This is my absolute favorite event from WWII. I still cannot believe that some Hollywood producer (Tom Hanks et al) has not made this into a movie or mini-series! This shows that real life events can be more exciting and compelling than fiction.
Some of the Convoy Battles were in their way just as riveting. Go look up Operation Pedestal. One of the Convoys for Malta. Day after day of constant Air attack, at least 6, possibly as many as 12 U-Boats in the area. Italian major fleet units active. Battles like Pedestal were not just 'Convoy's', they were continuous actions that took place over DAYS. HMS Victorious suffered (and survived) damage that would have sunk any US or IJN Carrier including at least 1 (possibly 2) hits from 2000 pound bombs. But those supplies HAD to get through.... But no American film maker is ever going to make a film about Operation Pedestal, as no US ships took part....
I dont know about you guys but this is my favorite example of valor in the second world waŕ. There is amazing accounts of young men doing amazing heroic actions that shouldnt be swept under the rug. However there is something about what Evans and Copeland did. In my opinion there is no better example of American bravery.
I missed some great opportunities to introduce my wine group to the Nimitz CINCPAC cocktail, and expand horizons! The anniversaries of the Battle off Samar, or the 42nd Toti anniversary which has the flavor of a great collaboration. Just reading Bill's CV gives some idea of what Mrs Toti's contributions have been. Well played. Now, back to Samar.
You are correct on this one. I have been reading books about this battle for 50 years and learned so many things I never knew by reading this book. A must read.
@@kepple83 Mine is the Bantam Trade paperback edition. I purchased it about two years ago. I've seen glowing reviews and I've seen poor reviews for this book. I think it all depends on what you're trying to get from it. If you are primarily interested in historical facts and figures, there are better accounts. If you want to be thrust into the heat of the battle, to get a better understanding of the backgrounds of those involved and what they endured, this is the book to read! There is little presented from the Japanese POV, but I was deeply touched by the human tragedy that unfolded in this battle as written. Thank God for these American heroes and all the others who went far from home to protect our country.
Excellent.... remember as a kid learning about the Yamato and her 18 inch guns, then later as I read more, learned more .....this battle. Destroyers and escort carries.... truly in harms way
Absolutely love that you put these two episodes together. Both Samar and surigao strait. I missed a few things in each, and it made it flow together. Keep up the excellent work gentlemen.
Ive been a WWII/history enthusiast for the longest time and someone recently let me know about this podcast, amazing work guys! You have a new listener for sure
Captivating. To wit: One of our cats woke me at 2:15 AM, requesting “breakfast.” After feeding her, I started this episode. Sometime in the wee hours I fell asleep and awoke at 6 am, with the last minutes remaining. I set out on a hike, with ear buds and cell in tow, starting from the beginning of the podcast. By end of hike, I was just under 2 hours into the episode. So I made breakfast, sat down with my tablet and picked up where the podcast left off. Great episode, what a battle!
These two episodes changed the way I look at this battle. Having read LSotTCS, the heroism was so gripping that I didn't think about the aircraft and their involvement.
To defend Kurita. He and his men had been at GQ for up to 36 hours. They were dead dog tired. Kurita was on Yamato that turned away from a torpedo attack. He lost all control of the battle. Obviously he should have detached his cruisers to chase down the escort carriers.
Reviewing the battle of Samar always is a emotional experience for me. The dedication to duty and sacrifice of these tin can sailors, pilots and baby carriers against multiple Kaiju sized battlefleet is truly above and beyond valor, and brings tears to my eyes.
How fortunate I live in San Diego and can visit Fort Rosecrans Nat’l Cemetery and its Taffy 3 Leyte Gulf memorial. All those heroes from the Destroyers and Jeeps. My God I Praise them all!
These were great episodes all of the Battle of Leyte Gulf episodes were awesome. I never realized that Santa Cruz and Samar are almost exactly 2 years apart. Its amazing what happened to the US navy in 2 years.
Every time I hear or read about the courage of the Taffies, especially the Johnston- and especially her captain, I cry. (Full disclosure; I'm a girl, and the daughter of a pharmacist's mate who served in the Pacific Theater). And to think that most of these brave sailors hadn't yet reached their 21st birthdays...
I would recommend your video's for accurate history far above any documentaries I've ever watched. More good info, personal insights, and I always feel like I'm there nostalgically alongside you and your excellent guests for the ride! Keep up the outstanding work
If these guys want to put out podcasts on Tuesday and Friday then I must inform the wife I will be out of pocket on Friday as well. Besides, who amongst us isnt curious of what shirt Jon is wearing for this podcast regardless of its duplicity? Thanks again gents !
