God Bless Donald Mates. He passed June 1, 2023. RIP Semper Fi. Love you Dad.
@theosophicalwanderings7696
6 ай бұрын
God bless you, your father, and your family. What a man
@DelanoBettencourt
6 ай бұрын
Heaven has a place for you ❤😢
@DelanoBettencourt
6 ай бұрын
FTN
@NOVA__tire_man69
5 ай бұрын
@@DelanoBettencourt????
@nmr6988
5 ай бұрын
God bless your father's memory.
@wattage2007
Жыл бұрын
“I’m still looking for that recruiter.” Laughed out loud at that! Maximum respect to this brave old gentleman.
@shelleyyoung6386
Жыл бұрын
ME TOO. I THOUGHT NO ONE OTHET THAN ME, B CO 62ND TK BN
@dennistate5953
Жыл бұрын
I love you! My grandpa Sgt. Paul Junior Stewart, USMC, Silver Star, Pacific & Chosin.
@k45207
Жыл бұрын
I totally did too 😂
@giovannicarosa8819
Жыл бұрын
Even recruiters back then were shady! Lol….must be part of their recruiting heritage. 😂
@tommyriam8320
Жыл бұрын
_'I wanna tell ya, _*_to this day_*_ , I'm looking for that recruiter.'_
@ThurgoodJenkinz
Жыл бұрын
Donald Mates died less than 2 weeks ago on June 1st 2023 at 97 years old. We all thank you for your service and bravery. Rest easy sir.
@roywright7011
10 ай бұрын
So many men were wounded,died or had their mind and soul damaged or destroyed. They gave so much so I could live my life. Please read Sgt Reckless, the total story read how the japanese worked koreans to death. Study the batan death march and the chines comfort women. America was not and is not perfect but we are trying. An American Indian
@John-mf6ky
7 ай бұрын
RIP
@FeltedAugie
7 ай бұрын
o7 o7 o7
@AAARREUUUGHHHH
6 ай бұрын
After all he went through on Iwo Jima and afterwards, he went on to see the 2020s. What a tough man.
@shokthapublik
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for leaving this comment. May his soul rest in peace.
@Ok-551
2 жыл бұрын
Imagine fighting alongside your best friend, and losing him like that. Tough men.
@nicholaswilson2761
Жыл бұрын
My grandfather’s cousin, Darrell Samuel Cole, was killed on the first day of Iwo. He had been in the Corps since 1941 and was at Guadalcanal and a few other battles. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously and the USS Cole was named after him in 1996 (the same involved in the terror attack in Yemen in 2000).
@randypobstofficial
Жыл бұрын
Wow. Respect 🇺🇸
@sharonporter7132
5 ай бұрын
God bless this very brave man. What an outstanding career. Thanks to him. ❤🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
@zrunner240Z
5 ай бұрын
Wow! Amazing story. God Bless his soul
@JackPeters-g5z
5 ай бұрын
This a very intelligent man as well as courageous.
@americanhighlander3448
4 жыл бұрын
I raised my children to admire men like this, instead of celebrities. These men, and women, truly were "The Greatest Generation"
@usafcombatcontroller5360
4 жыл бұрын
I wholeheartedly agree. Sadly, most teenagers today have never even heard of Iwo Jima, or Guadalcanal, or Saipan, ect.
@chairmanoftheboard11
3 жыл бұрын
Big facts
@jackthorton10
3 жыл бұрын
This Young American still remembers, always will remember
@Rfnipko
3 жыл бұрын
Only Men....no need to include Women....otherwise if you are serious I know for sure your children have not been raised well.
@roderickstockdale1678
3 жыл бұрын
Bob Nipko we need to respect all of those who serve our country.
@hpygolkyone
6 жыл бұрын
A man who lived a lifetime by the age of 17. Very humble.
@roderickstockdale1678
5 жыл бұрын
hpygolkyone he went AT 17, he fought the battles at 18 and 19.
@micahharkins7121
5 жыл бұрын
Ok, same thing. He still lived more of a life time before the age of 20 than most ppl today. No need for particulars
@jennifersuchan5119
5 жыл бұрын
My great uncle Don
@Jet-xk7ss
Жыл бұрын
Lost my dad at Iow. Have a picture of a young sweet man and his Purple Heart. Now every time I see a man in a military uniform I get so proud and tear up.
@lurking0death
2 жыл бұрын
I am a Vietnam combat veteran. For what it is worth, I find this man utterly believable and accurate. It echoes what thousands of Nam vets also experienced.
@1793912
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome home! Thanks for your service.
@shelbysupersnake8575
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome home , although it's very late in being said , you are a HERO in my eyes , just as much as everyone who has worn a military uniform and has defended our great Nation.
@markhagood6662
2 жыл бұрын
God bless.
