D-DAY HERO Recalls Lowering the Ramp in FIRST WAVE at Omaha Beach | Frank DeVita
After the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor and America’s declaration of war in 1941, Frank DeVita, like so many others, badly wanted to serve his country. Only 16 , his mother was required to sign off on his enlistment, which she declined until Frank could at least finish high school. Two years later, Frank graduated and joined the US Coast Guard.
Frank served as a Gunner’s Mate Third Class on the USS Samuel Chase (APA-26), a Coast Guard manned US Navy attack transport, for almost three years, in both the European Theater and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, and in the Occupation and China Service in the Far East following WWII.
On D-Day, Frank crewed a Higgins landing craft (LCVP) on repetitive landings, with the task of lowering the boat’s ramp. On the June 6, 1944 D-Day Invasion, his Higgins boat - a part of the first wave - made 15 trips onto Omaha beach in Normandy, France, ferrying solders to the fight and returning with wounded or dead.
Frank Joseph DeVita died peacefully in his home March 12, 2022 at the age of 96.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Support the American Veterans Center's mission to preserve the legacy and history of our heroes by making a tax-deductible donation today: americanveteranscenter.org/do...
Learn more about the American Veterans Center: www.americanveteranscenter.org/
Like us on Facebook: / americanveteranscenter
Follow us on Twitter: / avcupdate
Follow us on Instagram: / americanveteranscenter
Subscribe to the Veterans Chronicles podcast: link.chtbl.com/americanvetera...
----------------------------------------------------------------
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
2:00 - Basic Training
4:00 - Preparations for D-Day
5:24 - The First Wave/Approaching Omaha Beach
8:43 - Into the Jaws of Death
14:55 - Returning the Wounded after the First Wave
18:45 - The Following Waves to Omaha Beach
27:42 - Invasions in the Pacific
30:14 - Back Stateside
Please consider becoming an AVC Patreon member to receive exclusive content and perks. This funding goes directly into helping us capture more incredible stories with our nation's veterans: patreon.com/americanveteranscenter
I may be the president, but this guy doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to beat IRS and gun charges as a crackhead, only to get away with a few misdemeanors. Only a REAL American could beat all that.
😢😢😢😢😢😢
Frank passed away last month. We will never forget your service. Rest In Peace
🇺🇸 🕊️
🙏
Rest in Peace Frank *Salute*
Sorry to hear that … my 2 grandpas also served in ww2 both dies last 2 months ago
He can finally rest
This guy passed away in 2022 at age 96. RIP Frank DeVita (1925-2022), thank you for your service 🫡
True American
RIP Frank, a true American
😭
RIP
Thank you for your service.
There's only 167,000 WW2 veterans still alive as of 2022. Cherish all of these priceless moments and stories.
I just want a Time Machine so I can fight aside them 😢
Priceless human beings!! The bravest of the brave
however more holocaust survivors are born each day
No you don’t lol
.... everything ends, like, it's just another conflict that we NOW have the ability to spread stories about them with the internet, every soldier from every conflict is another "Frank" with their side of the tale...
"He was just a boy," hurt me in a way I can't express. They were just boys, but Frank, so were you. Thank you for all you gave, may you rest in peace.
My interpretation is that whilst they were similar ages at the time, Frank as an older man came to understand that they were all just boys. Frank himself would have been just 18 or 19 years old on D-Day (depending on exact birthday). Bless these soldiers.
These WWII stories need to be shown in schools. We have little to no appreciation for human life or the sacrifices and mistakes of past generations.
What’s important is to hear these stories while the veterans are still alive to tell them. One day there will be no more ww2 or Vietnam vets.
Ditto
too busy focusing on 6 million deaths and demonizing our grandfathers for that one... who owns the media?
@@josephdial387 as soon as the vets die, the baddies enact their plans. soldiers from wwii would have sided with the Germans if they'd caught glimpse of 2021
@@mackk123 you should be ashamed of that last comment.... You should know better than to use veterans as a political pawn... No, they wouldn't have... You misunderstand what the war was about... Please just be less insulting when trying to make a point in the future.
As an 18 year old I’m really starting to appreciate these stories because I’m so lucky they aren’t my stories.
Great way to look at it brother. I feel blessed as well and I'm 27, and thankful for men like frank.
Take a moment and try to imagine yourself in that boat when the gate went down. I did that and I started to feel sick as well. I watched actual real footage on a youtube video of them unloading off the Higgens boats on D-Day, and that was enough so when I tried to imagine being in that boat, I knew what to imagine in my mind. I started to feel sick as well, and I was just imagining it. I spent most of my young life in the military but it still made me feel sick. My Uncle was on the last Carrier that was sunk during WWII. The USS Bismark Sea. There is a pic online of when it exploded. They were hit by 2 kamikaze planes. After the first hit, they thought they were going to be OK. Then when the 2nd hit it got real bad and there was a huge explosion. The Captain had to give the abandon ship order. My Uncle and his buddy jumped. He tried to get his friend to swim to the middle of a fire ring. His logic being they might not strafe in that area thinking no one would be there. He went, his buddy didn't follow and apparently didn't make it. My Uncle was pulled out 8+ hours later. Covered in oil from the ship. We have a picture of when they pulled him out. He never would talk about it. I only found out about it 10 years ago because my father told me. My Uncle passed in 1996. He was definitely one of my inspirations for joining the military. I joined 3 years after Vietnam ended. I was 18 yrs old at the time and everyone thought I was crazy. I came from a family of 4 Uncles and a Father who were in the military. It seemed like the right thing to do at that time. I have no regrets.
They might be soon. We have an administration loyal to china so who knows how long until they invade.
Tell your friends, then tell them again
The lgtb community took over
There are almost ten thousand comments here, so I'm sure my comment will be buried. But goddamn, what an amazing man, and sailor. I broke down multiple times watching this video. RIP Frank DeVita. You are an incredible influence.
I would ask that you would not swear like that and use the Lord's name in vain, you may need him some day. I am a veteran of the US Air Force .
