Several viewers have noticed that I say that Operation Dragoon targeted the port of Toulouse, when the target was the port of Toulon. I give the name of the Chief of Naval Operation as Earnest Young. Actually, his name was Earnest King. I apologize for the errors.

Smart man, tough soldier, great actor and true patriot! Real man when the country needed real men! Thank you for your service, RIP!

I met Douglas fairbanks in the 1980's and he was as polite and debonair as the roles he played. Wonderful story.

That modest reluctance to speak about their war experiences was typical of the "Greatest Generation" My dad was one. We never knew he was at Bastogne, remagen bridge,and the liberation of the death camps until many years later when we convinced him to write down his experiences. He often said, "nothing special. just did my job like all the other guys I served with" RIP Dad

The father of our family friend was on a B-17 during the bombing campaign of Dragoon. Shot down and spent the remainder of the war in Stalag-17. Thank you for bringing this piece of history to the light!

When I was a young boy (13 or 14) I got to meet Douglas Fairbanks Jr at the most famous Hotel in Singapore. My Mother and us 5 kids were sitting on one of the round sofas in the lobby of the Hotel. When my Mother exclaimed. "there is Douglas Fairbanks Jr". We all responded "Who". Well my Mother told me to go over and ask him for his autograph. And be very polite about it. Well I walked over to where he was sitting on another round sofa and identified my self, stuck my hand out to shake his (as we were taught to do by our Father) and I asked him if I could have his autograph for my Mother. The man was quite old (like every other adult over the age of 30 was) and was polite and shook my hand. He said some very nice things about my manners and said he would love to give my Mother an autograph. He signed the paper I had brought with me and turned and waved to all of my brothers and sister and Mother. From that day forward I have always been interested in Mr Fairbanks work.

I was a late baby and graduated high school in 1988. I am proud of the fact that I had four uncles and an aunt (WAVE) who served during WWII. My last uncle died in May of 2022. I shall miss them. They were patriots, did their duty, and were fortunate enough to come back alive after seeing major combat. My Uncle Jack (aboard the USS Hinsdale) served during the Easter Sunday attack of Okinawa. He was making Easter eggs for all the troops on the ship (cook) when the Hinsdale was hit by a kamikaze strike. Many men were lost that day. The ship survived, but my uncle said that after the attack, he was covered in Easter egg dye and rope burns. He survived the attack, regained composure, and began to help save and search for wounded and survivors, and recover the dead. I saw him tell that story in later years with tears streaming from his eyes. God Bless all of The Greatest Generation.

I served in this unit. Due to the nature of our mission, we never got much attention.

Now I understand why he and David Niven were such close friends! Niven was also in the British special operations, and he must have met Fairbanks while he was assigned there.

Thanks for posting this story my fathers first exposure to combat was in Operation Dragoon. He served in the 36th Infantry Division, 141st Infantry Regiment. 3rd Battalion, Company M. The 1st Battalion would become known as the "Lost Battalion" They were rescued by the 442 Regimental Combat Team and sustained heavy casualties in the effort. The movie "Go for Broke" memorialized this action. My father was wounded in fighting in the Vosges mountains as well. Thanks again!

Slightly off -topic, but your mention of Clark Gable spurred me to comment. After the death of his wife, Carol Lombard, in a plane crash, Gable was despondent and signed up for the most dangerous job available at the time- joining a B-17 bomber crew as a waist gunner. He ended up in the same air wing my father served in, and Dad got to know Gable well. Several of his war stories featured Gable; attending dances on the base or in the nearby town of Bassingbourne, Gable - who could have his pick of beautiful women to dance with- always chose the three plainest women at the dance for his first three dances. My father asked him why, and Gable told him that he'd "go home after the war and back to Hollywood", and these women would always be able to "brag about how Gable chose them first, of all the women in town." It was very hazardous duty; at one point of the war, the casualty rate of that air wing rose to 80%, and the war-long service of that air wing suffered 60% casualties overall. The USAAF quickly realized that Sargent Gable was more valuable alive than dead and promoted him out of bomber duty; Gable ended up making propaganda films and a war documentary of the aerial war as well. He (and my father) were in the same group of bomber crews as the famous Memphis Belle. That crew was made famous solely to prove to the soldiers and their families back home that it was , indeed, possible to survive a tour of duty in the strategic aerial war... they were the first crew to do their required 25 missions with no casualties in the ten-man crew. This is the same air wing that were the very first American combatants in Europe, arriving in Britain in late 1942. The air wing received a Presidential commendation in recognition of their efforts, signed by Roosevelt. My father opted not to return to the US after his initial 25 missions, and flew a total of 53 missions. (91st Bomber Group, Heavy, 8th Air Force. If you watch the old propaganda films of the war, you'll often see planes with a big "A" on the tail- as the first bomber group to enter the war, they were assigned the A . The movie "12 O'Clock High" is loosely based upon that air wing and the combat footage used in the movie has many scenes of planes with the "A" tail marking. Bassingbourne's air field today is a memorial museum to the American air crews who served there and in all the other bases across England. When I visited England in the late seventies, many citizens, upon realizing I was a "Yank", would tell me how grateful they were of the American role in defeating the Nazis. All seemed to have a personal favorite stories from that time they wanted to share with their thanks. )

