The US Army on Okinawa: Cactus, Kakazu, and Hacksaw Ridge with Jon Parshall - Episode 419
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- This week Seth and Bill welcome back good buddy Jon Parshall and the three amigos take on the US Army's portion of the early fight for Okinawa. the guys break down the slugfest at Cactus Ride, Kakazu Ridge, and Hacksaw Ridge, digging into the stories of the heroics at each location diving into the stories of Medal of Honor recipients, Desmond Doss, Edward Moskala, and others. The fighting done by the US Army from April 4 through the end of the month in 1945 along those ridges was amongst the most brutal of the entire war. Seth, Jon and, Bill also get into Japanese General Cho Isamu's ill-advised counter-offensive in the middle of April that saps strength from the defenders and wastes lives by the bushel. Tune in and check out Part 2 in our Okinawa land campaign series.
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Seth, Bill, Jon, You were right about me seeing your podcast. Few can imagine the abject difficulty and indescribable horror the army experienced on Okinawa. This is history worth remembering.
It wasn't until I spent the night on Hacksaw Ridge, retracing my father's steps, alone in the darkness, and vividly imagine carrying the wounded to the edge of the cliff, despite everything that was going on around him, that I gained a new appreciation for what he accomplished. The love he had for his country, and fellow soldiers, is what caused him to become "a symbol throughout the 77th infantry division for gallantry far above and beyond the call of duty."
When I saw the movie, Hacksaw Ridge, I said "it is a love story wrapped in Carnage."
Desmond Doss, Jr.
@@desmonddossjr.8510 honored that you watched us.
Your Dad was the epitome of heroism and concern for his fellow soldiers.
Your father, was a true American hero and part of the backbone of the greatest generation! I have the utmost of respect for your father and the choices he made when he joined the service. It makes me a bit upset that they hazed him so much and tried to make life miserable for him I only know of your father from the movie hacksaw Ridge. I'd be really interested to know the reality of the situation when he was in basic training. Anyway, I thank him for his service and next time you talk to him please pass my thanks on to him.🇺🇲🙏⚓️💯
@@Jakal-pw8yq Thank you for the kind words. He passed away in 2006, and is buried in the National Cemetery at Chattanooga Tennessee.
From Bill-- thank you for watching. Your dad was one of a kind, and an inspiration to all of us in the military.
Very heartfelt thanks to the three of you for the top notch work on this episode. My great uncle, William R. Allen of Junction, Texas was in the 96th Infantry Division, 381st Regiment.
Billy wanted to be an Army Officer, and joined the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets in order to obtain a commission. In 1942, after the Pearl Harbor attack, every member of the Aggie Corps of Cadets (Billy included) was drafted, with most of the men sent to the Pacific. Billy was drafted, and assigned to the 96th.
He rarely talked about his experiences, but he was wounded on Okinawa. After the war he returned to his Junction, Texas ranch and spent the remainder of his life as a Texas rancher and family man.
This episode truly helps me and my family - Billy’s descendants - truly appreciate the sacrifices and horror he experienced as a young man. We knew it was bad, but had no idea how bad.
I want to thank you for reminding all of us what a true debt of gratitude we all owe to our departed ancestors like Billy Allen.
Thanks to you as well for filling in some of the details that add to the human face of the men who fought there, and give a sense of how they may have dealt with the lasting burden of what they witnessed and endured. It strikes me that it takes a lot of restraint, strength, and caring for ones family to hide that horror from them, and to continue to do the next right thing for their family.
Your uncle and my uncle may have fought side by side.
I'm a Seventh Day Adventist and had the honor to meet Desmond Doss at my church a couple of years before he died. Got to shake his hand, such an honor to meet him! Our Church has a young youth group called "Pathfinders" which is like boy scouts and he learned his rope knots he used to lower those men off the escarpment, while he was a Pathfinder in his local SDA church..
Watching religiously from Sydney Australia. I love when you have Mr Parshall on.
His shirts raise the bar!
Dude knows his stuff
Yours is the only RUclips channel -- out of dozens -- for which I hit the "Like" button the moment the vid starts. I know I'm going to like every episode.
I didn’t realize just how bloody the bloody the battle of Okinawa was for the US Army. It’s astonishing to know that 96th Infantry Division lost 1,598 men killed on Okinawa. To put that into perspective, the 101st airborne, in Europe, lost 1,766 men killed during the entire war.
The men of the 96th are rarely talked about. Yet they fought just as hard and with just as much courage as the more famous American units of the war. It’s a great thing to see people talking more about them.
my grandfather was killed when his destroyer was hit by a kamikaze during the battle of Okinawa…..