I find it really interesting and confusing by all the different accounts of these battles. The after-action reports etc. And I'm just wondering is it fog of battle, is it being boisterous or bragging about how many of the enemy you sank? I mean what leads to all of this stuff that we're still debating 80 years on? Actually, I believe the debate stops here because you guys dispel all the myths, rumors, exaggeration and outright lies. So thank you for setting the record straight when it's needed. I love you guys work and I hang on every word. Not only are you excellent historians but you have a way of putting these actions together that make sense and make for a better storyline than any writer or Hollywood producer could ever come up with! I've probably left 50 comments with you guys and I'll continue to do so because I want to support you and I'm absolutely riveted by your work!🇺🇲⚓️💯🙏💖☕️🚬🇦🇺
The truth of the matter is Kurita got spanked. He didn’t just suffer a strategic defeat. It was a tactical defeat as well. Those 400+ aircraft weren’t just operating from 16 different carriers simultaneously. They also had land-based facilities to refuel and rearm at. Kurita lost most of his cruisers of the course of several days (either sunk or mission killed) plus Musashi & a several DDs. He had no air cover & only two of his four remaining BBs could make a decent turn of speed. If he’d struck decisively from the beginning he coulda done some damage, but Center Force was doomed.
I have read several histories of this battle but having listened to this three hour presentation has put all the detail into both order and memory. It will be tragic when you run out of war - lol...
I just watched and oral interview with a veteran from the USS TWIGGS DD-591. He claimed when the Twiggs and 4 other destroyers came into the horizon he believed the Japanese realized all the ships from the invasion had turned around and were attacking. It was only 5 destroyers but the enemy did not know that. It blew my mind. The exact explanation of why Center Force retreated. Come down to the Tune Inn so we can finish talking.
Seth, I have to correct you on where the CVE's were built. I was born in Richmond post-war, 1948, and while I would have liked for them to have been built there, Richmond produced no CVEs. Liberty's, Victory's, LST;s APA's, coastal freighters, C-4 transports and PFs comprised the 747 ships turned out. The CVEs were all from the Kaiser yards on the Columbia River near Vancouver Wa. That said, I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the work you and Captain Toti have put into this wonderful historical account.
My late father worked on CVEs as a welder at the Todd Pacific Shipyard in Tacoma, Washington in 1944 - 1945. He was a senior in High School, and worked during the shipyard’s swing shift after a slightly abbreviated school day. Dad had expected to go into the Navy’s Aviation Cadet program after High School, but ended up going USAAF Intel instead after he was told that the Navy’s Aviation Cadet intake was suspended shortly after VE Day. Dad had never provided much detail on this until 2021, during the final weeks of his life.
Any chance of an episode on General George Kenney and the Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific? Have been studying this area and find it fascinating. They were a little bit of a forgotten group and General Kenney was a bit of a maverick.
I love the channel, and this "super episode" and the one on the Battle Off Samar were absolutely top notch. BTW, Jon couldn't wear a different shirt - that one is obviously his favorite. I can't help but wonder whether he got the shirt to match his wallpaper or he repapered his office to match the shirt. 😀
seth is correct in descibing the difference between the F4F and tne FM2 in that the FM2 had a a much better engine albeit not more powerful because it's basically the same engine tweaked to perform a little bit better. The main difference is rhat the FM2 was made lighter by reducing the number of machine guns from six to four in order to make it a fighter/nomber able to carry more bombs than the F6F. This is is mainly because the Composite Squadrons (VCs) assigned to the CVEs rarely if ever were assigned fully dedicated bombers like the SBD or the SB2C. They use the TBM as their all purpose bomber despite its poor maneuverability and giving capability making it an easy target for AAA gunners. The FM2 sort of gave the Jeep carriers that added versatility.
Great discussion. I'm now persuaded Halsey should have been relieved and possibly court-martialed. At least a formal inquiry. I hope this battle gets a lot of attention at the War Colleges and the academies as a study in command and staff failure, redeemed by the unbelievable courage of the front-line sailors and airmen.
What a great conversation. After i read John's writings i got the impression that Halsey is quite the premadana and self centered. I don't quite get the great reputation that he seems to keep
Because in 1942 and 43 he was the right man in the right job at the right time. Halsey made mistakes late war yes, but in the early days of the war he was outstanding. That is why he got, and to some extent manages to keep his reputation. While his mistakes later were serious it does not take away from his very real achievements earlier in the war.
On a Friday? To Cool! Been waiting for this one. Love the details leading up to and including the battle. Thank you for answering my question about when the Japanese knew they lost the war in your first Q and a episode. Definitely Siapan. Thank you Seth,Bill,John.
Halsey was played a fool. Japan had plenty of land based airfields in PH. They didn't need to commit their carriers with the availability of airfields. It was an obvious baiting. Halsey should have recognized this.
