Once again, the most important assets of the USN was its training in damage control. It saved more ships than any kind of armament. _Marblehead_ was just one heroic story out of many as damage control teams struggled to save what the enemy thought was already lost.
Yes the US navy was definitely boss level when it came to damage control. I have read it was the flexibility in training that they got the most value. No need to rely on centrally located experts. Each team could work completely independently in any situation if required.
@@glenchapman3899 The Navy has always said the every sailor is a member of the damage control team. They did have some damage control experts, but their job was mostly to direct the other crew on how to control the flooding and fires from the damage. I don't know if it's still the case but, at one time, every crew member of every warship spent at least a couple hours a week learning about and practicing damage control measures. Combined with the generally high quality of materials, workmanship, and subdivision of each ship, many more Navy warship survived attacks and many more sailors lived than if damage control wasn't such an important part of Navy training.
My grandpa was on the USS Marblehead! I’ve often tried to retell the story but had some of the facts askew. Thanks for homework and celebration of its flight!
My Grandfather also served on Marblehead. We have an old news article that mentions him shooting down a kamikaze. I have his uniform from the war still (family heirloom). Cheers!
@@vainot4u My great grandfather was also on that ship! If you would at all be willing to send me a pic of that article and or anything else you might be able to share regarding the ship, that would be super appreciated by my family. If you are willing, I can give you my email!
Why does it always feel so tragic when a valiant warrior, gets “decommissioned” ? As we all know the quiet fate that awaits. Thank you sir for if we are not able to preserve the warrior, at least she did not go quietly into the night and get forgotten as is the case of so many others that tragically were not even remembered. “All gave some, some gave all”.
My great grandpa, Milburn E. "Mel" Smith, was on the USS Marblehead. He used to tell us how the crew would fill up buckets of flood water in the magazine, dump the filled buckets into the ocean, then repeat. I have some great photos of the crew members on the deck, there is even a photo of makeshift sail made out of what looks like a bed sheet. If it weren't for the events that led up to the ship docking in South African, my family probably wouldn't exist! Sounds melodramatic, but it is trie. My great grandpa met his future wife, Winifred, while docked in South Africa. She was a South African native who had never left the country. He met her while riding on the city bus, they hit it off, and continued to see each other while the ship was in dry dock. Before he left, a few short weeks later, he proposed to her. While the Marblehead, along with my great grandpa, made its way back to the US, Winifred packed her back and moved to Benson, Minnesota, where she waited for Mel to arrive. That was quite the transition for her, from never planning on leaving her oceanside home to moving half way across the world to the land locked Midwest, and for a man she barely knew. I envy her courage. They married shortly after, moved to San Diego (where he was restationed), had two daughter, three grandkids, and six great-grandchildren, including myself, although I was the only one able to meet them before they passed away. They were happily married for 50+ years. What a story of chance the Marblehead carries with it through history. heet. This video popped up on my feed by accident, but I am so glad it did, I was able to learn a bit more about the history and series of events, thank you The History Guy!
What a great story!! Reminds me of my folks, in a way. My parents were married September 2, 1967-Oct 1, my Dad left for Army Basic Training and then Vietnam. Neither of them knew if they'd ever be together again. But, 54 years and 3 kids later, they're still married and living in the same house in Massachusetts my folks bought with my Dad's Combat Pay.
My great grandfather was on the ship from commission to decomission. If you happen to have/ would be willing to share photos my family would LOVE it. I can give you my email
My Father, Harry Clephane was a signalman on the USS Marblehead during that battle. He told us stories just like what this guy is saying. He was burnt really bad during the battle.
My dad served on the marblehead Chief Warrant officer engineer, engine man, CWO ELDON C MARSH ,All my brothers including my self served in the NAVY as well. It was most cool to see this story about my old man's ship , it's right up there with a story of a ship I served on, USS ARNOLD J ISBELL DD869 . KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, I love historic military documentaries, when they are done with integrity and accuracy. Good job ! EM3rd CW MARSH
Thanks for this. The USS Marblehead was a great ship with a great crew. We Marbleheaders, who come from the Birthplace of the American Navy, salute her.
@@lawrenceel5321 "Up for air!" and of course "Whip!" Can't tell you how many times I heard my mom holler that out while we were out for a stroll around town. Her family lived in Marblehead long enough to know a lot of the 'townies' and we'd bump into them daily. :)
I have been told by a You tube Creator that Clicking Like just as the video starts makes the U tube Algorithm think you are a bot. And does not weigh that "Like" the same as one that comes later in the equation. Also if you see the ads the longer you let them run the more money is given to the channel.
There is something about such tales, of a small wounded ship on its own, on the sea, fighting enemy odds, and coming through by the sheer grit and wit of its haggard crew. Makes you cheer her on! Well done for telling us this tale!
Mr. History Guy: I am 68 and taking some classes at the local community college. The History professor used your video on "The Bonfires of the Vanities" as one of two videos in a discussion we had about the Italian Renaissance period. I had mentioned your channel to him from another history class so I was excited when I saw your video about the "Bonfires...". Your marvelous videos are even reaching the community college here in rural Arkansas....Well done..!!
My grandfather’s older brother served as Chief Water Tender on the USS Marblehead during the Battle of Makassar Straight. Thank you, The History Guy, for sharing this story.
@@BA-gn3qb You aren’t funny and you aren’t making much of a point. A great-uncle is not a distant relative or some obscure relationship as you try to insinuate.
My Father, Harry Clephane was a signalman on the USS Marblehead during that battle. He told us stories just like what this guy is saying. He was burnt really bad during the battle.
My father served aboard the Marblehead during the battle of Makasser Strait earning a silver star. Many years later, during a dinner at the CPO Club at Treasure Island, my father and the head chef at the CPO Club where reunited. Both thought the other had been killed during the battle. The head chef, (Chef Tang) had been a steward aboard the Marblehead. I always wondered why such a valiant action, so desperately fought, never got much attention. Thank you History Guy for recognizing and acknowledging this valuable piece of our countries history.