These episodes hit hard. We haven’t even gotten to the naval battle yet. I have upmost respect for these gentlemen and their presentation of the Pacific war during World War II. They honor the fallen. They don’t sugarcoat and cheerlead about America rah rah rah. They give credit where credit is due both of the Japanese and American forces. This is the best podcast out there in my mind concerning WWII.
I told them a month or so ago, these conversations are serving in ways none of us could have done individually.
Celebrate our legendary ancestors who im humbled by everytime i hear these accounts. These guys having perfect timing and tempo and color in the conversation to paint in our imagination what happened in the 40s.
Its like we are being introduced to legends. We are being i suppose.
As a retired US Army combat veteran I truly appreciate that you guys give the entire story of WW2 in the Pacific. In most presentations of the ground combat in the Pacific you would think it was the Marines who took every death or wound received. Thanks to you we have been educated that the lion’s share of devastation was taken by the Army. Thanks.
Semper Fi
@@daverobinson6110 He is right, Mr. Semper Stupido. The U.S. Army did most of the land fighting in the Pacific, whether you like it or not.
I'm so happy John's wall paper was able to join the show
I have been reading about and studying World War II for multiple decades and I have to say what you have created is a record that will rival the greatest War documentaries ever. The BBC created a multi-episode series about WWI back in the 1960s when they were still a reputable news organization that in my opinion is the gold standard of documentaries about a war. Victory at Sea is another example of the level of quality documentaries I am referring to and you are providing. You are one of a small circle of RUclips creators that I actively anticipate your next work. Great job.
My grandfather-in-law was at Okinawa with the 1st Marine Division. It was his last campaign after surviving Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu. Also the battle of Pavuvu vs. rats , land crabs, and rotten coconuts. He WAS one of those veterans who was with the division all along from pre-war, 1940. By Okinawa he was a sergeant with mortars. Sgt. Ken Malick, 7th Marines, 2nd Battalion, Fox Company. Look him up, Seth, Bill, and Jon. I was very glad to be able to sit down with him and interview him, gathering his stories prior to his passing 17 years ago.
my grandfather was killed when his destroyer was hit by a kamikaze during the battle of Okinawa…..
These episodes hit hard. We haven’t even gotten to the naval battle yet. I have upmost respect for these reg gentlemen and their presentation of the Pacific war during World War II. They honor the fallen. They don’t sugarcoat and cheerlead about America rah rah rah. They give credit where credit is due both of the Japanese and American forces, and they are true professionals in their presentation. This is the best podcast out there in my mind concerning military matters
The terrible trio. You guys are the tip of the History spear. Entertaining even in the face of horror. I salute you gentlemen with pride and respect. Thank you so much for makeing clear what our boys and men went through. God Bless guys.
I'm really enjoying the extra long episodes.
141 minutes! Massive episode. A late supper for me tonight. Well done and thanks.
Proud to be among the first 100 this time!
Navy v Army is gonna be one helluva game this season. I'll be rooting for Navy as a way to show my appreciation for Bill and this podcast!
5:00 a.m. - getting ready to teach. New episode pops up. Click within the first 20 minutes of posting. Already a couple hundred watching. AT 5:00 A.M.! That says quite a bit, gentlemen. Thank you for all your fine work!
You guys are awesome. I love the team dynamic between you three. You guys work together so well.
Can’t wait for the episode on the logistics of the pacific war episode. You could really get into the weeds with that.
Regarding Bill Reeder’s range of throw, I saw a collegiate pitcher throw a grapefruit at least 250 feet horizontally and five stories high from the front door of a fraternity house onto the roof of Kaplan Arena at the College of William and Mary.
That grapefruit was probably close to the weight of a grenade. I was floored. Especially because I had started to date his girlfriend.
My great uncle was skipper of an LCM-R at Okinawa. (Landing Craft Medium -Rocket) he was part of the bombardment force offshore. His craft, equipped with radar, was later assigned as a picket ship to warn against kamikazes. His ship ended up being attacked by kamikazes, and he was decorated for his handling of the ship and situation. I was also able to sit down and get his stories, including working with the amphibious forces in the Solomons, 1942-43.
Hey guys i was riding my motorcycle at about 3 am the other night and met the local lieutenant for the Sheriff's Dept. Long story short.... we became friends.... he is prior USMC im prior Army and Airforce but i knew all about a guy named Chesty Puller and it blew his mind to hear me tell about Puller in the 1st Marines.
