94 YR OLD (PART 4) WW2 VETERAN

[guitarboydustin9]

You can tell that this is what he wanted to tell the world after everything he learned.. rest in peace, Les Loken. Great man.

[spartanxxx17]

You are correct sir! I am VERY interested to hear your wonderful story! Thank you and God Bless you for your service to our country in that terrible war!

[TheChunkyKong]

This man is what i call a real american I was touched by this i cried a little. sadly he is dead now R.I.P

[77dano77kent]

your so brave i hope others will tell there storys as time will be no longer

[Thelordofthedance100]

i wish i meet my grandpa he was an anti aircraft gunner in ww2 in germany

[MrMiddle54]

oh no! he died?? well if he did at least he got the chance to show youtube the sort of man he was...the sort of man that saved the world in 1945, and the sort of man we will never, EVER forget. Just like my grandpa, and may he RIP too.

God bless WW2 veterans and God bless America!!

[rickandgordo]

from a aussie, god bless him

[jfv15]

This was a great man and I am glad his daughter recorded his stories because I will share them not only with my own children but with the students in my history class as well. Future generations need to learn about and understand these men and what they did for our country.

[sedargo77]

I wish I could of met my great-grandpa, he was gunner on the bombers in germany.

[nesten1]

this man is amazing

[kittehtat]

I wish you were still alive, I'd give you a hug and thank you for what you have done.

[fiddeekberg]

Thank you for your inspiring stories about your life.

[jws54]

Interested in your story? You are a living hero of the greatest time in my generations history.We were sons of people like you.Every word you speak is interesting. It is with deepest gratitude that I thank you for being on youtube and sharing your story and now it is recorded history. A real hero's first hand account.

Thank you so very much. You inspire many. Will you be writing a book?

[camaro1270]

God bless this man. What a sweet, sweet soul and I wish that I could have given him a big hug for everything he has done. A special place in Heaven was reserved for this great man. Thank you so much, Gingeronymous, for sharing these memories of your dad with us. We will never forget. God bless you, as well.

[CGarzone]

I am soon to be leaving Japan after two years serving in the navy and working for FEN (AFN). It has been a most memorable experience.

Thank you, sir for your service!

God bless,

MC3(AW) Christian Garzone, USN

[redfan45x]

is his friend still alive?

[vivalamc315]

did u fight in italy

[sqwirral2006]

this is a truly inspiring story about friendship , the spirit of your father lives on in all who watch this!

[squidavenger]

This made me quite sad and happy at the same time. Nice to see that friendship like this lasted so long even though all the wars and hate that have been going on.

[KhmaiBodian559]

i had a dream yesterday when i met a ww2 veteran and he was talking about his friend when he was in the war. his friend died and he was crying and thats when i woke up.

[ICrokis]

i am sorry for your lost his words meid me aprishieit life ebery day i hope i too one day be alitle like your father and spek with true wisdom he is de inspiration and streinght of our contry he is a true hero

[tripyegg]

i am english,but from the bottom of my heart your father is a true hero

[takakazushin]

You are true American, whom I have always been looking for. I know real American people are lofty, noble and friendly, true friends of Japanese samurai.

It is regrettable, however, those people are made largely invisible by evil crooks among us. Sir, you may like to find in the internet "May the Rising Sun Shine on Your Heart".

[Gingeronymous]

I very much appreciate your comment to my father. I wish so much that he could see it, but I am sad to say that he passed away in February. I am keeping his videos on Youtube, and I hope that they will continue to light a candle in the world, one of many candles that are starting to awaken the global heart. I have favorited the Heart Sutra video I saw on your channel, to my channel. Blessings from my heart to yours. -Ginger

[redfan45x]

I wish he was still alive so i could of sent him a message, I wanted to tell him that my grampa also had a japanese friend but during ww2 he was in the Navy and was friends with a japanese-american officer and that man took gunfire to save my grampa, he was like a father to my gramps because his dad was mean after ww1 since he was german-american and had to fight his own kind. Next time your at your fathers grave tell him thanks from me and my grampa.