@@mcrdl76 god has never existed and is a human construct. I have literally zero respect for a deity that claims to be all knowing and all powerful but has allowed the most horrific tragedies to happen since he was invented. God sucks and literally is the worst. But thanks for your service.
Your comment will not be buried, it will be read for years... Humans NEED to watch this kind of video... I'm just here on a random Thursday night browsing KZhead and it got me, RIP Frank... Hero, and gentleman
I lost it when he told of the guy who was killed next to him.
@@mizzury54 Yeah, the humanity of one guy surviving versus the guy right next to you dying is so incredible. I literally can't fathom how I'd deal with a situation like that.
The story of the redheaded man who died in his arms and the sheer sadness and sobbing with which he expressed it, showed that after this point Mr DeVita didn't want to do this anymore... But he kept on regardless and went back 14 more times, despite bringing back 300 men of his age back as dead. He wasn't just a survivor, as he said he was, but a true, courageous hero. We will always remember him. Rest in peace.
truth
FYI... Frank is and will always be a dear close friend of our family.. Sadly I'm here to let everyone know that he has passed, gone to be with his wife Dottie who has been patiently waiting 10 yrs now, this past Saturday the 12th of March, 2022,quietly at home.. He was 96 yrs young.. May God watch over, comfort, and strengthen his family and friends at this time.. Another hero gone but never forgotten.. We'll take it from here sailor, fair winds and following seas, Salute.. God Bless and Thank you for your service.. Give Dottie and Kenny our love and a big hug from all of us, we miss you all dearly.. 🙏🏻❤️🇺🇲.. Until we meet again..
RIP
RIP Gunner! We have the watch!
God bless Frank and all those heroes that fought and died for this country❤🤍💙
Hero.
A generation of warriors
“If I don’t go, they’ll send a replacement, and if they get killed, how can I live with myself?” That hit my heart. Teared up immediately... mad respect for Frank.
He’s a product of a generation of people that truly, genuinely and without any extra coercion simply cared for their fellow countrymen. Respectable no matter what. That kind of high quality man is hard to find today.
This is what makes him a hero, even if he doesn't claim it. What a powerful story!
👍
He went back 14 more times... men aren’t made like this anymore
@@alexbromley9384 No, the average guy would not even go back 14 times to McDonalds
The “fourteen more times” line just made my heart drop. From the infantryman’s perspective (which is what is most commonly portrayed) it was one awful push onto the beach; I had no idea the landing boats were re-used for wave after wave. Incredible.
Fuckin wild dude
The amount of shame I feel listening comparing his life to mine I’m grateful for. Shame on me for ever feeling sorry for myself
First wave you had maybe less than half of the deployed to make it to land.
Could you imagine being the first waves… as soon as that ramp opens, hundreds of bullets are flying in and just slaughtering everyone inside. it’s truly one of the most horrifying scenes humanity has ever created
Imagine going into the boat which came back filled with blood and all
As an Iraq war vet and an Infantryman, men like Mr Devita are the utmost of heroes to me. What these men endured on that day is incomprehensible. I look forward to the day I reach Heaven so I can shake his hand.
God bless you sir✝️☮️
Same.
God Bless you sir
God bless you sir.
11 bang bang! What's up brotha fellow 11b 1 tour in Afghanistan 2006, and graduated sandhill 2005! I Feel the same about Men like Devita they are true Alphas! Stay safe and stay free brotha!
Jesus...he was on Omaha AND Okinawa....two of the worst battlegrounds in WWII. This guy is amazing.
Not if you were British Forces. We fought through the whole of WW2. The Americans came a lot later in tbe game, unfortunately.
D G It’s because GB were running out of money and weapons, it was sad that that was the case but it was.
@@DG-mv6zw Yea but the brits were never as involved in some of the worst battles in europe and the pacific. The US had 50,000 more casualties and entered the war 2 years after the brits, so if you do the math on the deaths per year and the US joined when britain did they would have around 500,000 deaths where as britain only had 383,000
@@ZurkeyTurkey also think about how the US was fighting in two completely different theaters of war at the same exact time, and still managed to turn the tide of both of them.
@@frenchfryman6 this is simply not true. Everyone was tired and the americans joining helped with the final push, but germany was already defeated.
God he looks GOOD to be 90 and very articulate .
I think he's 95 here. The interviewer says at one point "76 years later, what do you think, etc" So D Day was June 6, 1944. That would make this video from this year. 1944 + 76 = 2020. Another video on YT said he was 19 at the time of D Day, making him born around 1925. So yea, thats how I did the math, lol.
I'll be happy if I'm still alive at 90, and ecstatic if I look half as good as this guy does at 90.
TheMattc999 No joke man , I’d be happy with 75 haha
He looks in his early 60's. Man he lives with some major ghosts 😮
That's exactly my thought I started doing the math like wow !!!
I work at Walmart and met a vet while on the job he was buying pain meds and told me he has bad ptsd from the war and they help him sleep , at one point he begins talking about some of the most horrific experiences he had , he was beginning to tear up so I said , I’m sure you had a lot of down time in between things , what were some of the things you and your brother did to pass the time .. he responded with how they would play cards using cigarettes as currency , he explained his hand and how he took a big pot from his friends .. the whole time he was talking you could see the mannerisms of his old self coming out . Anyways if you see this - Jose you were in a Walmart in Indiana in 2022 buying meds I’m 6ft skinny Latino with a man bun , I’ll never forget you and i hope to one day play a hand of poker if not with you on earth they I hope in another life . Take care brother ❤
Good on you, bro. You probably did a lot of good just by being there for him and listening to what he had to say.
@@jflinn7401Absolutely. That is the least that we can do for these heroes😢 every person is struggling through tragedy like everyone else, we must be kind to each other as deeply as we can
Gracias por tomar su tiempo por cuidar ese veterano 💪🏽 thats way cool man, and hope you’re alright Jose 🙏🏽
When he said he went back 14 times I got chills down my spine. Wow what an absolute hero of a man
Superhero.
People idolize actors, athletes, musicians. This man is what a real hero looks like.
