The Navajo Code Talkers were instrumental in the battle of Saipan. The Japanese never broke the code. I'm currently making a movie about a Navajo Code Talker and his experience on Saipan. I expect to have it completed in September.
Capt. Toti, I personally enjoy hearing your perspective and insights and I constantly think to myself that for an "amatuer" historian you have wonderful knowledge of military history. You and Seth have put together an astounding Series and I always wake up on Tuesday mornings excited for the next episode. Please keep doing what you are doing. 🙂
I was a History major from the University of Oklahoma. I am currently active duty in the Navy. I think the Pacific War is so incredibly overlooked. I also feel like Europe gets all the media attention. The Pacific War was hell on Earth. These men were up against an enemy that Europe couldn’t imagine. Not downplaying the European Theatre at all. But it’s a complete tragedy that the Pacific War is largely forgotten. The amount of bravery and hardship these men went through for the service of our country is unmatched. It’s something we are severely lacking in society today. Thank you so much for covering the Pacific War. Let’s never forget the bravery these men showed in the face of a brutal enemy.
I think you're right about that. The ETO gets all the ink. Just from a logistic and Supply perspective, the war in the Pacific was a beast and it took some incredible brain power and bandwidth to pull that off. I don't know that we can do that today. The industrial might that we had during World War II is astounding considering that Saipan happened just days after the invasion of Normandy. In the current geopolitical climate, I'm afraid that we're just not prepared, particularly for China, North Korea, and Russia. I certainly don't have the answers and I'm not quite sure who does. 💖🇺🇲⚓️💯👍
try something different if you want there is an aussie that does Pacific war from aussie perspective Lots of new guinea stuff "HypotheticHistory" I just never knew it like that.
@@PalleRasmussen - Maybe...but considering the fact that the American electorate is apparently incapable of understanding that the state (and politics in general) is not the answer to every problem, I have every expectation that your hypothesis is going to be put to the test in the not too distant future. I see signs that another war is on the horizon. If that happens, the politicians (as usual) will not be the ones who pay the cost in blood.
Another great episode, thanks for it. My great uncle was a crewman on LCVP Higgins boats for several combat assaults including Saipan. He started out in an old transport working in the boiler rooms where in the South Pacific, temperatures often exceeded 120 degrees F. He would lose up to 15 pounds a day on watch. He ended up getting in a fist fight with a bullying petty officer, and was transferred to the LCVP's as punishment. He was very reluctant to talk about his experiences, his sons said he never did. I asked him about it many times and once when in his cups, he told me. Sometimes, he had to pull a .45 pistol and threaten to shoot scared boys who refused to leave the boat at the beach. He choked up, when he told me that more than once, he then saw those same boys immediately killed. He also personally witnessed the horrors at the cliffs. He was traumatized by the war, in a time when there was no "PTSD". He had a rough go of it and suffered from alcoholism. My grandmother told me, that for 6 months after returning home to Ohio, he would continually wave an arm in front of his face, as if swatting away insects. YES they were the greatest generation... And what they suffered can hardly be understood by those of us who had easy lives and enjoyable youths. Bill Luthanen was a stone-hard man, who did not like any of us in the family buying Japanese cars, and who was forever scarred by the horrors he endured. also, like many vets I have known, he was strongly against Vietnam, and told us all to stay out of it. He told me war movies were all "BS". His 3 brothers also served in the war (two Pacific, one Europe), but none had that sort of experience.
Good Lord what an amazing story. It's very sad what war does to people. It makes me wonder what your great-uncle was like before he went to war. Do you have any insight into that? I've got relatives that served in World War II and almost to a man their wives said the war changed them much for the worse.
@@Jakal-pw8yq Im not sure what he was like before the war, sorry to say. Only this I heard: My grandparents had a sailboat on Lake Erie, he enjoyed going out on it as a boy. After the War, he never went boating.
Thank you, grew up with WW II vets with their leadership and mentoring. Our country is in such a mess without them now. We had no experienced military to start the war but that didn’t stop us from fighting, because japan thought it would. Very proud of our greatest generation and can’t thank you guys enough to keep their sacrifices in our thoughts.
Well said, ww2 vets without a doubt were the greatest generation. God help us if we have a world war now. Love of country is almost non existent with today’s young people as American history is not taught
To think that this Invasion went down just days after the invasion of Normandy is mind-blowing. The industrial might of America at that time was second to none. It's very concerning in today's political climate concerning our preparedness, with China looming is a very frightening scenario. It can't all be done with technology. I don't think we could, nor do I even know how we could approach the level of Industry might and cooperation that we had during World War II. I can only imagine the bickering and wrangling and bulshit that would go down all for the mighty dollar. I'm afraid to say that there's a shitstorm headed our way and we're in no way prepared for it.🇺🇲⚓️💖👍💯
@animatorofkingfishy961 My paternal grandfather was an army surgeon in Burma in '44-'45, rank of Major as all surgeons were. Granddaddy then went on to volunteer for the Red Cross in Vietnam in 1968-69, giving up a year of his best earnings to help civilians in South Vietnam. He had "great/terrible" timing as he arrived in Saigon only a week before the Tet Offensive! Sadly his services helping civilians were sorely needed. Anyways, as a surgeon and Chief of Staff of the hospital he worked for Granddaddy made a good amount of money; enough so that his marginal tax rate was over 70%, something people couldn't fathom now. I remember learning about this from my dad in the 90s when there were so many "lower taxes" crusaders out there and asked him about it. His response (paraphrasing ) "It's a small price to pay for a free and equitable society that takes care of its citizens." Those words have remained in the forefront of my mind my entire life. Granddaddy has always been the avatar of stoicsm and selflessness for me. He despised greed and narcissism. I can only imagine what he would think of our current state of affairs where narcissism and greed are lauded as virtues by certain politicians and their supporters. The values of their generation and more specifically, the feeling that they could work with other Americans to make a better country for all is sorely lacking in this "What's in it for me?" state of affairs. I really hope Seth, Bob and John are able to touch on the India/Burma theater at some point, even if this podcast is focused on the Pacific. Also, didn't want to finish the comment without mentioning my maternal grandfather also served in the Army Air Corps/Forces in the Pacific. He sadly passed away less than a year after I was born in 1984, so I didn't get to hear much about what he did until I asked my grandmother years later. He has quite an experience in the War, but that is beyond the scope of this comment.
