WW2 Vet Endures Four Invasions | Memoirs Of WWII #34

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  • Опубликовано: 17 май 2024
  • Though the Army Infantry was the one branch of service where Guy Prestia didn’t want to end up, that’s exactly where the draft placed him. The 45th Infantry took him through Italy, France, and Germany, forcing him to encounter everything he had feared, and so much more.
    **NOTE: Visual representations of Guy’s BAR team members Roy Zuber and Clarence McKay are representations only, as photographs of the two men could not be found.
    Memoirs of WWII Website: bit.ly/2w60kGM
    Patreon: bit.ly/2HIebIN
    Instagram: bit.ly/2FBGBhv
    Facebook: bit.ly/2w5Lhgf
    Twitter: bit.ly/2jlcp1A
    Written and Directed by Joshua Scott
    Filmed by Heather Scott
    Edited by Joshua Scott
    Post Audio by Lane Tarr
    Photo Colorization and Additional Research by Hudson Louie
    Archive Footage Sources:
    www.archives.gov/
    Archive Photograph Sources:
    United States Library of Congress
    NARA
    US Holocaust Memorial Museum
    Adam Jones, Ph.D.
    Musical Score Source:
    artlist.io/
    Artlist Songs and Composers:
    “Beyond the Horizon” by Borrtex
    “No Way Out” by Piotr Hummel
    “Milestone” by Yehezkel Raz
    “Muted” by Michael Vignola
    “Reverse the River” by Philip Daniel Zach
    “Just Floating Along” composed by Artie Shaw, acquired from www.archive.org

Комментарии • 1,4 тыс.

  • @guyprestia8534
    @guyprestia8534 2 года назад +2057

    I am so very grateful to call this man " dad" and to be named after him. It warms my heart to see so many kind remarks here from many of you.

    • @maxazzopardi7446
      @maxazzopardi7446 2 года назад +59

      He's a hero. So tragic that he had to go through what he went through.

    • @gearztv8773
      @gearztv8773 2 года назад +13

      @@maxazzopardi7446 Hallelujah

    • @anonim6101
      @anonim6101 2 года назад +64

      You are a son of a hero you should be proud

    • @hikethisplanet1017
      @hikethisplanet1017 2 года назад +35

      I don't think words can describe how proud you are of your father and I don't think words can describe how much respect and appreciation i have for your father.

    • @attsealevel
      @attsealevel 2 года назад +28

      Seems like a real beautiful guy - bet he was a great dad. Thanks for adding your comment.

  • @gooba3284
    @gooba3284 2 года назад +1282

    Hands down, most IMPORTANT channel on RUclips

    • @talkingdonkey1817
      @talkingdonkey1817 2 года назад +15

      100% agreed!

    • @kcr12shadow11
      @kcr12shadow11 2 года назад +9

      yeah it is really important to listen and tell especially young people what happened in the second world war, so that something like it never happens again, especially nazis...

    • @stomper5432
      @stomper5432 2 года назад +1

      Besides ww2 week by week djvlad sammy gravano and a few others i agree

    • @JLAvey
      @JLAvey 2 года назад +10

      With the youngest WWII vets in their 90s, it's important to record what they have to say now.

    • @joooweeee2134
      @joooweeee2134 2 года назад +5

      I agree. Yet, people click on that dislike button.

  • @EricFapton
    @EricFapton 2 года назад +698

    It is Amazing this man survived so long in a front line unit.

    • @sappert1952
      @sappert1952 2 года назад +35

      @Logan Roof we all know that you’re mad at us because we killed your liberal hero Adolf Hitler.

    • @tinamurray7247
      @tinamurray7247 2 года назад +6

      You ain't kidding. Absolutely amazing he survived.

    • @m65o65
      @m65o65 2 года назад

      @Pacman Pacmanthe Republicans part is so wrong ..

    • @m65o65
      @m65o65 2 года назад +1

      @Pacman Pacman the Republican part is so wrong ..

    • @truth2919
      @truth2919 2 года назад +1

      @Mick James Trump is NOTHING like Hitler.

  • @lucacolendi8873
    @lucacolendi8873 2 года назад +805

    I usually never comment on videos since I don't want to sound banal, but this time is different. I just want to say I am so grateful to all these young men, because if I can speak Italian today and I know what freedom is like, it is also thanks to the sacrifice of thousands of young Americans. Grazie davvero di cuore.

    • @sejnitram
      @sejnitram 2 года назад +12

      Bless you Luca.

    • @reeceadriaans1577
      @reeceadriaans1577 2 года назад +4

      Yeah also congrats on beating Belgium in the Euro you guys deserve it!

    • @FerrariJetlife
      @FerrariJetlife 2 года назад +1

      I don't understand why thanks to american for you speaking italian? Italie was not occupied by foreign army?

    • @davidepaglieri132
      @davidepaglieri132 2 года назад +22

      @@FerrariJetlife Italy proclaimed truce in September 1943, the king of Italy removed Mussolini from power, and Germany occupied Italy. A lot of Italian partisan forces fought against the Germans, together with the allies.

    • @FerrariJetlife
      @FerrariJetlife 2 года назад +5

      @@davidepaglieri132 thanks for the explanation, i was really wondering why and now i know.

  • @thegunslinger1363
    @thegunslinger1363 2 года назад +374

    Never forget these incredible men.