[secondleap]

I thought, perhaps, the art of story telling was lost...but it's not.

God bless you fine sir.

tanya

[chuck0454]

Les, are you writing a book about this? Great stuff! Charlie

[Tessietots]

Such a precious man. I think Ill be repeating this phrase often. God Bless!

[greenlanekit]

This may get lost sea of comments you have, but if you do find this one, thank you so much for taking the time to make these clips, My Uncle was RAF, Piloting Lancasters, Grandpa RAF Maintenance, Great great Uncle Accrington Pals, The Somme 1916. You guys are always in our hearts..Kit UK

[SableSymphony]

I finally found a chance to finish watching these! Thank you for posting these Sir. My Grandpa was a Feild Sargent who trained men down at Camp Wheeler. He died before I was born so I never got to hear any of his stories. I'm glad you are sharing your's with every one here.

[Caterpillarjon]

Sir, my maternal Grandfather was a veteran of the European theater, and my paternal Grandfather was a veteran of the Pacific theater. They are both gone now, and I miss them both. I wish I had talked to them more about the war. I thank you so much for your service to this country.  I also admire the men, both German and Japanese who fought so bravely for their countries. I think it is wonderful that you were able to become such good friends with your former enemy.

[b2spiritbomber]

you must realize that modern japenese culture is far diffrent from the ww2 generation. now why? cuase we killed all the ignorant one and left the merciful one alive. you can tell the diffrence by stance and facial expression.

[cybrain01]

You're quite right, but there are many awakened japanese now who repents against the result of their own education having brainwashed towards the atrocities they have never done, due to the propaganda of their enemies. They are the reincarnation of those kamikaze!

[dewsman]

My grandfather was taken prisoner by the japs in ww2 along with his cousin,and my great grandfather and 3 of his brothers fought in france in ww1 all of them came home,i am forever trying to learn more about the war and feel a personal resonance when hearing stories of the wars,also i hold a personal grudge against the japs for the way they treated our aussie soldiers in ww2 my pop hated japs and i cant understand why you would like them,obviously they never killed or starved any of your family

[b2spiritbomber]

another way is all the hardcor japenese that liked to tortur us would die befor they surrendereds to us.

[KurtGnu]

A wonderful story, as always..

[bolzy61]

WOW!!! 94yrs old , smart as a whip and sharp as a tack...I salute you Sir , with the utmost respect and gratitude for sharing your storied life... God Bless!

[bollywoodstarsofia]

today friendship love and family are not as important as materialism and fame take over...people like you show the importance of love and friendship in life..a big hug and kiss coming at you! xxx

[grizzlyrafting]

God bless you Sir, most people of your age are terrified on computers and the internet.. Your a very strong willed person and a great role model. Thank you very much for your lust for life and your great accomplishments.

[Dickens123]

Growing old is not for wimps! My aunt Rose said that and that all the parts start to go! This was a woman who played tennis almost every day of her life! I loved her so! I have attached a video resonse to this video!

[twgilmour]

These videos are absolutely wonderful resources. Thank you, Colonel, for your service to our country back then (and this is a service you continue to provide us). May God bless you as richly as you have blessed me and the others who have replied.

[sasakiseitaro]

What an amazing video that you have posted. You are a truly wondererful person and I have been touched by your story.

[sasukeluvssakura]

what an amazing friendship... 50 years... i am very sure that my dad would be grateful if i were to share your videos with him.

[BrokenFragment]

Ah, these are nice. I love the humor in the last letter you read. My grandpa served in the Korean war, and all I rememeber is two random words that kept coming up when he talked about it and the pictures he took. I'm glad I clicked on the link and heard your story. I'll be keeping an eye out for your next video.

[mrdjjames]

What a nice thing to post! Bravo!

Did you ever spend any time in Texas? Just curious.

