during WWII’s Battle of the Bulge were recognized today with the placement and dedication of a plaque in the city where they boldly fought nearly 67 years ago. Regrettably, the actions of the 10th Armored during the battle have been largely neglected in history, while the 101st Airborne Division is often the lone unit credited for defending the town. The plaque will document and acknowledge Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division as the first major combat unit to arrive in Bastogne and to defend the town during the initial hours of the battle. - Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division was rushed north to the city of Bastogne early in the battle, arriving in Bastogne the evening of December 18th, 1944. CCB positioned their defensive teams at three strategic villages to the east of Bastogne - Noville to the northeast, Longvilly to the east and Wardin to the southeast. Their total force consisted of about 2,800 officers and men and 75 tanks. The German force bearing down on Bastogne was comprised of approximately 300 tanks and 50,000 men. After delaying the initial German advance, the remnants of the three 10th Armored teams joined the U.S. 101st Airborne Division for the remainder of the siege. In recognition of their gallant actions, Combat Command B was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. - General Anthony McAuliffe, who commanded the 101st Airborne and attached units in Bastogne during the battle, is famed for his reply to the Germans of, “Nuts!”, when they demanded that the surrounded U.S. troops surrender the city. Some twenty years after the battle, General McAuliffe praised the men of the 10th Armored “Tiger” Division saying, "It’s always seemed regrettable to me, that Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division didn’t get the credit it deserved in the battle of Bastogne. All of the newspaper and radio talk was about the paratroopers. Actually, the 10th Armored Division was in there a day before we were and had some very hard fighting before we ever got into it, and I sincerely believe that we would never have been able to get into Bastogne if it had not been for the defensive fighting of the three elements of the 10th Armored Division who were first into Bastogne and protected the town from invasion by the Germans.” - The 10th Armored Division plaque proudly stands along the road to the Mardasson Memorial northeast of Bastogne. The plaque was dedicated on Saturday, December 10th at 1:15 p.m. during the Nuts Festival that is celebrated in Bastogne every December. - 10th Armored Division Veterans -end-
"Band of brothers" wasn't a movie but a mini series on HBO produced by Spielberg in the style of private Ryan. But following the exploits of one of the baddest company's in Europe. They truly lived up to their names as "The battered bastards of Bastogne"
The P-47 was a flying tank. Of all American fighters it was the best in a dive, had great magazine capacity / bomb payload and could take an absolute savage beating and still get you home. There were P-47's that had cylinders shot our of their radial engines and still made it back to base. While the P-51 was a sleek race horse, highly maneuverable with outstanding performance at any altitude, most pilots preferred the P-47 for its durability and ammo capacity.
You say the German 506th had Tiger tanks yet your showing King Tigers ? I know both Tiger I and King Tigers fought in Normandy but which type did the 506th have ?
It's a pity that the US Army turned down the British conversion, fitting the 17 pounder anti-tank gun into a Sherman (the gun was 3" / 76.2mm). It wasn't an easy, or a perfect conversion, as the breech was far bigger, and the recoil longer than the standard Sherman M3 or M1A1- but it *WORKED.* Shermans so fitted were called Fireflies, and were the *ONLY allied tanks which could knock out a Tiger at long range.* It was so effective that German 88mm anti-tank gunners were told to take the Fireflies out first when attacked by allied tanks, and only then go for the standard Shermans. The only HE shell available for the 17 pdr. was notoriously inaccurate, but we overcame that by forming our armoured units in groups of one Firefly plus (I think) three Shermans - so the Fireflies would take on the Tigers, and the standard Shermans would focus on targets vulnerable to HE.
