OMAHA BEACH: Last Living 1st Wave D-Day Officer on Storming Normandy | John C. Raaen
In this epic two-part D-Day interview we speak with the last living Army Ranger Officer who was amongst the first to hit the beaches on June 6, 1944 and break into Fortress Europe.
John C. Raaen, Jr., graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1943. Commissioned as a 2nd. Lt. in the Corps of Engineers, he joined the newly activated 5th Ranger Battalion where he underwent extensive training in Florida, England, and finally Scotland in preparation for the invasion of occupied Europe.
On June 6, 1944, Raaen and his rangers were supposed to follow the 2nd Ranger Battalion and attack Pointe du Hoc, but delays and miscommunication saw Raaen and his Rangers rerouted directly to Omaha Beach. The 5th Rangers landed intact as a battalion and thus became the dominant influence on Omaha Dog Beach.
During his first time in combat, Raaen, who was an Army Captain at the time, distinguished himself on the beaches of Normandy France. He was awarded the Silver Star and Combat Infantryman Badge for his actions on that day.
Part II of General Raaen's interview will be released on 06/13/2023
Interview recorded on February 15, 2023
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See Gen. Raaen's part two here: kzhead.info/sun/lbSGfah-qaetpqc/bejne.html
Thank you Greg! What a GREAT interview with a very articulate 1st hand account
@@P4higgins I agree! Great interview. ❤
DAVENPORT IOWA DAD JOKE of the day [Q] what is the most mentally deranged INSECT,known to humankind? [A the LUNAR-TICK's,of course
😢😢😢😢😢❤❤❤
101 years old and he sounds more articulate than some people 30-50 years younger than him, I am impressed. Thank you for your service
He’s a heck of a lot more articulate and sharp than I am and I’m not even 30 yet!! What a honor to hear his story!
Better then Me..HaHa😁
@@andyd8435 I’m on the verge of 32 and feel put to shame by his ability to be so articulate 😂
I’m one of those people unfortunately 37yrs old much respect to him 😅
he has forgotten more then then todays young folks will learn in their lifetime
43 US Veterans of Normandy attended the 79th Normandy parade and events of today,
Yes, incredible. We salute them.
Thanks for letting us know!❤
YUP! With the Best Defense Foundation! I was their photographer in 2018/2019. They do incredible work. John was with us in Normandy in 2019.
It truly hurts my soul knowing that these stories will be completely lost within a few years. It’s so important to archive these mens stories. They deserve to be remembered forever.
The Great Generation. Men and women of steel.
This fine gentleman is extremely switched on and articulate for his age, very impressed. This interview and recollection is extremely valuable for us all. Thank you for your service and courage sir.
I hope I am as lucid, as he is, when I am his age.
@@scottrichardson8158imagine how sharp he was in his prime
@@GigaChad-xw4jp Like a razor.
This is an honor.
And your Engineering major was a gift. It came in handy. My dad was a Mechanical Engineering major at NCA@T State University and was drafted in March of 1944. He rose to the rank of Sgt. You guys would have gotten along well.
The greatest generation.We still owe them so much.
So So SO very MUCH”” I WISH THERE COULD BE IN EVASION AT TACO REOHHH AND LISTEN WHAT CITIZENS RSAYING AT THE ILLEGALS COME AND WANT MUCH MUCH MORE!!!! PLEASE LEGAL AMERICANS STAND AND PRAY THANK YOU AND WELCOME> HOW MUCH MORE CAN BE IGNORE THANKS PATROITS””!!!:::
Amen
Yes we do.
What would the General say about the America of today that his generation fought and died for?
They absolutely saved the world.
These men fought for our freedom. We salute them for their bravery!
And you Americans betrayed them with EVIL wokenism, cancel culture, home grown nazism, supporting Ukrainian Azov Nazi Battalions, supporting ACLU, liberalism, leftism, BLMs, SJWs, progressivisms, and all of those nonsense, etc!
And there is not a lot left of that freedom they fought for.
The greatest generation certainly fought for the liberation of Europe under Nazi occupation and the Pacific, India, and Burma from the yolk of Japanese oppression. Those brave soldiers died for the freedom of all of those populations.
They charged at the machine guns so that 80 years later other men could have the sacred right to wear women's lingerie and prance around in high heels for our children.
@@johnp9402 ...sad to say, but ain't that the truth...ugh
I cannot believe this man is 101 years old. What a strong voice and clear mind. I bet he could bark orders at a platoon right now and they would jump to attention as fast as they could. Most people his age have voices that are weaker and often shaky even if their minds remain clear and sharp.