[ForeverDissevered]

I was in the WW2 as chief commander of the SOS Brigade.

[wetus2000]

Hey Les,

Please keep churning out the video; I love them....someday soon I hope someone knits them all together and puts them on the History Channel. BTW, I bet your grandchildren bought you that big , comfortable chair cuz they love their grandpa.

[sponkoo]

That was a very sweet letter!

[sponkoo]

When you come out with a 5th part, come to my page and tell me in mail! Or just reply to this comment!

[someguy280]

This video has brightened my day as I hope my comment will brighten yours. Cheers, Les.

- Jesse

Miami, Fl

[Timytid]

Cool shirt Les. And those cards were beautiful. Thank you for sharing your touching story with us.

[mjh200]

This is the best video I have ever had the privilege to watch on you tube. A story of enduring friendship between two men from completely different cultures and sides in WW2. I am an English teacher in Japan now and I too have made some fantastic friends here. Thankyou for giving us such a wonderful insight into your life and showing us how friendship and love can transcend any obstacle.

(Matt, 25, living near Tokyo)

[exdrip]

My grandfather was also a WW2 Pilot Veteran, he could tell stories from the second he woke up till he went to bed, and you remind me very much of him, I really wish I had a camera to record the years of stories after seeing this, so Tell your stories until the day you die. /Salute

[xplhavoc]

Thank you for serving our country. I did not get the chance but, im in the health care and giving back to our country that way..

Thanks!!!

[RenaultOne]

may you live another 94 years to continue telling your fascinating stories

[shadowhorizon]

its kinda sad, or perhaps paradoxical, that war in some ways was the genesis of this friendship...

[cooksterz]

Thank you again! Ive watched all 4 so far, and i hope youll continue sharing these priceless stories with us. Much gratitude.

[kenny9048]

heros are few and far but sir, you are a hero and an inspiration! thankyou for your service and your bravery! my father did serve in the navy not in ww2 though, and is also my hero. i just hope i can get some of his stories on you tube also.

 thankyou my loken for being here to share your experiences with us.

all the best, kenny

[glennid10t]

I've watched all 5 parts to your series and I thank you for providing me that opportunity.

I'm a japanese american who's father served in WW2. Altho- he served in the european theater, he married a japanese woman..my mom. My uncle who served in the war on the japanese side and my dad have the most wonderful relationship. War is hell but friends are forever.

Happy Veterans Day

[jzc17]

Happy Veterans Day!

I would just like to thank you. Not just for your service to our country in the past, but also the service you are providing now to the next generation. My grandfather was also a WWII veteran but sadly I wasn't old enough to appreciate this until he was gone.

Your stories carry with them a wisdom gained from years of experience and a view on life that we would be prudent to follow. Please continue making your videos and best wishes to you and your family.

[quasipredator]

You are such a nice and cool person, I would love to talk to you in real life.

[gamschile]

i love you and you're spirit.

[Slugo]

Sir..I have just sat thru all 4 videos and must say first..."Thank You for your service" Second, Thank you for sharing parts of your life with me. It has been a blessing for me to hear these and I hope you are enjoying making and sharing as much as I am watching them. God Bless

[sl2001ie]

If I could have a conversation with anyone in the world right now it would be you..I am honoured to hear the memories of a war veteran and I have alot of respect for you. You truly are a inspiring person. I look forward to hearing more of your memories. Thankyou and Godbless x

[xmyownsummerx]

Your memories will live on through the people you share them with here. Thank you for the memories.

[deblina]

thank you sir and god bless you and all service men and women x

[LoneW0lf17]

Thank you so much for sharing all this with us sir.

[Emisanboo]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share these remembrances. You seem like a person who accentuates the positive, and because of that, enjoys life tremendously. I am sharing this link with my father, who was in the Air Force. I am in my 30's, and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.