    • @sappert1952
      @sappert1952 2 года назад +1

      @Logan Roof if you forgot then why did you come hear? Truth is you can’t can’t get us out of your head. Veterans scare the hell out of you.

    • @paulanthony5274
      @paulanthony5274 2 года назад +2

      @@sappert1952 Just ignore him,he's posting troll comments up and down the comments section.

    • @thomascrowley9122
      @thomascrowley9122 2 года назад +5

      @Logan Roof Hopefully you get forgotten about

    • @erikgothberg8078
      @erikgothberg8078 2 года назад

      @Logan Roof I Wish that you got send to the battlefields instead of these fine men

  • @xero7087
    @xero7087 2 года назад +127

    This guy went through so much hell but he never talked about himself. He talked about the soldiers and civilians and how bad he felt for them. Truly an amazing human.

  • @MrArtmundus
    @MrArtmundus 2 года назад +188

    I'm from Poland and my grandpa was fighting in September campaign of 1939 when we has 19. Later in 1941 he joined into Polish resistance movement. My family lost all their land and farm because of the Nazi III Reich. He spent 4 years in the woods with hunger, illness, -30ºC winter, lack of food and medicine, rain and nazis going afther him and his unit. He was toughest man I ever know. Much respect to all american soldiers who died for other people.

    • @9HighFlyer9
      @9HighFlyer9 Год назад +10

      My grandfather enlisted into the US Army in Oct 1939 because of the invasion of Poland. He was considered the "Old man" because he was already 22 then.
      Was with the 39th FA, 3rd ID through North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. Was sent home in 1945 from Berchtesgaden.

    • @BolivarBuddy
      @BolivarBuddy 11 месяцев назад +3

      WoW! Thank you for sharing about your Grandfather.

    • @AndrewBlacker-wr2ve
      @AndrewBlacker-wr2ve 11 месяцев назад +8

      Holy crap! Your grandpa had it really rough.
      But he battled on and survived.
      That's not about being a soldier.
      That's about being a tough customer.

    • @tbone1574
      @tbone1574 10 месяцев назад +3

      I'm half Polish from my mom's side of the family. My grandmother and her mom left Poland right after the first world war...They knew another one was coming and it was gonna be bad news...
      So glad they did...

    • @benedikt7218
      @benedikt7218 9 месяцев назад +9

      I'm from germany. My grandfather fought on the eastern frontier, from poland in september '39 to april '45 in austria.
      This was a dark time for your country, another one followed under the russians.
      I am glad about the fact, that we have peace and are neighbours and allieds now.
      I hope, that future generations won't forget this.

  • @kylecrafton4489
    @kylecrafton4489 2 года назад +600

    Absolutely love what you guys are doing. People have no clue what we’re losing with our ww2 vets.

    • @aaa7189
      @aaa7189 2 года назад +11

      @Logan Roof I hope you were not serious

    • @averageguy6774
      @averageguy6774 2 года назад

      @@aaa7189 Lol they didn't have to be enlisted so its their fault lol

    • @aaa7189
      @aaa7189 2 года назад +8

      @@averageguy6774 You would have stayed home ?

    • @DarthYoshi401
      @DarthYoshi401 2 года назад +1

      We already went through this with their fathers, so having something like this now with them is amazing.

    • @konigstiger3017
      @konigstiger3017 2 года назад +11

      @Logan Roof Hope someone in your life comforts you with the attention you sorely need. There's no point insulting you, because you'll just do it again.

  • @sr2172
    @sr2172 2 года назад +52

    I've said it once, I'll say it a thousand times. Different breed of men, they were scared fearless. Every ounce of respect to every single man that fought.

    • @h.r.puffnstuff8705
      @h.r.puffnstuff8705 10 месяцев назад

      Spot on. I’m thankful to have been raised by this generation of fellas.

    • @CruzGauna-th7ip
      @CruzGauna-th7ip 10 месяцев назад

      Amen brudda💯

  • @milosmith8275
    @milosmith8275 2 года назад +111

    I wish my grandpa was still alive to tell you his story josh, he passed 4 and a half years ago. He was drafted at 20 into the army and fought in Germany at the battle of the Rhine. As a a kid I wanted to hear about his experience so badly but he would not speak of it to anyone and my mom told me I was to never ask so I didn’t. When he was 88 and I was in my thirties he finally opened to me and for about an hour told me some of what he experienced. 4 years later he passed away. Marvin John Bartels from NE, WW2 combat veteran and the bravest man I will ever know,

    • @ultimasolucion6904
      @ultimasolucion6904 Год назад +6

      Would you mind telling me a bit about his account of his experience in the war?

    • @Chris-Someguy
      @Chris-Someguy Год назад +4

      May he rest in peace 😢

    • @Chris-Someguy
      @Chris-Someguy Год назад +4

      I don't know if my message was deleted or the app made a mistake but if you have photos or videos of him, I could make a video for you

    • @h.r.puffnstuff8705
      @h.r.puffnstuff8705 10 месяцев назад +3

      Yeah some them fellas were very tight lipped and some would tell you what you asked about. For what ever reason I took interest in their ww2 story at a very young age and most of them would discuss things with me. After I did a stint or two in the military they would go more in depth in the details when I visited. I had one relative who would speak only to me about his war experience. His grand kids all pester me for details today, They’re so naive about things I can’t really explain who their grandfather was without bursting their bubble. He was a good guy with a really bad war experience. They’d prob be shocked to hear what he really thought of it.

