BAR Rifleman Describes Combat Across France and Germany in World War II

BAR Rifleman Describes Combat Across France and Germany in World War II | Brad Beeler

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2 жыл бұрын

Brad Beeler joined the Army in 1943 and went through basic training with the Army Corps of Engineers. Beeler was later selected to participate in the ASTP to become an officer, but quickly found himself reassigned to an infantry division to help fill ranks.
Beeler would land in Normandy after the invasion and travel across France en route to Germany clearing villages along the way. In Germany Beeler would be awarded the Bronze Star for his actions in combat.
Brad Beeler passed away on June 14, 2020.
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Пікірлер: 347

@davidparton8633 2 жыл бұрын

This makes me miss my neighbor Earl. I did a report on the Screaming Eagles 101 Airborne in the 8th grade. I sat with him after school everyday for a month taking in his stories and writing them down in this huge binder I had, I had way too much information for my report. If given another chance I would sit with him over and over again listening to all his stories. My grandmother had two brothers in the war, one went through Europe and then to the Pacific after the Nazis surrendered that was Parker. Her other brother Roy didn't make it out of North Africa until 1947 when the U.S.O brought him home. These men and women gave up so much to put their boots on the throat of the Axis powers. I am forever grateful for what they did not only for the United States but for the entire world.

@patrickoconnor1077 2 жыл бұрын

My neighbor and fishing buddy Mike was a DI at Paris island during WWII served at gudal canal and iwo Jima.

@warrenharrison9490 2 жыл бұрын

Still have the binder? If so write a book. 👍

@amfam100 2 жыл бұрын

One of my biggest regrets to this day is not going to the retirement homes when I thought about it back in middle school/ highschool I kept telling myself “you know these men in here are the last of a generation. The type of people you’ll never be able to speak to again” I know there’s still some ww2 vets left and stuff but a decade ago I could have really gotten to learn a lot and I pissed it away

@mikehoncho9344 2 жыл бұрын

@@amfam100 it's not too late, get over there and listen to some stories, even if they don't have anything to do with war

@prestonpowers7376 2 жыл бұрын

If your family is still here thank them for us! One love from Portland OR ✌🏻💚 🌎

@RJStockton 2 жыл бұрын

4:00 My grandfather (PFC Joseph W. Stockton) was in the 29th, 115th Rifle Company, that Sgt. Beeler relieved. The unit had been decimated during the Normandy campaign and needed to regroup for a couple of weeks in September 1944. Near the end of that month, it was recommitted to the fighting near the Belgian frontier. During the first week of October, Private Stockton was wounded assaulting a German machine gun nest and had to crawl away on injuries to both shins. They amputated below the knees, then above the knees, and then the infection set in. He died on the morning of October 7 and was buried at the US cemetery in Neupré, Belgium. He was survived by his widow and two children, including a son (my father) he had never seen. He was 23 years old. Odd to hear his unit brought up all of a sudden like this.

@e.conboy4286 2 жыл бұрын

I am deeply saddened by the tragic circumstances under which your grandfather lost his life, and send my sincere condolences to your family.

@armybeef68 2 жыл бұрын

@@e.conboy4286 He died so others could live.

@nielscarp 2 жыл бұрын

He died for my freedom, a debt we can never repay.

@smckay6438 2 жыл бұрын

Im glad your family knows what happened , hope that is comforting !

@RJStockton 2 жыл бұрын

@@smckay6438 They never found out much. I had to investigate the matter myself a few years ago. I even dove into regimental histories and the complicated world of Pennsylvania and Maryland National Guard deployments. The army wasn't very good about sharing details back then. Or now, I guess.

@davedzwilewski5195 2 жыл бұрын

Tough men. Thank goodness we had men like this. My father carried a BAR with Patton

@daviddoyle1001 2 жыл бұрын

Watching this interview reminds me of my Grandfather who was a tank commander in WWII. He fought in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. A mountain of a man who NEVER spoke of his time in WWII until I asked him. He told me, with tears in his eyes, he hoped I would never experienced what he had experienced. I miss him...

@manfredrichthofen2494 2 жыл бұрын

Those who are silent and who talked less are Those who have gone through hell and have seen the WORST..

@miketate8554 2 жыл бұрын

@@manfredrichthofen2494 truth

@storyteller1749 2 жыл бұрын

I so appreciate our WWII veterans. They really are the greatest generation. I could listen to their stories for hrs. And sometimes do thanks to these videos.

@jeffreymcneal1507 2 жыл бұрын

The finest generation.