[DamianL1980]

u have a beautiful soul n spirit

[digitlytune]

Thanks for making our Veterans Day complete by telling us your stories. We hope you will be posting more stories as we love to here them. Thank you so much for your service to our country. You are truly a Hero. :)

[MechatronicsProf]

Honor to you on this Veterans Day, sir.

I hope to live a life even half as interesting as yours!

[Ha7oc]

Thank you sir,

A story of true friendship.

[thefetman]

Wht was your most memorable moment with japenese compainon?

[kokororyu]

I absolutely Love your videos/publications. We need more of these bridges from the Great Generation we Americans owe so much. Thank you for the sharing and most of all stepping up when duty called for all of us to have a better life :D I especially love the roll of toilet paper Fondly LOL

[sammytoka]

You really are a hero. You overlooked the prejudice that you may have had at one time with the Japanese and became enriched learning their culture and being tolerant of them. I'm sure you must have caught some slack along the way. I respect and thank-you for what you did. Today Japan is one of the United States best friends...you played a part in that!

[miriam001]

Thank you for sharing! Your stories are wonderful... I've learned a lot :)

[snagglepuss2209]

A Question for Les:

My impression of life in

the 1940's was that folks

had a sense of "honor" and

"Respect" of others.

Could you comment on the

differences you see from

then to now, in this regard?

Thanks! (ahead of time)

[snagglepuss2209]

A Question for Les:

My impression of life in

the 1940's was that folks

had a sense of "honor" and

"Respect" of others.

Could you comment on the

differences you see from

then to now, in this regard?

Thanks! (ahead of time)

[dudemattbored]

I couldn't agree more.

[RShackrat]

I am glad that you are doing youtube for the fact that Solders from WW2 are dieing. I wish that Youtube was made earlier for the solders from WW2 could share thier stores. I am VERY interested by WW2 stuff.

[RandyRhoads88]

Thank you, I love your stories

[keith7734]

He would tell me stories amazingly he would cry when he spoke of Iwo Jima mainly because he had no choice but to kill some Japanese soldiers who were told not to surrender. Those days still gave him nightmares. Unfortunately I was in Japan when he passed. I miss his stories. You bring back warm memories and I am thankful for your great stories. Please keep them coming.

Let me know if you need anything from Japan.

Yours,

Keith

[keith7734]

I have been watching your series.  I am in Japan right now. I live in Warabi, Saitama-- close to Tokyo. My wife is Japanese (I met her in Hokkaido and I also have great friends here.) I am also originally from California. I was born in the Fresno area. My grandfather also fought in the pacific in Iwo Jima.

[turtleboy123]

you must be having a great life :]

[heyzorro]

Fantastic videos Les, keep 'em coming!. Great to see a man of your age in such great physical and mental condition, age is certainly a burden but a burden you seem to be bearing well.

Any chance we could get your insight, as a war veteran, on Bush's war on Iraq?

Happy Veterans day.

[11Jamie11]

My WW2 vet grandfather died just 2 years ago at 83, and his wife and younger son followed earlier this year, leaving just my father (the elder brother) from that family. Now the closest thing to a grandfather I have is a patriotic friend who is also a WW2 vet. My family loves him and we try to invite him over occasionally as his wife died recently as well. I'm hoping to get some of his memories recorded like these videos!

[VideoGuy87]

Wow, that was amazing story. Happy Rememberence Day.

[imbubba56]

You made my Veterans Day a great one. Thank you sir.

[psycobasschick]

i love your videos. your friendship w/ namikawa makes me hope that i can have a friendship as dear and lasting as yours.

[Nathriel]

I am at a near loss for words. Mr. Loken, this is all very touching, and I hold a very deep respect towards your retelling of your stories and your friendship with Namikawa. My grandfather just had his 83rd birthday the other day, and everytime I see him I ask him stories and talk to him about things.

[missclattybrown]

CAN NOT THANK YOU ENOUGH

[USAOwnz]

Simply Amazing. Just went through all your videos and am just at awe.

