In the early 90's & over the course of several months I was fortunate enough to get to know a man who had helped liberate one of the Nazi death camps as an infantry man in the U.S. Army. Although I don't recall the name of the camp I remember he told me that he saw things a nineteen year old shouldn't have to see. He told me also that he had developed a drinking problem upon his return to the U.S. & civilian life & that he once had to be stopped by three men from killing another man who had made derogatory remarks about Jews & the holocaust. Needless to say he had utter contempt for holocaust deniers & was haunted by what he'd witnessed for the rest of his life. I consider him & men like him true patriots & heroes.
I'm here because of the liberator series (Netflix). The story of Felix Sparks is impressive and is intimately linked to the great history of ww2. I am French and I know how much we owe the Americans. My grand father fought with the free french forces in Italy at Monte Cassino. the sacrifice of young soldiers freed us from Nazi tyranny. Sparks and his men from the 157th Regiment are heroes. May their memories and their exploits never be forgotten.
And we in the USA owe a great debt of honor to the French for helping us in our war for independence from Britain. Without your help we would never have become a nation.
Great tribute! Thank you for taking the time to tell this story. What an amazing leader he was! I couldn’t imagine having to go through everything he went through & at the end seeing the horrific crimes the nazis committed! I’m 47 now & it had only been a little over 30 yrs since the end of worlds war 2., My father was stationed Over in Wiesbaden Germany back in 78. I was around seven or eight when my mother & father took us to tour Dachau. I realize now some people probably think i was probably too young to see these atrocities at such a young age, but i am thankful for the experience. It was definitely heartbreaking to learn that people have the ability to be so cruel! It certainly made a huge impact on me & I pray history never repeats itself! As Sir Winston Churchill said “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
I saw the Liberator and its great storytelling, also visually with the kind of animation. Thanks for researching this awesome story. A remarkable man - Felix Sparks.
I recently read this very well written book about Felix Sparks and his incredible life... It was a book that I couldn't put down, and was mesmerized by the story. It moved me to tears and I thought about my Uncle and realized why he didn't want to talk about 'IT'... I thought, if this were a movie, I wouldn't believe this actually happened, and would more likely think it was just a script... just a movie... just impossible. I'm moved now, listening to the author,,,, it IS such a powerful book. Thank You Mr Kershaw... This is a story that we need to "Never Forget".... and I appreciate your honesty & accuracy in describing the awful atrocities committed by the Nazi's at Dachau. I visited Auschwitz and couldn't speak.
This video touched me more than I would have ever guessed. It’s the manner in which it’s told, the humanizing of the soldiers and the moral complexities our soldiers had to decide. On the spot. At a very young age. Exhausted. After reading voraciously on WWII I felt like I’ve had the big picture with a fair amount of detail. This video shows how much I need to get out of the facts/numbers/timeline, etc and start educating myself on the most important data: our soldiers. I owe you a debt of gratitude, Sir.
My uncle was a lieutenant in the 45th, was present at the liberation of Dachau. Wrote to my grandparents about losing control of the men under his command, who would kill German guards taken as prisoner despite his orders to the contrary. He did not approve, but he was of the same mind as his men.
My Uncle Tom also had a similar path in WWII, with an Armored Division under Gen Patton, and fought in Sicily, France, Bastogne, etc.. He always attended the reunions, which were ended because of dwindling survivor numbers... I regret not attending that 'Last Reunion'... He rarely talked about the war with us... It was simply known to "Not talk about it'... I loved him very much, a wonderful man & super Uncle. He passed away 10 years ago, and I attended his funeral at the Fort Custer VA National Cemetery in Kalamazoo, MI.
I just starting watching "The Liberator" & love the show! My uncle Thomas Walsh was at the battle of Anzio & lost a leg when he stepped on a landmine there. For him, the War was over, when he returned to the US for rehabilitation! After the War, the U.S. Gov't.bought him a brand new car, costing $3,000. & with automatic transmission, unusual for the time!
Study cruelty? Like killing Iraqis .cruelty will be part of the human race if not to another then to animals...so so sad.this was a remarkable young man. Same with German soldiers never saw their families again.and not all the Germans knew about the camps.thank you for treating german prisoners of war well
With Gratitude to FELIX SPARKS AND YOUR COMRADES FOR OUR LIVES TODAY BECAUSE OF YOUR COURAGE, BRAVERY AS AN OFFICER AND LEADER. THANK ALEX KERSHAW FOR BRINGING THIS TO US ALL.