@alexfriedman2047
2 жыл бұрын
then... Thank you for your service. You guys were true heroes, trying to save the Vietnamese people from Communism. South Vietnam would be like South Korea if we had won. Serriously thank you for your service. IF there is ever a war against North Korea or China I would be ready to fight and if need be lay down my life.
@xmaseveeve5259
2 жыл бұрын
I don't. Or Vietnam. Read Miles Mathis.
@davidnowicki4024
Жыл бұрын
My dad was there with him. Never talked about it and struggled a lot with what he had encountered. Thank you, Don at 60 now, I see it much differently.
@Ijustwannagohome0212
Жыл бұрын
I am from South Korea. We will never forget the brave heroes who fought against imperialism.
@iBleedStarsAndBars
4 жыл бұрын
This man makes me so proud to be an American. Thank you sir for all you've done for us. God bless
@billyclub56
Жыл бұрын
These guys paved the way & gave people the right to be Weak, wear manbuns, choose if you wanna be a boy or girl, disrespect Everyone & expect Everything! Sad
@iBleedStarsAndBars
Жыл бұрын
@billyclub56 I agree, and it's a damn shame. Weak men bring hard times, and these sissies and weirdos in our society will be thinned out one day, hopefully.
@VonaeSanchelle7570
2 жыл бұрын
My Uncle was a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima.... He passed away at 93 yrs. He was one tough guy, and refused to ever forgive the Japanese. He would still get in a rage when he talked about Iwo Jima
@mountainplumbing
Жыл бұрын
Same with my Grandfather. He would be coking my Grandmother in his sleep talking about Japs. Lost him in 2020. He was 16 when he Joined and had his first purple heart before 18. He had a Grenade wound him in a fox hole on Iwo Jima.
@redrocks1983
2 күн бұрын
My Uncle would lose his mind if any family member even thought about owning a Japanese automobile. He came back, had 5 kids, and started a business until he passed away at 75. They don't make them like those WWII guys anymore.
@amossss
2 жыл бұрын
My great Grandfather was a .50 cal machine gunner for the 3rd division in Guam. Robert L Mull. I love seeing stories about his division.
@janetarmstrong7010
Жыл бұрын
Reading your comment from Guam, USA! Been here since 1989 as a teacher. Now I'm retired.
@BillRandy-r9i
6 ай бұрын
My grandfather was in the 3rd armored division during Korea God bless them men for their service
@samiam261
2 жыл бұрын
I could listen to this man talk for hours. Thank you Don for your service.
@meledog1357
7 ай бұрын
Shut up and make your own life interesting you dirtbag
@billt7283
6 жыл бұрын
Hero in my books. Incredible that he still picks volcanic ash/shrapnel out of himself. Thank you For doing this interview too Don.
@KangazRooBoyz
4 жыл бұрын
Much love and respect from Japan 🇯🇵
@andymckane7271
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Domo Arrigato, to all the people of Japan!
@Dee-nonamnamrson8718
4 жыл бұрын
I'm glad that your ancestors surrendered to the U.S., if it had been Russia, you might look like North Korea. I'm glad you're free. My fellow countrymen in the U.S. are squandering their hard earned freedom, please hang on to yours!
@KangazRooBoyz
4 жыл бұрын
@@Dee-nonamnamrson8718 sending prayers and love to you and your family and all of Russia that are in suffering 🙏🏽❤️
@Dee-nonamnamrson8718
4 жыл бұрын
@@KangazRooBoyz Thank you! We can use all the prayers we can get. I pray all is well in Japan, and that happiness makes itself readily available to you and your loved ones.
@peteyou2325
4 жыл бұрын
Great and interesting interview. My father also served in the Third Marine Division in the Pacific. He served on Guam, Bougainville and Iwo Jima. He passed away about eight years ago at the age of 92.
@janetarmstrong7010
Жыл бұрын
Reading this from Guam, USA. Blessings to your dad. I'm a retired teacher not in the military.
@j0daze
4 жыл бұрын
I am so grateful that he shared these stories with us. Thank you sir!
@denniscarterjr3960
Жыл бұрын
This guy had me laughing in the first 3-minutes with how he joined the service. These men really went through a lot of trauma and pain and I truly believe they are our best generation. I salute them all.
@nigeldewallens1115
4 жыл бұрын
I as an English man wanted to listen to what the young American did back then, as My parent were in the European battle in England! My mum was in the W.R.A.F she died aged 95 on 27th September 2019! I would like to say a big thank you to all those that were in WWII whatever front they were in as they are all thoroughly brave souls and had they not stood up and been counted, none of us would have the life they gave to us! It is honestly chilling to hear what this man went through! I do not know if he is still alive and would just like to say thank you for what you did back then! We are all bloody lucky to have had people like this back then! Sigh
@roderickstockdale1678
2 жыл бұрын
England had their own WAACs?
@GluteMaximuz
2 жыл бұрын
@@roderickstockdale1678 WAAF if WW2, 1939 to 1949. WRAF 1949 to 1994.
