We answer your questions about the Pacific War-Episode 334

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  • Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
  • This week Seth and Bill answer your questions in this first part of our Q&A session. The team welcomes new guest retired Army Major Shawn Betgstrom to the crew to moderate the questions and lead the team as we go through the many fantastic questions sent in by our audience. We hope you guys enjoy this episode, and we will definitely do this again.
    #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #essex #halsey #taskforce38 #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #mastersoftheair #8thairforce #mightyeighth #100thbombgroup #bloodyhundredth #b17 #boeing #airforce wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #oldbreed #1stMarineDivision #thepacific #Peleliu #army #marines #marinecorps #worldwar2 #worldwar #worldwarii #leytegulf #battleofleytegulf #liberation #macarthur

КОМЕНТАРІ • 347

  • @ronauvil5118
    @ronauvil5118 4 місяці тому +40

    This is the Gold standard for WW2 Podcasts

    • @gregorybrennan8539
      @gregorybrennan8539 4 місяці тому +3

      YES. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT SUBJECT IN THAT WW2 MODELS THE IMPACT OF EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY WITH THE HUMAN FACTORS OF ORGINIZATION I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM THESE MEN.

    • @MartinMcAvoy
      @MartinMcAvoy 4 місяці тому +2

      In the UK the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy are all over the MSM but the documentaries do not contain a single new fact or any original analysis. TV programmes are always produced for the shallowest minded consumers. I really admire Bill and Seth, for not treating us like eejits!

    • @alcald2000
      @alcald2000 4 місяці тому

      ​@@MartinMcAvoy😢😢😢😢

    • @victorydaydeepstate
      @victorydaydeepstate 4 місяці тому +1

      These guys are awesome. They're also in real time. It's not stodgy like a documentary. They'll do it live!

    • @edwardcarter-vp3dz
      @edwardcarter-vp3dz 4 місяці тому

      Could not agree more. Captain Toti and Seth have produced the best Pacific War program I've ever seen. They are the best by far.

  • @markbarbara80
    @markbarbara80 4 місяці тому +11

    I love how Seth and Bill CONSTANTLY apologize for talking for hours about stuff. THAT IS LITERALLY what we tune in for folks! If anything, I get disappointed only when you say that you could talk for hours more on a subject and then do not. Top quality content.

    • @robbielee2148
      @robbielee2148 19 днів тому

      These guys help me get over my Germany first bias(as a Brit). Great detail, guests & presence. I agree, longer more detail & therefore more likely new to my ears : )

  • @everettshores-fc2dm
    @everettshores-fc2dm Місяць тому +2

    I have been studying WW2 for more than 30 years & I still find it extremely fascinating.I had studied a little bit about NewGuinea over the years & wish I studied it much more.I think I studied about the island of Truck slightly as well & again didnt know much about it.I started watching your podcast around maybe 2 months ago & have learned a great deal about just the war in the Pacific.I very much look forward hopefully to seeing many more podcasts of your on the Pacific War & the War in the Asian mainland.I also really hope to watch your podcasts on the War in North Africa & Europe.Thank all of you for all your studying & the time you take to do the podcasts.

  • @DalonCole
    @DalonCole 4 місяці тому +30

    i’m old enough to remember when the only good thing about Tuesday was that it was not Monday. then i found this podcast
    salud!

  • @garymackey850
    @garymackey850 4 місяці тому +27

    After hearing Captain Toti comment about people put in charge who should not have been put there....reminded me of my experience with that. I too almost left the Navy due to an unqualified/incompetent CO on a FFG...Fortunately I was promoted and transferred. My next ship, also a FFG had the most amazing CO. At the time, he was a CDR but retired as a RAdm.

    • @OpusXtr
      @OpusXtr 4 місяці тому +2

      I was on Subs in Pearl from 84-87. 😢I am pretty sure my second CO and my first XO may have been in the group to which he refers.

  • @robertabraham7687
    @robertabraham7687 4 місяці тому +11

    I think the role the PBY played in WW2 often gets overlooked. My dad served in one as a radioman & gunner in the Pacific. They weren't fast or flashy & lacked flare but they contributed a lot to the war effort. They served in multiple roles. Scouting, search & rescue, transport, bombing submarines, etc. My dad's crew got commendations for rescuing a shot down army pilot in rough seas close to a Japanese air base. The first thing he said getting on the plane was "praise the navy". The PBY was challenging to take off & land on water & it was very challenging in rough seas. PBY's reportedly sunk many subs.

    • @spikespa5208
      @spikespa5208 4 місяці тому +1

      And don't forget that a PBY made the only successful U.S. aerial torpedo attack at Midway.

    • @robertabraham7687
      @robertabraham7687 4 місяці тому

      There are some good documentaries on UA-cam that specifically cover the role of the PBY in WW2. The war was a combined effort & had many sides to it. Some of the sides tend to get overlooked. One example would be, according to my mom, when my dad came back from a tour of duty he cried on her shoulder in reference to Tarawa, saying "those poor Marines & nurses". He didn't like talking about the war but he brought back a bunch of pictures. He had a lot of war related nightmares when I was growing up. One time he was shouting something like, 7 o'clock, 8 o'clock, get him, get him, get him" then woke up to shake it off. My dad was a radioman & 2nd gunner on a PBY5A.