What an awesome story. My grandfather was a P-47 pilot as well and at 103 he can still remember the checklist for starting that aircraft and its V speeds
Hey man! I interview WWII veterans for a charity/ RUclips channel called Remember WW2. Do you think your grandfather would be up for an interview? Thanks and GOD BLESS
WOW!, 103!!!. Obviously a very special person. My Great Uncle Peter lived to 109 in Pennsylvania, in good health his whole life, a farmer and father and a very good uncle to his Irish nephews, in 1940 he visited my grandfather in nw Ireland and gifted my 10 year's old Dad a pair of bicycle tyres (impossible to get then) and a big bag of Florida Orange's. He returned to attend Grandpa's funeral in '81 when he was in his 90's, walking straight without a cane. An amazingly calm and intelligent man who had had his share of hard time's and personal tragedy but never let such change his belief in God, his fellow man and the goodness and greatness of the US.
You are blessed he is still with you, each day is precious. Im 72 myself!
Then why don't you have him participate in a ww2 first and account video?
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I was born at the time of the Battle of the Bulge. My father had gone down in France to his death in his P-47 seven months earlier, as part of the 509th Fighter Squadron stationed in England. The best movie about the Battle of the Bulge is Battleground (1949); the screenwriter who won an academy award for it, Robert Pirosh, had fought in the Battle of the Bulge, holding the rank of Master Sergeant.
Awesome story. We had a family friend who was in the 101st and fought at Bastogne. He would never talk about it much except for how cold it was, and how they were in constant combat with the Germans. He was always a hero to me.
Just watch Band of Brothers tells you all you need to know.
@@pvtjohntowle4081 I watched that and read the book. It was brutal.
All of my WW2 friends have now passed into history. One by one I saw them go, each time both saddened by their passing, and the inevitability of my own mortality.
God bless you, each and every one of you; please watch over us, we few remaining, and welcome us with open arms when we meet again.
@@joeritchie455476
@@stevehuggett2098
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My uncle Max was at the battle of the bulge... He was severely wounded and told me many years later that it was so cold that his wounds froze and kept him from bleeding out...I saw his scars and I was stunned at the huge scars all over his body.. He was just 18 and was in Patton's third army serving as a recon scout.. Our greatest American generation...🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 RIP uncle Max 🌹
Fabulous story. My father was shot down over Germany and spent 18 months in Stag Luft 1 prisoner of war camp. Many years later at a cocktail party, he met a German Ambassador who had been a Luftwaffe fighter pilot and who shot his first bomber down on the day my father was shot down. They ended up hugging and sank quite a few drinks down that night!
It’s a sad thought that we are losing so many WW2 vets. I am honored that I’m old enough that I remember meeting several and thanking them when I was a kid.
I really want to meet some
I have had the honor of meeting a handful. Had a late war pacific theatre army signals guy spin me a yarn about the soviets almost attacking allied occupation forces in japan
I’m 56 and my dad was a Korean War vet but I remember when I was young going to the VFW and meeting veterans of WW2 and Korea! Some even fought in both. Also knew a few Germans who fought for the Wehmacht.
I'm a bit older I reckon but adopted into a family where pretty much every male of that era served. United States Army, my father and one Uncle United States Army Air corps, two Uncles. My great uncle Edward Bernadzikowski was in Ander's Army Polish Free Forces in the British Army.
Loved being a part of this, good work as always!
Edit: Seeing them meet and speak to each other was such a just, wow moment. "We are friends." How everything can come full circle is sometimes so amazing.
When my Dad was 80 he was believed to be last surviving member of his MP squad which had been in Malmedy. That these two men met in their late 90's is miraculous.
You know it's gonna be a good day when it starts with a TJ3 masterpiece. Keep up the good work TJ, stay awesome!
Edit: seeing Ed and Jergen meet gave me chills and had me fighting back tears. Two warriors, once adversaries, now friends. God Bless our veterns and their honorable foes
Thanks Jester! :D
I know, right?
If I was one of those guys, the first question I'd ask is, "How the hell did we live so long?"
This channel deserves millions of followers. It's better than anything shown on television.