@roderickstockdale1678
2 жыл бұрын
@@GluteMaximuz women’s army air force?
@GluteMaximuz
2 жыл бұрын
@@roderickstockdale1678 womans auxiliary air force.
@kronk420
4 жыл бұрын
What a brilliant man! His honesty and insight is blinding and can only come from someone who has seen action!
@robertboney4493
3 жыл бұрын
How intelligent this vet is; a brave guy!
@williamlavallee8916
Жыл бұрын
He didn't have to speak to us, and share all that. I thank him for that and his candor.
@ek2156
2 жыл бұрын
Mr. Mates, you really are a treasure for our country. I wish more young people would hear your story, and understand the horrors that you and your generations had to endure in WW2.
@jbarrer2196
5 жыл бұрын
The greatest generation. My dad flew B29s from Guam, Saipan, and Iwo.
@haroldmclean3755
Жыл бұрын
High Kudos 👍 B - 2 9
@garymckee8857
4 жыл бұрын
This man tells like it really is even to this day it's the same story. Semper Fi.
@dennisyoung4631
3 жыл бұрын
It is possible he’s reliving some parts of his experience. I’ve had *my* experiences come back to haunt me - the sights, sounds and especially, the smells. I *still* have reactions in hospitals fifty plus years later, and hospital disinfectant is the worst. I’ve smelled *ether* (early sixties anesthetic) when describing what it was like. Only dealing with Mengele himself would have been much worse, and that was for that portion - being treated like an object, an experiment…. There was more, much more. These people endured worse, though.
@dalegates8621
2 жыл бұрын
Wow... I never comment but this was one of the best remembrances I have ever heard. Neither myself or any of my siblings or cousins have ever served in the military but my father and his three brothers all served in WW2, my grandfather in WW1,his father rode with the confederate calvery and his great grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War. They served and many died so we can enjoy the freedom so many take for granted. I salute you all and we will never forget.
@Naltddesha
Жыл бұрын
The Forrest Gump sequence talking about Lt. Dan’s heritage just ran through my mind, haha
@raymondmanderville505
Жыл бұрын
@@Naltddesha I was visualizing it as well
@darylhoskins5696
Жыл бұрын
What an Impressive Blood Line ! Great Heritage!
@gerrymacgregor4640
2 жыл бұрын
I’m so grateful to our boys that fought for me and my country. I wasn’t born yet but I pray for them now that they’re old. God bless them and keep them.
@TAllyn-qr3io
Жыл бұрын
My grandfather, his four brothers, fought in WW2…two in the Army, one Navy and one Marine and all seven of his sisters, two were WAC officers and the other five were WACS. They all served in the theaters of war. On my fathers side, his father was stationed aboard the Arizona and was enroute with messages when the attack happened. My father was killed in Vietnam and he was a Marine. Our families were very military oriented and I was nudged through the scouts. Got sick of college and my senior year, so I joined the Navy as a sonartech submariner. Found out I was claustrophobic at sub school and went surface sonar on a destroyer. After my first enlistment I went straight into the Army as a prime power technician and retired as a 1SG. All of my family was so proud of me and they were all alive while I was on active duty. Funny to see that recruiters have always been less than honest. Great video 🫡😉
@binko969
2 жыл бұрын
The Japanese “spigot mortar” the gentleman mentions he saw on Iwo-Jima fired a 660 lb shell and was immense. Terrifying. I’ve heard other Marines speak about it. Eugene Sledge mentions it in an interview when speaking about Peleliu and Okinawa. And I’ve heard it mentioned in interviews about Bougainville & tarawa. These guys are men among men. Real life action hero’s.
@dmorton8054
2 жыл бұрын
My dad was in 3rd marine div, also was part of the third wave attack on Iwo Jima , he was a field musician of company C 3rd Marines .He passed in 2001,I have the bugle he carried with him and a small film container labeled "sand from Iwo Jima. He told me about the landing there, and it was just as Don had described. They were very lucky to get out of there with their lives. True heros by my standards.
@marchitson5757
2 жыл бұрын
My dad was also in 3rd marine div 3rd wave on Iwo
@roderickstockdale1678
2 жыл бұрын
So the 3rd marines did fight on Iwo?
@GodLovesYou1624
2 жыл бұрын
@@marchitson5757 my dad as well.
