My GOD!! The fierce fighting for Henderson Airfield all those months! My profoundest appreciation and Highest Respects for those who fought here. Thank you for sharing this.
From an old US Navy Corpsman For all of the Fallen Stand down now good and faithful servants. Your long watch is over. We have the Conn now. Go rest high on that mountain brothers. Be at ease, Rest in Honored Peace. Go forth and war no more. God's Speed and God bless. Prayers for your families and friends. Prayers for those still on watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas Brothers. And one more time this old Doc whispers, Semper Fi........
My father was there, he'd be 103 years old now. First marine division.. i forgot to mention he lived through it.. passed away in 1995 , due to a vehicle accident.
Hat is off sir. I absorbed everything available on Guadalcanal by age 12, or so I thought. Time and the internet have done a lot! Really, really happy to see you doing what you are doing. I've walked virtually every US Civil War battlefield in the East multiple times, but that is easy compared to what you are doing. Don't know your ties if any, but I thank you regardless. Also, thanks for clearing up your accent origins too (thought I was losing even more hearing lol). Impressive knowledge, obvious passion. Please just keep going (as I see you have). If you ever get NW to Vella Lavella, New Georgia & etc. I'll be watching.
My dad was in 1st Marine Division, Amphibious Force. He was on the first landing of Guadalcanal. He was assigned with others to guard Henderson Field. He said they were shelled every day. He contracted malaria so badly on the island that when they were finally taken off the island in December, he was taken first to Australia, then assigned State side as an instructor. I had the privilege of living with him the last 9 years of his life, as he had become legally blind. He lived to be 91. He survived Guadalcanal and 30 years as an officer on LAPD. He has always been my hero. "Semper Fi", as my dad used to joke "It means I got mine. You get yours." 😆
Lots of respect to your dad. If you would like me to feature a short piece on him just let me know. Send me a PM through my Guadalcanal Facebook page. The same title as this RUclips page. facebook.com/GuadalcanalWalkingabattlefield/
Really enjoy your educational videos. One of a kind. My family history of serving goes back to the union army. My uncle served as a tanker under Gen. Patton. Look forward to more of your videos
I visited the 'Canal 2 summers ago with MHT and must tell you your videos are a wonderful adjunct learning tool to having walked many of these sites myself, including Galloping Horse, GIFU, Basilone's position and many others you feature. Excellent work with the "then and now" views and map overlays. Keep 'em coming!
doylesteve19 thanks. Your guide on the MHT is a friend of mine. We have walked a few of these spots together ourselves. I might have met you a couple of years ago.
You have a good microphone. It sounds like you’re tromping down the gravel paths even though I know you are just walking! Thank you for these videos because I have read a lot about the campaign and it’s many battles and always wish I could see the place!
I explored the airport on GE, and see that the structure called, I think, a leaf hut, has gone in the images after November 2022. Had trouble finding the wartime tower, until I realised I should be looking west of the memorial garden and not east. TBP
After the Marines moved on to a new campaign, the U. S. Army continued the to battle Japanese. My uncle served with the U. S. Army as a Combat Paramedic/Paratrooper and stated the toughest and worst battle campaign he was ever engaged in during WW II was at Guadacanal. Many young American and Japanese lives were lost there. ❤️🇺🇸🙏🏼✝😔
My 1st cousin once removed was from Company A, 1st battalion, 2 Marine Regiment, second division. He was killed on Guadalcanal on November 3, 1942 during a 4 day offensive action. His father said that he was told by an officer that his son was killed when his foxhole took a direct hit from an artillery shell. On the casualty list I looked at he was listed as First Division, which really confused me. But maybe it is because he went in with the 1st division ? I recently discovered that I had a relative on Guadalcanal and I have been so focused on learning all I can since. Have you been to where that battle would have taken place?
Sheila Hall thanks for sharing. Yes the 2nd Marines were attached to the 1st Division at that time. Shortly after when the 8th Marines landed they went back to the 2nd Div. Yes I know that area where he was killed well. I’ve been researching it due to the missing Marines from 1/5 and also the Casamento Medal of Honor location. It is very near what is now Pt Cruz Honiara.
That makes me feel so incredibly excited and happy that you have actually seen that area. I've always wondered if I had close family in the war, learning of his death makes it so much more personal. I'm trying to learn all I can about that time period. I just ordered what is supposed to be a very good book on the campaign. A year later his father sent his own dog into the service as a war dog, in honor of his son. The dog was was so smart but too friendly so she got sent back home.
Sheila Hall I also have a Facebook site by the same name. You can send me a personal message and I will be able to provide some photos and some further info on the site.