    • @jollcheist1443
      @jollcheist1443 4 месяца назад

      I hope you named one of your sons after him to keep his name and spirit alive longer.

  • @TheJosepepper
    @TheJosepepper 2 года назад +3

    A pure hero. This is freedom. This is America. God bless these men.

  • @thefbi1947
    @thefbi1947 2 года назад +318

    It's hard to imagine going through something like this but for a whole generation it became a reality.

    • @todddavis4586
      @todddavis4586 2 года назад +8

      @@DaLonelySheperd Like General George Patton said after the war " We fought against the wrong enemy " We're living the consequences of that.

    • @bradleyhoskins1023
      @bradleyhoskins1023 2 года назад +7

      @@todddavis4586 definitely not thr wrong enemy, the Germans and Japanese back then needed to be beat, but the soviets and communists should be beat too. Look at what the Germans and Japanese did in world War 2, they definitely were not the wrong enemy

    • @todddavis4586
      @todddavis4586 2 года назад +3

      @@bradleyhoskins1023 You need to stop believing all of the lies and deception that you've been taught.

    • @todddavis4586
      @todddavis4586 2 года назад +4

      @@bradleyhoskins1023 The Japanese were goaded into attacking Pearl Harbor.
      FDR actual name is Rosenfeldt could have cared less about the Pacific.
      He wanted a war in Europe.
      Because the usary debt slave system that you're living under today was done away with in that country that we destroyed in Europe.

    • @todddavis4586
      @todddavis4586 2 года назад +5

      @@bradleyhoskins1023 The communists won WW 2.
      That's who totally control your country today.
      The founders of Communism.
      Less than 2% of the population.

  • @TheCanadian888
    @TheCanadian888 2 года назад +422

    17 minutes video, and still not long enough. I could have listen him for 3 hours non stop. Amazing work Josh

    • @joem5332
      @joem5332 2 года назад +12

      As a kid in the 70’s my neighbor was a navy guy and he introduced me to some of his buddies. I was very interested in ww2 , in hindsight I wish I talked and listened to these guys more. I remember once a gentleman with a hole in his throat gave me some Japanese money and I was so thrilled. Damn I wish I listened more.

    • @thattv5890
      @thattv5890 2 года назад

      true

    • @mutesapphire
      @mutesapphire 2 года назад

      Put everything on 2x and stop wasting your time

    • @richerich9238
      @richerich9238 2 года назад

      💯

    • @priceymemes7699
      @priceymemes7699 Год назад

      Same

  • @daimlerbenzstuttgart
    @daimlerbenzstuttgart 2 года назад +113

    The Greatest Generation..Patriots!Heroes! God Bless Them All.

    • @jonnym4670
      @jonnym4670 2 года назад

      Weak compared to the ww1 generation now those were men

  • @rickkerts3802
    @rickkerts3802 2 года назад +160

    The only legends on this world are the veterans!! Give them 1 month of rememberance!

    • @Paladin1873
      @Paladin1873 2 года назад +8

      This is how a real hero behaves.

    • @rickkerts3802
      @rickkerts3802 2 года назад +4

      @Logan Roof 🤡🤡

    • @patrickwebster9153
      @patrickwebster9153 2 года назад +10

      @@rickkerts3802 I’m pretty sure he’s trolling but you can’t tell satire from reality anymore

    • @rickkerts3802
      @rickkerts3802 2 года назад

      @@patrickwebster9153 i hope..

    • @alexh.3977
      @alexh.3977 2 года назад

      @@rickkerts3802 pretty sure its sarcasm

  • @o01chris10o
    @o01chris10o 2 года назад +80

    It is once we forget that we are doomed to repeat

    • @sappert1952
      @sappert1952 2 года назад +13

      @Logan Roof that’s an all loving liberal for ya. Always wanting to kill and destroy America.

    • @finddeniro
      @finddeniro 2 года назад

      @Logan Roof ..Boom Bust...Export Production.
      Subsidies Stupid Shameless Want. .

    • @711jastin
      @711jastin 2 года назад

      it's so ironic that as these gentlemen leave, we are way more closer to be another one. one lesson that we learn from history is that we never learn.

    • @holy8782
      @holy8782 2 года назад

      @@sappert1952 That's not a liberal. That's just an asshole pretending to be one. Either that or an extremist. The vast majority of us are not the ones screaming for war. That tends to come from Republicans/Conservatives.

    • @sappert1952
      @sappert1952 2 года назад +2

      @@711jastin well he dose a fine job impersonating one. Liberals have proven time and time again how much they hate us veterans.

  • @e.d.johnson8535
    @e.d.johnson8535 2 года назад +31

    My dad went thru landings in Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, and Southern France, Started out as a 18yr. old. Crazy way to grow up.

    • @terminallumbago6465
      @terminallumbago6465 2 года назад +7

      People in that generation had to grow up a lot quicker. Before the war they also went through the Great Depression.

    • @ernestpaniagua1210
      @ernestpaniagua1210 2 года назад +3

      My father went through the same operations

    • @vivians9392
      @vivians9392 Год назад +3

      @@terminallumbago6465 I think the depression made these young men much tougher than they would be at that age today...

  • @philskorupskijr3753
    @philskorupskijr3753 2 года назад +97

    When he saw his comrade again. I almost balled! Incredible story!

