American Army officer here, Germans are the best fucking tankers I have ever served with. One of the few regrets in my career is not doing more work with German Soldiers
in germany they have mostly the reputation of maniacs & alcoholics. like in the Luftwaffe everyone is arrogant and the Feldjäger-guys are even crazier than the tank-guys
I want to touch on this a bit to; I'm Dutch and we got invaded early in ww2 and, I'm not saying we had it the worst of all countries (not by a long shot), but the Netherland did suffer quite a bit under German occupation. There was a lot of ill will towards Germans, understandably, among the generation that lived through it; the next generation (my parents amongst them) got raised on that animosity, but you could already see the resentment getting less and less (football matches notwhitstanding, there's been plenty of animosity on the pitch) My generation just see Germans as our neighbors; the big cousin to the east, and ofcourse you'll always keep the goodnatured, and at times less goodnatured making fun of stereotypes, but I don't think there's any real ill will anymore about history among.. the general populace. The important part to take away about ww2 is that hatred will only bring more misery and that things can go really bad really fast when nutcases get power.
I am a German and grew up about five minutes from the German-Dutch-border close to the city of Geldern from which the name of the Gelderland is derived (just as a slight bit of trivia). Looking back it is amazing how little the border actually means. My mother bought dutch flowers, we used to bike to Xanten and eat pancakes on weekends and I remember one time in highschool a few classmates and I got fries at the border when we had 1,5 hours of free time in between classes. I really hope that it stays this way and that the border will become even more arbitrary in the future. What happened 80 years ago and 25 years before that and before that and so on is really tragic. Unlike the stereotype about Germans I don't feel guilty for what happened before my time, but I would feel guilty if it ever were to happen again. Let's keep it so that the only fighting between us is about which language is better -ours- and about who has the better football team. Oh and since I'm German here's my obligatory 'sorry for my bad English' comment ;-)
Watched a documentation about prince consorts a few weeks ago and there was also a part how the Dutch reacted to the "pick" of the then princess Beatrix in the 1950s. Was quite a bit of resistance, even after a German and a Dutch inquiry cleared him of any guilt regarding war crimes etc
Im a german and once i was in a coffeeshop in the netherlands around new year and outside there were many fireworks blowing up. Some older guy then said to me it sounds like world war 2 outside. Then he shook my hand and said "im glad germans and netherland people are brothers again. That made me a little bit emotional.
In Germany you don't get a medal quickly - there aren't many medals that Germany bestows on heroes. Those who receive such a medal have achieved a lot more than expected and saved more than just a few lives. This medal also means we owe his debt to him for his great deed. Danke, daß Sie uns Freunde nennen, es ist mir ein Vergnügen
"Hans, give zis man ze medal, ja?" all jokes aside, receiving one of the highest awards from another country you are not part of is not something one simply accomplishes so this speaks tons and volumes about the whole story
hello, I am a us army veteran, I was stationed in Germany many years ago I believed 1980-1983 not saying how old I am got a laugh but anyway, I was stationed in Germany and it was fantastic I really enjoyed it. the German citizens were very nice and courteous to me, I will never forget the time I spent in Germany thank you for your time, take care oh I would love to go back to Germany if I get the chance
There is a great line in the MCU movie "Captain America - The First Avenger", when Dr. Erskine said to Steve Rogers "The first country the Nazis invaded was their own." This line resonates with me so much, because it is true. Most of our ancestors were not murdering Nazis. My grandfather was forced into the Wehrmacht in 1943 (He was a farmer in a small village in Northern Bavaria) and one day the Wehrmacht stood in front of his door, demanded that he should hand over his crops and his lifestock and report for duty because he was needed to protect the Fatherland. He could chose between fighting a war he did not want or being shot on the spot, leaving his wife and his 3 year old son alone. So he went to war and fought for his country. He was captured on the Crimea by the Russians and spent years ion a Russian POW camp, before he returned in 1946. He never talked about his time there but according to his sister, he was never the same again. This war, like any other war destroyed at least two generations not only in the US, Russia, Japan but also in Germany. Most people in the USA don't know how life in Germany was before the Marshall plan and the Wirtschaftswunder. It is a big wonder that I can type this here, because the babies born in 1945 and 1947 that became my parents survived the years of starvation, Infant deaths because of the lack of medical help, poverty in general, etc. We owe so much to the Americans including our lives and I am hapy to see that we could turn the tables and went from enemies to friends.
I’m a history nut and USAF vet…peacetime. I served in NM. Once on the flight line I saw 2 flights of F4 Phantoms. Nothing unusual til I noticed on one side the planes wore the Iron Cross. I remember having goosebumps at the thought that once bitter enemies have become the staunchest of Allies. Very glad Germany is our strong ally.🇺🇸🇩🇪
Well, nobody wants to know that. Look at all the postwar films. Only the Americans and the English were war heroes. Germans were, and still are, only the bloodthirsty Nazis :( Interesting against the background is that America is developing into a fascist nation. All the Trumpers would have shouted "Heil" in the past...
As a german, i was shopping in NYC photographer shop BH. At the exit, there was an elderly man. He spoke to us in german language and said, that is the first time speaking German, since he managed to flee the Konzentrationslager. I cried. Will never forget.
You cried and then you gave him some money and everybody clapped. And later that year it was you clapping at the train station when all those Syrian refugees arrived. Boy did propaganda do a number on you, my friend.
What you said got me to subscribe. I am a german american. My mother is german and my father is an american. We all still live in germany. My father was a US soldier. I served in the german military. Thank you for your words! You are a great person. If you ever visit germany, I would be more than happy to assist you!
hello, I am a us army veteran, I was stationed in Germany many years ago I believed 1980-1983 not saying how old I am got a laugh but anyway, I was stationed in Germany and it was fantastic I really enjoyed it. the German citizens were very nice and courteous to me, I will never forget the time I spent in Germany thank you for your time, take care oh I would love to go back to Germany if I get the chance. I was station in Nurnberg, Ansbach and baumholder.
The German-American relationship is by far not without issues and there are many differences to be addressed, nevertheless, seeing such comeradery and brotherhood between soldiers of different armies is truly touching. Love from Berlin.
You talking about Germany, how, as it is today, it is not to be blamed for what happened in the last century, really touched me. Like I commented before, I always had a strong bond with the US. Partly because my godfather, who is very important to me, is from the states. I would love to go there and visit him as soon as possible so seeing this and hearing that the two countries that are most important to me can stand side by side as friends, as brothers, that really made my day. I had tears of joy and a smile on my face while writing this comment, thank you for this upload.
Yet Americans not alive during the period that slavery was practice across the world are being punished and made to be held accountable for something they were not part of. The German soldiers almost made me cry. I served in the army and was station in Italy. We trained in Germany and I have trained with their soldiers among others.
But unfortunately, that's not how it is anymore. After the war, America helped us back on our feet with the Marshall Plan and brought us democracy. But... But today they seem to want to throw away this democracy. Trump would rather go to bed with Orban, Kim Jon Un and Erdogan than with democratic states. Yes, I know he is no longer president, but he has divided the US to the point that there are at least 100 million Nazis running around believing his lies. The world's first and oldest democracy is falling apart.... who would have thought... But flags, medals etc. they still like :)
The german soldier giving the speech was at the rank of Captain (Hauptmann in german), while the other soldier that later hugged him was a Corporal / Specialist (Oberstabsgefreiter).
Cool, thanks! I was wondering about this--is the rank indicated on the epaulettes? I made the mistake of assuming they were both captains when I saw the green waffenfarbe, but those just mean they're both infantry, right?
@@alexlloyd4 yes, green is everything Infantry. Para-troopers, mountain, regular and tank grenadiers. The rank insignia are on the shoulders in Germany.
I’m 71, in a hospital…and about to be discharged (thank God). I’m watching this video on my IPad, and tearing up. I was an American soldier ( medic) in the early 70s and worked with German soldiers in West Germany when I was 21. Tears of happiness streaming down my face.
@@s.t.5993 It was not an opportunity. Dropping the bomb on Berlin was actually the original goal. But Germany surrendered before they could do it. So dropped it on Hiroshima instead. And since this wasn't as powerful of a symbol to impress and scare the Soviets as it should have been they dropped a seconf one on Nagasaki. Japan surrendered, but Stalin wasn't impressed. The bomb never fulfilled it's original goal and purpose.
For your German followers: I'm a Brit, currently living in Canada, and one of my favourite books is "I Flew For The Führer" by Heinz Knocke - the diary of a fighter pilot during WW2. He begins by describing his life as a young teenager in Hamelin, enjoying life in the Scouts and trying to keep away from the Hitler Youth, but proud that Germany is getting back on its feet and regaining its place in the world. He enlists as a fighter pilot after the Battle of Britain is over, and spends most of his time defending Germany against Allied bombers. His diary at this stage reads much as I would imagine a British pilot's would, proud of his country and defending it against attack. Then he wins the Iron Cross and is awarded it by Goering in person - and is shocked to realise that he is wearing makeup. From there on, after being badly injured, he feeds intelligence back to Berlin on what is happening on the front lines, but is ashamed to see that life in Berlin goes on much as usual, as it is beyond the reach of Allied bombers. He begins to realise that Hitler's leadership is not the best, and that some of his countrymen are not as committed to the war as he himself is. Then, at the end of the war, he finds out about the concentration camps and the atrocities that had been going on behind his back, and he is broken. So when modern films refer to all Germans as Nazis, I wince inside. Some were. But most weren't. And now, as Brexit takes hold in Britain, it is I who am ashamed that we are turning our backs on our friends and neighbours, undoing all the good experience of partnership and cooperation that has created an atmosphere of friendship and collaboration. Germany, please forgive us.
I completely agree that most Germans weren't Nazi's. But, according to a German friend from college, the way they teach it (at least in his school) was that Germans knew what was going on to the Jewish people and did nothing about it. That doesn't mean they were bad people, but a German citizen who didn't know what was happening to the Jewish people was actually somewhat of a rarity.
@@ethanomihombre There is a difference between the German citizens that were not enlisted, probably for a reason that they were unfit for combat, and soldiers that left home at parts almost a decade ago. The mother with children whose man went to fight know, their husband maybe not. What exactly is she supposed to do? Or even if there is a full family with a man that for some reason wasnt forced to fight or got around it. What does he do against military platoons and indoctrinated mobs? Knowing but still being minority is maybe not an excuse but a damn good reason for doing something.
In 1970 my driving instructor was a Check named Paul. He showed us a picture of himself in a Luftwaffe pilots uniform. He said he could fly planes and drive most vehicles. He told us he flew fighters against the Americans. One guy asked him why would he fight for the Germans. He said the German officers showed up at the flying school he was at and told all the guys who were there, they were in the Luftwaffe. He said the instructors told them that their families would be arrested if they refused. He said I had nothing against the Americans , but my plane had the black cross on it. What was I going to say . Don`t shoot its me Paul !
Well then, British brother, all that Brexit gobbledygook and xenophobia and and and.... Couldn't you say that it's all fascist? If there were a war between, say, Germany and England, wouldn't it be wrong to call all Englishmen fascists? This is not to excuse past crimes committed by Germany, but perhaps it helps to understand that not every German soldier was necessarily a Nazi. Today, 74 million people in America voted for a fascist and, because he didn't win, they want to use violence to bring about a coup d'état. If that is not fascism, then I don't know anymore :(
@@geromemcguire8566 _Couldn't you say that it's all fascist?_ Well, couldn't you just shut your mouth an appreciate his words? What are you even complaining about? That he didn't went far enough in his words by calling Brexit an act of fascism? Are you for real? Good gosh - some people.... You are one of those types who can never be satisfied right?
