This was the best narrative I have ever seen by a participant in the war. It is hard to believe that this man is so sharp at his age. We are fortunate to get this first hand narrative.
In just a few years they will all be gone very sad to think about it. Wish I could do more to preserve there stories and these videos are so important to keep there stories of the greatest generation living on so much wisdom and knowledge will be lost once there all gone from this earthly life. God bless!
I totally agree. This guy is sharp as a whip. It's rare to find an officer from ww2. It would be interesting to see how many officers are left. I could listen to him all day. 😊
Wow! My niece is stationed in Germany and she with her husband took us to Bastion, Versailles, Omaha beach, Point de Hoc and Utah beach last April. We were there in the places he talks about! It’s so easy to visualize and see what they experienced. We also took the Band of Brothers tour, amazing!
It's a privilege to hear this man speak. We're incredibly lucky to have these accounts preserved on film for future generations. What an absolute legend. I am humbled.
This gentleman’s recall and ability to convey exactly what happened then is likened to watching a movie. He understandably earned and deserved his rank. The world was rid of tyranny because of individuals such as this. Thank you sir and thanks to AVC keeping these stories alive. Now we must compel new generations to know those who came before and appreciate what was handed them.
hell no, this isn't the same country. The next big US war will be fought by LGBT, women and minorities. Descendants of white men like Raaen have been ideologically alienated in their own homeland. The culture that built men like this Ranger does not exist. If you aren't gay or black, your opinion means less.
Believe me they thought the same way before WW 2. I would advise everyone to read DDAY by Steve Ambrose . Don’t ever believe Americans wont defend their country.
I think a world war is what turned these folks into the cream of the crop. We would need something similar to create comparable hardship which had developed this kind of widespread character in their generation.
@@CoreyJason I agree. They also learned to work hard through the depression though, so they had the "perfect" upbringing and environmental factors to make them into what we know.
Loved this one! His description of the three different movies hit it on the nose. Anyone who has been in the military knows there is a lot of hurry up wait moments, it's not always all out action like the movies show. There is a lot I would like to say but it would include too much personal information, thank you very much for showing this part of this man's experience in WWII!
Wow. He reminds me of my grandfather who was a TSgt with the 17th Tank Battalion in 44-45. Spoke clearly, sharply and passed away with a cigar in his hand in his garden at age 97 in 2017. He wanted to speak and share his experiences. God bless this generation. It's so heartbreaking to know this breed is almost gone.
God bless this true American hero. Thank you sir. I'm left speechless. I simply cannot imagine. And I've been through my war. But I didn't do that. I'm so glad you survived. When so many didn't. Thank you, sir! 💯💯💯🇺🇸
who wouldn’t love this man?! i’ve been in the military for 30 yrs, and i’ve had a lot of commanders, i can say i would have followed this man to hell and back! We are truly blessed to have had such men and women!
Thanks for sharing this video. I could listen to him talking about his experiences all day. It’s a honour to listen to him. Another representative of the greatest generation
I'm just in awe of this man and his brothers in arms. He describes combat like it was yesterday in the most humble, matter of fact way. I feel we must spend everyday earning what they did for us. Being humble, decent, genuine and tough as nails in the hope that we are even worthy enough to hold these guy's beer is the least we can do.
It’s crazy how recognizable Greg’s voice is, I’ve been watching American veteran center for years and to hear him in his interviews brings back memories.
Interesting and informative. Special thanks to the major veteran ranger. Sharing personal information/combat experiences making this documentary more authentic and possible. Fighting/perishing/surviving knowing certain death/debilitating wounds were often possible. Yet still advanced forward regardless of the consequences. That's true grit style determination to succeed. Another shout out to the French resistance underground.
This man is not only brave, but intellgent! From my hometown/rural County, those from the Southern end were sent to Europe, and the Northern end sent to the Pacific. My future FIL and his brother fought in the Phillipenes (MIL built F6F's). My own Uncle was captured at the Buldge. All these brave men passed on the definition of service to your country. I have two brothers retired from the military, one an E9 Master Chief (a true deep ocean sailer) and the other a Captain directing Nuke missle silos. It is people like this all, who kept us, and most of the world -free.
Excellent interview... did not interrupt the war hero... did not make it about the interviewer or satisfy some personal desire.. . just let the Hero tell his magnificent story... this is what this type of thing should be.