  • @joeyschantz2673
    @joeyschantz2673 2 года назад +24

    I’m a huge WW2 history nut, grandpa was in the navy and his brothers in the airborne during ww2. When you listen to these vets tell the stories of what they went through it brings a greater appreciation and respect and it’s sad there’s less and less ww2 vets each day. IMO best Channel

    • @Lonelysportofboxing
      @Lonelysportofboxing 2 года назад

      No what’s crappy is how WW2 Vets are being treated when they come back home.

  • @mkms685
    @mkms685 2 года назад +34

    Sicily, Salerno, Anzio and Southern France, Rhine.
    Those were the toughest tours that a small guy could handle. But he made it in one piece.

  • @luisgall7202
    @luisgall7202 2 года назад +67

    Much Respect to this man.
    My Grandfather was just 7 Year Old when the 45. Infantrie Devision was in the city Munau which is close to munich. I showed him the video with subtitles and he was very happie to that there are still people alive which tell the truth about the war.
    Thank you very much for the great videos ans sorry for my bad english.

    • @asmodeus1274
      @asmodeus1274 2 года назад +9

      Your English is better than most

    • @SchofieldBrothersRacing
      @SchofieldBrothersRacing 2 года назад +4

      Thanks for sharing your grandfather's story!

    • @johnbailey3877
      @johnbailey3877 2 года назад +5

      Your English is superior to a large percentage of our citizens.
      More importantly, thank you for sharing your thoughts. and, although I might be closer to your parents generation than yours, our understanding of history has evolved away from “good guy bad guy“ thinking. The majority of Germans were not Nazis. and only a small minority of Nazis were evil - they were just like other humans.
      It was war and everybody suffered. One of the best parts of this video was to make clear how the Italian people suffered.
      (The Italian version theater gets little attention.)

    • @luisgall7202
      @luisgall7202 2 года назад +4

      @@johnbailey3877 Thanks for that words. Its sad but In Murnau (the city where my grandfather live) the most people were nazis. In 1942 or 1941 i am not sure sorry Adolf Hitler was dirving threw the mainstreet and nearly everybody just raised his arm and said Sieg Heil. And at the end of the war a lot of young people from Murnau had to go to the Eastfront. 2 cousins and a brother from my gradfather died. The brother was just 16 and the cousins 17 and 18. Really sad times

  • @hankhill6916
    @hankhill6916 2 года назад +27

    I have meet Guy several times at WWII reenactments around his home, what a great guy!

    • @brendenl25
      @brendenl25 2 года назад +1

      bet he had some great stories to tell

    • @hankhill6916
      @hankhill6916 2 года назад +1

      @@brendenl25 Some great ones indeed

  • @noahkrocks
    @noahkrocks 2 года назад +55

    What a man, has a knack for telling a story! His focus on the civilians really makes you realize the follies of war.

  • @mattpriest9389
    @mattpriest9389 2 года назад +188

    Been waiting for this since the last episode. Best channel on RUclips

  • @connordeck8457
    @connordeck8457 2 года назад +24

    I’m a ww2 reenactor and my unit is actually the 45th Infantry, it warms my heart to see you interviewing a member of the 45th. This unit went through so much hell

    • @21350ctw
      @21350ctw 11 месяцев назад

      Reenactor for what history channel?

  • @michaeloliver4440
    @michaeloliver4440 2 года назад +9

    My Great Grandfather fought in world war 2. George Rainsford was his name from South Africa. I still have an original photo that he took in 1945 of Benito Mussolini hanging in Italy.

  • @btrdangerdan2010
    @btrdangerdan2010 2 года назад +32

    That was a good laugh at the end. "I want to introduce you to my grandma". Good to end the interview on good spirits.

  • @mattwright7689
    @mattwright7689 2 года назад +3

    Thank you sir for serving and making the world a better place.

  • @btrdangerdan2010
    @btrdangerdan2010 2 года назад +19

    RUclips should give you a medal for historical significance.

  • @vipergtsmre
    @vipergtsmre 2 года назад +132

    Even though you probably don't want it, you guys deserve recognition for this incredible channel. If the History Channel still showed history 🤬, all your vids should be on there.

    • @mikehurricane5767
      @mikehurricane5767 2 года назад +4

      AMEN ,,,,,,

    • @jaredevildog6343
      @jaredevildog6343 2 года назад +9

      That makes 2 excellent points. History channel should be history and this channel should be on it !

  • @robertkrestel3839
    @robertkrestel3839 2 года назад +41

    This man is from my hometown in Western Pa. and I never knew his story before today. This is a great video that I'll make a point to share with others.
    Mr. Prestia, Thank you for sharing your story.

    • @MemoirsofWWII
      @MemoirsofWWII  2 года назад +4

      That’s great to hear! Thanks for watching and for sharing!

    • @josephanderson7237
      @josephanderson7237 2 года назад +4

      Now I recognize the slight accent. That’s my hometown too.

    • @kevin.i6099
      @kevin.i6099 2 года назад +1

      I'm wondering where he was from in wester Pa. Lived in the town he talked about, Ambridge Pa. My dad was in Anzio also. If those two would have met they'd still be talking.