It might not have been, what you thought, when mentioning germans, who might be ashamed of our past, but there often is a misconception with americans about us thinking about our past. The most of us aren't ashamed of our history, but we know, what sad, horrible and to be completly honest just stupid things the humanity is capable of doing. And most of us see it as an important thing to never let anything like this happen ever again And it's great in my humble Opinion, to have big parts of the world, even across oceans, as allies, Partners and friends Greetings from Germany
Greetings! I guess I should clarify that I wasn't saying all Germans feel that way, but I do get quite a few comments, especially on videos about WW2, from Germans expressing shame and guilt over what the Nazis did.
@@VloggingThroughHistory some of it is a matter of translation and nuance but there are many Germans who feel disgusted and saddened by the things that happened in the name of their country, sometimes to or by members of their family. And those people will often apologize for that shameful behaviour. For many it is a deeply personal shame that is then expressed in the name of the country itself. They themselves are not responsible but they feel the weight of it nonetheless. Others, like here in the comment section, feel that they have nothing to apologize for because they didn't do it. They will say that they acknowledge what happened was bad and should not happen again but they don't see any reason to bear the shame. I think both have a point but especially now that nationalism is once again gaining momentum, both in Germany and the U.S., I'd rather people view the past with a bit more humility and care than a simple "wasn't me".
We love Germany!! And from talking to my grandparents before they passed, they loved Germany too...it was just the ‘natsees’ that they hated! I’m a US Soldier and Germans are some of our favorite soldiers to work with...cool, calm, competent, efficient, dark black humor.:.what’s not to love? We poured billions into building Germany back up after the war, stood up against the Soviet Union until they fell and you were finally reunified, the Berlin Airlifts, ‘Tear down this wall’, ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’, we don’t do those things to nations we don’t love. We saw the mistakes of the Versailles Treaty and literally did the opposite this time. 🇩🇪🇬🇧🇺🇸🇳🇿🇨🇦🇦🇺.
@@p3chv0gel22 there certainly are many people who think that the government wants to constantly blame us for what happened 80 years ago. Just look at all these right wing idiots who vote the AFD... I for myself have never seen my upbringing like that. I don't feel guilty for what happened back then... but I feel the duty to prevent something like this to ever happen again! Contrary to common belive, I also think that Germans can be proud of Germany. The real question is, what are you proud about? I for myself am proud of how we managed to change our country so drastically after WWII. How we have created an including society, that looks out for the weak and poor and that respects the dignity of every human being. Germany as a whole has learned from it's past mistakes and that is something we can truely be proud of. I mean compare our country to the devision in the US that is still caused by racial discrimination and the civil war.
Approximately 2:00 in the vid: "It's such a neat thing..." Not gonna lie, whenever something good or heartwarming happens in history it leaves you speechless, and this is one of the few responses that can actually stick in those moments. Great vid.
i spot several colonels and at least a brigadier general of the german bundeswehr there. considering that in comparison the german forces haven't that much brass running around, this as well is quite a recognition.
I can tell you, since I was there, the highest ranking German military officers were there, we spent a week with them, they were truly amazing, funny, admirable and impressive. The one that was head of the German Army at the time was a great guy, he loved to have. Good time
As a German who happens to be a trained historian I'd like to mention something that might be a question that could come up: Why not an Iron Cross? It came up several times in Germany ever since we've been involved in these.. eerr... *wars* ... so here's the thing: *diplonatically* these are interventions or stabilisation efforts or really *anything* that is *not* a war and the defense minister at that time has clearly stated that would we be involved in a declared war there would be a whatevertheyear Iron Cross, after all there's a 1813, 1870, 1914 and a 1939 Cross, it's not tied to any specific covernment so had the Cold War turned hot there might well have been two versions 😉 . Anyhow - this was a tad bit touching to see, so thanks!^^ Best regards Raoul G. Kunz
I mean, it always was a medal that was made only for some wars. 2 out of 3 wars for German unification for example haven't got it. So it could easily be organised, that we make a 5th version in the case of war, orienting itself more on the original 3, than the 4th version given out in WW2
@@ianchapman6254 It is suggested sometimes by the current president, but it mostly isn't. I think most would support a version in case of war, which takes it away from the 3rd Reich. Especially since it is still a symbol of the Bundeswehr today
I was in the US Army for many years. It was so second nature to train with allied armies including numerous former enemies, but every now and then, it definitely was something to marvel at. Like you said just 2 generations ago, grandfathers from different nations were locked in the bloodiest, most incredibly scaled war mankind has ever known. Now here I am, in Japan, training the Japanese, and in Germany, training with them. I even wore a German marksmanship Schutzenschnur cord on my dress blues.
I was just sent sent this video by my father, I want to say thank you, this is my husband. This event was amazing and we one hundred percent agree with you that Germans and Germany are the best. They were so kind to us and while in Afghanistan equally took good care of my husband. I am proud to be his wife. Happy to have been able to meet Tim. That particular mission was one of the worst so we talked na thought about him often hoping he made it safely home. So meeting him was the true honor. Anyways thank you again for doing this video
Lois, thank you so much for taking the time to reach out. You have so much to be proud of, and we are proud as well. I am thankful that men like your husband and Tim exist. Thank you for your family's service!
Fun fact: I had relatives that fought in Normandy, but on opposite sides. My grandfather surrendered to the US Army and was a POW in Texas. He loved it so much, he wanted to immigrate but didn't get the chance.
My great-grandfathers on my dad's side fought each other over the skies of Germany, one was a pilot in the Luftwaffe and the other was a navigator in the USAAF...
Both my great-great-grandfather and great-grandfather fought against the Germans in WWI and WWII. My great-grandfather surrendered and was a "kriegsgefangene" or POW for a little while. Meanwhile, the other part of the family lived under German occupation. However, I was born 45 years after the end of the war, and because of my carreer ended up living in Germany. Some of the warmest, kindest people I know, I have met while living here. I have enjoyed my time here and if it wasn't for my family back in Belgium I would continue living here. It's truly amazing how diplomacy and politics have changed the European continent. And for all its faults, the European Union has made us know our neighbours a bit bette. As for this gentleman, it's truly noble to see beyond nationality and language. To see past those artificial barriers and see a human being in peril and acting on it.
Ive said it in the discord as well, but this video is relevant to it. 4:18 the song Deutschland by Rammstein is all about this feeling of regret and shame for the past. "Deutschland, Deine Liebe ist Fluch und Segen" which translates to "Germany, Your love is a curse and blessing". I'm not German myself but I've got a few German friends that still live there and I notice that those in their twenties have more or less "accepted" the past, but their parents are still struggling for with it. 4th and 5th of May is rememberence day and liberation day in the Netherlands. I've been to Germany on those days a few times to be with my friends and go to a festival there. And one of the parents from that friend found it strange that I would go to Germany on the days we remember all those died in World War 2 and celebrate being liberated from Germany.
I'm a german in my twenties, my parents were born around 1960, well over a decade after the end of WWII. They don't struggle with it because, just like me, they've got nothing to do with it, after all. Even my grandma, who was born in 1934, essentially made her peace with it because she was only a child during all of it. What we all must remember, however, is that none of this means that we don't carry responsibility for making sure nothing like it ever happens again! This is not only true for germans but for every human being.
@@srccde this! everyone, plese don't get fooled by right wing propaganda... All these idiots who try to make you think that the government is trying to make you feel guilty.... No one is donig it. If you feel guilty that is on you and you alone! Don't feel guilty, just learn from history
remembers me to the line "and its american troops and the german army joining together at last" from the song "the last battle" btw would be nice if you could react to that
There is also a song The Last Battle from Sabaton and it is a story where Germans and Americans fight together.. Also nice story behind it and my suggestion for next reaction ^^
Thanks for your videos. I like them very much! My English is not good enough to write all of my comment in your language. But perhaps you can understand my thoughts about our history, even it is in German. "Wir tragen keine Schuld an den Verbrechen unserer Väter. Ebenso haben wir keinen Anteil an ihren Heldentaten. Aber es ist unsere Pflicht, das Schlimme nicht erneut geschehen zu lassen und es sollte unser Bestreben sein, das Gute als Vorbild zu nehmen." So I try for myself to deal with our past. Greetings from Germany.
🇩🇪🇩🇪Joo im a German pupil i am in the 11tg grade now. I have the best possible mark in History. And you doing big parts. (the rest was Sabaton) Thank you for that!! Grüße aus Deutschland 🇩🇪👋🏻
A soldier never starts a war, governments do, be they in office or not. I served & never blamed any soldier for the conflicts. In WWII, Hitler never fired a weapon at a soldier (that I know about) but he ordered the conflict.
Totally agree with what you are saying. I life in the Lovely City of Hamburg where i grew up most of my life so i grew up in a very Liberal and good natured City which for long has been the Center of Travel for many for good reason so i got to know many who didnt like or simply miss understood my People which if you think about it is not wierd as the only thing people know about us is that we had started massiv wars and genocided Millions of Innocents. I always tried my best to speak to them when i could and bring to them what we have become. what our People have become. We are good People that have done bad things in the past, Yes others did too for sure but simply pointing at other to ignore our own Failiure to stop Darkness from covering our Country is simply idiotic. Im happy that i can work with so many People and tell them what Germany is today, what this Country achived in its many Years, pre and post war, that there is more to our History than simply the wars and that we Germans are more than just one people but that we ourselfs are as diffrent to one another as people from across the World. Germany has Come out of the Ashes of the War as a changed Nation, as a greater Nation, having tasted Darkness and learning what it means to do so. We have these Days become a bastion of the Free and Liberal World and once more have taken to Expansion, just this time not with Bullets or Bombs but with Aid and Protection for the once in dire need of it. I'm always happy to see my Country talked about in any way, no matter if i agree or disagree it is interesting to see what one thinks of it. Hearing you say what you think of us makes me feel like we have achived what we always wanted. To be remembered as good People no matter what our history is or rather especialy of what it was.
What I find funny is that you write more elegantly and have fewer spelling mistakes in English than most of us Americans. 😂 Did you learn all of that in school, or did you take extra lsssons?
@@samuelschultz2117 i had Lovely Teachers in School all the time, they liked me and i liked them and always sucked up everything they teached me. It was great. But, i learned the most by simply watching Videos of English Content Creators or by Playing on International Servers, Joining Regiments in Games and overall having most of my Online activity with English speaking lads. that has gotten me through my School years with a 1+ in English every singe time, a 1+ beeing an A+ for some and for others maybe just an A, comes down to you. But thank you for saying this, im happy to be so capable at this Lovely Language.
I love Germany 🇺🇸❤️🇩🇪. My grandfather lost an arm to an MG 42 and still cared deeply about Germany...it was the Natsees that he hated. He always considered young Germans soldiers to be some of the Natsee’s first victims.
My grandparents emigrated from Saxony to the US 98 years ago. Grandmother was from Leipzig and grandfather from Reichenbach, My grandfather served in the German army and his sons in the US army.
Tim Focken, a Fallschirmjäger, is seen at 3:52, he is / was member of the German paralympics team doing sport shooting (there are some developments in the sport support here, which are totally off-topic). Living in the same town as I do, we did meet, but he is shooting for a different club as we didn’t have the facilities to support his training. A pity.
I serve in the airforce and I was stationed in Germany for 2 years and will going back soon. I had a great opportunity to talk with some of them and work along side them in my career. they are really nice people and they try to include you in their community. I'm very happy I get to go back.
I had a talk once with a retired US Army Sergeant who had served in WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam. During WWII, he was in charged of the kitchen in a German prisoner of war camp in Texas. He told me that the German prisoners under his command in the kitchen were the most impressively trained and drilled men that he ever had the privilege to command. On the flip side, Baron von Steuben, a German officer who served under Gen Washington in the American Revolution, noted that the problem with American soldiers was that they always had to know why it was they had to do what they were ordered to do.