Crazy what these men went through. At some point we will have to understand how to stop fighting ourselves. I know it won’t happen anytime soon. The warlike nature of man has always been there. We evolved in the hunter gatherer society afterall. Is what it is. I am very glad you were there good sir to fight against the oppression that was upon us in this time. As a child of the 80’s I can only say that you are Rad and Bad and worthy of recognition. ☮️
My grandfather was an African American veteran and drove on the Redball Express. They saw a lot of action as well. Unfortunately, their stories have gone into the grave with them. He drunk himself to death
I'm sorry how he passed but anyone who knows how the war was won it was supplied by the RedBall Express. I'm an old fat white guy but I know about this and it was amazing what they did, they wouldn't let them fight but they delivered everything that the white dudes needed to stay alive and fight and they never got proper recognition for what they did. There was a cool movie that I think was called the RED Ball Express...
"The GREATEST Generation." Without a doubt, anyone who values freedom & liberty owes a debt of gratitude that cannot be paid. The best we can do is live our lives to the fullest & stand up against oppression in every way, large or small. God bless you, Sir. It can't be overstated how important & precious it is to document & preserve these stories for generations to come. Those who fail to acknowledge history are doomed to repeat it.
Forever Grateful to the Greatest Generation, and Families, for their Service, Courage and Sacrifice. and endless Generosity as able- to share their Awe inspiring, Amazing Stories. With Gratitude and Respect, Thank You General.
Writing this the day after the 80th anniversary of d-day. Found this along with part 1 earlier on the 6th. Amazing interview especially for a man nearing 101. BOB is one of my favorites miniseries of all time and to hear someone who fought say how well it was done makes me like it that much more. Had the pleasure of meeting a few WW2 vets as teenager 20 years ago. Shared part 1 on my Facebook and hope people watch this interview. Very few of these heroic men left alive and saddened that future generations will never have the opportunity to meet any of them in person.
Absolutely astonishing that he is still able to tell the story so clearly and vividly. Thank you for your service, Major General Raaen. You are a hero.
Reminds me of my grandfather. He served as a supply sergeant. Don't know how he did it, but he was able to get his hands on virtually anything you needed.
This guy was a bloody soldier and an academic. I mean, what the hell did he learn in H.S. and the Academy that he just popped into Nuke school John Hopkins... That sort of mind is why his is still intact at the age he was when this was filmed. I will never envy these sort of people, but I sure as hell will admire them.
My father served in 1944 in the DCLI and said little of his experience but he told me that " without the "yanks" we would have been in trouble. At one stage he was assigned an amphibian vehicle for a short time which he used as a taxi/ supply vehicle until it broke down and was pushed off the road and abandoned. So...thanks for your service Sir.
I am more than amazed at his ability to recall dates and exact locations of events from that far back in time. I have trouble remembering what month most events occurred during my time in Vietnam. Tet split my first tour so things are before Tet or after Tet. Thank you for the effort to memorialize these wonderful histories and remarkable people.
What an amazing man! 100 years old with such amazing recall for such historical details. a treasure trove of information for historians to notate. I’m trying to remember all the details from corporate directives from last week !
When I listened to his stories, I wish someone out there could recreate a few of the "Holy Cow!"combat incidences he described, maybe in the soon to be released WWII mod to Arma III. Salute!
As hard as it would be to be an infantryman in WW2 I can't possibly imagine what it must have been like to command dozens or hundreds of 18-20 year old fighting men, knowing full well that they could die obeying your orders.
Absolutely superb stories and a great overview of the challenges the Rangers faced. Great work by AVC for bringing these important interviews to new audiences.
He is a very interesting man, he told his experiences very well. I hope he is still around to educate others in the real historical facts of WW2. 🇬🇧👍🇺🇸
15:54 I wish I would have learned the purpose of a foxhole when I was in basic training, we were just told to "dig a hole" We had no idea why we were doing what we were doing. (And for those of you civilians wondering, when a mortar lands the shrapnel spreads out, so when you're in a foxhole the shrapnel will fly over you, same with getting shot at, you have somewhere below ground to hide)
First off now it is called a fighting hole. And if you were told to “just dig a hole” you had a pos POG DS. There is wayy more to it than just digging a hole
This is one remarkable man who went through hell and took care of all of his men. From one veteran to another I salute you sir with the highest respect. 25:54
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See General Raaen's PART ONE interview here: ruclips.net/video/UYGh51ZgU5k/видео.html
Plain to see why this man was a General ! Cream of the crop!
This was the best narrative I have ever seen by a participant in the war. It is hard to believe that this man is so sharp at his age. We are fortunate to get this first hand narrative.
A Major General at that!
You are so correct.I didn't make my comment because you stated your comment so well.😊
He is a hero with a photographic memory and he took me back to 1944. It is an amazing slice of history...