Imagine his cognition 75 yrs ago
I imagine experiencing what he has gone through. Your brain would etch every single detail into your memories for the rest of your life.
This man has mental faculties as strong as you could hope to see of anyone at any age. He shows strong memory, articulate speech, and intelligence. On top of this, he's a hero as well. Amazing!
Major General Raaen is not only a survivor, but a National Hero & Treasure!
Yes.
100%... AMEN! 😎💪✊️
It's men like him who I raise my sons to look up to. It's because of them I even have my sons and get to wake up in a safe free place. It's not perfect but it's 10x better than what these boys endured, some never even had the chance to have children and feel that love. They gave it up so we could have it. Be thankful for EVERY minute you have
I get you. My dad came into Normandy two months after Normandy. He also had to deal with a lot of stuff and racism. Daddy worked with solders' from all over the world and he and many others just like the Major General kept all of us safe. Just talking with many people on this site has allowed me to speak my mind.
Very well said! They gave up their futures for us!!!
My grandfather landed on Omaha beach on d day , we lost him in 2000 and I miss him dearly they were brave men and I thank each and every one of them
Very well said! I wished I our country had the courage these men did back then! Much of what we are seeing now would not be happening!! 🇺🇸🇮🇱
From a Brit across the pond thank you for your service. What an incredible man. Thank you for doing these interviews. I wish we had more interviews done like this for UK vets.
🇬🇧 🇺🇲
@J Shepard always best when we work together. 🍻
how does it feel to have your country invaded by africans - better than speaking german huh ?
Juno Beach (Canada); Gold Beach (United Kingdom); Sword Beach (United Kingdom and France); and Utah Beach and Omaha Beach (United States). Let's remember all WW2 vets on D Day
@@shable1436 in it together. And remembered together.
FYI, MG Raaen was born April22,1922, which means he is 101years young in this interview yet his mind is sharp as a tac. His recall of detail regarding battles that took place decades ago is astonishing.
I went to ‘Omaha’ beach in Normandy some years ago and it was chilling. All the undulations in the ground and bullet holes in the German positions still there as they were in 1944 testify to the carnage these men were witness to that day. The losses were horrendous. I have nothing but respect for this brave guy & his comrades, both survivors and the fallen.
Major General Raaen for a man who is a hundred years old has an amazing memory. Also on this day as a untested in combat Captain he was a very brave leader. He never talks about anything he did personally. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. This generation were so humble and just needed to do what was right for their country., I lost a uncle in August 1944 inland in the hedgerows RIP Leroy Hardie only 23 . Thanks to all of you who gave us the freedom we have today. I Salute you Major General John Raaen. A veteran Corporal US Army 1982-!984 . This was a great thing to watch on D-Day
Indeed, hold fast and reflect, for the memory of these men may never be forgotten
My wife’s grandfather stormed Juno beach he’s now 98 years young and going strong he was a Nova Scotia Highlander and a proud man
🇺🇸🦅🇨🇦🇬🇧🇫🇷🇵🇱
My great uncle once told me a story of how he cooked a meal for Patton.
Hero. I hope he knows how much he means to all of us in the free world. Every vet still with us is a treasure.
He can still play his old war song on the drums he’s 99 now soon god bless
It's so impressive how he speaks and his reflections. Thank you for your service and work.
I knew a guy who was in the Normandy invasion. When I was 14 or 15. He was in a retirement home my friends family owned. I'd ride my bike down to their place, to listen to his stories.
That's awesome. He probably appreciated your attention more than you know. Seeing a young person take an interest probably meant a lot.
This guy is incredibly well spoken for his age. Amazing! Love this
So very sharp ..just amazing
Ranger school Class 09-2015. I got to 2nd battalion on march 14th 2015. You set the standard for us to uphold and continue. Thankyou sir. RLTW
Ranger’s Lead The Way!
I agree... I like him telling at Point-Du-Hoc (Was there 2010) a Shell blew off 30 ft of Cliff so 30 ft fell on beach.. Then the lead man climbed up 60ft less.HaHa my brother was SF at 25 I saved his life on the job site no Thank You or Medals. But the brothers never Messed with me again. 😁😁😁😁😁
Indeed.
Sappers lead the way. But, you know, whatevs.
The Greatest Generation. What a hallowed day, with incredibly brave young men.