My uncle, Hugh Fox, was a Beach Jumper. He was member of the Beach Jumper Unit 4 Special Operations Group. Beach Jumpers Unit-4 were assigned to assist Marshal Tito's forces as well as British Commandos operating in the Adriatic during the later part of 1944. They were also instrumental in the rescue of Airmen of the 15th Air Force who were forced to evacuate their aircraft on return to their bases in Italy from missions over the Polesti oil fields. In addition some of them took part in land combat missions on several Islands along the Dalmation coastal area. Thanks for making this video!!!

Thank you so much, I salute the courage and patriotism of Mr. Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

I struggle to imagine ANY of todays movie "stars" conducting themselves in a manner that so many of those in the Hollywood of the 1940's did.

Thank you. Incredible. Other actors get more recognition for war service but he was the real deal.

My wife's father was a 19 year old signalman on LST529 when they landed troops on Utah Beach on D-Day....LST529 then sailed around France and landed troops during Operation Dragoon. So Robert saw a bit of action. He's living in a nice retirement home now, having spent his working career as an engineer for Caterpillar. He is 94 and in good shape...we visit for lunch every Tuesday.

"Too cool!" great story. This stuff should be taught in school.

Fantastic stories.. I was aware that Doug Fairbanks Jr. had served with the USNR in WW2 but had no idea that he was literally a bonafide 'war hero' to the extent that you wonderfully illustrated here. THANKS for all these fascinating stories.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR EPISODES as a history buff you bring to light stories I didn't know about THANK YOU and KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK

Once again, I am amazed at a story I knew nothing about. Thank You History Guy! I actually did know of Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart's WWII service. One of my many treasures is a 1945 copy of a Life magazine with Jimmy Stewart on the cover. Stewart and Gable were movie stars before the war, one soldier who took part in Operation Dragoon was future Hollywood actor, and America's most decorated soldier, Audie Murphy. (Another one of my favorite treasures is a July 1945 Life magazine with 20 year Audie Murphy on the cover) Another highly decorated American soldier from WWII who later became an actor is Neville Brand. I always found it fascinating that men who saw so much combat would become actors after the war; and that men with such fame and money before the war would become soldiers. You'd not see that coming out of hollywood today sadly!

Had no idea. Always liked Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Now I respect and admire him so much more.

I was so impressed by the story of Douglas Fairbanks Jr's wartime service and wanted to learn more that I just had to order his "A Hell of a War" biography. My thanks to The History Guy for this video and all the other amazing history stories that deserved to be remembered on this channel!

What a formidable man he was.. Had he not been so unasuming, he would probbaly have made rear admiral. Thank you for the great videos, and topics you bring up.

Damn! This is the making of a movie! Are you listening, Hollywood? You ought to be. Outstanding, Professor, thanks for sharing this and keeping the memory of it alive.

Thank you for remembering such a great man who could have easily been lost to history! I had no idea of his service years! Thank you again!

I didn't know he put out a book. Now I will be looking to buy one. Thanks for this story. I admired Douglas Fairbanks JR when I was growing up as a child in the late 60's watching re-runs.

My Father's Commanding Officer. Thank you History Guy. Dad was OSS trained. He appeared in Director John Ford's O.S.S. Training Films. The Old Man was a U.S. Navy S.A C.O Weather Observer in China Station after Ernie fired Mary.

I am a fan of old Hollywood, knew that Fairbanks had been in the Navy (he was an avid sailor), but was not aware of these amazing activities! Thank you! I am now off to find a copy of his book =) Edit: book ordered!

Such an amazing story! Thank you so much for giving these stories that absolutely should be remembered!

I feel pretty fortunate to have stumble onto your channel. Top level videos. Thanks, brother!

Thank you very much mr. History guy you're awesome that is so needed that we hold on to our history so our tomorrow can be brighter I thank you so much for your time your love and support of History once again thank you so much you do a outstanding job. James

Great stuff. Thank you so much. Another Dragoon participant was literal super-hero-soldier and future actor Audie Murphy......perhaps a piece on him would be nice?