Thank you for your video and your warm words. As a German I can truly say that the Americans are our closest allies and friends. This is especially true and important today, as we share the same values and the same understanding of life, freedom and pursuit of happiness. We modern Germans have learnt that standing together in friendship and alliance against forces who want to destroy that very understanding of freedom is the most important bond possible today. It is heartwarming to hear that this friendship does exist, not only between the governments, but also between people. Thank you.
My father served in the US Army in WWII in Europe fighting the Germans, A neighbor across the street was a German immigrant who served in the German Army in Europe in WWII. He and his wife were very good friends of my parents. I remember when I was in high school asking my dad how they could be friends. He simply said Enemy's yesterday, Friends today and Brothers tomorrow. We cant live the past! After I served in Vietnam, I never hated the Vietnamese I just remember a very short conversation!
I served two tours of duty in Germany in the 1970's in the Army, and enjoyed both tours. The German folks I encountered while I was there were very fine people, and I'm grateful for the personal enrichment I gained from these encounters. I was very glad when Germany was reunited in the 1990's. I wish for Germany all the best for now and in the future.
Great video! Very moving. I am an American who has lived in Berlin with my German wife for the last 4 years. It’s a fantastic place to live and although the US will always be my home in my heart, Germany has been a wonderful second home for me. As far as how Germans feel about Americans, I’ve been treated nothing but well since I’ve been here. Even during the previous administration when many Europeans were not happy with the US leadership, it never affected how people treated me personally. My only “complaint” would be the German language and only because I suck at learning it! 😆 But, as my wife (who speaks perfect English) likes to remind me, English is even harder to learn as a second language. And so many Berliners speak at least some level of English and are generally happy to practice it on me that it makes my life much easier. I’d highly recommend Germany as a great place to visit, and live in as well, if you ever get the opportunity. Oh, and here’s an interesting fact. The largest ethnic group from which people in America are descended is not English as I used to think. It’s German.
I am a retired American soldier of German descent (Lower Saxony) who served with Germans overseas and while serving in Germany. It hurts my soul to see the burden that Germans carry to this day from WWII, many of whom have no connection to the war at all. Atrocities should never be forgotten but the West as a whole places a much bigger emphasis on this one vs others (think about what has been done in colonial Africa-ESPECIALLY by the Belgians). I firmly believe that had Germany not been absolutely demoralized following WWI and the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the Nazi ideology would never had a chance to take hold. The rest of the West has to share some of the burden.
My grandpa is from Austria and i took 4 years of German in high school, so Germany means a lot to me and this hit different; also German is a relatively easy language to learn- so much of the vocabulary is almost the same as English, and i would say the hardest part is the articles(all the different words for “the” and “an”
Amen I’m an American learning German. ( going into German 2 this year) it was an amazingly language to learn which I was decently surprised with due to the stereotyped difficulty of learning other languages.
As a German, your words made me really happy. I'm sure there are still some Americans and people on this world that see us at the bad guys, but there's always gonna be these people I guess. But yeah, seeing soldiers who's grandfathers were probably foes, fighting against each other, now being friends and allies on the battlefield is really nice. Both my great grandfathers fought in WW2 on the eastern front, and probably did some fucked up stuff. My great great grandfathers probably fought in WW1, and maybe also did fucked up stuff. I really don't know if we're ever gonna manage to "get over" our past, especially when the bad past is present in your own family.. and because far-right parties, hate against jews and immigrants seems to increase more and more over here. It's still weird to see a German flag in public, for me it even feels weird to sing our national anthem. It's great to hear that people appreciate us for who we are now, not who we were back then.
Yes - a lot of your roots are from germany - but I don't understand, what happened to our German beer in the US. Most breweries were founded by Germans - what happened to thier skills?
@@robertallen6028 and why arent they switching back to the old recipes today? Because brewing good beer is more expensive than brewing shitty beer. You can make more profits with bad beer. Even in germany the breweries with the most profit make the worst beer. Just buy from small, local breweries where people are proud of their product and craftmansship and you will get the best beer.
@ 3:14 min the young German soldier closest to the camera appears to be the saved German soldier Cpl. Tim Focken. Cpl. Tim Focken was leading a foot patrol in Qala-ye Zai, Afghanistan. They came under heavy fire and Cpl. Tim Focken received a shot to his shoulder. An American Black Hawk performed a MEDEVAC with the firefight still going on and coming under fire themselves. The American medic team, including Staff Sgt. Peter Woken, all received the German Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Action.
They did indeed, they also were given the choice to not accept the mission for how dangerous it was, all four crew members agreed they were not going to leave him there to die. So they went. The only reason my husband was honored at this event was because shortly after this mission his brother died and returned the US, they 3 other crew members were awarded their medals in a ceremony in Afghanistan, in fact we never knew it was even awarded, in October the next year the pentagon called my husband to say Germany had been trying to find him and wanted to celebrate at the German Embassy with a week long celebration and reunite him with the soldier he worked on as the medic(Tim) There is only one medic in a Blackhawk, two pilots and a crew chief. The celebration was made a big deal because my husband would be the first American to receive a foreign medal on US soil. Which you hear them say in the video. When my husband talks about this time and his crew he always says it wasn’t just me who saved him, it wasn’t just me who received their Medal of Honor. He is forever grateful for his two pilots that day because they would not have made it out alive without them. Anyways just thought I would give you some extra info, they are all amazing to me
As a German, thank you for saying this. I do feel it's often forgotten in the discourse that the people discussing/r interested in history are not the same as the people who committed atrocities in the past. BTW love your channel. Since we r not really tought American history over here, I am always happy and glad to learn more but American history.
This is also very touching for me as a German who served in the military (Bundeswehr). My dad, as a young second lieutenant in the German Wehrmacht, was nearly killed by shot through his neck from a Russian sniper, later captured in France by American troops and brought into a war prison camp in the states. This is the history in our lives!!
There is no such thing as a bad country, it's bad people in position of power/leadership who cause frictions by their desires- it's the bad side of the nationalist coin. There is a good side to nationalism, such as to cheer on your nations athletes in an international sports event etc. So to foster a spirit of friendship and respect for others is a creative force for the wellbeing being of all people. You can do this and still have pride in your nation (for me I'm happy when we beat the Australians at cricket)
What I as german can bring up as information is that the german soldier which spoke is actually and officer with the rank of a "Hauptmann" (OF-2) - american ecquivalent is a captain. He is has Infantry symbolics at this uniform. He is also owning a Military Freefall (MFF) badge to the german paratroopers. So I would consider him belonging to the german paratroopers. But thats not 100% sure, as soldiers from other formations can have passed that training as well. But It would fit to the german millitary structure if he would be a paratrooper.
Okay so how it goes is a 5 stars are reserved for general of the army typically reserved for wartime say like Eisenhower. Keep in mind we haven't been in a war since world war II or Korea I'm not sure, war takes a decoration of Congress. Congress passed a resolution I think in the '70s which makes George Washington always one star above the highest ranked general. So Eisenhower was a five-star so now Washington is a six And if there is ever added to be a six star then Washington will be promoted to seven star
Big urban myth and pro allies propaganda. They wanted to transform germany into an agrar state dependent on food import after illegally stealing our bread basket (german eastern provinces) and giving it to poland and with the european economy so intertwined that would have let to a 2nd great depression that would especially hit the usa hard with their wartime overproduction. So they had to pump money into the european countries to fix their thoughtless mistake.
I have Dutch and German ancestry, and I'm fluent in German because I was stationed in Germany for a total of 25 years (1990-2005 and 2006-2016). I love Germany and its people and customs, and I miss it every day. I listen to German music (for example, Die Ärzte, Die Toten Hosen, Seeed, and a lot of others), and I still watch German TV shows online. I'm not sure when I'll be able to get back there, but my heart will be less full until I do step foot off the plane into Germany again.
As an American I completely agree with everything that was said on this video. I think it is one of the great miracles of world history that America and Germany (as well as Japan) find themselves as such great friends and allies despite what happened in the past. It gives me hope for the future that we can forge such relationships with former enemies. I too share German roots (43.2% according to 23&Me from the Mecklenburg area on my father's side) and I am so proud of it! I too CANNOT wait to come visit you guys over in Germany once travel restrictions start to loosen up!!!
I was stationed in Baumholder for several years before the first war started. We would do training exercises with German troops and always enjoyed being around them. I have lived in Germany for around 20 years and everyone on my mom's side of the family is German. All of my cousins served in the German Army. I have nothing but respect for their military and soldiers. This was an awesome video. I am glad you put this out.
hello there I read your comment when you said you were stationed in Baumholder. I was also station in Baumholder I believed the years 1980 -1983 a long time ago, I was also station in Ansbach and Nurnberg if you don't my me asking when we're stationed in Baumholder. thank you for your time, take care
@@jameseverly8501 It does seem like a lifetime to me also. I was there from '86 to the early '90s. After Desert Storm, my unit was deactivated and I went stateside. I would have liked to be stationed a little closer to my family but I guess you can't have everything. Thanks and take care.
Yes, he is a Staff Sergeant (SSG), The bottom "bar" is called a Rocker. Interesting enough, had the SSG earned the US MOH, it would've been appropriate for the General to salute him according to our Customs and Courtesies. Love the content bro, keep it up!
1:45: When my father entered the German military soon after the so - called "re - armament" in 1963, he met soldiers who had served in the Wehrmacht as well as the British Army during the Allied forward movement across the Westwall.
At the Karfreitagsgefecht in Afghanistan on the 2nd of April 2010 a german patrol troops (34 soldiers) got ambushed by 30-40 Taliban troops. 15 German soldiers got wounded almost immediately, 3 of then severely. USAF was in the area with fighting jets and considered to help but feared friendly fire so abandoned the run BUT the USAF send a Blackhawk into the the area INTO the hot zone to save those 3 heavy wounded german soldiers and managed to do so. Unfortunately as the rest of the patrol tried to leave the area in there Dingos (mraps) one of them hit a IED wounding 4 soldiers , 3 of them severe (3 german man died because of the battle its considered on of the most devastating battles in post world war German history) What im trying to say is, the US was ready to loose man to save soldiers that dont even have americas flag on there shoulders. As i heard this story for the first time and managed to understand what had happened, i became extremely proud to have an alley that would even consider these actions. The crew of the Blackhawk got rewarded the Cross of Honor by the german government
I'm neither proud nor ashamed of my nationality (German) because I couldn't choose were I was born neither could I influence the past of the nation I was born into. America has enough atrocities committed and still commits some of them that it feels weird to be judged by one of them (not this RUclipsr just in general). At the same time I don't understand how one could be proud of a nationality or a nation (I was a Soldier myself, was in Mali in a Combat mission for a few months). Be proud about achievements of single Persons or a collective of People but not a nation (the ppl in one nation don't have the same opinions and nations don't do things but follow the will of the majority).
@@praisethesun.praisedeussol6051 not in the modern definition anyway. but for as long as humans came together to form groups, clans, villages and nations they fought against other groups
2:40 You're right, the army calls them SGT, even if they're technically a Staff Sgt like he is. Plus 3 service stripes on the lower sleeve meaning at least 12 years of service.
04:03 That soldier is an officer with the rank of "Hauptmann". That would be pretty much a captain in the us army iirc. Just in case anybody is interested. edit: He seems to also be airborne something something, so probably a Fallschirmjäger.
As a German i can say i am not proud of the Past of my Country during the World Wars, but there are more than just a few German Soldiers in this Wars, which i can and be proud of. Manfred von Richthofen, Josef Stiegler, Karl-Heinz Rosch, and more
@@Intelwinsbigly not really close. Verdun was held 303 Days in a stalemate because of the french. the entire front was more or less a stalemate. you yanks broke that. nothing more and nothing less.