Tricked by small hats to kill nationalism in Europe, which has lead to hordes of third worlders pouring in to pillage and rape, then raised the boomer generation to top it off. If that's your "greatest generation" I would hate to see what you think is the worst. Lol
Wow....what an honor just to be able to listen to this man relate events on D-Day....the anniversary of which is today of course!
Hero 🇺🇸
God Bless you Sir and I thank you for your Sacrifice to this Great Country !! We will NEVER Forget !!
Hey, you don't know his pronouns :)
@@markconner3294 Since he is a member of the greatest generation ( and he has earned more than he will ever receive , just like everyone who contributed) I feel quite safe addressing him as Sir... And at my age I'm not really worried about pronouns and playing along with the illusion ..
Wow awesome to hear this. As an Englishman, i love & respect this man.
He’s remembering details from almost 80 years ago. How many of us remember what we had for lunch yesterday?? God bless him for his service. Incredble interview. Thank you!!👍🏻🏆⭐️❤️
Well, I would think a huge ww2 battle would probably stick out to you 🤷♂️
This old man is a National Treasure. Fewer of this great generation left every day. As a Marine Corps veteran of Desert Storm, this interview really hits home for me. I was fortunate to never get shot at but just being in a position where it could have been possible, it really makes me appreciate the sacrifices that these people made for us. Very grateful to have stumbled across this historic interview. What a well spoken, articulate, and humble wonderful old gentleman. Thank you sir. And thank you for the content.
My father, now 101 was 101st Airborne Division and hit the beach in Normandy. Wounded 18 days into the war. He is still plugging away.. uses a walker, but sharp as a tack. Brick NJ
My question is, why didn't more waves of men utilize landing at that breakwaters once they found out that area on Omaha was relatively undefendable for the Germans?
General Raaen was so articulate in description of D-Day.
Brick resident myself here (Midstream section)! I deeply appreciate the service and sacrifices your father and his fellow soldiers did for our country and the world. Hopefully he’s still going strong, they don’t make men like him anymore!
I can already feel my sadness when the last veteran is going to leave this world. I'm glad that still 43 of them are able to attend the 79th D-Day anniversary at the moment. I was in Normandy last year for my first time and got to take a picture with Staff Sergeant Jake Larson and there were 40+ other veterans and my god that was a special week... Next year I'm going back for 80 because I have a very very strong feeling that the 80th anniversary is going to be the biggest and possibly the last that these vets will attend (or atleast 1 of the very last). Thank you guys for capturing these stories on film, I hope that these will stay on the internet to be watched till the day I die.
Rangers lead the way!!!! What an incredible memory this gentleman has!!! I had an Uncle who was wounded in both legs by machine gun fire on Omaha. A medic saved his life. My Dad served in the Pacific Theater and survived Okinawa....He passed on Feb 20, 2022 at 99 years and 4 months. They were the Greatest Generation!!
Sappers lead the way. Rangers are still cool, though.
@@LandoShmetzP. not in a lot of SOF operations and particularly behind the enemy lines missions, they more often utilize air transport and trek very long distances, there are sappers but not often for demining/roadside IEDs you're thinking about, in those instances it is the actual unit themselves leading the way.
@@ChristopherGray00 thanks for clearing that up for me. How was basic training?
@@LandoShmetzP. i don't know, how was preschool? must have a hard time figuring out how to do basic research on what the 75th rangers do.
@@ChristopherGray00 good talk, bud.
Over 100 years old and what an incredibly intact mind. Really grateful I stumbled on to this interview. Amazing man and American hero.
Him describing the crop field => roll out and flank behind hedgerows was amazing. "And of course, unaimed rifle fire doesn't hit anything." this guy is a national treasure.
Major General Raaen - Thank you so much for what you and your men did. This 26 year old Texan will never forget.
He’s not gonna read this lol
We will never forget the bravery and sacrifice from the greatest generation. Even if they're not here we shall never let their memories die!
Gee my dad passed 40 years ago. What a STUD..Thank You Sir..😁😁😁
My God he looks great for 100+ year old. This man and others like him deserve the world! They helped to save us from a world of oppression.
His vocabulary and articulation is so impressive. I’d love to have had him as a professor. So thankful for men like him. People that selflessly put their life on the line. Truly something that we take for granted.
John is awesome! I was with him in Normandy in 2019 and I have photos of him at Pointe du Hoc!
101? Wow. God has blessed this man. I'm 32 and he's quicker and sharper than me. It's very bitter-sweet seeing the last of these men leave us. Thanks for everything, guys. We'll do our best with what you gave us.