Another fasinating episode by THG. Imho all decommissioned naval vessels deserve to have their bells preserved as a memorial to those who served on them.
I am not a big swearer but I am the first to admit that, at times there are certain words that can bring a laugh and bolster morale. There are films that I can't even bother watching if they've been edited to remove the profanity. Clint Eastwood's "Heartbreak Ridge" is a perfect example, there is literally no point watching that film without the swearing. He fires off more classic one liners in that movie than any other I can think of! There is a time and a place folks and if you want impact, you can't be using those words in every sentence, save them for when you really need them! lol
That's good, but we need some examples of the Chief Bos'n colourful language. Australians tend to use some bad language every now and then. I'm always interested to learn some foreign expletives. The facebook page facebook.com/DashCamOwnersAustralia has some very good examples. It's one of my favourite things to hear a sweet, young, female, Asian voice get stuck into the best of Australian profanity. It's liberating. If they can get creative with f'ing this and c'nt that, you know that they are now real Australians. 😁
It seems strange to the average civilian - and even quite a few military members - how profanity can have any redeeming value. I mean, c'mon. It's only about 10 naughty words and 30 variations. But if you've ever heard a true NCO master of it rage on, it can be in turns shocking, awe inspiring, terror inducing, and hysterically funny. Sometimes all within the same 5 minutes.
Fantastic account! I'm sitting here with my computer and slapping my forehead with every detour the Marblehead had to make. Incredible. Those men had The Right Stuff.
A family friend had 3 ships shot out from under him in one day. His assigned ship sank, he was picked up by a destroyer that promptly was sunk, then picked up by another destroyer that met the same fate. the last ship that picked him up survived. I think I would have been nervous about being on another ship.
Great story, well covered. Her saga is usually overshadowed by other titanic events during that war, but, as you so well argue, it deserves to be remembered. One quibble. Houston was sunk at Sunda Strait, not at Java Sea. As an aside, I once met one of her survivors. He was a deck seaman and spent the war in a POW camp. He was a great, barrel-chested bruiser of a man, probably around 220 lb when I saw him (in 1980), and not fat. He said he returned home at a mere 115 lbs. after the war. This vet told me that the day before the Sunda Strait action the CO came on the 1MC (announcing system) to say how proud he was of his crew and that he did not expect the ship to survive the coming night's action. Did that worry him? Not so much. What he most remembered was that the CO opened up the "soda fountain" so the crew could eat all the ice cream they wanted. That, while operating near the equator in the days before air conditioning, meant a lot to the crew!! The CO did not survive the battle. Of the ~1300 men aboard only about 100 survived the war (per his recollection). But, maybe you've already told Houston's story...
Its stories like these, that make one sympathetic to Shakespear's Henry V speech before Agincourt. You cannot fault this saga on any grounds, it's truely noble. I feel it would be a great honor to be part of such an amazing voyage. These people went above and beyond, to preserve the USS Marblehead as an allied strategic aseset, when the outcome of the war was far from certain. It's the meat and potatos of heroic acts, that makes war about building resiliance under pressure, not simply destroying the capabilitiy of the enemy to wage war: what a crew! i am also reminded of General Sherman's comment: 'Thank god war is so terrible, or we should grow to love it too much".
My Dad was on the USS Marblehead, told me the story a few times. He said the ship was given the nickname "The galloping ghost of the China coast." Fantastic story, great video. Thanks so much for bringing it to life for me and my family!
I have heard that nickname applied to Eugene Flucky and USS Barb (SS-220), and both the gunboats USS Sacramento (PG-19) and USS Tulsa (PG-22.) USS Houston was also called "The galloping ghost of the Java coast."
I wasn't familiar with USS Marblehead before this video, but I've known about USS Houston for many years. Her heroics and sacrifice will never be forgotten in Australia.
I remember that on our second WESTPAC in 1976 on the Long Beach our captain, Harry Schrader, got on the 1MC and told the story of the gallant last stand, and rendered full honors as we passed over the site. Capt. Schrader (RIP) is my model of a Naval Officer.
As my dad served in the US Navy in World War II, history of this war at sea has a special place for me. Thank you for an eloquent and well prepared history lesson..
Let me explain why, THG is one the most gripping, enjoyable weekly shows about history Ive experienced in 55 years of watching TV, computers, and iphone screens. Also, why it's one of the most gripping and enjoyable video productions about anything, fact or fiction, I've watched. In order of importance (to me, the all knowing) 1) Delivery: Concerned citizen, fact focused, (seamlessly) adverb free, bullet delivery, like Walter Khondrite 2) Always, a great story, you'd want to hear regardless who told it. 3) Always includes details and context you've never heard before, even if you know the story 4) Great visuals and audio, 2nd to none. Hope this gets out in front of a wider audience, and you never stop keep doing it!
I'm a long time fan of yours . As the oldest of 8. My father saw convoy duty as there was a group of sailors on liberty ships. Lot of history you have shown . Thank you and really glad your from our area.
I was first made aware of the exploits of the USS Marblehead through the extraordinary film by Cecil B. DeMille "The Story of Dr. Wassell". It has always been one of my favorites. Thanks for telling the story of the amazing voyage of this brave ship.
My Great uncle George Albert Corbitt served on the USS Marblehead and died of his injuries he received during the Japanese bombing attacks. He lived 3 days from what I have been told and was buried on the island of Java. His body was later returned to the United States and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Rest in Peace Uncle George
Thank You History Guy, history indeed worthy of remembering. My father would enjoy your retelling of the USS Marblehead story, when although a child at the time of 1946 decomissioning, he is a veteran of the RAN service in the Police Action of the Korean Peninsula and the UK-Australia Atomic Tests upon Montebello Island, and we have missed him since he took leave upon my parents' wedding anniversary in 2019. As an "old salt" he would thank you too. I believe he does. Lest we EVER forget.