  • @philipmorrill8636
    @philipmorrill8636 4 місяці тому +22

    "Some people went to command (submarines in the 1980's ) that should not have went to command." Truer words were never spoken. Captain Toti nails it once again.

    • @Bubba-tx1vx
      @Bubba-tx1vx 4 місяці тому +5

      That was oh so true throughout the fleet . I served 77-81 .

    • @elwin38
      @elwin38 4 місяці тому

      @@Bubba-tx1vx Thank you! I served from 86-89. I was an airdale(hangar deck)serving in the gator Navy.

  • @thomasmitchell7645
    @thomasmitchell7645 4 місяці тому +2

    Bill owned this episode with his to the point analysis.

  • @philpockras4408
    @philpockras4408 4 місяці тому +16

    I concur with the request for a RN/Commonwealth episode!

  • @Jakal-pw8yq
    @Jakal-pw8yq 4 місяці тому +33

    Damn, I couldn't sleep it's 3:45am and lo and behold I realized this is torpedo Tuesday! From the first question about Seth's background moving forward I can't put into words how excited I am about this episode. I was really super curious Seth about your career, how you got started I'm amazed at how many vets that you actually interviewed etcetera. So from my heart I want to thank you for all the work that you've done and for being such a humble human being. So, in the words of the great Marvin Gaye, Let's Get It On!!🇺🇲⚓️💯☕️🚬

    • @haldorasgirson9463
      @haldorasgirson9463 4 місяці тому +4

      Love it. Torpedo Tuesday.

    • @richardbennett1856
      @richardbennett1856 3 місяці тому +1

      Expert guests and the informal discussion make this a Torpedo Tuesday must see.
      ( In honor of a great and modest submarine squadron commander that we get the honor to see nearly every week)

    • @jamesthompson8133
      @jamesthompson8133 15 годин тому

      Caffeine plus nicotine equals 🟰 protein! Thanks man!!

  • @eford7
    @eford7 Місяць тому +1

    A wonderful session with a lot of good information. Thank you gentlemen. This series is helping to keep alive what the men of the Navy, Army and Marines accomplished in WW II, how they fought against a tough enemy and terrible conditions to survive and move on.

  • @timschoenberger242
    @timschoenberger242 4 місяці тому +17

    Seth was pretty close on the naming conventions of carriers (except the conversions) and new battleships. Cruisers were named after mountains. Many destroyers named after types of winds. ("...kaze")

  • @Papacarnivore15
    @Papacarnivore15 4 місяці тому +8

    This is HANDS DOWN, WITHOUT QUESTION the best show about the Pacific Theatre of Operations in WW2.
    I consider myself quite knowledgeable about WW2, but it’s amazing how much I’ve learned by watching you guys.
    Also, I look forward to enjoying your friendly interaction with each other as well as with your guest speakers each week.
    Keep up the great job and I look forward to watching more episodes in the weeks and months to come!!

    • @vincentlavallee2779
      @vincentlavallee2779 4 місяці тому

      I agree completely on the learning scale. I have been studying WW II (all theaters) for 35-40 years and own a lot of WW II books (listed on my website), documentary videos (also listed on my website), and even an entire encyclopedia set! But this series has taught me so much, and the detail is just amazing, especially with Seth's first hand knowledge from his many interviews with the guys who were actually there! I also have to add that their presentation method and style is so appealing, and easy to listen to. The two really complement each other, and really go out of their way to not talk over each other. I really hoped that they make a complete set of their episodes, one set of DVDs for each series, and then wrap them all together into one box set of all of them. I would compare this to the absolutely amazing WW II documentary made in 1973-1974, called the World at War, narrated by the famous British actor Laurence Olivier, which in my opinion is hands down the best video series on WW II. Of course, this series covers the entire war (all theaters), and it is British made, but unlike almost all other Brit made documentaries, has very, very little Brit bias in it, and it is quite accurate as well. And Seth & Bill's series is predominately NOT video, and covers just the Pacific War, but it is just as good and even more accurate, partially due to the overall research in the past 50 years, and also due to Seth's and Bill's expertise and their own research as well.
      I am looking forward to their next set of answered questions!

  • @gustaloni3107
    @gustaloni3107 4 місяці тому +24

    What a great episode. You guys are just fantastic.

  • @alganhar1
    @alganhar1 4 місяці тому +2

    Both Scharnhorst and Warspite had fire control radars when they made their hits, but they were early war types which only gave accurate range data. The Mk 8 also gave accurate speed and bearing of the target in relation to your own ship, which are also pretty big deals in long range naval gunnery.
    Add to that the Mk 8 was set up to feed its data directly into the fire control table and you have a system that accurately feeds targeting information into the fire control system continuously. Late war fire control radars like the Mk 8 were an absolute game changer when it came to accurate naval gunnery at long range.
    Its an apples and oranges question, late war ships with those late war fire direction radars are *always* going to be more accurate than early war ships with early fire control radars simply because the radars were that much better! The late war radars simply add so much more capability, capability that I think all too many people fail to realise.

  • @robertmoffitt1336
    @robertmoffitt1336 4 місяці тому +5

    Bill's Memorial Day speech vid was inspirational.