@@KraveSanity so you're saying this great man is not a hero? Is that really what you are saying here?
@@KraveSanity If it were pointless, it wouldn't have been fought. The point on the german side was to take over as much territory as they could so they had control of europe. The point of the allies was to stop the german war machine. If you mean, it doesn't matter which side wins, we just keep fighting forever anyway, then I can sort of see where you're coming from, cuz our history is painted with constant wars going back and forth. And even if you win one, you might lost the next, etc. Otherwise, no dude. There was a point.
@John Fonseca Fighting a politicians war is not saving any country you dingle.
@@KraveSanity war is pointless yes, but when your duty calls you go, no matter what. It's either that or get your family slaughtered and your lady's raped by the enemy. So yeah war is bad but the warriors are our hero's who did what they had to do so one day you could come here and type BS.
@@michelrood2966 So, are you saying you'd rather have had Hitler conquer Europe and beyond unapposed? Didn't know people were still Nazi sympathizers, huh. Sure Politicians might have been the one to declare the wars, but it doesnt take away the sacrifice and effort of those fighting. Everyone had their own reasons for enlisting, but it doesn't deminish the fact they fought so others wouldn't have to, and so a tyrant could be stopped.
*My great grandfather was on the first wave, same beach as this guy, he was shot twice, but still made it out, received 2 Purple Hearts* *He died in 2008*
Rest in piece to your grandfather, hopefully he knew that everyone was so thankful for him.
I thank your great grandfather for his service .
Explains why you’re here today.
My great grandfather was also in ww2 in Italy, morter shrapnel almost took his arm off also got a purple heart.
I feel old. My grandparents were too young for World War I and too old for World War II. I never knew my great grandparents. They died around 1910.
My grandfather fought alongside the Band of Brothers in the 101st. My other grandfather fought against Rommell in Africa. My wife's grandfather fought near Stalingrad in Russia. Because of these experiences in my family I wanted to be a History teacher. I've read countless books on WWII & never once have I heard the incredible story of a destroyer touching sand at Omaha Beach, turned sideways to use their 5" guns, which turned the tide in the most important battle of the most important war in history. How in the world has this story not been made a movie? This man's 15 trips alongside this destroyer and the bravery on that ship would most definitely rival the best WWII movies made
Exactly what Frank Devita says about the destroyer was the key of success, if no one stepped in, it would have been worse
Could you explain to me how Omaha Beach or even D-Day as a whole was the most important battle of WWII? It was important for the Western Front, yeah. But for the entire war, of which about 85% was fought on the Eastern Front, Stalingrad was without a doubt the important battle. Landing in the Normandy must have been hell, no question, thousands on both sides died. But when it comes to casualties and importance to the war, it was not even close to being comparable to any of the major battles on the Eastern Front, let alone Stalingrad, where both sides had over a million casualties and the result ultimately turned the war in favour of the Allies...
@@aedvartfordihens1123 I think you've missed the point of my comment. I'm married to someone who's grandfather fought near Stalingrad. Do you honestly think that I don't know what you're proclaiming? Her dad and I talk about it atleast every couple months. If you could kindly let me know which book that you've read which explains THIS particular story regarding the destroyer and the man's 15 trips? Which was supposed to be the major point taken from my comment
@@Mindful_Calming of course I did get your point, an incredible story, which I haven't read or even heard about either. Still doesn't explain why you would then call the battle in which that happened "the most important battle of the most important war", even though you know, as you just confirmed, that's not true?
@@aedvartfordihens1123 Would you prefer if edited my comment and added the word "American" history?
Imagine the burden of carrying that around with you your entire life. There is not enough gratitude to express for the sacrifices these men made
And what isn't recognised enough these days is that the sacrifices made by these incredible Americans were for the freedoms of other countries...love and respect from the uk
"I'm not a hero. I'm a survivor." This line really depicts how bad the war was
and also; "It's the big people that make war, not the common people. They're the ones who get hurt."
That applies to any war, I find it sad how jingoistic the world is becoming again. Especially as a man in prime military age. I do not want to end up like my Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
I absolutely lost it as soon as he said that
We have a very clean sterile view of WWII in the US. We don't think about how brutal it really was because. In retrospect, we won decisively and it all looks like a nice easy victory. We forget that not only was the war on the ground brutal, but the people living at that time had no idea what the future would bring. They didn't know who would win or how long it could last. They lived through a terrifying time.
Repent to Jesus Christ “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 NIV J
"I'm not a hero, i'm a survivor" Man, that's deep.
+Bayu Krisna Heroes are made out of selflessness and that is what he was.
All heroes say that. This guy was already heroic before this moment but he officially stopped being a survivor when he got back on the boat so a replacement didn't have to do it. That's raw courage and the definition of heroism. Willingly putting yourself in harm's way so others don't need to...
Hes for sure a hero, what a great recollection. Wow. But so is everyone in war, everyone thinks their cause is the right one unfortunately. Here's to world peace.
He is most definitely a hero
Remember, though he said he was scared, recognized that if he did not go (into the meat grinder) one of his mates would have to go in his place. So, he went back, again and again, to spare his mates from his fate. That's heroic!!
hearing him speak about being with that boy who died while he said the prayer made me sob. I cannot even begin to imagine the horrific mental images this left him with. honored to be able to hear his story.
My dad was on LST-289 and described men just dropping as they tried to hit the beach, Dad has passed on but my respect for all the courage in service grows daily!
What a beast this man is. 1st wave to Omaha Beach, went back for 14 more, then southern France, to Philippines and then Okinawa. I have no words for this man. Just pure admiration.
😭
Absolute machine of greatness and work for the next generation
I don't mean to undermine him, but I don't get how he participates in 15 waves, like did he raid the beach 15 times? I don't get it, I mean once you're on the beach don't you stay there?
@@SimonB. the other troops didn't need "bringing" I do t understand why they would need him to go back and bring them, that doesn't make sense. He could just stay on the beach, and they could all just flood the beach with troops.
@@SimonB. oh I thought each wave had their own landing craft
"I relive it every day in my life" Let that sink in.