Sincerely, thank you. I've neverheard of the Houston, Detroit or the Marblehead. Always found of history, and took reflective respect from gistories of war I enlisted nto the US Army. One would think a ground pounder would inheirenly be ignorant of the tools used by the other War Forces during those days. However, I was born In San Diego. My father, a second generation Aircradt Mechanic, my grand father hand tooled the cowl of the Spirit of St. Louis. More importantly who I am or tge education i recived, is your presentation, diction and pace; you keep the audience rapt in your tale! Few and far between do i fibd your videos, yet I have always meant to commend you, and thank you for that , what you give to me. That, in its self, is service. I my opinion, there is no higher reward, than being honored. Too often and too cheaply do cut another short imply for the purpoae to wear a wry smile momentarily. Finding the converse within you, consistently, I again, thank you deepky, for your passion and your adhearance to ethical journalism. You di not flout about, puffed up in self praise... You harken back to a time where. Journalist was often trusted more than the town mayor, some ministers, educators, and government officials. Ib the 80s that clout, that influental trust of the people became a codified marketable number called the "q code", in entertainment. At the time, amuch differnt than today, there was one television star who was the most trusted man on the planet. That honor spanned 3 decades. An actor, not even a journaliat, later discovered to have been.. A debauched man. Thank for walki g your own path.on tge ethical road. Edgar, Clemens, Eliott,, Charles, M.K. Houseman, Mr. Walter Kronkite , Himself, i believe we could include a Cosell and honestly a very young, very passionate for truth- Mr.Heraldo Rivera... And mr. "And that's the way it was..." Had a blessed day, and i look forward to being swept in yoyr retelling of history in 13 minutes, and how my own retelling ... If tge same wtory to my froends and damily grow to double the length of ypurs Admittedly, i lack the cadence and delivery a polished journaslist maintains. I am o.k. with not having that, ad ai can always rely on you, to move me emotionally, patriotically, convict me ethically, and leave me with positive words implying you had faith in me, your fellow American.
Just a small note of thanx for your consistent quality of subject and delivery. Also, I note that the comments are of a much higher order, and coherence, than many other channels I've tracked. Carry on, JL
Thanks for sharing a piece of history that I had no knowledge of. History is a funny thing and I wonder how certain events in our lifetime will be remembered in the future.
I wonder how much will be forgotten to the sands of time. We're still discovering daily how much of our history we've already "forgot" all over the world. Even fewer people retain the skills we've forgotten. (i.e. making Katana's)
As a one time resident of Marblehead it is known as the birth place of the American Navy. Not only the most beautiful place on the east coast , but also home to some notable company's as Hood sales among others. Marblehead the town, lives up to the ships standards. I meet Walter Cronkite at a bar called Maddies sail loft in the 80's as well as many other very famous people . Including one of the Kennedy's at a boat yard called Cloutmans Boat Yard as I was 15 yrs old helping a owner work on a lobster boat named the Twin Sisters. Some of the best times of my life, I just didn't know it at the time.
Thank you! As the proud descendant of US Navy and merchant marine veterans, I am always appreciative of stories that honor our valiant ships and their brave crews.
I grew up in Marblehead MA, the town history of Naval service goes back to the war of 1812 when the town provided nearly the entire first crew of the "Consitution"...as few other towns had sailors with enough experience or the nerve to man the only warship against the British fleet early on.
"Sustained only by the power and quality of the profanity by the Chief Boatswain's Mate"... that so reminds me of Command Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Hobbs, U.S.S. Ranger CV-61 in the early 1980's. His nickname was "Popeye", though I doubt many had the courage to call him that to his face. He'd been in the U.S. Navy since BEFORE Pearl Harbor, I met him as a young Sailor 40+ years later. He came into our Welcome Aboard briefing on the Ranger, and spoke of his undying love for the U.S. Navy, telling us he "Fucked his way up one side of Magsaysay Street (the main street of Downtown Olongapo, Subic Bay, Philippine Islands) and had no intention of retiring until he fucked his way down the other". CMC Hobbs had a mastery in "the power and quality of his profanity". But that's not what impressed me the most about this incredibly impressive Sailor. Every day he would workout with the U.S. Marine Security Detachment in the hanger bay. At 60+ years of age, he was having "Fun" just grinding their young souls to a heaping pile of sweat leading the Physical Training, CMC Hobbs muscles had muscles :-), and we didn't call him "Popeye" for nothing. If you ever have the time and inclination, CMC Hobbs is "History that deserves to be remembered". www.uss-rangerguy.com/cmc_david_hobbs3.htm
I graduated boot camp in January 1962. I was at NATTC Memphis next and was going through some pre-A schools. One of them was at the "Northside pool". There, they were teaching us how to abandon ship by stepping off the deck while wearing a kapok life jacket. I thought it was great fun and got to do it a few times. One of our students was an old narled chief who refused to step off. The Ensign in charge pleaded to the old chief to jump and he still refused. Finally, the Ensign asked the chief "What would you do if your ship was sinking?" The chief answered, "I would wait until the flight deck was a couple of feet from the water, then step off. Just like I did on the old Lexington and the Liscomb Bay." The Ensign looked at the old chief and said, "Chief, compared to you, i don't know shit. Please tells US how to do it." For the next hour or so an old combat veteran of WWII regaled us with stories of combat ship board life. I never knew his name but we probably learned more that day than before or since on that one subject. Thank you chief Senior Chief John Emerson USN Retired.
@@johnemerson1363 nice story, but Lady Lex was completely evacuated prior to her sinking, due to fires caused by several torpedo and bomb hits, and later scuttled by a destroyer ( the following day). USS Liscombe Bay was literally blown apart by multiple explosions, which ruptured her fuel tanks, causing the sea around her to be set ablaze, then she turned turtle, and sank. No one ‘just stepped off’ either ship when their deck was a few feet above the water.
@@andrewallason4530 True, but when you are 18 years old and the guy has more medals than I had ever seen on a sailor, you believe every story he told. Years later we would have taken his story with a grain of salt, but then it was "straight gouge." Besides, neither we, or the Ensign doubted a word he said at the time.
@@andrewallason4530 lol. no doubt your correct Andrew. thanks. but there is superlative bullshit that can be admired even if not praiseworthy. but buyer beware.