@fascistalien
Жыл бұрын
My great grandpa died in iwo jima during the ww2
@AM-br4ix
Жыл бұрын
my Grandfather, Antonio "Bully" Gugliano was there in Iwo Jima. The famous flag raising: the 2 men on the left of the photo my Grandfather saved them before they raised the flag. He was in the 4th Marine Division. God bless all the Veterans! I am Veteran of peacetime in the 80's. Army 77th Field Artillery. I was in the first MLRS Unit in the Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. My Grandfather played for the Marines in Baseball, was the 1955 Championship in his weight division as a Boxer (knocked out Marciano once in a sparring match), used to be a Track star in high School, used to average 4 touchdowns a game while playing Semi-Pro football, a Real Gentleman. Italian, married to my Grandmother (mother's side) for 35 years before he died of a heart attack on his front lawn with our dog, T.J. (named after my grandfather Tony Junior) and Grandmother after coming home from a wedding....he was truly one of the Greatest men I ever knew. He did not live long....59.5 years!! He was also a roofer for 45 years having worked on most of the major hospitals and big buildings here in Syracuse, NY.
@Jamestele1
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Don Mates, for your brave service. I was an Army Infantry 11 Bravo, in the 1990s and I can't even imagine how hard Marine training at Paris Island is in the early 40s or now. You are part of the reason that I did not have to speak German - unless I wanted to in high school!
@smasher.338
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, i remember being in afghanistan, during one of the elections, and for whatever reason they decided to hit us with dozens and dozens of mortars and rockets instead of the average 2-3. Even then, after 30-45 mins of puckered butt holes, i vividly remember thinking how this probably wouldn't have interupted their meal. Thinking about bastogne (which funny enough was the name of task force i was attached to), and having to essentially sit in the open because the ground is frozen solid and you cant dig a decent fox hole, all while going through barrages of every kind of artillery the germans had, and all fired by a highly trained battle hardened enemy, mind you. With no where to run, no cover, no qrf, no air support. All while feezing w no warm clothes. There was no comparison.
@mskellyrlv
2 жыл бұрын
What a profoundly moving interview. i can't summon the words to express the respect, admiration, and deep thanks I feel for this man, and his brothers who preserved our country.
@pappap1702
2 жыл бұрын
Another national treasure. This generation accomplished so much and really did save the world. Salute and all my respect.
@johnnymcblaze
Жыл бұрын
The whole point of the war was to establish Israel as a nation. It's no coincidence that hitlers personal seal is also the family seal of the Roths childs.
@davidcurran8788
5 жыл бұрын
My uncle was a Marine on Iwo Jima and when angry would sometimes rant about those "sons of Tojo".
@dogpatch5220
4 жыл бұрын
Lee Marvin the actor survived Iwo Jima, also a Marine my generation knew as Captain Kangaroo!
@TyLockton
4 жыл бұрын
@@dogpatch5220 Captain Kangaroo never left the continental united states, didn't land on Iwo, and didn't serve with Lee Marvin. "Keeshan was born in Lynbrook, New York.[3] After an early graduation from Forest Hills High School in Queens, New York, in 1945, during World War II, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, but was still in the United States when Japan surrendered. He attended Fordham University on the GI Bill. He received his Bachelor's in Education in 1951.[4] An urban legend claims that actor Lee Marvin said on The Tonight Show that he had fought alongside Keeshan at the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. However, Marvin never said this, not having served on Iwo Jima,[5] and Keeshan himself never saw combat, having enlisted too late to serve overseas.[6]"
@roderickstockdale1678
3 жыл бұрын
Ty Lockton [4].He did say it but it was a joke, and then it turned into a myth. [5].Marvin was never in fact on Iwo, having previously been wounded on Saipan.
@strix-nebulosa
2 жыл бұрын
PFC Mates, I thank you so deeply for your service. You've been through more than anyone these days, I get emotional when I see one of these videos chronicling a service members experience. Again, thank you, sir.
@barrysipe8611
2 жыл бұрын
Mr. Mates would be 93 years old at this writing. I hope he is still here inspiring young men to be better men as his story was so well told and as I said, inspiring. I can see how he was chosen for his training and his jobs. He is, to this day, an extremely bright, intelligent and thoughtful man. I am a Vietnam era vet but I was so very fortunate to be chosen to do a job not near combat but in support of some of the brightest an best in the Navy. I could go for a long time honoring this man but must congratulate this man’s family for having such a hero to respect and honor. You are such a fortunate group.
@matthewminelli
2 жыл бұрын
96*
@Browns66kid
Жыл бұрын
This is my husband's uncle. I have heard many of his stories and all are extremely intriguing. We are all so very proud and grateful to him and so many other for their uncommon valor and bravery. He is alive and well and as sharp as ever! My son is in the Army mostly due to his admiration and respect for Uncle Don.
@fascistalien
Жыл бұрын
173 years ago i was born, who am i?
@marywoodruff2650
Жыл бұрын
Donald A Mates passed away 6/1/23 - I am his granddaughter
@bruh1077
Жыл бұрын
@@marywoodruff2650 He’s in heaven guarding the gates I’m sure. May he rest in peace.
@williamtownsend3279
5 жыл бұрын
Incredible story. An honor to even hear it. So many heros. My grandfather was red arrow Brigade in New Guinea. I wish he could have sat down and talked like this. I heard in bits and pieces. Didn't talk much about it, though.
