Taking Cover from a Sniper | Conversations With a Veteran

Рет қаралды 92,549

Жыл бұрын

WW2 Veteran Herman Zerger of the 36th Infantry Division recalls the invasions of Salerno and Southern France, a tense standoff with an enemy sniper, and the harsh realities of being a Prisoner of War.
Memoirs of WWII Website: bit.ly/2w60kGM
Patreon: bit.ly/2HIebIN
Instagram: bit.ly/2FBGBhv
Facebook: bit.ly/2w5Lhgf
Twitter: bit.ly/2jlcp1A
Filmed by Christian McLean
Edited by Joshua Scott
Primary Musical Score Source:
artlist.io/
Artlist Songs and Composers:
“Beta Theme II” by Kyle Preston
“Memoirs Of WWII Theme” composed by Joshua Scott, performed by Jonathan Hadinger and Joshua Scott

Пікірлер: 302

@TayDays1128 Жыл бұрын

“My buddies have all passed away now” carries so much weight. Imagine all the moments, laughter, adventures, reduced to a memory in your head. No one else to tell the story, no one else to relate to. Just you teaching the youth what used to be.

@jakethompson9260 Жыл бұрын

Damn, it hurts the soul a bit.

@hohooooooooify Жыл бұрын

@@hyme278 for some.yes for many no

@erato99 Жыл бұрын

Well said. That’s it. All of the joy and pain and companionship gone and summarized in one 15 minute video.

@PANTHEON71 Жыл бұрын

your life is just a memory.. if someone remembers it

@realwealthproperties5671 Жыл бұрын

Very well said. Sad to think about to that way but so poignant.

@aaronhancock9864 Жыл бұрын

The ending talking about the reunion was the hardest part to watch.

@michaelcaslin3735 Жыл бұрын

Agreed it is depressing. I had two grandfathers who participated in the war but were not combatants. One served in intelligence and the other a cook in the navy stationed in Trinidad. To this day, even if they didn’t do the fighting, I really regret not asking them more.

@aaronhancock9864 Жыл бұрын

@@michaelcaslin3735 you and me both. It really put things into perspective with my own grandfathers and uncles after they passed away. There was so much I could've learned from them.

@terminallumbago6465 Жыл бұрын

@@michaelcaslin3735 The people in intelligence, auxiliary services, the home front, etc. were just as crucial to the war effort as those on the front lines.

@gordonhall9871 11 ай бұрын

yes -- heartbreaking

@jamesboring6445 Жыл бұрын

This episode hurt to watch. It saddens me that the heroes that fought in WW2 will be gone soon. They are the greatest generation we will ever know, and it is a privilege to have lived in the same lifetime as them.

@royboy9361 Жыл бұрын

Ain’t that the truth. Brave souls, I can’t thank them enough.

@SonOfNone 9 ай бұрын

@@royboy9361 Spot on. The best we can do is listen to their life stories, learn from it, and be as much like them as possible; steadfast and brave for their loved ones, their country, their way of life, for freedom.

@brett4264 Жыл бұрын

I remember, in 8th grade history, we got to hear an interview, like these interviews, of one of the last surviving veterans of the Civil War. It was, maybe, a 5-10 year old video. The soldier they interviewed had died since the interview. It was fascinating to hear his stories - just like its fascinating to hear these WWII interviews today. Thank you for the work you do, keeping this history "alive", is very important and a precious gift to everyone.

@devynyates1929 Жыл бұрын

Damn how old are you bruh

@kingengine5852 Жыл бұрын

@@devynyates1929 the last Civil War vet passed away in 1956 so before that time

@MrSweetpoeticjustice Жыл бұрын

@@devynyates1929 there’s videos of them speaking on KZfaq if I’m correct

@jscho8674 7 ай бұрын

The end, "My buddies have all passed away now", totally ripped me up.