I owe you guys a drink
Griffin
The Big Three. Always pleased
Great episode! John is cranky today 😂
Yeah, I guess I kinda was, lol.
@@jonparshall Well Jon, you are reluctant to suffer fools gladly, and Cho was simply foolish. Well done episode, but next time please wear a shirt that matches the wall paper a little better; I miss the green one. (Ask your wife for help if needed.) 😄😄😄
I'd say more worked up 😁, the enthusiam Jon has for history always makes him a hoot to watch
After gaining the benefit of nearly all of your weekly episodes, I hereby authorize you to continue providing high caliber history of the Pacific War.
It is obvious why the US Army attacks the ridge at 26:22. In the top left corner of the map is a "mountain" that drops down on the west to the water. When you drive down from Kadena AB on the road south this feature looks like the Rock of Gibraltar. The southern face is a cliff facing a cliff on the northern side of a "river" that runs through a narrow canyon.
It feels like I’ve spent a MONTH listening to this episode. I’m exhausted, but hanging on every word. I enjoy hearing you tell when Hollywood gets it wrong and when they get it right.
I noticed a funny vignette at 2:12:21. Seth reaches down to his left, picks up a water bottle, takes a drink and puts it back down. One second later, Capt. Toti reaches down to his right, lifts his glass, and takes a drink. It is almost as if Seth is handing his drink to Capt. Toti through a rift in space.
Maybe we were...
Just gotta say before we start. I've been to Naha a few times, got to be friends with the manager of the United Seamans Service there, a retired Marine.
I regret that I never took him up on his offer to show me all of these sites.
I'll allow you guys toshow me now!
Thanks!
Wow! Thank you gentlemen. This and the other Unauthorized History of the Pacific War videos should be required viewing in all of our public schools and universities. If taken to heart, they would help people to better understand current events, and what a gift and privilege it is to be citizens of this amazing country and its people.
Great show guys. Tuesdays have now become relevant at my house.
Thanks again. 😊
🇺🇸SALUTE 🇺🇸
Been a few days since your posting. I watch this episode 4 am with my coffee. What a nightmare of a battle for both sides! Thanks again, gentlemen.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge gentlemen. Much appreciated.
Thanks! As always Well Done
Great show gentlemen.
*When the war ended, people thought that peace would bring happiness. But the scars from the past have quietly destroyed generations without anyone realizing it.*
Another very informative episode.
On the point of the Japanese heavy artillery on Okinawa, and Jon's comments about the Yushukan Museum in Tokyo... I toured Yushukan on 10 Nov 2022 (ironically the Marine Corps' birthday) and saw the 150mm howitzer and long barrel arty piece that Jon mentioned. Overall, I was surprised at the "tone" of that museum - maybe something was lost in translation, but the English descriptions of the exhibits really only focused on glorifying the Japanese military's performance and parroted some of the myths that were used to justify Japanese aggression against both China and the US. I found it to be in sharp contrast to the primary German war museum in Nuremburg, where they are very upfront about Nazi atrocities and how the nation largely fell in line with Hitler's agenda, taking collective responsibility. I got none of that from my visit to Yushukan.
Here is the first line of the exhibit description for the Type 89 150mm Heavy Gun, "This heavy gun was owned by the 100th Independent Heavy Artillery Battalion, who died in the honorable defeat of the defense of Okinawa." Honorable???
While I fully agree that the casualties suffered by the 96th and 7th IDs in the 3 days of attacks on Kakazu were appalling, I think the discussion comparing those numbers to Tarawa was off target. 2 divisions versus 1, 2nd MarDiv only had 2 regiments ashore for most of Tarawa, relative supporting arms (armor, arty, air), etc... It's just apples and oranges. The GIs valiant fight for Kakazu reflects exceptionally well on them in and of itself.
Love the dynamic of your conversation and it's great fun to hear the grenade-throwing conversation, highlight of my Tuesday.
I'll point out that the oldest USN battleship in service was not USS New York, but USS Arkansas BB-33, commissioned in 1912. That ship was also at Okinawa, throwing its 12-inch main battery shells as part of Task Force 54.
It seems to me that Ushijima had a bad draw of forces and subordinate commanders, where his two main divisions were formed and had officers with long service in China before shipping out to Okinawa; markedly different from the division Kuribayashi had on Iwo Jima. Battle experience in China would be common in both cases, but the temper of the field and company-grade officers may have had some differences. I wonder if Ushijima while dealing with general Cho and others was wondering or hoping that Cho, or another subordinate, might 'relieve' him of his burden.
Good morning from Oregon, USA! A pot of coffee is ready for the extra long episode.
