⭐ If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com.
My Dad was Career Army, he served WWII Korea (the duration) & Vietnam. My Mom was 20yrs younger & he was 55yo when I was born. He never talked about it other than little things here or there. We pulled the records we could for his shadow box & we know some of the areas he was in & when. Seeing your videos brings a little piece of him back for me. Thank you.
Wonderful recollection of your parents. My father was also a WWII veteran, serving in the Navy aboard a light cruiser in the Pacific Theater. Like your father, he didn't talk about his experiences, not until the end of his life when he told me of some of his heartrending experiences with tears running down his face. It wasn't until after he passed that I researched his ship's service and was overwhelmed by what that crew went through. It's by recollecting stories from our parents that we keep their memories alive. I'm grateful for sites like this RUclips channel that keeps us connected.
As son of the veteran I was able to request from War Records Department, replacement medals of my father. You should look into this, it is a treasured remembrance of Dad to have medals he didn’t care any thing about. You must know Dad often said “I had the most dangerous job in the Navy” when older I asked were you a frogman? “No, cook, if you burnt the biscuits they would throw you to the sharks”, he did his job well and I’m now 71.
The argument I use, when people start brow-beating about NAZI-era War Trophies is that: "Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it!" So by keeping these items it sparks debates, arguments, discussions and the such like... thereby keeping their past atrocities in living memory to ensure we DON'T let anyone repeat what they did!
I like to think of it like this: The liberating soldiers looted those items from a regime that ceased to exit. There is no rightful heir to these items. And if those men could make some money off of it, good for them. I'm german and I have no problem with saying: both sides deserved to have these items looted.
lol "tyranny and oppression were overthrown" eh? Tell that to the 20,000,000ish imprisoned and murdered political opponents of Stalin. Tell that to blacks in the south that had to wait another decade before they could go to and sit at all the places whites could. Tell that to the citizens of Japan that had to deal with their city either getting fire bombed (war crime) or had nuclear weapons used on them (yet another war crime). Tell that to the citizens of Cambodia that were not only bombed (as a neutral non combatant also a war crime) but had their rice fields napalmed causing mass starvation which all in total killed hundreds of thousands if not in the millions. This all leading to the rise of the Khmer Rouvue that killed another million or so. Tell that to the Vietnam citizens that saw US troops commit mass rape and mass murder in their villages then go mostly unpunished. Mai Ly alone had 504 killings of mostly women and children and had only one conviction in which the person was initially given a life sentence but instead did 3 and a half years of "house arrest" then was pardoned by the freaking president. I won't go into detail on the middle east but let's just say there wasn't isis and now there is and Haliburton made 30 billion after being the only contractor allowed to put in a bid to the us government. Vice president Cheney was chairman and ceo of Haliburton up until he took office of vice president. So yeah the "good guys" won.
@@bradsanders407 wow, so much anger there. I was talking about ONE specific event (you know, the ONE discussed in THIS PARTICULAR video) and you go on a rant about several various events in world history! I’ll just bet you’re a real hoot at parties. You could probably clear a room all by yourself faster than any SWAT team could as a collective group. 😂 Go see a therapist, you definitely have some issues and it’s MORE than obvious.
Anyone thinking that never connected to real history, reality. So, they have a big surprise coming that will suddenly open their eyes to the truth, who their real enemy has always been, that the so-called bad guys, they helped destroy, tried to warn them about. Unfortunately, way to late to save themselves!
I've been collecting war trophies and trench art for years. I love them and I feel the same way you do, it's a sign that the good guys won. A physical connection and proof for the solider as a way to remember and cherish not only him not losing his life but that he survived, persevered and won, for himself, his comrades and his country. He got to go home and hopefully live out a long and fruitful life. What I hate are people who gloat and beam for the camera over the worst possible trophies you can have. Respect and professionalism means a lot to me when someone can present in the proper context some of these war trophies in a way that honors and respects the victims of WW2, especially when we are talking about very intimate and personal things associated directly with the evilest of evil men. Men who had a direct hand in the worst atrocities mankind has ever seen. I have a handful of items I want to donate but I'm not convinced that these items will get presented in a way that respects the dead. I am also worried the place I donate them to will trade or sell these items. I've worked for myself these past 23 years and while I am not fantastically wealthy, I am very very comfortable. So these handful of items I have do not have monetary value for me but instead, value in the story they tell and the lessons that can be learned. I have an numbered SS Honor Dagger with chain, all original with dossier of the individual it was presnted to, I have his engraved and dated SS Honor Ring and his Iron Cross. And yes, he was associated with war crimes. It's something haunts me and disturbs me and has off and on for a long time. It's never been a "cool" thing I had. I keep that stuff in a safety deposit box along with the very few photos I have of my Dad and the title to my truck. I have a engraved cigarette case that was presented to a German tank crewman and other stuff like that that I actually do find cool. For me, watching these videos is therapy. It reminds me that it's okay that I have some of the war trophies I have. that it's okay. This video and what you said made me feel much better. But the feeling of dread always returns. I want to donate some of the things I have but it's very difficult in who I can trust with the donation. I don't want any of this stuff to be sold, traded and especially GLOATED over. I live in Kansas City and last year I visited the Auschwitz exhibit that was at Union Station. I have never felt so physically weak and destroyed on the inside that like ever in my life. I don't have words for it but it was like I was crying on the inside of myself. That I was weeping on the inside. Probably has a lot to do with the dagger and ring I have. I'm sure of it. I remember deciding in my truck after my visit there I had to donate it and not sale it. Selling it would be "blood money" and I do not want any part in that. So, a little back story on why I enjoy this channel. You're therapy for me in a way and this video in particular helped to ease a lot of the conflict I carry around. Thank you.