@debnbhuy Жыл бұрын

It would have been my Dad's 96th birthday today. He died 11 years ago and I so wished I talked to him more about his wartime experiences. As a child growing up in the early 1960s and like most kids at that time we all played played games of soldiers although my Dad would get me to playfully march up and down our hall I was far too young to understand what war really meant. Time passes and we live our own lives and only late in his life did I ask about his experiences. I just so wished that I asked him more often and he told me more. Thankfully I have his service medals and his pay book and photos of him in the army. This is such an amazing site as these veterans remind me of my Dad and although I am now 61 years old myself I wish I could give all these guys a massive hug to thank them for what they went through. This channel just proves the insanity of war and that the human race is both evil but at times has real good in individuals like the chocolate bar story in this film. For the sake of all of us we must find a way to stop crazy idiots from getting power. The madness of Putin having a war when there is huge poverty in his country but rather than solving that problem he and his billionaire friends don't give a dam and ordinary Ukrainians and Russians die. China & Taiwan another situation which could so easily escalate but ask any Chinese or Taiwanese do you want to kill each other No would be the answer but countries "leaders" don't care how many die or who maybe are maimed for life. Its just a big game to them. We must find a better way to co exist and to have leaders that think that war is never an answer to a problem. Otherwise if the planet isn't destroyed we shall have future generations telling their story and it will just go on and on. We really need to evolve ! Sorry for the length of this comment but its been a weird day thinking of my Dad. Thanks for reading if you have made it this far !!

@elkoperchyshyn9066 Жыл бұрын

Very well said Paul. My father was a WWII army captain. I lost him in 1986. I was only 20. I have been blessed to be able to volunteer with some veterans support groups. Through this I have grown to know my father much better than I did when he was alive. If that makes sense….

@chuppoacobra Жыл бұрын

i wish that when I was a kid in the 70's and 80's that I would have been more aware of these men and what it was that they all did for the world. They were still relatively young men then in their 50's and 60's, but i was just a dumb, carefree kid with a bike that needed riding. National treasures.

@samik83 Жыл бұрын

Not a lot of them left. If they entered service at 18 years old, they are now in their late 90's. It's amazing they can still find these old vets to tell their stories.

@conpop6924 Жыл бұрын

@@samik83 i think its estimated around 200k are alive in the US. I would estimate world wide there is probably still close to a million. Russia has quite a lot still left living and Germany probably has some that are in only their late 80s or early 90s cause at the end of the war many children fought to try and hold off the Soviets

@mardiffv.8775 Жыл бұрын

My granddad was a WW2 vet, but he never spoke of WW2. He fought against the Waffen-SS in 1940, when they invaded my country the Netherlands. Vets in general do not want to talk about the war, they just want to move on with their life. I had a friend, who served in Vietnam. He told me that.

@chrissutnavage9601 Жыл бұрын

Eveytime I watch one of these I get teared up. Those poor boys went through hell and back. God bless these men, the burden they carried was enormous. During and after the war.

@Andyb2379 Жыл бұрын

Remember hearing a GI was going to land on Utah beach turned down a Fried breakfast in favour of a chocolate bar. He was the only guy in his landing craft that wasn’t sick. The others were all debilitated by seasickness and subsequently killed. He was the only Survivor to have made it off the landing craft up the beach because he was able to run think clearly. He put it down to not having a greasy breakfast.

@kevind3185 Жыл бұрын

Thank God for Men like this Gentleman. They literally saved the world.

@samuelsanchez6140 Жыл бұрын

They literally damned us to Liberalism

@kennethbailey6634 Жыл бұрын

They did save it,I don't understand how any vet does not get every benefit. I get it that all didn't face combat. But most of them did. If the VA budget can't afford it. The super rich should be volunteering dome if there money. I don't think people get war or battle around the world since the start of time. When you lose,it's over for your ass. You are subject to death, slavery or and rape. And I am not just talking women being raped.

@badxradxandy Жыл бұрын

Yay now we get to have transgender kids but at least we're not speaking German!!!!

@kevind3185 Жыл бұрын

@@badxradxandy Exactly Freedom for people to do as they wish if not harmful to others regardless of what others think.