The Memorial Garden was designed and in part constructed by the American Consulate and also contains memorials to RNZN Moa and crew lost when this ship was sunk. Also memorials to NZ pilots lost there.
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 that makes sense I just imagined that post war the locals would have desperately reneeded those materials for rebuilding there homes. Great channel and never a bad video! Appreciate you taking the time to answer my question!
I can't speak for the USA, since I am a Canadian, but in Canada in the last 10 - 20 years there has been a HUGE resurgence in interest amongst young folks (I'm 60 this year) about what Canada has done both in WW2 and Korea. Many school groups and Cadet organizations have made pilgrimages to the D-day beaches. So, in Canada, at least, there is an awareness - I suppose it helps that most of our fighting was done in Europe - relatively close. My Father-in-Law fought in the India/Burma theatre but you don't hear much about the Canadian or even British efforts there. So, teach your kids as you can. Side note: to the very best of my knowledge, EVERY Canadian who FOUGHT overseas was a VOLUNTEER. There were a few draftees who made it overseas but they were very limited numbers and very limited roles.
@John Deneen All comes down to funding dude. I'm in EP and was able to take any history class under the sun. Plus most kids my age these days don't even give a damn about history. So sad honestly. I fear our generation is bound to repeat it in a devastating way at some point.
@John Deneen SW suburbs . Highly funded public schools. Also a liberal political system. Considered the best place to live in the country . Widely considered as the top public school system in the state.. Eden Prairie. With all due respect John, don't fall for the fear and talking points. What police force has been defunded? Black lives matter is a fair protest. St. Paul is safe right now. You could walk down any street and be just fine. People need to relax a bit I think. Thanks from a liberal, Constitution loving, American Patriot in Eden Prairie.
@@zZzPoPTaRTzZz Agreed. Thankfully, the liberals fund our schools. It's a shame some are ignorant as to what defund the police actually means. In my town defunding means when a call comes in for a non-violent offense comes in a social worker is sent to handle the situation leaving the police free to attend to violent crimes. Been doing this for over a year and not only has the citizens approving of it but the police as well. Too bad some don't actually read up about policies instead they parrot cable news talking points.
The airfield was never operational when the Japanese held the island..It was completed and made operational by the Marines..So the AA gun by the terminal likely wasnt there at the time of the battle. There were only 216 combat troops on the island during the landings which completely surprised the Japanese high command.. .
The Japanese had AA guns and even a radar already installed around the airfield. They also had AA guns around Kukum. This was the landing area for the Japanese constructing the airfield. There was a reinforced guard company (combat troops) from the SNLF but there were a few thousand engineers and labor troops including many Koreans. Many of the Japanese’ prisoner pictures on Guadalcanal are in fact Koreans. The Marines also started using the Koreans for work. The Koreans loved burying the Japanese in the mass pits.
My farther was in the Marine airforce serving as a radar operator at Guadacanal from January 1943. Do you happen to know where the radar set was located at Henderson Field
Some 'Then'.....'Now' pictures would help orient the viewer a little better. It's not always easy to know exactly what you're looking at or from what angle...especially with all the changes. For example, is the present runway a part of the original field or is it different entirely ? Is the mound some kind of foundation for the original wooden tower ?
Lots of brave men died there so my generation could have freedom and retirement. God Bless RIP
My GOD!! The fierce fighting for Henderson Airfield all those months! My profoundest appreciation and Highest Respects for those who fought here. Thank you for sharing this.
NMCB 3 Det 14 was my granddad's unit. He was the reason I have a history minor emphasis on the Pacific War, and why I am 4th generation Navy
Thank you for all the work you do in preserving the knowledge of what happened there. I do hope it is preserved for posterity.
From an old US Navy Corpsman
For all of the Fallen
Stand down now good and faithful servants. Your long watch is over. We have the Conn now. Go rest high on that mountain brothers. Be at ease, Rest in Honored Peace. Go forth and war no more. God's Speed and God bless. Prayers for your families and friends. Prayers for those still on watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas Brothers.
And one more time this old Doc whispers,
Semper Fi........
Its a beautiful Garden very Respectful
Brilliant. I love WW2 history as my Dad Served here in Australia.
I'm a fellow historian and combat veteran (US Army). Thank you for your videos sir... SSG Sheline
Outstanding thank you for doing these videos. It’s on my bucket list!
My father was there, he'd be 103 years old now. First marine division.. i forgot to mention he lived through it.. passed away in 1995 , due to a vehicle accident.
He was a hero!
@@briancooper2112 . Thank you very much.