@godofthewinter9702
4 жыл бұрын
Much respect to you and our military service men current and past
@mattbibb1622
2 жыл бұрын
I hope this gentleman is still around and doing well. The guys that lived this stuff and are still here are national treasures
@marywoodruff2650
Жыл бұрын
he just passed away yesterday. i am his granddaughter. 6/1/23
@dylanvazquez9374
Жыл бұрын
@@marywoodruff2650sorry for your loss and thank you to your grandfather for his service.
@brave_dave
4 жыл бұрын
Shout out from Cleveland OH! Thank you for your service Marine. We salute you.
@adrianrosenlund-hudson8789
3 жыл бұрын
You have to love men like this. I've always admired the courage and tenacity of the American soldier (especially in in WW2), but those who fought in the Pacific deserve special admiration. They're almost always very modest, downplaying their own incredible bravery, but there's no finer example of soldiery. God bless them all. I'm very grateful to them
@Jakal-pw8yq
2 жыл бұрын
My dad was a World War II vet, Us navy, South pacific. He was assigned to a destroyer that was blown out from under them in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The name of the ship escapes Me. He was then assigned to a ship called the Norton Sound where they saw action off Iwo Jima and then Okinawa. He said Okinawa was the absolute vision of hell with the kamikazes. His ship's mission was to pick up downed US pilots and to kill any Japanese in the water because they would throw grenades on board the ships or fire any weapons that they had to try to kill the Americans. Dad used to wake up screaming in the night about the incoming kamikazes. I miss him everyday. He was my true hero and another humble example of the greatest generation.
@zanderbear2487
2 жыл бұрын
My great grandfather served in the 1st infantry division on the storming of Omaha beach he went on to serve in all 4 branches during his more than 20 years of service and heroism before becoming a drill instructor during Korea and retiring to work with his hands for the next 65 years total badass and all around great guy I was happy to know for much of my early childhood of which I can remember well thanks to your family as well for service and valor 🤝🤝🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@MarkedInBlack
2 жыл бұрын
They were built different back then. I’m proud to have served in the USMC. Men like him inspired me to join, but I never had my metal tested the way he and others like him did. They all deserve the highest respect and honor. Semper Fi.
@jameshartsfield8585
2 жыл бұрын
As a fellow Eagle Scout, I am in awe of your service. Thank you.
@OLDMANWAFFLES
Жыл бұрын
I’m also an Eagle Scout! That’s amazing and many people don’t recognize the accomplishment. I used to get made fun of all the time back in high school for being in the Scouts.
@banderson5676
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your story, Don. As a fellow veteran, I know your generation was the greatest.
@slickone9135
4 жыл бұрын
I listen to a lot of these. This is one of the best and most captivating I have heard. God bless him.
@yellowdeer7163
5 жыл бұрын
That last story he told had me on the edge of my chair. God Bless all our veterans here and gone and always, always remembered.
@thedjo993
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service I couldnt imagine going through this and im so thankful for my freedom thank you who served then and serve now
@reneescouch9035
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service! What a great man who made the ultimate sacrifice!
@daniellekreviazuk
6 ай бұрын
My great grandpa didn't go to Iwo Jima, But to Europe. Came back broken, an alcoholic, abusive and evil to his kinfolk.and Terrified every time a plane flew over head. Glad to see A respectable and proud Vet like him 💪🏻🇺🇸
@americanhighlander3448
4 жыл бұрын
Up untill he died two years ago my grandfather literally hated the Japanese people. He told me a story about a friend of his, a 21 year old black Marine, who was captured on Okinawa and tortured to death, they castrated him, gouged his eyes out, cut his tongue out, and committed other acts of cruelty before finally killing him. Grandad was one of the Marines that found him, and never got over it. The day before he died, he told me that he was afraid people would forget about Marines like his friend because it happened so long ago, but I told him that I personally would never forget that young man's name, ever. I would like to tell his name to honor him, but I'm not going to because he has family still living and I don't know if they are aware how he died. Grandad told me that he wrote the parents a letter in '45 but lied to them about it, telling them that their son died quickly, because he couldn't bring himself to tell them the horrific truth. It was a terrible war.
@wendellbeverly6060
4 жыл бұрын
@Charles McCarron "A favorite was just throwing them off the ships while sailing back to their bases (and worse)" Who are you referring too?
@wendellbeverly6060
4 жыл бұрын
@Charles McCarron That's what I thought, but I wanted to be certain. I began studying military history when I retired from the US Marine Corps in 1996, and I am quite certain that Japanese POW's were never thrown off of American ships by US Marines. I actually heard the same story from a leftist history professor several years ago, and i set out to document it, but was unable to find a single documented account of it ever taking place. Allied troops did commit atrocities during the war, there is no denying that, but it was rare. Japanese atrocities, on the other hand, were commonplace, and well documented. You just can not compare the two. Look, I know that it is "cool" right now to bash America and American troops, but if you are going to do that, you should at least be truthful and cite an event that actually happened. I suggest that you do some actual research so that your next story is believable. As for the rest of your comment, it is too absurd to comment on. Semper Fi.