The meet up between the two old men are really tear inducing.... thinking back when they were young and fighting each other due to the lunatic making wars.... shooting at people they did not know and could actually be friends with, shooting all just because of those lunatics.... Man, this is too complex.
Great comment. It’s pitiful how young men have been used by demented lunatics to kill each other. These men might have been BFFs n
My Grandfather (by marriage, but still) was in the 101st in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Try as I might, he would never talk about it.
RIP Papa Gino.
My Grandfather was a P-47 pilot and also would never talk about it. He would talk about the flying characteristics of the different aircraft he flew, but not about combat. Just said "war is hell" and that was it.
This is quality content,I appreciate the the effort you put into this project and how you made all of this also for us,you are a very good man,thank you for your content.
Now this is proper historical content. Well thought out, thoroughly researched, a bold entertaining story all most importantly vetted by the individuals who were there. The meeting of Ed and Jergen is awesome, history coming full circle.
As a combat vet and the quartermaster of a VFW post only 2 decades after WW2 and being a Army Ranger myself I met hundreds of Battle of the Bulge vets through my VFW and my father and uncles who were all WW2 vets. No Battle of the Bulge referred to Bastogne as 'Bastonia' like this narrator says it. Evidently he knows how the locals in France and Belgium say the name Bastogne but in 75+ years I've never heard one veteran from WW2 Europe theater say it like the narrator. Even the incredibly brave and young looking P-47 Thunderbolt pilot Ed Cottrell refers to Bastogne the only way it was pronounced by the brave veterans or the newscasters and reporters from the 40s. Is it so hard to go with the flow? The Siege of Bastogne in 12/44 is engrained in the minds of all older vets!
Excellent video. My grandfather piloted a B-17 and was shot down over France in 1944. He was safely returned to England. He later went in to become base commander at Maclellan AFB in California.
what a great video! narration is suspenseful and on point, and I simply love the video clips! regards from southern Germany
Thank you very much!
Thank you sooo much, TJ, for another interesting story. So well done. Jürgen Tegethoff was born September 24, 1924 in Königswinter and died May 4, 2024 in Bad Honnef (RIP). And by the way: You can write Juergen instead of Jürgen (for example), ä as ae and ö as oe. Even in Germany it's correct to spell names in this way. Wish you all the best and greetings from Germany :)
Thank you! Learning proper German is on my to do list :)
Danke😊
I was assigned to the modern iteration of the 48th FG in the 1990s - the 48th FW, also known as the Statue of Liberty Wing ( The name "Statue of Liberty Wing" was conferred on 4 July 1954 and the 48th remains the only U.S. Air Force unit with both a name and a numerical designation). I was assigned as cadre to transition the Wing from F-111s to become the first overseas F-15E Strike Eagles base (RAF Lakenheath). Our WWII Vets usually came over during the summer. I read their various after action reports for stories to share and inspire our young airmen. And to be equal opportunity, We also honored the RAF Battle of Britain Veterans with a yearly celebratory dinner. One year I had the great privilege of escorting Flt Lt Wilkerson to the various functions. It was something to see our young fighter pilots gathered 'round those battle tested warriors, soaking up their every word.
The former submarine sailor Pug abides. Great work, TJ!
Girls: She forgot my birthday she is going to be my mental enemy for the rest of my life.
Boys: we tried to kill each other some years ago, lest be best friends
Lol
Soo true so true
Sexist, but maybe true.
L.O.L.!!!
😂🗯️
Great story! And great graphics as well.
And, of course, it's very nice to see Ed and Jergen. I'm glad they survived and found friendship.
Ed Cottrell is amazing and a hero for sure,meeting Jergen Tegethoff = AWESOME.....Thank you Trent and your team at
TJ3 History.....Sorry i am a day late......Your friend Old F-4 pilot Shoe🇺🇸
Thanks Shoe!!
I still remember the meeting between Bob Stanford-Tuck, and Adolf Galland, at North Weald Air Display, after the Second World War.