If anyone is experiencing combat fatigue I humbly recommend E B. Sledge's China Marine, his immediate post war reentry months in China. I suppose one could wait until the Unauthorized series is done, but this autobiographical account gives a successful recovery from close combat to look hopefully forward.
For anyone interested in a visual play by play of the Sibuyan, Surigao, & Samar naval battles, The Operations Room channel has a series of videos that make excellent companions to the UHPW podcasts.
They forgot to talk about the USAAF,S contribution. While minor it did play a role. On On yet to be completed air feeled they re fueled and re armed many planes that day
Come do a live episode at the Tune Inn in Washington, DC. I can even show you guys the sights from a local who has lived here for 23 years. Ive seen all your episodes. I have so many questions for you guys. We can set cameras up around the bar. If you appreciate great service and better conversation than lets do something that has never been done before. Lets do a live pacific war history episode inside capital hill in DC. The Tune Inn is owned by a desert storm veteran.
These CVEs gunfighted Kuritas center force. Only "proper" fleet carrier with such pluck is Illustrous, which was in Cape Matapan, determined to bring her sixteen 4.5 inch guns to bear in night action, until Cunningham ordered her to get h.... out of here.
I hope you continue with including the the north pacific campaign please. Battle of Komandorsky island's a cool surface battle with some colorful U.S.N. commander's . Thanks
@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar thank you I have to back track. I should have started the series sooner I just got caught up in where I came in at. Thank you looking forward to that.
I have always wondered how the navy gives the medal of honor to the Skipper. But the crew was in the same fight, did any damage control men earn any such recognition.? I am asking as a tin can sailor, and part of repair divison.
Then he would be wrong. The reason why the sling went out of favour as a weapon is *because* of advances in armour. It is a devastating weapon against unarmoured or poorly armoured opponents, but utterly useless against later armour systems. Fact is Goliath's armour has been heavily... embellished. According to the description in scripture his spear alone would have weighed 33 pounds. His armour 150 pounds. Those weights are utterly fantastical. That armour is twice the weight of a full late medieval plate harness. For a sword 10 pounds is HEAVY, few actual one handed swords that were actually used in battle weighed more than 5 - 7 pounds. 10 pounds is two hander territory. It would not take an intelligent, experienced researcher like John Parshall long to find that out (if he does not know already), and likely come to the same conclusion I have. If that fight ever took place, it did not occur as is claimed in scripture. Under all that gear Goliath would not have been able to move, let alone fight!
Hum, Seems as if Admiral Halsey was "Promoted to his level of incompetents." A great commander in the South East Pacific, almost pathetic off the Philippines.
There is nothing wrong with being a systems guy Jon! I am a Marine/Evolutionary Ecologist, I too am a Systems guy. Any field needs both us systems folks, and the nitty gritty in the weeds folks. Both have value when it comes to understanding either science or history. Not sure I agree with the assessment that the film Greyhound should have been about the Battle off Samar though. Frankly I think any major Hollywood film looking at that battle should use the historical ships and really do the courage and tenacity of the sailors and airmen proper justice. I personally think it would be wrong to use a fictional vessel to tell that particular story. But that is my opinion, and we all know the saying about opinions :).
Those young men man I g the 5” guns, charging the Japanese Cruisers with what seemed like pee shooters! Put that life jacket back on Boyz! God bless you all
Japanese cruisers were very dangerous at a distance long-range. They were pretty vulnerable in a point-blank punch-up, however, even to US destroyer fire. The 5”/38 could put a lot of high-explosive lead on target very quickly, start a lot of fires and do a lot of damage to a cruiser’s upperworks, bridge & comes. And if the Japanese didn’t get their oxygen-powered torpedos away they risked losing the ship entirely. Part of the problem was that Japanese secondaries were pretty bad. The newer 100 mm guns were quite good but the older 127 mm guns weren’t great as either anti-air or anti-surface weapons. The US 5” guns could double or triple their rate of fire for a few minutes.
Background: assessment of Philippines sea - Japanese airpower was broken and their carrier force was no longer the power it was. But also consider on more than one situation, German army power was also assessed as broken. Now, who makes what decision. Even the numbered fleet commander does not have complete freedom. In general, Pacific Command (Nimitz) comes up with the big idea/plan - forwards to the combined chiefs of staff for approval. The order to Halsey had several numbered items - priority covering the invasion force. At the bottom was an item without number, something like: should the situation present itself, destruction of the enemy carrier force becomes priority. This order came from Pacific Command. Nimitz could not recall how that got in there. My suspicion is someone from Towers people slipped this in after discussion and approval. Halsey's main mistake was that he wanted to be present for the destruction of the enemy carriers, should not have put himself on a battleship, in case that battleships have to be detached. Halsey's staff should have made sure his orders said what he meant to have said. When flag sends a message, he should ask the ship captain what he thinks the message means. Note, the ship captain is probably not attending flag discussions. Note, Mitscher may have had a mild heart attack this night. and Burke actually directed the attacks against northern force. Enough of this "cross the T". No great battle has been won by crossing the T. Nelsonian victories were not won by crossing the T
The competition between the Japanese Army and Naval Air Forces is just insane. It is pure suicide to send a Japanese naval force through there without air cover. It's the Philippines for Goodness Sake. Yes I know about the lack of air power in Minindou (so I can't spell but u know what I mean). This is (if I am correct) evidenced by the fact that the ST. LOW was the first ship sunk by a Kamikaze during the war, after the battle was over: "HEY FELLERS, the Navy is gone. Go get em".