[kenshin1977]

Wonderful videos,Les! Thank you so much for sharing.

I have a question if I might: When you turn on the TV these days, what are your thoughts? Is our society much different than it was sixty years ago? I can't help feeling like we're heading downhill and don't hold anything sacred anymore. Is this a thought every generation has about the previous? I'm very interested in your thoughts. Also, happy Veteran's Day and God bless you -- we won't forget.

[Nathriel]

I have the same question about society today. Is it all going downhill do you think? I don't think we hold much of anything sacred anymore, the world is getting more corrupt and being called greedy holds no insult.

[powerfulman5000]

wow great stuff awsome all the respect!

[CalOx27]

Just Amazing...

[dgoxlink]

MR.loken thank you for your story i enjoyed it very much

[gcurtism]

First let me say Happy Veterans Day, I appreciate your efforts in helping our country. I have already had the pleasure of knowing a gentleman who was with the Black Sheep during WWII, his name was Glen Bowers, in addition to talking with my Grandfather (who was stateside, building bombers) and some others who were in the war, thank you for sharing your stories, you make me proud to be an American. Keep it up, the more we learn, the better off we will be.

-Gregory C Myers-

[Mylandah56]

Touchimg :) Thank you very much Mr. Loken for all that you've done.

[Lola2810]

Thank you for your service and for your willingness to share such a personal and uplifting story. God Bless you.

[totos1dot]

How very special your lengthy friendship has been with the gentleman from Japan. He thought it very wonderful to be included in your family circle during your visit to Japan and it was wonderful of you and your family. Well done, Sir! Hope to hear more soon from you.

[DRLEEBERT]

...MORE MORE....MORE MORE...EXCELENT... I should do the same thing here up at the VFW hall on Morrison Avenue in Denver

[HughJardon69]

Excellent stories! Thank you Mr. Loken for sharing them with us. Looking forward to more!

[rothkowitz]

Very pimpin.Well done old chap^^

[jimifloydrix]

of course we write comments! of course we are interested! you are a very interesting man with interesting stories.

[hailrain]

Nimikawa looks pimpin in that purple suit;) a very touching reunion.

[poonjoo]

may u and nimakawa's friendship last 4 ever les. I salute as the son of a Marine, your clips are valued history.

[Beaver1]

That was very touching, i think it would make a amazing book or movie.

[maxami13]

Thank you so much for you time and for offering us a peak into your life. I think this is wonderful and a great idea. I can only hope that others catch on and do the same. People that have led such exciting lives as you have, would doing us all a favor by sharing these stories and recording them for all following generations to enjoy and learn from.

[Tim1601]

Thanks for posting these videos, I love history and personnal accounts of past events are the most interesting way to view the past. By far these are the best clips I have come across on Youtube

[sanchome]

This is a touching story and it's great that you were able to remain friends through all the years. Thank you for making this video and keep making them.

[hmdavid]

Mr Loken, thank you for sharing your amazing stories. Love your videos, keep up the great work. HOOYAH!

[gemcityjeff]

Thank you for sharing your stories with all of us Les. Words can not express our appreciation of you for serving and setting an excellent example of Americans and our desire to build great friendships and promote peace with peoples of all nations.

[momtoo]

You are precious. I miss my father, Major Edward F. Ganschow, USMC, aviator, served in WWII and Korea. He LOVED Japan, too. Share all your stories. What about your school days, tell us what living in the during the Depression was like as young one. Please keep up the sharing. Love, Barbara; Reno, NV

[felixjazzage]

This is one of the most amazing clips I've ever seen on You Tube. Thank you for sharing the story of your long friendship with Mr. Namikawa. It was very touching.

[sei927]

This is really very touching. I think it is amazing that you and Namikawa have kept up the friendship after all these years, and your mutual respect for each other. I am very glad to have clicked on your video seriesm and really appreciate your videos.

[elderdruid44]

Les, thank you so much for sharing your stories with us. I really enjoy your videos, thank you for serving and being a mark of pride in America.