@wendellbeverly6060
4 жыл бұрын
I completely understand your grandfather's hatred towards the Japanese, they were extremely cruel, particularly towards the Chinese and African American Marines.
@usafcombatcontroller5360
4 жыл бұрын
@@wendellbeverly6060 Lol. I like how he admits alot of marines had experiences similar to your granddads experience then immediately proceeds to bash the marines instead of the Japanese. To top it all off he suggests that world war 2 was pre planned by the government and could of been avoided
@usafcombatcontroller5360
4 жыл бұрын
@Charles McCarron Quit typing boy, you've been exposed. And for God's sake, quit lying so much!!!!!!!!
@Kimchiboy08
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you Don for sharing your memories . They are very precious .
@georgiafuentes4814
2 жыл бұрын
What a heart wrenching story. What great man Don Mates. Wish I could remember all the names of Marines that he named, who didn't make it. What an Honor to hear his story.
@patrickyoung3503
2 жыл бұрын
My reply is short but none the less sincere. I'm just in awe of all the men of world war two . Honour & Respect . Lest we forget .
@coreyham3753
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed ... wonderful story by one of the greatest generation.
@KeithWilliamMacHendry
Жыл бұрын
Great bloke, salt of the earth. Love & respect from a Scotsman. 💙♥
@stevenmorris2293
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your experiences Private First Class Donald Mates. It was an honor to hear them .
@benstercoples
4 жыл бұрын
What an amazing story, I'm really glad this showed up in my suggested videos.
@shirleylyn11
4 жыл бұрын
My great uncle bob(jones) served with the 3rd marines. he always said being ill when his company went ashore at iwo jima saved his life. he went into battle on the 5th day. he passed in 2004. i miss him.
@roderickstockdale1678
3 жыл бұрын
Which regiment?
@daves2822
5 жыл бұрын
Only words to say, Respect sir
@R0B690
Жыл бұрын
Listening to these stories really makes me feel stupid for complaining about my life... Nothing but respect
@kevinmulcahy7991
4 жыл бұрын
My father served with the 3rd Division in Guam and Iwo. Thanks for posting.
@nicj.tessier1689
6 жыл бұрын
Most honest man youde ever meet, I wish I had the privilege
@Keith-FarFromTheMaddingCrowd
7 ай бұрын
What a man! Thank you for your service. Thanks to the interview team for recording this.
@ChevisPreston
4 жыл бұрын
Until 40 years later, he would pick out pieces of shrapnel still coming out, or specks of volcanic ash. “Like a pimple” holy hell, sir
@1492tomato
4 жыл бұрын
"Leathernecks..." Perfect. TOUGH men. Mr. Mates personifies why the scariest thing the bad guys can hear is "the Marines have landed." God bless you sir. And Thank You!!!
@jackthorton10
3 жыл бұрын
Nothing more scarier than a Marine:)
@Azsouth
4 жыл бұрын
My grandfather served with this man, he fought in the 3rd Marine Division during WWII, K Company, he said after training at Paris Island they sent them to Guadalcanal but by the time the division got there it was mostly taken care of so they went to Bougainville where his best friend and neighbor was the first casualty on the island, then because the re-taking of Guam was the first American territory we took back he said he was the first American to land on the beach to re-take that soil, their final battle was on Iwo Jima and he said as he was trying to get off the beach he ran over John Basilones body (Medal of Honor award winner for his actions on Guadalcanal). Still have CD interview recordings of him and something that always struck me was he said before the battle of Iwo Jima the division was brought to an open theater where they where briefed on the island, they said to remember where you sat and the people next to you because we expect heavy casualties on the island, after the battle the remaining original members of the division went back to that theater and their exact seats, only 7 of the original members of the division where still there, their division had suffered something like 150% casualties. He passed away November 4th, 2014
@simonostinelli493
4 жыл бұрын
Your grandfather was a great man! I thought I’d better say that before I tell you you can’t have 150% percent casualties lol so if there was 100 men after the battle were they on minus 50 men!!! 100% casualties is everyone!!!
@Azsouth
4 жыл бұрын
@@simonostinelli493 actually they did, almost everyone from their original division got wounded or killed, my grandfather was wounded several times but never left the line, plus all the reinforcements that joined them on the island to replace their loses, resulting in 150% meaning of ALL the additional reinforcements they got at least half where also wounded or killed.
@simonostinelli493
4 жыл бұрын
Azsouth OfLotro your wrong sorry a casualty of war by definition is killed in action,injures sustained that mean your out of the fight disabled by physiological trauma deserted missing or captured not someone who’s been injured and can carry on fighting! Just google military casualty!!!