In just a few years they will all be gone very sad to think about it. Wish I could do more to preserve there stories and these videos are so important to keep there stories of the greatest generation living on so much wisdom and knowledge will be lost once there all gone from this earthly life. God bless!
I totally agree. This guy is sharp as a whip. It's rare to find an officer from ww2. It would be interesting to see how many officers are left. I could listen to him all day. 😊
One of the best D-Day interviews I have seen. The Generals mind is still sharp as a razor.
And the strength in his voice yet…just amazing!
Encyclopedic level of recall. What an impressive man.
Bouncing Betty mine. 😮 Must google that !
Men like this man is why we prevailed in World War 2. And they truly are our greatest generation God bless you Sir
🎉looking oolongs to pliu
😂
🎉
General Raaen somehow reminds me of my grandfather, Colonel Arthur LaSalle Smith, who served in both World Wars. What a wonderful storyteller!
What a fantastic American, soldier, and man. Respect to General Raaen.
Wow! My niece is stationed in Germany and she with her husband took us to Bastion, Versailles, Omaha beach, Point de Hoc and Utah beach last April. We were there in the places he talks about! It’s so easy to visualize and see what they experienced.
We also took the Band of Brothers tour, amazing!
Such a sharp memory. Salute sir!
This account is incredible. His memory is impeccable. Thank you for all you’ve done 🇬🇧
Thank you for your service🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
It's a privilege to hear this man speak. We're incredibly lucky to have these accounts preserved on film for future generations. What an absolute legend. I am humbled.
This gentleman’s recall and ability to convey exactly what happened then is likened to watching a movie. He understandably earned and deserved his rank. The world was rid of tyranny because of individuals such as this. Thank you sir and thanks to AVC keeping these stories alive. Now we must compel new generations to know those who came before and appreciate what was handed them.
I could listen to him all day long
Absolutely amazing how sharp this man is. From the min he started speaking, he had me locked in until his last words about band of brothers.
These guys are just the cream of the crop. I wonder if we have the strength in us today that these fellows did? Courageous, brave men.
hell no, this isn't the same country. The next big US war will be fought by LGBT, women and minorities. Descendants of white men like Raaen have been ideologically alienated in their own homeland. The culture that built men like this Ranger does not exist. If you aren't gay or black, your opinion means less.
Few and far between. I'll go forth!
Believe me they thought the same way before WW 2. I would advise everyone to read DDAY by Steve Ambrose . Don’t ever believe Americans wont defend their country.
I think a world war is what turned these folks into the cream of the crop. We would need something similar to create comparable hardship which had developed this kind of widespread character in their generation.
@@CoreyJason I agree. They also learned to work hard through the depression though, so they had the "perfect" upbringing and environmental factors to make them into what we know.
Loved this one! His description of the three different movies hit it on the nose. Anyone who has been in the military knows there is a lot of hurry up wait moments, it's not always all out action like the movies show. There is a lot I would like to say but it would include too much personal information, thank you very much for showing this part of this man's experience in WWII!
Wow. He reminds me of my grandfather who was a TSgt with the 17th Tank Battalion in 44-45. Spoke clearly, sharply and passed away with a cigar in his hand in his garden at age 97 in 2017. He wanted to speak and share his experiences. God bless this generation. It's so heartbreaking to know this breed is almost gone.
Defi ately shows he was a MG. Very Sharp and well spoken man from the greatest generation
This was a great interview. God bless General Raen!!
God Bless you Sir along with a heart felt gratitude for you’re service,sacrifice and courage to fight for freedom ❤🇺🇸
Thank You so much for your service and lovely dedications to Our Beautiful America Dear American Sir, Semper Fi!!!!🥰😍🤗🙏❤🤍💙💪👍
God bless this true American hero. Thank you sir. I'm left speechless. I simply cannot imagine. And I've been through my war. But I didn't do that. I'm so glad you survived. When so many didn't. Thank you, sir! 💯💯💯🇺🇸
That was a great account. He was such an accomplished storyteller. One of the best on RUclips.
who wouldn’t love this man?! i’ve been in the military for 30 yrs, and i’ve had a lot of commanders, i can say i would have followed this man to hell and back! We are truly blessed to have had such men and women!
Thank you, MEN. We need your courage more than ever.
Thanks for sharing this video. I could listen to him talking about his experiences all day. It’s a honour to listen to him. Another representative of the greatest generation
I'm just in awe of this man and his brothers in arms. He describes combat like it was yesterday in the most humble, matter of fact way. I feel we must spend everyday earning what they did for us. Being humble, decent, genuine and tough as nails in the hope that we are even worthy enough to hold these guy's beer is the least we can do.
