Grandpa’s War Story Goes Viral | Full Documentary
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- Опубликовано: 1 фев 2025
- For Alaskan teenager Henry De Hoop, social media platforms such as Facebook have provided a unique opportunity to share the World War II story of his grandfather, James (Jim) Schmidt, with a global audience. Narrated by Liev Schreiber, GRANDPA’S WAR STORY GOES VIRAL shares the remarkable account of Jim’s World War II service and military career, as well as Henry’s efforts to generate interest in his grandfather’s war journey and launch a letter-writing campaign on his behalf.
Like 16 million others of his generation, Jim responded to the national call to duty following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. The twist in the story? Jim was only 14 when he enlisted, and the eighth-grade Californian left home without telling his parents. After being wounded in the invasion of Sicily, Jim’s age was eventually revealed and he was sent home. Not to be deterred, Jim would do stints in both the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marines before finally reaching 18 and officially rejoining the Army. Grandson Henry marveled that Jim joined the war effort at the same age he was when he first shared Jim's story on social media.
GRANDPA’S WAR JOURNEY GOES VIRAL charts a story of service that began in a movie theater in 1942 where the film Parachute Battalion grabbed a boy’s attention and ends in the jungles of Vietnam more than two decades later.
Director Tim Gray
Licensed by 4Digital Media from, Eastern Educational Television Network, Inc. APT Worldwide
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Your grandpa is the epitome of courage, steadfast dedication, and honor. He is the kind of man who makes this country exceptional.
The Persistence of this man is incredible. I have to give you a pat on the back to his grandson who is also incredible as a Young Man to bring forth his grandfather's story. God bless them both!
18:10
That's why they called them the greatest generation
This was an amazing story. Master Sargent James Schmidt is an American Patriot of the first order.
Henry De Hoop is a wonderful young man, a great story teller and a loving grandson. Bravo for having the maturity to recognize how unique your Grandfather is and the talent to tell his unbelievable story of bravery and dedication to duty for his Country. Let Jim Schmidt's story of valor and sacrifice stand as a lesson to all Americans. Thank you Sir.
Henry your Grandfather is a man’s man. In today’s world his dedication is virtually unknown outside of the Armed Forces.
As some of these comments have stated….!! Can’t believe there hasn’t been a movie done about SGM Schmidt!!! Also, I tried to research this on RUclips after watching this documentary and there’s only one, 2 minute video!! So proud of his grandson!! I was in the United States Army for 10 years as an 11Bravo. I did 3 deployments and I cannot imagine doing that when I was 14!! I thank you for your service, Sergeant Major!! 🫡
This is why this gentleman and others like him were truly the greatest generation
Outstanding👏🏼 I have nothing but respect and love for the Greatest Generation. What a remarkable man and an incredible story ❤
My grandfather was 16 when he enlisted. Hes still alive and walking without assistance. This documentary hits so close to my own life as im curious what stories he hasn't told me yet.
I work at GM in Tennessee watching these types of war story videos all day every day. This is the coolest one yet. What a guy 🇺🇲 also cool is how his daughter took interest and knows the facts. Then the grandson. Great American story
Ross Carter, a 504th trooper, wrote a book about this campaign and all others in which the regiment was involved. "Those Devils in Baggy Pants."
Get back to work!
So you are more like employed by the GM plant, rather than working there. The great reason that unions aren't what they were meant for.
No wonder my engine is shit
Without a doubt, my favorite vid of all the ones I’ve watched about our WWII vets. God Bless you sir for your unmatched service from age 14 on. Unreal.
Receiving the CBI for three wars makes him a very rare individual. There are less of these than the MOH. Thank you sir. Gods Speed.
CIB. I have A GWOT CIB. then there's an EIB. and just to round it out and bc you can only where 1 (with mustard stains), they're making the MIB.
Jim Schmidt was an absolute inspiration, mentor and legend God Bless this hero❤️🇺🇸 along with his grandson and family❤️ Thank you for sharing!!!
That is the most amazing story of a true Patriot that loves his country that I've ever heard..
Thank You Sir For Your Dedication and Service... God Bless
What a GREAT life and story. I'm 84 and lived next door to Camp Roberts in California. My dad was in the pacific theater as they say. He had 2 silver stars 1 bronze star 2 purple hearts and he also didn't talk about it unless he had 3 or 4 shots, then I got snipets here and there. What great soft hearted GraPa and man you can look up to. I'm also proud of the Grand son that took the time to bring this story to life, we need to respect the brave that went before us, GOD bless Jim and his family, he truly has left a great legacy for others that fall short. I know his Grand son will go far in life, I can almost Garrantee it.