  • @johnemmert9012
    @johnemmert9012 4 місяці тому +12

    To add to Seth and Bill's comments at about 1:01:00, something else to keep in mind is that, even if the Japanese do sink all three carriers at Midway, it doesn't create a tanker fleet for them out of thin air. There is no way they'll have the fuel to parade their battle line through Hawaii or up and down the West Coast. Furthermore, they don't have the logistical network to support their outlying garrisons effectively in the real events, much less in this hypothetical invasion of Hawaii. The cards are still stacked in the US favor.

    • @blockmasterscott
      @blockmasterscott 4 місяці тому +2

      Also, Hawaii was a fortress by the time of Midway. I’m thinking maybe the Japanese were thinking that taking Hawaii was going to be another Singapore, and there just was no way that was possible for several reasons.
      First, the Americans were a lot better informed and trained after 7 months at war. And they had taken the war a lot more somberly also.
      Second, Hawaii was right on California’s doorstep, meaning it was a lot more easier to support, which leads to point three…
      And third, Japan just did not have the industrial capability to support an invasion of Japan. Like you said, they didn’t even have a tanker fleet big enough to fuel the ships.
      And fourth, and this is HUGE, the Japanese navy and army hated each other to the point to where you can use the term “dysfunctional”. For example, they had separate transports to take over Midway.
      Yeah, Hawaii was out of the question.

    • @spikespa5208
      @spikespa5208 4 місяці тому

      The attitude comes into play also. Losing Midway would certainly put the brakes on any US offensive moves probably until well into '43. The fleet build up was well under way and the Japanese weren't in any position to do anything about it. The attitude comes in because of the way the Japanese started the war with the bungled timing of the PH attack. The American public was righteously pissed off and sooner or later Japan was going down. Waking a "sleeping giant" is one thing. Doing it by kickiing him in the jewels is quite another. Might Japan's ultimate loss be attributed to slow clerical work in their embassy in DC on Dec. 7th?

  • @MrElliotc02
    @MrElliotc02 4 місяці тому +11

    Richard Pryor did a bit about how the only Americans the Japanese had met were Californians. He said if they had met Alabamans/Texans etc, they would never have gone to war with us.

    • @MartinMcAvoy
      @MartinMcAvoy 4 місяці тому

      TheJaps thought Americans were like Sam Bottoms in Apocalypse Now, when they were totally like Chuck Norris in Walker, Texas Ranger! 🤠

  • @andrewpizzino2514
    @andrewpizzino2514 4 місяці тому +6

    Admiral King reminds me of an old boss I had. After giving me the business someone asked if he had a problem with me. I said no, he talks to everyone like that.

  • @TaichoCyclist
    @TaichoCyclist 4 місяці тому +15

    You gentlemen are truly legends of history. I learnt much more about WW2 than I thought so possible. Thank you for the knowledge.

  • @MrFrikkenfrakken
    @MrFrikkenfrakken 4 місяці тому +7

    And TBD's were behind the 8 ball from the start but making a good drop and the torp not exploding must have been demoralizing.

  • @kylecarmichael5890
    @kylecarmichael5890 4 місяці тому +13

    A very enjoyable Q&A. THank you guys for doing this.

  • @johnmartin5096
    @johnmartin5096 4 місяці тому +1

    I am an old retired master chief. I served in submarines under several commanding officers and, I gotta say I wish Captain TOTI would have been one of them. Love your commentary on WW2, especially submarine history.!

  • @MadLudwig
    @MadLudwig 4 місяці тому +4

    Bill - your comment about bad commanders in the early 80s resonated with me. It was terrible! I had three in a row and almost got out. Finally PCSd to a great assignment and decided to stick with the plan. Of course by the mid 80s the Army was rolling out the officer and non-commissioned officer education systems. Later we realized how to take care of military families better. Those steps vastly improved leadership, retention, and culture.

  • @scottnunyah938
    @scottnunyah938 4 місяці тому +12

    Thank you guys
    I enjoy listening to your podcast as I work.
    You guys are so informative and it's great to hear the lesser known facts about the PTO.

    • @flparkermdpc
      @flparkermdpc 4 місяці тому

      ALL FACTS OF PTO, EXcept the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot are obscure to the vast body of our undereducated population. That's why this is so important.

  • @davidlavigne207
    @davidlavigne207 4 місяці тому +2

    These were some great questions asked by the viewership and listeners. All of them were answered honestly and brilliantly by Bill and Seth. Welcome aboard Shawn. You are a great addition to the team. (From a fellow Army veteran) I truly have grown to love and appreciate this channel.

  • @michaelheather8469
    @michaelheather8469 4 місяці тому +5

    Ok so this is my favourite thing about tuesdays 😂 these guys are great

  • @jammininthepast
    @jammininthepast 4 місяці тому +4

    Seth, Captain Toti & your esteemed guests, I value you as historians and teaching/discussing our common subjects and interests. I (heartfelt) appreciate your hard work. Thank you.

  • @ME-xh7zp
    @ME-xh7zp 4 місяці тому +7

    To add to the excellent points on the 42 vs 44/45 pilots training levels and focuses don't forget Japanese damage control techniques and AA defense systems were significantly improved by 44/45 as well. The fact their improvements tend to pale against the scale USN advances doesn't remove that fact for the pilots. Ofc you also have the double edged sword of increasingly poor Japanese crew training on particularly newer vessels - but looking at the Kakus survival compared to the early war is enlightening. Also, targets later war were less likely to be carriers - targets were typically more survivable when hit the later you go by design. Enemy always gets a vote.