@BelloBudo007 2 жыл бұрын

The same with me. I admire these men so much and hate the way today's generation fail to appreciate, or even want to know, what went into them enjoy today's freedoms. And now I'm seeing Western democracies starting to fantasise about how wonderful Communism is. We are even brainwashed into appointing weird socialists into positions of power because we don't want to be seen as Race Heist. It's all very strange to me.

@judd0112 2 жыл бұрын

@@BelloBudo007 glad someone said it. Cause that’s all I can think about. How this neophyte anti American people. Remember the phrase love it or leave it?!? That should be brought back cause it would apply to many people who don’t appreciate any of the freedoms that they gave their blood for. They don’t like free speech cause it hurts some feelings. They don’t respect the American border or how my great grandparents had to go through Ellis island and become citizens the proper way. I’m not against immigration. Just come through the door. Not over the fence. And the people who are following the rules and goin about becoming a citizen the proper way is cheating them. Maybe they need to visit a diff country and see how great America is. There lots of one way tickets for them.

@jonyoung6405 2 жыл бұрын

I like them too. But thier kids grew up to be dirty hippies.

@miked8227 9 ай бұрын

I 100% agree

@kevinfeil4060 2 жыл бұрын

Love how this true patriot still wears his wristwatch on the underside of his wrist. I had an uncle who was a forward observer in the Army in WW2. I asked him why he wore his wristwatch on the underside of his wrist and he told me he wore it that way so the Germans won’t see a reflection. God bless this man and all our remaining WW2 vets.

@jeffn.918 2 жыл бұрын

Good eye Kevin!

@Zorieke 2 жыл бұрын

oh so it's that simple? Guess its still true to this day, I always thought servicemen had their watches like that so they could see the watch when holding their gun. =)

@contraband1543 2 жыл бұрын

@@Zorieke Its both but the looking at the time while shooting thing is only used in special forces when things are planned to the second

@Zorieke 2 жыл бұрын

@@contraband1543 Ah ofc, makes sense. Thanks for your reply.

@yourmomsdildo3938 2 жыл бұрын

@@Zorieke the time of day doesn't matter in a gun fight. It's about glare, but once the roads are flying all that other stuff goes out the window.

@jimmypea2207 2 жыл бұрын

I'm always careful about tooting if the old man in front of me is slow at the traffic light. He may have been a courageous hero but we just see an old codger. Show respect, veterans are everywhere and most of them don't mind talking.

@jesser73 2 жыл бұрын

this is true beyond words.people envelope themselves in there own little world's , selfish and ignorant of those around them.these men are now old and we loose more everyday along with the story's and lessons taught and learned over the years.my heart and mind goes out to them all.

@Mark-pp7jy 2 жыл бұрын

Keen awareness Jimmy. Thank you! ✌️♥️

@mark109s Жыл бұрын

Jimmy that is exactly how I think while driving! Just showing some respect.

@EnglishInfidel 7 ай бұрын

You shouldn't be tooting either way.

@scottloftin1730 2 жыл бұрын

This man saw horrific things but his heart is still joyful. I cannot explain how encouraging he is. God bless him.

@scottloftin1730 2 жыл бұрын

My grandfather was a kamakaze shooter in the Pacific. He never spoke of it until I read his diary of the battles he fought. These were valiant and honorable men of whom I am not worthy to speak.

@francispitts9440 2 жыл бұрын

I’m grateful for these men.

@getredytagetredy 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah the SS COULD OF BEEN MARCHING AROUND TIMES SQUARE

@jakemocci3953 Жыл бұрын

They fought the wrong enemy

@buildurtruckurway9118 2 жыл бұрын

The sheer difference between the kids of today and what were then young men and women. Guy still fits his uniform 75 years later and doesn't have a mark or stain or any wear. The level of discipline and self control is lost on most today. Thank you all for your sacrifice.

@paulgentile1024 Жыл бұрын

they were tougher men back in the day

@twinsonic Жыл бұрын

Well, it probably is all new. You can still buy all that stuff off the internet..

@BigCruddyTv Жыл бұрын

give it a break will ya

@dave3156 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for saving the story of this brave soldier. We have lost so many stories, so I am glad you are recording these so they are not lost. Thx

@jamesomalley4556 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir .

@barryhernandez6428 2 жыл бұрын

Damn! These guys are unbelievable 💪 The greater the warrior the more humble 👍

@joshmallow5257 2 жыл бұрын

These men are the real heroes of the red,white,and blue. THANK YOU!