@@MrDragonheart1996 Perhaps close was the wrong word to use there, but I would still say that Germany would have been the eventual winner of the conflict, considering the mutinies suffered by the French in 1917 and the near success of some of the last German offensives that took place after American troops arrived. Had we never entered the war, French morale would have continued to deteriorate, with many French soldiers continuing to refuse to attack German positions while Germany would make incremental gains through the 1918 spring offensive.
@@Intelwinsbigly Well, Germans suffered roughly the same amount of mutinies, but they simply had more men dispatched. From this standpoint you are right, but at what cost? Millions of Germans would have died. But especially with the withdraw of the russians from the war, the French were pretty much doomed, only in the long run, but doomed nonetheless. From my point of view, we could have not won the War, even if the French were doomed. As an example the Britans, or the russians under Lenin. In the long run, Germany was doomed from the get-go, despite all it's potential victories. "Won the Battle, but lost the War"
The medal is called "Einsatzmedaille Gefecht". It's definitely not similiar to the Silver Star. The Silver Star is for bravery in combat, the german medal is given to every german soldier who took part in combat action.
Honestly all BlackHawk pilots who served should get a Medal per default. these gyuys are the definition of Badass. Willingly flying into a active firefight to save wounded soldiers of different nation is beyond words.
You are so right saying that - our friendship as nations and our shared lineage has healed and propelled much of the stereotype between Germans and Americans. I grew up in Southeastern Oklahoma, near Mennonites and there is a real shared cultural history (Last name Dagenhart). Both of my grandfathers served in WW2 and on my father's side, he was at several major conflicts in Europe, including D-Day. However, if you ask me what I think about Germany - it's not "those nazi bastards", it's as friends who I share so much with. I think that most "western" nations have more in common than we do different. I want to go visit the black forest and see where so much of my lineage came from. Also, Doner kebabs. Hurry up and share them.
Learned to soldier at Wiley Kascerne FRG wth the 2/33 FA 81-3. I knew the German military was our friend everytime a pair of Bundesluftaffe F4Es flew over our motor pool hanging 4 Sparrows, 4 Sidewinders and two drop tanks. They flew off East, rinse/repeat while I was there.
As an American I completely understand the pride and shame in our history. On my father's side I was able to trace back to the early 1700s with family in the SW Pennsylvania area. Alot of military members, including 2 great uncles that died a week apart in different theaters in WW2, their younger brother survived the war. I looked into my moms side and as soon as I saw a census from 1850 showing slaves, I closed the book, I don't want to know anything about those ancestors.
At this moment German and American soldiers are fighting here in Germany against the flood, when I heard that I was moved to tears. I thank all Americans, whether in uniform or in civilian clothes, for their work here. You deserve the highest respect I can give you. Likewise, those who have served for our freedom in the past decades with their stationing here in Germany and throughout the world should not be forgotten either. Thank you, no matter what nationality
The current German Military Honors awards were re-established in 1980, then were updated in 2008. They are ranked as follows: GER Bundeswehr Honour Medal ribbon.svg Ehrenmedaille der Bundeswehr (Medal of Honour), for exemplary service and meritorious service over 7 months or exemplary achievements. GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Bronze ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Bronze (Bronze Cross of Honour), for exemplary and meritious service over 5 years or exemplary achievements. GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Silver ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Silber (Silver Cross of Honour), for exemplary and meritious service over 10 years or exemplary achievements. GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Red Silver ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Silber für besonders herausragende Taten (Silver Cross of Honour for Outstanding Deeds), for outstanding deeds and extraordinary achievements. GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Gold ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Gold (Gold Cross of Honour), for exemplary and meritorious service over 20 years or exemplary achievements. GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Red Gold ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Gold für besonders herausragende Taten (Gold Cross of Honour for Outstanding Deeds), for outstanding deeds at the risk of one's life. GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Bravery ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr für Tapferkeit (Cross of Honour for Bravery), for valor beyond the call of duty.
As much as I hate Trump. And as much as I consider the Americans to be Quite Crazy :P There is some Cases where this Crazyness is Required. Especially in Military Matters. A Good Example was a German Unit being Stuck under Fire. And a US Unit coming to their Rescue with Helicopters while the German Army was Hamstrung as it couldnt Deploy Heavy Assets without Seeking Higher Permissions First. Thanks for that. :)
The German army should not have been there. No country should commit to a war with the USA. The USA is the country that starts wars for economical and political gain.And you can call that terrorism.
@@MrLeovdmeer i know of 3 or 4 definitions used in the US for terrorism (by different governmental organizations like FBI) and every single one of them agrees on on important point: countries cant be terrorists
@@rainerzufall5741 Just because the US makes the definition does not mean they are right. Anyone who uses violence to achieve political gain is a terrorist. And the US does this al the time.
@@MrLeovdmeer you may say this for yourself or as your opinion, but reality is formed by agreement. the UN has its own definition, germany has its own, etc. i wont say you're wrong or that i disagree with your opinion - which in fact i dont; i just wanted to mention that its - in my opinion - pretty useless (and wrong) calling countries 'terrorists'. normally thats warcrimes
You gotta hand it out to Germans; they are capable of both the worst atrocities and and at the same time being very chivalrous... For example, in WW1, German commander Von Mackensen ordered a memorial plaque to be raised - to Serbian soldiers who fought against him in order to honor their bravery! I believe that is the only case in the world that a memorial of any kind is raised to the enemy force that fought you so fiercely and caused you much more casualties than you expected...
And we love you Americans and its a shame we ended up enemies. Great Allies you are and a very Great guy you are yourself. To be clear im not ashamed of the past of my country in general, i cant let 12 years destroy the entire history of the german country which sadly happens alotat least not generally. And if you wanna learn german I'll be glad to help you out!
Not to hate on the USA, which is all so popular, but one thing that Germany does better than the USA is reflection. Namely that Germany really emphasizes self guilt. I say this as someone who grew up in the USA and received ZERO knowledge of Japanese internment camps, or atrocities against native Americans (I grew up in Minnesota and only last year did I learn of the Mankato Massacre). This is not to hate on the USA, but to emphasize that we should learn from our German comrades that we must recognize our history. Not out of shame, but to learn from past mistakes. Sadly I see too often that the USA does not do that. I myself learned that the USA won the Korean and Vietnam war, without any emphasis on the reality of what was committed there. I dont hate the USA, but I do wish more people would recognize the wrongs committed. Not to blame, but to improve. And admitting ones own fault, even if you yourself didn't commit it, is a hard pill to swallow. So to all Germans, I really do thank you for swallowing that pill, how hard it may be. I hope the rest of the world follows your example.
All too true. I love history, but is after I graduated that I truly learned the true ugly side of my nations history. That we had concentration camps just a bad as Nazi Germany, that there was no real reason for the bomb being dropped on Nagasaki, that we did things to our own people that would make Dr. Engel sit up and take notes. All within the last hundred years. We Americans can do so much good, especially when pushed, but there is so much red we have to make up for that it isn't even funny.
I completely agree. I’m from Pennsylvania and luckily my schools had good history classes, so we learned everything, the good and the bad. But I was shocked when talking to people once I got to college (I’m now almost 21), that they were taught little to none of what I was. A lot grew up without knowing of the internment camps, everything with native Americans especially the trail of tears, slavery and the entire struggle for African Americans, Juneteenth, our own anti-semitism and adopting nazi ideology over here in the 1930s, the KKK, our eugenic programs, etc. But they sure learned about the nazis in Germany and communism. While it is of course good to learn world history we need to address our own, including the bad, which rarely happens. Taking a page out of Germany’s book regarding this seems pretty good. Also in my german class in highschool we got to go to Europe if we were third or fourth years. I went and while we were there we spent a day at dachau. I grew up reading and watching gg big documentaries and studying ww2 and the nazis because I found that interesting, but just the atmosphere and how it was in dachau was unparalleled. It was unlike anything I ever experienced. It was a good learning tool as well as just a sobering reminder of what we must prevent from happening again.
It’s highly dependent on the WHERE in the USA that you received your education that determines the level and quality of it. For example, I was educated in Texas and we were taught all the things that you have not. It should also be questioned on the WHEN of your receiving of said education as well as it’s become quite apparent that those who are older had less standardized educational bases that really didn’t happen until much more recently in time. I think the focal point should be a better overall standardization and modernization of our education system to better cover these topics *across* the board. To say that the entirety of the US is ignorant on such topics of education and history is quite simply a disingenuous point of view. There is certainly a argument to be made in favor of a rather radical rebuild of our entire education system however though it’s quite obvious that’s not something that will be ever likely to occur barring something so unforeseeable and dramatic that would call into question the immediate execution of such a monumental task.
![Yeat & Summrs - GO2WORK [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NEFEwfPcXRA/mqdefault.jpg)
American Army officer here, Germans are the best fucking tankers I have ever served with. One of the few regrets in my career is not doing more work with German Soldiers
Its what i have heard to. Also that the Leopards are the best tanks in Europe
@@spiffywolf2850 best tanks of the world. The M1 uses the Leopard's cannon anyway.
in germany they have mostly the reputation of maniacs & alcoholics. like in the Luftwaffe everyone is arrogant and the Feldjäger-guys are even crazier than the tank-guys
@@rainerzufall5741 but don’t forget, the „gentlemen from the navy“ have the best uniform. 😉
@@jennyh4025 the navy are the models while we Panzergrenadiere are the real soldiers
I want to touch on this a bit to; I'm Dutch and we got invaded early in ww2 and, I'm not saying we had it the worst of all countries (not by a long shot), but the Netherland did suffer quite a bit under German occupation.
There was a lot of ill will towards Germans, understandably, among the generation that lived through it; the next generation (my parents amongst them) got raised on that animosity, but you could already see the resentment getting less and less (football matches notwhitstanding, there's been plenty of animosity on the pitch)
My generation just see Germans as our neighbors; the big cousin to the east, and ofcourse you'll always keep the goodnatured, and at times less goodnatured making fun of stereotypes, but I don't think there's any real ill will anymore about history among.. the general populace.
The important part to take away about ww2 is that hatred will only bring more misery and that things can go really bad really fast when nutcases get power.
I am a German and grew up about five minutes from the German-Dutch-border close to the city of Geldern from which the name of the Gelderland is derived (just as a slight bit of trivia). Looking back it is amazing how little the border actually means. My mother bought dutch flowers, we used to bike to Xanten and eat pancakes on weekends and I remember one time in highschool a few classmates and I got fries at the border when we had 1,5 hours of free time in between classes.
I really hope that it stays this way and that the border will become even more arbitrary in the future.
What happened 80 years ago and 25 years before that and before that and so on is really tragic. Unlike the stereotype about Germans I don't feel guilty for what happened before my time, but I would feel guilty if it ever were to happen again.
Let's keep it so that the only fighting between us is about which language is better -ours- and about who has the better football team.
Oh and since I'm German here's my obligatory 'sorry for my bad English' comment ;-)
Watched a documentation about prince consorts a few weeks ago and there was also a part how the Dutch reacted to the "pick" of the then princess Beatrix in the 1950s. Was quite a bit of resistance, even after a German and a Dutch inquiry cleared him of any guilt regarding war crimes etc
It would not had been necessary if you had stayed neutral....
@@frankishempire2322 Hard to stay neutral, when you are being invaded
Im a german and once i was in a coffeeshop in the netherlands around new year and outside there were many fireworks blowing up. Some older guy then said to me it sounds like world war 2 outside. Then he shook my hand and said "im glad germans and netherland people are brothers again. That made me a little bit emotional.
Video: Has something with "German"
Germans: Allow us to introduce ourselves
Servus
@@p3chv0gel22 morgen
Gluten Tag
Moin
Geht schneller als ich dachte
As a German i say give that man a medal. Oh we did. Nevermind.
✊🇺🇸🇩🇪
In Germany you don't get a medal quickly - there aren't many medals that Germany bestows on heroes. Those who receive such a medal have achieved a lot more than expected and saved more than just a few lives. This medal also means we owe his debt to him for his great deed.