I like your podcast because you guys are so great at discussing strategy, but you also realize battles are won by people and you spotlight the truly heroic and smart actions of the individual.
Needless to say, somebody has to put out a shirt memo to keep Seth in line. Great information. Didn't realize just how crazy the pre-UDT's tactics were. Necessary, but insanely brave. Hope the Captain's shoulder is healing well.
I just ran into this podcast. With the 4th Marine Division, after Roi Namur my father landed in the first wave on Saipan, Yellow Beach 2. After Saipan he went on to Tinian and later Iwo Jima. He always told me that Saipan was the worst for him. I guess it depends where and when you find yourself.
@@TP-ie3hj Yeah, it was a nasty just creating a beachead on the first day. My father was clipped by a 70mm mortar, a piece of schrapnel ripped through his dungaries and just scratched his should. Luckily not a big deal. Nowadays we don't hear boo about Saipan from the media or the government. Everything is about Europe.
Captain, I see you are healing well after surgery. You certainly did not let it interrupt your participation in this outstanding podcast, and, as one of the many listeners, I am thankful. God is good!
My favorite moment: "Stupid close is synonymous with Danger close." I have been at stupid close a few times, nothing as desperate as the Marines fighting tanks at twenty yards, but close enough to appreciate Seth's description. Well done episode by all with some fine anecdotes and analysis.
I like Jon being on, it gives Japan’s side of conflict which adds to Seth and Bill to make more of complete picture. Thanks for the great content Seth,Bill and all your guests.
We waited a week for Jon to appear on his best historical podcast, which is sayin a lot. King's Conference with the Generalisimo is another golden nugget, five minutes into the presentation. Seth is a brilliant moderator, Captain Todi is a real life HERO. (This is from an Air Force guy.)
I feel like a fly on the wall. You guys are trading these stories like you are at a dinner party and just thoroughly enjoy talking about your topics. I love hearing the personal stories both the good and the bad. This makes the history so much more real for someone who is only a baby boomer
Yes, the two-front wars in Europe and the Pacific were astonishing to carry off. As Ernie Pyle said, “Brave men. Brave men.” Thanks for this podcast that brings new concepts to me, as a long-time student of WWII. I was born in 1944 but had three brothers in the army fighting.
My grandfather was a medic in the battle of Saipan. He has been dead for 24 years.I find myself searching these videos for a glimpse of his young face. My grandmothers brother fell during the liberation of France ando never met him but i still want to see him before he gave his life for me. In 2024 I wish we could build better access to these records.
Great presentation. Liked the call out for the USS Washington. My father, ARM2/C Edward P. Hayes, was a radio-gunner on a Kingfisher aboard Washington. I have his WWII flight log which shows him making two gunnery spotting flights (7.2 HRS) over Saipan on 13 June with the senior aviator LT(jg) Kiser. He later made a seaplane rescue flight to Pagan Island on the 26th. He was also aboard Washington for the engagements around Guadalcanal.
I had a G uncle on Saipan with the 27th infantry. He told me about a large Banzi attack that almost over run his position. He said they were down to hand-to-hand fighting before it stopped. He told me a lot about Saipan like Civilians committing suicide. And how hard it was to find the Japanese guns at times. I remember him telling me about a retreat from a mountain top as well.
Seth, so you missed the memo on the Uniform of the Day ! One thing I heard more than once, is the Lack of Intelligence! What exact intelligence are you referring to and who was supposed to collect it. More importantly where and how was this intelligence supposed to be collected? Again another great program! Jon is one of the few historians who I really enjoy listening to. He is relaxed, not stuffy, just one of the guys! Thanks again!
Warning: watching these videos can be addictive. Ok...will be. If you find yourself selling personal belongings, because you lost your job, due to these videos...DO NOT blame the fellows. Just get some sleep. Putting yourself to sleep while listening to an episode is harmful, but this will cease after you get through all episodes! Also if you named your pet cats...Soryu and Hiryu...please seek mental health! Get in line there are about 10000 guys ahead of you! Oh...enjoy....lol, we ALL ENJOY these!!!
Oh also, my own Shrink..I mean...my Therapist told me to get a new hobby. So I am changing the faces on the Three Wise Men on our outside navity....to resemble Seth, Bill and Jon....nice huh?
Thanks Seth, Captain Toti and Jon...really like Mr.Parshall's books and always appreciate him guesting on your presentation. As always keep up the superb work. Thank you, you're appreciated.
My father was in the 6th Marines Scout-Sniper Platoon on Red Beach. Initially, their job was to protect the regimental CP and later did mostly scouting and recon missions. Part of the platoon also got mixed up in the big banzai attack later in the campaign. Dad was smack in the middle of the big tank attack. Dad's platoon commander, 1/Lt. Frank Tachovsky, was credited with taking out a tank with a bazooka he had taken from an incapacitated Marine. I recommend reading "40 Thieves on Saipan" by Joe Tachovsky. Joe is the platoon commander's son. The Scout-Snipers were nicknamed by other Marines as Tachovsky's 40 Thieves (for good reason). Also, if you've read "Battle Cry" by Leon Uris, he likewise mentions a 6th Marines platoon noted for their thievery and scrounging proclivities. I know Joe and provided him with some leads and source material for his book. Sadly, all of the platoon members have since passed away.