Salute
It’s crazy how recognizable Greg’s voice is, I’ve been watching American veteran center for years and to hear him in his interviews brings back memories.
an excellent interview,i have not seen better
Immediately starts off with a Bouncing Betty. Oi! Wow, this man's man is an un believable badass.
Would love to listen to many hours of his tales! God bless you
OUTSTANDING. What memory. I'm sure there is more to this interview. Hope you make PT 2
This is part 2. There is a previous interview.
Thanks for all your hard work bringing these men to light again
Interesting and informative. Special thanks to the major veteran ranger. Sharing personal information/combat experiences making this documentary more authentic and possible. Fighting/perishing/surviving knowing certain death/debilitating wounds were often possible. Yet still advanced forward regardless of the consequences. That's true grit style determination to succeed. Another shout out to the French resistance underground.
Much respect Sir!!
This man is not only brave, but intellgent! From my hometown/rural County, those from the Southern end were sent to Europe, and the Northern end sent to the Pacific. My future FIL and his brother fought in the Phillipenes (MIL built F6F's). My own Uncle was captured at the Buldge. All these brave men passed on the definition of service to your country. I have two brothers retired from the military, one an E9 Master Chief (a true deep ocean sailer) and the other a Captain directing Nuke missle silos. It is people like this all, who kept us, and most of the world -free.
Excellent interview... did not interrupt the war hero... did not make it about the interviewer or satisfy some personal desire.. . just let the Hero tell his magnificent story... this is what this type of thing should be.
Great memory! He is an excellent narrator. He is so matter of fact talking about combat that was in the thick of the action.
Bless you buddy. You are my hero.
This shows how luck plays a huge role in survival in war. The number of close calls and duds this man encountered and survived is incredible!
Only the dead know the end of War
Crazy what these men went through. At some point we will have to understand how to stop fighting ourselves. I know it won’t happen anytime soon. The warlike nature of man has always been there. We evolved in the hunter gatherer society afterall. Is what it is. I am very glad you were there good sir to fight against the oppression that was upon us in this time. As a child of the 80’s I can only say that you are Rad and Bad and worthy of recognition. ☮️
My grandfather was an African American veteran and drove on the Redball Express. They saw a lot of action as well. Unfortunately, their stories have gone into the grave with them. He drunk himself to death
God bless him sir
RIP grandpa.
I'm sorry how he passed but anyone who knows how the war was won it was supplied by the RedBall Express. I'm an old fat white guy but I know about this and it was amazing what they did, they wouldn't let them fight but they delivered everything that the white dudes needed to stay alive and fight and they never got proper recognition for what they did. There was a cool movie that I think was called the RED Ball Express...
Yes there needs to be more of there stories told. They did so much for there fellow man. I'd love to see some interviews from those guys.
God bless your grandfather
Sir, I would be proud and honored to shake your hand. Thank you endlessly for your service and may God bless you always!!!!! ✝️🇺🇲
"The GREATEST Generation." Without a doubt, anyone who values freedom & liberty owes a debt of gratitude that cannot be paid. The best we can do is live our lives to the fullest & stand up against oppression in every way, large or small. God bless you, Sir. It can't be overstated how important & precious it is to document & preserve these stories for generations to come. Those who fail to acknowledge history are doomed to repeat it.
Forever Grateful to the Greatest Generation, and Families, for their Service, Courage and Sacrifice. and endless Generosity as able- to share their Awe inspiring, Amazing Stories. With Gratitude and Respect, Thank You General.
What an astounding memory! Thanks for being part of the Greatest Generation.
Great content 👌🏼
Writing this the day after the 80th anniversary of d-day. Found this along with part 1 earlier on the 6th. Amazing interview especially for a man nearing 101. BOB is one of my favorites miniseries of all time and to hear someone who fought say how well it was done makes me like it that much more. Had the pleasure of meeting a few WW2 vets as teenager 20 years ago. Shared part 1 on my Facebook and hope people watch this interview. Very few of these heroic men left alive and saddened that future generations will never have the opportunity to meet any of them in person.
Absolutely astonishing that he is still able to tell the story so clearly and vividly. Thank you for your service, Major General Raaen. You are a hero.
Reminds me of my grandfather. He served as a supply sergeant. Don't know how he did it, but he was able to get his hands on virtually anything you needed.
In the military steal means Strategic Transfer of Equipment to Alternate Locations.
