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00:00:00 – 00:39:55
The video narrates the story of Lafayette Green Pool, a highly revered American tank commander during World War II, and the real-life inspiration behind Brad Pitt's character in "Fury." Pool, along with his tank crew and their Sherman tank "In the Mood," gained notoriety for their extraordinary combat achievements. Pool's journey began with overcoming obstacles like a failed Navy enlistment due to poor eyesight, later circumvented to join the Army. An undefeated boxer, Pool's prowess extended to the battlefield, where he handpicked his elite crew.
The narrative delves into the backgrounds and camaraderie of Pool's crew, emphasizing their solidarity and resilience through various operations. Notable events include Pool's morale-boosting, though unsuccessful, boxing match with Joe Lewis, and their adaptation to combat conditions in Normandy. They tackled severe German resistance, often employing ingenious tactics and advancing despite heavy losses.
Significant campaigns highlighted include Operation Cobra, intense encounters with German tanks, and strategic victories such as the ambush at a critical bridge and the destruction of heavily armed German supply trains. Pool's crew, referred to as the "Spearhead Division," displayed relentless efficiency, earning numerous commendations, including Bronze Stars and a Distinguished Service Cross.
The video also touches on personal sacrifices, with Pool facing life-threatening injuries leading to the amputation of his leg. Post-war, Pool remained connected to military units and took on roles as a preacher and teacher until his death in 1991. His legacy as an unmatched tank commander and influential military figure underscores the video’s portrayal of bravery, tactical brilliance, and unwavering dedication during one of history's most challenging periods.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the narrator introduces Lafayette Green Pool, the inspiration behind Brad Pitt’s character ‘War Daddy’ in the movie “Fury,” and his crew, along with their M4A1 Sherman tank famously named ‘In the Mood.’ The video highlights Pool’s significance as a highly regarded American tank commander, offering a nod to the sponsor, War Thunder, a realistic vehicle combat game showcasing historical detail and customization options, including Pool’s tank.
The segment then outlines Pool’s early life. Born in 1919 as one of twin brothers, he and his brother aimed to join the Navy in 1937. However, Pool’s poor eyesight led to his initial rejection from the military, a common theme among several notable military figures. Despite his passionate desire to serve, Pool pursued engineering in college while excelling as an undefeated boxer. With the advent of WWII, Pool successfully entered the Army by cheating on his eye exam. He trained rigorously, earned rapid promotions, and continued boxing. As his military career advanced, Pool became renowned for his unmatched skills as a tank commander and boxer, allowing him to select top-tier members for his tank crew.
00:05:00
In this part of the video, the narrator introduces the members of a World War II tank crew, elaborating on their backgrounds, nicknames, and roles. Each member has a unique story, such as one who had to seek government permission to leave his job to fight, and another who chose military service over jail. The crew’s leader, a boxer named P, earns the nickname “War Daddy” and gains fame for his undefeated boxing record. Despite being offered opportunities to advance his boxing career and military rank, he remains dedicated to his crew. Later, in England, P has a morale-boosting boxing match against the famous Joe Lewis, the “Brown Bomber.” Despite initially landing a hard punch on Lewis, P is eventually overpowered and beaten in front of his entire regiment. This segment highlights the crew’s camaraderie, their leader’s loyalty, and the significant events during their preparation for war.
00:10:00
In this segment of the video, the narrator describes Lafayette Pool, a seasoned boxer, and his experiences during World War II. Initially, Pool’s reputation grows after surviving a fight with Joe Lewis. Fast forward to June 23, 1944, Pool and his crew arrive in Normandy, navigating devastation left by Allied Forces. On June 29, during an operation, they encounter heavy German resistance camouflaged in hedgerows, leading to fierce combat. Pool’s tank, “In the Mood,” and 17 other M4 tanks are hit, resulting in significant losses. Despite the setback, Pool’s tank is deemed salvageable, but seeking immediate revenge for their fallen comrade, Pool demands and receives a new, advanced Sherman M4A176 W tank, along with a new crew member, nicknamed ‘School Boy.’ They adapt by preemptively firing at hedgerow corners to counter German tactics. After a month of grueling combat advancing only five miles, General Omar Bradley launches Operation Cobra on July 25, 1944, bombarding enemy lines to accelerate the advance, marking a shift in combat pace.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, W Daddy and his crew, operating the tank “In the Mood 2,” encounter and destroy a German Panther Tank with their new 76 mm cannon. Following this success, W Daddy becomes a prominent figure, leading in almost every mission and aggressively pushing back the enemy. When “In the Mood 2” needs an engine replacement, W Daddy is reluctant to revert to an older tank, pushing for a new one instead. In defiance of orders, he drives the assigned older tank into a lake to avoid using it. Recognizing his valor and skills, the chain of command overlooks this insubordination and provides him with a new M4A1 (76)W Sherman tank, which is then dubbed “In the Mood 3.”