The work you guys put into each podcast is so impressive, demonstrated by the contents and discussion. Thank you for your efforts to bring the Pacific War to us in such a quality way.
My grandfather was WIA at Saipan - 1st Bn, 29th Marines “orphan unit” Co. C - wish I had more time and direction to find more about what his unit did (he didn’t talk much about his service) - Love the podcast gentlemen!
My father was in the battle that these men detail and describe in a good organized fashion.Thank you. I appreciate learning more about the horror, trauma, and challenge that was faced by my Dad and his fellow Marines.
This podcast is going to the moon! 37k views on a video with only 23k subs? That’s amazing most content creators are happy if a video engages with a quarter of their subs
For my part, I found myself devouring these videos, watching them in one sitting. After the first five or six I realized that it was tantamount to criminal ingratitude *_not_* to subscribe to a channel that produces content of this quality. Add to that the fact that the frequency with which Jon participates adds so much depth and insight to the already stellar work of Seth & Bill, and...well, it's an honor to be a subscriber to this channel. 😎
19:39. I remember hearing how inaccurate the Fast BBs bombardment of Saipan was, and all i could think about was the scene from the HBO mini-series the Pacific. Where Eugene Sledge was at Boot Camp and was practicing how to fire a mortar.
From the U.S.S Washington's ships book, bombardment of Saipan expended 360 16"/45 rounds and 2145 5"/38 rounds. My father was commanding Turret #2 on BB-56 during that campaign.
1:20:26 Before the Bazooka, the US infantry anti-tank weapon from 1941 was the rifle grenade M9. The late 1942 Bazooka fired what was in fact an M9 with a rocket motor attached. So it was in fact a dedicated, standard and highly effective anti-tank weapon.
Glad someone else caught this too, the rifle-grenades are often underappreciated in general, let alone in their "pocket anti-tank" role. I'd love to know what the ammo mix was on Saipan, and whether or not the guys had many/enough M9s to hand. Saipan would've been before the grenade launching adaptor on the M1, right?
Captain Toti, I grew up in the 1950s and we watched the TV show called “silent service“ My brother was about two years older than I and this TV show kept us on the edge of our seats. We sat through many extended depth charge attacks where the men were getting short on oxygen and were sweating heavily, and some even having near-mental breakdowns. Water was leaking in through dozens of leaks in the hull. but the brave crew made it through and went on to defeat the enemy. That’s what I like about 1950s television: the good guys always won, and you always knew that they were going to win. By the way, I believe it was 1958 when we saw pictures of the nuclear sub nautilus pass under the north pole.(the pictures we saw were the sub breaking through the ice pack. I’m not sure that was exactly at the north pole, but it was a fantastic picture.) For that and many other reasons, even though I was eight years old and my brother was 10, we believed 1958 was the best year ever.
Gentlemen, As an FYI, I believe the picture you use for the cover of this episode is my father crawling across the beach on Saipan. There is a longer story of the research I did to try to confirm this, but when I first saw this picture about 25 years ago I recognized my Dad. Unfortunately, he died before I could show it to him. Based on his account of the landing, his landing craft was hit off the beach by artillery, and he went over the side and walked in. The Marine in the picture is carrying a corpsman’s bag, and is missing the helmet cover, which would have been a red cross for corpsmen and which he and others always removed. My father was a Pharmacist Mate Second Class, assigned to the 4th Marine Division. He received the Purple Heart for bullet and shrapnel wounds received on the island, but stayed in the action throughout the battle. He went through the war with the 4th Division, Rio Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. He always said, “I did pretty good on Iwo, I made it four whole days.” He was evacuated on the fifth day with wounds received from a spigot mortar. Nice podcast, gentlemen. We miss you Dad.
24:00 I know that the British were well aware of what the Italian frogmen were doing, and took a lot of notes from them. If I'm not mistaken a lot of knowledge and technology was grabbed after the initial Italian surrender in 1943, and also from captured divers. Prior to Overlord submarine-launched divers (Royal Navy and/or Royal Marine) surveyed and took samples from the invasion beaches, and IIRC were the first to come ashore on 6th June to assist with navigation! 30:00 The above happened at night, obviously....
My mom's youngest brother lived with us after grandmother died. Dan joined the Navy at age 17 and his first mission was on an LCT at Saipan. Your depiction of the way the Japanese had mortar fire zeroed in on our incoming Marines is spot on. He said it was deadly accurate.
I absolutely enjoy each and every episode of this series. I also enjoy the perspective of Jon, when he is on, even though he's only 'Parshally' correct in his assessments.
Capt Toti appears to have a much wider experience than just looking out a periscope. So much of operational planning is the result of the discerning labor of captains and commanders (O6 and O5s) on command staffs...
My grandfather served on a LST during this invasion. I have the flag that his ship flew. He hardly ever talked about his service to me, so hearing this podcast explains what he was involved in. Thank you.
You're freaking me out with a blast from the past - in 1970 as a brand new boot Sea Cadet I'm learning how to be a side boy for an inspection of the Reserve Center we were based at - the Commandant of the Ninth Naval District - one Rear Admiral Draper L. Kauffman. Took the time to stop and have a talk with each of us 14-15 year olds...great guy.
That really blew my mind to see your mention of the sea cadets! My father was I guess you could say a commander of some kind in the Sea Cadets and he brought me and my best friends into it as well. We also had a visit from an admiral by the name of Horton "Smitty" Smith. I've never done any research on him so I don't know if he's famous, infamous or what. God your comment really took me back!