    • @robertkrestel3839
      @robertkrestel3839 2 года назад

      Kevin
      Sorry I failed to mention that we are both from Ellwood City. Us Western Pa. folks all know about Ambridge (or Ampipe if you're in aTom Cruise movie)

    • @Westpark16
      @Westpark16 4 месяца назад

      Unbelievable. I WAS listening, and I just knew. He had to be from the Steel Valley,surrounding area. Reminded me of my Grandpa. Youngstown Ohio.the accent, mannerisms.❤ I miss him and my hometown . GREATEST MOST HUMBLE Generation.

  • @spiralwhirlpool2366
    @spiralwhirlpool2366 2 года назад +45

    The 2nd question asking him was heartbreakingly sweet. At least we have something to laugh about before the video was over. I was about to cry

  • @rickarra9396
    @rickarra9396 2 года назад +68

    Best interview yet. Hero's. Unbelievable how great these people were. I'm gonna sound like an old man now, kids today have no clue or respect for our country and the struggles of millions who gave us this freedom we have

    • @asmodeus1274
      @asmodeus1274 2 года назад +5

      Isn’t that the truth! Saw a video today concerning July 4th, most millennials didn’t know what country the US gained its freedom from or the year the US gained it’s independence.

    • @chadanderson8692
      @chadanderson8692 2 года назад +2

      @@asmodeus1274 I blame my generation X for that, but then again the millennials are in their 30s now, so what's their excuse now? I guess you can't learn things when your to into yourself and think your a victim of some boogyman that doesn't exist.

    • @mangofett6210
      @mangofett6210 2 года назад +10

      I meam.there are quite a few teens that are interested in.history. im 16 and alot of.my buddies enjoy learning history

    • @justmepraying
      @justmepraying 2 года назад +2

      @@mangofett6210 you will go far in life because you are learning about the past. Thanks to you and your friends

    • @mangofett6210
      @mangofett6210 2 года назад +6

      @@justmepraying thank you! I really hope to one day become a history professor. I feel like in these times the only thing we can look to for guidance is the mistakes of the past.

  • @rewing041
    @rewing041 2 года назад +7

    A fellow Pittsburgher! I met Guy at the Heinz History Center! It was a great experience!

  • @TheDeathsMessenger
    @TheDeathsMessenger 2 года назад +1

    You’re part of the reason I speak Danish, and not German.
    I will forever be grateful for, and humbled by your will and sacrifice.

  • @TA-wg9oi
    @TA-wg9oi 2 года назад +50

    It's difficult to comprehend the experiences these men went though. Those that survived were to return home and live what we call today 'a normal life'. Thank you Josh to you and your wife for keeping these memories alive. I believe further education still needs to be achieved now and once this generation has passed. The vandalism at Currahee, Camp Toccoa GA is an example of youth unaware of life that was given.. Rgds from Australia.

    • @justmepraying
      @justmepraying 2 года назад +2

      Amen 🙏

    • @frankmcgarry3155
      @frankmcgarry3155 2 года назад +6

      If you haven’t seen the movie “The Best Years of our Lives” I recommend it. It follows three soldiers coming home and trying to re adjust to civilian life.

    • @TA-wg9oi
      @TA-wg9oi 2 года назад +2

      @@frankmcgarry3155 Thanks Frank. I will have a look at that. A quick search shows it's on Prime.

    • @justmepraying
      @justmepraying 2 года назад +6

      @Logan Roof o how wrong you are and very disrespectful 😒

    • @user-ut3lq7ki2n
      @user-ut3lq7ki2n 2 года назад

      @@justmepraying It's true can't blame him

  • @BlindingGlow
    @BlindingGlow 2 года назад +22

    I've watched every one of these interviews, and challenged myself not to cry each time..... I've failed every time.

  • @kellymahan861
    @kellymahan861 2 года назад +3

    God bless you, Sir...Thank you for fighting for freedom!

    • @user-wk5yp8rz3l
      @user-wk5yp8rz3l 13 дней назад

      God bless you merry gentlemen.True Americans honor and thank you.

  • @benmiz9742
    @benmiz9742 2 года назад +2

    Guy Prestia what a beautiful soul! I’m not American but thank you for your sacrifice and service to the free world!

  • @midnightrunner684
    @midnightrunner684 2 года назад +2

    All of them Are Heros .God Bless America

  • @Paladin1873
    @Paladin1873 2 года назад +37

    Beautifully told story by a great veteran, and he is so alert and youthful looking for a man of 98. No wonder we call them the Greatest Generation.

  • @_Peremalfait
    @_Peremalfait 2 года назад +8

    I got a little choked up when he talked about finding his old friend who'd been wounded.

  • @thelegionisnotamused8929
    @thelegionisnotamused8929 2 года назад +1

    When a hardened combat veteran says ‘really, really bad’, no other words can give it that same meaning.

  • @violagentsch
    @violagentsch Год назад +1

    My parents weren't directly involved in ww2, but my father (as a child) lost his legs and his brother to a mine left behind. My mom was rescued by the americans at the age of four from ravensbruck concentration camp. Her entire family was killed either in camps or siberian work camps. They were ordinary germans, not agreeing with hitler. Glad for anybody that made it out alive. ❤

  • @danhillman4523
    @danhillman4523 2 года назад +8

    Glad you're home, sir. And no, that's not a tear in my eye.

  • @nomo4u886
    @nomo4u886 2 года назад +4

    He was a good looking dude in his youth

  • @jordangarrett-ns2cw
    @jordangarrett-ns2cw Год назад +2

    Thank you for this channel. My grandpa passed at 98 and was in the Navy. I sat and listened to many of his stories but he never wanted them to be recorded. Your channel is a great service to our country. God bless you.