They never met in combat, but both had earned their post war celebrity, and became fast friends.
Both gone now, sadly, but I'm certain their friendship endures.
As a decorated United States Army m1 Abrams tank commander it is heartwarming to see at the end of this film the two adversaries come together with respect and admiration for one another and finally in decency and friendship. What a wonderful story with a very satisfying ending. Kind of reminds me of my days in the early 1980s in The former West Germany, a place where I have very many happy memories serving with the third infantry division based in Aschaffenburg am Main on the front lines of the Cold war. I was so grateful that two former adversary nations had come together in friendship and mutual camaraderie to keep the world at peace together. My hat's off and my love and admiration for the German people as in my older age now I wish to return to my former Garrison town and say hello once more. Peace and love to all.
Wow! What a memorable reunion after all these decades!!! Thanks for a great video and doing this!
My uncle Jordan was in the Blackhawk div. He earned the bronze star during the battle for the Ruhr pocket. He came home after WWII and through all that death & destruction he experienced my uncle died from a heart attack in a hardware store, in South Boston when he stopped to buy a gallon of paint in 1978 as he was being laid to rest it began to snow, and that storm turned into the blizzard of 1978 that rocked the East Coast of Ma. God bless all the soldiers of WWII
I nearly died in that storm.
It's amazing these Men survived and made it into their late 90's by this point. War is Hell but the most beautiful thing is years later these Men could shake hands and have a laugh. God speed to all who suffered in War, we can only hope the next go around their souls know only Peace and Joy.
People like you make RUclips so special thank you for all you do. Sub
On March 2, 1945, Major Arlo Henry was leading the 387th Fighter Squadron near the Cologne suburb of Stommeln when a 3rd Armour Division forward controller directed him to attack a trio of Tiger tanks that were stopping their advance. He led 2 other P-47s down to attack, first dropping six 500 lb bombs on them. When the smoke and dust cleared, one Tiger was knocked out in a ditch with its cannon twisted down and sideways. The second tank was backing into the cover of an orchard, and the third was heading east on the main street of town. As Henry and the others dove down to strafe it, he directed them to maintain a steep angle of attack and aim for both the ventilator grates and for the street under the tank. After working it over for several minutes, it finally stopped in the street, not moving. The third tank was then targeted, but the attack ended early when the Thunderbolts exhausted their ammo. Major Henry states: "Next morning we received a wire from the tank commander expressing appreciation for the attack. His forces took the town without further casualties. They found one Tiger destroyed, the second was incapacitated and it was captured, while the third had gotten away. From this we learned that our guns could cripple a Tiger tank despite its supposed impenetrable armor."
"Hell Hawks!", page 231, by Robert F. Dorr and Thomas D. Jones.
My Uncle was a Pilot in the 386th Fighter Squadron of the 365th Fighter Group... (Survived the War and passed in 2008)
Incredible story that was, I've really enjoyed that video. Thank you very much.
Always love seeing new videos from you guys! Keep up the awesomazing work! 🤘
Thanks! Will do!
My Father Lt Col Ralph Carter Army Air Cor flew B-25s in North Africa mounted with 8 50 cals and a 75mm cannon out the nose chasing Romels tanks and artillery then into Italy. They flew with the P-47s all the time in Europe. Both planes were the A-10 Warthogs in their day! Great story about 2 soldiers meeting 80 yrs later. My Dad had many friends from the German Airforce later in life as they flew with my Dad in Korea and Vietnam. I knew quite as lot of them as a kid. Crazy enemies, them co-pilot and best friends for life after war. My Dad would be 102 now. He lived for 94 yrs and flew til 84 yrs old! I got my Dog Duke, a 125 lbs German Shepherd from Germany and Lt Col Ernie Bastian German Air Cor in 1972! Best Dog ever!