I absolutely enjoy every one of your presentations which are actually getting better if that's possible. Perhaps I missed one detail along the way. How did you come up with the description or title of "Unauthorized History"? Who cares as long you DO IT? I spent thirty years in the Army serving with some of the finest soldiers who we call the "Greatest Generation". Most are now gone but we owe them everything! Watching your stories lets me go back and see what they did so many years ago. It is my hope that you cover the stories of past wars with the same enthusiasm you do these. Thanks again and keep it up!
26 with 8” of snow in Buffalo, NY. Brrrrr!! Another great show and it will take my mind off this afternoons surgery. Getting old is rough. Lighting was a little dim today.
Surgery went well with one minor detail, I developed A-Fib afterwards. Hope yours had no strings attached Cmdr Toti. ( Not sure what title to correctly put before your name.)
The 75mm on those LVTs was a variant of the 75mm pack howitzer that was designed to be broken down and carried by mules. It had a stubby little barrel and it's anti armor ability was marginal at best. The Army used the same turret on the M8 gun motor carriage, a self propelled howitzer based on the Stuart light tank. It's finest hour was being mounted in the nose of the B-25G & H models by Pappy Gunn and terrorizing the SWPA from the air. It's still in service today which I think makes it the oldest artillery piece in the US military.
My dad was with the 2nd Marines during WW2. Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Siapan. He was turned out of a field hospital on Siapan when his temperature went down to 105° to make way for the really sick guys.
Another great podcast! Yes, Capt and John, where's Seth's blend of shirt? Lol, love it. Thanks again! Waiting for the next episode. Take care all. See yas in the next episode! Capt, I hope your feeling much better.
The story about the Japanese soldiers using the civilians as human shields absolutely sickened me. Particularly the story about the little girl crawling into the foxhole with the Marine and the Marine sheltering her throughout the night and protecting her. At the cost to his own life possibly. That was one of the bravest things I've ever heard of. The Japanese Army and Navy of World War II were absolutely inhuman and brutal. My father who was a veteran of world war ii, Navy, South Pacific said there was a saying back in the day and it went, "wherever the Japanese go torture, rape and murder will follow." Sad but true.💖🇺🇲⚓️💯👍
15:13 Didn't you guys say in a previous episode that some Avengers were fitted with airborne radar (because they were big and had a crew of 2) and used as proto-awacs? Total guess here, Maybe that was the role of the 8?
Very interesting episode again. It's interesting that the biggest Japanese tank attack in 1944 was missed by the USMC tankers. According to Ed Gilbert's "Marine Tank Battles in the Pacific," the US tanks were in other areas and played little, if any, part in the Japanese counterattack. The Marines got good use out of the bazooka, less as an anti-armor weapon, but to suppress or destroy Japanese fortifications. The Marines also had another anti-armor weapon that had failed in the MTO, the Gun Motor Carriage M3A1. This was an M3 halftrack APC with an upgraded version of the French 75mm field gun. Adopted as an interim weapon for the Tank Destroyer battalions in the Army, it was found wanting in North Africa. The Marines adopted it as a mechanized assault gun, known to the USMC as an SPM (self-propelled mount). They got good use out of them and finally wore out the vehicles and guns, with their place being taken by M7 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriages on Okinawa.
The Navajo Code Talkers were instrumental in the battle of Saipan. The Japanese never broke the code. I'm currently making a movie about a Navajo Code Talker and his experience on Saipan. I expect to have it completed in September.
Capt. Toti, I personally enjoy hearing your perspective and insights and I constantly think to myself that for an "amatuer" historian you have wonderful knowledge of military history. You and Seth have put together an astounding Series and I always wake up on Tuesday mornings excited for the next episode. Please keep doing what you are doing. 🙂
I always enjoy your. Podcast.
Bill, there is no doubt in my mind you are a national treasure
I was a History major from the University of Oklahoma. I am currently active duty in the Navy. I think the Pacific War is so incredibly overlooked. I also feel like Europe gets all the media attention. The Pacific War was hell on Earth. These men were up against an enemy that Europe couldn’t imagine. Not downplaying the European Theatre at all. But it’s a complete tragedy that the Pacific War is largely forgotten. The amount of bravery and hardship these men went through for the service of our country is unmatched. It’s something we are severely lacking in society today. Thank you so much for covering the Pacific War. Let’s never forget the bravery these men showed in the face of a brutal enemy.
Consider the sources,.
I think you're right about that. The ETO gets all the ink. Just from a logistic and Supply perspective, the war in the Pacific was a beast and it took some incredible brain power and bandwidth to pull that off. I don't know that we can do that today. The industrial might that we had during World War II is astounding considering that Saipan happened just days after the invasion of Normandy. In the current geopolitical climate, I'm afraid that we're just not prepared, particularly for China, North Korea, and Russia. I certainly don't have the answers and I'm not quite sure who does. 💖🇺🇲⚓️💯👍
try something different if you want there is an aussie that does Pacific war from aussie perspective Lots of new guinea stuff "HypotheticHistory" I just never knew it like that.
See my comment above; every generation rises to the challenge it has.
@@PalleRasmussen - Maybe...but considering the fact that the American electorate is apparently incapable of understanding that the state (and politics in general) is not the answer to every problem, I have every expectation that your hypothesis is going to be put to the test in the not too distant future. I see signs that another war is on the horizon. If that happens, the politicians (as usual) will not be the ones who pay the cost in blood.