The only other ship to make way under her own power and severely damaged was the USS Franklin, a carrier. Another piece of history that deserves to be remembered.
HMS Eskimo, a tribal class destroyer lost her bow to a German torpedo during the second (or third, depending on how you count) battle of Narvik. She continued in the fight using her stern turrets before heading home for repairs.
@@gwtpictgwtpict4214 to be fair, the Tribal's were quite angry 'little' ships... if you told them they were allowed to acquire new ships like the Royal Navy of old(boarding and capturing) I am sure they would have
Two comments. I am with Kevin. I was a young Marine aboard LPH-9 USS Guam back in the mid 70's. When I saw a youtube video of her being sunk as a missile target, it nearly brought me to tears. The other thing is... I thing Houston was sunk in Sunda Strait, and not the battle in the Java Sea.
Great story about a brave ship and crew. I am always amazed at the amount of detail you include in your stories. It must take a lot of time and effort on your part. Thank you so much.
Great Video HG. I always enjoy the humor injected in your presentations. By the way don't forget about John R Mckinney Medal of Honor recipient. This mans life and service ought to be an inspiration to everyone who knows about it. He got his medal on Luzon during the liberation of the Philippines. Had graduated from high school he would probably have been voted least likely to survive much less succeed in almost anything. His story is well told in the book Phantom Warrior. Please consider this mans story because it's history that needs to be remembered. Thank you for what you do HG.
As always, the incomparable History Guy connects the facts and figures with the passions of the human experience. It is that component - the human drama, that makes history compelling to me. Such narratives made history come alive to me when when I was a kid, and remained at the core of my love of the subject when I later taught it. Bravo, History Guy! You are the best.
The number and quality of heroic stories from nearly every Navy in World War II is humbling. Seeing a ship so badly damaged is gut-wrenching for an old below-decks sailor. Thank you.
Once again, the most important assets of the USN was its training in damage control. It saved more ships than any kind of armament. _Marblehead_ was just one heroic story out of many as damage control teams struggled to save what the enemy thought was already lost.
Yes the US navy was definitely boss level when it came to damage control. I have read it was the flexibility in training that they got the most value. No need to rely on centrally located experts. Each team could work completely independently in any situation if required.
@@glenchapman3899 The Navy has always said the every sailor is a member of the damage control team. They did have some damage control experts, but their job was mostly to direct the other crew on how to control the flooding and fires from the damage. I don't know if it's still the case but, at one time, every crew member of every warship spent at least a couple hours a week learning about and practicing damage control measures. Combined with the generally high quality of materials, workmanship, and subdivision of each ship, many more Navy warship survived attacks and many more sailors lived than if damage control wasn't such an important part of Navy training.
Even in the late 19th century our damage control expertise, particularly in firefighting was well known.
My grandpa was on the USS Marblehead! I’ve often tried to retell the story but had some of the facts askew. Thanks for homework and celebration of its flight!
@MrPitjoey They probably swabbed each other's poop decks
So was. Mine. Was. Spot ger. Gunner. On plane. Dumped. Plane. Turned. Damage. Control sawbomb. On stern
My Grandfather also served on Marblehead. We have an old news article that mentions him shooting down a kamikaze. I have his uniform from the war still (family heirloom). Cheers!
@@vainot4u That’s amazing!
@@vainot4u My great grandfather was also on that ship! If you would at all be willing to send me a pic of that article and or anything else you might be able to share regarding the ship, that would be super appreciated by my family. If you are willing, I can give you my email!
Why does it always feel so tragic when a valiant warrior, gets “decommissioned” ? As we all know the quiet fate that awaits. Thank you sir for if we are not able to preserve the warrior, at least she did not go quietly into the night and get forgotten as is the case of so many others that tragically were not even remembered. “All gave some, some gave all”.
It always breaks my heart knowing that they're scrapped. I know we can't keep every ship but it breaks my heart.
Are we related in some way???
Adm. Halsey tried to save the USS Enterprise to no avail. If any ship should have been saved as a memorial it was CV - 6.
@@edmondmcdowell9690 I heard, that it was refitted to be a star ship.
@@sparky6086 scrapped, 1958, sadly.
USS Houston also deserves to be remembered. A heroic, and tragic, fight to the end.
I love that your version of history leaves no stone unturned.
My great grandpa, Milburn E. "Mel" Smith, was on the USS Marblehead. He used to tell us how the crew would fill up buckets of flood water in the magazine, dump the filled buckets into the ocean, then repeat. I have some great photos of the crew members on the deck, there is even a photo of makeshift sail made out of what looks like a bed sheet. If it weren't for the events that led up to the ship docking in South African, my family probably wouldn't exist! Sounds melodramatic, but it is trie. My great grandpa met his future wife, Winifred, while docked in South Africa. She was a South African native who had never left the country. He met her while riding on the city bus, they hit it off, and continued to see each other while the ship was in dry dock. Before he left, a few short weeks later, he proposed to her. While the Marblehead, along with my great grandpa, made its way back to the US, Winifred packed her back and moved to Benson, Minnesota, where she waited for Mel to arrive. That was quite the transition for her, from never planning on leaving her oceanside home to moving half way across the world to the land locked Midwest, and for a man she barely knew. I envy her courage. They married shortly after, moved to San Diego (where he was restationed), had two daughter, three grandkids, and six great-grandchildren, including myself, although I was the only one able to meet them before they passed away. They were happily married for 50+ years. What a story of chance the Marblehead carries with it through history. heet. This video popped up on my feed by accident, but I am so glad it did, I was able to learn a bit more about the history and series of events, thank you The History Guy!
What a great story!! Reminds me of my folks, in a way. My parents were married September 2, 1967-Oct 1, my Dad left for Army Basic Training and then Vietnam. Neither of them knew if they'd ever be together again. But, 54 years and 3 kids later, they're still married and living in the same house in Massachusetts my folks bought with my Dad's Combat Pay.
My great grandfather was on the ship from commission to decomission. If you happen to have/ would be willing to share photos my family would LOVE it. I can give you my email
@@baileymcginnis2974 I do have photos stashed away somewhere that I would happy to share. Maybe your great grandfather can be found in them.