  • @joemartin4967
    @joemartin4967 2 года назад +2

    I've read a lot of stories from WW11 vets . wow . That man is what makes America great . God bless .

  • @xC4LxW4LK3Rx
    @xC4LxW4LK3Rx 2 года назад +5

    These are the best videos in the world. They need more recognition. What brave men and I’ll be forever thankful for what they went through so we can live the life we live today. RIP to all the brave soldiers

  • @anthonysmith3851
    @anthonysmith3851 2 года назад +7

    I was a child, caught behind enemy lines, I am forever grateful for the men and women who fought to set us free, and till today, I cannot imagine how they endured the great upheaval and hardship. God bless them all, the living and the dead.

  • @calimann21
    @calimann21 2 года назад +2

    I’m humbled by your experiences.

  • @debrabatson6678
    @debrabatson6678 2 года назад +2

    My dad was a WW II vet too. These men were mere boys when they went a world away to fight for us. They had to grow up VERY fast. And they were affected the rest of their lives. They answered the call and most of them say they would do it again. ❤❤

  • @eppyz
    @eppyz 2 года назад +5

    You know, I have been watching these films for some time now. Hearing these stories from these Brave People that put their life on hold to go fight a war they believed in or not. This channel honestly is one of the most informative. Hearing these stories. I cry allot at the end of these films. Just so happy for these people that made it home. To hear the stories of the ones that didn't. Why this channel has not been picked up by the History Channel or something is beyond me. If any of the people, that were in this film, read this. All I can tell you is Thank You. Thank You for being brave, Thank You for getting through the impossible, Thank You for keeping us safe. This world is a better place because of you. This United States? WE have not FORGOTTEN YOU and to those that make these films. BRAVO. You are patriots in your own right. GOD BLESS YOU ALL 🙏

    • @MemoirsofWWII
      @MemoirsofWWII  2 года назад

      Thank you for taking the time to write this, truly encouraging. Thank you for your support!

  • @claudiusclaudius3009
    @claudiusclaudius3009 2 года назад +16

    It feels like we have forgotten the men who have fought for their counties. And when they come home they are forgotten or misunderstood because of what they saw or done for their counties freedom.

    • @justmepraying
      @justmepraying 2 года назад +1

      @Eric E Amen me to! If we grandparents don't teach our grandchildren about the past it will be forgotten

    • @mosthated2469
      @mosthated2469 2 года назад

      Only forgotten in Their Home Land so sad

    • @mistermarcus4281
      @mistermarcus4281 2 года назад

      This is not a feature of USA though. In germany many people forgot about the two world wars too and now nationalism is on the rise again.

  • @rnmike1569
    @rnmike1569 2 года назад +2

    Another amazing story from a TRUE American Hero!

  • @gregkerr725
    @gregkerr725 13 дней назад

    What a guy and such a fantastic memory he has! I know my Dad's unit...the 12th Armored Division must have been nearby because they liberated some Dachau subcamps around Munich like Landsberg Concentration Camp. As a staff sergeant platoon leader he was given a battlefield commission to 2nd Lt. after his Lieutenant was killed. After the war he returned to his civilian life as a plumber, got married and my brother was born in 1946 and my sister in 1949. In 1950 he was called up and served in Korea. Having lost his business and house while overseas he opted to stay in the Army. We got to visit some of the areas he'd served in France and Germany while we were stationed there from 1960-63. He later served in Vietnam from 1965-66 and retired in 1969 with 22yrs active service. He died in 2008. He had earned a number of medals during his career and when the Army created his bronze plaque to go on his grave they listed all three wars and I had them simply put Purple Heart below that...as he'd been awarded two. I thought he'd appreciate that more than a complete abbreviation of his valor awards like BSM, SM etc.

  • @marstuber2836
    @marstuber2836 2 года назад +13

    I cried, what a wonderful and inspirational story.

  • @vikinged7102
    @vikinged7102 2 года назад +30

    You guys are doing gods work its really important to preserve the storys of the war witnesses

    • @Callmedonks
      @Callmedonks 2 года назад

      @Logan Roof Dude, what the fuck? How demented are you to come up with a reply like that?

  • @robertgrey6101
    @robertgrey6101 2 года назад +2

    I love that comment by that little girl: "If you weren't married I would introduce you to my Grandma!"
    How beautiful her innocence!!

  • @pillager6190
    @pillager6190 2 года назад +2

    LOVE the Human aspect of this man's interview.
    My Dad served. Arrived in France Jan 1945. He told me many stories and I have shared these with my children (lest we forget)... Except one story, it's going to the grave with me. Just Too Much

    • @MemoirsofWWII
      @MemoirsofWWII  2 года назад +1

      Your Father was a true hero! Thanks for watching!

  • @scottjames1401
    @scottjames1401 2 года назад +4

    1940s men:
    "I am ready to die for my brothers and my country."
    2021 'men:'
    "I'm glad I get this money to stay home safe. No way I'm going back to work- have you seen the news? Delta Variant."
    Thank you, Greatest Generation, for giving us a free world. I'm sorry we're giving it away.

  • @xvsj5833
    @xvsj5833 2 года назад +20

    Thank you for sharing you’re personal story. Along with you’re service, sacrifice and courage for freedom 🇺🇸 God Bless You 🇺🇸

  • @taleewhakker
    @taleewhakker 2 года назад +2

    Thank you so much for your service sir! Our nation will be forever in your debt!