My uncle USMC, was on Saipan during the war and anytime I see anything about the battle on Saipan it gets my attention. Thanks
Another great episode, thanks for it. My great uncle was a crewman on LCVP Higgins boats for several combat assaults including Saipan. He started out in an old transport working in the boiler rooms where in the South Pacific, temperatures often exceeded 120 degrees F. He would lose up to 15 pounds a day on watch. He ended up getting in a fist fight with a bullying petty officer, and was transferred to the LCVP's as punishment. He was very reluctant to talk about his experiences, his sons said he never did. I asked him about it many times and once when in his cups, he told me.
Sometimes, he had to pull a .45 pistol and threaten to shoot scared boys who refused to leave the boat at the beach. He choked up, when he told me that more than once, he then saw those same boys immediately killed. He also personally witnessed the horrors at the cliffs. He was traumatized by the war, in a time when there was no "PTSD". He had a rough go of it and suffered from alcoholism. My grandmother told me, that for 6 months after returning home to Ohio, he would continually wave an arm in front of his face, as if swatting away insects.
YES they were the greatest generation... And what they suffered can hardly be understood by those of us who had easy lives and enjoyable youths. Bill Luthanen was a stone-hard man, who did not like any of us in the family buying Japanese cars, and who was forever scarred by the horrors he endured. also, like many vets I have known, he was strongly against Vietnam, and told us all to stay out of it. He told me war movies were all "BS". His 3 brothers also served in the war (two Pacific, one Europe), but none had that sort of experience.
Good Lord what an amazing story. It's very sad what war does to people. It makes me wonder what your great-uncle was like before he went to war. Do you have any insight into that? I've got relatives that served in World War II and almost to a man their wives said the war changed them much for the worse.
@@Jakal-pw8yq Im not sure what he was like before the war, sorry to say. Only this I heard: My grandparents had a sailboat on Lake Erie, he enjoyed going out on it as a boy. After the War, he never went boating.
Thank you, grew up with WW II vets with their leadership and mentoring. Our country is in such a mess without them now. We had no experienced military to start the war but that didn’t stop us from fighting, because japan thought it would. Very proud of our greatest generation and can’t thank you guys enough to keep their sacrifices in our thoughts.
Well said, ww2 vets without a doubt were the greatest generation. God help us if we have a world war now. Love of country is almost non existent with today’s young people as American history is not taught
To think that this Invasion went down
just days after the invasion of Normandy is mind-blowing. The industrial might of America at that time was second to none. It's very concerning in today's political climate concerning our preparedness, with China looming is a very frightening scenario. It can't all be done with technology. I don't think we could, nor do I even know how we could approach the level of Industry might and cooperation that we had during World War II. I can only imagine the bickering and wrangling and bulshit that would go down all for the mighty dollar. I'm afraid to say that there's a shitstorm headed our way and we're in no way prepared for it.🇺🇲⚓️💖👍💯
@@robertmontgomery3943
Well said.
@animatorofkingfishy961
My paternal grandfather was an army surgeon in Burma in '44-'45, rank of Major as all surgeons were. Granddaddy then went on to volunteer for the Red Cross in Vietnam in 1968-69, giving up a year of his best earnings to help civilians in South Vietnam. He had "great/terrible" timing as he arrived in Saigon only a week before the Tet Offensive! Sadly his services helping civilians were sorely needed.
Anyways, as a surgeon and Chief of Staff of the hospital he worked for Granddaddy made a good amount of money; enough so that his marginal tax rate was over 70%, something people couldn't fathom now. I remember learning about this from my dad in the 90s when there were so many "lower taxes" crusaders out there and asked him about it. His response (paraphrasing ) "It's a small price to pay for a free and equitable society that takes care of its citizens." Those words have remained in the forefront of my mind my entire life.
Granddaddy has always been the avatar of stoicsm and selflessness for me. He despised greed and narcissism. I can only imagine what he would think of our current state of affairs where narcissism and greed are lauded as virtues by certain politicians and their supporters.
The values of their generation and more specifically, the feeling that they could work with other Americans to make a better country for all is sorely lacking in this "What's in it for me?" state of affairs.
I really hope Seth, Bob and John are able to touch on the India/Burma theater at some point, even if this podcast is focused on the Pacific.
Also, didn't want to finish the comment without mentioning my maternal grandfather also served in the Army Air Corps/Forces in the Pacific. He sadly passed away less than a year after I was born in 1984, so I didn't get to hear much about what he did until I asked my grandmother years later. He has quite an experience in the War, but that is beyond the scope of this comment.
Super Jon Parshall is back!!!!!!!
You folks have figured out how to tell a good story while delivering solid history. Thanks.
I like your podcast because you guys are so great at discussing strategy, but you also realize battles are won by people and you spotlight the truly heroic and smart actions of the individual.
Needless to say, somebody has to put out a shirt memo to keep Seth in line. Great information. Didn't realize just how crazy the pre-UDT's tactics were. Necessary, but insanely brave. Hope the Captain's shoulder is healing well.
Our prayers for Bill. ❤
UDTs were the grand-daddies of Seal Teams today.
They trained at Ft Pierce, Florida. There is an OUTSTANDING museum there outlining their history up until present day
I just ran into this podcast. With the 4th Marine Division, after Roi Namur my father landed in the first wave on Saipan, Yellow Beach 2. After Saipan he went on to Tinian and later Iwo Jima. He always told me that Saipan was the worst for him. I guess it depends where and when you find yourself.
My grandfather was the same, Sgt 4th Marine, same operations. I heard the same from him.
@@TP-ie3hj Yeah, it was a nasty just creating a beachead on the first day. My father was clipped by a 70mm mortar, a piece of schrapnel ripped through his dungaries and just scratched his should. Luckily not a big deal. Nowadays we don't hear boo about Saipan from the media or the government. Everything is about Europe.