I just want to know... How heated does a board game of Risk or Axis & Allies get whenever all of you fellas play together? When alcohol's involved as well? lol
I know you like to debunk myths. The story of the Johnson and Roberts, I like the myths. We need stories like them. Sometimes leave the myths alone. It, I feel is better for all.
@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWarI’d argue that the destroyer attack had a very significant impact. In audition to inflicting some real damaging the confusion the DDs DEs inflicted functioned as a de facto fixing action-They gave the aviators a chance to get their pants on. At that point Kurita was pretty well screwed. He only had two genuinely fast battleships and they were more BC than BB. Yamato was damaged & Nagato probably should have been deployed elsewhere-She was just too slow. Most of the cruisers he’d started out with were already sitting on the bottom, missioned killed or damaged & his destroyers were pretty beaten up, too. Kurita had a moment to strike & maybe scoot be he missed it in his fatigue and confusion. He certainly could have continued and inflicted some damage and a lot of US casualties but ultimately he would have just ended up losing every ship he had left. It would have cost Halsey his command I expect. Might have hasted the end of the war, though, because Kurita would have lost every single ship he had left within a couple days. The IJN would be in worse shape than it was in Godzilla Minus One…
I guess Halsey's not being at Philippine Sea he missed the visuals of the Destruction of Japanese naval airpower, bùt the air battles of Formosa should have informed Halsey's assessment of the remaing Japanese air capability. But Halsey didn't allow himself to be informed.
This is my absolute favorite event from WWII. I still cannot believe that some Hollywood producer (Tom Hanks et al) has not made this into a movie or mini-series! This shows that real life events can be more exciting and compelling than fiction.
Some of the Convoy Battles were in their way just as riveting. Go look up Operation Pedestal. One of the Convoys for Malta. Day after day of constant Air attack, at least 6, possibly as many as 12 U-Boats in the area. Italian major fleet units active.
Battles like Pedestal were not just 'Convoy's', they were continuous actions that took place over DAYS. HMS Victorious suffered (and survived) damage that would have sunk any US or IJN Carrier including at least 1 (possibly 2) hits from 2000 pound bombs.
But those supplies HAD to get through....
But no American film maker is ever going to make a film about Operation Pedestal, as no US ships took part....
Yes, this period is prime for a mini-series highlighting the Navy.
Thanks for 3 great years.
It's my favorite channel.
Jon makes a great show even better.
Im looking forward ro season IV...
And the other two guys with hair at the top of the screen helped a little too. lol
I dont know about you guys but this is my favorite example of valor in the second world waŕ. There is amazing accounts of young men doing amazing heroic actions that shouldnt be swept under the rug. However there is something about what Evans and Copeland did. In my opinion there is no better example of American bravery.
@@williampockets agreed!
Happy late anniversary Capt Bill. I know it was in March but still, 42 years is awesome man. Respect.
I missed some great opportunities to introduce my wine group to the Nimitz CINCPAC cocktail, and expand horizons! The anniversaries of the Battle off Samar, or the 42nd Toti anniversary which has the flavor of a great collaboration. Just reading Bill's CV gives some idea of what Mrs Toti's contributions have been. Well played. Now, back to Samar.
"Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" is one of the best books of any genre I've ever read. Highly recommended!
You are correct on this one. I have been reading books about this battle for 50 years and learned so many things I never knew by reading this book. A must read.
I just bought it and I can’t wait to read it!
I have the long version of tin can
Which version do you have
@@kepple83 Mine is the Bantam Trade paperback edition. I purchased it about two years ago.
I've seen glowing reviews and I've seen poor reviews for this book. I think it all depends on what you're trying to get from it. If you are primarily interested in historical facts and figures, there are better accounts. If you want to be thrust into the heat of the battle, to get a better understanding of the backgrounds of those involved and what they endured, this is the book to read! There is little presented from the Japanese POV, but I was deeply touched by the human tragedy that unfolded in this battle as written. Thank God for these American heroes and all the others who went far from home to protect our country.
We were always schooled that any good commander will ask for input from his subordinates then make a final decision.