Truly the greatest generation! This guy is the definition of patriot. He makes me proud to be an American
Cherish the blessing you still have with your Grandpa
Another key example of why his is known to be the best generation. Thank you!
Good work by Henry his grandson getting his story out there
Jeez... What a military record. A sincerest thank you.
The word your looking for Son is Intestinal Fortitude, bless you Sir for your Heroic and epic service
Or intestinal fortitude- guts, courage, honor- what it takes to stand up.
@@phyllisgiaconia5852 cursed auto correct. I should proofread before posting
@@phyllisgiaconia5852 thank you for pointing that out i fixed it
@@thedarkhorse100 i have reread things that I wrote and later didn't recognize due to auto correct. Thank you for responding.
This is a beautiful and truly unique life! My grandfather Willam Locks story was also amazing and happy to say that he too made it home. Thank you for sharing.
All I can say is Wow!!! My grandfather was in the 504th 82nd airborne artillery. I remember him talking about being sea sick the whole way over on the George Washington. Coincidentally, he told me the ship was actually a captured or surrendered German ship from World War One. My grandfather lived to be 96 and has been gone almost 7 years. I miss him terribly as he was like a father to me.
My fathers best friend joined age 16,against his parents wishes but his mom said he wasn’t happy since all his friends had gone to war. The marines took him to Iwo Jima where he was killed. He was a medic and killed rescuing others. Those young men were selfless heros.
Thank you Henry for your grandfather's story he would have never came clean about being Superman. He was an still is an American hero❤Portland Tennessee
Thank you for sharing this wonderful and determined man’s service and life with us all. You must be very proud of him. God bless you all. 🙏🏽
God Bless You and thank you for your service and for giving me,my son,and two grandsons freedom,We will never forget :)
After watching this beautiful unique story,,all i can say is THANK you for your devoted service to our country Jim Schmidt,,,,,,,one of a kind .....
Fantastic! My Great Uncle was 15 when he "ran off" and joined the AEF in WW1. Thank you for sharing.
Don't make men (boys) like that anymore. My great grandad was like Pat Tillman before Pat Tillman. Quit pro football in his prime at 28 joined the US Army. Already was an established attorney as they made peanuts those days to play. He came home a Major after a battlefield promotion. All glory to God. Honorably discharged with a Silver Star and two purple hearts. His two sons then went to Europe and The Pacific 24 years later. God bless America.
sounds like he quit pro football to go to law school
@@smartbomb7202 He was a lawyer in 1911. He played pro from 1911-1917.
His dad was probably torn between being mad at his son for leaving his home without telling him or his mother and being proud of him for having the guts to do the work he is doing. Sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission lol
Although there was no war going on I was 16.🤫
Thank you for your service, sir. I live just 20 min from Fort Bragg, which has been changed to Fort Liberty. I hope to see the base changed back to Fort Bragg for all the men who have trained hard on that ground and will always know it as Fort Bragg
Thank you for sharing your grandpa's story . You all should be proud of him and his accomplishments. I remember all too well how badly the viet nam vets were treated . I never understood why people treated them so badly . They were doing their duty to our wonderful country.❤❤❤
My grandfather was also at Inchon and Chosin Reservoir with the 1st Marines. I can only imagine what these men went through. Truly a different generation.
Incredible story. Thank you angel. Wow the difference between generation
Wonderful story. As a teacher who sees present generations ,and who also served in the army, I see a person others should look up to.
And well done grandson for telling his story. They should always be rembered. But also know that presently, heroic stories are being written in Ukraine and in other parts of the world.
Mr. Schmidt,
I want to say Thank You for my freedom. Your story should be told and retold to generations to come.
And Thank You for sharing your Grandpa's story. It is one that will never be topped in terms of dedication and love of country.
May God continue to bless you both and your family. You are a true American Hero..
What a legend this man was! Jim Schmidt was a man who was going to serve his country and no one and nothing was going to stop him. The amount of courage that took is extraordinary. But let's give credit to Henry De Hoop to tell his grandfather's story. When most of his generation are worried about pronouns and hugging trees, this young man wants to tell the epic tale of his grandfather's exploits. This is one hell of a family!
AMEN AMEN
Truly remarkable.. kids of that age these days, would take a huge dump in their pants at the thought of facing an angry soldier, but this Gentleman was a warrior and saw more at 15 than most will ever see in a lifetime. I for one am glad you made it, you sure were Lucky' !
This my goodness . What a hero
People who play with a ball for a living are not hero’s
This man and his companions. They are true hero’s such bravery
I'm so glad I watched this documentary. What a great film, about a great man, doing more than his part for this great nation! I cannot Thank Jim enough for his sacrifices.