You men are great Americans. Thank you for creating this series.
Good evening fellas. Thanks for this evening’s entertainment.
Captain, I see you are healing well after surgery. You certainly did not let it interrupt your participation in this outstanding podcast, and, as one of the many listeners, I am thankful. God is good!
My favorite moment: "Stupid close is synonymous with Danger close." I have been at stupid close a few times, nothing as desperate as the Marines fighting tanks at twenty yards, but close enough to appreciate Seth's description. Well done episode by all with some fine anecdotes and analysis.
I came for Jon Parshall's wallpaper, and the incredible WW2 information, and both exceeded my expectations.
Jon’s wallpaper ROCKS!!
It's truly horrid, isn't it?!?
I like Jon being on, it gives Japan’s side of conflict which adds to Seth and Bill to make more of complete picture. Thanks for the great content Seth,Bill and all your guests.
We waited a week for Jon to appear on his best historical podcast, which is sayin a lot.
King's Conference with the Generalisimo is another golden nugget, five minutes into the presentation.
Seth is a brilliant moderator, Captain Todi is a real life HERO.
(This is from an Air Force guy.)
I feel like a fly on the wall. You guys are trading these stories like you are at a dinner party and just thoroughly enjoy talking about your topics. I love hearing the personal stories both the good and the bad. This makes the history so much more real for someone who is only a baby boomer
Yes, the two-front wars in Europe and the Pacific were astonishing to carry off. As Ernie Pyle said, “Brave men. Brave men.” Thanks for this podcast that brings new concepts to me, as a long-time student of WWII. I was born in 1944 but had three brothers in the army fighting.
My grandfather was a medic in the battle of Saipan. He has been dead for 24 years.I find myself searching these videos for a glimpse of his young face. My grandmothers brother fell during the liberation of France ando never met him but i still want to see him before he gave his life for me. In 2024 I wish we could build better access to these records.
Just the right amount of time for a nice, evening filling programme. RUclips app, some nuts to snack on, and off we go. Beats Netflix.
That story of the civilian in the fox hole really got to me. Great work as always.
Captain Toti, that joke about admirals and generals was absolutely hilarious 😂😂. I
Great presentation. Liked the call out for the USS Washington. My father, ARM2/C Edward P. Hayes, was a radio-gunner on a Kingfisher aboard Washington. I have his WWII flight log which shows him making two gunnery spotting flights (7.2 HRS) over Saipan on 13 June with the senior aviator LT(jg) Kiser. He later made a seaplane rescue flight to Pagan Island on the 26th. He was also aboard Washington for the engagements around Guadalcanal.
I had a G uncle on Saipan with the 27th infantry. He told me about a large Banzi attack that almost over run his position. He said they were down to hand-to-hand fighting before it stopped. He told me a lot about Saipan like Civilians committing suicide. And how hard it was to find the Japanese guns at times. I remember him telling me about a retreat from a mountain top as well.
That's coming up in two more episodes.
@@jonparshall Thank you John I look forward to that.
Really, really good channel.
I've been looking forward to this all day. I love every episode but the Parshall episodes are always my favorites.
Seth, so you missed the memo on the Uniform of the Day ! One thing I heard more than once, is the Lack of Intelligence! What exact intelligence are you referring to and who was supposed to collect it. More importantly where and how was this intelligence supposed to be collected? Again another great program! Jon is one of the few historians who I really enjoy listening to. He is relaxed, not stuffy, just one of the guys! Thanks again!
another great episode. Thank you gentlemen.
I just found this podcast a few weeks ago and I am so happy I did. Wondeful job gentleman!!!
I highly suggest that you go all the way back to the first episode of you haven't already done so. It's definitely worth doing.🙂
Warning: watching these videos can be addictive. Ok...will be. If you find yourself selling personal belongings, because you lost your job, due to these videos...DO NOT blame the fellows. Just get some sleep. Putting yourself to sleep while listening to an episode is harmful, but this will cease after you get through all episodes! Also if you named your pet cats...Soryu and Hiryu...please seek mental health! Get in line there are about 10000 guys ahead of you! Oh...enjoy....lol, we ALL ENJOY these!!!
Oh also, my own Shrink..I mean...my Therapist told me to get a new hobby. So I am changing the faces on the Three Wise Men on our outside navity....to resemble Seth, Bill and Jon....nice huh?
Haha
Thanks Seth, Captain Toti and Jon...really like Mr.Parshall's books and always appreciate him guesting on your presentation. As always keep up the superb work. Thank you, you're appreciated.
My father was in the 6th Marines Scout-Sniper Platoon on Red Beach. Initially, their job was to protect the regimental CP and later did mostly scouting and recon missions. Part of the platoon also got mixed up in the big banzai attack later in the campaign. Dad was smack in the middle of the big tank attack. Dad's platoon commander, 1/Lt. Frank Tachovsky, was credited with taking out a tank with a bazooka he had taken from an incapacitated Marine. I recommend reading "40 Thieves on Saipan" by Joe Tachovsky. Joe is the platoon commander's son. The Scout-Snipers were nicknamed by other Marines as Tachovsky's 40 Thieves (for good reason). Also, if you've read "Battle Cry" by Leon Uris, he likewise mentions a 6th Marines platoon noted for their thievery and scrounging proclivities. I know Joe and provided him with some leads and source material for his book. Sadly, all of the platoon members have since passed away.
The work you guys put into each podcast is so impressive, demonstrated by the contents and discussion. Thank you for your efforts to bring the Pacific War to us in such a quality way.