Key word: ‘good’
Sadly narcissists think they are ‘great’ 🤷🏼♂️
My dad had a saying I've heard variations of but the way he said it was " A's have A+ subordinates, B's have C's"
Excellent.... remember as a kid learning about the Yamato and her 18 inch guns, then later as I read more, learned more .....this battle. Destroyers and escort carries.... truly in harms way
After listening to the Surago Strait super episode, I had to go back and listen to the Battle off Samar episode again.
Welcome from Thailand. Thanks so much to you 3 guys.
Kurita's circumstance could be likened to a man being attacked by half a dozen small dogs AND a swim of angry bees at the same time.
Absolutely love that you put these two episodes together.
Both Samar and surigao strait.
I missed a few things in each, and it made it flow together.
Keep up the excellent work gentlemen.
Ive been a WWII/history enthusiast for the longest time and someone recently let me know about this podcast, amazing work guys! You have a new listener for sure
This absolutely needs to be a movie..
Captivating. To wit:
One of our cats woke me at 2:15 AM, requesting “breakfast.” After feeding her, I started this episode.
Sometime in the wee hours I fell asleep and awoke at 6 am, with the last minutes remaining.
I set out on a hike, with ear buds and cell in tow, starting from the beginning of the podcast.
By end of hike, I was just under 2 hours into the episode. So I made breakfast, sat down with my tablet and picked up where the podcast left off.
Great episode, what a battle!
These two episodes changed the way I look at this battle. Having read LSotTCS, the heroism was so gripping that I didn't think about the aircraft and their involvement.
Nice .. love long form videos... My absolute Fav
To defend Kurita. He and his men had been at GQ for up to 36 hours. They were dead dog tired. Kurita was on Yamato that turned away from a torpedo attack. He lost all control of the battle. Obviously he should have detached his cruisers to chase down the escort carriers.
Having been a victim of a 30 plus hour duty station, I could not think straight much less lead a force the size of Kurita's. Fatigue is insidious.
He was pretty much out of cruisers. Half of Kurita’s heavy cruisers were sunk during the battle & the rest were mission-killed or badly damaged.
Reviewing the battle of Samar always is a emotional experience for me. The dedication to duty and sacrifice of these tin can sailors, pilots and baby carriers against multiple Kaiju sized battlefleet is truly above and beyond valor, and brings tears to my eyes.
Here in the Philippines we love you guys - even though you rant from time to time on our hero MacArthur. Love your channel.
How fortunate I live in San Diego and can visit Fort Rosecrans Nat’l Cemetery and its Taffy 3 Leyte Gulf memorial. All those heroes from the Destroyers and Jeeps. My God I
Praise them all!
Yaaaaaas best way to clean the house is by listening to a great pod cast by these guys lol. You guys rock. Thanks for the history lesson fellas.
These were great episodes all of the Battle of Leyte Gulf episodes were awesome. I never realized that Santa Cruz and Samar are almost exactly 2 years apart. Its amazing what happened to the US navy in 2 years.
Every time I hear or read about the courage of the Taffies, especially the Johnston- and especially her captain, I cry. (Full disclosure; I'm a girl, and the daughter of a pharmacist's mate who served in the Pacific Theater). And to think that most of these brave sailors hadn't yet reached their 21st birthdays...
“Your conclusions ara all wrong, Ryan. Halsey a red stupidly” -Capt. Marco Ramius
Thanks for the history lesson 🎉
I would recommend your video's for accurate history far above any documentaries I've ever watched. More good info, personal insights, and I always feel like I'm there nostalgically alongside you and your excellent guests for the ride! Keep up the outstanding work
You guys are the absolute best.
In AZ we don't mess with the clocks.
Thanks so much for the information regarding the allied air power that affected this battle. No disrespect to the naval power of course
"The World wonders" was a line from "Charge of the Light Brigade",, by Alfred Lord Tennyson. October 25, 2944 was the 90th anniversary of the charge.
If these guys want to put out podcasts on Tuesday and Friday then I must inform the wife I will be out of pocket on Friday as well.
Besides, who amongst us isnt curious of what shirt Jon is wearing for this podcast regardless of its duplicity?
Thanks again gents !
Thank you for doing this.
Love this! Thank you this is for sure worth another listen...