    • @waynewolfe8817
      @waynewolfe8817 4 місяці тому

      Was it the South Dakota, that the other ships in the fleet thought that the SoDak had been hit? But it turned out that she had opened up with all those 5"ers, 20mm, and 40mms! And when the Jap pilots got back to carrier, or base, they could hardly talk!!! Nothing's free boys!!

  • @ronbyers9912
    @ronbyers9912 4 місяці тому +2

    Many discussions about WWII in the Pacific start with "my dad was" or "my dad did." In my case I was told by my father's commanding officer that my dad was the only man the commander knew who not only punched his commanding officer but received a medal instead of being put in the brig. My father was a machinist mate gunner on a TBM. His commander was the pilot. One day they were providing support to the marines on some island. A five hundred pound bomb was hung up in the bomb bay. They couldn't land the plane on the carrier. Instead they decided to land on a Japanese airfield. They pulled the plane to a stop right in middle of the runway, with the marines on one side and the Japanese on th other side of the field. The pilot moved to the bombbay and tried to release the bomb. My father realized that there was a lot of shooting going on, but the bomb was armed and the pilot was about be killed by the armed bomb. My dad told the pilot to go to the marine side of the field. The pilot was focused on getting the bomb off the plane. The radio operator was wounded and needed to be evacuated. The pilot told my dad to carry the radio operator to marine line. The pilot told my young brothers and me that at that point my father knocked him cold and drug him and the radio operator to the marine side of the field. The pilot woke to the plane going up more thant a hundred away. The pilot recommended my father for an air medal. My dad's response to the story was he would never strike a superior officer but he did pursuade the pilot with some force.
    My point is my father's action wasn't unusual at all. For all the badass stories you tell there were 100s or thousands of others who were equally badass . They just didn't have the honor of meeting an esteemed historian.

  • @michaelholt8590
    @michaelholt8590 4 місяці тому +5

    "Sometimes we are long-winded and talk too much."
    The only dumb opinion ever shared on this podcast. You guys are great!

  • @markjohnson-ku5xc
    @markjohnson-ku5xc 4 місяці тому +7

    Welcome aboard Maj. Betgstrom, and Go Noles!

  • @Papacarnivore15
    @Papacarnivore15 4 місяці тому +1

    I agree 100% Vincent.
    One of the best examples of my learning something incredibly enlightening that I didn’t know was during one of the Battle of Leyte Gulf episodes, they mentioned how little has been talked about regarding the many and constant harassing air attacks from the F4Fs and Avengers of Taffy 1, 2 and 3 that contributed to Kurita’s decision to withdraw his ships instead of pressing his attack further.
    This may sound like a small detail but I always questioned why Kurita withdrew for no apparent reason just when it looked like he could easily wipe out all 3 Taffy Groups and the landing/transport force at Leyte Gulf.
    Now it all makes perfect sense!!😊

  • @RayCosner
    @RayCosner 4 місяці тому +1

    A "what if" I've long wondered about..... At Midway, what if the Hornet air groups don't go astray in the morning strike, but instead arrive (disorganized) at the Japanese carriers at about the same time frame as the other groups (10 am). Is it likely Hiryu would have been afire by 10:30, and thus Yorktown would not have been damaged / sunk at Midway?
    Excellent Q&A, thought-provoking and insightful. Hope you do some more of these.

  • @seanhall8686
    @seanhall8686 4 місяці тому +5

    Many Japanese destroyers are named after weather, many of them having the suffix "kaze" for wind. Shigure is Japanese for "drizzle", Fubuki means "blizzard", Akatsuki means "dawn", etc.
    Also, I just want to add that Unryu (Cloud Dragon) is on my list for coolest carrier names ever.

  • @LooneyTunes4
    @LooneyTunes4 4 місяці тому +6

    Really enjoyed this format. Great idea

  • @michaelprage8961
    @michaelprage8961 Місяць тому +1

    Just subscribed. Great job guys 👍

  • @joeyartk
    @joeyartk 4 місяці тому +2

    I may not agree politically with you guys all the time , but I enjoy your show. Its easy listening talk for military history fans, and the relaxed format coupled with minute detail makes it easy to repeat listening to episodes without being bored.

  • @genenoud9048
    @genenoud9048 4 місяці тому +5

    Damage control, in Philadelphia naval damage control training center. We was trained to put out the fire 1 st the get the flooding under control.
    We did a lot of fun stuff . Class b fire , class D fire was shown to the b
    Class. Patching holes fixing broken pipes while under pressure . Fun stuff .

  • @dave3156
    @dave3156 Місяць тому +1

    Really interesting listening to you guys shoot from the hip! One thing I'm surprised you didn't mention about aviator performance was how you stated during the Philippine operations---guys were wore out from flying all the time. Wonder if ADM Halsey didn't want to let Task Force 34 go earlier because he was using the USS New Jersey as a flagship. Probably wanted to stick with the carriers--so switch flagships. Great job Seth and Bill!!

  • @lancewallace3680
    @lancewallace3680 4 місяці тому

    I enjoyed this format for an episode as much as your regular format.
    I think it's a great way to end a season. Maybe throw one in mid-season.
    Excellent show. One suggestion, possibly have your moderator in the middle box.