Recently found the podcast a few weeks back and I can’t not express enough how much I enjoy listening to you guys. I’ve learned so much from the amount of detail you depth you guys get into. Absolutely amazing content and the way the conversation just flows smoothly. Always looking forward to new episodes!
hello from the UK guys. Absolutely love your podcast, thanks for all the hard work. You guys are great together - love the way you tell the story, truly gripping stuff compared to many other similar podcast which can be a bit dry at times. Thanks!
As a boy, I read books on this published by the US Navy, compiled from action reports and participant quotes. You bring all this to life in a way that shows why you have to do it, not just how and the weight of it. MOST excellent scholarship and presentation!
Thank you.
Really enjoyed this episode, guys. Thank you so much for the education. Loved to see Jon get animated for a minute. 😁👍
Been waiting for this all week. Thank you!
As to Charles Dawes, the medic. Given that the VC is the highest award in the British Armed Forces and is given out on a very selective basis, just like the Medal of Honour, only three men have ever earned a SECOND VC: Captain Charles Upham (a Kiwi) was the only combat soldier, and who survived WWII - the other two were MEDICS : Col A Martin-Leake, who received the decoration in the Boer War and the First World War; and Capt N G Chavasse, who was killed in France in 1917. It takes amazing courage to go towards the fight without something to defend oneself.
The Medal of Honor was awarded Desmond Doss.
Hi. A watcher from New Zealand where my 86-year-old mother lives just north of Paekākāriki where the 2nd Marine Division spent a bit of time before Betio/Kiribati, otherwise known as battle of Tarawa.
Found your channel relatively recently and am working my way backwards through your videos. Thoroughly enjoy each of them. If I can raise a small point which I'm sure others have. The grenade physics thing. I played rugby like many New Zealanders and am in your US non-metric terms am well over 6 feet and well over 220 pounds. A rugby ball, and a US American football weighs a lot more than a baseball. 2-3 times as much. I know the physics and aerodynamics are different but either can be thrown further than the 120 feet you suggested for a grenade/baseball. Its a different technique to be fair and not under fire, but equally both are thrown while people are trying to tackle you so its a snap throw/pass. My very respectful point is just maybe with a spiral throwing technique that creates lift something close is possible to the "exaggerated" 300 feet distances the grenades were suggested to be thrown are possible in the right circumstances by the right person.
I'd also like to say how much I enjoy the channel, your obvious research and preparation before each episode and the very obvious camaraderie between you and your guest speakers. Simply outstanding. Thank you both.
As always, this session is excellent, simply excellent....when you three start interacting historical magic happens!
On this, the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, you’ve brought another great installment following, into another grinder called Okinawa. Thanks!
New York. Great stuff. Right on. Love this show. More maps and wallpaper. Rock on . Balls O steel.
Greetings from TX. Thanks for helping my sleeping issues!
Drach is also good with his calm, steady voice.
Another great episode guys. Thanks
Thank you Bill for the maps. Great orientation to the excellent narrative👍🏻
Absolutely heartbreaking listening to the horrors these amazing men had to endure. Their sacrifices on Okinawa and across the Pacific is why Australians like me have undying respect for them and the USA.
I honestly dont know how you mamen do this at a high level every week
It ain’t easy. Ton of work.
Another outstanding podcast. Clearly illustrates the severity of the battlefield environment and the desperate fighting that ensued. Thanks for this remarkable history.
So glad I found this channel. I can't get enough of WW2 history. The depth and detail on the topics is 5 stars. Thank you.
An excellent series of very well presented and very informative videos, nice one.
Absolutely brilliant - thank you gentlemen 🙏
I had no idea what all went down in this hell hole okinawa. Thanks for the knowledge guys.
Another GREAT episode! So enlightening about Desmond Doss. Well done gentleman.
You guys are the best.
Nice recorded on my birthday. Great job as always.
I always enjoy your insights
Thanks!
Once again thanks for all the work putting these episodes together. You guys are a treasure trove of history and insight.
Keep 'em coming!
Infantry carrying satchel charges (canvas bags full of explosive) flame throwers, hand grenades and bazookas were the only weapons (and guns, of course) the infantry could carry to directly engage caves and fortified positions. Only in recent years has the Army found a new infantry carried weapon to employ on caves and fortified positions. The drone, with camera and explosive charge on board. Infantry can now fly an explosive drone right into the mouth of a cave or right into the gun slit of a bunker.. The Ukranians are the first large scale successful practitioners of this. They are doing rather well with it.
