FRONTAL ASSAULT: WWII Infantryman Storms German Trenches | Hugh Williams Evans

T/Sgt. Hugh Williams Evans had dreams of becoming a pilot like his father who had served in the Great War, but a "drippy eye" prevented him from flying. He would instead join the 10th Mountain Division and see some of the ferocious combat of World War II.

Evans and the 10th entered combat in the Apennine Mountains of Italy, where they would suffer one of the highest casualty rates in the war while also conducting one of the fastest advances through enemy territory.

On Mount Gorgolesco, Evans would distinguish himself by eliminating several enemy positions, including a well fortified bunker. He would be awarded the Silver Star for his actions.

The late Senator Bob Dole, a second lieutenant in the 10th, wrote “The 10th had an especially tough assignment—to crack the well fortified German positions on the rocky heights above it. With the 85th Mountain Infantry Regiment in the lead, the division accomplished that, but at great cost.”

Silver Star Citation:
Hugh W. Evans, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 10th Mountain Division during World War II.

Hugh Williams Evans passed away on November 28, 2021.

[canadianwardog]

He's not scratching his arm, he's remembering how damn cold it was. Thank you for your exemplary service sir.

[gryper]

You don't hear much about 10th Mountain in WW2. Thanks for your service Mr. Evans!

[Verdepalude]

I live in Tuscany, near the places he describes and I am so grateful for all those young Americans that came here to save us during the worst period in our recent history. Thank you Hugh!

[markodurovic]

This video should be mandatory viewing for all high schoolers. They need to know what real honor and sacrifice is when it comes to being a true American.

[jasont]

As always, I'm at a loss for words after watching these men talk about what they did. Absolutely the Greatest Generation. Mr. Evans, thank you!

[jst]

I was the CEO of a veterans nursing home. Severa! are WW 2 vets. What great guys willing to share their experiences. Unbelievable experiences!

[soonerfrac]

SSG Evens passed away Nov. 28, 2021. Rest in peace.

[mwelter]

In 1975, I was assigned to an Air Traffic Control Facility in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The man in charge of the facility was (SGT) Anthony Silva. He mentioned that he was in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. I found a book that described those battles. I asked Tony if he wanted to read the book. He did. After he finished reading it, he laughed and told me he finally knew what the hell was going on after almost 30 years.

[derkdiggler]

10TH MOUNTAIN “CLIMB TO GLORY” From a 10th mountain veteran to another thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[glennheeren]

My father, Gunther Heeren was in the 10th Mountain Division in WW2. I grew up listening to his stories about training and then going to War. This man speaks the truth. The places he talks about and the conditions the men experienced sound so similar. My father was very humble about his service. One time he was asked to be in a Veteran’s Day parade in Bend Oregon, I was so proud of him walking with his ski’s on his shoulder.

[racefan]

his body language while telling the story of the attack. Such bravery. Thank you for your service, Mr. Evans.

[EchoKilo]

What an incredibly tough man. I am sad to read he passed. A true hero.

[fredthemagnificent]

My Dad always said there were no ‘Heroes’ in WWII, you just did what you had to do and if you were lucky you survived. I still don’t really know if hero is an appropriate word for what these men and women suffered. But for sure they did and went through something few amongst us today will never be able to understand. My Dad was a Lancaster Tail End Charlie with over 30 missions. He didn’t like speaking about the War but there were some who did some extraordinary things, perhaps by circumstance but in my opinion it takes a certain type of ‘balls’, needed to survive such carnage and come out the other end still human. . Thank you Sir for your service.

[Chiller]

I’m a Colorado boy. The 10th Mountain Division was a massive contributor to the development of the ski industry in Colorado. It’s interesting that he never carried a gun after the war. Have to respect that decision.

[ThrowingClips]

2-87 here. We love the history of the unit. Y’all paved the way for us. We thank you for that.

[les]

The first 5 min. of this man describing his training was more info than you get in 100 pages of any training manual. At he end of the video he says he never carried a gun after the war. THAT appears to be common among these veterans. They weren't soldiers before the war and came back to that afterwards. BUT they rose up and did what they had to do for our country and freedom when they needed to.

[_a_see]

Never would have guessed he was from WWII; his mind and body seem incredibly in-shape for his age.

[coachhillscta]

What an incredibly tough and brave man! You can see the stress as he recounted and "saw" again everything he experienced...So grateful for men like these who fought so bravely. Our country is much the poorer for each one who passes away.

[dktitan]

That man is a true badass. a true hero. Thank you for your service sir. This is what our youth should look up to.

[christiaanbailey]

He looks absolutely incredible for his age, his mind and memories are so crisp as well! What a fantastic testimony, thank you for your service and sharing your story sir! 🙂7