  • @Briandnlo4
    @Briandnlo4 4 місяці тому +5

    I wish I could press the LIKE button harder for this episode. I really enjoyed the format, and all of the lines of thought and questioning the answers to the original question open up.
    With respect to the loss of USS Wasp, she was built to use up the balance of tonnage the US Navy had left under treaty restrictions, as a kind of red headed step-sister to the Yorktown class.
    My understanding of her capabilities and vulnerabilities comes from the guide Drach did on her: “Armor over the machinery, and aviation fuel tanks was reduced to save weight, and the torpedo defense system was effectively eliminated, in part due to the desire to operate the same size and number of aircraft as her larger half-sisters.”
    So, if we agree that Wasp was the worst loss suffered by either side to a submarine launched torpedo attack, that raises the question “Given her compromised torpedo defenses, could she have been deployed differently, in a position where she still could’ve supported the campaign in the Solomons, while not making her home at ‘Torpedo Junction’ or in the middle of ‘Torpedo Alley?’”

    • @flparkermdpc
      @flparkermdpc 2 місяці тому

      So far, I'm not convinced that any flag rank officer thought deeply enough about individual ships to come to a conclusion other than ship type and immediate need. Except maybe Spruance.

  • @jordanlara9992
    @jordanlara9992 4 місяці тому +1

    I’m relatively new to the non theatrical side of WW2 having myself always been captivated by the cinema depictions of the war. This podcast in particular, has inspired my interest into the specific details of not only the results of Pacific battles but also the particular reasons why the war may have turned out the way it did.

  • @woodscrewz363
    @woodscrewz363 4 місяці тому +1

    Bill answering my question has made my year. Thanks so much for the many, many hours of education and entertainment.

  • @michaelcoe9824
    @michaelcoe9824 4 місяці тому +5

    Cap. As a university lecturer, I came from a solid history in my profession, and went to the academy to provide a strong economic base for my family.
    Soooo, I do take objection to that rather trite truism...
    However, I truly love your contributions to historiography.
    Bless you all.

    • @JLeonard-hy2bc
      @JLeonard-hy2bc 4 місяці тому +1

      PhD implies a research component, and some of them turned out ok... Clark Reynolds published his dissertation as The Fast Carriers which was an amazing work, followed by Jocko Clark histories. I'm sure there's a PhD lurking in there somewhere re: bilge pumps. Oh, and Sam Morison wrote a few books on the USN that were pretty good.

    • @nkgoodal
      @nkgoodal 4 місяці тому

      Much respect for earning a PhD. It's an incredible amount of work and recognition by your peers that you are a capable researcher and historian, and are proficient at defending a thesis. History is a field where amateurs and folks with a BA or MA can make a huge contribution. But, this also happens in engineering, business, music, and countless other fields. People can achieve great innovations without letters behind their names, but academia is the near exclusive domain of those who have earned said degrees. Amazing work if you can get it, hats off!

  • @wkbigfish
    @wkbigfish 4 місяці тому +1

    Again Gentlemen an out standing podcast as usual. This is by far THE must watch podcast on WW2. Thank you!

  • @hdfoster5507
    @hdfoster5507 4 місяці тому +5

    One of the things our navy had to control their tendency to chase the Japanese navy at every opportunity, mostly for the "Ego benefits" of attacking the US navy's principal enemy, the IJN. The WAR MISSION is the primary objective in every operation. Consequently, Spruance's decision to protect the landing forces in the Marianas was by far the correct decision at the time. The Marianas were critical for our planned bombing of Japan so we must consider what might have happened if we had chased the Japanese fleet and through some querk of fate THEY would have won. Our whole warplan could have been upended. Yes, we need the Halsey's, Mitchener's and Patton's, but we also need the Spruance's, Gieger's and Bradley's.

  • @m.r.donovan8743
    @m.r.donovan8743 4 місяці тому

    Re: Capt. Toti's point given at 1:23, self sealing fuel tanks not only kept the aircraft from burning, it also allowed many a pilot to make it back to his carrier because he had enough gas to fly home & survive to fight another day. Seth is right, what made the Zero so formidable early in the war was it's maneuverability due to low design weight. If it had another 300 lbs of armor protection and thick rubber lining in its tanks added to the empty weight, it would have been a dog. The Hellcat engine had TWICE the horsepower of early Zeros.
    Another thing that the U.S. Navy excelled at was search and rescue, Subs and Dumbos (PBY's) fished hundreds of their aviators out of the water, and again they lived to fly and fight more battles. When a Japanese pilot (IJN or IJA) went in the drink, he was essentially just written off.
    Fantastic episode gentlemen! Major Betgstrom selected some great questions!

    • @petesheppard1709
      @petesheppard1709 2 місяці тому

      The Zero was limited by its engine, which generated less than 1000hp. This dictated the light airframe for the plane to meet the performance requirements.

  • @christopherj.osheav5807
    @christopherj.osheav5807 4 місяці тому +1

    Welcome aboard, Shawn. Fantastic episode, gentlemen. Thank you. V/r - IB

  • @laytonalldredge3948
    @laytonalldredge3948 4 місяці тому +1

    Well done! There will always be disparate opinions when revisiting historical events. You two are the best.