Wow!!! An amazing young man!!! Fighting through his life for our country. It's such a horrible shame that he had to deal with the nasty people coming home from Viet Nam. The soldiers that fought so hard for us in Korea and Vietnam didn't get the welcome home they deserved. Thanks for sharing.😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I'm 84 and remember the wecome home for vet's was horrendus, GOD BLESSed them any way.
Hold up! He went back for round two and joined the Navy! Why isn’t this a movie? This man is a legend!
Greetings from Australia. What a legend.
I wish I could say something profound. My dad was a medic in Europe. He didn’t talk about much but said over and over “You just can’t wash the smell of blood off your hands, no matter how much you wash, it just won’t come off.” Dad was awarded the Bronze star. He also said “hiding under a half track is not a better idea than digging a foxhole.” Dad was attached to Patton’s group.
Uncle Gayle was shot down over Germany and held prisoner, and uncle Don was Iwo Jima. That was not a safe place either!
All three are heroes! Shot down and captured by the enemy or not!!! Don’t disrespect them!
Your grandfather's story is just remarkable, and l thank you for telling the world his story.
Wouldn't it be great to know all of the experiences and stories he never told anyone! I am in awe of this man and so proud and grateful to his grandson for sharing about the life of his grandfather! My father was in the Korean War and saw combat as well and seldom shared many of his experiences. God bless this man and his grandson!
All Americans owe a huge debt to M/Sargent Schmidt.
Thank you Sir for your sacrifice and great love for our nation.
Kudos to your grandson for sharing such rare soldier, sailor and merchant marine. 🇺🇸
My grandfather joined the Navy in 1909 at the age of 14. After 4 years in the Navy he joined the army for another 4 years. My father joined the 6th Cavalry in 1937 at the age of 15. Actually it was quite common for this to happen back then. Calvin Leon Graham was 12 years old when he joined the Navy in WW II.
Thanks for sharing this awesome story with everyone. God bless him (and his family) and thank you sir for your service.
❤😢my father was 16 when he joined the Navy. Like others he was a big strapping kid. What an amazing group of men. I don't think I know many, or any, 14, 15, 16...year old now that would go.
they really need to make this story into a movie......immortalize this guy.......this is just an amazing story about an amazing man
sending blessings form the caribbean islands of Trinidad & Tobago
Thank you young man for telling the story of this warrior. Your grandfather is the real definition of a “public servant”… not these career politicians who claim to be public servants who do nothing but freeload off of the public… and willfully without conscious send brave men like your grandfather into harms way for political reasons. You are to be commended.
Outstanding documentary! Thank you for your service. To his grandson you did an excellent job recording your grandfather’s legacy! God Bless!😊
I just started watching because, who doesn’t love a good war story! And then you revealed that your grandfather’s name was James Schmidt. My grandfather’s name as well! But mine served in WWI. My father James served in WWII! Now I’m so curious to hear your story!! I will let you know if I think we are related! ❤️
Intimes of strife,the truly courageous stand..thank you jim.
This country will never see a greater generation and i pray the need never arises.
What a grandpa, I have just watched your film , nice one from Donna London uk
WOW! Amazing Story of a man born to serve!
Respect for your grandfather. It is a good thing you're doing this biography. We are honored to read of his courage and heroism. God bless you and all who have served.
Free because of the Brave men like your Dad.
My Dad was a WWII rear gunner on a B-17. Survived two crash landings & received credit for two German kills.
I served in Vietnam 1968-69.
I flew in CH-47 Chinook Helicopters.
What an amazing story, the definition of courage, honor , and duty. An absolute hero in my opinion. Tell your grandfather thank you for his service, and to you young man , thank you for sharing this remarkable piece of history of your family to our nation.
Bless this kid for having a passion for his families past but more importantly listening and talking to his grandfather I guarantee that’s how he’s still here
I regret not talking with my grandfather more about the war. I heard a few stories that were just incredible, but not near what I could have.
What an absolutely amazing gentleman.
Thank you for your service and commitment to our country.
May GOD bless
In my view, and as a veteran myself, it takes courage, love of country, no matter what, to serve in our great military!!
Amazing story. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, that’s a real man.involved in 3 wars, merchant marines,air America,and combat in key areas, amazing ….
Great story Sergeant Major! And good on young Henry to honor his grandfather in this way.
Amazing story ! Thank you, Jim, for your service . We salute you 🙏 👏 🙌
Amazing young grandson for taking such an interest in his grandpa's life. ❤
Thank you Jim, and all who served! Respect!❤🇨🇦
What a fantastic story. Thank you for sharing your grandfather's story. What a great American. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
So cool how it all played out. What an amazing guy
Superb in every way.
