WW2 Vet Attempts to Save Sailors from Pearl Harbor Wreckage

WW2 Vet Attempts to Save Sailors from Pearl Harbor Wreckage | Memoirs Of WWII #40

Рет қаралды 36,413

2 жыл бұрын

WW2 Navy Veteran Joseph Richard recalls the attack on Peal Harbor, his attempts to rescue trapped sailors in the aftermath, and the heartbreaking realization that he may not be able to save them all.
Memoirs of WWII Website: bit.ly/2w60kGM
Patreon: bit.ly/2HIebIN
Instagram: bit.ly/2FBGBhv
Facebook: bit.ly/2w5Lhgf
Twitter: bit.ly/2jlcp1A
Written and Directed by Joshua Scott
Filmed by Heather Scott
Edited by Joshua Scott
Post Audio by Lane Tarr
Photo Enhancement and Additional Research by Hudson Louie
Original Illustrations by Nicky Russo
Check out more of Nicky Russo’s artwork at nickyrussoactor.myportfolio.com/
Archive Footage Sources:
www.archives.gov/
Archive Photograph Sources:
U.S. National Archives
Department of Defense
U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command
Primary Musical Score Source:
artlist.io/
Artlist Songs and Composers:
“Little Duke” by Southside Aces
“Cold” by Borrtex
“Beyond the Horizon” by Borrtex
“The Racer” by Tristan Barton
“We Finally Made It” by Kyle Preston

Пікірлер: 291

@garrisonsibley2651 2 жыл бұрын

This is my great Uncle. He is now Louisiana’s last Pearl Harbor survivor. He’s a hero and the entire family and state are proud and thankful for his service.

@matty_kaye 2 жыл бұрын

Salute your Uncle ! What a man !!!

@collectgemsosrs6298 2 жыл бұрын

Tell him the American people and God love and salute him!! Greatest generation ❤️

@justaperson3641 2 жыл бұрын

Tell him we love him and thankful for our freedom today because of men like him

@johnlazlo1908 2 жыл бұрын

My great uncle was on the USS Phoenix December 7 1941. One of 2 ships to escape the harbor that somber day. Honered to have his dogtags and ETC.

@wagstag89 2 жыл бұрын

I knew from the accent he had to be from Louisiana. So am I! I am also a Navy Veteran. Your uncle is a true hero and a great man. Imagine the many generations of people that owe their lives to him for rescuing those men at Pearl Harbor. Fair winds and following seas!

@gilwhitmore9682 2 жыл бұрын

The story of another average American guy that did things way above the average. When I got to the end of this story, I found myself thinking how amazing individual lives can become intertwined. You never know what thing you do today may have a big impact on someone later in life. I try to be thankful every day for what our service people have done for us, and the world. Thank you Joseph Richard and Bob.

@GabrielMatos. 2 жыл бұрын

That's why America needs Donald Trump back. He's the only one presidente who supported the ww2 veteran

@machinesofgod 2 жыл бұрын

I felt chills down my spine when he was describing the knocks on the hull. As a submarine veteran, I render a salute with pride and honor for all the men who fought in WW2.

@GabrielMatos. 2 жыл бұрын

We fought the wrong enemy.

@ashokiimc 2 жыл бұрын

Which sub did you deploy on?

@ashokiimc 2 жыл бұрын

@@GabrielMatos. in europe not asia.

@machinesofgod 2 жыл бұрын

@@ashokiimc SAN FRANCISCO SSN 711. As for which enemy was the wrong one, they were all wrong to be enemies of the USA.

@ashokiimc 2 жыл бұрын

@@machinesofgod SAN FRANCISCO??????? were you aboard it when it collided with the undersea mountain?

@General_Eisenhower1945 2 жыл бұрын

Keep this content as long as you can, this is a wonderful service to keep going as long as these men live to share their stories

@jimz68 2 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful, beautiful man. I'm glad that he was able to meet one of the sailors he rescued, I hope that it help ease the pain of his memories.

@aaronhancock9864 2 жыл бұрын

This is the best way to start the weekend.