Danke, daß Sie uns Freunde nennen, es ist mir ein Vergnügen
"Hans, give zis man ze medal, ja?"
all jokes aside, receiving one of the highest awards from another country you are not part of is not something one simply accomplishes so this speaks tons and volumes about the whole story
BeSt GeRmAn EvEr
@@Historylord15 nine nine nine
@@chriseffpunkt4333 Bruh
As a German, I thank you very much for your kind words.
hello, I am a us army veteran, I was stationed in Germany many years ago I believed 1980-1983 not saying how old I am got a laugh but anyway, I was stationed in Germany and it was fantastic I really enjoyed it. the German citizens were very nice and courteous to me, I will never forget the time I spent in Germany thank you for your time, take care oh I would love to go back to Germany if I get the chance
There is a great line in the MCU movie "Captain America - The First Avenger", when Dr. Erskine said to Steve Rogers "The first country the Nazis invaded was their own." This line resonates with me so much, because it is true. Most of our ancestors were not murdering Nazis. My grandfather was forced into the Wehrmacht in 1943 (He was a farmer in a small village in Northern Bavaria) and one day the Wehrmacht stood in front of his door, demanded that he should hand over his crops and his lifestock and report for duty because he was needed to protect the Fatherland. He could chose between fighting a war he did not want or being shot on the spot, leaving his wife and his 3 year old son alone. So he went to war and fought for his country. He was captured on the Crimea by the Russians and spent years ion a Russian POW camp, before he returned in 1946. He never talked about his time there but according to his sister, he was never the same again. This war, like any other war destroyed at least two generations not only in the US, Russia, Japan but also in Germany. Most people in the USA don't know how life in Germany was before the Marshall plan and the Wirtschaftswunder. It is a big wonder that I can type this here, because the babies born in 1945 and 1947 that became my parents survived the years of starvation, Infant deaths because of the lack of medical help, poverty in general, etc. We owe so much to the Americans including our lives and I am hapy to see that we could turn the tables and went from enemies to friends.
I’m a history nut and USAF vet…peacetime. I served in NM. Once on the flight line I saw 2 flights of F4 Phantoms. Nothing unusual til I noticed on one side the planes wore the Iron Cross. I remember having goosebumps at the thought that once bitter enemies have become the staunchest of Allies. Very glad Germany is our strong ally.🇺🇸🇩🇪
Thank you for your family story. He had a choice of life or death.We recognize the sacrifices of all sides. Love and respect.
Well, nobody wants to know that.
Look at all the postwar films. Only the Americans and the English were war heroes.
Germans were, and still are, only the bloodthirsty Nazis :(
Interesting against the background is that America is developing into a fascist nation.
All the Trumpers would have shouted "Heil" in the past...
🇩🇪🇺🇸🇩🇪🇺🇸❤❤👍👍
Thanks for this video, mate. Hope to see you someday over here in Germany! Cheers, Chris
As he allready mentioned we'll all will welcome you visiting germany some day greetings
Tobi
We are waiting for you!!
As a german, i was shopping in NYC photographer shop BH. At the exit, there was an elderly man. He spoke to us in german language and said, that is the first time speaking German, since he managed to flee the Konzentrationslager. I cried. Will never forget.
Warum ?
@@johnwick1374 really?
You cried and then you gave him some money and everybody clapped. And later that year it was you clapping at the train station when all those Syrian refugees arrived.
Boy did propaganda do a number on you, my friend.
@@fr4nky4fingers why he should clap for syrian refugees? Who claps for men who flee the scene?
What you said got me to subscribe. I am a german american. My mother is german and my father is an american. We all still live in germany. My father was a US soldier. I served in the german military. Thank you for your words! You are a great person. If you ever visit germany, I would be more than happy to assist you!
hello, I am a us army veteran, I was stationed in Germany many years ago I believed 1980-1983 not saying how old I am got a laugh but anyway, I was stationed in Germany and it was fantastic I really enjoyed it. the German citizens were very nice and courteous to me, I will never forget the time I spent in Germany thank you for your time, take care oh I would love to go back to Germany if I get the chance. I was station in Nurnberg, Ansbach and baumholder.
The German-American relationship is by far not without issues and there are many differences to be addressed, nevertheless, seeing such comeradery and brotherhood between soldiers of different armies is truly touching. Love from Berlin.
Long live Germany!!! And may our alliance last forever!!! Love the U.S.A
You talking about Germany, how, as it is today, it is not to be blamed for what happened in the last century, really touched me.
Like I commented before, I always had a strong bond with the US. Partly because my godfather, who is very important to me, is from the states.
I would love to go there and visit him as soon as possible so seeing this and hearing that the two countries that are most important to me can stand side by side as friends, as brothers, that really made my day.
I had tears of joy and a smile on my face while writing this comment, thank you for this upload.
Yet Americans not alive during the period that slavery was practice across the world are being punished and made to be held accountable for something they were not part of. The German soldiers almost made me cry. I served in the army and was station in Italy. We trained in Germany and I have trained with their soldiers among others.
But unfortunately, that's not how it is anymore.
After the war, America helped us back on our feet with the Marshall Plan and brought us democracy.
But... But today they seem to want to throw away this democracy. Trump would rather go to bed with Orban, Kim Jon Un and Erdogan than with democratic states.
Yes, I know he is no longer president, but he has divided the US to the point that there are at least 100 million Nazis running around believing his lies.
The world's first and oldest democracy is falling apart.... who would have thought...
But flags, medals etc. they still like :)
The german soldier giving the speech was at the rank of Captain (Hauptmann in german), while the other soldier that later hugged him was a Corporal / Specialist (Oberstabsgefreiter).
Cool, thanks! I was wondering about this--is the rank indicated on the epaulettes? I made the mistake of assuming they were both captains when I saw the green waffenfarbe, but those just mean they're both infantry, right?
@@alexlloyd4 yes, green is everything Infantry. Para-troopers, mountain, regular and tank grenadiers.
The rank insignia are on the shoulders in Germany.
I’m 71, in a hospital…and about to be discharged (thank God). I’m watching this video on my IPad, and tearing up. I was an American soldier ( medic) in the early 70s and worked with German soldiers in West Germany when I was 21. Tears of happiness streaming down my face.
I hope you are feeling better. Thank you for your service.
thank you for your service
As humans we must look forward. Germany is a great nation. Moving forward is what countries of peace do. I met German soldiers in 1993. Great people.
my grandparents met german soldiers in europe not so great back then, americans missed an opportunity to use the first bomb there
@@s.t.5993 It was not an opportunity. Dropping the bomb on Berlin was actually the original goal. But Germany surrendered before they could do it. So dropped it on Hiroshima instead. And since this wasn't as powerful of a symbol to impress and scare the Soviets as it should have been they dropped a seconf one on Nagasaki. Japan surrendered, but Stalin wasn't impressed. The bomb never fulfilled it's original goal and purpose.
For your German followers: I'm a Brit, currently living in Canada, and one of my favourite books is "I Flew For The Führer" by Heinz Knocke - the diary of a fighter pilot during WW2. He begins by describing his life as a young teenager in Hamelin, enjoying life in the Scouts and trying to keep away from the Hitler Youth, but proud that Germany is getting back on its feet and regaining its place in the world. He enlists as a fighter pilot after the Battle of Britain is over, and spends most of his time defending Germany against Allied bombers. His diary at this stage reads much as I would imagine a British pilot's would, proud of his country and defending it against attack.
Then he wins the Iron Cross and is awarded it by Goering in person - and is shocked to realise that he is wearing makeup. From there on, after being badly injured, he feeds intelligence back to Berlin on what is happening on the front lines, but is ashamed to see that life in Berlin goes on much as usual, as it is beyond the reach of Allied bombers. He begins to realise that Hitler's leadership is not the best, and that some of his countrymen are not as committed to the war as he himself is. Then, at the end of the war, he finds out about the concentration camps and the atrocities that had been going on behind his back, and he is broken.
So when modern films refer to all Germans as Nazis, I wince inside. Some were. But most weren't. And now, as Brexit takes hold in Britain, it is I who am ashamed that we are turning our backs on our friends and neighbours, undoing all the good experience of partnership and cooperation that has created an atmosphere of friendship and collaboration. Germany, please forgive us.
I completely agree that most Germans weren't Nazi's. But, according to a German friend from college, the way they teach it (at least in his school) was that Germans knew what was going on to the Jewish people and did nothing about it. That doesn't mean they were bad people, but a German citizen who didn't know what was happening to the Jewish people was actually somewhat of a rarity.
@@ethanomihombre There is a difference between the German citizens that were not enlisted, probably for a reason that they were unfit for combat, and soldiers that left home at parts almost a decade ago. The mother with children whose man went to fight know, their husband maybe not. What exactly is she supposed to do? Or even if there is a full family with a man that for some reason wasnt forced to fight or got around it. What does he do against military platoons and indoctrinated mobs? Knowing but still being minority is maybe not an excuse but a damn good reason for doing something.
In 1970 my driving instructor was a Check named Paul. He showed us a picture of himself in a Luftwaffe pilots uniform. He said he could fly planes and drive most vehicles. He told us he flew fighters against the Americans. One guy asked him why would he fight for the Germans. He said the German officers showed up at the flying school he was at and told all the guys who were there, they were in the Luftwaffe. He said the instructors told them that their families would be arrested if they refused. He said I had nothing against the Americans , but my plane had the black cross on it. What was I going to say . Don`t shoot its me Paul !
Well then, British brother, all that Brexit gobbledygook and xenophobia and and and....
Couldn't you say that it's all fascist?
If there were a war between, say, Germany and England, wouldn't it be wrong to call all Englishmen fascists?
This is not to excuse past crimes committed by Germany, but perhaps it helps to understand that not every German soldier was necessarily a Nazi.
Today, 74 million people in America voted for a fascist and, because he didn't win, they want to use violence to bring about a coup d'état.
If that is not fascism, then I don't know anymore :(
@@geromemcguire8566 _Couldn't you say that it's all fascist?_
Well, couldn't you just shut your mouth an appreciate his words?
What are you even complaining about? That he didn't went far enough in his words by calling Brexit an act of fascism? Are you for real?
Good gosh - some people....
You are one of those types who can never be satisfied right?
It might not have been, what you thought, when mentioning germans, who might be ashamed of our past, but there often is a misconception with americans about us thinking about our past. The most of us aren't ashamed of our history, but we know, what sad, horrible and to be completly honest just stupid things the humanity is capable of doing. And most of us see it as an important thing to never let anything like this happen ever again
And it's great in my humble Opinion, to have big parts of the world, even across oceans, as allies, Partners and friends
Greetings from Germany
Greetings! I guess I should clarify that I wasn't saying all Germans feel that way, but I do get quite a few comments, especially on videos about WW2, from Germans expressing shame and guilt over what the Nazis did.
@@VloggingThroughHistory oh. I honestly had never heard anyone here exprese something like that.
The more you know :D
@@VloggingThroughHistory some of it is a matter of translation and nuance but there are many Germans who feel disgusted and saddened by the things that happened in the name of their country, sometimes to or by members of their family. And those people will often apologize for that shameful behaviour. For many it is a deeply personal shame that is then expressed in the name of the country itself. They themselves are not responsible but they feel the weight of it nonetheless.
Others, like here in the comment section, feel that they have nothing to apologize for because they didn't do it. They will say that they acknowledge what happened was bad and should not happen again but they don't see any reason to bear the shame.
I think both have a point but especially now that nationalism is once again gaining momentum, both in Germany and the U.S., I'd rather people view the past with a bit more humility and care than a simple "wasn't me".