I was impressed with Major Dick Winters now Captain Felix Sparks has a new fan. Imagine all the stories that was lost or will never be told as our WW2 vet die every day.
Thanks Mr. Kershaw for the research / book / Netflix series about Felix Sparks and his men. As a young German I am deeply touched by the sacrificies of young american men for freedom in europe and the rest of the world during 2nd World War. The world would be a different place, if the USA hadn´t invaded europe together with british and canadian troops. Is there any way to send you a personal message (via email)?
Was Jack from this interview the character: Cold Foot from the Netflix series? What a great series that was, if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. Every once and a while Netflix comes up with a gem.
I sawThe Liberator on Netflix and I’m a person of historical and historical fiction books. I enjoyed watching the movie and the story telling of Sparks, and one amazing surprise to me was towards the ending seeing the town of Aschaffenburg featured. My husband was stationed there from 1963-1966, and myself and two children also lived there at the time. In fact, our third child was born in Frankfurt while stationed in Aschaffenburg in 1964. There is so much history in World War Two that we are still finding out each day, as more survivors from that time come forward or write books relating to that time in Europe. Very interesting.
Just read the book last month and enjoyed it. There aren't many books depicting the story of the 45th out there. The Rock of Anzio is out of print and have nowhere to find it. I didn't care for the Netflix series, the dialogue was a bit cheesey. My grandfather was in the 45th from Oran to Nuremberg, not as infantry but a truck driver in the Signal Corps. Never met the guy since he died in the '60s but am always fascinated whenever media about the thunderbird division comes out. Would be interested to know if DiCaprio's character in Shutter Island was inspired by Sparks as they show a similar scene with the train and the girl staring at him. Anyone who knows of any other sources for 45th info out there would be much appreciated.
I will definitely read this book 📖 as I have always had a great interest in this war and the psychology behind the barbaric acts carried out by the Germans .
While this episode may be called things, I don't imagine myself finding these things, having a rifle and not shooting the perpetrators. And I would have no remorse for doing that. If I were a judge I would certainly not incriminate these actions for obvious reasons. Yes it's not in the RoE, but seeing that is also not in RoE. So people getting crazy it's not a surprise. Mr Sparks behaved too well given the conditions.
Imagine feeling guilt because you couldn’t get to a concentration camp in time to save people. The young Allied soldiers who felt that burden, even though they had no control over when they got there. That really was the greatest generation. I have hope for the younger generation of today - but am disgusted bu much of the Boomers and Gen X (which I am part of) generation who have taught Millennials that inadvertently using the wrong pronoun is the equivalent of sending someone to a concentration camp.
No one thinks using the wrong pronouns is the equivalent to being sent to a concentration camp. But it’s kind of weird how there are people in EVERY generation who think having to respect other people for who they are is the equivalent to living under Nazi Germany. Quick question, do you also think that chewing with your mouth closed and not interrupting people when they’re speaking is oppression? How about apologizing when you step on their feet? Is that the equivalent to being sent to a gulag? 🙄
In the early 90's & over the course of several months I was fortunate enough to get to know a man who had helped liberate one of the Nazi death camps as an infantry man in the U.S. Army. Although I don't recall the name of the camp I remember he told me that he saw things a nineteen year old shouldn't have to see. He told me also that he had developed a drinking problem upon his return to the U.S. & civilian life & that he once had to be stopped by three men from killing another man who had made derogatory remarks about Jews & the holocaust. Needless to say he had utter contempt for holocaust deniers & was haunted by what he'd witnessed for the rest of his life. I consider him & men like him true patriots & heroes.
I'm here because of the liberator series (Netflix). The story of Felix Sparks is impressive and is intimately linked to the great history of ww2.
I am French and I know how much we owe the Americans.
My grand father fought with the free french forces in Italy at Monte Cassino.
the sacrifice of young soldiers freed us from Nazi tyranny.
Sparks and his men from the 157th Regiment are heroes.
May their memories and their exploits never be forgotten.
Please do not forget the U.K. Troops who fought for the World for us all to come thru the War to today……and now the TALIBAN’S TORTURE…..