My dad's cousin Sparky was taken POW in Battle of the Bulge. He escaped the Germans and found by peasant farmers and turned over to the Russian Army and returned to the US Army. After the war he joined the newly formed US Air Force for a life time carrier. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him after he retired at the War Museum in Danville IL. What a character he was. RIP Harrold (Sparky) Songer.
It is a blessing to be 99 years old like Ed and Jergen.
What a great video once again you some managed to top yourself . Great Story too. Thanks for all your hard work and research you put into your videos. It's always a great day when you turn on see TJ posted a new video. You can easily tell you put your heart into these amazing videos. Most W. W. 2 videos show or tell you the same old pictures and stories that we who enjoy history have seen and heard 1000 times before. But You have broken that mold and surprisingly find information thats new to even the most knowledgeable History lovers. Several times you have even covered subjects that I have wondered about for years. Like the video you made with what happened to the Japanese Fighter pilots after they shot down Yamamoto's plane. You don't just tell the same old stories like everyone else Putting you in a league of your own. Please Keep "em Flyin we've got your six.
A truly remarkable story by 2 remarkable men you see we all can become friends
It wasn't just a Tiger Tank , it was the "Royal Tiger" or King Tiger "Königstiger" or German designation Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B
Seems a few things were off with this vid wording wise
The tanks around Bastogne were some Panthers and Stugs.
No way did tiger or royal Tigers Tanks fight there. They were all concentrated in the SS Units which didn't attack in this area. They were fighting north of the area close to st vith.
That poignant meeting of ex enemies brought tears to my eyes.........I am not too embarrassed to admit to this, TJ!
Most are right there with you!
This story definitely touched my soul. We are friends. I couldn't help tear up watching Ed and Jergen meet.
Amazing video TJ!
Thanks Hornet!!
My pop, like a lot of veterans, didn’t like to speak of what he went through. In Korea he was with the artillery of the 29th Infantry Division, Tropic Lightning, on top of a hill with 4 105s, one pointed in each direction because they were surrounded. I had to learn this after he died.
Man, just came across the channel. Gotta tell ya this is good stuff. Been binge watching my whole shift well mostly binge listening lol. Really good work youre doing memorializing our brave service crew in their actions and stories. Keep em coming im all about it thats for sure!
@@wileyeyefloaty665 woooo! Thanks!
Every pilot seemed to believe his type plane was the best and who am I to argue. Obviously very tough men doing an absolute task.
Thank you all.
Thanks!
Wow incredible story. I was teary eyed at seeing these two near centenarians as friends. It made me misty eyed. ❤😊
Although the planes were grounded by bad weather, there were certain actions that determined the outcome of this battle. Not the least of which are the action of Lanzenrath ridge and the Engineers at Trois Ponts.
I love this story! Thank you so much!
Outstanding story, extreme effort and the willingness to share your efforts. I'm subscribed. Thank you.
Thanks for the senior to share his memories with me.
Thank-you guys, and Thank-you Ed. War is not a wonderful thing, but good stories can be found within them.
What a great historical story with a even greater outcome decads later. Today, we fight together!
I wish you were a little more accurate. Those are Tiger 2 or King Tigers there is a big difference in armor and firepower, so it's an important distinction. Otherwise, great job. It was a good video, and none the less good storytelling
The 506 Heavy panzer battalion was re-equipped with Tiger Auf.B in September 44. The Tiger Auf.B is the King Tiger, so there is no error on the video.
@@Plastisemlimites The video is correct, but the names are confusing. That's another thing we can blame the Germans for (😀, yes, satire), that's not your fault.
For argument's sake, a Tiger Ausf. B (translates to Version B) is a Königstiger/ King Tiger, and a Tiger 2 also is.
The Tiger 1 tank got the re-designated "Panzerkampfwagen VI" (literally "Armoured Fighting Vehicle", don't you just love when the abbreviations still is a mouthfull😀) after the introduction of the 2 (the Königstiger/ King Tiger).
