The Tragic Story of Veteran Earl Hopper Jr | P.38 & Luger Capture

Published on January 23, 2023
Duration: 18:41

This video details two significant firearms brought back by Colonel Earl Hopper Sr.: a 1938 Mauser Luger captured from a German officer during the Battle of the Bulge and a late-war 1945 Mauser P.38. It also touches upon the tragic story of his son, Earl Hopper Jr., an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel lost in Vietnam, highlighting the family's profound military service and advocacy for POW/MIA issues.

Quick Summary

Colonel Earl Hopper Sr. brought back a 1938 Mauser Luger captured from a German officer in the Battle of the Bulge and a late-war 1945 Mauser P.38. His son, Earl Hopper Jr., was an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel lost in Vietnam, becoming a focus for POW/MIA advocacy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Colonel Earl Hopper Sr. & His Firearms
  2. 01:19The Luger & P.38: Souvenirs of Service
  3. 02:04Luger Holster & Markings Inspection
  4. 03:21Luger Technical Details: 1938 Mauser S/42
  5. 04:54P.38 Identification: 1945 Mauser SVW 45
  6. 06:24P.38 Holster & Magazines
  7. 09:01Colonel Earl Hopper Sr.'s Military Legacy
  8. 10:25The Tragic Story of Earl Hopper Jr. (MIA)
  9. 11:49POW/MIA Advocacy & Family Sacrifice
  10. 13:19Conclusion: Honoring Service & Sacrifice

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearms did Colonel Earl Hopper Sr. bring back from his military service?

Colonel Earl Hopper Sr. brought back two firearms: a 1938 Mauser Luger captured during the Battle of the Bulge and a late-war 1945 Mauser P.38.

What is the significance of the Luger pistol mentioned in the video?

The Luger is a 1938 Mauser (S/42 code) captured from a German officer killed in the Battle of the Bulge, representing a tangible piece of WWII history.

What is the correct identification for the P.38 pistol shown?

The P.38 is identified as a late-war 1945 Mauser (SVW 45 code) with a dual-tone finish, correcting an initial assumption it was a 1946 Walther.

Who was Earl Hopper Jr. and what is his story?

Earl Hopper Jr. was an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel whose F-4D Phantom was shot down over Hanoi in 1968. He was listed as MIA for decades, and his family became prominent POW/MIA advocates.

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