  • @davidbrian2570
    @davidbrian2570 4 місяці тому +4

    Good morning from SC, great stuff guys!

  • @davidcbr0wn
    @davidcbr0wn 4 місяці тому +1

    In Craigs Symond’s book Nimitz at War, he describes the performance-altering issue Robert L. Ghormley had was a seriously infected tooth. The entire time he was in command before Halsey took over Ghormley was in tremendous pain and wasn’t able to get medical treatment.

  • @DanColley-qy3wi
    @DanColley-qy3wi 3 місяці тому

    Shawn:
    GO 'NOLES !!!
    Your comment about Seth not having the much overvalued PhD following his name is so very timely. I had a cellular biology teacher in college who, unlike the rest of the teaching staff, did not have anything higher than a Master's Degree. He was a world-renown biologist and the best Prof I ever had in any class at any school. He had the respect of all of the PhD's that he worked with. It is always what you know and not the accolades you may have. Thanks for pointing that out.

  • @NVRAMboi
    @NVRAMboi 4 місяці тому +1

    Thank you gentlemen. Once again, I learned a lot. As an aside, Shawn seems to be a very nice fit/addition to the team. Welcome, Shawn! Looking forward to your US Army (and other) input during the coming island hopping campaign. I'd guess quite a few people have no idea the extent to which US Army troops participated in the PTO during WWII. I was guilty of same for too many years.

  • @SamAlley-l9j
    @SamAlley-l9j 4 місяці тому +1

    Thank you Bill and Seth.

  • @dennisweidner288
    @dennisweidner288 4 місяці тому +2

    Very nicely done an impressive display of your deep knowledge. I learned quite a bit from your responses.

  • @jackvonkuehn9038
    @jackvonkuehn9038 4 місяці тому +2

    Please check out Drachinifel and his video on US ship construction from WWII. The numbers are staggering. I would love to know if the helmsman from Enterprise that steered her like a Toyoko drift car to avoid incoming bombs was given a medal for that. Yes he was following the Capt course orders but to make a ship that size move like that took a remarkable degree of skill.

  • @chriscollins1525
    @chriscollins1525 3 місяці тому

    Great show! Getting addicted to the series. Have subscribed.

  • @PalleRasmussen
    @PalleRasmussen 4 місяці тому +4

    01:48 Drach also has a video on the subject - largely building on Trent's book.

  • @fettfan91
    @fettfan91 4 місяці тому

    Having Major Betgstrom moderate the questions and even help elaborate on the details was an excellent choice, super cool to see you guys interact with those who watch like this!

  • @PalleRasmussen
    @PalleRasmussen 4 місяці тому +6

    Top Fighter pilot? Marseille; he fought exclusively against the western allies, and shot down several of their aces. He was a madlad- he also very much did not like Nazism and I suspect that was part of his self-destructive behavior when not in the air.

    • @doughboyjr9418
      @doughboyjr9418 4 місяці тому

      I believe that many of the German pilots would have what would be described as a self destructive behavior in the air. I think it has something to do with Herman Goering’s obsession with hunting and its ethos that he drilled into his luftwaffe men.

  • @cpowkj
    @cpowkj 4 місяці тому +1

    Great show! On the question about the three things done wrong by either side; Japan made fatal mistake attacking Dutch Harbor. As part of the Midway operation that made absolutely no sense. I agree Peleliu was the U.S.’s greatest mistake. That’s my two bit. Again great podcast!

  • @ReverendScaleModeler
    @ReverendScaleModeler 4 місяці тому +1

    Really enjoyed this episode! I always learn something (actually lots of things) with every episode. Looking forward to the next one.

  • @briangibbs3774
    @briangibbs3774 4 місяці тому +1

    I really enjoyed this session, gentlemen. Perhaps, in the future, it might be possible to do one halfway through each season?

  • @davidpitchford6510
    @davidpitchford6510 4 місяці тому +5

    Gentlemen thank you for your great work. Please consider covering the sad fate of the remaining Japanese Imperial Navy aircraft carriers as the war approached its end.

    • @Jakal-pw8yq
      @Jakal-pw8yq 4 місяці тому

      I don't know if this totally answers your question but they just did the episode about Surigao straight and the four empty carrier bait Force that Halsey screwed the pooch and chased. They destroyed the empty carriers and that was considered the last Japanese carrier battle of the war. Hope that answers your question. just search for the last two episodes and you'll find it.😊

    • @davidpitchford6510
      @davidpitchford6510 4 місяці тому

      @@Jakal-pw8yq Thank you. I mean the bitter, very end, when one carrier was covered in sand and trees in dock to camouflage it!

    • @nevadaleadershipgroup8616
      @nevadaleadershipgroup8616 6 днів тому

      @Jakal: The Japanese Navy still had 4 carriers after sacrificing 4 at Leyte. They weren’t fleet carriers, but they did have 4 decks.

  • @chloehennessey6813
    @chloehennessey6813 4 місяці тому +3

    I’m glad you’re joining the podcast.
    But please in the interim work on your audio?
    You being in that big room gives us a lot of variation and rebound. Do you have a smaller room and a better microphone by chance?