The "good guys" AKA the ones that didn't have Jewish victims. Don't beat yourself up. The US and its allies have committed every bit as many war crimes and has killed way more civilians than the nazis could have ever hoped to. Only difference is the allies victims were never Jewish and more importantly have never lost at home. Any thing you want to get rid of I'd gladly take and promise never to sell. My grandfather was in the Battle of the Bulge where he was awarded the Purple Heart though he refused it. To this day I'm still holding out hope it still out there somewhere. I have a few other of his medals he was awarded along the way that I'd be willing to trade one of for something similar from an axis power as my word that I wont sell it. I'm a huge World War Two buff and unfortunately for me my grandfather would never talk about his experiences. I remember going to see Dances with Wolves with him and my grandmother and during the opening scene, which was a civil war scene, he got up and left and sat out in the car the entire rest of the movie. And that is a long movie.
AllDayDayDreamer: I hear you, and agree wholeheartedly. With the organizations you choose to donate to, you ought to be able to talk your concerns over with the leaders. Many feel the same as you. Including a printed cover letter with them could also be good. We don't fully control how people react to things though.
My grandfather fought in the pacific, his brother over Germany. I have a jap grenade and canteen he brought back. He got me into history and I've also collected many German things over the years. Nothing like the set you have . That is a rare thing to have all that from one soldier I'm sure. I've had to tell certain people over the years that I only collected the items not the idea's. I'm 52 and my oldest daughter says she's going to keep all this stuff when I'm gone. Ofcourse I told her absolutely not. If it's going into a closet somewhere then just get rid of it. Another collector would love to have it I'm sure. As you say to spark conversation is the best use for such things I suppose
My father was in the CIC since he spoke German. An officer surrendered to him and as tradition, handed over his mauser pistol. I have it. I went to a gunsmith, and had it cleaned and made useable. Only shot it once. Put it away and mounted it for my son.
That’s very interesting. I‘d love to hold one. It sucks though that you Americans took all our cool shit after the wars. :D My great grandpa was part of a team that put up guns and medals as booby traps when the GIs were advancing from the West. He got 3 confirmed kills that way. He used to say there were two certainties regarding the American soldiers: Their numbers and their greed. Make of that what you will
Just imagine that Hitlers ugly mug was reflected on this silver back at the day... Unbelievable that this stuff is still around! Well, this and all the other artifacts in the Gettysburg Museum and elsewhere. War tends to be destructive and people loot. We are lucky that there is still things around for us to see. A big thumbs up!!!
Yet another great video from you JD. You rock. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING I've watched from you is completely an awesome experience. Many thanks for what you do. Thanks for letting me tag along with you. Hopefully one day l will be able to meet you, shake your hand, and let you know how pleased I am. Please keep these great history videos coming.
I agree with you completely on artifacts. It's one way we can see and hold a piece of history. I have a Nazi youth dagger my Grandfather brought back. He served in the 328 infantry My uncle has a 8mm mauser he brought back too.
American artifacts is a great and informative series and you two make a great team! I love how you present these artifacts in a respectfull maner and telling the backstories about it.
Great video JD. When I watch videos you make I " DROOL " over some of those souvenirs they would look great in my collection. Mostly the regular foot Soldgers ie helmets hats medals etc.... Thank you Frank from montana.....
AS ALWAYS...... WELL DONE!! I ABSOLUTEY LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Your camera work and editing is very well done! I love your narration as well. Narration is KEY when presenting ANY video. You, my friend, do it very well.... and you do it with style!
I love that these artifacts were saved. It’s history and they need to be shared. I’m sure the US soldiers weren’t the only ones who brought home war trophies from Germany. Thank you for sharing these. That tea set is beautiful!!! Glad it made it into good hands so everyone can see it.👍😁
If you ever get a chance, you should make your way out to Oklahoma City! We have a museum here for the 45th infantry division and there are an astonishing amount of artifacts from the 2nd world war here, as well as different periods all throughout the history of the division. There are even tanks and aircraft out front. You would really enjoy it and I would love to see a video on your channel about it!
@@TheHistoryUnderground Yes! That is awesome news. I'm sure you and Erik have discussed this museum considering the mention of the 45th in this video. It would be awesome to see that you've both been out this way! Looking forward to it. Cheers and thanks for sharing this journey with us!
When my dad was stationed at Checkpoint Charlie in the early 60's, they had to go out and camp,for whatever reason. When he was digging the trench around his campsite, he dug up a bronze mother's cross and brought it back home. We also have a photo of a man, I don't know who he was,but it's in a cardboard frame with a swastika on it. I'm assuming he was a family member. My grandpa's family were originally from Switzerland, so that's the only thing that I can think of.
My father was a front line combat soldier in Co F, 358th Inf Regt, 90th Inf.Div. Their officers prohibited them from taking any souvenirs and made them discard any they picked up prior to the end of hostilities. they were told, if they were captured with souvenirs, they would be shot by the enemy. The rear echelon soldiers did a lot of looting and the souvenirs my father brought home he picked up in the months following the end of hostilities. He said the card sharks on the Liberty ships coming home separated a lot of war trophies from their owners.
Amazing, just think how young these guys were when they got to Munich. Today would be my dads 100th birthday. He enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor, he was just 18. Went to the Aleutians, he mustered out on December 7, 1945. His brothers were in Iceland and Italy.
There is a symbolic value to these war trophies that I hadn’t fully considered. The GI’s are common men acquiring these items once reserved for the elite of the Nazi regime. That act trivializes the values of the defeated German elite and at the same time it will remind the G.I. of his buddies and their role in the defeat of the enemy that once prized these items. Maybe I’m overthinking though. Some of the Americans just looted to get rich. You could do an episode on missing Nazi gold that was being guarded by Americans.