My Father, Harry Clephane was a signalman on the USS Marblehead during that battle. He told us stories just like what this guy is saying. He was burnt really bad during the battle.
My dad served on the marblehead Chief Warrant officer engineer, engine man, CWO ELDON C MARSH ,All my brothers including my self served in the NAVY as well. It was most cool to see this story about my old man's ship , it's right up there with a story of a ship I served on, USS ARNOLD J ISBELL DD869 . KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, I love historic military documentaries, when they are done with integrity and accuracy. Good job ! EM3rd CW MARSH
Thanks for this. The USS Marblehead was a great ship with a great crew. We Marbleheaders, who come from the Birthplace of the American Navy, salute her.
Amen. Marblehead Forever!
John Glover is Marblehead's greatest contribution to this country, in my eyes. But, I'm from the South Shore, so what do I know?
"Down Bucket! Molly Waldo!"
@@lawrenceel5321 "Up for air!" and of course "Whip!" Can't tell you how many times I heard my mom holler that out while we were out for a stroll around town. Her family lived in Marblehead long enough to know a lot of the 'townies' and we'd bump into them daily. :)
@@glengalen1324 Thanks for responding. I was MHS Class of 66. Lots of memories :) Thank you again.
A video I can always hit the LIKE button immediately bc I have never been let down by The History Guy
True
Me too.😁
Same here.
I have been told by a You tube Creator that Clicking Like just as the video starts makes the U tube Algorithm think you are a bot.
And does not weigh that "Like" the same as one that comes later in the equation.
Also if you see the ads the longer you let them run the more money is given to the channel.
I feel bad n gotta re-watch em cause I get binge watching n forget to thumbs up it lol
There is something about such tales, of a small wounded ship on its own, on the sea, fighting enemy odds, and coming through by the sheer grit and wit of its haggard crew. Makes you cheer her on! Well done for telling us this tale!
Mr. History Guy: I am 68 and taking some classes at the local community college. The History professor used your video on "The Bonfires of the Vanities" as one of two videos in a discussion we had about the Italian Renaissance period. I had mentioned your channel to him from another history class so I was excited when I saw your video about the "Bonfires...". Your marvelous videos are even reaching the community college here in rural Arkansas....Well done..!!
Red White and Blue here... This heroic act of man against the odds and sea makes me stand in awe of past service men.
My grandfather’s older brother served as Chief Water Tender on the USS Marblehead during the Battle of Makassar Straight. Thank you, The History Guy, for sharing this story.
My brother's sister married my best friend whose dad's wife had an uncle with a limp.
@@BA-gn3qb you’re being rude to me why, exactly? Or is this just who you are as a person?
@@JeanieD - You must not like people that limp.🥴
@@JeanieD Some people just like to be a horses ass. It’s okay
@@BA-gn3qb You aren’t funny and you aren’t making much of a point. A great-uncle is not a distant relative or some obscure relationship as you try to insinuate.
Great lesson. You never lose until you quit.
The history guy is the perfect coffee fare @ 5am on my porch, taking the place of the morning dismals of the local paper.
My Father, Harry Clephane was a signalman on the USS Marblehead during that battle. He told us stories just like what this guy is saying. He was burnt really bad during the battle.
My father served aboard the Marblehead during the battle of Makasser Strait earning a silver star. Many years later, during a dinner at the CPO Club at Treasure Island, my father and the head chef at the CPO Club where reunited. Both thought the other had been killed during the battle. The head chef, (Chef Tang) had been a steward aboard the Marblehead.
I always wondered why such a valiant action, so desperately fought, never got much attention. Thank you History Guy for recognizing and acknowledging this valuable piece of our countries history.
I’m a simple man. History Guy posts naval history, I click.
I sense you too know of the Kamchatka and its Torpedo Boats...
Torpedo boats!? Where!?
@@luked7525 cleverly hidden amidst those overly innocent seeming British fishing trawlers!
Another fasinating episode by THG.
Imho all decommissioned naval vessels deserve to have their bells preserved as a memorial to those who served on them.
Such a valiant crew. They truly deserve to be remembered.
My Dads younger brother was lost with the USS Houston. Excellent presentation on the Marblehead.
Outstanding the history guy thanks for sharing the story of the USS Marblehead and dr. Wassel
"at times, the crew was sustained only by the power and quality of the profanity of Chief Bos'n Anderson" HA! Chiefs run the Navy
They do in the Air Force too.
I am not a big swearer but I am the first to admit that, at times there are certain words that can bring a laugh and bolster morale. There are films that I can't even bother watching if they've been edited to remove the profanity. Clint Eastwood's "Heartbreak Ridge" is a perfect example, there is literally no point watching that film without the swearing. He fires off more classic one liners in that movie than any other I can think of! There is a time and a place folks and if you want impact, you can't be using those words in every sentence, save them for when you really need them! lol
That's good, but we need some examples of the Chief Bos'n colourful language. Australians tend to use some bad language every now and then. I'm always interested to learn some foreign expletives. The facebook page facebook.com/DashCamOwnersAustralia has some very good examples. It's one of my favourite things to hear a sweet, young, female, Asian voice get stuck into the best of Australian profanity. It's liberating. If they can get creative with f'ing this and c'nt that, you know that they are now real Australians. 😁
@@roadie3124 If you want some real dirty words, go watch Russian car crash videos for about an hour. Lots of Blyat, Suka!
It seems strange to the average civilian - and even quite a few military members - how profanity can have any redeeming value. I mean, c'mon. It's only about 10 naughty words and 30 variations. But if you've ever heard a true NCO master of it rage on, it can be in turns shocking, awe inspiring, terror inducing, and hysterically funny. Sometimes all within the same 5 minutes.
Fantastic account! I'm sitting here with my computer and slapping my forehead with every detour the Marblehead had to make. Incredible. Those men had The Right Stuff.