I always listen to the podcasts but sometimes have to jump on RUclips for things like the great maps today. Appreciate all you fine gentleman, you always do a fantastic job!
Truly epic history, thank you.
50° 27' 0.0036'' N and 30° 31' 23.9988'' E
Gents,
Gripping narrative, start to finish. Expanded format works. Makes way for more lively give and take on the set. Expands opportunities for sharing of lessons learned. Well played.
Quote of the episode: "Bill Reeder was awarded a Silver Star for his MVP performance!" ...
Thanks for keeping our six.
V/r - IB
Thank you my brothers
Thank you guys for another awesome video.
God Bless you three.
SGT DOUG, RECON, 1/502, 101 ABN, RVN 68-69, LZ SALLY
As always, a great episode. Would have liked a more comprehensive review of the exploits of Demond Doss. Looking forward to seeing the episode(s) on the Naval side of this epic battle.
Seth, Captain Toti & Jon, great work. Thanks, you're appreciated.
You guys are amazing tellers of history. Your work is very much appreciated.
Another great episode
Ahhhh! I hope you guys can keep this going for a couple of months (esp. pickets). Do you intend to look at planning for Coronet? Like if you don't have a next topic... 😁 I'd also love to hear what folks have to say about the occupation -- that's part of the story, too. Above all, thank you gentlemen! Your work is pure gold for us eager, panting, dewy ... sorry. For us Pacific junkies.
Kent Jensen a Friend spent a week there before his USMC Aviation Unit moved to China.His time there was very interesting but his time with George Co at Chosin was Epic. I miss his visits
Another great episode! Wondering how soon we will hear about the Yamato? Asking for a friend LOL
12:45 the major flaw of M3 Half tracks and M8 A/Cs is they are open topped, so very vulnerable when advancing into areas with high ground or trees.
Man I love this podcast. Jon parshall is wonderful
I knew that this episode would be as bad as Manila, and thought about delaying until I had finished my return from vacation, but as soon as the triumvirate rapartee got going in earnest I was three hours closer to heading home!
Thank you men...great work..
Excellent as usual. Thank you
As said by many, a simply a brilliant episode in what has been THE finest historical treatment of the PTO ever! The only thing I miss as the series has progressed is Seth's no longer using the phrase "Beat Feet" as this has reduced my consumption of single malt. Since also adding Jon wearing a wallpaper shirt as a legitimate single malt trigger for the team......consumption has thankfully improved! I really hope you guys move onto Korea at the end of the PTO or my Tuesdays are going to become emptier!
Never going to happen.
I lost it at 52 mins. Cho: "But Daddy, I want the McDonald's."
Kobayashi is the parent then that would pull through the McDonald's drive thru to order a single small black coffee to make his point. We are doing things my way.
I have rewatched that section now, and I can't say I have ever seen John more upset and frustrated with someone's incompetence, then switched to laughter with the ridicule given to Cho.
Awesome show again. I also think Buckner should have done the secondary invasion in the south
Hi from Melbourne Australia
Me too.
Just finished up this episode, eager for next week!
Loud and clear and exhausting and I was only watching from Norwich UK 79 years later.
The max baseball throw on record is > 450ft set in ‘57 iirc. So I can see a > 200 ft grenade throw downhill throw. Thanks for the great channel.
Gotta love that wallpaper!
Thank you.
The visceral violence of this campaign is really brought home by watching the once classified " Let There Be Light" which showcased a group of ww2 vets treatment at an army mental health facility. The Okinawa vets struggles were eye opening.
Another fantastic show! How long can you guys keep getting better?
A US Artillery Battalion had five Batteries, three firing batteries, each of 4 guns, a service battery, and a command battery. Total strength is about 500 men if at full strength, which lets face it no military unit ever is, especially one at war!
So thats 12 guns for a Battalion. 27 battalions is 324 guns. No idea what the ratio of 105mm to 155mm would be, but if its similar to other armies its likely 2:1 105mm to 155mm....
Yeah, thats a lot of tubes, especially for such a small area!
EDIT: Did a little checking, a US Division had 3 'light' (105mm) and 1 medium (155mm) Artillery battalions, each with 3 batteries of 4 guns. So 27 Battalions is 7ish Divisions worth of Artillery! Spicy!
Another remarkable piece. I couldn't see the mouse illustrating the various things on the maps though. Thank you
Another BRAVO ZULU GUYS !!
My Dad's unit the 34th Infantry Regiment got to meet the Japanese 320mm spigot mortars on Bataan at Zig-Zag pass January 1945 before the Marines on Iwo and Okinawa got to meet them. They said the same thing, like flying trash cans.