  • @errickflesch5565
    @errickflesch5565 2 года назад +2

    4 invasions.........wow. I can not imagine what Mr. Prestia witnessed or what he had to endure. I would like to thank him and all the veterans of WW2. My grandfather was in the Marines and was in the South Pacific fighting the Japanese. He was wounded on Iwo Jima. Robert Flesch Sr. USMC

  • @alexh.3977
    @alexh.3977 2 года назад +3

    I am Mexico person,this breaks my hart,i will like too thank American solders for protecting my family. Thanks too each solder who faoght in this war,if it was not for theyre courage my family would not be hear

    • @kruxxed1339
      @kruxxed1339 2 года назад

      As an aussie i thank em to

  • @tkotan295
    @tkotan295 2 года назад +5

    Thank you for your service and sharing your story. Amazing. The part of the 19 year old replacement brought a tear to the eye. But, surprising your wounded buddy at his home back in the states brought a smile to my face.
    Nice to see the 45th Infantry get some recognition. They were involved in a lot of combat in WW2 and Korea.

  • @fadedjdean6546
    @fadedjdean6546 2 года назад +2

    Thank you for your sacrifice sir you will be remembered

  • @codiefitz3876
    @codiefitz3876 2 года назад +1

    The most courageous, honorable and selfless Men to ever live.

  • @HHSGuins16
    @HHSGuins16 2 года назад +39

    This series holds such a special place in my heart! Thank you for what you’re doing!

  • @Vox-Populi
    @Vox-Populi 2 года назад +7

    This gentleman is so humble. Doesn’t talk about the blood letting horror of being in combat as an infantryman.

  • @idigress7865
    @idigress7865 2 года назад +2

    These stories connect me to my grandparents (all passed now) who fought and lived through ww2. I'm crying thinking about them, thinking about their ways. Thank you for keeping the memory of their generation alive. It means everything.

  • @FarmerFpv
    @FarmerFpv 2 года назад +1

    My Grandma was on the Island of Marrettimo off the coast of Sicily when the Americans invaded. They didn't get any resistance on the island but her mother baked pies for the American soldiers and Pasta with Pesto. They were so grateful for the home-cooked meals. They were really nice to the Sicilian people which they would never forget.

  • @andyZ3500s
    @andyZ3500s 2 года назад +15

    If you weren't married I would introduce you to my grandmother. I got a laugh out of that one.

  • @thecuttingedge5700
    @thecuttingedge5700 2 года назад +34

    Respect for all ww2 veterans even the axis, yes the axis, not all axis soldiers were bad, some had no choice to fight they just did what they were told, and no, I don’t support any bad stuff from the axis, all am saying is we must respect both Sides

    • @michaelsaylor8425
      @michaelsaylor8425 2 года назад +3

      @Logan Roof many of those German soldiers were conscripted, which is forced. Especially at the end of the war. Sure, many knew exactly what they were fighting for and did so eagerly, but not all.

  • @70stunes71
    @70stunes71 2 года назад +2

    My father went down to the Service Board in World War II and got turned away because he was an only child, this happened after the Sullivan Act period when the Korean war broke out, the Army sent him a draft notice. This time he went and served anyway. 1950 through 1953, 7th division US Army. His service is what made me go also, decades later. Proud service pops. You are gone, but your service remains

  • @GrizzlyFuckinBill
    @GrizzlyFuckinBill 11 месяцев назад +1

    "They were just like, walking dead people." I feel like he said exactly what he meant. I cannot even begin to fathom the full weight of his statement.

  • @joem5332
    @joem5332 2 года назад +4

    Every time I see these it brings tears to my eyes, these guys saw and did things that would horrify anyone else. These old timers are truly heroes of the highest quality. Bless every single one of them.

  • @giovannilentini5053
    @giovannilentini5053 2 года назад +4

    This is the educational type video that we need to teach in schools. Every young person should know these stories and history.

  • @emiliayonekokumata7167
    @emiliayonekokumata7167 5 месяцев назад +1

    Soo SWEET the way HE laughs. HE saw so much of horror, even so he kept his heart without being poisoned by rage. Thank you for your testimony! All the Brave soldiers who fought for freedom will be honored as long as the memoirs ARE kept. Thank you!

  • @MusicFan-qc1ig
    @MusicFan-qc1ig 2 года назад +2

    My Grandfather served in the 45th infantry too. He was in the 180th Regiment, M Company. He was drafted too and rose to the rank of staff sergeant. His job was being a forward observer. He was always on the frontlines and saw a lot of action. His experiences in the war really affected him. One of his best friends from home died in his arms. He fought in Sicily, Anzio, the Siegfried Line, Nuremberg and Munich. After the German Army surrendered, he and his men were transferred to Dachau for a time during Army Occupation and he visited the camp. I can’t imagine how he must have felt during all of those experiences! God bless him and all of the brave men who fought for our country and freedom!

    • @MemoirsofWWII
      @MemoirsofWWII  2 года назад +1

      Thank you for sharing a bit of your Grandfathers story, he was a true Hero! Thanks for watching!

    • @MusicFan-qc1ig
      @MusicFan-qc1ig 2 года назад

      @@MemoirsofWWII Thank you! That means a lot. And thank you for doing what you’re doing!