We love Germany!! And from talking to my grandparents before they passed, they loved Germany too...it was just the ‘natsees’ that they hated! I’m a US Soldier and Germans are some of our favorite soldiers to work with...cool, calm, competent, efficient, dark black humor.:.what’s not to love?
We poured billions into building Germany back up after the war, stood up against the Soviet Union until they fell and you were finally reunified, the Berlin Airlifts, ‘Tear down this wall’, ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’, we don’t do those things to nations we don’t love. We saw the mistakes of the Versailles Treaty and literally did the opposite this time.
🇩🇪🇬🇧🇺🇸🇳🇿🇨🇦🇦🇺.
@@p3chv0gel22 there certainly are many people who think that the government wants to constantly blame us for what happened 80 years ago. Just look at all these right wing idiots who vote the AFD...
I for myself have never seen my upbringing like that. I don't feel guilty for what happened back then... but I feel the duty to prevent something like this to ever happen again! Contrary to common belive, I also think that Germans can be proud of Germany. The real question is, what are you proud about? I for myself am proud of how we managed to change our country so drastically after WWII. How we have created an including society, that looks out for the weak and poor and that respects the dignity of every human being. Germany as a whole has learned from it's past mistakes and that is something we can truely be proud of.
I mean compare our country to the devision in the US that is still caused by racial discrimination and the civil war.
Approximately 2:00 in the vid: "It's such a neat thing..."
Not gonna lie, whenever something good or heartwarming happens in history it leaves you speechless, and this is one of the few responses that can actually stick in those moments. Great vid.
i spot several colonels and at least a brigadier general of the german bundeswehr there. considering that in comparison the german forces haven't that much brass running around, this as well is quite a recognition.
Am i the only one that regonized the Emblem of the KSK on the German Soldiers ?
@@derbusfahrer9650 I think it is the emblem of the Fallschirmjäger.
@@paulgro7255 Nah just Wenz on the offical Bundeswehr Page and lookt for it, Its the Emblem of the KSK.
I can tell you, since I was there, the highest ranking German military officers were there, we spent a week with them, they were truly amazing, funny, admirable and impressive. The one that was head of the German Army at the time was a great guy, he loved to have. Good time
As a German who happens to be a trained historian I'd like to mention something that might be a question that could come up:
Why not an Iron Cross?
It came up several times in Germany ever since we've been involved in these.. eerr... *wars* ... so here's the thing: *diplonatically* these are interventions or stabilisation efforts or really *anything* that is *not* a war and the defense minister at that time has clearly stated that would we be involved in a declared war there would be a whatevertheyear Iron Cross, after all there's a 1813, 1870, 1914 and a 1939 Cross, it's not tied to any specific covernment so had the Cold War turned hot there might well have been two versions 😉 .
Anyhow - this was a tad bit touching to see, so thanks!^^
Best regards
Raoul G. Kunz
I mean, it always was a medal that was made only for some wars. 2 out of 3 wars for German unification for example haven't got it. So it could easily be organised, that we make a 5th version in the case of war, orienting itself more on the original 3, than the 4th version given out in WW2
I also think (I could be wrong) that the reinstitution of the iron cross is something of a political hot button in Germany.
@@ianchapman6254 It is suggested sometimes by the current president, but it mostly isn't. I think most would support a version in case of war, which takes it away from the 3rd Reich. Especially since it is still a symbol of the Bundeswehr today
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehrenzeichen_der_Bundeswehr#/media/Datei:BWEhrenkreuzGold.jpg
@@smem7963 What do you want to say with that? It isn't an Iron Cross, just the currently highest medal we have
Love watching your content man. You seem like a really stand up person. Much love from Germany and stay safe
That’s the true meaning of brothers in arms🇺🇸🇩🇪
Im Leben nicht.😆🤣
I was in the US Army for many years. It was so second nature to train with allied armies including numerous former enemies, but every now and then, it definitely was something to marvel at. Like you said just 2 generations ago, grandfathers from different nations were locked in the bloodiest, most incredibly scaled war mankind has ever known. Now here I am, in Japan, training the Japanese, and in Germany, training with them. I even wore a German marksmanship Schutzenschnur cord on my dress blues.
I was just sent sent this video by my father, I want to say thank you, this is my husband. This event was amazing and we one hundred percent agree with you that Germans and Germany are the best. They were so kind to us and while in Afghanistan equally took good care of my husband. I am proud to be his wife. Happy to have been able to meet Tim. That particular mission was one of the worst so we talked na thought about him often hoping he made it safely home. So meeting him was the true honor. Anyways thank you again for doing this video
Lois, thank you so much for taking the time to reach out. You have so much to be proud of, and we are proud as well. I am thankful that men like your husband and Tim exist. Thank you for your family's service!
The german soldier that speaks first is a Hauptmann eqaul to american captain.
Pete Woken is my son in law and this was a great moment in his life.
Fun fact: I had relatives that fought in Normandy, but on opposite sides. My grandfather surrendered to the US Army and was a POW in Texas. He loved it so much, he wanted to immigrate but didn't get the chance.
My great-grandfathers on my dad's side fought each other over the skies of Germany, one was a pilot in the Luftwaffe and the other was a navigator in the USAAF...
my neighbor was a german pow in america. he said he loved it so much he would have stayed if he didn't have so much family in germany.
German here. Maurer means Bricklayer, conclusively one of our ancestors was one.
Right. But the common comparable English surname is “Mason“.
Both my great-great-grandfather and great-grandfather fought against the Germans in WWI and WWII. My great-grandfather surrendered and was a "kriegsgefangene" or POW for a little while. Meanwhile, the other part of the family lived under German occupation.
However, I was born 45 years after the end of the war, and because of my carreer ended up living in Germany. Some of the warmest, kindest people I know, I have met while living here.
I have enjoyed my time here and if it wasn't for my family back in Belgium I would continue living here.
It's truly amazing how diplomacy and politics have changed the European continent. And for all its faults, the European Union has made us know our neighbours a bit bette.
As for this gentleman, it's truly noble to see beyond nationality and language. To see past those artificial barriers and see a human being in peril and acting on it.
Ive said it in the discord as well, but this video is relevant to it.
4:18 the song Deutschland by Rammstein is all about this feeling of regret and shame for the past. "Deutschland, Deine Liebe ist Fluch und Segen" which translates to "Germany, Your love is a curse and blessing".
I'm not German myself but I've got a few German friends that still live there and I notice that those in their twenties have more or less "accepted" the past, but their parents are still struggling for with it.
4th and 5th of May is rememberence day and liberation day in the Netherlands. I've been to Germany on those days a few times to be with my friends and go to a festival there. And one of the parents from that friend found it strange that I would go to Germany on the days we remember all those died in World War 2 and celebrate being liberated from Germany.
I'm a german in my twenties, my parents were born around 1960, well over a decade after the end of WWII. They don't struggle with it because, just like me, they've got nothing to do with it, after all. Even my grandma, who was born in 1934, essentially made her peace with it because she was only a child during all of it. What we all must remember, however, is that none of this means that we don't carry responsibility for making sure nothing like it ever happens again! This is not only true for germans but for every human being.
@@srccde this! everyone, plese don't get fooled by right wing propaganda... All these idiots who try to make you think that the government is trying to make you feel guilty.... No one is donig it. If you feel guilty that is on you and you alone! Don't feel guilty, just learn from history
remembers me to the line "and its american troops and the german army joining together at last"
from the song "the last battle"
btw would be nice if you could react to that
It's coming!
@@VloggingThroughHistory YES THAT’s MY FAVORITE SONG!!!
There is also a song The Last Battle from Sabaton and it is a story where Germans and Americans fight together.. Also nice story behind it and my suggestion for next reaction ^^
Oh yes that is an excellent story I bet we will see a video about it eventually.
Thanks for your videos. I like them very much! My English is not good enough to write all of my comment in your language. But perhaps you can understand my thoughts about our history, even it is in German. "Wir tragen keine Schuld an den Verbrechen unserer Väter. Ebenso haben wir keinen Anteil an ihren Heldentaten. Aber es ist unsere Pflicht, das Schlimme nicht erneut geschehen zu lassen und es sollte unser Bestreben sein, das Gute als Vorbild zu nehmen." So I try for myself to deal with our past. Greetings from Germany.
This comment section will be german! liebe grüße
Grüße zurück
meddl loide
Hallöchen Popöchen
🇩🇪🇩🇪Joo im a German pupil i am in the 11tg grade now. I have the best possible mark in History. And you doing big parts. (the rest was Sabaton) Thank you for that!! Grüße aus Deutschland 🇩🇪👋🏻
Great Channel! Thanks from Cologne, Germany 👍 we are all brothers 🙏🏻
A soldier never starts a war, governments do, be they in office or not. I served & never blamed any soldier for the conflicts. In WWII, Hitler never fired a weapon at a soldier (that I know about) but he ordered the conflict.
Totally agree with what you are saying. I life in the Lovely City of Hamburg where i grew up most of my life so i grew up in a very Liberal and good natured City which for long has been the Center of Travel for many for good reason so i got to know many who didnt like or simply miss understood my People which if you think about it is not wierd as the only thing people know about us is that we had started massiv wars and genocided Millions of Innocents.
I always tried my best to speak to them when i could and bring to them what we have become. what our People have become. We are good People that have done bad things in the past, Yes others did too for sure but simply pointing at other to ignore our own Failiure to stop Darkness from covering our Country is simply idiotic. Im happy that i can work with so many People and tell them what Germany is today, what this Country achived in its many Years, pre and post war, that there is more to our History than simply the wars and that we Germans are more than just one people but that we ourselfs are as diffrent to one another as people from across the World.
Germany has Come out of the Ashes of the War as a changed Nation, as a greater Nation, having tasted Darkness and learning what it means to do so. We have these Days become a bastion of the Free and Liberal World and once more have taken to Expansion, just this time not with Bullets or Bombs but with Aid and Protection for the once in dire need of it.
I'm always happy to see my Country talked about in any way, no matter if i agree or disagree it is interesting to see what one thinks of it. Hearing you say what you think of us makes me feel like we have achived what we always wanted. To be remembered as good People no matter what our history is or rather especialy of what it was.
What I find funny is that you write more elegantly and have fewer spelling mistakes in English than most of us Americans. 😂 Did you learn all of that in school, or did you take extra lsssons?
@@samuelschultz2117 i had Lovely Teachers in School all the time, they liked me and i liked them and always sucked up everything they teached me. It was great. But, i learned the most by simply watching Videos of English Content Creators or by Playing on International Servers, Joining Regiments in Games and overall having most of my Online activity with English speaking lads. that has gotten me through my School years with a 1+ in English every singe time, a 1+ beeing an A+ for some and for others maybe just an A, comes down to you. But thank you for saying this, im happy to be so capable at this Lovely Language.
I love Germany 🇺🇸❤️🇩🇪. My grandfather lost an arm to an MG 42 and still cared deeply about Germany...it was the Natsees that he hated. He always considered young Germans soldiers to be some of the Natsee’s first victims.
Both my grandfathers fought in WWII, one for the Marines, the other for the Wehrmacht, this video is so great
Thats so great. -Greetings from Saxony, Germany. (:
My grandparents emigrated from Saxony to the US 98 years ago. Grandmother was from Leipzig and grandfather from Reichenbach, My grandfather served in the German army and his sons in the US army.
Tim Focken, a Fallschirmjäger, is seen at 3:52, he is / was member of the German paralympics team doing sport shooting (there are some developments in the sport support here, which are totally off-topic). Living in the same town as I do, we did meet, but he is shooting for a different club as we didn’t have the facilities to support his training. A pity.
I serve in the airforce and I was stationed in Germany for 2 years and will going back soon. I had a great opportunity to talk with some of them and work along side them in my career. they are really nice people and they try to include you in their community. I'm very happy I get to go back.