@brillorjfdse1359 2 жыл бұрын

Omg this was one of the best episodes. But I can’t imagine the pain he must have felt when he couldn’t save those who where knocking three times. God bless all of the fallen soldiers. If you haven’t watched all the other episodes I really recommend you to do it all episodes have a different story and all of them are top class. Thanks to all of you who are a part of this wonderful Chanel.

@colinator3043 2 жыл бұрын

At 2:27 I can’t Imagine being in there when the USS Arizona exploded. Jesus that footage of the Arizona Exploding is one the most haunting things I have ever seen in the Attack on Pearl Harbor… May there souls Rest In Peace

@dotrichardson78 2 жыл бұрын

In Remembrance of: Dunaway, Kenneth Leroy; [EM3c, USN] KIA (Killed In Action) December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor aboard USS Arizona ((BB-39)) Currant Resting Place. Born in Oklahoma 1922, Son of Mr. John Westley Dunaway.

@colinator3043 2 жыл бұрын

@@dotrichardson78 Aw dude I’m so sorry for his lost

@netherwolves3412 2 жыл бұрын

Just knowing that that is actual footage of over a thousand people being killed makes it haunting

@petterderter6354 2 жыл бұрын

dont say the Lords name in vain

@netherwolves3412 2 жыл бұрын

@@petterderter6354 I think this is a pretty big deal personally…

@nicjansen230 2 жыл бұрын

He saved tens of men directly, some of them living 60 years longer, and he indirectly saved a lot more by just going work during the rest of the war

@terminallumbago6465 2 жыл бұрын

And those tens of men raised subsequent generations of people too. So had it not been for this man and others like him, a lot of people wouldn’t be here today.

@tysonchristensen885 2 жыл бұрын

It absolutely astonishes me that there is only 822 views on this video our country would be so much better off if every single citizen watch this video! People would appreciate our veteran so much more about how they are heroes and the prices they paid!! God bless all of our veterans and their families

@MemoirsofWWII 2 жыл бұрын

We are getting age restrictions from KZfaq which limits people from seeing it. We are trying to flight it. Our views have been low this entire year, this content is so important especially for younger generations. Thank you for watching!

@_jesss 2 жыл бұрын

@@MemoirsofWWII This is sad news. I hope the age restriction is lifted for your project to reach all audiences. Thank you for your work.

@rickkerts3802 2 жыл бұрын

Lets share these stories as much as we can! The only hero's that are alive are veterans!

@moparedtn 2 жыл бұрын

God love you and keep you, Mr. Richard - and *thank you* .

@vitodereine5360 2 жыл бұрын

God bless these men.. this generation.. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS! 🇺🇸

@sfb7884 2 жыл бұрын

And the editing itself a well deserved patt on the back

@kansas_off_grid 2 жыл бұрын

They truly were the greatest Generation of Men. God Bless them all and Godspeed to those we lost and are losing everyday.

@exudeku 2 жыл бұрын

Reminder that we are slowly losing veterans of WWII, as the last WWI veteran died in 2018 War is hell, its an organized chaos. Salute to him and his colleagues who helped my country to be liberated from the Japanese

@sahilkhan2470 2 жыл бұрын

Every school have to adapt videos of memoires of ww2 soldiers as a part of their curriculum. May we never ever forget to salute these fine soldiers!

@RhettyforHistory 2 жыл бұрын

Joseph was a true American hero. I know he had to endure a lot and I could hear it in his passionate stories. Thank you for bringing us another incredible episode.

@aydinsamp9671 2 жыл бұрын

I love when they tell there stories of them in wore because it makes me care a lot more for these men and I wold love to meate a ww2 veteran that's my dream

@DankeAvocadoGaming 2 жыл бұрын

I watch these memiors every single time you release them, almost everyone one of them hits you in a differnet way. As for the these veterans and their stories, it really hits home that they were just doing what they had to to survive. Absolute respect for every single one of them Living and Passed. I echo what Joseph said at the end, "i hope it never happens again, to anybody" and "It's wonderful to know that you had some part of helping somebody". Two brilliant messages that we all should listen to. Thank you for sharing your story.