My grandfather was WIA at Saipan - 1st Bn, 29th Marines “orphan unit” Co. C - wish I had more time and direction to find more about what his unit did (he didn’t talk much about his service) - Love the podcast gentlemen!
Entertaining and informative, what else is expected when Seth, Bill and Jon are involved? Great intro to the intricate Saipan campaign.
An excellent show and I can't wait for the next 2 in this series.
Outstanding ,as always!
Great episode! These are the highlight of my week. Love Jon Parshall great addition to the discussion
My father was in the battle that these men detail and describe in a good organized fashion.Thank you. I appreciate learning more about the horror, trauma, and challenge that was faced by my Dad and his fellow Marines.
Great show as always. Thank you.
Great stuff, as usual. Thank you all for sharing your extensive knowledge. This is a wonderful service you are providing.
Can't tell you enough how much I look forward to new episodes each week. Thank you for your time and effort.
This podcast is going to the moon! 37k views on a video with only 23k subs? That’s amazing most content creators are happy if a video engages with a quarter of their subs
For my part, I found myself devouring these videos, watching them in one sitting. After the first five or six I realized that it was tantamount to criminal ingratitude *_not_* to subscribe to a channel that produces content of this quality. Add to that the fact that the frequency with which Jon participates adds so much depth and insight to the already stellar work of Seth & Bill, and...well, it's an honor to be a subscriber to this channel. 😎
Thank-you, gentlemen, for another (as expected) excellent presentation.
This is one of your very best episodes. The depth of detail you reveal is outstanding. Looking forward to next two episodes.
Love your work gentlemen.
Again, thank you for your great work.
I’m really starting to appreciate John more and more. Awesome episode and can’t wait for next Tuesday!
19:39. I remember hearing how inaccurate the Fast BBs bombardment of Saipan was, and all i could think about was the scene from the HBO mini-series the Pacific. Where Eugene Sledge was at Boot Camp and was practicing how to fire a mortar.
"Say again your correction, sergeant!"
They had rookie crews.
@@coachhannah2403 didn’t one sailor describe the bombardment as a “navy sponsored farming project?”
@@ph89787 - Sounds vaguely familiar!
From the U.S.S Washington's ships book, bombardment of Saipan expended 360 16"/45 rounds and 2145 5"/38 rounds. My father was commanding Turret #2 on BB-56 during that campaign.
Almost first! Thank you guys for awesome work!
Thanks!
An excellent conversation as always gentlemen.
You folks need to have the Chieftain on to talk about Japanese armor. Heck, armor, from all sides, in the pacific theater in general.
1:20:26 Before the Bazooka, the US infantry anti-tank weapon from 1941 was the rifle grenade M9. The late 1942 Bazooka fired what was in fact an M9
with a rocket motor attached. So it was in fact a dedicated, standard and highly effective anti-tank weapon.
Glad someone else caught this too, the rifle-grenades are often underappreciated in general, let alone in their "pocket anti-tank" role. I'd love to know what the ammo mix was on Saipan, and whether or not the guys had many/enough M9s to hand. Saipan would've been before the grenade launching adaptor on the M1, right?
Captain Toti, I grew up in the 1950s and we watched the TV show called “silent service“
My brother was about two years older than I and this TV show kept us on the edge of our seats.
We sat through many extended depth charge attacks where the men were getting short on oxygen and were sweating heavily, and some even having near-mental breakdowns. Water was leaking in through dozens of leaks in the hull. but the brave crew made it through and went on to defeat the enemy.
That’s what I like about 1950s television: the good guys always won, and you always knew that they were going to win.
By the way, I believe it was 1958 when we saw pictures of the nuclear sub nautilus pass under the north pole.(the pictures we saw were the sub breaking through the ice pack. I’m not sure that was exactly at the north pole, but it was a fantastic picture.)
For that and many other reasons, even though I was eight years old and my brother was 10, we believed 1958 was the best year ever.
Another great episode done by the special forces of podcasts
Gentlemen, As an FYI, I believe the picture you use for the cover of this episode is my father crawling across the beach on Saipan. There is a longer story of the research I did to try to confirm this, but when I first saw this picture about 25 years ago I recognized my Dad. Unfortunately, he died before I could show it to him. Based on his account of the landing, his landing craft was hit off the beach by artillery, and he went over the side and walked in. The Marine in the picture is carrying a corpsman’s bag, and is missing the helmet cover, which would have been a red cross for corpsmen and which he and others always removed. My father was a Pharmacist Mate Second Class, assigned to the 4th Marine Division. He received the Purple Heart for bullet and shrapnel wounds received on the island, but stayed in the action throughout the battle. He went through the war with the 4th Division, Rio Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. He always said, “I did pretty good on Iwo, I made it four whole days.” He was evacuated on the fifth day with wounds received from a spigot mortar. Nice podcast, gentlemen. We miss you Dad.
@@davidhudson5225 that’s my Papa Don❤️
So much more than a history. You guys bring it to life and I can feel the emotion all the way through this presentation.
Great job guys. Look forward to the rest of this battle.
24:00 I know that the British were well aware of what the Italian frogmen were doing, and took a lot of notes from them. If I'm not mistaken a lot of knowledge and technology was grabbed after the initial Italian surrender in 1943, and also from captured divers. Prior to Overlord submarine-launched divers (Royal Navy and/or Royal Marine) surveyed and took samples from the invasion beaches, and IIRC were the first to come ashore on 6th June to assist with navigation!
30:00 The above happened at night, obviously....
Great show gentlemen.
My mom's youngest brother lived with us after grandmother died. Dan joined the Navy at age 17 and his first mission was on an LCT at Saipan. Your depiction of the way the Japanese had mortar fire zeroed in on our incoming Marines is spot on. He said it was deadly accurate.