I would disagree that Jimmy Stewart and Clark Gable received special treatment. They were in front line combat AAF bomber crews.

Those actors were true heroes back in the day. Their service does need to be remembered along with all of the others who served our country.

Great story, never heard of the Beach Jumpers.

another great true life story that would make a fantastic movie..thanks for enlightening us ...never heard this one before either!

Love the name “The Beach Jumpers” jokingly and unassuming!

I agree with others who have said this: The History Guy should be awarded for his work here!

Jackie Coogan was a glider pilot in the CBI Theater of war.

A Beach Jumper unit existed at the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia, during my tenure there in 1963-1965.

I knew one of the original beach jumpers, Mr. Richard Heath. Mr. Heath was a scion of a prestigious Boston Bramin famliy. He had been president of his class at Harvard 1932. After an attempt at a career as an actor, he joined his father-in-laws textile manufacture as a cotton buyer. When the war broke out he joined the Navy. He served a tour as an officer in the Mediterranean operations mentioned commanding a PT boat. Thereafter he served in the training command for Pacific operations. He mentioned having known Douglas Fairbsnks Jr and also socialized with Bogart. After the war Mr. Heath and his wife inherited a fortune and retired. He taught Sunday school, and supported various civic projects, had particular interest in historical preservation. Mr. Heath was a great guy. I miss him.

Amazing. Didn't know this in any way, shape or form and I've been studying World War 2 for 45 years. Thank you.

History guy your the best. I am learning so much from you. Thank you.

I realize you lean towards American History, but I would like to suggest 5 minutes on Lord Elgin,, the Governor General of Canada around 1847. Elgin upheld the provision of responsible government in Canada which led to rioting by the English and French in what is now Ottawa, Canada. He was also instrumental in creating a trade treaty with the US in 1854. I wrote a paper on it 30 years ago and found it quite fascinating and believe you would do a great job of painting a vivid picture for us. As you’ve likely guessed, I truly enjoy your snippets of history, that needs to be remembered, and really appreciate the work you do on this channel. Kind regards, Gordon Green Vancouver, Canada

My experience with utube would be very disappointing without the humble History Guy!

You can say more in 10 minutes than anybody can 30 minutes. Good job

Another 5 minutes of my life I can appreciate. Thank you Sir!

Another reason for the delayed D Day in southern France was a lack of landing craft. There was not enough to for both invasions. I get this information from the book Guns at Last Light by Rick Atkinson. The Trilogy he wrote starts with Army at Dawn, the Allied operations in North Africa. Followed by Day of Battle, the operations in the Mediterranean. The last book is called Guns at Last Light. The books are an outstanding read about history and those who experienced it. Like this channel there are many insights into the actions of the past. If you are interested in WW2 these books are a great read and you will learn a lot.

Thank you for sharing this fascinating story about Douglas Fairbanks Jr. What an impressive navy career. I'm a navy combat veteran who was part of the task force that established the coastal blockade of Vietnam. I can't elaborate but can say we were engaged is some deceptive operations and in one, may very well have had a joint operation with beach jumpers. That operation preceded seal landings in the area.

I could see this unit being ideal for a movie. Small unit tactics excellent. Thank you for this little bit of forgotten history.

Very good! People who have never served in the military often don't realize just how important a role deception plays in combat operations. Cheers, Russ

Every time I play a video of THG, I start by hitting the thumbs up button. I just know I am going to love it, and I am never disappointed. Always very interesting and informative. Thank you.

Another great job there "Guy". I knew Fairbanks did his own movie stunts, but your story showed him to be the "Real Deal". Thanks again for my education.

I knew Fairbanks served in the Navy, I didnt know the details....So awesome, they sure dont make'm like that anymore.....Thank you History Guy for you're post

My father was a Lt JG Beach Jumper in the Pacific. He was on Okinawa training for the invasion of Japan when the bomb dropped -- he had fully expected not to survive the war. He never met Fairbanks, though!

I really like hearing these stories about celebrities that enter the war and then are humble enough to want to leave their fame behind and really do something for a greater cause. Awesome.

Another captivating story...BTW, my older teachers often remarked that my collegiate good looks resembled Douglas Fairbanks, Jr....

Another great story, thank you for sharing. You do great work.

An addition to the list of stars that served, Eddie Albert drove Higgins boats

What a fascinating story! This just proves the fact all the more that these people who gave everything for their country in WW2 were by far the greatest generation.

My Uncle was on a PT Boat in WW2. Such a different type of person and values than today.