They hit the motherload alright! I get a kick out the fact that it was Engineers who had first pick. I was a Combat Engineer in the 80's and 90's and I'm pleased with who recovered all these war trophies. Nobody is going to claim these items, so it was safe as it was to keep, and other items like flags or propaganda items were taken out and burned after the war. All interesting items, and you were right, "the good guys won!"
I was in the U.S Army, was stationed in West Berlin in the early 80's. In Andrews Kaserne, which was actually the S.S. Headquarters for a while during the war. And the Kaserne even has the Olympic swimming pool that was used by the Germans during and before the 1936 Olympic games. I even seen Rudolf Hess walking around his Spandau prison garden while I was there There's a whole lot of history to see in Berlin for sure
Your comment near the end of the video (8:10) is excellent. The Germans and Japanese had to be defeated and the men that did this our fathers grandfathers, uncles , worked together to stop the tyranny. I also see nothing wrong with collecting war souvenirs.
@@TheHistoryUnderground I have to also add that in my case I started collection German helmets and hats back in the 1970’s and keep them hidden. When my father found some of the stuff in our basement he hit the ceiling! I remember him saying “ I saw enough of this stuff! I have to say that one helmet which I still have a single decal SS helmet full of shrapnel holes made him happy.
Seeing those makes me wish Mark Felton is correct saying that the Blutfahne (Blood Flag) wasn't destroyed, but simply stored in some attic or storage waiting to be in public again.
I would love to see more of SS-Oberst-Gruppenführer Sepp Dietrich's 1944 beige summer tunic seen in the background around the 3 minutes and 20 seconds mark. I own a lot of Sepp Dietrich items myself with iron clad provenance.
It's kind of sad when I watch things on WWII and realize how few veterans of that war are still with us today. The remaining WWII veterans are passing on rapidly. As a kid in the 1960-70-80's, my neighborhood had many WWII veterans living on my street. Sadly, they've all passed on. I've always been a WWII buff. In the early 1980's when the WWII generation were retiring, I worked at an automotive and truck alignment shop. One day a new motorhome came in for an alignment. I drove it on the alignment rack. I was maybe 20 years old. As I walked around the motorhome checking the tire inflations and how it was sitting, I noticed his bumper sticker. It said he was a Polesti veteran with the bomber group number. The just retired owner of the motorhome was standing by the alignment rack watching me. I turned to the owner and said "you flew B-24's over Polesti"? The owner looked stunned and shocked! Here's this young kid knowing about a famous air battle 40 years prior. He then smiled and said you know about that, huh? I said YES SIR! I invited him down into the alignment pit and put him on a seat/cart where he shared some stories about the war while I aligned his new motorhome. I remember him being a very nice man.
Oh wow. That is amazing. I would loved to have sat down and interviewed a bunch of those guys in that time period when they still could remember their experiences with clarity but had enough distance that they could talk about it comfortably.
@@TheHistoryUnderground It was a great experience, forsure. I lived in the San Diego area at that time. So many WWII vets retired in the area due to the nice weather. I threw a newspaper route as a kid in the 1970's. I'd go to the doors to collect the monthly bill. A lot of these WWII vets were retired. They'd invite me in as they got their wallet. I'd see their WWII mementos and photos on the wall. My next door neighbor when I was a kid was in combat on Guadalcanal in 1942. He was kind of a grouch (maybe PTSD) and didn't talk about it much. I really think that is the greatest generation.
In 1860 the british army was part of the nations that invaded Peking during the boxer rebellion. One sergeant took a 16 inch high vase home with him. His middle income (2010)family sold it for over 80 million dollars a few years ago. Rumor is the two china's had a bidding war as it may have contained the ashes of an emperor at one time. History is amazing and who knows what value these items may have one day.
Could there be a matching pen to go with the mechanical Pencil somewhere ??? Again, JD and Erik, appreciate the B&W photos and the backstories for the men of the greatest generation.... How about some stories of the women of the greatest generation, Waves -- Wac's -- Wasp's and so on. You guys make a great team.....
Don`t know if they did like that in those days but I have seen that almost identical mechanical pencil before without markings probably some kind of copy cat production I`m sure as it wasn`t antique.
Because of war trophies I was able to shoot an MP 40 several times. I am grateful for the experience and I am thankful that the allies were successful.
I don't watch Mark's videos religiously, but what's great about the ones I've seen is that they tend to shed light on obscure little-known aspects of the second world war & other conflicts--sometimes his videos will be the only source of info about certain obscure topics...
I don't have any problem with war trophies like this. I have my share of medals, badges, buckles and other bits and bobs originally taken as souvenirs. I appreciate Erik and yourself putting these videos out there. I'm assuming the silverware that Erik sold back in November of 2021 listed as "Captured By A U.S. 42nd Division Soldier" was liberated by the same soldier named in the last two American Artifact videos. He didn't specifically name him in the listings.
Have you been to Munich Haus Der Kunst, builded during Nazi era, it was US Army officer mess hall after war. In portico there's still ceiling mosaic with swastika pattern, one of rare places it wasn't removed, but it is more pattern of Balto Slavic swastika that can be also found on Slavic traditional clothing patterns.
i have never had a problem with even most extreme war trophies. i was not there with that man when that trophy was taken. NONE of us were! Even the most grizzly trophy is a pale reflection of the personal HELL that man was in. No human is qualified to Him !:-) 💜🙏
I'd like to know how these GIs were lucky enough to trust that those silver got sent home safely. My grandpa told me years ago of sending war trophies home more than once and they never made someone along the line stole the stuff fir themselves. They must have had some sort of connection maybe in supply that they could trust snd discretely package it for the trip across the ocean. Amazing and lucky
When you open the book there is a name at the top of the page on the second page. Pvt Robert J. ? From PO Box 84 Lynchburg, Tenn. Can you tell what the last name is?