A family friend had 3 ships shot out from under him in one day. His assigned ship sank, he was picked up by a destroyer that promptly was sunk, then picked up by another destroyer that met the same fate. the last ship that picked him up survived. I think I would have been nervous about being on another ship.
I'd be more nervous about staying in the water!
I'da been nervous letting a Jonah like him aboard my damb ship!
At that point i'd be tempted to tell the next ship "no thanks.. i'll swim back, it's safer"
Was his name "Lucky"? I think not.
Not as nervous as the crew of the fourth ship.
To the officers and crew of the Marblehead,
Well done, gentlemen
Well done!
Oh boy, the tale of another heroic ship. These are some of your best episodes, IMHO. Please keep them coming.
great little tidbit about the food labels being washed off. Every meal is a mystery meal!
Great story, well covered. Her saga is usually overshadowed by other titanic events during that war, but, as you so well argue, it deserves to be remembered. One quibble. Houston was sunk at Sunda Strait, not at Java Sea. As an aside, I once met one of her survivors. He was a deck seaman and spent the war in a POW camp. He was a great, barrel-chested bruiser of a man, probably around 220 lb when I saw him (in 1980), and not fat. He said he returned home at a mere 115 lbs. after the war. This vet told me that the day before the Sunda Strait action the CO came on the 1MC (announcing system) to say how proud he was of his crew and that he did not expect the ship to survive the coming night's action. Did that worry him? Not so much. What he most remembered was that the CO opened up the "soda fountain" so the crew could eat all the ice cream they wanted. That, while operating near the equator in the days before air conditioning, meant a lot to the crew!! The CO did not survive the battle. Of the ~1300 men aboard only about 100 survived the war (per his recollection). But, maybe you've already told Houston's story...
Its stories like these, that make one sympathetic to Shakespear's Henry V speech before Agincourt. You cannot fault this saga on any grounds, it's truely noble. I feel it would be a great honor to be part of such an amazing voyage.
These people went above and beyond, to preserve the USS Marblehead as an allied strategic aseset, when the outcome of the war was far from certain. It's the meat and potatos of heroic acts, that makes war about building resiliance under pressure, not simply destroying the capabilitiy of the enemy to wage war: what a crew!
i am also reminded of General Sherman's comment: 'Thank god war is so terrible, or we should grow to love it too much".
My Dad was on the USS Marblehead, told me the story a few times. He said the ship was given the nickname "The galloping ghost of the China coast." Fantastic story, great video. Thanks so much for bringing it to life for me and my family!
I have heard that nickname applied to Eugene Flucky and USS Barb (SS-220), and both the gunboats USS Sacramento (PG-19) and USS Tulsa (PG-22.) USS Houston was also called "The galloping ghost of the Java coast."
Shaking my head here...
I first met Marblehead in "World of Warships".
Thank you for filling us in on her Life and voyage!
I first met her in azur lane. Fascinating to hear her story.
I love WOWS. They did a great job replicating the ships. Now how battles go, that's a different story
[F.D.I.]blackrosetiger_2019
History Guy, Mark Felton and Dark Docs ..... All I Need
I enjoyed Dark Docs videos, but the constant interruptions from commercials was just too much so I now avoid them completely.
@@KX6D Adblock Plus? I click through the others
I wasn't familiar with USS Marblehead before this video, but I've known about USS Houston for many years. Her heroics and sacrifice will never be forgotten in Australia.
I remember that on our second WESTPAC in 1976 on the Long Beach our captain, Harry Schrader, got on the 1MC and told the story of the gallant last stand, and rendered full honors as we passed over the site. Capt. Schrader (RIP) is my model of a Naval Officer.
Excellent job History Guy, another forgotten story of heroism beyond the call of duty. This is what made us great as a nation.
As my dad served in the US Navy in World War II, history of this war at sea has a special place for me. Thank you for an eloquent and well prepared history lesson..
Let me explain why, THG is one the most gripping, enjoyable weekly shows about history Ive experienced in 55 years of watching TV, computers, and iphone screens. Also, why it's one of the most gripping and enjoyable video productions about anything, fact or fiction, I've watched. In order of importance (to me, the all knowing) 1) Delivery: Concerned citizen, fact focused, (seamlessly) adverb free, bullet delivery, like Walter Khondrite 2) Always, a great story, you'd want to hear regardless who told it. 3) Always includes details and context you've never heard before, even if you know the story 4) Great visuals and audio, 2nd to none. Hope this gets out in front of a wider audience, and you never stop keep doing it!
I need stories like this to motivate me. I realize any trials and tribulations that I have endured pale in comparison.
Yup and what's even crazier, is most of these men were under 25 at the time.
I'm a long time fan of yours . As the oldest of 8. My father saw convoy duty as there was a group of sailors on liberty ships. Lot of history you have shown . Thank you and really glad your from our area.
One of the greatest story tellers on UA-cam.
If you haven’t subscribed to THG.
THG deserves your subscription.
I was first made aware of the exploits of the USS Marblehead through the extraordinary film by Cecil B. DeMille "The Story of Dr. Wassell". It has always been one of my favorites. Thanks for telling the story of the amazing voyage of this brave ship.
I think the title should have been "The Ship That Refused To Die"
Rather, "The crew that refused to die."
Just like the Yorktown! Japan bit off far more than they could chew when they attacked Pearl Harbor.
@Lurking Carrier The original "Yorktown" was won by the French
@Lurking Carrier Better what happened to the Yorktown than to the Hammann
This one is unique. The bravery of survival itself can, at times, rival the best of active combat scenarios.
NOW THATS AN EPIC ONE FOR HISTORY STILL TOO BE TAUGHT.
A great story that deserves to be remembered.
One of The History Guy's BEST episodes. So VERY well done.
Another story that needed to be told about our history and the greatest generation. Thanks History Guy.
I love the Marblehead in the game world of WarShips.
I had no idea about the history of ship or it's crew.
Thanks for another great video!
A fine example of American perseverance in battle....
Russ
A fine example of the courage and determination of those who have, are, and will serve the cause of peace. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴
The History Guy deserves some kind of honors for doing his best to keep American history alive!