[et141311]

Shut Up.

[buyable]

Get lost. Don't post that here, it's not deserved. Thanks for sharing, Les.

[Nathriel]

Fools should not be judged, all we can do is help or ignore them.

[CaptCape]

Love it.

[yfrankliao1]

Hats off to you Mr. Loken, and God bless! You're a great man with kind heart& high honor, and your life a testmonial of love over hate, peace over war, humanity over fear-mongering...

[MonoDde]

that was absolutely touching. thank you.

[treovideo]

Les, our veterans are our finest citizens. Thank you. Now, we have hundreds of thousands of young men and women who are returning from war. We are equally proud of them and grateful for their sacrifices. May they grow old as you have, at peace and proud of their service to their country.

[louis1982]

very touching.Thank you for sharing all this knowledge

[Zorieon]

This dude is surely the first old man I have ever sat and listened to of my own free will.

Interesting material.

[imightbewrong06]

heh, nice shirt, looks like your ready to part-aay. but that doesnt matter. your stories are great and I have much respect for you

DR

[rivalneighbour]

Thanks for sharing.

[Kyle359]

Amazing video. I find that friendships that cross cultural lines are among the strongest.

[ccarlozzi]

Les, it is such a pleasure to watch your videos. You are truely the defintion of the greatest generation that has ever lived.  I hope you have many more years ahead.

[JasonAK420]

Hello Thanks for the stories

[KYBluesKY]

Part 4 is my favorite of the series (so far). Thanks for sharing, Les! You're an amazing man.

[pneum932]

Thanks for doing this, Les. I'm a 19 year old college student and really enjoy hearing your stories. My grandfather was in the navy during WWII in the Pacific, but he died before I was born. Its nice to hear your story, as I never got to hear his.

--Pat

[ThatsMyGirl]

My grandfather served in the Navy during WWII. It is nice to hear first hand stories from the war.  Thank you for sharing with all of us.

[goallin]

I myself - the best I could ever do - was become an officer in an Elks lodge #200 - Hazleton Pa. (nothing as great as serving in the services - but all I could do)

I joined the Elks to serve VETS.. I became an officer early and then President of the lodge.. and was more than happy to serve.

[quinnskylark]

I think your videos are marvelous. Thank you for sharing.

[colindude]

That video was beautiful! Thank you Les!

[ChiCan76]

I watched all of your videos with great interest, and it is obvious that you are an honorable man. Thank you for sharing. I salute you...and a big hug too!

[goallin]

Les! THANKS VERY MUCH for YOUR STORIES and your service.. (you and your family) My family was always into service to our country. I myself, could not do so.. due to health problems.

My Father served like his family before him.. Army - Korea. My brothers served as well.. One in Navy and another Marines - He is about to retire as a full bird Col. this week. I'm very proud of ALL of my family that served. (to continue)

[fuzzbear6240]

God Bless you Les! Thank you so much for sharing a little bit of your fascinating life with us! I am reminded of all the wonderful times spent with my grandmothers listening to their life lessons. I'd love to hear some more memories of everyday life back before WWII. Do you remember your family's first radio or phonograph for example? Thanks again! J.

[threeheadedbaby]

It's too bad that You Tube hasn't figured out a way for me to be able to jump in the video cause I would give you the biggest hug. You are adorable and such a treasure to know. Much love to you. Deborah. P.S. I will look for your next video every day. signed...addicted to Les.

[sproasp]

dear les, thank you for the lovely stories of ww2 and the forming of a life long friendship with a past enemy.It's a great pleasure to see after all that was done to both countries in wartime that two people can come together and form a friendship like yours and let past experinces be thrown to one side. can you tell us more about your time in japan after the war also how did the japanese culture compare to america? thanks David

[Gingeronymous]

Thank you so much! It's heartening to know that my story inspires other people, even all the way to Ireland. I hope to talk about your questions in my next video. - Les