@Peekle we never should have been in Vietnam...I had 3 friends killed there....I just missed getting drafted...the whole war was a waste of lives on both sides...sad!!!
@@mikeforte7585 yeah, it wasn't our fight to fight
@Peekle pickle, the other side in the nam. Committed far more atrocities.
@Peekle the pink's committed many "mi-lai's"
@Bill Those kids are still Americans. Many of them surely lost family in WW2. I did. Don't believe everything you read on the f****** internet. They want to divide us.
My Dad was in WW11. He hardly talked about his experience. He spent 7 years of his life in the Army Air Force. Every Memorial Day he would put on his uniform, which still fit him like a glove, and we would go to the cemetery to visit the graves of his buddies that were in the war. I was so proud of him. He was a very handsome man still. Some people would come up to him and shake his hand and thank him for his service in the war. Now I do the same when I see someone with a hat or uniform. My Dad was a wonderful husband, father and friend to many. And I thank God he spared his life. He passed away at the age of 91. I miss him terribly but I also know he is in Heaven because he loved the Lord Jesus, and I will see him again. ✝️☮️
Sounds like a great man , happy he lived and you had a great father!❤
Wow so he’s from the future huh? There’s so many ways to go about saying the number 2 and you literally chose ONE ONE instead 😂😂😂😂
@@PRR-ny6eq you know what I meant. Glad you had a good laugh
This brings so much life to WW2. It’s not just history, it’s real people.
I’m 28 and live in France, and it’s just breathtaking to be reminded that the reason why my country and most of Europe is free today, is those men that gave their life during D Day and the rest of the liberation campaign. We haven’t had a major conflict in 75 years and should all appreciate how lucky we are not having to step in those men’s shoes.
After that war, really smart and forward looking people put together NATO and SEATO to keep the peace, and to bring the former Axis powers back into civilization. In America, I don't think our current batch of politicians are up to the task of maintaining what was so had won.
My grandfather was one of the soldiers in the 29th division that he speaks of. I’m doing research on my grandfather & I’m honored to be his granddaughter. Growing up I didn’t realize what he had gone through. I wish I would’ve been more aware of it. He married my grandmother who was an English war bride. My uncle & my dad were both born in England. I cried listening to Frank as he went through the details of what he witnessed. My father is a Vietnam Veteran. I thank a soldier whenever I see one 🇺🇸
@Grape Juice and also thank them for your mom's ability to drink while pregnant
@@huhumart I agree! What the hell is he talking about & who the hell is he!?
@Grape Juice hey troll I think you got your dates confused this guy isn’t talking about the 2000 generation. So c’mon back under your bridge and stop trying to hump the blender
This man right here is the reason why we celebrate memorial day and Veterans Day God bless❤️
And why we stand for flag!!
@@freedomlawnservice1987 kneeling is just as respectful, in fact it was a soldier who recommended it. Dont add your politics into this man’s story
@@WillPittamshaha stupid biden support
@Roberta Rodriguez yes true they are so stupid
And why you why you will now to Communism.
I just wanted to hug him when he started getting emotional 😔 Living hero deserves more recognition
Knowing he faced certain death and chose to send himself rather than a replacement is the most heroic thing I could ever imagine
The fact that he admits to being scared out of his mind, but doing his job anyway, is to me, the definition of courage. And his humility radiates. He earned the right to be a hero, but humbly rejects the mantle and gives it to the ones who gave all, and never came home.
Beautifully said.
He didn’t got to kill He went to save Nazis would have taken Europe most likely
You saw it in a meme or something, same place I saw the quote like 10 years ago I never forget..
@@1truthbegettingtold275 lol did you just catch someone stealing meme quotes??🤣
@@kodykindhart5644 no sadly everyone thinks this they would've never had the fuckin soviet union was to much for them
“The big people make wars, not the common people, they are the ones that get hurt” Straight Truth, still true to this day.
2022 VISION 👍👍👍...BIG FACTS... 🤔
"Politicians hide themselves away... They only started the war.. Why should they go out to fight? They leave that up to the poor.." Ozzy
War is old men talking and young men dying.
Realest comment section on yt
The big people or the little hat people? Definitely the latter.
My great Grandpa was a part of D-Day. I am so proud of what he did for his country. Every veteran should be given the respect that they deserve.
My grandfather was a sailor stationed at Pearl Harbor during the attack and stayed in until after the war was through (1937-1945.) He was one of the survivors. Many of his friends and even his cousin weren’t so lucky. My grandfather had photos with FDR shaking his hand. Sadly, this is about all I know. My grandfather died in 2012 when I was 15 and he had Alzheimer’s for years prior to his death so I never had a chance to ask him everything I should have, I was too young. By the time I was 12 he had lost most of those memories. To me, the most tragic thing that has happened in my life was my grandfather not living long enough for me to ask him everything I should have. He grew up poor as dirt on a Texas farm in the Great Depression. He served in the biggest war in history and saw every moment of that war from the absolute first second to the last. He was there when Pearl Harbor was attacked, he was there when Hirohito was ousted from power. He had an amazing, unbelievable life and I just wish I could have known him better. I knew him as my kind-hearted granddad and I’m happy for that but I wish I could’ve got to know him as a man as well. Sit down and have a drink, ask him everything I’ve wanted to. If I had one wish it would probably be that. Rest in peace to my grandfather, Chester Lee Harris. You were and will always remain my hero. The greatest man I’ve ever known.
Rest in peace to your grandfather bro 💯
So?
He lives on through you..
A beautiful tribute.
I feel the same about my grandfather too. He was a medic in the Korean War. I wish I had talked to him and asked questions. He got sick and passed when I was just becoming an adult. You feel a lot of regret. RIP to your grandpa too 🥺🙏🏼❤️
My dad landed there. Eisenhower gave him a Bronze Star. RIP Dad.
My Dad landed in the first wave with the British army on Gold Beach, and made it all the way to Hamburg at the end of the war. He was never wounded. 🇬🇧🍷🍺👍
@James Henderson there's always one! And you're it... good on you and your virtue signalling for trying to politicise the sacrifices these "everyday" brave men made for us.