What an amazing, wild, life. I admire his grit and determination to serve as best he could, where he could.
Amazing soldier. God bless him.
Outstanding young man , simply outstanding. Thank you Jim for your service 🫡🇺🇸
My Grandfather joined the Army October 6th 1941..He fought in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska 43,44 then Rhineland and Central Europe Jan 45 till the end. His 355th infantry regiment 89th infantry division "The Rolling W's" liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp on April 5th 6th of 45. He earned 2 Bronze Stars for Valor 2 theatre Ribbons and Riflemans Badge. He came home raised 8 kids and retired from the Bluegrass Army Depot after 30yrs. He was an Honorable Man 🇺🇲
My parents ran a family care home for disabled veterans for 35yrs.
Modern society doesn't compare to the Depression/WW2 generation. They were truly exceptional.
My father joined when he was 17 during WW2, army found out and was discovered. Discharged, and enlisted again. He did Korea, did VN and finally discharged in 67 after 20 years. His father was WW1 from 1916-18 . I got out of service during VM era.
My deepest respect from one veteran to another.
Unbelievable. I’d say grandpa’s got more guts than your average man. Is a great story.
This man is incredible! I've not heard of anyone doing more over such a long period of time. Wow.
Wow.... just wow!!! God bless this soldier
Thank you for giving hope to American youth thru your grandpa,God bless you and your family. ❤❤❤❤
Thank You for your determination and service 🙏
Thanks to you for my freedom God bless you have integrity absolutely beautiful thanks again and again
I can appreciate the old guy's determination and persistence.
RESPECT SIR
What an incredible story, thanks for sharing, so glad it wasn’t lost.
Ooh Rah !!!!... to your Grandpa. From the Navajo Nation
Thank you Jim to your Family for your service to our country Sir ! I thank your Grandson's interest to act on making his Grandfather's WWII service story public. Certainly one of the greatest American generations in history ! God Bless them all and Thank you !🙏🇺🇲
Dad was the baby of the family. Five boys and one girl were all serving in the military and Dad was left all alone at home. He finally convinced my Grandfather to tell the Navy he was 17 and sign him in. Only problem was he was 15. They made him a cook because for some reason Mississippi boys don't get seasick.
He's a great hero and I'm sure there's a lot more like him.
His grandpa was a great man!!!! I listened to every word of his story and his grandpa was a hero!!!!
Just legendary!
I am stunned, this man is the most impressive patriot I have ever learned about. Men like him is why we have freedoms. Thank you Sir.
Hollywood- if you are reading this - this would make the most amazing movie ever (so long as you don’t ruin it with pc garbage).
THANK YOU! Our nation needs to be reminded that freedom comes at a heavy cost. Our young live in a state of altered reality, having reaped the benefits of those that preceded them. Young Henry De Hoop has reminded us of the great legacy left in his grandfather's wake. In these uncertain and divisive times, let us honor Jim Schmidt and others like him by behaving honorably and respecting one another, in our great experiment called democracy.
Wonderful documentary that I thoroughly enjoyed watching. To see Jim go through 3 major war periods and be in the Army, Merchant Marines and the Navy AND got from a Private to a Sergeant Major in such a short time....Well, he really did it all! Thank you for your service Sergeant Major!
What an amazing story and amazing man! Truly one of the greatest generations to ever have lived in this nation....mainly great because of men like your Grandfather! I had 4 Uncles that served in WWII, all in combat. One was killed in action in North Africa at the Battle of El Guettar, one was 82nd Airborne like your Grandfather and parachuted in Normandy and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, a third was in the Marines and fought in Italy and took part in the Anzio landings, the fourth (Who got in at 17 with my Grandmother's signature approval) served on an Aircraft carrier in the South Pacific.
A lucky man indeed. How wonderful that his story was so well documented.
I feel luck to have heard his story what an amazing man my grandfather was big red one and never talked about the war until I joined the army
WoW!!!. What a great man!!!. I would have been so proud of him as his mother. 😊
I hope every generation realizes what we have to live up to. A 14 year old has done more in his very short life than most do in their entire life, and I include myself in the later.
God speed Sgt Major DeHoop.
What a true HERO,,,thank you Sir!!!
i am just amazed. if our young people learn one thing out of life...its to listen to their elders stories. n share them. thank you for being a part of fighting for our country. i think you are an old soul that wasnt finished. men like you are why americans are proud.... ❤
He was 15! Our young, courageous men going off to a horrible war!