Sucks he survived that hell and passed from accident. Sorry man.
Hat is off sir. I absorbed everything available on Guadalcanal by age 12, or so I thought. Time and the internet have done a lot! Really, really happy to see you doing what you are doing. I've walked virtually every US Civil War battlefield in the East multiple times, but that is easy compared to what you are doing. Don't know your ties if any, but I thank you regardless. Also, thanks for clearing up your accent origins too (thought I was losing even more hearing lol). Impressive knowledge, obvious passion. Please just keep going (as I see you have). If you ever get NW to Vella Lavella, New Georgia & etc. I'll be watching.
I was born on Guadalcanal love your show know I leave close to camp Pendleton
My dad was in 1st Marine Division, Amphibious Force. He was on the first landing of Guadalcanal. He was assigned with others to guard Henderson Field. He said they were shelled every day. He contracted malaria so badly on the island that when they were finally taken off the island in December, he was taken first to Australia, then assigned State side as an instructor. I had the privilege of living with him the last 9 years of his life, as he had become legally blind. He lived to be 91. He survived Guadalcanal and 30 years as an officer on LAPD. He has always been my hero. "Semper Fi", as my dad used to joke "It means I got mine. You get yours." 😆
Lots of respect to your dad. If you would like me to feature a short piece on him just let me know. Send me a PM through my Guadalcanal Facebook page. The same title as this RUclips page. facebook.com/GuadalcanalWalkingabattlefield/
You’ve got a good voice and story telling abilities. Hope you continue.
Thank you for sharing your story. It was very interesting to listen to.
Really enjoy your educational videos. One of a kind. My family history of serving goes back to the union army. My uncle served as a tanker under Gen. Patton. Look forward to more of your videos
I visited the 'Canal 2 summers ago with MHT and must tell you your videos are a wonderful adjunct learning tool to having walked many of these sites myself, including Galloping Horse, GIFU, Basilone's position and many others you feature. Excellent work with the "then and now" views and map overlays. Keep 'em coming!
doylesteve19 thanks. Your guide on the MHT is a friend of mine. We have walked a few of these spots together ourselves. I might have met you a couple of years ago.
Thank you for this video. I found it an emotional experience.
You have a good microphone. It sounds like you’re tromping down the gravel paths even though I know you are just walking! Thank you for these videos because I have read a lot about the campaign and it’s many battles and always wish I could see the place!
Those trees have gotten massive since I was there in 2003.
Great Job!!!
My godfather was a Sea Bee at Henderson Field.He told me about Japanese snipers shooting at him while he operated a bulldozer repairing the airfield.
Great Story , Thanks.
I explored the airport on GE, and see that the structure called, I think, a leaf hut, has gone in the images after November 2022.
Had trouble finding the wartime tower, until I realised I should be looking west of the memorial garden and not east. TBP
I was there 2 days ago. The tower is still standing.
After the Marines moved on to a new campaign, the U. S. Army continued the to battle Japanese. My uncle served with the U. S. Army as a Combat Paramedic/Paratrooper and stated the toughest and worst battle campaign he was ever engaged in during WW II was at Guadacanal. Many young American and Japanese lives were lost there. ❤️🇺🇸🙏🏼✝😔
Michael Garcia respect to your uncle. the Marines stayed until the end with the Army. 2nd MarDiv took over from the 1st MarDiv.
Nice vids, Brother.
My 1st cousin once removed was from Company A, 1st battalion, 2 Marine Regiment, second division. He was killed on Guadalcanal on November 3, 1942 during a 4 day offensive action. His father said that he was told by an officer that his son was killed when his foxhole took a direct hit from an artillery shell. On the casualty list I looked at he was listed as First Division, which really confused me. But maybe it is because he went in with the 1st division ? I recently discovered that I had a relative on Guadalcanal and I have been so focused on learning all I can since. Have you been to where that battle would have taken place?
Sheila Hall thanks for sharing. Yes the 2nd Marines were attached to the 1st Division at that time. Shortly after when the 8th Marines landed they went back to the 2nd Div. Yes I know that area where he was killed well. I’ve been researching it due to the missing Marines from 1/5 and also the Casamento Medal of Honor location. It is very near what is now Pt Cruz Honiara.
That makes me feel so incredibly excited and happy that you have actually seen that area. I've always wondered if I had close family in the war, learning of his death makes it so much more personal. I'm trying to learn all I can about that time period. I just ordered what is supposed to be a very good book on the campaign. A year later his father sent his own dog into the service as a war dog, in honor of his son. The dog was was so smart but too friendly so she got sent back home.