Men now forever trapped in time by what they have written in a book of importance. To people like Erik who preserves them until the baton needs passed to another, for future generations to understand and see. To see exactly who owned them, and the evil who had used them!
A recently deceased buddy had a German flare pistol and six bolts from Mauser rifles his dad had brought back. He picked up the flare gun and some flares in Gelnhausen as it was laying on a wall. The Mauser bolts were from the rifles some officers had them box up to ship home. He said his Dad got sixty years worth of entertainment from looking at the bolts.
Yes! Thank you! Great question. After spending some time in Gettysburg, the true locals & Erik being a local, pronounce it GettISburg. I imagine, out of towners, such as ourselves, simply pronounce it how it's spelled GettYSburg. There was a much better reason given on an American Battlefield Trust video last year explains it better, but that's the short of it:)
I’ve seen a number of artifacts that were for sale here locally at an antique store. No firearms but some medals, helmets, uniforms, knives, armbands, and I wondered what the story was in acquiring them. I mean I like the thought of war trophies from a vanquished enemy, sort of the spoils of war to the United States.
I find this fascinating to read of all the stories in the comments. It sucks though that you Americans took all our cool shit after the wars. :D My great grandpa was part of a team that put up guns and medals as booby traps when the GIs were advancing from the West. He got 3 confirmed kills that way. He used to say there were two certainties regarding the American soldiers: Their numbers and their greed. Make of that what you will
If the soldiers didn't take the war trophies they would have been destroyed. All that history would be gone. Good or bad we need to keep history so the stories do not die and we can hopefully learn from it.
You do such a fine job with all your videos ! I feel like the good guys are not winning much anymore. American's have become weak and lazy and I'm ashamed of what our society has become.
All Army's etc.. collect trophies,ask the Russians that one,they took everything,that was or wasn't nailed down,during all the wars,and current one,but must give it to the farmers,they acquire tons of future tractors...lol ,What needs to be done with these so called trophies,is put them in Military and civilian museums ,so future generations can see and learn from others mistakes.
Made me wonder how much stolen silver was used to make all the silver service pieces. That's "blood-silver" in my book. Fuhrerbau looks to be a mudflood building - with the first floor almost completely below grade now - rediscovered and reclaimed but not excavated. Old Tartarian building repurposed, not new construction. The mudflood is truly history, underground.
These things makes me think of all the lives lost and while Nazis was enjoying the good life. But it's necessary so this kind of evil never can uprise again. My heart breaks looking at the grandeur Hitler and Nazis was living with stolen property and the countless deaths.💔
The only two things my father brought back were a Nazi Swastika and a Yellow Star. Years later he burned the Swastika and mounted the Yellow star with the following words: Remember Don't Forget In Hebrew, Zachor Al Tishkach
⭐ If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out.
Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com.
When are you going back to Germany for more WW2 relics? It's been over a year now. Love these German videos. 🙏
My Dad was Career Army, he served WWII Korea (the duration) & Vietnam. My Mom was 20yrs younger & he was 55yo when I was born. He never talked about it other than little things here or there. We pulled the records we could for his shadow box & we know some of the areas he was in & when. Seeing your videos brings a little piece of him back for me. Thank you.
Wonderful recollection of your parents. My father was also a WWII veteran, serving in the Navy aboard a light cruiser in the Pacific Theater. Like your father, he didn't talk about his experiences, not until the end of his life when he told me of some of his heartrending experiences with tears running down his face. It wasn't until after he passed that I researched his ship's service and was overwhelmed by what that crew went through. It's by recollecting stories from our parents that we keep their memories alive. I'm grateful for sites like this RUclips channel that keeps us connected.
As son of the veteran I was able to request from War Records Department, replacement medals of my father. You should look into this, it is a treasured remembrance of Dad to have medals he didn’t care any thing about. You must know Dad often said “I had the most dangerous job in the Navy” when older I asked were you a frogman? “No, cook, if you burnt the biscuits they would throw you to the sharks”, he did his job well and I’m now 71.
The argument I use, when people start brow-beating about NAZI-era War Trophies is that: "Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it!"
So by keeping these items it sparks debates, arguments, discussions and the such like... thereby keeping their past atrocities in living memory to ensure we DON'T let anyone repeat what they did!
AMEN🙏
Amen. This is why I love history. Learn from the past to try and do better.
I like to think of it like this: The liberating soldiers looted those items from a regime that ceased to exit. There is no rightful heir to these items. And if those men could make some money off of it, good for them. I'm german and I have no problem with saying: both sides deserved to have these items looted.
Didn't stop trump from seizing power though, did it?
Well said 👏
Your closing words were spot on: tyranny and oppression were overthrown and the good guys won. Very well said.👍
Let’s hope it happens again.
lol "tyranny and oppression were overthrown" eh? Tell that to the 20,000,000ish imprisoned and murdered political opponents of Stalin. Tell that to blacks in the south that had to wait another decade before they could go to and sit at all the places whites could. Tell that to the citizens of Japan that had to deal with their city either getting fire bombed (war crime) or had nuclear weapons used on them (yet another war crime). Tell that to the citizens of Cambodia that were not only bombed (as a neutral non combatant also a war crime) but had their rice fields napalmed causing mass starvation which all in total killed hundreds of thousands if not in the millions. This all leading to the rise of the Khmer Rouvue that killed another million or so. Tell that to the Vietnam citizens that saw US troops commit mass rape and mass murder in their villages then go mostly unpunished. Mai Ly alone had 504 killings of mostly women and children and had only one conviction in which the person was initially given a life sentence but instead did 3 and a half years of "house arrest" then was pardoned by the freaking president. I won't go into detail on the middle east but let's just say there wasn't isis and now there is and Haliburton made 30 billion after being the only contractor allowed to put in a bid to the us government. Vice president Cheney was chairman and ceo of Haliburton up until he took office of vice president. So yeah the "good guys" won.