@badxradxandy Жыл бұрын

@@kevind3185 I'm being sarcastic, little kids under 12 shouldn't be transitioning to another gender or taking drugs to block puberty. We "solved" the problems of Hitler only to create an equally awful and dystopian future ourselves. Maybe worse?

@danielhughes5517 Жыл бұрын

It's gonna be a really sad day when we lose our last WW2 veteran. I love these guys!!

@Peterbilt-yj5to Жыл бұрын

Yes, it truly will be! I wish I could meet one of these gentlemen! They sacrificed so much! And think we have politicians these days trying to undo the things these men stood/fought for! An example would be abortion and religious liberty! Treason is what it is! Sad stuff! Makes you feel bad for these last survivors who are watching it take place! Our Nation started going down hill when it left God and the Bible! Psalms 33:12a ''Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord'' Proverbs 14:34 ''Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.''

@ronaldcanzoni9400 Жыл бұрын

@@Peterbilt-yj5to 100 percent correct!!!! Nothing left But judjment!! Atomic ,This time, !!!! Sinners Repent!! The blood is still on the mercy seat.

@stevew6138 Жыл бұрын

The GREATEST Generation, period.

@DarkerThanBlack88 Жыл бұрын

This is probably the best channel on KZfaq. Every time I hear that intro it gives me chills

@ZachDunnTV Жыл бұрын

Absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing these veterans stories! I’ve actually started traveling around Ontario, Canada interviewing WW2 Veterans! Thank you again! :)

@oldskool1979 Жыл бұрын

Cool. Im in Toronto.. just subbed.

@andrewolding6571 Жыл бұрын

Just got yourself another sub, our Canadian stories often get so drowned out by the American voice. You are doing awesome work!

@terminatorelites4969 Жыл бұрын

I just subbed from a Mexican Californian it’s the least I can do can’t wait to check out your videos right now

@williamchastain9510 Жыл бұрын

Men like this have inspired me I am 20. One day, if it came down to it, I’d be willing to give up myself. Each died for a cause he considered more important than his own life. They didn’t volunteer to die, they volunteered to defend values in which men have always been willing to die if need be, for the values that make up what we call civilization. How they must’ve wished, in all the ugliness that war brings, that no other generation of young men to follow would have to share their same experience.

@SoCal780 Жыл бұрын

It’s nice to know that there are young ones out there like yourself that actually “get it.” You are a rare breed.

@TomFromYoutube Жыл бұрын

A man not willing to die for his beliefs ain't fit to live.

@PersianImm0rtal Жыл бұрын

We will never be as great as this generation

@andreilopiansky Жыл бұрын

we are the reason why the society will fall very soon.

@PersianImm0rtal Жыл бұрын

@@andreilopiansky Yes, and it is already happening.

@dj_efk Жыл бұрын

My grandad was in Sicily and Italy too with the Royal Engineers. Casino haunted him especially when the dementia really took hold. He was also on the Lancastria when that was sunk at St. Nazaire (look it up, very interesting), and was the under Monty’s command in Tunisia. There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about him and what he must have gone through. God bless the greatest generation.

@CasualApostate Жыл бұрын

Would he have nightmares?

@dj_efk Жыл бұрын

@@CasualApostate Funnily enough, no not especially! He would just flashback suddenly during the day and start telling a story of battles he'd been involved in - e.g. talk of "hosing people down" and quoting the German phrases the soldiers would say when they held their hands up to surrender etc.

@CasualApostate Жыл бұрын

@@dj_efk wow I find everything to do with ww2 and it’s generation of young men so fascinating. Do you think he ever fully realized his generations impact upon the modern world? I often hear them say it was just what they had to do but I view it as the fundamental battle for the soul of mankind, humanity at large.

@stevebruce1235 Жыл бұрын

Sadly when our WW2 veterans are passing my father passed on 1977 so thankful for this Chanel 🙏

@rikijett310 Жыл бұрын

I wonder if his buddy that was shot through his shoulder made it okay. Sir, thank you endlessly for your service and may God bless you always!!!! ✝️🇺🇸✝️ For me, shaking your hand would be as proud as shaking Eisenhowers back in the day.