Sheila Hall I also have a Facebook site by the same name. You can send me a personal message and I will be able to provide some photos and some further info on the site.
Huge shout out to the Cactus Air Force, everyone! Hooah!!
The Memorial Garden was designed and in part constructed by the American Consulate and also contains memorials to RNZN Moa and crew lost when this ship was sunk. Also memorials to NZ pilots lost there.
John Utting thanks for the information. It’s a special place.
If a person wanted to tour the island, are there accommodations there?
Belgian Malinoit yes there are a couple of good hotels
Thank you
They sure did cut down a lot of Lever Brothers coconut trees by 1945.
In your opinion, the best book on The Battle of Guadalcanal?
Richard Frank - Guadalcanal
Thank you
i'm guessing the tower is 50" tall
The control tower! The structure walls and roof etc was that taken by locals and used in the island? As its far from complete today?
I think so or it just rotted away .
@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349 that makes sense I just imagined that post war the locals would have desperately reneeded those materials for rebuilding there homes. Great channel and never a bad video! Appreciate you taking the time to answer my question!
Too bad young adults and kids have no clue this battle happened. History taught in schools is laughable! R.I.P. Hero's!🇺🇸👍😁
I can't speak for the USA, since I am a Canadian, but in Canada in the last 10 - 20 years there has been a HUGE resurgence in interest amongst young folks (I'm 60 this year) about what Canada has done both in WW2 and Korea. Many school groups and Cadet organizations have made pilgrimages to the D-day beaches.
So, in Canada, at least, there is an awareness - I suppose it helps that most of our fighting was done in Europe - relatively close. My Father-in-Law fought in the India/Burma theatre but you don't hear much about the Canadian or even British efforts there.
So, teach your kids as you can.
Side note: to the very best of my knowledge, EVERY Canadian who FOUGHT overseas was a VOLUNTEER.
There were a few draftees who made it overseas but they were very limited numbers and very limited roles.
@John Deneen All comes down to funding dude. I'm in EP and was able to take any history class under the sun. Plus most kids my age these days don't even give a damn about history. So sad honestly. I fear our generation is bound to repeat it in a devastating way at some point.
@John Deneen SW suburbs . Highly funded public schools. Also a liberal political system. Considered the best place to live in the country . Widely considered as the top public school system in the state.. Eden Prairie. With all due respect John, don't fall for the fear and talking points. What police force has been defunded? Black lives matter is a fair protest. St. Paul is safe right now. You could walk down any street and be just fine. People need to relax a bit I think. Thanks from a liberal, Constitution loving, American Patriot in Eden Prairie.
@@zZzPoPTaRTzZz Agreed. Thankfully, the liberals fund our schools. It's a shame some are ignorant as to what defund the police actually means. In my town defunding means when a call comes in for a non-violent offense comes in a social worker is sent to handle the situation leaving the police free to attend to violent crimes. Been doing this for over a year and not only has the citizens approving of it but the police as well. Too bad some don't actually read up about policies instead they parrot cable news talking points.
The airfield was never operational when the Japanese held the island..It was completed and made operational by the Marines..So the AA gun by the terminal likely wasnt there at the time of the battle. There were only 216 combat troops on the island during the landings which completely surprised the Japanese high command.. .
The Japanese had AA guns and even a radar already installed around the airfield. They also had AA guns around Kukum. This was the landing area for the Japanese constructing the airfield. There was a reinforced guard company (combat troops) from the SNLF but there were a few thousand engineers and labor troops including many Koreans. Many of the Japanese’ prisoner pictures on Guadalcanal are in fact Koreans. The Marines also started using the Koreans for work. The Koreans loved burying the Japanese in the mass pits.
My farther was in the Marine airforce serving as a radar operator at Guadacanal from January 1943. Do you happen to know where the radar set was located at Henderson Field
Not exact. I think on Lunga Ridge which is near the river. The old Japanese radar set was there .
My second question, what happened in 1999 and 2000?
The country fell into a crisis and the prime minister requested assistance from the international community.
www.ramsi.org/the-tensions/
Thank you
Some 'Then'.....'Now' pictures would help orient the viewer a little better. It's not always easy to know exactly what you're looking at or from what angle...especially with all the changes. For example, is the present runway a part of the original field or is it different entirely ? Is the mound some kind of foundation for the original wooden tower ?
Steve Schramko thanks. This was actually my first episode. In later ones I’ve added a few then and now for viewer orientation
Nice smooth looking video. What camera are you using?
Dawn J just an iPhone. Sometimes I use a selfie stick
This fellas accent suggests that he is from the Deep South region of Australia
if only the japanese won midway and coral sea.