I find it really interesting and confusing by all the different accounts of these battles. The after-action reports etc. And I'm just wondering is it fog of battle, is it being boisterous or bragging about how many of the enemy you sank? I mean what leads to all of this stuff that we're still debating 80 years on? Actually, I believe the debate stops here because you guys dispel all the myths, rumors, exaggeration and outright lies. So thank you for setting the record straight when it's needed. I love you guys work and I hang on every word. Not only are you excellent historians but you have a way of putting these actions together that make sense and make for a better storyline than any writer or Hollywood producer could ever come up with! I've probably left 50 comments with you guys and I'll continue to do so because I want to support you and I'm absolutely riveted by your work!🇺🇲⚓️💯🙏💖☕️🚬🇦🇺
The truth of the matter is Kurita got spanked. He didn’t just suffer a strategic defeat. It was a tactical defeat as well. Those 400+ aircraft weren’t just operating from 16 different carriers simultaneously. They also had land-based facilities to refuel and rearm at. Kurita lost most of his cruisers of the course of several days (either sunk or mission killed) plus Musashi & a several DDs. He had no air cover & only two of his four remaining BBs could make a decent turn of speed. If he’d struck decisively from the beginning he coulda done some damage, but Center Force was doomed.
"Churlish." Perfect, Bill.
Mr Parshall is great.
I'm surprised how well these episodes work the second time through; I feel this series will be a resource for many of us for years to come.
I have read several histories of this battle but having listened to this three hour presentation has put all the detail into both order and memory. It will be tragic when you run out of war - lol...
I've really enjoyed watching your subscriber count increase over time. Nice work gents.
I just watched and oral interview with a veteran from the USS TWIGGS DD-591. He claimed when the Twiggs and 4 other destroyers came into the horizon he believed the Japanese realized all the ships from the invasion had turned around and were attacking. It was only 5 destroyers but the enemy did not know that. It blew my mind. The exact explanation of why Center Force retreated. Come down to the Tune Inn so we can finish talking.
Seth, I have to correct you on where the CVE's were built. I was born in Richmond post-war, 1948, and while I would have liked for them to have been built there, Richmond produced no CVEs. Liberty's, Victory's, LST;s APA's, coastal freighters, C-4 transports and PFs comprised the 747 ships turned out. The CVEs were all from the Kaiser yards on the Columbia River near Vancouver Wa. That said, I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the work you and Captain Toti have put into this wonderful historical account.
My late father worked on CVEs as a welder at the Todd Pacific Shipyard in Tacoma, Washington in 1944 - 1945. He was a senior in High School, and worked during the shipyard’s swing shift after a slightly abbreviated school day. Dad had expected to go into the Navy’s Aviation Cadet program after High School, but ended up going USAAF Intel instead after he was told that the Navy’s Aviation Cadet intake was suspended shortly after VE Day. Dad had never provided much detail on this until 2021, during the final weeks of his life.
Terrific episode.
Great show as always
Any chance of an episode on General George Kenney and the Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific? Have been studying this area and find it fascinating. They were a little bit of a forgotten group and General Kenney was a bit of a maverick.
Look through pour past episodes.
I can’t wait to watch this episode!
Had Taffy-3 not done what it had and Kurita made it to Leyte Gulf, Halsey would have been removed...but should include court martial.
Thanks so much for combining the Surigao Strait & Battle Off Samar videos, guys! Absolutely love the pod and vids!
I love the channel, and this "super episode" and the one on the Battle Off Samar were absolutely top notch. BTW, Jon couldn't wear a different shirt - that one is obviously his favorite. I can't help but wonder whether he got the shirt to match his wallpaper or he repapered his office to match the shirt. 😀
That should be a movie!
Loving these combo episodes!
He was just a dog, but let's remember Sammy, the mascot aboard the Samuel B. Roberts.
These just keep getting better and better
seth is correct in descibing the difference between the F4F and tne FM2 in that the FM2 had a a much better engine albeit not more powerful because it's basically the same engine tweaked to perform a little bit better. The main difference is rhat the FM2 was made lighter by reducing the number of machine guns from six to four in order to make it a fighter/nomber able to carry more bombs than the F6F. This is is mainly because the Composite Squadrons (VCs) assigned to the CVEs rarely if ever were assigned fully dedicated bombers like the SBD or the SB2C. They use the TBM as their all purpose bomber despite its poor maneuverability and giving capability making it an easy target for AAA gunners. The FM2 sort of gave the Jeep carriers that added versatility.
Great discussion. I'm now persuaded Halsey should have been relieved and possibly court-martialed. At least a formal inquiry. I hope this battle gets a lot of attention at the War Colleges and the academies as a study in command and staff failure, redeemed by the unbelievable courage of the front-line sailors and airmen.
Awesome video guys. This battle has always fascinated me, from the first time I read about it.
What a great conversation. After i read John's writings i got the impression that Halsey is quite the premadana and self centered. I don't quite get the great reputation that he seems to keep
Because in 1942 and 43 he was the right man in the right job at the right time. Halsey made mistakes late war yes, but in the early days of the war he was outstanding.
That is why he got, and to some extent manages to keep his reputation. While his mistakes later were serious it does not take away from his very real achievements earlier in the war.
His press had solidified his place in history and in the American heart based on 1942's performance.