@mr.secretsquirrel5920 Жыл бұрын

“My buddies have all passed away now” That quote with that photo was heavy. To think what those men went through together that kept them together all those years..

@advh4144 Жыл бұрын

Man all these videos make me feel so bad for these guys,I’m going in the army soon and I’m proud to wear our flag on our uniform to represent the fallen,and our heros.thank you for all the veterans on this channel,I will never forget you guys and you will be with me always.

@VictoryAviation Жыл бұрын

One thing that really matters is performing Military Funeral Honors for all out veterans. If you’re going active, then inquire about it once you get to your first duty station. If you’re going National Guard or Reserve, then inquire about it when you get back from basic and/or AIT. If you have any questions at all please hit me up. I’ve been involved in all levels of Military Funeral Honors my full 22+ year career and it’s one of the most important things I’ve done with my life. I’d be overjoyed to share how you can be a part of giving to those that took the oath before us.

@advh4144 Жыл бұрын

@@VictoryAviation yes I’m going active I signed for 11B,may I still be part of those funerals?I would like to do that as I wanna there

@ApacheJay156 Жыл бұрын

Sorry dude, the time of the military representing any kind of heroes is long past. You're representing legal but segs in Botswana, black trans influencers twerking on broken statues of the founding fathers, and the expansion of greater Israel.

@mclarenscca Жыл бұрын

There's not a channel on KZfaq that grips me like Memoirs! Every single video brings me to tears! Our WW2 heroes are all but gone, and it is such a honor to be able to hear the stories from the ones that are left! There are simply no words to discribe how grateful I am for their sacrifice, and honor! ❤️❤️❤️🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

@josefadams647 Жыл бұрын

this man passed away in 2021. when was this video made? GOD BLESS HIS SOUL.

@keithfurr7224 Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir, It is difficult to hear about the cancellation of the veterans meetings, I am truly impressed with your actions during the war to save our nation and the greatest generation since the war to build a great nation. God bless you sir.

@klachingmacgaming8400 Жыл бұрын

it shoking to seee how the past used to look like these men died for our nation everyday we are loosing men like this we need to find more men for their story to be told love to ''Memories of WWll

@ElPapoLos Жыл бұрын

Get excited every time I see an upload

@ramsesrodriguez1049 Жыл бұрын

Like, comment, and subscribe because the world needs to hear these brave stories of heroism.

@paultomlinson2695 Жыл бұрын

The ending is why what this channel is doing filming documenting and recording these interviews is so unbelievably important. Every soldier involved in WW1 has passed away it’s been over 100 years and even the guys who were 16-17 years old had to have been born1899-1902? Right? July 28, 1914 - November 11, 1918 it’s 2022. Having these last amazing individuals tell first hand WW2 accounts before they pass on and we’ll all have to wait to hear it in heaven when we pass and where they will be having there infinite veterans reunions. Thank you.

@Onlytheclouds Жыл бұрын

When he says his buddies have all passed away now…that hits deep. He knows he will be with them again soon.

@moparedtn Жыл бұрын

*Thank you* Mr. Zerger. May God bless and keep you and your family, sir. - Ed on the Ridge

@jamesmurphy1480 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for your service sir I’m sorry for your troubles I hope that you will find peace someday

@Asymmetrical-Saggin Жыл бұрын

ww2 needs to never be forgotten and always taught to the upcoming generations. I can not imagine how life was during the 40s.. such a dark dark time in history. These heroes need never be forgotten. Thank you for your unmatched bravery, courage and honor. Giving us the freedom we have. These docs are so great and much needed. But so sad.