Thanks to the technology of video, this man’s story told with his own words will be around forever, even when he’s not.
out of the 16 million Americans that served during WW2, less then 167,000 are still around. They grew up during the Great Depression and went to war, the survivors barely had a normal life till in their 20's. Truly the greatest generation
GOD BLESS THIS MAN AND ALL HIS MEN, GODSPEED TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS! HAVE A GOOD DAY!
what an absolute legend. also the way he talks is so eerie but so beautiful and sad at the same time
Thank you Sir for you’re service, sacrifice and courage for our countries freedom. God Bless you ❤️🇺🇸
I could listen to this gentleman all day. So impressive. I feel fortunate to hear his recollections.
This man is a genius and a treasure. Thank you for your service Sir!
This guy is sharp! God bless him for his service. Might just have to buy his book, “Intact”.
This is a captivating, historically valuable interview with Major General Raaen! Thank you to the brave soldiers. From a grateful American
My Dad was in the 112th engineer battalion. He said he was in the second wave on Omaha beach dog red. But it was so confused that he said he was only minutes behind the first wave. So glad he made it.
Simply incredible, I expect so much from the greatest generation and I am never left wanting more. God bless you sir.
He sounds like he is in GREAT shape for his age! He also sounds like a very nice man. Thank you sir for your service!
Love hearing these stories. These men are literally living history of some of the most significant and historical events in military history. It’s so sad that in a few years they will all be gone😢
One Veteran to another separated by 35 years. I salute you Sir.
Amazing interview, such vivid recollections, 79 years on he paints a vivid powerful portrait of his own and his men's experiences! Huge Respect from the UK!
This man is a national treasure. We need to listen to these people while we still have them with us.
I admire your interviews with these military folks, Your channel is on my Top 3! Thank You!
Your memory seems outstanding. Just like your service. I'm honored to hear your story and I'll never forget.
One man's first hand account, entailing all those men who stepped foot in France that fateful day. Just incredible. "Thank all of you for your service and sacrifice!"
God Bless you and all servicemen .. this man reminds me of my dad, born 1921, served , still have his dog tags, etc.. truly the greatest generation.. love you all...
This is the first in a two part series with Major General Raaen, so subscribe so you don’t miss next weeks episode. The next episode will take his story from D-Day to VE Day, it’s an incredible journey. It’ll be dropping early on our Patreon soon!
How old is MG Raaen in this interview?
@@ChancetheCanine He's 101-years-old!
@@ChancetheCanine 😊
There really NO words I can say but THANK YOU to the greatest generation that ever was & ever will be for me & my families freedoms of today ! 😥 THANK YOU ! 🙏🇺🇸
@@americanveteranscenter A living history record, and not just of the official kind. He personally knew all of these men like Ike, Patton, Bradley. He speaks so clearly and remembers so accurately, I find it almost impossible to believe he's 101. I personally know people half his age who aren't nearly as articulate or lucid. May God always bless this man and all like him. Thank you, General, to you and your entire generation.
This interview is an invaluable rare gem. That generation certainly earned the title 'Great'.
As a young man who aspires to join the Marines, it is the men of the Greatest Generation like this man that inspire me to defend freedom, and also strive to do the right thing. Thank you for your service sir. ~Future U.S Marine Marcus Delk ⚓️🌎🦅
Do it
The military and government and country aren’t what they used to be. It’s different now. They actually were fighting an evil force(s) back then. They weren’t perfect (racism/civil rights etc) but fora while now it’s like, pointless wars death and nothing but manipulation & many horrid lies from the gov and such…. Fighting to defend our country and freedoms is not really what we do anymore….
Thank you so much for your service and lovely dedications to Our Beautiful USA Dear American Sir.🥰😊🤗🙏❤🤍💙🇺🇲💪🏻👍
This guy was US Army royalty. He does an excellent interview. I was interested in his interactions with the British Navy. Looking forward to part two of the interview.
I most sincerely thank you sir!! I was most fortunate to be able to know a Canadian gentleman that parachuted - in the night before you landed on the beach. The stories he told!
What a wise gentleman!!! Thank you so very much for your service!!! My father also was involved on D Day flying 5 missions in a B-17….🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 For sure the greatest generation!!!!
I could listen to this man’s stories all day. I used to sit with my grandpa at the VFW and listen to these veterans stories. I wished I had a recorder back then during the mid to late 90’s. They are all gone now and it’s so great that you are able to record their stories before they shuffle off into the great unknown. Thank you so much.