@simonostinelli493
4 жыл бұрын
Azsouth OfLotro you’re grandfather was a great man though sorry not trying to be a prick! I’m just correcting you for future reference
@Azsouth
4 жыл бұрын
@@simonostinelli493 Just to clarify, I know I'm not wrong, I'v studied this my entire life, I have my grandfathers books from the time which corroborate the major stuff he has said, including casualty counts. Just to leave you with a story I grew up on: I'm sure after the grenade went off, killed one in his foxhole, blinded him from the concussion (blood coming out of every hole), and messed up the other guys hands so he couldn't fire the machine-gun, he would have taken a day off, unfortunately the front line fell back a decent distance (I can't remember how far exactly) and he was cut off as a result of the banzai charge, the only reason why one of the scouts in front of his gun and he and his foxhole buddy survived was because as the grenade landed in his foxhole someone had thrown a phosphorous grenade in front of their hole and as a result the Japanese charge split around them like water hitting a massive rock. When they somewhat recovered my grandfather who's arms and hands still worked fired the machine-gun while the other marine still alive who was not blind spotted for him, in the morning after he regained his sight he counted over 50 dead Japanese soldiers in front of his foxhole. When they had figured out what happened the survivors decided to get back to their lines. they met another squad on the way back that had been caught behind enemy lines then had to maneuver around Japanese soldiers who did not charge to their deaths and a sniper that was covering the only pass back to their lines, they lost two people to that sniper and when they made it back to the lines at the medical area, the scout from in front of his hole just sat down and quit the war, my grandfather went to the head of a mortar group and told them where he saw some enemy soldiers firing at him, he ended by saying the mortar team put in the measurements, fired right on the spot he said to, and he said he saw a Japanese body go flying and broke apart in the air from the explosions, he told the head of that group "I guess you got'em".
@frankobrien1371
3 жыл бұрын
I have listened to quite a few stories like this from veterans. This Hero Mates story is incredible. To volunteer to go find those rockets, I thought they always say never volunteer for anything.
@williamtillemans9254
3 ай бұрын
I have watched this all the way through, and I’m glad because I loved hearing about his experience and I think it helps him to get it out ❤
@PeterShieldsukcatstripey
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your story. Americans alongside diggers saved Australia from a Japanese invasion. Thank you kind Sir from Australia. My thoughts are with all those lost especially my Uncle, the young father and his mates including Jimmy Trimble RIP.
@randypobstofficial
Жыл бұрын
So good of you to say, Aussie. 👍
@reinforcedthr3ads602
5 жыл бұрын
God bless and Godspeed to all fallen heroes past and present. A salute and a parade for the ones still standing. A round of beers for the ones who tell it. God bless you all for protecting the weak and saving this country of ours.
@andrewgrey2437
4 жыл бұрын
Wow. Thanks for your service, Sir.
@BallisticCoefficient
2 жыл бұрын
What absolute clarity of thought. Sometimes you listen to someone whose thoughts are just so clear and easy to listen to. What an incredible man and hero.
@jonmajarucon51
Жыл бұрын
Hand to hand to the death Combat when they were barely 18 19....My God. We salute you wonderful Vets. Thank you Don! RIP
@frankjschmidt6493
4 жыл бұрын
My Dad served in the 'Third', on Bougainville,, Guam, and Iwo Jima.......
@MRRGaming223
4 жыл бұрын
Tremendous
@milespitts7982
4 жыл бұрын
the sand imbedden in his legs just made him mad..One tough guy..
@justethical280
Жыл бұрын
i listened to this in awe. man, what a story.
@ShiverPlumbingTN
3 ай бұрын
RIP Sir . What a badass ! 97 years.. what a Stud .
@billschofield4802
2 жыл бұрын
This is a great program I'm glad someone is interviewing these veterans the children are getting the real low down and not what Hollywood is spewing out
@bobbygetsbanned6049
2 жыл бұрын
Wow this man really went through hell on Iwo, I can't imagine how hard that fighting was. Semper Fi Marine, they don't make em like you anymore!
@Adcomb
4 жыл бұрын
Semper Fi devil dog. You're one of my heroes. Thank you for your service.
@68air
Жыл бұрын
Ultimate definition of war hero. From a family that has fought in nearly every war and conflict that the US has been involved, in we offer you our highest respect.
@sonora108
9 ай бұрын
I have watched a few of these interviews with various WWII vets, each and every one of them are national treasures. I have learned to not read the comments till the entire interview is finished because so many have passed . That is the true loss that someday in the not to distant future there will be no more of these heroes.
@garyrunnalls7714
2 жыл бұрын
These are so important for many reasons. Thanks for doing these testimonials they are priceless. Could you imagine if we had the means to do this for the likes of the Apostles, Marco Polo, Sitting Bull, etc. I've watch maybe hundreds of these and have learned so much and more importantly have felt what these guys went through to a small degree but enough to hold these vets in the highest honor. Freedom is not free and these guys paid for mine and I thank them.