@nohop25 Жыл бұрын

My people conquered the Monte Casino, Polish men did what appeared impossible. Years later, in 2017 I went went to the university in the UK, the neighbout of mine was in his 90's and he fought alongside my countryment at the Monte Casino in the artillery, I was lucky enough to talk to him and hear all the stories. He did have a hitlerjugend bayonet and many other artifacts that he acquired during his time at the War. I will always have chills and always remember when I have asked him how did he get all these and he looked me dead in the eye and said: ' I took it from the dead Germans'. This brave man was still a soldier in his heart after all those years.

@michaelahern3006 Жыл бұрын

Nothing short of remarkable.

@BigRed0 11 ай бұрын

My grand father stormed the beaches of Normandy . I am so proud to be his grandson. Wave 3! Thank you grandpa! He would tell stories that you could see it happening in his eyes. I miss him so much. The greatest generation that ever lived. Private 1st class, Morris Widelitz. A polish jew fighting the nazis !!

@xvsj5833 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this moment in history. We should never forget always to appreciate your sacrifice, courage and service for freedom 🇺🇸 God Bless You Sir❤️

@rubinsviridovich494 Жыл бұрын

These testimonies are amazing, please keep making them!

@devinmyers8547 Жыл бұрын

Thanks once again guys great job

@Hevynly1 Жыл бұрын

Something about that ending was sadder than any of the videos that have come before it. This world has lost something, not having The Greatest Generation in large numbers anymore. It will be a tragic day when the last living soldier from WWII has finally passed.

@MiiLee_11 Жыл бұрын

Incredible…you can see him reliving those moments … God bless him 🙏🏽

@paulscala2907 Жыл бұрын

This channel is exceptional

@mikemcsweeney4753 Жыл бұрын

Bless you Sir!

@jonathonkennedy9321 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the work you guys do.

@MachineGunMike Жыл бұрын

This was a very touching episode. Keep you the great work preserving these memories.

@martymonaco1255 Жыл бұрын

Every time I watch one of these, I seen the inner pain come out. It's so real.

@jonathanl2748 Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@MemoirsofWWII Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your support!

@xochitl9161 9 ай бұрын

Deepest gratitude Sir. You are all Heroes.

@todds4101 Жыл бұрын

Another great video from you folks. Bless Herman.

@chillis28 Жыл бұрын

much respect Sir!

@foxtrotcharlie7294 Жыл бұрын

Your channel is great. Please keep doing what you are doing. These are things no one ever needs to forget.

@michaellnss Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Herman for your service and sacrifice your a hero just like the brothers who fought along side you and didn't get too come back it's because of you guys and your sacrifices that allow us too live the way we do world can't thank you guys enough I wish you the best and hope your remaining years are amazing and great

@kevinthorpe8435 Жыл бұрын

Fascinating. Thank you Sir.

@Falkriim Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing.

@Cybermat47 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, sir, for remembering your painful past so that we younger generations can learn from you.

@haroldadkins770 Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir God bless you

@robbiemcc4355 Жыл бұрын

Incredible.

@spg77777 Жыл бұрын

This may be the best interview I've seen so far on this channel. Thank you.

@johnzabik270 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for your service 👍 and I appreciate you so much

@camann33 Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@raceflags Жыл бұрын

Thank You For Your Service,You can stand tall.Amazing history

@guythurman8355 Жыл бұрын

I absolutely love these. Thank you for your service, and thank you for the greatest generation.

@HugeSweetTea Жыл бұрын

These are always great and so powerful. Thank you for what you do to put these mens stories out there!

@max-zo5ew 11 ай бұрын

Wow so sad thank you for your service

@kentd4762 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Mr. Zerger, for your service! May God bless you abundantly.

@nathanielbailey108 Жыл бұрын

This is my favorite KZfaq channel. Everything else on KZfaq is for my entertainment, or in rare cases instruction. This is so wholesome, and one of the most amazing efforts any group of people have ever undertaken. Keep going! Get to as many as you can.

@TheNadzed Жыл бұрын

Unbelievable. It's hard to imagine the things they went through

@josephtrahan8045 Жыл бұрын

Great story! So sad & funny. What a legend!