Sir.... You are a natural born storyteller.
Thank you😎👍
I am entreated by these stories from WW2. And thankful that someone had the wherewithal to write these stories down while under fire.
I heard a brief version of this story when I was a kid. Thanks for filling in the rest for me. Your videos have given me a lot to think about.
I was awarded USS Marblehead in World of Warships. Thank you for this video as it makes that vessel precious to me.
Great vlog as always! What a shame that she was not made into a floating museum. What a story! Thank you!
My Great uncle George Albert Corbitt served on the USS Marblehead and died of his injuries he received during the Japanese bombing attacks. He lived 3 days from what I have been told and was buried on the island of Java. His body was later returned to the United States and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Rest in Peace Uncle George
Thank You History Guy, history indeed worthy of remembering. My father would enjoy your retelling of the USS Marblehead story, when although a child at the time of 1946 decomissioning, he is a veteran of the RAN service in the Police Action of the Korean Peninsula and the UK-Australia Atomic Tests upon Montebello Island, and we have missed him since he took leave upon my parents' wedding anniversary in 2019. As an "old salt" he would thank you too. I believe he does. Lest we EVER forget.
Sincerely, thank you. I've neverheard of the Houston, Detroit or the Marblehead. Always found of history, and took reflective respect from gistories of war I enlisted nto the US Army. One would think a ground pounder would inheirenly be ignorant of the tools used by the other War Forces during those days. However, I was born In San Diego. My father, a second generation Aircradt Mechanic, my grand father hand tooled the cowl of the Spirit of St. Louis. More importantly who I am or tge education i recived, is your presentation, diction and pace; you keep the audience rapt in your tale!
Few and far between do i fibd your videos, yet I have always meant to commend you, and thank you for that , what you give to me. That, in its self, is service.
I my opinion, there is no higher reward, than being honored. Too often and too cheaply do cut another short imply for the purpoae to wear a wry smile momentarily.
Finding the converse within you, consistently, I again, thank you deepky, for your passion and your adhearance to ethical journalism. You di not flout about, puffed up in self praise... You harken back to a time where. Journalist was often trusted more than the town mayor, some ministers, educators, and government officials.
Ib the 80s that clout, that influental trust of the people became a codified marketable number called the "q code", in entertainment. At the time, amuch differnt than today, there was one television star who was the most trusted man on the planet. That honor spanned 3 decades. An actor, not even a journaliat, later discovered to have been.. A debauched man.
Thank for walki g your own path.on tge ethical road. Edgar, Clemens, Eliott,, Charles, M.K. Houseman, Mr. Walter Kronkite , Himself, i believe we could include a Cosell and honestly a very young, very passionate for truth- Mr.Heraldo Rivera... And mr. "And that's the way it was..."
Had a blessed day, and i look forward to being swept in yoyr retelling of history in 13 minutes, and how my own retelling ... If tge same wtory to my froends and damily grow to double the length of ypurs
Admittedly, i lack the cadence and delivery a polished journaslist maintains. I am o.k. with not having that, ad ai can always rely on you, to move me emotionally, patriotically, convict me ethically, and leave me with positive words implying you had faith in me, your fellow American.
Just a small note of thanx for your consistent quality of subject and delivery. Also, I note that the comments are of a much higher order, and coherence, than many other channels I've tracked. Carry on, JL
This is the first time hearing this specific story. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing a piece of history that I had no knowledge of.
History is a funny thing and I wonder how certain events in our lifetime will be remembered in the future.
So do I!
I wonder how much will be forgotten to the sands of time. We're still discovering daily how much of our history we've already "forgot" all over the world. Even fewer people retain the skills we've forgotten. (i.e. making Katana's)
The efforts of U.S. Servicemen were absolutely extraordinary.
THAMKS TOO ALL THAT SERVE NOW THIS STORY IS HISTORY CHEERS .
Thanks so much. This was my Dad’s ship wish he was here to enjoy this.
As a one time resident of Marblehead it is known as the birth place of the American Navy. Not only the most beautiful place on the east coast , but also home to some notable company's as Hood sales among others. Marblehead the town, lives up to the ships standards. I meet Walter Cronkite at a bar called Maddies sail loft in the 80's as well as many other very famous people . Including one of the Kennedy's at a boat yard called Cloutmans Boat Yard as I was 15 yrs old helping a owner work on a lobster boat named the Twin Sisters. Some of the best times of my life, I just didn't know it at the time.
Thank you! As the proud descendant of US Navy and merchant marine veterans, I am always appreciative of stories that honor our valiant ships and their brave crews.
Thanks Lance, perfect. Those poor souls on USS Houston.
Every crewmen on a navy ship is a damage controlman when required.
Well yea they cant swim home lol.
Unlike the crew of the IJN Taiho.
I went through the Navy's ship board firefighting school, excellent.
ah, yes, memories of the famous USS Buttercup!
That is true, but we still looked to the damage control men for advice, guidance...and perhaps a few new swear-words!
Great episode. I always liked this ship in WoWs but now I like it even better.
Enjoying another great History Guy video to get my mind off this dark day in American history.
I grew up in Marblehead MA, the town history of Naval service goes back to the war of 1812 when the town provided nearly the entire first crew of the "Consitution"...as few other towns had sailors with enough experience or the nerve to man the only warship against the British fleet early on.
A great video. Courage and persistence are virtues in my mind. Thanks for doing this one.
I certainly don’t like war; but when the history guy gives a presentation on the subject, I must watch!
Outstanding storytelling. Outstanding service of those that served on the Marblehead and the ship itself.
"Sustained only by the power and quality of the profanity by the Chief Boatswain's Mate"... that so reminds me of Command Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Hobbs, U.S.S. Ranger CV-61 in the early 1980's. His nickname was "Popeye", though I doubt many had the courage to call him that to his face. He'd been in the U.S. Navy since BEFORE Pearl Harbor, I met him as a young Sailor 40+ years later.