@@bradsanders407 wow, so much anger there. I was talking about ONE specific event (you know, the ONE discussed in THIS PARTICULAR video) and you go on a rant about several various events in world history! I’ll just bet you’re a real hoot at parties. You could probably clear a room all by yourself faster than any SWAT team could as a collective group. 😂 Go see a therapist, you definitely have some issues and it’s MORE than obvious.
Anyone thinking that never connected to real history, reality. So, they have a big surprise coming that will suddenly open their eyes to the truth, who their real enemy has always been, that the so-called bad guys, they helped destroy, tried to warn them about. Unfortunately, way to late to save themselves!
I really like when you’re able to show Then and Now pictures and footage. Thanks JD! 💪🏻😎🫶🏼
Glad you enjoy it!
I've been collecting war trophies and trench art for years. I love them and I feel the same way you do, it's a sign that the good guys won. A physical connection and proof for the solider as a way to remember and cherish not only him not losing his life but that he survived, persevered and won, for himself, his comrades and his country. He got to go home and hopefully live out a long and fruitful life. What I hate are people who gloat and beam for the camera over the worst possible trophies you can have. Respect and professionalism means a lot to me when someone can present in the proper context some of these war trophies in a way that honors and respects the victims of WW2, especially when we are talking about very intimate and personal things associated directly with the evilest of evil men. Men who had a direct hand in the worst atrocities mankind has ever seen. I have a handful of items I want to donate but I'm not convinced that these items will get presented in a way that respects the dead. I am also worried the place I donate them to will trade or sell these items. I've worked for myself these past 23 years and while I am not fantastically wealthy, I am very very comfortable. So these handful of items I have do not have monetary value for me but instead, value in the story they tell and the lessons that can be learned. I have an numbered SS Honor Dagger with chain, all original with dossier of the individual it was presnted to, I have his engraved and dated SS Honor Ring and his Iron Cross. And yes, he was associated with war crimes. It's something haunts me and disturbs me and has off and on for a long time. It's never been a "cool" thing I had. I keep that stuff in a safety deposit box along with the very few photos I have of my Dad and the title to my truck. I have a engraved cigarette case that was presented to a German tank crewman and other stuff like that that I actually do find cool. For me, watching these videos is therapy. It reminds me that it's okay that I have some of the war trophies I have. that it's okay. This video and what you said made me feel much better. But the feeling of dread always returns. I want to donate some of the things I have but it's very difficult in who I can trust with the donation. I don't want any of this stuff to be sold, traded and especially GLOATED over. I live in Kansas City and last year I visited the Auschwitz exhibit that was at Union Station. I have never felt so physically weak and destroyed on the inside that like ever in my life. I don't have words for it but it was like I was crying on the inside of myself. That I was weeping on the inside. Probably has a lot to do with the dagger and ring I have. I'm sure of it. I remember deciding in my truck after my visit there I had to donate it and not sale it. Selling it would be "blood money" and I do not want any part in that. So, a little back story on why I enjoy this channel. You're therapy for me in a way and this video in particular helped to ease a lot of the conflict I carry around. Thank you.
The "good guys" AKA the ones that didn't have Jewish victims. Don't beat yourself up. The US and its allies have committed every bit as many war crimes and has killed way more civilians than the nazis could have ever hoped to. Only difference is the allies victims were never Jewish and more importantly have never lost at home. Any thing you want to get rid of I'd gladly take and promise never to sell. My grandfather was in the Battle of the Bulge where he was awarded the Purple Heart though he refused it. To this day I'm still holding out hope it still out there somewhere. I have a few other of his medals he was awarded along the way that I'd be willing to trade one of for something similar from an axis power as my word that I wont sell it. I'm a huge World War Two buff and unfortunately for me my grandfather would never talk about his experiences. I remember going to see Dances with Wolves with him and my grandmother and during the opening scene, which was a civil war scene, he got up and left and sat out in the car the entire rest of the movie. And that is a long movie.
AllDayDayDreamer: I hear you, and agree wholeheartedly. With the organizations you choose to donate to, you ought to be able to talk your concerns over with the leaders. Many feel the same as you. Including a printed cover letter with them could also be good. We don't fully control how people react to things though.
My grandfather fought in the pacific, his brother over Germany. I have a jap grenade and canteen he brought back. He got me into history and I've also collected many German things over the years. Nothing like the set you have . That is a rare thing to have all that from one soldier I'm sure. I've had to tell certain people over the years that I only collected the items not the idea's. I'm 52 and my oldest daughter says she's going to keep all this stuff when I'm gone. Ofcourse I told her absolutely not. If it's going into a closet somewhere then just get rid of it. Another collector would love to have it I'm sure. As you say to spark conversation is the best use for such things I suppose
My father was in the CIC since he spoke German. An officer surrendered to him and as tradition, handed over his mauser pistol. I have it. I went to a gunsmith, and had it cleaned and made useable. Only shot it once. Put it away and mounted it for my son.
That’s very interesting. I‘d love to hold one. It sucks though that you Americans took all our cool shit after the wars. :D My great grandpa was part of a team that put up guns and medals as booby traps when the GIs were advancing from the West. He got 3 confirmed kills that way. He used to say there were two certainties regarding the American soldiers: Their numbers and their greed. Make of that what you will
Curious to see what series is next. This is by far my favorite history channel on RUclips. Keep the good work rolling in. 💪
Glad you enjoy it!!
Thank you for sharing.
I'm glad you got to take some items back there.
Thanks for watching!