@jfm562 2 жыл бұрын

He sounds like a sweet old man.This interview helps us to remembert at one time he was an Absolute Badass. Thank You Sir.

@samjackson884 2 жыл бұрын

This guy looks to be in great shape. Thank you for your service.

@botulismcasserole9832 2 жыл бұрын

That man is dead. He’s been dead since 2020 maybe read the video description at some point before commenting.

@rsmetz88 2 жыл бұрын

@@botulismcasserole9832 You okay sweet potatoe? Bad day? Worse wife? What's the deal?

@jamescole8049 2 жыл бұрын

These stories are so important to preserve. Keep up the good work gentlemen.

@cgarrand78 2 жыл бұрын

I could listen to you tell your story all day.Thank You for your service and sacrifice Sir.

@teamgaxiola Жыл бұрын

My uncle max was a bar man. He died somewhere taking Duren. He received a silver star for a battle couple months before that day. And got a Purple Heart that day as well. His suppression fire saved his company so they could escape not sure what area.they moved fast with patrons 3 rd army.

@kathryncarter6143 2 жыл бұрын

How awful to have your twin killed just feet from you & you can't stop but go on fighting.

@chocolatefrenzieya 2 жыл бұрын

Goodness, he's aged well! Looks more like a Korean vet!! Good heavens, we sent twins. :(

@lukelee8934 2 жыл бұрын

They don't make men like this anymore. Not once did he complain or ask for pity for what he had experienced or act like he was owned something for his service. These are genuinely good people with strong resolve that know where they are from and what they believe in.

@dankhank6013 2 жыл бұрын

We're lucky we have these kinds of interviews/stories archived on video for future generations to see

@allenmccoy7656 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service and for keeping us free.

@heavensent4048 2 жыл бұрын

brave men. Thank you for your service i don’t know how to thank any of the soldiers that fought in WW2 thank you❤️

@chaosXP3RT 2 жыл бұрын

These stories are so important! It's great to share these! Thank you! He's a real hero!

@l.b.7543 Жыл бұрын

My dad was a refugee from Germany who came to the USA in 1938 as a kid. He was later on inducted in the military and served as a naval aviator in the Korean War and the Vietnam war. Retiring in 1974. Unfortunately I only have 2 war stories that he told my mother. He never talked about being in the military

@alexfriedman2047 Жыл бұрын

It doesn't surprise me. Korea was a nightmare. Most of the Chinese were Kuomintang POWs who were "given the chance" to be repatriated back into the CCP and live in China without harrasment. They sent them on suicide missions. I met a Korean vet once who didn't like talking about it either. They would do bonsai type suicide attacks and usually thousands of Chinese would die for 1 or 2 Americans. China and China alone is responsible for North Korea still being there , even to this day.

@steventrent93 Жыл бұрын

I love your videos You talk about wars that’s my favorite I’m really smart about it

@shiela5354 2 жыл бұрын

Greatest Generation Ever! Much respect for our Veterans🙏🏼🙏🏼

@MichaelCollins1962 Жыл бұрын

These men are without a doubt the greatest generation and bravest ever 🙏

@geofiggy Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Sargent Beeler. Thanks for your service and keeping us free. 🤟🏼🖖🏼🙏🏼🇨🇦

@xvsj5833 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story, service, sacrifice and courage for freedom. God Bless You, family and friends 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

@Blue_Collar_Colonizer_1776 Жыл бұрын

Love the fact he still rocking the uniform.

@kellyjensen2745 2 жыл бұрын

God bless this man. My gpa and great uncle both fought in ww2. Similar stories to what I heard growing up. Especially uncle Gerald and his trench foot and toe amputation... or gpa's boat being blown up in the south pacific. Him and around 10 sailors survived... had he not, I wouldn't be here. God bless all of these men and women in our armed services

@danhewitt1984 2 жыл бұрын

have you noticed how he still wears his watch so that the glass won't give a flash and give away his position. he also still looks amazing in his uniform. an honour to hear your story. thank you

@MartinHernandez-ui9lo 4 ай бұрын

My Dad was a WWII veteran. I had the honor of taking him to a reunion. I can say no more. Thanks Dad, and all your buddies 🇺🇸

@benmiz9742 2 жыл бұрын

Rest In Peace Mr Beeler, thank you for your service and sacrifice!

@richardthornhill4630 2 жыл бұрын

Thank God for all our veterans.

@HistoryfortheAges 2 жыл бұрын

I love hearing the sorties of WWII vets. I just made a lecture on my channel about Sam Sachs. Flew gliders into Normandy. 106 years old!