@James Henderson James Henderson is a war criminal.
My grandpa was in the Bulge. I remember as a kid being woken at night by the sounds of his nightmares. Thank god all we have to fight about is SJW morons burning their own communities. Imagine having REAL dangerous fascists to deal with like the heroes of WW2. Count your blessings, my friends, for we truly live in remarkable times.
@James Henderson Great! Well done for pointing out the horror of warfare and win at any cost actions. Like we didn't know, it's sad you think WW2 was a game of cricket played by gentlemanly rules! Not the largest mechanised destruction of humanity in all of human history.... All is fair in love and war. And you're tarnishing the sacrifices of these heroes with your need for virtue seeking, attention.
"And I went back...14 more times." That's an honorable man right there.
That surprised me when he said that.
Can’t put it into words.
Its
Ahen
Just another wanker. Nothing honorable about it.
4 million views is not enough for Frank's incredible story telling, stories from these veterans needs to be played in schools as part of the curriculum. R.I.P Frank thankyou for you're service 🙏
What a strong man, imagine carrying this pain for nearly 80 years, may his soul rest in peace🙏🏼
*"It's the big people who makes the wars, not the common people, they're the ones that get hurt."* -Frank Devita
Isn't that the truth! Damn straight. Those words were the best way to finish this incredible interview.
That sentence will stick with me forever. It hits hard coming from a guy like him.
Or as Lindbergh said. The British,the Jews and the Roosevelt administration. Those were the group of people agitating for American to get involved in a European war.
"when the rich wage war it's the poor who die"--Jean-Paul Sartre is another good one of similar spirit
@@bryanfarts822 Thank you I tell people this all the time
Poor guy. He has been traumatized his entire life, but kept on living, never gave up. Thats why he is a hero. Respect!
Poor guy?!? Not the best way to describe a hero
@@Truthseeker9393 he was a hero but we can’t act like a majority of those men’s that fought back then were mentally physically and emotionally broken by that war
@@Truthseeker9393 He said himself he doesn't consider himself a hero, but a survivor.
So true
He did what he had to do, without thinking about it…he just did it. You can’t think about it during that moment. That is what makes him a hero. Then he had to live with the memories of that unspeakable horror, for the rest of his life…that is what also makes him a hero…or in his words…a survivor.
I am a 26 year Navy veteran retired…and this man is an absolute HERO!
A true hero will never admit to it.
If you Google the name of this brave man it shows you a picture of him and how young he really was when all of that happened right in front of his eyes. Such bravery and valor.
This is why Memorial Day is more than just a cookout.. all my respects for these brave men & women
But the cook out is a big part tho
@@alphaturtle3806 😂😂
Absolutely & Amen!! Thank You!! Xoxo
The greatest generation was raised from children in lead painted cribs and no childhood vaccinations
Extremely well said. To be fair, I fought in Iraq and Afghanistan (I'm not comparing my service to these brave men btw) and for memorial day, all I want is Americans to have a happy day with their families. No matter what, I will personally recognize the lives sacrificed that made this way of life possible. That's all that matters to me. Memorial day always makes me sad. It's hard to live a normal and care free life once you've seen coffins with American flags draped over them. I'm not religious, but God bless our servicemen, and my brothers, who sacrificed everything for our country. If you want to honor us, invite your entire family over, hug your kids, drink a beer with some friends, and cook some god damn amazing wieners.
“ The guy 2 feet away from me, machine gun blew his helmet and a part of his brain, He was crying help me help me, he was just a little boy, i couldn’t do anything to help him”. Imagine reliving that every single day. Dreaming about that every single night. My heart sank just by listening to the story and this man sitting here lived that. I am crying ngl. RESPECT.
And then after all he went through in that first wave, he went back 14 times!
most forbidden documentary. Europa The Last Battle at archive . org
My eyes shed one single tear as I was hearing that😢
@EEuphoria What are you talking about?
As father, that part was hard to hear and to see his emotion. This guy deserves the most respect.
God bless him! When he said, "Excuse me for getting emotional", I yelled at the screen, "You do whatever the hell you want! You earned it"!
Bravery is not the lack of fear.. bravery is acting regardless of how scared you are..... These men sacraficed their souls and sanity and most even their lives for us.... These guys define TRUE courage.. TRUE passion, and TRUE strength, physically but mostly mental strength🎖
"It's the big people who make wars. Not the common people, they're the ones that get hurt." Honestly, that's the realest thing anyone could ever say. Rest in Peace Frank DeVita. No one deserves to go through that.
Yep, conscription was big back then, you had a lot of people sending men to their deaths… over practically no reason. Vietnam especially, the war with NK shouldnt have happened. We have incompetent leaders, yet people never seem to fight back against politicians, and follow their orders, from police, to common people, and I do not understand why.
The way he’s saying it is that’s just what it is not that the higher ups are evil or bad
@@BvngeeGvm stop sucking off the elites
Passed away at 96, I swear these old school vets have some serious longevity
It’s wild, you’d think the stress would have an affect but they’ve been through so much and power through, tough as nails. I know a vet that had a heart transplant and prob has more energy than me
Every year more and more ww2 vets leave us. These men are gems, it’s gonna be sad when the last remaining pass on.
Some do, most don't.
They sure do! My grandpa who was in the air force during ww2 passed away at 99 (a few months shy of 100) due to friggin Covid in his nursing home.
They do indeed. I like to think God grants them long life so they can tell as many people their stories.
I come back to Frank’s story about every 6-7 months. To once again, hear his accounts and I thank God for our veterans, and their sacrifices.
My father was in the COAST GUARD in WW2. He was a gunners mate on the 20 mm, aboard the USS Lenard Wood. This is incredible!!! He was in eight battles including sipan and midway. may they all rest high on that mountain.
I’m an Army vet, 3 tours to Iraq. After all I’ve seen, my hat is still off to all WW2 and Vietnam vets. Their experience makes mine look like a cake walk. I couldn’t imagine fighting war like this...