I really look forward to these! So well done in every way! Thanks for what you and Erik bring to us
Glad you like them!
Just imagine that Hitlers ugly mug was reflected on this silver back at the day... Unbelievable that this stuff is still around! Well, this and all the other artifacts in the Gettysburg Museum and elsewhere. War tends to be destructive and people loot. We are lucky that there is still things around for us to see. A big thumbs up!!!
This is important work so we don’t forget the lessons of the past.
This whole channel is "fascinating stuff." You blokes do a brilliant job. Thankyou.
Your ending comments were so true! We won and we stopped the evil and those trophies are well deserved to the men that ended it.
100%
But we couldn't stop the second wave of 'orange' evil.
Yet another great video from you JD. You rock. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING I've watched from you is completely an awesome experience. Many thanks for what you do. Thanks for letting me tag along with you. Hopefully one day l will be able to meet you, shake your hand, and let you know how pleased I am. Please keep these great history videos coming.
I appreciate that!
I agree with you completely on artifacts. It's one way we can see and hold a piece of history. I have a Nazi youth dagger my Grandfather brought back. He served in the 328 infantry My uncle has a 8mm mauser he brought back too.
My neighbor brought back a 8mm and a .22 cal. mauser and a sword.
@@gunfisher4661 that's awesome!
American artifacts is a great and informative series and you two make a great team! I love how you present these artifacts in a respectfull maner and telling the backstories about it.
Our pleasure!
Well done JD and Erik. Thanks for another great video. 👍👍👍👍👍
Our pleasure!
Great video JD. When I watch videos you make I " DROOL " over some of those souvenirs they would look great in my collection. Mostly the regular foot Soldgers ie helmets hats medals etc.... Thank you Frank from montana.....
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War trophies and prizes go all the way back to Homer's Iliad. It's human nature to have something to show for your successes.
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Great episode JD! Took youtube long enough! Anyway ~it’s worth the wait!! Thanks!
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AS ALWAYS...... WELL DONE!! I ABSOLUTEY LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Your camera work and editing is very well done! I love your narration as well. Narration is KEY when presenting ANY video. You, my friend, do it very well.... and you do it with style!
Thank you very much! That means a lot.
I love that these artifacts were saved. It’s history and they need to be shared. I’m sure the US soldiers weren’t the only ones who brought home war trophies from Germany. Thank you for sharing these. That tea set is beautiful!!! Glad it made it into good hands so everyone can see it.👍😁
Great video as always. Eric your museum is on my bucket list. Hope to shake your hand one day as well as JD. Thanks for the great content
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Your hard work of preserving our history is so important. Thank you guys🙏✌️🛶
Thank you JD and Erik enjoy all your episodes.
Thanks!
If you ever get a chance, you should make your way out to Oklahoma City! We have a museum here for the 45th infantry division and there are an astonishing amount of artifacts from the 2nd world war here, as well as different periods all throughout the history of the division. There are even tanks and aircraft out front. You would really enjoy it and I would love to see a video on your channel about it!
On my list!
@@TheHistoryUnderground Yes! That is awesome news. I'm sure you and Erik have discussed this museum considering the mention of the 45th in this video. It would be awesome to see that you've both been out this way! Looking forward to it. Cheers and thanks for sharing this journey with us!
Excellent video 👌🙏. Thank you for your integrity and returning these important historical items.
God bless.
Another outstanding video JD. 👍 👍 👍
When my dad was stationed at Checkpoint Charlie in the early 60's, they had to go out and camp,for whatever reason. When he was digging the trench around his campsite, he dug up a bronze mother's cross and brought it back home. We also have a photo of a man, I don't know who he was,but it's in a cardboard frame with a swastika on it. I'm assuming he was a family member. My grandpa's family were originally from Switzerland, so that's the only thing that I can think of.
My father was a front line combat soldier in Co F, 358th Inf Regt, 90th Inf.Div. Their officers prohibited them from taking any souvenirs and made them discard any they picked up prior to the end of hostilities. they were told, if they were captured with souvenirs, they would be shot by the enemy. The rear echelon soldiers did a lot of looting and the souvenirs my father brought home he picked up in the months following the end of hostilities. He said the card sharks on the Liberty ships coming home separated a lot of war trophies from their owners.
Amazing, just think how young these guys were when they got to Munich. Today would be my dads 100th birthday. He enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor, he was just 18. Went to the Aleutians, he mustered out on December 7, 1945. His brothers were in Iceland and Italy.
Those guys were a different breed.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Yes they were. To get him to talk about the depression and the war I had to ask direct questions. Never reminisces.
There is a symbolic value to these war trophies that I hadn’t fully considered. The GI’s are common men acquiring these items once reserved for the elite of the Nazi regime. That act trivializes the values of the defeated German elite and at the same time it will remind the G.I. of his buddies and their role in the defeat of the enemy that once prized these items. Maybe I’m overthinking though. Some of the Americans just looted to get rich. You could do an episode on missing Nazi gold that was being guarded by Americans.
Oui car il y a beaucoup de chose à dire .très bonne proposition et qui mérite réflexion .
They hit the motherload alright! I get a kick out the fact that it was Engineers who had first pick. I was a Combat Engineer in the 80's and 90's and I'm pleased with who recovered all these war trophies. Nobody is going to claim these items, so it was safe as it was to keep, and other items like flags or propaganda items were taken out and burned after the war. All interesting items, and you were right, "the good guys won!"
Those Damn Engineers!
They were the first ones in that had the ability to get trophy's bigger than pouch sized such luck to say.
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@@timf2279 I have both David Perigrin's books. Extraordinary what they did as they held in place in the Ardennes.
@MrBradleyDavid The right units at the right place at the right time. So many natural obstacles for the engineers to use to stop the armored thrust.