@DeimosPC 2 жыл бұрын

I have a Type 99 Arisaka that was shipped home by a Sailor aboard the U.S.S. Marathon. I never got to meet him or hear any stories but there is another veteran that has some of his memoirs aboard the ship on his own personal site. Some of the stuff they saw was truly insane but not everything was bad. He talks about bringing fresh coconuts aboard, passing the the U.S.S Indianapolis and waving to the crew. He describes feeding POWs and seeing how happy they were. The USS Marathon was there for the battle of Okinawa and helped deploy marines. This channel is truly great and I could listen to these men forever.

@daltontannery3243 2 жыл бұрын

Hearing the story of a Pearl Harbor survivor is already good enough, but when you hear the story of a Pearl Harbor survivor who just so happened to rescue other survivors and on top of that he got to meet one of the guys he saved years down the road. This easily one of my favorite ones

@yaslerfuj 2 жыл бұрын

I’m not a veteran, I wasn’t even alive during WW2, I’m just an American. I’m not one to cry, but these videos still bring me to tears often times. My parents told me that my great grandfather was at pearly harbor when it was bombed, but he was one of the lucky ones to survive thank God.

@marycerrone3281 2 жыл бұрын

I cry at each video this channel show.

@duglife2230 2 жыл бұрын

These stories and the veterans behind them are national treasures, but I feel like too few people realize that. This channel deserves WAY more subscribers than it currently has. I noticed the baseball cap that the gentleman was wearing as well, and I cannot agree more. Too many ungrateful people these days who will jump at any chance to criticize America and her past, but do not realize that it is because of the strong men of old that they are allowed to do so. They are the real heroes of this country, and in my heart they always will be.

@MemoirsofWWII 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your support, unfortunately KZfaq is age restricting our videos which destroys our reach. Thanks for watching!

@jscho8674 8 ай бұрын

@@MemoirsofWWIIThat is disgusting to me. Unbelievable.

@dotell3359 2 жыл бұрын

OMG! What a wonderful man and a true hero. God bless you Sir.

@deeyadeli1435 2 жыл бұрын

That man is a true HERO!! He saved more people that what he is probably even aware of. I can't even imagine hearing the tapping for as long as he did and not be able to do anything. That's a lot to live with, obviously no fault to him.

@couragebenjamin4096 2 жыл бұрын

True hero, after surviving Pearl Harbor and seeing people die in front of his eyes, still had the power to fight till the end.

@moonlightmistandmemories9623 2 жыл бұрын

When the call for duty came , they answered that call , Heroes one and all ...

@Darnley_10 2 жыл бұрын

I can’t even begin to imagine how much guilt and sadness he felt when he couldn’t cut the sailors out of the ships out of fear the water would catch on fire. R.I.P to all of the sailors who died at Pearl Harbor and god bless this man.

@cahzinarx904 2 жыл бұрын

Water catching fire? I have a dunce cap for you sir

@carabela125 2 жыл бұрын

@@cahzinarx904 The water was full of fuel oil.

@bigwezz 2 жыл бұрын

@@cahzinarx904 they even said in the video that the water was full of oil. Put that dunce cap on your own head 👍

@xvsj5833 2 жыл бұрын

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

@eevvaann11 2 жыл бұрын

Above and beyond, these men will never be forgotten for what they sacrificed. Never. Thanks for making that so with this channel and these videos. You are doing a wonderful service to the world with this.

@ihavenoname3014 2 жыл бұрын

2:30 Just a quick correction - Arizona was not hit by torpedoes. The detonation resulted from accurate level bombing by Nakajima B5N "Kate" aircraft above her.

@jerrybrewer4462 2 жыл бұрын

I was 6 months old on December 7, 1941. I and my wife were visited the Arizona Memorial in 2011.

@yettykitty4893 2 жыл бұрын

These episodes always always always bring me to tears. The younger generation of Americans i know today lack the resilience, pride of country, and sense of “love thy neighbor”. Where have we gone wrong as a society? I fear for the last 30 years of my life and what is to come. God help us all.