Imagine a russian veteran.
thanks Boss you to are am American hero just like my WW11 Dad and my VietNam brother both Army.
Just by looking at your KZhead channel you did not serve in Iraq lol
@Woobie If my statement is confusing to you. Perhaps you are an idiot. I simply observed his statement and viewed his channel. A man who serves in any army represents his country with dire dignity and utmost responsibility. I find his channel to not match his profession
@@williamacheson3569 who the F are you to question this man?
Imagine fighting in Omaha and Okinawa and living to tell the tale, what an absolute legend.
After listening to him (only got about 12min in and couldn't continue, it's just too hectic), I don't know what is worse, living through it or dying in it.
Lets not glorify it, those who died aren't irrelevant for not survivng. It was all luck, depressing luck.
Yani, Are you the yani from another comment string I've going on another video where we debate if you're alive or not?
@@KetoFatty your handle lmao
@@JamBadguyIt's not glorifying it either way.
He’s beyond incredible. Truly greatest generation.
God damn, 80 years later and still drives the guy to tears…. This man is a national treasure.
No need to use the Lord's name in vain, it doesn't make you sound tough, plus you may need his help some day. Trust me on that, and yes , I am a US Air Force veteran.
Avert your eyes. Sir
@@mcrdl76 That's not "using the lords name in vain"! God is not a name, it's a title. That commandment isn't about swearing or saying GOD in those terms. It means don't put yourself into the role of God. Learn your religion!
@@mrrooster4876 The Commandment reads: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” What you stated about God not being a name is your interpretation..
@@mcrdl76 No it's not GOD is a TITLE. Get a damn education. God has had many names in the bible. None of which are GOD. Sort of like how DAD isn't a name. You fail at your own damn religion just another sad excuse for a Christian.
This gentleman has me sobbing. Over 75 years later and it still moves him the way it does... Every story I hear reminds me why they are The Greatest Generation
What would be nice is more recognition to those who AREN’T USA, plenty of other story’s out there from other people you know.
Truly are the greatest generation...Generation of Gigantic Balls
Yup. You can see in his eyes the true sorrow and even trauma from it all as he relives it... God bless him
@4th Chairman That's right. He should delete his comment, immediately.
@@thezerastora6068 there is stories. Because he is American doesn’t mean he isn’t a hero
My grandfather was also on Omaha Beach, he landed in the "Easy Red" ending section of the beach which was considered one of the worst parts. He told me the worst part for him was wading through the waist deep water almost unable to even walk nevermind run because of the gear and being water logged, while bullets were flying by his head. He told me he kept hearing this clanging noise like two scraps of metal banging against eachother. Once he gathered himself looked around a bit he noticed that was the sound of bullets hitting soldiers helmets. I couldn't even fathom being in that situation, God bless all the allied soldiers who died and survived during this war.
Thankful for your grandfather’s service to this country and contributing to stomping down the evil of that time period. My great uncle never made it out of there, he is buried there in the cemetery at Normandy.
God bless your grandfather, may he rest. ❤️
It was men like your grandfather that made me want to serve. I have my own issues stemming from what I went through. I could never imagine being able to deal with what those men on d day and the and the landings in the pacific went through. I respect the hell out of all of those men.
My Wife's Grandfather (RIP) was also on Omaha Beach. Prior to the invasion he was a swim instructor for the Army. Many of the young men didn't know how to swim and in the beginning many questioned why they needed to learn. Little did they know what they would have to deal with. He told me the weight of the gear made it so difficult to swim or move in the water for some of the smaller guys. If you were shot in the water there was very little chance you would make it on shore even if it was a minor wound. Then the mad dash across a beach trying not to be picked off. It's a miracle he made it or anyone for that matter. My Wife's Grandfather was a true gentleman, the nicest guy you could meet and yet a War hero who had to do and see the unspeakable. He passed a little over 12 years ago. Thank you to your Grandfather as well and to all who fought that battle on the beach.
@@joshuaglaude1549 Thank you for your service! Please stay well in body, mind and spirit.
Intelligent humble man and extremely sharp.
There were several instances throughout his story, I couldn’t help but cry. From his account from lowering the ramp that dreadful first time, to his claims of going do it again another 14 times, and finally letting us know who his heroes are. Mr. Frank, you sir are a National Icon. Thank you for your selfless service to not only our country, but service to helping the entire world. Rest easy sir, Fair winds and Following Seas.
“It’s the big people that make wars, not the common people. They’re the ones that get hurt.” Incredible.
That’s right, I think it’s great we have started a war in the last 4 years.
@Chris Farley not entirely the ""brazilians"", but they do play a significant part.
Frank DeVita, thank you for sharing your story, Thank you.
James Henderson what
@James Henderson they were already community
@James Henderson ok so let's say Germany did destroy the USSR and china, then what? Trade one demon for another? The nazi party was a communist policy in terms of economic, they just used racial warfare instead of the marxist class warfare.
@James Henderson it would have lead to it, if the germans hated communism so much then that's what would have happened
@James Henderson Isn't it sad how most people are completely oblivious to how we have been paying the price for allying with Marxism since WW2? Blinded by the delusions of "my granddaddy was a hero who saved the world" total nonsense.
Such a moving clip, his trauma and his story brings you to tears. A true hero, scared shitless but went back 14 more times anyway, because he knew he had to. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for men like this, we are free today because they made the ultimate sacrifice, both those that perished and those who came back but whose minds will always be on that terrible beach on that terrible day.
I worked in a department store for most of my career. Each and every time I had the privilege and honor to come across a WWII vet (sadly, darmn few), I left my register and walked around to shake hands/hug the gentleman and expressed my heartfelt appreciation and respect for his, and his brothers-in-arms' sacrifice for our great country and our peoples. Customers be damned, they could wait. I never received one complaint.
The story of the red headed kid broke my heart. The pain in this mans voice
Must of been horrendous just cant imagine what that poor bloke has been through defo a hero in my eyes although he said he isnt bless him .
i got a lump in my throat, can’t imagine
Being a redhead makes the story that much closer.
thank you
I know, you can tell he felt so bad about it.