Thank you for your service sir. I salute you for bravery and for all of your fallen comrades in arms.
Thank you so much for this video. Such an amazing man! We could use more like him today!!
I can’t emphasize enough how much I respect these guys for what they done and sacrificed. It’s terrible what our country has become, it’s a slap in the face to all that sacrificed so much.
yeah I know. mass shootings everyday, prisons clogged with mental ill, politicians selling out the country for money. Unnecessary wars of aggression, people storming the capitol trying to overturn fair elections, a president that was in Putins pocket and impeached twice. Absolutely wretched what this country has become.
Sir, thank you endlessly for your service and may God bless you always!!!!! ✝️🇺🇲
God bless them ALL, there is a reason why they are called the "Greatest Generation"! - RLTW-ATW
This was an absolutely amazing Oral History Interview! Thank you! MG Raaen is living American History! A treasure!
Thank you so much for both sharing your story and for your incredible service. It is the mark of a great commander when he values the NCO's under his command, loved hearing that 😀
What a remarkable history lesson! I thank you good sir from the bottom of my heart! God bless you and all those heroes who gave their lives so we could be free! Incredible!
What a blessing this man is
Thankful we have KZhead channels like this to keep the stories alive beyond this generation.
General Raaen should have toured America getting paid to give lectures on WWII and his experiences in Europe. I enjoyed every second of this video and I feel honored that I was able to hear his story.
What a well spoken gentleman. Very articulate, with amazing recollection...and an American hero to boot. Anyone who would call such men 'suckers and losers' is not fit to lead.
Sincere thanks to you for your service and for our freedom.
🏆🙏🤗🇺🇲,🎖️ Thank you for sharing
The greatest generation of all time thank you guys so much for your service ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I never leave comments, but this fanominal gentleman impresses me to the max , sir I have the absolute utmost respect for you, and im so glad the good Lord has blessed you w/ a long , apparantly heathy life !!! Thank you sir for your service.. my grandfather thst i lived next to all my life was also a wwll vet , and he ing Ignited my deep respect for vets..
Incredible! Thank you for your service, and for making and sharing this video!
Thank you, Brig Gen Raaen. Bless you and all your brave men.
My Pop landed 6 days later . He said there were so many ships it looked like you could hopscotch all the way back to England. He was with the 120th Regiment of the 30th Infantry Division Company G and fought till the last month of the war.
I've seen hundreds of interviews with WWII, but this is by far the best, most information filled one yet. It's incredible the details he offers up (ex."Rangers lead the way") which I've never ever heard and what articulation!. I salute this member of the golden generation.
This man and interview was incredible. In gratitude.
Much respect Sir!
Proud to share a birthday with this great man, granted 77 years later lol…incredible that he’s so sharp at his age, God bless
On behalf of many grateful Poles, Thank You Sir for your courage and service!
Aloha! Mahalo to American Veterans Center for keeping the memories of these GREAT men's stories. Mahalo to M.G. John C. Raaen, Jr for you service and leading by example for future soldiers, like me. Much respect and luv!
Good God, he's so articulate and his memory is phenomenal. Duty, Honor, Country, sir.
The focus and thought war brings is unlike anything….his clarity on the events is unmatched.
God bless you, General. God bless all who took The Oath and stepped into the breach. All gave some. Some gave all.
Thank you for your service because of u and many more we have our freedom your generation and baby boomer’s are the last great generations ❤
I'm glad to watch this. My all respect goes to you sir. Thank you for everything you did. You will be never forgotten.
I am reading DDay a soldiers story by Giles milton and read last night the chapter on how two Generals had to help motivate troops to get of the beach at Omaha, and it had the bit about Mr Raaen's saluting a senior officer and more , an exceptional story of true grit and horror . Incredible I get pinged with this video after just reading this exact story . The whole planning and management to pull of the invasion tying land sea and air , french resistance and in many cases the general public was an incredible feat. And especially men like Mr Caaen exceptionally brave men who knew there chances of survival was not good thankyou sir for your duty your sacrifice and the sacrifice of the men who did not return to make this world a better place.
Sadly......not one mention of D-Day so far on the news...my my how people take for granted Freedom. Thanks for sharing this to me and my young daughter,Chris from East Tn.
Called LEFT !!!
but went right@@jimshoe402
What an amazing man. Thank you Sir for your service.
He reminds me of my grandfather. Did crosswords for fun, stayed sharp right up till he passed. What a generation.
WOW he is mentally 100%. Amazing for his age. Every young person but have to watch this.