@yvesmagnin4187 2 жыл бұрын

Grand respect à ce vétéran très émouvante histoire et merci À tous ces soldats américains qui sont morts pour notre liberté thank you 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

@tpavlov29 Жыл бұрын

When these men talk, you shut up and listen…and learn a thing about duty, honor, humility and selflessness. Thank you to all who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice!

@Hevynly1 2 жыл бұрын

I'm always reduced to tears watching these, and all I'm left able to say is simply... WOW.

@Biring1 2 жыл бұрын

Got emotional watching this. What a brave soul. Bravo to the team for the excellent work!

@jimbobmcdougal6983 2 жыл бұрын

I can’t even imagine being stuck inside any ship just praying someone will save you.

@ulysselfbvdlmt 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing work ! Don't stop !

@330filmco 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! You guys are the best!!!!

@TheNcrye1 2 жыл бұрын

Phenomenal story. So powerful. Truly the greatest generation ever.

@jasonputnam7298 2 жыл бұрын

Greatest Generation, the men and woman of this generation did so many things that I'm not sure the current generation would have the stomach for. I hope that you keep finding these stories and saving them before they are lost forever.

@sammyy1105 2 жыл бұрын

wow what a story. i also feel bad for the sailors left stuck inside their ships.

@ChrisSmith-rd6dm 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff these men and women trully are the greatest generation these videos get me everytime

@tigdepp4484 2 жыл бұрын

It's our duty as the generations that follow, to never forget.

@dinkusdorkus2737 2 жыл бұрын

I wish I could hug each and every one of these veterans

@justaperson3641 2 жыл бұрын

You are a hero. I'm sorry that you are suffering. I to suffer from ptsd from the war. Don't ever give up. It gets easier. May God bless you brother

@slackdaddy1912 2 жыл бұрын

My mom had a friend who’s name is on the Arizona memorial. What a sad story, may Donald Rest In Peace.

@thatdarnmage1515 2 жыл бұрын

Truly was the last GREAT generation. God bless this gem of a human being.

@hidelena1213 Жыл бұрын

Just can't stop crying. What a greatest generation.

@christersvensson4948 2 жыл бұрын

To know that people were still alive in the depths of the ship till the day before Christmas eve...what they went through and their desperate thoughts...make you cry, I hope our tears will soothe, comfort, and calm their souls in eternity. Chris

@tracytrawick322 2 жыл бұрын

A welder, working in the shipyards at Pearl, thrust into a role to use his skills to rescue sailors and marines? Then to Okinawa for more of the same. Fifty-two destroyers. 52. Lord. It took a strong man to do that job, and sharing it took a different strength. Sir, we thank you and salute you!!

@sfb7884 2 жыл бұрын

Another great interview and story josh and the unnamed others 👏

@keithfurr7224 2 жыл бұрын

I am awestruck when I hear our history spoken by the boys that lined it out as it happened, they all seem to have several things in common also, they are humble; it was never about them, they would do it again if needed, and though they get emotional thinking about those that were lost, they all have that inner joy with themselves. God bless them all. Thanks for the content

@TIMZ71 2 жыл бұрын

America was made stronger and a respectable powerhouse by these mighty men. True Heros. Thank you for bringing us their story. All of America needs to see and remember these sacrifices. My Grandpa was Army Air Corp, bomber bubble gunner WWII.

@Gridiron_Edits 2 жыл бұрын

The pain they had to go through god bless these men

@richardmanginelli2624 2 жыл бұрын

It's heartbreaking what this poor man lived thru. My Father was a Tailgunner wounded 3 times and wasn't until after his passing in 1982 and over a Decade later did she tell us of him waking in the middle of the night having nightmares of what he went thru, Dad never talked it , neither did mom THATS JUST WAY IT WAS

@gopackgocheesehead4life57 Жыл бұрын

These men back in those days were absolute warriors

@n.elliottnoorlun8304 2 жыл бұрын

I sit here with tears in my eyes, Josh, for this dear man and what he went through to help others during Pearl Harbor. I give you and your team giant kudos for the beautiful way you bring each story to life here so that our children and grandchildren will have the opportunity to "meet" these heroes of that global conflict. Thanks so much!!