So, to put it "simple" (or to add even more confusion, make your pick):
The PzKpw VI is the Tiger (with the Pz.Kpfw. V being the Panther, and the Pz.Kpfw. VII being the Löwe (Lion) (a concept design)). They really loved their kitty cats....
The Tiger 2/ Tiger B or Sd.Kfz 182 (Sonderkraftfahrzeug 182, oh man!!) is the King Tiger witch you refer to in this very nice and interesting doc.
As a person that appropriate history, I would like to see some stories from the other side of the battlefield.
I bet there would be a lot of interesting events there too.
that was a beautifully done video. tip top. the only question left remaining for me is how those two old veterans can manage to walk around with those giant balls.
It is interesting to see a couple of veterans who were once mortal enemies survive and meet peacefully.
☮️✌🏼
Great video, keep them coming!
Excellent video!
Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱.
That last part melted my heart.
Very moving for sure.
Back in 1987, outside of the 'Roaming Panther' Game/Hobby/Model store, in Phoenix AZ, I witnessed a loud discussion between two 65+ to 75 Yr.-Old men, after they had seen the HO-scale models (some of which were Mine!) set-up in the Display window. The Store had set-up 3 time-lines; Modern, Viet-Nam, and WW-2, with many local Model Builders being put upon Display. I had contributed an M-10, Stug-III, Panther, and an M-18 Buick Hellcat to the WW-2 group, and quite few to the later Era's displays. These two gents were in the Mall center-corridor, a few meters away this Store, sitting at a Table near a Coffee-shop and a Cookie Kiosk, actively getting Louder in their 'Discussion' about WW-2 tanks. The yelling Stopped, and the two departed, after the German called out the American by saying the Sherman was a 'Ronson' (after the then-famous Cigarette Lighter that didn't "blow-out" in winds). It seems that both parties had fought in WW-2, one being a Sherman/A-36 Commander (whom I talked with later), the other, a Panther/Stug-III/Panzer II Commander. They were friends after the War, but still had a few issues about which-what was Better, 43+ years later!
In case no one else has mentioned it, the invasion stripes on the P-47's is an anachronism.
Great job, great interview
Wow this man is 101 years old? He doesnt look a day over 70. What a badass.
what an amazing video! , great work
This is an incredible story. One soldier to another. 🫡
Thank you. Never heard this part of the story.
Amazing story well told! Thanks!
Please let us know what movie that is you referenced and had a clip from. I would like to try and find it to watch. Another great video, outstanding work- Thank You.
It's from Band of Brothers.
Incredible aircraft. Just destructive beyond belief.
Two guys who would have killed each other without a second thought are now friends. What a crazy bunch of people we are!
It surely highlights how ridiculous war is.
Your videos are very entertaining
Great video
My father was a US Army infantry man who missed the Battle of the Bulge because he was wounded in the Hurtgen Forest battles in November 1944 and was in an English hospital recuperating during the Battle of the Bulge. By the time he was released from the hospital, our Army was in Germany so he spent the last few months in Germany but far from what fighting remained. My dad said he was always wet and cold. The winter of 1944/1945 was an exceptionally cold winter.
The story begins at 12:50...
Amazing story
My great gtandfather fought against the germans in North Africa as part of the South African Expeditionary Force
Amazing to know history is still alive amougst us. We should make the most of it while it lasts
This is the kind of history I want.
ed is sharp as a tack and in incredible shape for 101
The upper stripes on the P-47 are revered and unusual for Dec
What an epic moment when these former adversaries got to meet under peaceful circumstances!
I do not know any more World War II veterans ,they are all gone. But I did know one of the band Brothers that was at Bastogne. He was kind of like a grandpa to me, Brad Freeman! As he would talk about the men of his unit, he would say, he was a good man! And as I would say about Brad, he was a good man!
@TJ3 History have you thought about making a behind the scenes video covering things like how you get the camera and situations in WarThunder or those cinematic recreations? Pwetty pwease?