As I look around, I'm not sure America deserves this man.
america doesn’t deserve this man. But this man deserves America
Well said.
True that man. Also, O-H!!
@@chazmichaelmichaels88 I-O!!!! Goi Bucks!!
@@thomaslee1982 Go Buckeyes!!!
Wow, he explained it so well, I could picture the scenery and moments he described but it's not comparable with the reality he went through. Such tough, brave men. Rest in piece all.
Rest in Peace, Frank. You may not have viewed yourself as a hero, but you were a hero as much as anyone who braved those beaches.
I read that this man just passed in March 2022, two months ago. What a hero and honorable man - RIP - to this man.
Wow! That's amazing.
"I'm not a hero: I'm a survivor."
Donald Trump prefers to call him a sucker and a loser.
@@rjlchristie stop listening to your fake news lies, he never said that. and get politics out of this
@@georgyzhukov6409 1) "Fake news" is more frequently the reality, particularly in the case of the Donald J Trump, easily the most dishonest and cowardly president in US history. 2) Who makes you chief censor?
@@rjlchristie moron
@@wasntborn9969 Gee an insult, very original, well done.
This man endured horrors I can never comprehend. I owe my freedom to him. Thank you sir.
This man gave me chills and made me tear up. Thank you for all you did for your country. God bless and rip
You can still hear the youth in his voice. God bless this man.
Yes ☹ when he said "so I asked my mom" I can literally picture a very young brave man speaking 💯🥺🙏
I'm a marine vet, did 3 tours, 1 Iraq and 2 Afghanistan, but what this man went through i could never imagine. 2000 dead is a sight I can't even fathom.
Imagine being a Roman legionnaire, hacking each other with swords 30k in a single battle. Or being in the Battle of the Somme.
Would you recommend being in the army or the marines?
My ggg grandfather was at Cold Harbor and he saw 10k men lay on that battlefield crying for days. Some 6k fell within the first few minutes. He spoke of it one time, so im told.
Thank you as well Casey!
@@BobaJae.05 well what are your goals? I’m active army I’d be happy to help
Love You Frank! Thanks for your Valor and Humor! You will be Remembered and most especially..you ‘ll be missed!🇺🇸💯🏆🗽😉✝️🙏🍀🌎God Bless You Alwsys!
Visited Omaha Beach a few days ago and it was so peaceful. The contrast with the hell on earth that it was on June 6th 1944 was striking.
What a quiet, unassuming, gentle man. The world owes him and every other guy involved in Overlord a debt that can never be repaid.
So true.
It can be partially repaid, by taking up the mantle and protecting the freedom they sacrificed for.
@@Dee-nonamnamrson8718 we can now see our freedoms slowly taken away these heroes would be disgusted
@James Henderson That was definitely A reason, but not THE reason. We had tried to invade through the "soft underbelly" of Italy, but got bogged down.
All soldiers I have met are humble, honourable and polite.
It’s Unbelievable to imagine the pain these men walked around with for the last 77 years. And this just shows here why you shouldn’t discredit any branch of the service.
Cripples on both sides. Nothing to be proud of.
Never discredit any branch of service, but you could make fun of them for old times sake
@@nomadicle6867 They were serial killers. What is so great about that?
Why would anyone discredit our military, especially in time of war?
Vivian S I think it’s pretty common for young dudes to poke fun at Air Force, navy, and especially coast guard as if they don’t endure any hardships.
My Dad was with the 1st Infantry Division and he was in the first wave (assault wave) onto Omaha Beach. His LCM hit a mine and sank fast. They were left floating in the water. A couple guys drowned, most lost their rifles. Bullets hitting the water and whizzing past their heads. Dad was wonded there and again in the Battle of the Bulge . A humble thank you for every soul that participated in the Invasion of Normandy ❤️🥺🇺🇸
It was 77 years today. How can anybody ever repay any of the men that invaded Omaha Beach, of Normandy France? Thank you so much.
Firstly fight the ideological psychological war plaguing us today . We'll see who's who
My grandfather landed at Omaha. Chokes me up hearing this and wondering what his experience was like. This is why these people were the absolute greatest generation. He was afraid to die and went back 14 times just so that he wasn’t leaving his countrymen hanging. Unreal.
@@puddynuts men like that need to come back in a hurry
We cant
Only way we can repay these brave men is to be an American who is worth sacrificing so much for 🙏🏼
I read as many comments as I could and my heart is so full. Frank is my great grandfather and was truly the greatest man i’ve ever met. so beyond grateful to have him in my life for 20 years. he will be dearly missed by so many. our family will never stop spreading his story 💕 our hero
✌️and ♥️ to you Bella.
I am so heartened to know he was loved, respected, and appreciated by those around him. Thank you for sharing his story.
What a great man. Feel honoured that I got to listen to him. His actions make him immortal. His mental fortitude, love and pain that he felt. I am grateful heros like Frank existed.His memory will live on.
I wish I could have met him.
Your Great Grandfather is a great man. I know he's in a better place and can now rest easy. You're living proof of one of the many blessings he's given this world. I'm so thankful for his testimony and I'm sure you loved him with all your heart and soul.
15 trips… this man was absolutely instrumental in the success of D-Day. That many trips back and forth in a Higgins boat and to Omaha beach is incredible. Men like him are exactly how we won the war. I’m proud to say I knew men just like that in the service a decade ago now. People always say “they don’t make ‘em like that anymore” and they couldn’t be more wrong. Men like him raised families, passed on traditions and values. Men like him didn’t disappear, they multiplied. Americans get written off these days, just as we were back then, and even as we were before then. It’s a bad gamble to bet against America
Thank you for your service Frank, God bless you and RIP to one of our American heros.
Man sometimes it's hard to believe these people actually did this, and people witnessed and fought and died on d-day. It's crazy.
Yup
Its life man. You realize if you are younger right now probably in your lifetime we will be in another conflict just like this. It's sad but history repeats itself. We are not learning from our mistakes very well.