I had a talk once with a retired US Army Sergeant who had served in WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam. During WWII, he was in charged of the kitchen in a German prisoner of war camp in Texas. He told me that the German prisoners under his command in the kitchen were the most impressively trained and drilled men that he ever had the privilege to command. On the flip side, Baron von Steuben, a German officer who served under Gen Washington in the American Revolution, noted that the problem with American soldiers was that they always had to know why it was they had to do what they were ordered to do.
Thank you for your video and your warm words. As a German I can truly say that the Americans are our closest allies and friends. This is especially true and important today, as we share the same values and the same understanding of life, freedom and pursuit of happiness. We modern Germans have learnt that standing together in friendship and alliance against forces who want to destroy that very understanding of freedom is the most important bond possible today. It is heartwarming to hear that this friendship does exist, not only between the governments, but also between people. Thank you.
My father served in the US Army in WWII in Europe fighting the Germans, A neighbor across the street was a German immigrant who served in the German Army in Europe in WWII. He and his wife were very good friends of my parents. I remember when I was in high school asking my dad how they could be friends. He simply said Enemy's yesterday, Friends today and Brothers tomorrow. We cant live the past! After I served in Vietnam, I never hated the Vietnamese I just remember a very short conversation!
I served two tours of duty in Germany in the 1970's in the Army, and enjoyed both tours. The German folks I encountered while I was there were very fine people, and I'm grateful for the personal enrichment I gained from these encounters. I was very glad when Germany was reunited in the 1990's. I wish for Germany all the best for now and in the future.
Thank you for your kind words. My friend.. “I love Germany, I can’t wait to visit there” too.
Great video! Very moving.
I am an American who has lived in Berlin with my German wife for the last 4 years.
It’s a fantastic place to live and although the US will always be my home in my heart, Germany has been a wonderful second home for me.
As far as how Germans feel about Americans, I’ve been treated nothing but well since I’ve been here. Even during the previous administration when many Europeans were not happy with the US leadership, it never affected how people treated me personally.
My only “complaint” would be the German language and only because I suck at learning it! 😆
But, as my wife (who speaks perfect English) likes to remind me, English is even harder to learn as a second language. And so many Berliners speak at least some level of English and are generally happy to practice it on me that it makes my life much easier.
I’d highly recommend Germany as a great place to visit, and live in as well, if you ever get the opportunity.
Oh, and here’s an interesting fact. The largest ethnic group from which people in America are descended is not English as I used to think. It’s German.
I am a retired American soldier of German descent (Lower Saxony) who served with Germans overseas and while serving in Germany. It hurts my soul to see the burden that Germans carry to this day from WWII, many of whom have no connection to the war at all. Atrocities should never be forgotten but the West as a whole places a much bigger emphasis on this one vs others (think about what has been done in colonial Africa-ESPECIALLY by the Belgians). I firmly believe that had Germany not been absolutely demoralized following WWI and the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the Nazi ideology would never had a chance to take hold. The rest of the West has to share some of the burden.
My grandpa is from Austria and i took 4 years of German in high school, so Germany means a lot to me and this hit different; also German is a relatively easy language to learn- so much of the vocabulary is almost the same as English, and i would say the hardest part is the articles(all the different words for “the” and “an”
Amen I’m an American learning German. ( going into German 2 this year) it was an amazingly language to learn which I was decently surprised with due to the stereotyped difficulty of learning other languages.
As a German, your words made me really happy. I'm sure there are still some Americans and people on this world that see us at the bad guys, but there's always gonna be these people I guess. But yeah, seeing soldiers who's grandfathers were probably foes, fighting against each other, now being friends and allies on the battlefield is really nice. Both my great grandfathers fought in WW2 on the eastern front, and probably did some fucked up stuff. My great great grandfathers probably fought in WW1, and maybe also did fucked up stuff.
I really don't know if we're ever gonna manage to "get over" our past, especially when the bad past is present in your own family.. and because far-right parties, hate against jews and immigrants seems to increase more and more over here.
It's still weird to see a German flag in public, for me it even feels weird to sing our national anthem. It's great to hear that people appreciate us for who we are now, not who we were back then.
Very cool. You're a very aware and civil person with good insight. Thanks for your thoughts
Interesting American moh fact: nonmatter the rank, they salute a moh recipient first.
Outside that general would have given the ssgt salute first.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do Oversimplified’s Cold War, French Revolution, and Russian Revolution
I think he did already.
Yes - a lot of your roots are from germany - but I don't understand, what happened to our German beer in the US. Most breweries were founded by Germans - what happened to thier skills?
capitalism
😂🍻🍺🍻
it was government regulations. beer could not contain more than 3.2% alcohol.
@@robertallen6028 and why arent they switching back to the old recipes today? Because brewing good beer is more expensive than brewing shitty beer. You can make more profits with bad beer. Even in germany the breweries with the most profit make the worst beer. Just buy from small, local breweries where people are proud of their product and craftmansship and you will get the best beer.
@ 3:14 min the young German soldier closest to the camera appears to be the saved German soldier Cpl. Tim Focken. Cpl. Tim Focken was leading a foot patrol in Qala-ye Zai, Afghanistan. They came under heavy fire and Cpl. Tim Focken received a shot to his shoulder. An American Black Hawk performed a MEDEVAC with the firefight still going on and coming under fire themselves. The American medic team, including Staff Sgt. Peter Woken, all received the German Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Action.
They did indeed, they also were given the choice to not accept the mission for how dangerous it was, all four crew members agreed they were not going to leave him there to die. So they went. The only reason my husband was honored at this event was because shortly after this mission his brother died and returned the US, they 3 other crew members were awarded their medals in a ceremony in Afghanistan, in fact we never knew it was even awarded, in October the next year the pentagon called my husband to say Germany had been trying to find him and wanted to celebrate at the German Embassy with a week long celebration and reunite him with the soldier he worked on as the medic(Tim) There is only one medic in a Blackhawk, two pilots and a crew chief. The celebration was made a big deal because my husband would be the first American to receive a foreign medal on US soil. Which you hear them say in the video. When my husband talks about this time and his crew he always says it wasn’t just me who saved him, it wasn’t just me who received their Medal of Honor. He is forever grateful for his two pilots that day because they would not have made it out alive without them. Anyways just thought I would give you some extra info, they are all amazing to me
As a German, thank you for saying this. I do feel it's often forgotten in the discourse that the people discussing/r interested in history are not the same as the people who committed atrocities in the past.
BTW love your channel. Since we r not really tought American history over here, I am always happy and glad to learn more but American history.
You know it's serious when he puts the glasses on
What a unique individual, one of your great great grandmother was a slave and you’re somewhat german.
This is also very touching for me as a German who served in the military (Bundeswehr). My dad, as a young second lieutenant in the German Wehrmacht, was nearly killed by shot through his neck from a Russian sniper, later captured in France by American troops and brought into a war prison camp in the states. This is the history in our lives!!
Was he one of the poor sods stuck with a ZF-41 or did he get to buy his own scope?
The world needs a lot more people like this!! (The one who's gets this medal AND the one who reacts)
Viele Grüße aus Deutschland ❤
I could easily see the German soldier in this video saving US service members.
Nice change of pace video
2k subs grown in 4/5 days nice job man!
There is no such thing as a bad country, it's bad people in position of power/leadership who cause frictions by their desires- it's the bad side of the nationalist coin. There is a good side to nationalism, such as to cheer on your nations athletes in an international sports event etc.
So to foster a spirit of friendship and respect for others is a creative force for the wellbeing being of all people. You can do this and still have pride in your nation (for me I'm happy when we beat the Australians at cricket)
What I as german can bring up as information is that the german soldier which spoke is actually and officer with the rank of a "Hauptmann" (OF-2) - american ecquivalent is a captain. He is has Infantry symbolics at this uniform. He is also owning a Military Freefall (MFF) badge to the german paratroopers. So I would consider him belonging to the german paratroopers. But thats not 100% sure, as soldiers from other formations can have passed that training as well. But It would fit to the german millitary structure if he would be a paratrooper.
Okay so how it goes is a 5 stars are reserved for general of the army typically reserved for wartime say like Eisenhower. Keep in mind we haven't been in a war since world war II or Korea I'm not sure, war takes a decoration of Congress. Congress passed a resolution I think in the '70s which makes George Washington always one star above the highest ranked general. So Eisenhower was a five-star so now Washington is a six And if there is ever added to be a six star then Washington will be promoted to seven star
One of the most brillant thing that were done after WW2, were the Marshall help, made a huge difference.
Big urban myth and pro allies propaganda. They wanted to transform germany into an agrar state dependent on food import after illegally stealing our bread basket (german eastern provinces) and giving it to poland and with the european economy so intertwined that would have let to a 2nd great depression that would especially hit the usa hard with their wartime overproduction. So they had to pump money into the european countries to fix their thoughtless mistake.
I have Dutch and German ancestry, and I'm fluent in German because I was stationed in Germany for a total of 25 years (1990-2005 and 2006-2016). I love Germany and its people and customs, and I miss it every day. I listen to German music (for example, Die Ärzte, Die Toten Hosen, Seeed, and a lot of others), and I still watch German TV shows online.
I'm not sure when I'll be able to get back there, but my heart will be less full until I do step foot off the plane into Germany again.
As an American I completely agree with everything that was said on this video. I think it is one of the great miracles of world history that America and Germany (as well as Japan) find themselves as such great friends and allies despite what happened in the past. It gives me hope for the future that we can forge such relationships with former enemies. I too share German roots (43.2% according to 23&Me from the Mecklenburg area on my father's side) and I am so proud of it! I too CANNOT wait to come visit you guys over in Germany once travel restrictions start to loosen up!!!
Enjoyed the stream and vid!!
I was stationed in Baumholder for several years before the first war started. We would do training exercises with German troops and always enjoyed being around them. I have lived in Germany for around 20 years and everyone on my mom's side of the family is German. All of my cousins served in the German Army. I have nothing but respect for their military and soldiers. This was an awesome video. I am glad you put this out.
hello there I read your comment when you said you were stationed in Baumholder. I was also station in Baumholder I believed the years 1980 -1983 a long time ago, I was also station in Ansbach and Nurnberg if you don't my me asking when we're stationed in Baumholder. thank you for your time, take care
@@jameseverly8501 It does seem like a lifetime to me also. I was there from '86 to the early '90s. After Desert Storm, my unit was deactivated and I went stateside. I would have liked to be stationed a little closer to my family but I guess you can't have everything. Thanks and take care.
Yes, he is a Staff Sergeant (SSG), The bottom "bar" is called a Rocker. Interesting enough, had the SSG earned the US MOH, it would've been appropriate for the General to salute him according to our Customs and Courtesies.
Love the content bro, keep it up!
1:45: When my father entered the German military soon after the so - called "re - armament" in 1963, he met soldiers who had served in the Wehrmacht as well as the British Army during the Allied forward movement across the Westwall.
At the Karfreitagsgefecht in Afghanistan on the 2nd of April 2010 a german patrol troops (34 soldiers) got ambushed by 30-40 Taliban troops. 15 German soldiers got wounded almost immediately, 3 of then severely. USAF was in the area with fighting jets and considered to help but feared friendly fire so abandoned the run BUT the USAF send a Blackhawk into the the area INTO the hot zone to save those 3 heavy wounded german soldiers and managed to do so. Unfortunately as the rest of the patrol tried to leave the area in there Dingos (mraps) one of them hit a IED wounding 4 soldiers , 3 of them severe (3 german man died because of the battle its considered on of the most devastating battles in post world war German history)
What im trying to say is, the US was ready to loose man to save soldiers that dont even have americas flag on there shoulders. As i heard this story for the first time and managed to understand what had happened, i became extremely proud to have an alley that would even consider these actions. The crew of the Blackhawk got rewarded the Cross of Honor by the german government
There was also a count of the holes in the Blackhawk somewhere but i couldn't find it
I'm neither proud nor ashamed of my nationality (German) because I couldn't choose were I was born neither could I influence the past of the nation I was born into. America has enough atrocities committed and still commits some of them that it feels weird to be judged by one of them (not this RUclipsr just in general). At the same time I don't understand how one could be proud of a nationality or a nation (I was a Soldier myself, was in Mali in a Combat mission for a few months). Be proud about achievements of single Persons or a collective of People but not a nation (the ppl in one nation don't have the same opinions and nations don't do things but follow the will of the majority).