  • @justmepraying
    @justmepraying 2 года назад +6

    May God bless each and everyone of the most bravest men who have ever lived 🙏

  • @AlecksLoonah
    @AlecksLoonah 2 года назад +5

    I appreciate everything our veterans have done… but do y’all see how good he looks and how sharp he is… what an amazing person

  • @jerrycurtin8979
    @jerrycurtin8979 2 года назад +2

    How fortunate you are to have such a wonderful, wise man as a Dad. Men like your Father sacrificed everything to make this the best country in the world. Such a amazing tribute to him an his generation ❤. God Bless

  • @keithf7853
    @keithf7853 2 года назад +2

    What a warrior. Thank you Guy. Thank you to the greatest generation.

  • @invalidargument2.0
    @invalidargument2.0 2 года назад +3

    PLEASE tell these fine people you interview how much we love and respect them and that we are now and always will be FOREVER grateful for the things they did for us. Truly the Greatest Generation. I wish I could meet all the people you get to meet and I'd do anything for these guys. I mean that

  • @joejohnston2035
    @joejohnston2035 2 года назад +9

    We kids never spoke of it , never to ask Dad about WWII. He was 19 done the island hop including Okinawa... USMC

  • @olivermorris8543
    @olivermorris8543 2 года назад +2

    What a hero. The generation today, could learn a thing or two from this man.

    • @jasonwilliams4159
      @jasonwilliams4159 2 года назад +1

      By not sending me to fight two bullshit wars. Yeah that ship has sailed.

    • @olivermorris8543
      @olivermorris8543 2 года назад

      @@jasonwilliams4159 and you're what I was totally on about

  • @tiernanoneill989
    @tiernanoneill989 2 года назад +1

    Nearly 80 years on and you can still see it's as raw to these hero's as if it was yesterday

  • @benisaten
    @benisaten 2 года назад +5

    My god this is horrific. May they all be remembered. Respects to every one of you. From 🇨🇦✌️.

  • @woning9228
    @woning9228 2 года назад +3

    What a story - men like him are a rare find today. They are so different. Sometimes I wished that I lived through ww2 - it seems like these times instill a sense of meaningfulness to oneself. I visit a lot of ww2 graves in the Netherlands, and I respect and salute each and everyone of these heroes . Thank you.

    • @milosmith8275
      @milosmith8275 2 года назад +1

      Men like him are a dying breed sorry to say but they are and will all be gone soon, I feel the same as you though i wish I was born during that time and lived through it as well. These men and my grandpa who fought in ww2 will always be better than me no matter what I do in life. How could I ever top what they did?

  • @johnnicatra570
    @johnnicatra570 2 года назад +1

    Bless em all .My Dad flew 35 missions in B17s passed in 1979.I have his log book.Shot down over Norway July 24 1943.Made it to Sweden then back to England.That probably saved his life,as his group lost the most planes on the first Schweinfoot raid.More men died over Europe than all the Marines in the Pacific.

  • @frecmenta5114
    @frecmenta5114 2 года назад +1

    You sobs made me cry. I am 37 and barely cry. My grandma's sister's husband that died in 93 was at the Don Bent in the Romanian side.

  • @darreljonathan2972
    @darreljonathan2972 2 года назад +3

    eternally grateful. may the lord bless men like these

  • @Daniel-kq4bx
    @Daniel-kq4bx 2 года назад +6

    I cant imagine how horrifying the Atmosphere must have been at the liberation of Dachau. I was in Auschwitz and it feels like Tim has stopped. Seeing it back then, it must have felt like the End of Humanity.

  • @dilloncrowe1018
    @dilloncrowe1018 2 года назад +1

    My Great-Grandfather was a Tank driver in the 755th Tank Battalion during the Second World War, he served in the Italian Campaign from 1943 to the end of the war in 1945.
    He received the EAME with 4 Bronze Stars, American Defence Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Croix De Guerre with Vermillion Bar. I very much would've liked to ask him about his experiences, and how he earned those awards, but he passed away just a couple months after I was born.
    R.I.P. Ludy Doyle Wright, Tec 5, Company A, 755th Tank Battalion, United States Army.

  • @benmollitor3776
    @benmollitor3776 2 года назад +1

    I met a ww2 vet while I was eating at McDonalds a few years ago. He told me he was part of the Normandy D day invasion. He told me some things that would make you want to cry.
    He then got his wallet out and pulled out this picture of him the day before they went over from England with his name and the date of the picture. It was pretty faded but readable. That was really cool. He was 17 then. He was 95 at the time I met him. He was still pretty sharp..

  • @Historybuffm8
    @Historybuffm8 2 года назад +3

    These just get longer and longer. Yet they become more and more of a privilege to watch. Hopefully more people can interview these veterans. Thank you for spending the time making this video 17 minutes long.

    • @MemoirsofWWII
      @MemoirsofWWII  2 года назад +2

      It’s definitely our longest video yet.

    • @kentd4762
      @kentd4762 2 года назад

      @@MemoirsofWWII And so worth it. Thank you.

  • @ricksoutdooradventures8490
    @ricksoutdooradventures8490 2 года назад +3

    Great video thank you for the wonderful work of preserving these stories.

  • @Ditch1221
    @Ditch1221 2 года назад +2

    We need this generation back.

  • @gmanm1907
    @gmanm1907 2 года назад +1

    I’m very thankful these men lived for us to keep celebrating July 4th