Great Show
On a Friday? To Cool! Been waiting for this one. Love the details leading up to and including the battle. Thank you for answering my question about when the Japanese knew they lost the war in your first Q and a episode. Definitely Siapan. Thank you Seth,Bill,John.
Thank you.
Halsey was played a fool. Japan had plenty of land based airfields in PH. They didn't need to commit their carriers with the availability of airfields. It was an obvious baiting. Halsey should have recognized this.
Great insight, but I think situational awareness never made an appearance on USS New Jersey's bridge today.
I watched part 1 and 2, so this will be twice as good!
Thanks!
Good morning from SC!
If anyone is experiencing combat fatigue I humbly recommend E B. Sledge's
China Marine, his immediate post war reentry months in China. I suppose one could wait until the Unauthorized series is done, but this autobiographical account gives a successful recovery from close combat to look hopefully forward.
How many hours have I waited for my Taffy.
I heard that Hornfisher, the author of the "Last Stand Of....." Passed during Covid. May He rest in Peace.
For some visuals, one should look for Operations Room video?
Leyte Gulf - Battle off Samar, USS Johnston Fights to the Death (2/2) - Animated
A quote from the movie "Red October" Halsey actef Stupidly.
For anyone interested in a visual play by play of the Sibuyan, Surigao, & Samar naval battles, The Operations Room channel has a series of videos that make excellent companions to the UHPW podcasts.
They forgot to talk about the USAAF,S contribution. While minor it did play a role. On On yet to be completed air feeled they re fueled and re armed many planes that day
Ayup! The US had land-based air replenishment capabilities, too…
Come do a live episode at the Tune Inn in Washington, DC. I can even show you guys the sights from a local who has lived here for 23 years. Ive seen all your episodes. I have so many questions for you guys. We can set cameras up around the bar. If you appreciate great service and better conversation than lets do something that has never been done before. Lets do a live pacific war history episode inside capital hill in DC. The Tune Inn is owned by a desert storm veteran.
You can't blame Halsey's staff. They reflect the Admiral's policy and do exactly as trained by said Admiral.
Prior to breaking off the engagement, what would have been the Japanese ammunition state ?
Would it have been a concern ?
I once read the Halsey and his entire staff had the flu, add lack of sleep equals poor choices. Still, Squirrel!
If they misidentify the ship type, wouldn't their gunners be way off given the distance?
These CVEs gunfighted Kuritas center force. Only "proper" fleet carrier with such pluck is Illustrous, which was in Cape Matapan, determined to bring her sixteen 4.5 inch guns to bear in night action, until Cunningham ordered her to get h.... out of here.
I hope you continue with including the the north pacific campaign please. Battle of Komandorsky island's a cool surface battle with some colorful U.S.N. commander's . Thanks
Been there and did that already
@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar thank you I have to back track. I should have started the series sooner I just got caught up in where I came in at. Thank you looking forward to that.
I have always wondered how the navy gives the medal of honor to the Skipper. But the crew was in the same fight, did any damage control men earn any such recognition.?
I am asking as a tin can sailor, and part of repair divison.
WHOOAH Saturday school is now in session
The Avengers also had a depth charge load out which they dropped
At 46:20: Parshall sounds like he would analyze the story of David and Goliath and go on about the superiority of a sling and a stone over full armor.
Then he would be wrong. The reason why the sling went out of favour as a weapon is *because* of advances in armour. It is a devastating weapon against unarmoured or poorly armoured opponents, but utterly useless against later armour systems.
Fact is Goliath's armour has been heavily... embellished. According to the description in scripture his spear alone would have weighed 33 pounds. His armour 150 pounds. Those weights are utterly fantastical. That armour is twice the weight of a full late medieval plate harness. For a sword 10 pounds is HEAVY, few actual one handed swords that were actually used in battle weighed more than 5 - 7 pounds. 10 pounds is two hander territory.
It would not take an intelligent, experienced researcher like John Parshall long to find that out (if he does not know already), and likely come to the same conclusion I have. If that fight ever took place, it did not occur as is claimed in scripture. Under all that gear Goliath would not have been able to move, let alone fight!
Hum, Seems as if Admiral Halsey was "Promoted to his level of incompetents." A great commander in the South East Pacific, almost pathetic off the Philippines.
There is nothing wrong with being a systems guy Jon! I am a Marine/Evolutionary Ecologist, I too am a Systems guy. Any field needs both us systems folks, and the nitty gritty in the weeds folks. Both have value when it comes to understanding either science or history.
Not sure I agree with the assessment that the film Greyhound should have been about the Battle off Samar though. Frankly I think any major Hollywood film looking at that battle should use the historical ships and really do the courage and tenacity of the sailors and airmen proper justice. I personally think it would be wrong to use a fictional vessel to tell that particular story.