I am proud of my country but not ignorant of its mistakes.
Very true. Pride and nationalism caused the majority of wars fought all across the globe.
@@TheDeathNote91 I am proud in my country for being diplomatic and peaceful without ignoring defense and economy
@@TheDeathNote91 i don't think naitionalism is the main cause knowing that it's rather new
@@praisethesun.praisedeussol6051 not in the modern definition anyway. but for as long as humans came together to form groups, clans, villages and nations they fought against other groups
2:40 You're right, the army calls them SGT, even if they're technically a Staff Sgt like he is. Plus 3 service stripes on the lower sleeve meaning at least 12 years of service.
Thank you for your kind words about us germans
04:03 That soldier is an officer with the rank of "Hauptmann". That would be pretty much a captain in the us army iirc.
Just in case anybody is interested.
edit: He seems to also be airborne something something, so probably a Fallschirmjäger.
As a German i can say i am not proud of the Past of my Country during the World Wars, but there are more than just a few German Soldiers in this Wars, which i can and be proud of. Manfred von Richthofen, Josef Stiegler, Karl-Heinz Rosch, and more
Of course! Germany has many things to be proud of!
Especially the first, since you were quite close to beating the French before us yanks arrived.
@@Intelwinsbigly not really close. Verdun was held 303 Days in a stalemate because of the french. the entire front was more or less a stalemate. you yanks broke that. nothing more and nothing less.
@@MrDragonheart1996 Perhaps close was the wrong word to use there, but I would still say that Germany would have been the eventual winner of the conflict, considering the mutinies suffered by the French in 1917 and the near success of some of the last German offensives that took place after American troops arrived.
Had we never entered the war, French morale would have continued to deteriorate, with many French soldiers continuing to refuse to attack German positions while Germany would make incremental gains through the 1918 spring offensive.
@@Intelwinsbigly Well, Germans suffered roughly the same amount of mutinies, but they simply had more men dispatched. From this standpoint you are right, but at what cost? Millions of Germans would have died. But especially with the withdraw of the russians from the war, the French were pretty much doomed, only in the long run, but doomed nonetheless.
From my point of view, we could have not won the War, even if the French were doomed. As an example the Britans, or the russians under Lenin. In the long run, Germany was doomed from the get-go, despite all it's potential victories. "Won the Battle, but lost the War"
The medal is called "Einsatzmedaille Gefecht". It's definitely not similiar to the Silver Star. The Silver Star is for bravery in combat, the german medal is given to every german soldier who took part in combat action.
The german captain giving a speech, looks exactly like an other german captain in the audience who is listen to the speech.
Honestly all BlackHawk pilots who served should get a Medal per default.
these gyuys are the definition of Badass. Willingly flying into a active firefight to save wounded soldiers of different nation is beyond words.
Nobody got through ww2 cleanly nobody should feel ashamed of being from a nation on either side of a war if things have changed
The enlisted is a Staff Sergeant with more than 18 mos combat service....unless I read diagonals as horizontal....
You are so right saying that - our friendship as nations and our shared lineage has healed and propelled much of the stereotype between Germans and Americans. I grew up in Southeastern Oklahoma, near Mennonites and there is a real shared cultural history (Last name Dagenhart). Both of my grandfathers served in WW2 and on my father's side, he was at several major conflicts in Europe, including D-Day.
However, if you ask me what I think about Germany - it's not "those nazi bastards", it's as friends who I share so much with. I think that most "western" nations have more in common than we do different. I want to go visit the black forest and see where so much of my lineage came from. Also, Doner kebabs. Hurry up and share them.
Learned to soldier at Wiley Kascerne FRG wth the 2/33 FA 81-3. I knew the German military was our friend everytime a pair of Bundesluftaffe F4Es flew over our motor pool hanging 4 Sparrows, 4 Sidewinders and two drop tanks. They flew off East, rinse/repeat while I was there.
Here from Germany, we love you too man :)
As an American I completely understand the pride and shame in our history. On my father's side I was able to trace back to the early 1700s with family in the SW Pennsylvania area. Alot of military members, including 2 great uncles that died a week apart in different theaters in WW2, their younger brother survived the war. I looked into my moms side and as soon as I saw a census from 1850 showing slaves, I closed the book, I don't want to know anything about those ancestors.
I almost teared up as well. I was stationed in Germany. In fact the the shield I use here is from that base Germany.
German national anthem is one of the best national anthems imo. The melody was actually written by an Austrian.
I served in Wurzburg Germany, I was in the 123rd sig a part of the 3rd inf. I was there from 78 to 80
hello there I was stationed in Baumholder with the 709 mp battalion from 1980-1983 I believe, thank you for your time, take care
At this moment German and American soldiers are fighting here in Germany against the flood, when I heard that I was moved to tears. I thank all Americans, whether in uniform or in civilian clothes, for their work here. You deserve the highest respect I can give you. Likewise, those who have served for our freedom in the past decades with their stationing here in Germany and throughout the world should not be forgotten either. Thank you, no matter what nationality
I mean Belgium only exists for 190 years and we did horrible things in Congo. We are not proud of it.
Almost every single country has a dark history
The current German Military Honors awards were re-established in 1980, then were updated in 2008.
They are ranked as follows:
GER Bundeswehr Honour Medal ribbon.svg Ehrenmedaille der Bundeswehr (Medal of Honour), for exemplary service and meritorious service over 7 months or exemplary achievements.
GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Bronze ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Bronze (Bronze Cross of Honour), for exemplary and meritious service over 5 years or exemplary achievements.
GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Silver ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Silber (Silver Cross of Honour), for exemplary and meritious service over 10 years or exemplary achievements.
GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Red Silver ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Silber für besonders herausragende Taten (Silver Cross of Honour for Outstanding Deeds), for outstanding deeds and extraordinary achievements.
GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Gold ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Gold (Gold Cross of Honour), for exemplary and meritorious service over 20 years or exemplary achievements.
GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Red Gold ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Gold für besonders herausragende Taten (Gold Cross of Honour for Outstanding Deeds), for outstanding deeds at the risk of one's life.
GER Bundeswehr Honour Cross Bravery ribbon.svg Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr für Tapferkeit (Cross of Honour for Bravery), for valor beyond the call of duty.
Theres a really interesting video of a whole helicopter PJ crew that got the same medal for rescuing a group of german soldiers
As much as I hate Trump. And as much as I consider the Americans to be Quite Crazy :P
There is some Cases where this Crazyness is Required. Especially in Military Matters.
A Good Example was a German Unit being Stuck under Fire. And a US Unit coming to their Rescue with Helicopters while the German Army was Hamstrung as it couldnt Deploy Heavy Assets without Seeking Higher Permissions First.
Thanks for that. :)
The German army should not have been there. No country should commit to a war with the USA. The USA is the country that starts wars for economical and political gain.And you can call that terrorism.
@@MrLeovdmeer i know of 3 or 4 definitions used in the US for terrorism (by different governmental organizations like FBI) and every single one of them agrees on on important point: countries cant be terrorists
@@rainerzufall5741 Just because the US makes the definition does not mean they are right. Anyone who uses violence to achieve political gain is a terrorist. And the US does this al the time.
@@MrLeovdmeer you may say this for yourself or as your opinion, but reality is formed by agreement. the UN has its own definition, germany has its own, etc. i wont say you're wrong or that i disagree with your opinion - which in fact i dont; i just wanted to mention that its - in my opinion - pretty useless (and wrong) calling countries 'terrorists'. normally thats warcrimes
@@rainerzufall5741 Yes I guess warcrimes is also a good definition for America`s actions.
You gotta hand it out to Germans; they are capable of both the worst atrocities and and at the same time being very chivalrous...
For example, in WW1, German commander Von Mackensen ordered a memorial plaque to be raised - to Serbian soldiers who fought against him in order to honor their bravery! I believe that is the only case in the world that a memorial of any kind is raised to the enemy force that fought you so fiercely and caused you much more casualties than you expected...
And we love you Americans and its a shame we ended up enemies. Great Allies you are and a very Great guy you are yourself.
To be clear im not ashamed of the past of my country in general, i cant let 12 years destroy the entire history of the german country which sadly happens alotat least not generally. And if you wanna learn german I'll be glad to help you out!
Not to hate on the USA, which is all so popular, but one thing that Germany does better than the USA is reflection. Namely that Germany really emphasizes self guilt. I say this as someone who grew up in the USA and received ZERO knowledge of Japanese internment camps, or atrocities against native Americans (I grew up in Minnesota and only last year did I learn of the Mankato Massacre).
This is not to hate on the USA, but to emphasize that we should learn from our German comrades that we must recognize our history. Not out of shame, but to learn from past mistakes. Sadly I see too often that the USA does not do that. I myself learned that the USA won the Korean and Vietnam war, without any emphasis on the reality of what was committed there.
I dont hate the USA, but I do wish more people would recognize the wrongs committed. Not to blame, but to improve. And admitting ones own fault, even if you yourself didn't commit it, is a hard pill to swallow.
So to all Germans, I really do thank you for swallowing that pill, how hard it may be. I hope the rest of the world follows your example.
All too true. I love history, but is after I graduated that I truly learned the true ugly side of my nations history. That we had concentration camps just a bad as Nazi Germany, that there was no real reason for the bomb being dropped on Nagasaki, that we did things to our own people that would make Dr. Engel sit up and take notes. All within the last hundred years. We Americans can do so much good, especially when pushed, but there is so much red we have to make up for that it isn't even funny.
I completely agree. I’m from Pennsylvania and luckily my schools had good history classes, so we learned everything, the good and the bad. But I was shocked when talking to people once I got to college (I’m now almost 21), that they were taught little to none of what I was. A lot grew up without knowing of the internment camps, everything with native Americans especially the trail of tears, slavery and the entire struggle for African Americans, Juneteenth, our own anti-semitism and adopting nazi ideology over here in the 1930s, the KKK, our eugenic programs, etc. But they sure learned about the nazis in Germany and communism. While it is of course good to learn world history we need to address our own, including the bad, which rarely happens. Taking a page out of Germany’s book regarding this seems pretty good. Also in my german class in highschool we got to go to Europe if we were third or fourth years. I went and while we were there we spent a day at dachau. I grew up reading and watching gg big documentaries and studying ww2 and the nazis because I found that interesting, but just the atmosphere and how it was in dachau was unparalleled. It was unlike anything I ever experienced. It was a good learning tool as well as just a sobering reminder of what we must prevent from happening again.
@@horrorhistory7342 Where in PA are you from. I was originally from there and I barely was taught the basics of history.
It’s highly dependent on the WHERE in the USA that you received your education that determines the level and quality of it. For example, I was educated in Texas and we were taught all the things that you have not. It should also be questioned on the WHEN of your receiving of said education as well as it’s become quite apparent that those who are older had less standardized educational bases that really didn’t happen until much more recently in time.
I think the focal point should be a better overall standardization and modernization of our education system to better cover these topics *across* the board. To say that the entirety of the US is ignorant on such topics of education and history is quite simply a disingenuous point of view. There is certainly a argument to be made in favor of a rather radical rebuild of our entire education system however though it’s quite obvious that’s not something that will be ever likely to occur barring something so unforeseeable and dramatic that would call into question the immediate execution of such a monumental task.