The next day, W Daddy’s unit engages a large German armored force. Despite their air superiority and successful bombing runs, friendly fire results in “In the Mood 3” being knocked out, along with a neighboring tank. With orders to fall back, W Daddy ensures his crew’s safety but sees an injured tanker nearby. Risking his life, he saves the wounded soldier while drawing enemy fire. Bert, the crew member known as “School Boy,” survives by taking shelter under the tank amidst the chaos.
00:20:00
In this part of the video, the narrator describes a dramatic and intense wartime experience. Bert Close, buried in the dirt near his tank during a battle, unexpectedly reunites with an old friend from basic training amid a firefight. While they catch up, War Daddy safely returns another injured crew member but realizes Bert is missing and considers a risky rescue before being restrained. Eventually, the enemy retreats, and Bert and his friend safely return.
With their original tank destroyed, War Daddy and his crew of “In the Mood 2” continue their missions with outstanding success, earning the nickname “Spearhead Division” for their rapid advancements. They encounter and destroy heavily armed German trains, including one carrying formidable Tiger tanks, using their Shermans’ machine and 76 mm guns to prevent the Germans from manning their tanks and ultimately destroying the enemy equipment. Their strategic actions and relentless advance mark a significant moment in their campaign.
00:25:00
In this part of the video, the soldiers discover that the German train they anticipated having food or booze is actually loaded with French lingerie and perfumes. Despite the disappointment, they decide to transport the goods to Belgium to potentially please the local women. Meanwhile, War Daddy and his tank crew, who just destroyed a train and several German Tiger 2 tanks independently, are acknowledged as the best tank crew by their chain of command. Initially ordered to stay back, they are recalled to the front to deal with a critical bridge guarded by German Panther tanks. War Daddy’s quick action and tactical ingenuity lead his crew to successfully ambush the Panthers, secure the bridge, and advance into a German town where they destroy several enemy ammo trucks. The segment ends with War Daddy’s crew surviving a night ambush, eliminating further threats, and forcing remaining German forces to retreat.
00:30:00
In this part of the video, the crew led by War Daddy advances deeply into enemy territory and discovers a German supply convoy, which they decimate. Their tank, “In the Mood,” is credited with numerous kills and captures, leading to their receipt of Bronze Stars and a Distinguished Service Cross, though a Medal of Honor nomination is rejected. They then move from town to town, being celebrated by locals and receiving gifts, particularly alcohol. This routine continues until they reach Le in Belgium, where they liberate the city and participate in a large celebration. However, the next morning, the chaos from the celebrations delays their departure. Eventually, they prepare for their final push into Germany but are told they won’t spearhead the mission. Pool’s crew member, Jailbird, is sent to the rear due to family concerns, and a fresh recruit, Kenneth King, replaces him. During a German ambush, King is killed, and their tank, “In the Mood,” is heavily damaged as the crew attempts to retreat under fire.
00:35:00
In this segment, the narrator describes a harrowing incident where P, a tank crew member in World War II, is ejected from his tank and severely injured. Despite his grievous injuries, P administers morphine to himself and attempts to amputate his own leg. American forces engage a German Panther tank, destroying it, and P receives additional morphine injections from a fellow tank commander and medics before losing consciousness. P’s leg is eventually amputated, and after spending 22 months in recovery, he is discharged from the military in 1946. The segment also highlights the remarkable combat achievements of Lafayette Green Pool, his tank crew’s record, and his post-war life, including his advisory role in the military as well as his subsequent careers as a preacher and a middle school shop teacher. Pool’s ties with armored units continued until his death in 1991, shortly after the end of Desert Storm.