Thanks History Guy - true stories are the best stories, and you have thousands! This is my favorite channel on KZfaq - Keep up the good work! 😎🥂😎

I just came across this channel about a month ago. I love that you cover not just the "popular" history surrounding wars and major events, but cover important but little known history as well. Great Channel to subscribe to. I appreciate the enthusiasm you bring to each topic.

Thank you for a very enlightening five minutes History Guy. I'll be doing more reading on southern France campaigns.

I've read a lot about WW2. served most of the 70s in Germany. Yet, this is all news to me. Thanks.

That's a great piece! Thank you so much for sharing that.

Fairbanks was also flag lieutenant ( or aide) to the U.S flag officer working with the British during the formation and initial transit of convoy PQ-17, before it was ordered to scatter. There is an interesting report on the convoy in the Navy's Operational Archives.

Cool history, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. was one courageous man.

Wow- such a great story! Live, real history!

Robert Montgomery served on a destroyer in the Pacific and Eddie Albert (Green Acres) rescued many wounded Marines from the water at Tarawa. I am always amazed at the millions of personal stories that came out of WWII. We owe a debt to those folks that can never be paid.

There is a photograph of Fairbanks aboard PT309 during Dragoon. PT309 still exists, at the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas. Her sister boat which also served in Dragoon, PT305, also survives, at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

That was really good. It is one story I had not heard about WWII. Thanks that was great!

I love your channel - fortunately there are so many more to be enjoyed!

For the record,... Fleet Deception Groups were converted to a command called Fleet Information Warfare Center in 1995. FIWC existed for a long while until it was combined with the Naval Security Group Activities (NSGAs) in San Diego and Norfolk as the Naval Information Operations Centers (NIOCs) in those two naval stations. Fleet Deception still occurs in a different name, but under the same legacy tracing back to Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.

Live and learn. I didn't know that Douglas Fairbanks Jr. served on the Wichita. That was my dad's ship during the war. The Wicked Witch saw lots of action. Great story. Thanks.

I do love a good obscure history story. :)

Very interesting. I've never heard this story of the Beachjumpers and I am into a lot of WW2 history. Thank you History Guy.

Another great video. Thanks History Guy!!

A very interesting story. I knew nothing of this. Thanks for posting.

My new favorite channel!!!!

Love your work. Thank you.

Absolutely a great video , which instruct the masses bad me a better understanding of our history

Thank you for explaining what he did do in WW2 I couldn't get it out of him when I interviewed him in 1980. I knew he won the Silver Star and you rather passed over that.. I told him I knew he won the Silver Star and they don't have those trinkets out for nothing He was a complete gentleman and immodest to a fault. He did tell me I was the first person to ask him about the Silver Star since the war. I would like to think that I had a small part of getting him to think about it and finally write a memoir of it .

Great story! Several actors were war heroes but was just ordinary grunts at the time. Eddie Albert from Green Acres manning a landing craft comes to mind. A well known fashion designer was part of the Smoke and Mirrors deception team during the war but cannot remember his name. Glad to see this story about a great American.

I was assigned to FLTDECGRUPAC in the late 80's and it was awesome, still had fun with Ivan. I never knew the background on the Beach Jumpers and had even forgotten about it. Thanks so much for what you do, I really enjoy your channel!

LOVE your videos! Great research, great presentations.

My Father was one. "A Tunneyfish" , Beach Jumper, Scout Sniper and S.A.C.O "Weather Observer" Naval Station China. History Guy...I could keep you busy!

Terrific, as usual...many thanks.

Douglas Fairbank Jr - that was something I never knew, thanks

Thanks - I’ve heard nothing of this before, and I was born in 1951, and have always had an interest. Overlord is about all I am familiar with

I’ve probably watched 30 videos from this channel in the last 2 days

You are so needed on utube. Articulate and informative. "I SAY GOOD JOB - HERE HERE!!!"

Wow, Just Wow !! "Very high, indeed"... Great stuff THG, Great stuff indeed ! :)

My dad's favorite movie and one of my favorites as well is Gunga Din interesting that of all the Hollywood stars who made real and significant contributions in military service I was completely unaware of perhaps the finest

Fantastic show, congrats, I was happy to see you get the CNOs name corrected.

I never even heard of this! Amazing, Mr. History Guy!

Thank you for the wonderful history lessons!

Love your. Channel. I am in history fanatic as well believe that's how we learn keep up the good work I just discovered you today and I'm hooked thank you so much for all the effort and all the presentation is just as good as the information it's itself so you are doing a five-star production keep up the good work

Time and time again, you surprise me. Did not know anything about this history, both Douglas Fairbanks Jr. & the Beach Jumpers. Super interesting as I am an amateur WWII history buff

The Operation was nicknamed the Champagne Campaign.