@BoostedPastime 2 жыл бұрын

God bless him and his family.

@aegontargaryen9322 Жыл бұрын

God bless all those men that fought in Europe or the Pacific. I’m from the UK but I love listening to all the stories these guys have to tell . They all put their lives on the line so not only America but the whole world could be free .

@bryanguest2807 Жыл бұрын

You should be thankimg the Soviets. We did very little

@becky2235 2 жыл бұрын

What these men went through,my grandpa fought was awarded 4 medals up untill the day he died he still had shrapnel in his leg.miss him a lot,was called up the day after he got married, he was a miner so was considered a needed worker they sent the paper work down but he was already on the boat. He was firing artierly one day and his pals said you've been doing that all day swap round (there was ten soilders in a line) they swapped over ten minutes later a German she'll came in killed the first 6 he had moved to 7th came to in the medics tent and they told him you've done enough you go....he survived,my other grandfather I never met he is buried in France he was shot down flying over there

@rayzorin8985 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir for your service!!!

@haeuptlingaberja4927 2 жыл бұрын

My uncle was just a few weeks ahead of this guy. Really, really wish I had known him. November 16, 1944. Hürtgenwald.

@crystalheart9 4 күн бұрын

I do wish they would include a photo of these men when they were in the military. It really puts it into perspective seeing how young they were and I like to see what they looked like then. Thank you for your stories and service Mr. Beeler.

@beneditocoppola3364 Жыл бұрын

You are a man amongst men sir

@randystanley3910 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your service sir

@srnordli 2 жыл бұрын

A true American Hero! Thank you for your service and for telling your story.

@kevinhenophy8873 2 жыл бұрын

Thank u from canada

@mannyg9059 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoy these life story episodes from "the boots on the ground" from the soldiers, sailors, and Marines. Non-commissioned soldiers especially of WWI and WWII. These military people never get enough credit for their courage under fire, instead historian and the press like to highlight the achievements of the brass and military leaders instead. I am grateful that in the past ten years, more and more stories and videos are being produced about them. Thank you for sharing.

@terminatorelites4969 2 жыл бұрын

From a 19 year old Mexican American Italian I’d like to thank u for your service god bless your soul long love liberty and freedom🙏✝️💯

@ppredmore7085 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story, and thank you for your generations incredible service. I wish these stories were mandatory viewing for our current young folks.

@flipper644 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You Sir!

@rtrobinson88321 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service and bravery

@rikijett310 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you endlessly Mr. Beeler!!!! May God bless you always!!!! ✝️🇺🇸👍👍

@bobcatwelder00 7 ай бұрын

The things these men went through to save so many lives !! praise everyone of them!

@keithfurr7224 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir

@davidmorris1446 2 жыл бұрын

GOD Bless you men like you i have the highest respect

@gd3369 Жыл бұрын

It's so important sharing storys like this ... thank you so much for sharing ... and a big thank you for your service and your sacrifice ... i appreciate you ...

@robbysguitars8223 2 жыл бұрын

We Cavalrymen were later tasked with some of the Engineer's duties such as road classification and obstacle evaluation ahead of the advance of the rest of the Army. Our training was probably quite similar to yours. Well done, and thank you for your service, brother. 👍

@SGobuck 2 жыл бұрын

Because we could carry more than what grunts could carry on their backs....keep in mind this man was humping a BAR which is an absolute beast of a weapon to run around with!🇺🇸

@dbriggs1689 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing story. Thank you for sharing.

@cajunpipesmoker1519 Жыл бұрын

I loved seeing his ribbons, medals, and American flags in the background!

@orionsentry 2 жыл бұрын

Freedom Is Not Free. Be Thankful to those who serve.

@clintonr7172 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your service

@user-fx5fz3pr5x 7 ай бұрын

My father was in the 3rd Army! He basically never talked about. Never said a word about the lost of his best friend and his sense of morality. He talk about this stuff, but in bits and piece over the course of his life, only a small amount here and there, . Probably because he said he lived it everyday of his life. So two much would become overbearing at one time. He,lived 95 years, so for 70 years he manage his experiences the best he could !! A thankfull praise to all are service men and women !!!!

@madmanmechanic8847 2 жыл бұрын

I grew up around these guys and heard a bunch of stories I have such a soft spot for these guys. They were tougher than an old boot they dont make men like this anymore. So sad they are getting way up there and dying at an alarming rate now. Most in their late 90s I just lost a freind last year Dee Walker Marine Pacific theater. God bless every one of them

@Mendo707mx 2 жыл бұрын

We owe all these brave men…

@richardhurtz2617 2 жыл бұрын

@Solar General This comment wins the “gayest comment ever Internet award.”