@mountainman4987 2 жыл бұрын

Man these men are the greatest generation that ever lived in human history. When he was describing the scenario of those men being trapped in the ship knocking three times that really got to me. Absolutely terrible. RIP to those men.

@ramsesrodriguez1049 2 жыл бұрын

One day. One day I hope they play your content in schools as educational material. People need to see that war is hell. What a hero. 33 souls saved singlehandedly from the jaws of death. Sometimes, in war, it's not about how many you take down, but how many you helped bring home.

@mikestanley9176 10 ай бұрын

My grandfather was a diver after the attack. Specifically dived on Arizona and Oklahoma. And that was one part of his service he NEVER talked about. After that he went into the submarine service and went on to serve on three boats before transferring to a floating drydock to finish out his war service. He retired as a Chief Machinist Mate.

@curtgomes 2 жыл бұрын

Mr. Richard is a heck of a man. He is representative of the aptly named 'Greatest Generation'. Thank and God Bless them all.

@stretchpadawan1 2 жыл бұрын

Thats some very, VERY courageous recollections and a tough watch. o7 Thanks Josh

@kennethcaine3402 2 жыл бұрын

What a Hero, he was there and did everything he had to do and saved Sailors who had no means of escape. I know that was a very tough time, more than I can imagine. Thank God he was there.

@tgs12495 2 жыл бұрын

That ending really got me

@Boomcflaco 6 ай бұрын

Out of the 16.1 million that served in WWII, there are only 119,550 left as of 2023. Very sad that they're almost gone but that just makes projects like this that much more important. I am so grateful to you and your family for putting these historic treasures out to the world. These men deserve to be recognized and always remembered for their sacrifice to not only this country, but to the world at large as without them, the world as we know it would not exist. Bless all these vets. RIP to Joe, he passed at age 100 in September 2023.

@raceplayzichighidorahplayz702 Жыл бұрын

My step dad’s grandpa was in Pearl Harbor when it all happened.

@mikesambo76 5 ай бұрын

My grandfather was in Pearl Harbor, 10 years later his wounds caught up to him which he had passed. My father was 7 year old at the time when he passed.

@TRockett55IRISH 2 жыл бұрын

Every time I get the Alert of a new episode my wife and I make a coffee and sit down and watch we are so very thankful for this channel what you are doing telling these stories of the men and women of the GREATEST generation ever . I come from a family of veterans all the way from my great grandfathers to my great uncles and grandfather's to my father then myself have all deployed and fought for 3 different countries. THANK YOU for all that you do your channel is so appreciated.

@Gr3ggyBoy66. 2 жыл бұрын

This one was one of my favorites

@WontonRedemption 2 жыл бұрын

Fuck dude… it never gets any easier watching these. But I’m just so fucking appreciative to you for making and posting these

@aaa7189 2 жыл бұрын

I wonder if history like this is even taught today

@MemoirsofWWII 2 жыл бұрын

We have several schools and universities around the country using it alongside their history curriculum so it’s hopeful that’s it’s being taught. Thanks for watching!

@bradylange 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service, Joseph Richard!

@thomascrowley9122 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad he got to meet one of the sailors he saved.

@LipseyTim Жыл бұрын

I have shown this to each of my history classes today in remembrance. His story reaches a new generation.

@braxtonbrinson5224 2 жыл бұрын

The things this poor man went through 😭

@excellenceinanimation960 2 жыл бұрын

Another superb story! Very chilling! Keep up the good work guys!

@trevorslinkard31 2 жыл бұрын

Dude has a tough guy voice the whole time. It’s perfect

@skimmer8774 2 жыл бұрын

Joseph I salute you. Keep the lives you saved in mind. It's fantastic that got to meet one.

