Central Illinois World War II Stories - Oral History Interview: Wesley Matthews of Mechanicsburg
Illinois Public Media
29,241 views
Wesley Matthews served in the army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge as an ammunition bearer. He was hit by shrapnel that pierced his thigh, and he lay wounded for a whole day and into the night before four soldiers rescued him.
20 Comments
@airdrop1670 5 years ago
This was one of the best recountings I've seen , what a guy , god bless him .
@dannymatthews6365 6 years ago (edited)
This is my Father. I have more respect for him than any other person except my Mother. Both exceptional people.
There are many more stories that he didn’t tell and details to the stories he did tell that it would fill volumes.
I wish I could write a book. I would include the reunion of the 99th Infantry Division after I had gone online and found only one of the men that had gone back to the quarry and brought him back. With my Dad I called this man and asked if he was the same Joe Tylka that had been in 99th. After confirming that I handed the phone to Dad and went outside for a cigarette. They made plans to meet at the upcoming reunion. That meeting was emotional for me. If it weren’t for him I would not have been born.
There are many more stories that he didn’t tell and details to the stories he did tell that it would fill volumes.
I wish I could write a book. I would include the reunion of the 99th Infantry Division after I had gone online and found only one of the men that had gone back to the quarry and brought him back. With my Dad I called this man and asked if he was the same Joe Tylka that had been in 99th. After confirming that I handed the phone to Dad and went outside for a cigarette. They made plans to meet at the upcoming reunion. That meeting was emotional for me. If it weren’t for him I would not have been born.
@vivians9392 5 years ago (edited)
What a character. He has so much detail and humor in his stories that you feel like you were almost there with him.
@we-are-all-NVCAP 5 years ago
Great to hear a respectful engaged interviewer.
Fantastic story - respect to this and all soldiers
Fantastic story - respect to this and all soldiers
@thebestyouneverheardof 5 years ago
This is an excellent interview, Mr Matthews is tenacious to say the least. Thank you for sharing this.
@dr.barrycohn5461 5 years ago (edited)
He's regular fella. Very with it. Good humored. A real cut up. A great raconteur. One can easily imagine the times. He's manage to pack in an awful lot in one life.
@JosephZvolensky 4 months ago
Thank you Veteran for your detailed description of ALL your military experiences in WW 2. I applaud your ability to remember so much detail and your ability to describe it. This is an amazing capability! I thank you for your dedication to our country and ALL the sacrifices you made. May God keep you in his care in time ahead.
@MalcolmFairhurst 3 years ago
WOW, what a guy, suffered so much then gets shit on by the authorities!
@britgerus1956Glenn 1 year ago
Good on him for speaking up against the war bonds even if it didn’t work….
@johnheigis83 3 years ago
The loophole, through "their" front doors. Restore your true "active and passive civil defense" /comprehensive contingencies-management capabilities, in a 21st century context. Gigantic possibilities.
@chrisburg7979 4 years ago
This gentleman was a fantastic person and a tribute to the USA. From. Uk god bess him .
@hellboundrubber4448 1 year ago
I understood it but i don't think the interviewer did. All he could think of was clique answers or replies that weren't in context and totally out of left field. He wasn't really listening at all.
@williamforbes6291 5 years ago
Yo im only 26.
My family dont like talking about the war who lived it and i dont.know any.veterans who are willing.to disclose (only came out of service decade.ish ago)
Anyone please email me or message me.any good interviews
I cant get this kind of perspective elsewhere especially with corona
My family dont like talking about the war who lived it and i dont.know any.veterans who are willing.to disclose (only came out of service decade.ish ago)
Anyone please email me or message me.any good interviews
I cant get this kind of perspective elsewhere especially with corona
Central Illinois World War II Stories - Oral History Interview: Wesley Matthews of Mechanicsburg
Illinois Public Media
29,241 views
Wesley Matthews served in the army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge as an ammunition bearer. He was hit by shrapnel that pierced his thigh, and he lay wounded for a whole day and into the night before four soldiers rescued him.