  • @jamesharper7661
    @jamesharper7661 4 місяці тому +1

    Seth...You said something about Guadalcanal being the US's school for how to fight the Japanese. I never thought of it that way before. Your statement is so true. Sea, air and land. And it was a harsh school. Thanks to all of you for this podcast and what you do. 😊

  • @McFFMICP
    @McFFMICP 4 місяці тому +1

    This may have been the best episode yet!! Can't help but wonder though, would a Q & A session following each season with questions limited to the material covered in that season be a better way to take care of this. Doesn't much matter now--KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!! Mondays suck, but Tuesday makes it all better.

  • @USSBB62
    @USSBB62 4 місяці тому +1

    Thanks so much. No joke. It's the wondering and candid things that make these episodes so great. All of them

  • @billyshakespeare17
    @billyshakespeare17 4 місяці тому +3

    Great show. The Corsair being difficult to land due to the torque issue raises another question. If the Hellcat had the same motor (which I am pretty sure it did), why did it not have the same issue?

    • @seanquigley3605
      @seanquigley3605 4 місяці тому +1

      The wings airfoil shape was more forgiving of mistakes in the F6F, she would still torque roll but not as readily as an F4U. Vought had to add a strip to one wing to try and correct the F4Us slow speed stall characteristics. One wing stalled at significantly higher speed then the other. Also I'm almost certain the F4U had a much larger diameter prop to better use the available power from the engine so that big honking prop gave it much more leverage when cramming the throttle forward. Boyington and Blackburn give really good explanations in their respective books. There's also a Vought test pilots book that gets into the reasons she was a bit more difficult for a new pilot to fly safely.

  • @73Trident
    @73Trident 4 місяці тому

    As per usual fantastic. Welcome aboard Shawn. Capt. Bill thanks again for your Memorial Day presentation. I have recommended it to everyone that will listen. Some were deep reflection and some were tears. One of the best speechs I've ever heard.

  • @tomneises6178
    @tomneises6178 4 місяці тому +1

    I've just started watching but know I will really enjoy this. Thank you for all the content and work.

  • @Perfusionist01
    @Perfusionist01 4 місяці тому +1

    A wonderful episode, lots of great answers to many really good questions. Looking forward to more such info, Thanks for the [resentation.

  • @jacqueschouette7474
    @jacqueschouette7474 4 місяці тому

    1:40:00 My sainted father served on the USS Birmingham during World War II. His ship was badly damaged three times during the war, off Bougainville, at Leyte Gulf and off Okinawa. Each time, the ship went back to the US for repairs. While there, he got leave and it worked out that he was home for Christmas each time (he was an Idaho boy). But, each time, he returned to the USS Birmingham.

  • @williampockets
    @williampockets 4 місяці тому +2

    I wish I could ask follow ups. You guys are the best.

  • @johnresto1603
    @johnresto1603 4 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for answering my Nimitz question.

  • @williampage622
    @williampage622 4 місяці тому +1

    Very interesting, thanks.

  • @JP-sw5ho
    @JP-sw5ho 4 місяці тому +1

    Love this. Good work

  • @scottjohnson136
    @scottjohnson136 4 місяці тому

    This series of pod cast / UA-cam videos has spiked my interest in WW2, this has lead to book purchases! Thank goodness I recently retired and have time to enjoy and learn!
    Fantastic showed even many the second time through!

  • @Chevy64w
    @Chevy64w 4 місяці тому +1

    Wow a Nole on the show! I spent the first 25 years of my life in Tallahassee florida, proud Lincoln highschool graduate

  • @mikeat2637
    @mikeat2637 4 місяці тому

    Bill, I will totally agree with you about the museum on Merritt Island. I lived in Brevard County for about 5 years and went there several times. It was really inspiring. I also highly recommend Valiant Air Command in Titusville, Florida. It is a wonderful venue that has a superior number of excellent warbirds and some great static displays. I probably went there 5 or 6 times and really enjoyed myself. When I was there on one trip I happened to be speaking to some other visitors who had a question. Unbeknownst to me, one of the gentlemen who run the place was standing behind me and asked to speak to me. he told me he liked the way I handled myself and would I like to become a volunteer docent of sorts. Unfortunately, I was slated to come back to New York and had to turn them down. He told me I would always be welcome, which felt pretty good. I intend to move permanently down to Palm Bay where my daughter lives in the near future and I plan on taking them up on their offer. I know it will be a great thing to do.

    • @UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar
      @UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar  4 місяці тому +1

      Bill responding: I will be speaking at the museum late August. Come on by!

    • @mikeat2637
      @mikeat2637 4 місяці тому

      @@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar I will plan my next trip according Bill. I would, love to be able to meet you.

  • @guestmatejek9029
    @guestmatejek9029 4 місяці тому

    Just getting started watching this episode and already love it! Thanks.

  • @patrickchase5614
    @patrickchase5614 4 місяці тому +1

    wrt the questions about the value of radars on Guadalcanal, in addition to those radars and the CAP, I think that a lot of credit must be given to the Australian-established coast watcher network in the Salomons. My understanding is that the coast watchers typically alerted us to Japanese raids long before they entered radar range or were detected by the CAP.

  • @timschoenberger242
    @timschoenberger242 4 місяці тому +3

    Regarding the F4U versus the F6F; By 1946, Hellcat was going to be replaced by the F8F. The Corsair served into Korea, even though it was at ground support.