@robsan52
6 жыл бұрын
I like how he moved Marines to the front of the line. I worked on a passenger rail system, not Amtrak, and two of my favorite things to do was to cut multi destination tickets for a tenth of the price for the middle age Hispanic house cleaners (who always pointed out that I had given them the wrong tickets, honest as the day is long. I'd tell them very seriously that there was a "special" that day) and anyone in uniform or if I noticed a Vet organization badge, hat etc. It was a tiny thing but it has always bothered me how little we do for our vets so thought maybe I could save them a bit of money...especially now.
@ricardoguzman8129
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for what you do for the vets... I've been thanked for my service and then others call me a coward baby killer... If only you knew how much it means for us that people still appreciate the military
@oldman9843
4 жыл бұрын
You did right by them Rob
@roderickstockdale1678
2 жыл бұрын
@@ricardoguzman8129 you went to Nam?
@MisterRlGHT
2 жыл бұрын
What did you tell Amtrak when you reimbursed them for all those tickets you embezzled?
@olafs7022
Жыл бұрын
You remind me of a stewardess on a Delta flight from Atlanta to DC. I was on 2 weeks of leave during my second tour in Iraq and she asked me what I wanted to drink and I said a virgin bloody Mary. She asked if I was sure I didn’t want vodka in it and I explained that we weren’t allowed to have any. She got pissed and said that was the dumbest thing she had ever heard. When she came back she handed me my drink and said i could have as many as I wanted. It definitely had vodka in it.
@1SmallDaddy
5 жыл бұрын
A great warrior and patriot. Incredible clarity on those events so long ago.
@jimfontaine9788
5 жыл бұрын
About killing people?...
@TheBb6prelude
4 жыл бұрын
rob baxter not just any random people. They were killing the people who made the concentration camps.
@paulk7390
4 жыл бұрын
preludeF20Bking dudes a what they call troll, every comment made is a ignorant remark towards the servicemen. I just noticed your comment as I was listening to other vets speak ❤️🇺🇸
@ronlackey2689
Жыл бұрын
His attention to detail is though it happened to him yesterday. Thank you for your service sir.
@mobilegamersunite
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service 🙏
@JimPlattes
4 жыл бұрын
One of the greatest generation for sure.
@chrismontigny6697
Жыл бұрын
Wow. What a true hero! So great he made it home and thank you for your service and sacrifice. Salute!💯💪
@xxcolby270xx6
Жыл бұрын
you can see the pain in his eyes... jeez man
@tykellerman6384
6 жыл бұрын
A fine gentleman thanks for your story and service
@99900062
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service! Semper Fi!
@user-qy9tf2im7f
Жыл бұрын
Worked for a CEO who was a 3rd Marine Division Infantryman, was at Bougainville, Guam, & Iwo Jima. Went in @ Bougainville as a PFC, when relieved @ Iwo was a Company Gunny, all field promotions. One hell of a Leader and Proud Marine. He passed 2 years ago @ 98.
@mldadzgaming3938
Жыл бұрын
I salute this hero and anyone who served beside him. God bless you all
@cyborgninja5489
4 жыл бұрын
The absolute greatest generation.
@squamish4244
Жыл бұрын
I'm glad so many of these men are being interviewed now, in very old age, before they are all gone. They are around 100 years old and there are so few left. Capture the last memories of these men so that we will never forget how terrible a world war is!
@reggtop
5 ай бұрын
THIS IS WHEN WE HAD REAL MEN IN OUR COUNTRY GOD BLESS THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT MADE AMERICA GREAT AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
@pcguysoffgridcabin
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service Marine.
@stephenbesley3177
Жыл бұрын
Respect and peace to all vets past and present. KSTK
@bravo3541
5 жыл бұрын
Men like this freed the entire Pacific, the continent of Europe, and all of North Africa. I have great faith in my countrymen, but don't think there will ever be an entire generation of men like this again. Semper Fidelis Don Mates.
@Volgan16666
5 жыл бұрын
There are always people who come to the top and do their bit. I remember hearing people talk of the war years in the UK and from what I heard as time went by even those who at the start were trying to make money out of it came around to the infectionness of doing their bit. As a country adjusts to war conditions rules and laws, those that really matter, stiffen up and the population becomes more regimented and controled. So I think you would find the present generation would perform like alll those who came before.
@jennifersuchan5119
5 жыл бұрын
This is my great uncle
@jennifersuchan5119
5 жыл бұрын
This is my great uncle Don.. Wonderful man
@micahharkins7121
5 жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more. I believe we have ppl that would step up if called upon, me being one of them, but I believe this is the last great generation! It's a different era today.
@micahharkins7121
5 жыл бұрын
@@jennifersuchan5119 is it really or you just looking for attention?
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