@botulismcasserole9832 2 жыл бұрын

Right? Like what do we owe them? They have been repaid time and time again. I’m not ungrateful for what they did and respect that but when they came home they had parades they had job opportunity’s unheard of in todays workforce, could buy a home and raise a family on a minimum wage job. So I’m pretty sure that the good life and economy and stability they had was payment enough.

@mikemoggerson6651 Жыл бұрын

@@botulismcasserole9832 no offense but if you served in a war I doubt you’d ever feel like the country had “repaid you”

@kencaton6377 Жыл бұрын

always amazed me how a WW11 vet could go thru the whole war and just get 3-4 ribbons. and a vet today gets a whole chest full for years time in country.

@DrDanMD 2 жыл бұрын

This man is in great shape. Stud hero 💪

@colinbarrett3016 2 жыл бұрын

Great video...Makes me think of my dad that did the same thing in Europe with the 🇨🇦 army

@El...Presidente 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing story. War is hell. God bless!

@jamiecalder5459 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir for your service 🇱🇷

@grahamwatts8836 Жыл бұрын

I had two uncle who served in Europe in ww2 (British Army ie DDay, Holland - Bridge too far, Germany) around the Sunday dinner table they would tell us amazing stories (never told us about the terrible graphic experiences).

@bertdellaluna5612 Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir. God rest you in peace.

@dong7474 2 жыл бұрын

I had a neighbor, he was a navy veteran in WW2, I never got a chance to ask some of his stories, as by the time I was old enough he had passed, but I remember as a kid my dad had mentioned talking to him about his service, he was on a ship (I’m assuming in the pacific but I have no other details) that hit a mine, said he was in the chow hall sitting down when it did, and for a second everything and everyone just started levitating, then the ship came back down and everyone with it.

@rachaelsdaddontdrink 2 жыл бұрын

30 years ago, I lived next door to old Dirk... At the time, I worked the graveyard shift; got home at 8:00 am... Lots of breakfasts with Dirk as he told me the sea-stories of his experience as a submariner in WWII... Dude actually had tears in his eyes as he described his vessel stalking and torpedoing Japanese ships; "... I never got to see the bastards drown..." Hard core mutha who actually married the daughter of a Japanese admiral...

@ronhaworth5471 2 жыл бұрын

Our nation grateful for your service.

@johnnunn8688 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, young fella. 💜

@jasonhawke2913 2 жыл бұрын

My respect for you is immense

@Pantera-wu9ty 2 жыл бұрын

I wish he would have spoken about his bronze star and how he earned it? The greatest generation and this man is the poster child for them!

@perrylbrawley 2 жыл бұрын

What an amazing story!!

@andrewlewis3486 2 жыл бұрын

It makes me cry to listen to the stories and think about the bravery of all the soldiers!

@JohnTern88 Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you for telling us this. I am a Swede but really appreciate story's like this.

@TH-bk5hj 2 жыл бұрын

These brave men were indeed the greatest generation

@haroldadkins770 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service God bless

@mosin9105 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@82ghall 2 жыл бұрын

thank you

@olebenkanobie5699 2 жыл бұрын

The greatest American generation. Children of the great depression then young adults fighting the great fight and winning, God bless these men and women in uniform. Past, present and future.

@308driver 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Boss.

@dkcorderoyximenez3382 2 жыл бұрын

I can not imagine the ghosts that combat Veterans have in their minds...we owe them everything....

@frankcastle4435 2 жыл бұрын

Greatest generation. God bless all of them. Will always be my hero’s

@chele-chele 2 жыл бұрын

Greatest generation ever...

@JamesBond-et2hy 2 жыл бұрын

Love this new intro

@r2gelfand Жыл бұрын

I have a 96 year old friend who is a WW2 veteran. Was in the Navy but fought with the Marines on three islands, Okinawa, Iwo Jima and I think Iwo Shima? I always joke about him being a 'Sailor' but having to fight with the Marines. He made the mistake of qualifying with the M1 Garand in basic training!

@Rick-ro8bf 2 жыл бұрын

The Greatest Generation! Never again will there be another like it!

@ppumpkin3282 9 ай бұрын

Trench foot may have saved this guy's life. In many WWII veteran videos i hear more about how they heard about PearL Harbor, what they were doing before the war, how they signed up, and where they trained.