As I get older, the more I realize this.🙏❤️
And just the fact that it was literally kids. 18 year olds dude. I can’t even imagine it
@@pnpdynamic9720 Fortunately we are in the longest period of uninterrupted peace in the west. Ever. I really hope you are proven wrong, but only the future will tell. My father was born just after the war and his generation has known no conflicts (Im from the Netherlands) and he is 75 now. 75 years of uninterrupted peace, lets hope it stays like that for another 75 years.
He made 15 trips in the Higgins boat to Omaha Beach carrying troops...after having 12-14 slaughtered on the first trip. He went back time and time again not wanting someone else to die in his place. I can't wrap my head around the level of courage and heroism this man possessed. My god!
The Greatest Generation , friend!
it's sad to think most young men today would cower at the idea of fighting for their country, god bless these soldiers.
And today noone respects the legacy of those who sacrificed themselves for us.... How sad they will be when they see what the world has become on the very land they poured their blood. We are a disgrace.
@@putin2918 I wouldn't say "no one respects" - but not enough take the time to honor these great men. As a veteran myself and and deep family heritage of service, I often attend ceremonies at our local cenotaph on Remembrance Day to pause and reflect on their sacrifices. I wish the crowds were bigger.
@@dunno6442 If all the young men refused to 'serve' by giving their lives in a senseless fashion to those lucky enough to be in power - who would never actually fight themselves - then there would be no wars in the first place.
Sometimes I can’t believe I’m watching an actual WW2 vet describing WW2 in full person detail.
I was so sad to hear of Frank's passing. He had the best story. D day was a terrible scary event. I can't imagine the courage it took to hit that beach 15 times! He was brave. He was scared but brave. You can be both. He's proof. RIP Frank. We owe you for our freedom. Thank you.
They really ought to show these videos in school. They are raw, first hand accounts of pivotal moments in history. This isn't something you get in textbooks. Thank you all for your service and to the fallen soldiers for their sacrifice.
They really should. The sad reality is a lot of the kids probably don’t know what D-Day was and some would tune this out and go onto social media fishing for likes and thumbs up.
If they showed the horror stories of what war is really like the recruiters wouldn’t have fresh meat at the end of the year.
@@Orangejuice864 good. Than only those who could handle war, or at least what they saw, would join.
My history teacher showed us videos like this, he was a bamf
When I was in elementary school, this material WAS in the textbooks, on TV, in newspapers, books, on radio, and just about everywhere one looked. Patriotism was rampant, and uniform, throughout the country; So was respect and appreciation for the sacrifice of our founding fathers, Washington, Lafayette, and the common men, women, and even children of the colonies who shed their blood to win Independence and to establish for us a nation under God, possessing the greatest freedom and democracy ever bestowed upon a people. TRAGICALLY, in just a few short decades, we've allowed an unpatriotic, America-hating element to rise up, take over, and remove all patriotic inspiration. SHAME ON US for allowing this tiny, radically fringe element, to exercise control over the rest of us, a GIANT MAJORITY who outnumber them 1000 to 1. If we lose our beloved Republic, and by that, I mean lose our democracy though a future of corrupt elections thus falling permanently under the thumb of despotic rulers...then alas, the rise and fall of America, the "great miracle of democracy," will go down in history as a shameful, disgraceful, cautionary tale of the dire price to be paid for patriotic laziness, political slothfulness, and civic apathy in maintaining a Republic. Above all, the lesson will be painfully evident of the hellish result of forsaking the very God under which this nation was originally created, and who showered incalculable blessings upon it, of "milk and honey" in quality and excess not seen since the Israelites crossed the River Jordan into the Promised land.
"An' i reached down, an' i squeezed his hand.. i wanted 'im to know he wasn't alone." That got me bad
"He was just a little boy" I couldnt take it :(
Oooof... same here.
That bit hit me real hard
The worse part is knowing that while hes telling these stories, its being played in his mind like some kind of bad movie you cant turn off. Thats whats gets me, some men carry humongous burdens that we dont know.
Thank you for everything Frank…a true man
Thank you so much for your service. May you rest in peace. 🇺🇸🫡♥️🙏🏻
"...so I went back, fourteen more times." My jaw dropped and my eyes welled.
Nobody cares
@@MrNeumann100 you did enough to comment
ngl i cried a little bit
Same
I had a lump in my throat when he was telling the story of going back to see his mother
Same dude you're not alone.
currently balling watching the people who fought for this country to be what it is today. true heros
Damn right, anyman who doesn't has no soul
Thank you, Frank DeVito.
The last thing he said was the most important: he’s not a hero, he’s a survivor. He simply survived the longest
My grandpa landed on Omaha . He wouldn’t tell me what happened . Just some stories once they made it inland . He was the best man I’ve ever known . He died in 2013 . He was 95. My hero
God bless him
It’s amazing how sharp he is at his age. He looks like he still Works out. You can tell he has his bouts with survivors guilt but I’m glad he honored his fallen brothers by living a long life.
I work at the VA in Loma Linda CA. Most WW2 vets still look and function very well it always makes me smile. Our last true generation of American pride, and they carry it on to this day.
But the poor guy probably has sleeping disorders stemming from the fact, that he can't forget what happened.
@@copperfish543 you can tell by when his voice changed when he talked about being scared to die.
Wonder if any of the purple and green haired liberal LGBTQ alphabet people of today would fight their freedom
What did you expect lol
Thx you for your service MR. Devita . May you rest in peace.
Damn I was under the impression that troops generally saw one theater or another. Crazy to think that someone saw Normandy, the south of France, the Philippines, and Okinawa.
Yeah.. back then unless you were wounded really bad. You were in for the duration.
Especially with the Coast Guard guys, they got sent everywhere that the Army or Marines needed to land.
I know one of these men. He told me the Japanese were tougher that the Germans. What a stud.
@A C H what the hell are you talking about. He fought the entire European theater then smoked out and killed all what was left of the Japanese. The guy was an all out badass. Worked all who stood before him. God bless America....
Landing craft of various types were a scarce commodity so they were moved around as needed.