And we in the USA owe a great debt of honor to the French for helping us in our war for independence from Britain. Without your help we would never have become a nation.
This is a must read of the 45th Division, and Felix Sparks! Well Written Book! God Bless the Greatest Generation! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Great tribute! Thank you for taking the time to tell this story. What an amazing leader he was! I couldn’t imagine having to go through everything he went through & at the end seeing the horrific crimes the nazis committed!
I’m 47 now & it had only been a little over 30 yrs since the end of worlds war 2.,
My father was stationed Over in Wiesbaden Germany back in 78. I was around seven or eight when my mother & father took us to tour Dachau. I realize now some people probably think i was probably too young to see these atrocities at such a young age, but i am thankful for the experience. It was definitely heartbreaking to learn that people have the ability to be so cruel! It certainly made a huge impact on me & I pray history never repeats itself! As Sir Winston Churchill said “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
I saw the Liberator and its great storytelling, also visually with the kind of animation. Thanks for researching this awesome story. A remarkable man - Felix Sparks.
I recently read this very well written book about Felix Sparks and his incredible life... It was a book that I couldn't put down, and was mesmerized by the story. It moved me to tears and I thought about my Uncle and realized why he didn't want to talk about 'IT'... I thought, if this were a movie, I wouldn't believe this actually happened, and would more likely think it was just a script... just a movie... just impossible. I'm moved now, listening to the author,,,, it IS such a powerful book. Thank You Mr Kershaw... This is a story that we need to "Never Forget".... and I appreciate your honesty & accuracy in describing the awful atrocities committed by the Nazi's at Dachau. I visited Auschwitz and couldn't speak.
Alex, you are an honest and great man, tears in my eyes.
So thankful for authors like you who keep the memory of these brave American soldiers fresh in our minds. We can never forget their sacrifice!
This video touched me more than I would have ever guessed. It’s the manner in which it’s told, the humanizing of the soldiers and the moral complexities our soldiers had to decide. On the spot. At a very young age. Exhausted. After reading voraciously on WWII I felt like I’ve had the big picture with a fair amount of detail.
This video shows how much I need to get out of the facts/numbers/timeline, etc and start educating myself on the most important data: our soldiers.
I owe you a debt of gratitude, Sir.
My uncle was a lieutenant in the 45th, was present at the liberation of Dachau. Wrote to my grandparents about losing control of the men under his command, who would kill German guards taken as prisoner despite his orders to the contrary. He did not approve, but he was of the same mind as his men.
My Uncle Tom also had a similar path in WWII, with an Armored Division under Gen Patton, and fought in Sicily, France, Bastogne, etc.. He always attended the reunions, which were ended because of dwindling survivor numbers... I regret not attending that 'Last Reunion'... He rarely talked about the war with us... It was simply known to "Not talk about it'... I loved him very much, a wonderful man & super Uncle. He passed away 10 years ago, and I attended his funeral at the Fort Custer VA National Cemetery in Kalamazoo, MI.
I just starting watching "The Liberator" & love the show! My uncle Thomas Walsh was at the
battle of Anzio & lost a leg when he stepped on a landmine there. For him, the War was over,
when he returned to the US for rehabilitation! After the War, the U.S. Gov't.bought him a
brand new car, costing $3,000. & with automatic transmission, unusual for the time!
students and teachers should gather and study this.
Study cruelty? Like killing Iraqis
.cruelty will be part of the human race if not to another then to animals...so so sad.this was a remarkable young man.
Same with German soldiers never saw their families again.and not all the Germans knew about the camps.thank you for treating german prisoners of war well
One of the best book i have ever read
Justice was served!
Thank you for keeping history relevant and deeply meaningful. "No one survives war." Audie Murphy. RIP
With Gratitude to FELIX SPARKS AND YOUR COMRADES FOR OUR LIVES TODAY BECAUSE OF YOUR COURAGE, BRAVERY AS AN OFFICER AND LEADER. THANK ALEX KERSHAW FOR BRINGING THIS TO US ALL.
I was impressed with Major Dick Winters now Captain Felix Sparks has a new fan. Imagine all the stories that was lost
or will never be told as our WW2 vet die every day.
I’ve read every one of your books. Tremendous research written with facts and compassion. BZ!
You're a great storyteller ,Alex.