    • @seanquigley3605
      @seanquigley3605 4 місяці тому +1

      Also the carrier Night Fighter of choice during Korea.....Guy Bordelon scored 5 kills in one.

    • @nkgoodal
      @nkgoodal 4 місяці тому

      Got this insight from the video. Part of what's different in Korea is that Naval Aviation was once again the domain of professionals. The Hellcat was exceptionally capable, rugged, and more forgiving. It was the right aircraft as Naval Aviation was rapidly expanding, and many of the pilots joining were not "professionals" in that they didn't have years of training or a Navy career in mind. The Corsair was the "hotter ship", and the return to a highly professional, career oriented aviation program meant that the challenges of the Corsair could be trained against.

  • @Thumpalumpacus
    @Thumpalumpacus 4 місяці тому

    Thanks, guys -- everything I'd hoped for, and then some.

  • @hermansherman378
    @hermansherman378 Місяць тому

    Thanks!

  • @thomasbernecky2078
    @thomasbernecky2078 4 місяці тому

    Dave Holland: Sure, I was at all of the radar sites yesterday. Now that is an expert.

  • @tedc.4956
    @tedc.4956 4 місяці тому

    Another brilliant move enlisting Major Shawn Betgstrom to ride herd over the questions. Smart man who fits well into the mix and kept it moving nicely. As usual, another interesting episode. Y'all are smart! ;-)

  • @MrFrikkenfrakken
    @MrFrikkenfrakken 4 місяці тому +2

    Welcome to the party Shawn. Great show guys.

  • @alanrichtmyer2309
    @alanrichtmyer2309 4 місяці тому

    Fantastick Episode Gentlemnen.... In its own way almost a recap of the first 200 +episodes! And Major Betgstrom, nice to meet you, look forward to seeing you again soon.

  • @roberthilton5328
    @roberthilton5328 4 місяці тому +1

    For the US Navy Aviation being less effective in 1944-1945 there's also the volume of anti-aircraft fire that both sides were facing, whether it was effective or not. Early in the war the anti-aircraft weapons wasn't nearly the umbrella to fly through, and pilots on both sides could be more aggressive and make much closer approaches before releasing their weapons. That sort of aggression seen before and during Midway proved to be suicidal for the Japanese pilots in the Guadalcanal campaign. The Japanese learned that lesson and did the best they could to improve their anti-aircraft umbrella.
    Your statement on the dilution of the aviator pool also dovetails with that, where fewer of the pilots would challenge the anti-aircraft umbrella and thus increase their odds for a hit (until the anti-aircraft fire was eroded).

  • @toms6213
    @toms6213 4 місяці тому +3

    Thank you! Could Nautilus be added to the list of subs that could have made a difference with good torpedoes, particulaly at Midway?

  • @OMMgreenshirt
    @OMMgreenshirt 4 місяці тому

    Great episode guys! I took it as a teaching aid for myself since I volunteer at the Oregon Military Museum. I am clearly finding out how to approach a question and then deliver the answer in a matter that is interesting and not a long drawn out numbers, facts and figures of which you WILL lose the interest of visitors. I found the episode questions very interesting and now I am forming my own "doctrine" of how to share for a better understanding. And yep Seth you are so right of having a "rivet counter" in a group who is an armchair expert who really does not understand the "nuts and bolts" of how things work. Anyway, thanks again and keep up the great work.

  • @TerryNelson-k6t
    @TerryNelson-k6t 4 місяці тому

    I think the most interesting thing I've learned from your podcast is how much the Navy DIDN'T know about waging war in the beginning of 1942, but they damn sure learned by 1944! Thanks again.

  • @theswordguy5269
    @theswordguy5269 4 місяці тому +1

    I'd actually argue that the most important submarine attack(s) of 1942 were the two that kept Saratoga out of the fight. Had she not been hit twice, she's at Coral Sea and/or Midway, and likely at Santa Cruz. A third carrier at Coral Sea and a fourth at Midway would have really had a serious impact upon those two fights. Her presence at Santa Cruz would have more than evened the odds.

  • @russpaulus9171
    @russpaulus9171 4 місяці тому +4

    26:46 And how many more attacks would have been made if the crews had confidence in the torpedos?

  • @johnrudy9404
    @johnrudy9404 4 місяці тому

    Message about episode way back, with Drachnfel. Absolutely loved it.
    I'm always up for my Wednesday Rum Ration, but this was even better. Please have him on more.
    Of course, you Seth and Cap Toti were in top form.
    Any chance of having Mark Felton and Lindybege also? Love the combined channels. Thank you for your service.

  • @JamesJohnson-qe1tj
    @JamesJohnson-qe1tj 3 місяці тому

    Our family had a couple days ashore in Manila in 1963 off the APL Pres. Wilson and(I was 12)and I remember how much battle damage was still evident.

  • @billechols7136
    @billechols7136 4 місяці тому +1

    Great show gentlemen.

  • @trevor9934
    @trevor9934 4 місяці тому +1

    Regarding question on why Japan did not ramp up pilot training like the US. While I agree on the attrition answer, I wonder if a major reason was that the Japanese did not take their experienced pilots off the front to train newbies, in the same way as did the US (and, BTW, UK, and most of the war, Germany) did to take their experience and skills to the newbies.