JD this series is amazing. Great work 👍🏼😎
Thanks a ton!
Awesome historic place and very interesting history of the staff..a treasure!
Thank you for sharing
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Excellent video. Soldiers love their souveniers.
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I was in the U.S Army, was stationed in West Berlin in the early 80's. In Andrews Kaserne, which was actually the S.S. Headquarters for a while during the war. And the Kaserne even has the Olympic swimming pool that was used by the Germans during and before the 1936 Olympic games. I even seen Rudolf Hess walking around his Spandau prison garden while I was there There's a whole lot of history to see in Berlin for sure
Your comment near the end of the video (8:10) is excellent. The Germans and Japanese had to be defeated and the men that did this our fathers grandfathers, uncles , worked together to stop the tyranny. I also see nothing wrong with collecting war souvenirs.
100%
@@TheHistoryUnderground
I have to also add that in my case I started collection German helmets and hats back in the 1970’s and keep them hidden. When my father found some of the stuff in our basement he hit the ceiling! I remember him saying “ I saw enough of this stuff! I have to say that one helmet which I still have a single decal SS helmet full of shrapnel holes made him happy.
Seeing those makes me wish Mark Felton is correct saying that the Blutfahne (Blood Flag) wasn't destroyed, but simply stored in some attic or storage waiting to be in public again.
I would love to see more of SS-Oberst-Gruppenführer Sepp Dietrich's 1944 beige summer tunic seen in the background around the 3 minutes and 20 seconds mark. I own a lot of Sepp Dietrich items myself with iron clad provenance.
Coming soon.
I love love love your channel. Thank you so much for all of this awesome info. 💗😎
Thanks so much!
It's kind of sad when I watch things on WWII and realize how few veterans of that war are still with us today. The remaining WWII veterans are passing on rapidly. As a kid in the 1960-70-80's, my neighborhood had many WWII veterans living on my street. Sadly, they've all passed on. I've always been a WWII buff. In the early 1980's when the WWII generation were retiring, I worked at an automotive and truck alignment shop. One day a new motorhome came in for an alignment. I drove it on the alignment rack. I was maybe 20 years old. As I walked around the motorhome checking the tire inflations and how it was sitting, I noticed his bumper sticker. It said he was a Polesti veteran with the bomber group number. The just retired owner of the motorhome was standing by the alignment rack watching me. I turned to the owner and said "you flew B-24's over Polesti"? The owner looked stunned and shocked! Here's this young kid knowing about a famous air battle 40 years prior. He then smiled and said you know about that, huh? I said YES SIR! I invited him down into the alignment pit and put him on a seat/cart where he shared some stories about the war while I aligned his new motorhome. I remember him being a very nice man.
Oh wow. That is amazing. I would loved to have sat down and interviewed a bunch of those guys in that time period when they still could remember their experiences with clarity but had enough distance that they could talk about it comfortably.
That must've been one amazing experience. I would have loved to spend time with some WW2 Vets but sadly it never happened.
@@TheHistoryUnderground It was a great experience, forsure. I lived in the San Diego area at that time. So many WWII vets retired in the area due to the nice weather. I threw a newspaper route as a kid in the 1970's. I'd go to the doors to collect the monthly bill. A lot of these WWII vets were retired. They'd invite me in as they got their wallet. I'd see their WWII mementos and photos on the wall. My next door neighbor when I was a kid was in combat on Guadalcanal in 1942. He was kind of a grouch (maybe PTSD) and didn't talk about it much. I really think that is the greatest generation.
In 1860 the british army was part of the nations that invaded Peking during the boxer rebellion. One sergeant took a 16 inch high vase home with him. His middle income (2010)family sold it for over 80 million dollars a few years ago. Rumor is the two china's had a bidding war as it may have contained the ashes of an emperor at one time. History is amazing and who knows what value these items may have one day.
The quality of the photographs shows on my phone in person they must be amazing. Thanks
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Once again, Thank you!
Love this channel so much
Thanks!
Could there be a matching pen to go with the mechanical Pencil somewhere ??? Again, JD and Erik, appreciate the B&W photos and the backstories for the men of the greatest generation.... How about some stories of the women of the greatest generation,
Waves -- Wac's -- Wasp's and so on. You guys make a great team.....
Don`t know if they did like that in those days but I have seen that almost identical mechanical pencil before without markings probably some kind of copy cat production I`m sure as it wasn`t antique.
Because of war trophies I was able to shoot an MP 40 several times. I am grateful for the experience and I am thankful that the allies were successful.
Crazy! Those are a must-see at GMoH
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JD. Did you ever hear of Mark Felton. He is from England, a lot of his videos remind me of you ?
Mark is seriously overrated and very commercialized. I enjoy his content however it's about making a buck.
I don't watch Mark's videos religiously, but what's great about the ones I've seen is that they tend to shed light on obscure little-known aspects of the second world war & other conflicts--sometimes his videos will be the only source of info about certain obscure topics...
@georgeschaut2178 I agree with you he does have some content that's off the mainstream. His series on the death of Himler did drag on a bit.
Yes, I’ve seen some of his work.
Nice historical video. Being a militaria collector for 45 years I have no problem with german war trophies
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I don't have any problem with war trophies like this. I have my share of medals, badges, buckles and other bits and bobs originally taken as souvenirs. I appreciate Erik and yourself putting these videos out there.
I'm assuming the silverware that Erik sold back in November of 2021 listed as "Captured By A U.S. 42nd Division Soldier" was liberated by the same soldier named in the last two American Artifact videos. He didn't specifically name him in the listings.
Different guy. These collections have been kept together.
Thanks for showing items from Hitlers service wear. Thank you for sharing!
Loving this Series.
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I absolutely love this channel. As a 101st ABN veteran, and a history nerd. id love to do this kinda work. HMU Eric!