@matthollins3806 2 жыл бұрын

Everytime i see these videos it makes me feel ashamed of my generation. Were slowly letting these men down, who gave literally everything they had, for this country. Makes me sad. Wish i could shake every single one of these mens hands and thank them for what they did. Thank you for your service 🇺🇸 🙏

@ScottOwens28 2 жыл бұрын

Was Mr. Joseph a South Louisiana Native? His accent sure sounded Cajun. We too are South Louisiana Natives. My son is 15 and very much enjoys researching and reading about the WW2. He showed me this video and both of us were in tears... So glad those two got to meet. Thank you.

@RB-ib3mo 2 жыл бұрын

Whoever you are recording and posting these, thank you so much. This is the kind of stuff we are so lucky to have to commit to history. It needn't even be said that the thanks we all owe to these men is unparalleled. Thank you

@Oddball77th 2 жыл бұрын

most powerful video so far. for things that happened 80 years ago and for him to still be struggling with those things is when you know how much this man sacrificed for our country. the boys we sent to war and the things they have seen and done is unimaginable for us. Whenever you see a vet, tell them thank you.

@colcommissar23 2 жыл бұрын

When he talks about the 52 destroyers lost or damaged it is incredibly sad. His ship would have had the job of supplying and doing light repairs on those destroyers. It would be easy to feel responsible for taking care of them.

@NicholasMcClintock1 2 жыл бұрын

That poor man, having carried that pain for all those years - thinking of those taps on the ships hull.

@conorlane1 2 жыл бұрын

Another beautifully made memoir, thank you for doing such wonderful and important work!

@teddygunzbarno2102 2 жыл бұрын

It's so sad that he couldn't save the guys tapping till the day before Christmas but I'm happy he got a couple out and made friends with him 57 years later ❤️

@mschwanitz 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mr. Richard for sharing your story and for what you and your comrades did. Also thank you Josh for preserving it.

@michaellnss 2 жыл бұрын

I wish Joseph Richard peace in his life he sure suffered enough and is a true hero I feel for him when that pain hits that shit haunts him for life and just wish him the best and thankful for his service

@thejerseyj5479 6 ай бұрын

I recently watched a video about several men who were trapped inside a ship in Pearl Harbor. They were discovered several weeks after the attack and had been found dead. On the wall was a calender with days crossed off and there were two or three weeks crossed off.

@dodotesla 2 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful guy

@ROTTBOXX 2 жыл бұрын

That man is haunted by so much. But yet he did as much as one man could.

@_jesss 2 жыл бұрын

I watch all of your videos and every time I find myself in awe with how vivid the minds of these veterans are. 7:38 felt very real. Thank you Josh and your team for capturing Joseph’s story beautifully. “A date which will live in infamy.”

@jeffreyminor4701 7 ай бұрын

Take a good look at these veterans. This is the true spirit of the American people. Good people. Compassionate people. People who care about their fellow man (ie:humankind). No nonsense people. Common sense people. Hard working people. People who would try to save your life at a car accident, a fire, or a natural disaster. Look at these men who weep at the memory of the ones they couldn't save. Look how they reacted with bravery at Pearl Harbor. And look at how Americans cared about and helped each other on 9/11/2001. This is why America is great. Because of who we are as a people. I cringe at the memory of how Vietnam veterans were treated by the media when they came home wounded and broken. I am ashamed of how veterans were treated with contempt in that era. But I am forever proud of every American veteran of every era that served with honor and bravery. Who came home from war to a country they loved. God Bless America's Veterans Forever!

@dj_efk 2 жыл бұрын

I hope this gent’s children and grandchildren (and perhaps great grandchildren) are as proud of him as I am of my grandparents - “The greatest generation” is a description that simply doesn’t do them all justice.

@slackdaddy1912 2 жыл бұрын

The best book I’ve ever read was a book about the deep sea divers that salvaged Pearl Harbor after the attack. To roam around a ship that was pitch black and destroyed is quite a feat. Quite a story.

@CraftBeer4Life 2 жыл бұрын

I think it would pretty amazing to continue this storytelling tradition for Korean war veterans as well. That conflict was only 5 years later, and agewise, they aren't too far removed from WW2 vets.