@SoCal780 Жыл бұрын

All of these stories are so riveting, informative, heartbreaking, and yet inspirational at the same time. I think that they should be shown in EVERY history class across the country. What you are doing by bringing these men’s stories to us matters. Thank you.

@markleblanc3447 Жыл бұрын

It makes me so Sad that all these brave Heroes are leaving us. God Bless You Sir.

@dodibenabba1378 Жыл бұрын

My buddies have all passed away now, wow that hit home like a ton of bricks. Bless him.

@petkoyanakiev244 Жыл бұрын

Amazing story.Thank you sir to give us a freedom today.Thank you for your service in the name of freedom.

@randallrogers8183 Жыл бұрын

These interviews are a gift to mankind. I’m donating.

@Skiff-zo2rz Жыл бұрын

I was so touched from this story and the bravery this man had, facing the enemy and just doing his best that his friend was takin care of. God bless him and all the veterans

@M0101EP Жыл бұрын

Happy I've found your channel!

@russellniebolt1493 Жыл бұрын

This was really good. Thank goodness for the millions of Herman’s we had during that horrendous war. And WW1 too. And Korean and Vietnam.

@gilwhitmore9682 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for bring his story to us. I am glad he made it. If he had been captured sooner he might not lasted. God bless him and all that servered.

@DanielJMathews1 Жыл бұрын

This was a great video, I'm sorry Mr.Herman that your friends are all gone but I'm glad that you were able to tell your story to me through this KZfaq channel. I pray for your continued good health and thank you for your service good sir 🙏 😊 👍

@cg_bones Жыл бұрын

This will one day be one of the few left 1st hand documents of ww2 thank you for this work on behalf of the people of the future

@dakotadennett6979 11 ай бұрын

All of these men and women shown on this channel are hero’s, thank you soo much for taking the time to speak with them and share the stories with us all! Never forgotten

@jamsum7215 Жыл бұрын

I love how you type up the closed-captioning instead of having it be automated!

@twangoldenbass Жыл бұрын

I am thankful for the opportunities provided for veterans; I just want our country to be a place where veterans are superbly taken care of and then some. I think all of us can help contribute to make this a reality, and thank you as always for doing your part here at Memoirs. Each moment of every video is so cherished. What I would give for my grandfather to have been featured on one, he was ARMY 1st Cavalry Division, 5th regiment, pacific theater/Philippines. Thank you Memoirs

@jbatt6088 Жыл бұрын

You can feel the experience in his voice. Such an amazing human. We need more people like him in this world. God bless his soul.

@richardthornhill4630 11 ай бұрын

Thanks to all our veteran who served.

@dorianleclair7390 Жыл бұрын

Had me tearing up at the end. It is so sad they are fading so fast in there very old age. They will never be forgotten and are country will always be grateful for what they did.

@AZAce1064 Жыл бұрын

😢Thank you

@alicemcpherson7961 10 ай бұрын

Thank you Sir for your service. We would not have our freedom without you sacrifices.

@riteshyeddu9186 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@jayalexander8107 Жыл бұрын

These stories make me feel greatful for the sacrifices of the men before me

@roccoelleto9900 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your sacrifices you gave to your country. The pain in this man's expressions was hard to watch. I pray one day the nightmarish visions in you head fade and you find peace within.

@bmcheatingplumbing Жыл бұрын

What an an amazing channel

@drewsaldana5684 Жыл бұрын

I’m glad I tuned into this one because he gave me some insight of what my great grandfather dealt with in the 88th. He got injured in Italy either by a sniper or shrapnel. Unknown because documents got destroyed in a fire at a military warehouse and story’s get diluted over time by family memories.

@Elwing1 Жыл бұрын

This one was particularly touching, as he was talking about the reunions. Of course humans only live so long, and we all pass on, but it doesn't make it any less poignant when you hear one of these old veterans describing that realization... to live through such hell with these guys, and then to come to such a pedestrian end that your reunion has to be cancelled because there aren't enough of you left to attend... damn. Heartbreaking.