Hill 95 & the High Water Mark of the 82nd Airborne in Normandy | History Traveler Episode 297

Every person has their limit. While many people know about the 82nd Airborne in regards to their jump into Normandy on D-Day and their heroic defense of La Fiere Bridge, many may not know what happened after that and how 3 weeks of fighting after D-Day ground this elite paratrooper unit down. We're going to a place where few people visit to see the high water mark of the 82nd Airborne at Hill 95.

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[steves]

I served proudly with the 82d. I was 508th (later 505th). They always instilled pride in us. We learned about the battles fought by those who went before. I had always heard about hill 95. You've brought it to life for me. Thanks. As a side note, I had the honor of meeting 1sgt Leonard Funk (MOH winner). Wonderful man with a great sense of humor.

[paullandreville]

My father-in-law was 82nd Airborne. He jumped behind enemy lines. He was terribly wounded. He never said where or when but it wasn't to long after D-day. He could never speak about it. Wish i knew more, but old vets won't talk. I miss him. He could hardly stand but he was a tough guy. Loved him dearly. RIP Albin Palmquist.

[paullane]

25 years ago I stayed with friends who'd move to that area of Normandy. Until I watch your video I'd not realised. Thank you.

[joeritchie]

One of Mom's cousins was in the 82nd Airborne. I had the privilege of getting to talk to him about this battle. He said the terrain made it such a difficult battle. It is great to get to see where he fought. He hated those hedgerows.

[markwheeler]

I don't know how you do it, JD. By the end, at the memorial to Kelso Horne, I was so choked up I could hardly speak. Thank you for bringing these personalized stories of war to us.

[MadOrInsane_wastaken]

Great video. I love to learn of these less talked about battles. Not less important, just lesser known. For that I thank you on educating us.

[troykauffman]

Outstanding JD, great discussion by you and Paul. Thank you both for what you do for all of us. 🫡

[stevecockrell]

Had the pleasure during my tenure with the 82nd meeting several veterans over the years. Biggest were WW2 vets. Quite the interesting conversations. Best was Division Convention in 1992 Valley Forge PA. Humbled didn't quite cover the how i felt speaking with them.

[MatthewCarmichael-odyv]

Love hearing from Paul 👍 my favorite two channels history underground and world war 2 tv.

[jimcronin]

JD, another poignant D-Day video. By doing these you have enabled many Americans to have a much deeper understanding of our heritage. We should also be grateful to the French who have preserved these sites.

[kathleendaugherty]

Awesome, that puts the battle into perspective. So many little-known stories that need to be told. Great job!

[johns]

Thank you for making these videos. Your channel is one of the best when it comes to covering historical events.

[RangerB]

Wow, I had no idea the hedgerows were so large and dense with overgrowth; I always pictured them about 4-6 feet high but thinner.
That would be a massive ordeal to tackle, and hedgerows were one after the other for miles and miles. Certainly close quarters fighting.

[aapex]

28 months in the 82nd, 1978-80, and I don't recall ever hearing this. Thanx!

[pdc.RedDevil.]

Thank you this was very interesting to me I severed in the 508th & 505. I always have held the up most respect for those who came before me and it was an honor to serve as a PARATROOPER in the 82nd..AATW!!

[sscinamon]

Another excellent video. First time I heard of this story. Thank you for all you do

[brutter]

There’s so much more to learn and see if you get away from the touristified D Day landing areas.

[Chard-O]

JD, thank you for another powerful video. Hill 95 just made it on my list when I next visit France in 2024.

[bottomlesspit]

The 90th Division (aka Tough Ombres / aka Texas Oklahoma, TO is why Ombres is spelled that way) my great-grandfather's division. He was 357th Regiment Co G. The 90th went to St. Lô.

[your_royal_highness]

Only having four days in Normandy, it was obvious I could have easily spent four weeks or four months touring. I am glad (and jealous) to see these videos. One area I want to see if I ever go back is La Lande des Morts and the area of Operation Cobra. Mark Bando’s book on that event was very interesting. Please get down there and do a piece please!! (Assuming you have not yet done so)