But that is my opinion, and we all know the saying about opinions :).
I think his point is that Greyhound was kind of a waste of a movie…
Those young men man I g the 5” guns, charging the Japanese Cruisers with what seemed like pee shooters! Put that life jacket back on Boyz! God bless you all
Japanese cruisers were very dangerous at a distance long-range. They were pretty vulnerable in a point-blank punch-up, however, even to US destroyer fire. The 5”/38 could put a lot of high-explosive lead on target very quickly, start a lot of fires and do a lot of damage to a cruiser’s upperworks, bridge & comes. And if the Japanese didn’t get their oxygen-powered torpedos away they risked losing the ship entirely.
Part of the problem was that Japanese secondaries were pretty bad. The newer 100 mm guns were quite good but the older 127 mm guns weren’t great as either anti-air or anti-surface weapons. The US 5” guns could double or triple their rate of fire for a few minutes.
Background: assessment of Philippines sea - Japanese airpower was broken and their carrier force was no longer the power it was. But also consider on more than one situation, German army power was also assessed as broken.
Now, who makes what decision. Even the numbered fleet commander does not have complete freedom. In general, Pacific Command (Nimitz) comes up with the big idea/plan - forwards to the combined chiefs of staff for approval.
The order to Halsey had several numbered items - priority covering the invasion force. At the bottom was an item without number, something like: should the situation present itself, destruction of the enemy carrier force becomes priority.
This order came from Pacific Command. Nimitz could not recall how that got in there.
My suspicion is someone from Towers people slipped this in after discussion and approval.
Halsey's main mistake was that he wanted to be present for the destruction of the enemy carriers, should not have put himself on a battleship, in case that battleships have to be detached.
Halsey's staff should have made sure his orders said what he meant to have said. When flag sends a message, he should ask the ship captain what he thinks the message means. Note, the ship captain is probably not attending flag discussions.
Note, Mitscher may have had a mild heart attack this night. and Burke actually directed the attacks against northern force.
Enough of this "cross the T". No great battle has been won by crossing the T. Nelsonian victories were not won by crossing the T
Battle off Samar and Battle off Cape Enganio was going on at the same time? Anyone?
You mean this?
czcams.com/video/VQo8cA7uq0w/video.htmlsi=5HYbHgykH5oskRSP
@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar yes, thank you
The competition between the Japanese Army and Naval Air Forces is just insane. It is pure suicide to send a Japanese naval force through there without air cover. It's the Philippines for Goodness Sake. Yes I know about the lack of air power in Minindou (so I can't spell but u know what I mean). This is (if I am correct) evidenced by the fact that the ST. LOW was the first ship sunk by a Kamikaze during the war, after the battle was over: "HEY FELLERS, the Navy is gone. Go get em".
They need to name a ship after Evans
I just want to know... How heated does a board game of Risk or Axis & Allies get whenever all of you fellas play together? When alcohol's involved as well? lol
❤🤘🏻❤🤘🏻❤🤘🏻
mosquitoes in louisiana = meat bees (yellow jackets) in california mountain forests.
I know you like to debunk myths. The story of the Johnson and Roberts, I like the myths. We need stories like them. Sometimes leave the myths alone. It, I feel is better for all.
Nope. Their heroism is reality. Their effect is myth.
@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWarI’d argue that the destroyer attack had a very significant impact. In audition to inflicting some real damaging the confusion the DDs DEs inflicted functioned as a de facto fixing action-They gave the aviators a chance to get their pants on. At that point Kurita was pretty well screwed.
He only had two genuinely fast battleships and they were more BC than BB. Yamato was damaged & Nagato probably should have been deployed elsewhere-She was just too slow. Most of the cruisers he’d started out with were already sitting on the bottom, missioned killed or damaged & his destroyers were pretty beaten up, too.
Kurita had a moment to strike & maybe scoot be he missed it in his fatigue and confusion. He certainly could have continued and inflicted some damage and a lot of US casualties but ultimately he would have just ended up losing every ship he had left. It would have cost Halsey his command I expect. Might have hasted the end of the war, though, because Kurita would have lost every single ship he had left within a couple days.
The IJN would be in worse shape than it was in Godzilla Minus One…
Could you do a whole video from sib sea to samar
Start watching.
It's Flag Day
And happy birthday US Army.
❤
Rank has it's privileges and it's problems.
Must have been very low on ack ack amunition,maybe to the point of soon to be defenceless
I guess Halsey's not being at Philippine Sea he missed the visuals of the Destruction of Japanese naval airpower, bùt the air battles of Formosa should have informed Halsey's assessment of the remaing Japanese air capability. But Halsey didn't allow himself to be informed.
Bill, did you have a "Serapis" Flag onboard while you were CO ?
We did not
Brass Balls!