I absolutely enjoy each and every episode of this series. I also enjoy the perspective of Jon, when he is on, even though he's only 'Parshally' correct in his assessments.
Capt Toti appears to have a much wider experience than just looking out a periscope. So much of operational planning is the result of the discerning labor of captains and commanders (O6 and O5s) on command staffs...
My grandfather served on a LST during this invasion. I have the flag that his ship flew.
He hardly ever talked about his service to me, so hearing this podcast explains what he was involved in. Thank you.
Absolutely enthralling - a must watch and listen of the week!
You're freaking me out with a blast from the past - in 1970 as a brand new boot Sea Cadet I'm learning how to be a side boy for an inspection of the Reserve Center we were based at - the Commandant of the Ninth Naval District - one Rear Admiral Draper L. Kauffman. Took the time to stop and have a talk with each of us 14-15 year olds...great guy.
That really blew my mind to see your mention of the sea cadets! My father was I guess you could say a commander of some kind in the Sea Cadets and he brought me and my best friends into it as well. We also had a visit from an admiral by the name of Horton "Smitty" Smith. I've never done any research on him so I don't know if he's famous, infamous or what. God your comment really took me back!
AWESOME SHOW GUYS!! love the Japanese civilians stories and the 4 year old girl story. Keep up the great work 👍
As always great job Seth, Bill and Jon. Looking forward to next Tuesday.
Thank you gentlemen. You're in sight is priceless.
Thanks guys!
I absolutely enjoy every one of your presentations which are actually getting better if that's possible. Perhaps I missed one detail along the way. How did you come up with the description or title of "Unauthorized History"? Who cares as long you DO IT? I spent thirty years in the Army serving with some of the finest soldiers who we call the "Greatest Generation". Most are now gone but we owe them everything! Watching your stories lets me go back and see what they did so many years ago. It is my hope that you cover the stories of past wars with the same enthusiasm you do these. Thanks again and keep it up!
26 with 8” of snow in Buffalo, NY. Brrrrr!! Another great show and it will take my mind off this afternoons surgery. Getting old is rough.
Lighting was a little dim today.
Surgery went well with one minor detail, I developed A-Fib afterwards. Hope yours had no strings attached Cmdr Toti. ( Not sure what title to correctly put before your name.)
Another excellent episode thanks Bill, Seth and John!
thank you
Excellent well presented informative video.
I am constantly amazed at what these people did, what they accomplished,on land, sea, air throughout the whole war.
Thank-you
You guys are great!!
The 75mm on those LVTs was a variant of the 75mm pack howitzer that was designed to be broken down and carried by mules. It had a stubby little barrel and it's anti armor ability was marginal at best. The Army used the same turret on the M8 gun motor carriage, a self propelled howitzer based on the Stuart light tank.
It's finest hour was being mounted in the nose of the B-25G & H models by Pappy Gunn and terrorizing the SWPA from the air.
It's still in service today which I think makes it the oldest artillery piece in the US military.
One of these things, doesn't look like the others... All kidding aside. Another great show, thanks
Thank you..
You three are amazing.
Another great episode guys. Always love when Jon is aboard. Looking forward to Phil Sea.
Excellent as always. Seth, you missed the shirt memo.
This entire series - Alfred Thayer Mahan meets von Clausewitz........magnificent!
Great stuff. As always.
My dad was with the 2nd Marines during WW2.
Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Siapan. He was turned out of a field hospital on Siapan when his temperature went down to 105° to make way for the really sick guys.
Love it when John is included!!
Another great podcast! Yes, Capt and John, where's Seth's blend of shirt? Lol, love it. Thanks again! Waiting for the next episode. Take care all. See yas in the next episode!
Capt, I hope your feeling much better.
GREAT episode, but that's no surprise.
The story about the Japanese soldiers using the civilians as human shields absolutely sickened me. Particularly the story about the little girl crawling into the foxhole with the Marine and the Marine sheltering her throughout the night and protecting her. At the cost to his own life possibly. That was one of the bravest things I've ever heard of. The Japanese Army and Navy of World War II were absolutely inhuman and brutal. My father who was a veteran of world war ii, Navy, South Pacific said there was a saying back in the day and it went, "wherever the Japanese go torture, rape and murder will follow." Sad but true.💖🇺🇲⚓️💯👍
Let's start a fund to replace Jon's wallpaper!
IT BELONGS IN A MUSEUM
I have read most of the books on WW2 history and what I love most are the stories of individual valour.
Great job and I love the detail. It brings it alive so that you can imagine what it was really like. RMI-LtCol USMC (Ret)
My dad was a navy diver in the South African navy, those were some tough dudes. Selection was insane.
15:13 Didn't you guys say in a previous episode that some Avengers were fitted with airborne radar (because they were big and had a crew of 2) and used as proto-awacs? Total guess here, Maybe that was the role of the 8?
Very interesting episode again. It's interesting that the biggest Japanese tank attack in 1944 was missed by the USMC tankers. According to Ed Gilbert's "Marine Tank Battles in the Pacific," the US tanks were in other areas and played little, if any, part in the Japanese counterattack. The Marines got good use out of the bazooka, less as an anti-armor weapon, but to suppress or destroy Japanese fortifications. The Marines also had another anti-armor weapon that had failed in the MTO, the Gun Motor Carriage M3A1. This was an M3 halftrack APC with an upgraded version of the French 75mm field gun. Adopted as an interim weapon for the Tank Destroyer battalions in the Army, it was found wanting in North Africa. The Marines adopted it as a mechanized assault gun, known to the USMC as an SPM (self-propelled mount). They got good use out of them and finally wore out the vehicles and guns, with their place being taken by M7 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriages on Okinawa.