Added in Edit: How much more poignant can you get? TJ, your preservation of these treasures needs to be Library of Congress.
Thanks Kyle!! And I will sometime soon :D
Yes please!
I really want to see that.
I would like to participate in making your battles for the videos but I don't know the procedure and if I can do it.....😐
this guy makes war thunder look so cool (for those who don't know, those aren't animation, its a game)
Amazing that that almost 80yrs later, two men who were trying to erase each other from this planet, can shake hands and become friends
Hatte mich als deutscher Historiker immer über die erstaunlichen Erfolge der Ardennenoffensive gewundert. Die niedrigen Temperaturen befeuerten die militärisch aussichtslose Offensive.
The English pronunciation of Bastogne ignores the “g”, hence Bastone
Amazing. They really were the Greatest Generation.
I would suggest you use the actual version of the P-47's that were being used in 1944. The P-47 had gone to the Bubbletop canopy late in 1943 and by the mid 1944, no more of the older canopy models were left in theater.
@@awcvn this is absolutely not true. Every detail in this video is based on the historical aircraft flown. His aircraft flown at this time was a Razorback - I literally went through and looked at his flight log and looked at every model flown by the unit. Although many switched, especially in 8th AF, the razorback was still in use on the frontlines.
what a story... what a man ! my respect sir u are a gentleman rest in peace
From a military point of view what a beautiful story.
My grandfather was in the 10th amd in one of the 'combat commands" of the div that got stuck in Bastogne and since his unit was a "ghost" div that was unmarked and labeled "do not report" to the news media his unit really never got credit for holding the town till the 101st got there....but he was there and so were those tanks and big gun artillery that really saved the day. remember the 101st might be highly trained BUT its still a light infantry unit VS heavy tanks so US tanks and guns HAD to be there (unaccredited) or they would have been run over like a speed bump!
thought the "band of Brother" tv show did show the 10th armd there with BARRF Jimmy Fallon, they got most of it right...but he is wearing a unit patch that they would not have been wearing!
Hello TJ3 History,
I realize this video is primarily about P-47 Thunderbolts.
I do NOT mean to Hijack the video or comments either.
However, some of the facts are NOT correct.
It was NOT the 101st Airborne that 1st arrived Bastogne.
The 10th Armored Division "Tigers" CCB provided 1st relief for the 9th Armored, 4th and 28th Infantry Divisions.
Also on a lesser point, Bastogne as you say in the French pronunciation should probably be, Bastown as in the American pronunciation.
I would believe the people in the region would allow this in view of the 25,000 Allied and in this case mostly American Souls would appreciate.
After all, the 10th Armored Division "Tigers" also became known as the, "Stone of Bastogne"; rhymes better ...smiles
Incidently 10th Armored Division "Tigers" after a short regrouping/ resupply was then used as main spearhead (very tough fighting) through to the end of the war.
Please, review the following infromation and add this to your research and correct the error published in this video.
Thanks
----
-References-
also See ----
Source: ruclips.net/video/MzJ2g7q40nU/видео.html
Title: Tigers On The Loose - Part 1; 10th Armored Division
Channel: 10th Armored Division
Time: 00:27:19
----
Source: ruclips.net/video/Tv3gnyrarsc/видео.html
Title5: Tigers On The Loose - Part 2; 10th Armored Division
Channel: 10th Armored Division
Time: 00:29:09
----
Website: www.10tharmored.com
Source: www.10tharmored.com/bastogne.html
Title: The Defense of Bastogne by Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division "Tigers"
Article:
Press Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
67 Years Later - A World War II Division’s Combat Action Is Finally Recognized
Bastogne, Belgium - December 10, 2011
- The combat actions of the U.S. 10th Armored Division in the defense of Bastogne during WWII’s Battle of the Bulge were recognized today with the placement and dedication of a plaque in the city where they boldly fought nearly 67 years ago. Regrettably, the actions of the 10th Armored during the battle have been largely neglected in history, while the 101st Airborne Division is often the lone unit credited for defending the town. The plaque will document and acknowledge Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division as the first major combat unit to arrive in Bastogne and to defend the town during the initial hours of the battle.
- Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division was rushed north to the city of Bastogne early in the battle, arriving in Bastogne the evening of December 18th, 1944. CCB positioned their defensive teams at three strategic villages to the east of Bastogne - Noville to the northeast, Longvilly to the east and Wardin to the southeast. Their total force consisted of about 2,800 officers and men and 75 tanks. The German force bearing down on Bastogne was comprised of approximately 300 tanks and 50,000 men. After delaying the initial German advance, the remnants of the three 10th Armored teams joined the U.S. 101st Airborne Division for the remainder of the siege. In recognition of their gallant actions, Combat Command B was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.
- General Anthony McAuliffe, who commanded the 101st Airborne and attached units in Bastogne during the battle, is famed for his reply to the Germans of, “Nuts!”, when they demanded that the surrounded U.S. troops surrender the city. Some twenty years after the battle, General McAuliffe praised the men of the 10th Armored “Tiger” Division saying, "It’s always seemed regrettable to me, that Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division didn’t get the credit it deserved in the battle of Bastogne. All of the newspaper and radio talk was about the paratroopers. Actually, the 10th Armored Division was in there a day before we were and had some very hard fighting before we ever got into it, and I sincerely believe that we would never have been able to get into Bastogne if it had not been for the defensive fighting of the three elements of the 10th Armored Division who were first into Bastogne and protected the town from invasion by the Germans.”
- The 10th Armored Division plaque proudly stands along the road to the Mardasson Memorial northeast of Bastogne. The plaque was dedicated on Saturday, December 10th at 1:15 p.m. during the Nuts Festival that is celebrated in Bastogne every December.
- 10th Armored Division Veterans
-end-
"Band of brothers" wasn't a movie but a mini series on HBO produced by Spielberg in the style of private Ryan. But following the exploits of one of the baddest company's in Europe. They truly lived up to their names as "The battered bastards of Bastogne"
great story, but why are the sides of the tiger tank turret shown sloped, are they not normally almost vertical? Or is it a King Tiger ?
GREAT video.
The P-47 was a flying tank. Of all American fighters it was the best in a dive, had great magazine capacity / bomb payload and could take an absolute savage beating and still get you home. There were P-47's that had cylinders shot our of their radial engines and still made it back to base. While the P-51 was a sleek race horse, highly maneuverable with outstanding performance at any altitude, most pilots preferred the P-47 for its durability and ammo capacity.
Amazing story from incredible men
Legendary stuff amazing.
Dad helped break up the Buldge flying with the US Army Air Corps. Medium and low level bombardment from the B26 Martin Marauder.
You say the German 506th had Tiger tanks yet your showing King Tigers ? I know both Tiger I and King Tigers fought in Normandy but which type did the 506th have ?
That was a great story enemy's at first now friends the world can learn from this story so very awesome thanks for the story
It's a pity that the US Army turned down the British conversion, fitting the 17 pounder anti-tank gun into a Sherman (the gun was 3" / 76.2mm). It wasn't an easy, or a perfect conversion, as the breech was far bigger, and the recoil longer than the standard Sherman M3 or M1A1- but it *WORKED.* Shermans so fitted were called Fireflies, and were the *ONLY allied tanks which could knock out a Tiger at long range.* It was so effective that German 88mm anti-tank gunners were told to take the Fireflies out first when attacked by allied tanks, and only then go for the standard Shermans.
The only HE shell available for the 17 pdr. was notoriously inaccurate, but we overcame that by forming our armoured units in groups of one Firefly plus (I think) three Shermans - so the Fireflies would take on the Tigers, and the standard Shermans would focus on targets vulnerable to HE.