He came into our Welcome Aboard briefing on the Ranger, and spoke of his undying love for the U.S. Navy, telling us he "Fucked his way up one side of Magsaysay Street (the main street of Downtown Olongapo, Subic Bay, Philippine Islands) and had no intention of retiring until he fucked his way down the other". CMC Hobbs had a mastery in "the power and quality of his profanity".
But that's not what impressed me the most about this incredibly impressive Sailor. Every day he would workout with the U.S. Marine Security Detachment in the hanger bay. At 60+ years of age, he was having "Fun" just grinding their young souls to a heaping pile of sweat leading the Physical Training, CMC Hobbs muscles had muscles :-), and we didn't call him "Popeye" for nothing.
If you ever have the time and inclination, CMC Hobbs is "History that deserves to be remembered".
www.uss-rangerguy.com/cmc_david_hobbs3.htm
I graduated boot camp in January 1962. I was at NATTC Memphis next and was going through some pre-A schools. One of them was at the "Northside pool". There, they were teaching us how to abandon ship by stepping off the deck while wearing a kapok life jacket. I thought it was great fun and got to do it a few times. One of our students was an old narled chief who refused to step off. The Ensign in charge pleaded to the old chief to jump and he still refused. Finally, the Ensign asked the chief "What would you do if your ship was sinking?" The chief answered, "I would wait until the flight deck was a couple of feet from the water, then step off. Just like I did on the old Lexington and the Liscomb Bay." The Ensign looked at the old chief and said, "Chief, compared to you, i don't know shit. Please tells US how to do it." For the next hour or so an old combat veteran of WWII regaled us with stories of combat ship board life. I never knew his name but we probably learned more that day than before or since on that one subject. Thank you chief
Senior Chief John Emerson USN Retired.
@@johnemerson1363 nice story, but Lady Lex was completely evacuated prior to her sinking, due to fires caused by several torpedo and bomb hits, and later scuttled by a destroyer ( the following day). USS Liscombe Bay was literally blown apart by multiple explosions, which ruptured her fuel tanks, causing the sea around her to be set ablaze, then she turned turtle, and sank. No one ‘just stepped off’ either ship when their deck was a few feet above the water.
@@andrewallason4530 True, but when you are 18 years old and the guy has more medals than I had ever seen on a sailor, you believe every story he told. Years later we would have taken his story with a grain of salt, but then it was "straight gouge." Besides, neither we, or the Ensign doubted a word he said at the time.
@@andrewallason4530 lol. no doubt your correct Andrew. thanks. but there is superlative bullshit that can be admired even if not praiseworthy. but buyer beware.
@@johnemerson1363 yeah. Never question the guy who could put the whole team down, and still not be breathing heavily, I s’pose.
A great story. One I was unaware of. Thank you.
Wow i only learned about USS Marblehead in World of Warship, but hearing the back story is so cool thanks History Guy
The only other ship to make way under her own power and severely damaged was the USS Franklin, a carrier. Another piece of history that deserves to be remembered.
what about the USS New Orleans?
she sailed herself stern first(backwards) from Tulagi to Sydney to Puget Sound
@@artbrann how about the USS Liberty AGTR-5 that apparently in my opinion some politicians didn't want it to survive
HMS Eskimo, a tribal class destroyer lost her bow to a German torpedo during the second (or third, depending on how you count) battle of Narvik. She continued in the fight using her stern turrets before heading home for repairs.
@@gwtpictgwtpict4214 to be fair, the Tribal's were quite angry 'little' ships... if you told them they were allowed to acquire new ships like the Royal Navy of old(boarding and capturing) I am sure they would have
Two comments. I am with Kevin. I was a young Marine aboard LPH-9 USS Guam back in the mid 70's. When I saw a youtube video of her being sunk as a missile target, it nearly brought me to tears. The other thing is... I thing Houston was sunk in Sunda Strait, and not the battle in the Java Sea.
Your evocative and telling prose made for yet another keeper Lance. Kudos..
History Guy is a genius at telling historic stories with a broad view, yet with perfect detail where it matters.
Danm, when I first subbed this channel had less than 100k subscribers. Now it's pushing a million. Shows how interesting history is.
Great post! Highlights the amazing human spirit and what it can do in extreme adversity. Thank you!
Great story about a brave ship and crew. I am always amazed at the amount of detail you include in your stories. It must take a lot of time and effort on your part. Thank you so much.
What does it take to bring the USS Marblehead home? Guts and perseverance.
Another great episode. Thanks THG.
Lance I was just reading about the Marblehead Yesterday . The Book is the lonely Ships . Your Timing is awesome . Thanx .
This ships name kinda haunts me through many games. Never knew that it was these infamous. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.
Great Video HG. I always enjoy the humor injected in your presentations.
By the way don't forget about John R Mckinney Medal of Honor recipient. This mans life and service ought to be an inspiration to everyone who knows about it. He got his medal on Luzon during the liberation of the Philippines. Had graduated from high school he would probably have been voted least likely to survive much less succeed in almost anything.
His story is well told in the book Phantom Warrior.
Please consider this mans story because it's history that needs to be remembered.
Thank you for what you do HG.
As always, the incomparable History Guy connects the facts and figures with the passions of the human experience. It is that component - the human drama, that makes history compelling to me. Such narratives made history come alive to me when when I was a kid, and remained at the core of my love of the subject when I later taught it. Bravo, History Guy! You are the best.
Love the channel. All history deserves to be remembered.
Iconic history, from a history icon‼️®™️ 💯💯
Lance, it was beautiful to hear of Dr Wassell getting the wounded out (as opposed to another Parit Sulong). Wonderful work as always. Hi from Oz.
Mark
An amazing tale.
Sailors always seem to prosper when the odds are bad.
One of the few channels on YT that I "Auto-Like" before I watch. Great Vid Mark. Thanks
Now that was one hell of a story of courage!
The number and quality of heroic stories from nearly every Navy in World War II is humbling. Seeing a ship so badly damaged is gut-wrenching for an old below-decks sailor. Thank you.
Yet another fantastic episode of the History Guy.
At this rate he'll have a Million subscribers in no time.
Excellent....Once again...Thanks...!