Thanks Mr. Kershaw for the research / book / Netflix series about Felix Sparks and his men. As a young German I am deeply touched by the sacrificies of young american men for freedom in europe and the rest of the world during 2nd World War. The world would be a different place, if the USA hadn´t invaded europe together with british and canadian troops.
Is there any way to send you a personal message (via email)?
Thank you sir for sharing all this.
Amazing series, got so many similarities to Band of Brothers
we need more men like him.
thankyou for your research. i will pass this to my children
I enjoy every lecture of yours, keep them comeing.
Thank you Sir for the great info and story Truly the greatest generation
well explained, thank you!
Was Jack from this interview the character: Cold Foot from the Netflix series?
What a great series that was, if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. Every once and a while Netflix comes up with a gem.
Excellent work!
Thanks so much
amazing story! thank you!
Thank you for sharing.
I sawThe Liberator on Netflix and I’m a person of historical and historical fiction books. I enjoyed watching the movie and the story telling of Sparks, and one amazing surprise to me was towards the ending seeing the town of Aschaffenburg featured. My husband was stationed there from 1963-1966, and myself and two children also lived there at the time. In fact, our third child was born in Frankfurt while stationed in Aschaffenburg in 1964. There is so much history in World War
Two that we are still finding out each day, as more survivors from that time come forward or write books relating to that time in Europe. Very interesting.
Well done
Not a war crime. Justice
I think a lot of people forget the Geneva convention didn’t exist in WW2. There were no rules.
Just read the book last month and enjoyed it. There aren't many books depicting the story of the 45th out there. The Rock of Anzio is out of print and have nowhere to find it. I didn't care for the Netflix series, the dialogue was a bit cheesey.
My grandfather was in the 45th from Oran to Nuremberg, not as infantry but a truck driver in the Signal Corps. Never met the guy since he died in the '60s but am always fascinated whenever media about the thunderbird division comes out.
Would be interested to know if DiCaprio's character in Shutter Island was inspired by Sparks as they show a similar scene with the train and the girl staring at him.
Anyone who knows of any other sources for 45th info out there would be much appreciated.
Why would they animate such an important piece of history?
Have you watched it? It's very good and moving
@@KillerMZE I have head its really good .
Is it possible that you can write all the names of Sparks regiment from the foto (36:02) so i can look for their video? thanks
Pls Sir, how can I get this video and possibly the ebook of The Liberator
I will definitely read this book 📖 as I have always had a great interest in this war and the psychology behind the barbaric acts carried out by the Germans .
While this episode may be called things, I don't imagine myself finding these things, having a rifle and not shooting the perpetrators. And I would have no remorse for doing that. If I were a judge I would certainly not incriminate these actions for obvious reasons. Yes it's not in the RoE, but seeing that is also not in RoE. So people getting crazy it's not a surprise. Mr Sparks behaved too well given the conditions.
Why should I listen to you talking about Alex Kershaw for nearly 40 minutes when I could watch Alex telling his story himself?
Did you bother to proofread your own comment?
#the liberator Netflix bois
why is this guy not a saint?
So you're telling me the tv series could've been better if they told the Truth
Felix tells his account in a long-form interview here: ruclips.net/video/-PW4ujLpwu0/видео.html
Imagine feeling guilt because you couldn’t get to a concentration camp in time to save people.
The young Allied soldiers who felt that burden, even though they had no control over when they got there.
That really was the greatest generation.
I have hope for the younger generation of today - but am disgusted bu much of the Boomers and Gen X (which I am part of) generation who have taught Millennials that inadvertently using the wrong pronoun is the equivalent of sending someone to a concentration camp.
No one thinks using the wrong pronouns is the equivalent to being sent to a concentration camp.
But it’s kind of weird how there are people in EVERY generation who think having to respect other people for who they are is the equivalent to living under Nazi Germany.
Quick question, do you also think that chewing with your mouth closed and not interrupting people when they’re speaking is oppression? How about apologizing when you step on their feet? Is that the equivalent to being sent to a gulag? 🙄
Tie your hands behind your back and stop going off on tangents.
You should mention Jehovah's witnesses. BBC Did a documentary on that.
Frank got shot
As of this writing, 2 Nazis didn't like this video.
You just equated the Nazis to name-calling today. Pitiful.