This guy was a bloody soldier and an academic. I mean, what the hell did he learn in H.S. and the Academy that he just popped into Nuke school John Hopkins... That sort of mind is why his is still intact at the age he was when this was filmed. I will never envy these sort of people, but I sure as hell will admire them.
My father served in 1944 in the DCLI and said little of his experience but he told me that " without the "yanks" we would have been in trouble. At one stage he was assigned an amphibian vehicle for a short time which he used as a taxi/ supply vehicle until it broke down and was pushed off the road and abandoned. So...thanks for your service Sir.
I absolutely love this gentleman He is so like my grandfather. What a memory! An amazing storyteller. Definitely my favorite interview! Thank you!,
Bless you!
Very sharp gentleman.
Thanks!
Such precise details! Amazing account from a great man with his memory 100% intact!
I am more than amazed at his ability to recall dates and exact locations of events from that far back in time. I have trouble remembering what month most events occurred during my time in Vietnam. Tet split my first tour so things are before Tet or after Tet.
Thank you for the effort to memorialize these wonderful histories and remarkable people.
It was an honor to listen to this amazing man tell his story. Thank you so much.
THAT WAS A Warning FROM GOD#!
Thank you for your service. It's so hard to see the beginnings AGAIN #!
What an amazing man! 100 years old with such amazing recall for such historical details. a treasure trove of information for historians to notate.
I’m trying to remember all the details from corporate directives from last week !
God Bless all of you Veterans. Thank you for your service
Just a wildly bright man. Thank god for men like him
This mans recall is second to none. An incredible interview!
Ammunition is heavy but you'll be glad you're carrying it when a firefight starts
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. God bless you Sir
The man is why WE THE PEOPLE citizen soldiers take the oath
This is a real man who fought for the freedom that is being eroded. This is why all people here in the UK and US need to stand up for these heroes.
37:25 General Raaen weighs in on Band of Brothers.
Reading the General’s after action reports would be some of the most interesting reading. Thanks Again General.
ty for your service in ww2 General Raaen merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family sir.
When I listened to his stories, I wish someone out there could recreate a few of the "Holy Cow!"combat incidences he described, maybe in the soon to be released WWII mod to Arma III. Salute!
This man is a living, breathing, walking piece of history. Glad his story could be recorded for us to see.
Well said!!
As hard as it would be to be an infantryman in WW2 I can't possibly imagine what it must have been like to command dozens or hundreds of 18-20 year old fighting men, knowing full well that they could die obeying your orders.
A British WW2 veteran I spoke to said "my war was about 85% boredom and 15% sheer terror with a lot of luck thrown in". I believed him!!
What a great clear mind.
Wonderful interview.
Another of the Greatest Generation Men.
Absolutely superb stories and a great overview of the challenges the Rangers faced. Great work by AVC for bringing these important interviews to new audiences.
This has to be one of the better war stories I’ve ever heard
wow, I'm truly enjoying this channel and hearing these heroes explain their truly bad-ass stories ! These were THE MEN
I could listen to this forever
Thank you for your service sir!!!
Thank you for your service sir
Great Vidieo ! Thank you
The cold-fish meeting with Rudder is a great story.
Amazing story.
Unbelievable recall of detail ! Incredible !!!
I just wish a date would come added to these interviews
Just the organizational detail is amazing…
Full respect to this true American hero from the UK
Sharper than people half his age. An amazing gentleman.
He is a very interesting man, he told his experiences very well. I hope he is still around to educate others in the real historical facts of WW2. 🇬🇧👍🇺🇸
15:54
I wish I would have learned the purpose of a foxhole when I was in basic training, we were just told to "dig a hole" We had no idea why we were doing what we were doing.
(And for those of you civilians wondering, when a mortar lands the shrapnel spreads out, so when you're in a foxhole the shrapnel will fly over you, same with getting shot at, you have somewhere below ground to hide)
First off now it is called a fighting hole. And if you were told to “just dig a hole” you had a pos POG DS. There is wayy more to it than just digging a hole
Awesome video !!
Sir, thank you!!!
Gotta add this to my favorites, this was amazing
wow, the detail this guy can recall is incredible. I forget what I had for lunch yesterday.
This is amazing, especially if you have some familiarity with the geography of that part of France.
What a great speaker.
This is one remarkable man who went through hell and took care of all of his men. From one veteran to another I salute you sir with the highest respect. 25:54
Never heard if this brand before, thanks for sharing!
How sharp his mind is yet, how strong and confident his voice!
Gen. Raaen today: barks orders
Today’s troops: “Sir, yes sir!!!”
Great story, GOD bless