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Have you been to Munich Haus Der Kunst, builded during Nazi era, it was US Army officer mess hall after war. In portico there's still ceiling mosaic with swastika pattern, one of rare places it wasn't removed, but it is more pattern of Balto Slavic swastika that can be also found on Slavic traditional clothing patterns.
Nope. Haven’t been there.
i have never had a problem with even most extreme war trophies. i was not there with that man when that trophy was taken. NONE of us were! Even the most grizzly trophy is a pale reflection of the personal HELL that man was in. No human is qualified to Him !:-) 💜🙏
Interesting how the term for the acquisition of such items changes
These videos are incredible.
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I have a few items my grandfather brought back from WWII. Not only are they pieces of history, they are also some of the few items I have of his.
Is there any information concerning the table gifted by the Krupps ?
Good Presentation 👍
Another awesome video!
Really enjoyed the video mate loved collection love ww2 can't wait for the next video 👍💪
Another good video JD thank you
Thanks 👍
Very interesting items!
Fascinating Stuff!
Thanks!
We’re one of those book signatures.. right side lower half.. from John Vining?? Could be my uncle
Souvenirs does mean victory!
100%
Great video.
Thanks!
Love this video
I'd like to know how these GIs were lucky enough to trust that those silver got sent home safely. My grandpa told me years ago of sending war trophies home more than once and they never made someone along the line stole the stuff fir themselves. They must have had some sort of connection maybe in supply that they could trust snd discretely package it for the trip across the ocean. Amazing and lucky
There was definitely a lot of that that went on.
When you open the book there is a name at the top of the page on the second page. Pvt Robert J. ? From PO Box 84 Lynchburg, Tenn. Can you tell what the last name is?
Interesting items
Very!
Men now forever trapped in time by what they have written in a book of importance. To people like Erik who preserves them until the baton needs passed to another, for future generations to understand and see. To see exactly who owned them, and the evil who had used them!
A recently deceased buddy had a German flare pistol and six bolts from Mauser rifles his dad had brought back.
He picked up the flare gun and some flares in Gelnhausen as it was laying on a wall.
The Mauser bolts were from the rifles some officers had them box up to ship home.
He said his Dad got sixty years worth of entertainment from looking at the bolts.
Most people never bragged much on there trophy`s but I`m sure it was of great personal satisfaction to have such items.
"Liberated" another word for Stolen.
Wonderful….Thankyou!!
Is this the video RUclips keeps flagging?
Yep. 😕
Question: why does Erik pronounce it "Gett-is-burg", instead of Gettysburg?
Yes! Thank you! Great question. After spending some time in Gettysburg, the true locals & Erik being a local, pronounce it GettISburg. I imagine, out of towners, such as ourselves, simply pronounce it how it's spelled GettYSburg. There was a much better reason given on an American Battlefield Trust video last year explains it better, but that's the short of it:)
So much for "Thou Shall Not Steal"
Feeling bad that someone took one of Hitler’s forks is a weird place to plant your flag.
I’ve seen a number of artifacts that were for sale here locally at an antique store. No firearms but some medals, helmets, uniforms, knives, armbands, and I wondered what the story was in acquiring them. I mean I like the thought of war trophies from a vanquished enemy, sort of the spoils of war to the United States.
Where is this antique store?
Always wonder what the story is behind some of these things that came back.
@@jerseymike4755 Miramar Beach, Florida. It may be gone by now. Probably found it’s way to a museum I’d guess.
I find this fascinating to read of all the stories in the comments. It sucks though that you Americans took all our cool shit after the wars. :D My great grandpa was part of a team that put up guns and medals as booby traps when the GIs were advancing from the West. He got 3 confirmed kills that way. He used to say there were two certainties regarding the American soldiers: Their numbers and their greed. Make of that what you will
If the soldiers didn't take the war trophies they would have been destroyed. All that history would be gone. Good or bad we need to keep history so the stories do not die and we can hopefully learn from it.
100%
I just reposted the Nazi souvenirs we found on our farm!
You do such a fine job with all your videos ! I feel like the good guys are not winning much anymore. American's have become weak and lazy and I'm ashamed of what our society has become.
Does anyone know how they got all that stuff out of Germany?
Mail or a duffel bag.
Corrupt military
All Army's etc.. collect trophies,ask the Russians that one,they took everything,that was or wasn't nailed down,during all the wars,and current one,but must give it to the farmers,they acquire tons of future tractors...lol ,What needs to be done with these so called trophies,is put them in Military and civilian museums ,so future generations can see and learn from others mistakes.
The 45th division museum in Oklahoma City had items from Hitlers apartment.
Need to get down there.
Made me wonder how much stolen silver was used to make all the silver service pieces. That's "blood-silver" in my book. Fuhrerbau looks to be a mudflood building - with the first floor almost completely below grade now - rediscovered and reclaimed but not excavated. Old Tartarian building repurposed, not new construction. The mudflood is truly history, underground.
These things makes me think of all the lives lost and while Nazis was enjoying the good life. But it's necessary so this kind of evil never can uprise again. My heart breaks looking at the grandeur Hitler and Nazis was living with stolen property and the countless deaths.💔
For a crew that was all about the state, they sure lived large 😂
That how it always goes.
They moved from Germany to Washington. Is all they did.
Oh?
Heyyy, where are the gloves?! :)
Why wouldn't you polish the silver?
Today is the day of memory Shoa, never forgot what ss nazi and Germans do to they. Never forget.
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bought me a German Bronze Mothers cross from this place yesterday
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The only two things my father brought back were a Nazi Swastika and a Yellow Star. Years later he burned the Swastika and mounted the Yellow star with the following words: Remember Don't Forget In Hebrew, Zachor Al Tishkach