450 Marines Vs The Imperial Japanese Navy - Wake Island

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Merch Store & ALL Other Links:
thefatelectric...
Seriously EVERYTHING is on my website
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other channels:
COMING SOON
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MY PC SPONSOR:
Xidax PC's
www.xidax.com/...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment used:
www.amazon.com...

[@the_fat_electrician]

I get asked alot to cover major battles. They are very hard to do because so much is going on all at once. This is my first attempt at one, please let me know if you want more like this or if I should just stick to my regular stuff.

[@MIKE_F44]

Variety keeps your channel interesting

[@gingewonka]

More of this please nic!!!!

[@brettduncan7112]

Variety is spice of life I really do appreciate all you're content

[@RailsOfTheSouthProductions]

Yes, keep going, and if I can make a suggestion, Battle off Samar, aka: Last Stand of the Tin Cans

[@airgunshooterssyndicate103]

Let's go the Big DAWG posted I look forward to your vids every week

[@paramounttechnicalconsulti5219]

I heard a story once, from the 70's or early 80's. There was a barracks inspection at Quanttico, colonel with all attending lower officers and NCOs. An old man who was visiting the base happened in; he was wearing his ribbons. A Lance Corporal saw him, read the ribbons and immediately called out "Wake Island Marine on the Deck!". Everyone, including the officers, snapped to attention and saluted.

[@stoptrudeau42]

Thats awesome. Nothing but respect for those who served.

[@thatonelonghairedguy764]

absolutely glorious. that gentleman had to have felt amazing to still be so respected and honored.

[@johnruiz1296]

I enjoy your Vado but I do have 1 questions when you said japan finely lost 2 warship on the first day attack wake island. What about the midget submarine. That the escort destroyer the Ward Sunk at the mouth of Pearl Harbor and for 60th year no 1 believe the captain until scuba divers found the and saw the 3 in hold in the counter tower also that would make anther great story

[@jamesr792]

Well that gave me chills…

[@DudeInOhio85]

Read the ribbons?

[@roymuerlunos2426]

I'm rather shocked to hear that the commander who was smart enough to think "don't shoot until they're within 4,000 yards" couldn't figure out he was playing a game of telephone by himself for 11 hours.

[@interstellarsurfer]

Wild shit happens in the heat of battle. Being told to jack off and die by the entire US Navy probably didn't help his mental state.

[@sierramike0913]

And wasn't even smart enough to talk to the Marines he ran into for a SITREP before panicking and ordering a surrender.

[@nontoxicpnw4784]

Chesty is not impressed! Win or at least die with dignity as a warrior. My father was a Marine. Marines fight, Marines retreat, but Marines don't surrender!

[@lethaldosage]

Always remember, you can raise any officer's IQ by ten points if you remove their gloves, twenty if you remove their shoes also. There is a reason the word officer begins with off.

[@lewiswhite95]

​@@nontoxicpnw4784 retreat...Hell. We assault in an alternate direction.

[@CdrChaos]

3:06 Putting a bayonet on a 5-Inch gun is the most Marine thing I have ever heard.

[@admdubya2107]

Just got here and had to pause to finish laughing and wipe the water outta my eye. 😂

[@CdrChaos]

@@admdubya2107 You’re welcome.

[@musc1esman]

Just like when Chesty Puller saw a flamethrower for the first time and supposedly said, “where the hell do you put the bayonet?”

[@stormkelleh]

And I still wanna see it

[@CdrChaos]

@@stormkelleh You and me both.

[@saltycanadian6190]

Finally he made a video on wake island. The greatest story of the marine corps in ww2.

[@ninjabearpress2574]

Back in the day Wake Island was considered the Alamo of the Pacific.

[@Saanonymous80]

And the unofficial beginning of the best "Reallocation Experts" in the world. The SeaBees

[@kasken719]

​@@Saanonymous80 I was surprised he didn't mention them but like he said, there's a lot going on in these major battles.

[@ThaxtonCook-lb8dt]

​@@ninjabearpress2574 it truly was , history does repeat itself

[@davidrox4591]

Reinforcements were quickly ruled out by American brass. The Marines were aware, they did what Marines do, their duty. 🌎🦅⚓

[@blupditz9826]

"Given a lack of instruction, they will resort to destruction". Epic. Love these new vids with a more detailed slice of events because you not only cover the equipment used but the men using said equipment. Surely he kept the rugs, I'd like to think they are in a family members home to this day.

[@SethBeck]

Get this man a teaching position somewhere where his pearls of history and wisdom will be appreciated.

[@aparanoidbw]

But that would limit his audience. I'm torn here. Fat Electrician would make a legendary history teacher, but only so many students can fit in once class. I still remember some high school history lectures. His coverage of the revolutionary was amazing.

[@scottjackson1636]

@@aparanoidbw No he is fine where he is. His level of knowledge would require collage professor. And we all know not one collage is likely to hire someone that actually understands history and is willing to teach it.

[@Cafuba12]

Dude these longer videos are awesome. You’re reverence, respect and sense of humor for these stories are amazing. Keep up the awesome work homie

[@JamesSmith-tg7te]

I prefer the longer videos as well

[@dirtybones6]

I second this. Got my sub on the first video of his I watched

[@DragonSlayerRob]

@@dirtybones6Same. Was the 30+ minute about McNasty.

[@dalevonthun5257]

Well said.😊

[@Psalmster023]

Ditto

[@t-yoonit]

This is a prime example why you never assume the worst. Had that Major not assumed defeat and forced everyone he found to surrender, that island could have very well remained in American hands.

[@adarkwind4712]

If I’m honest probably not. Especially with no reinforcements or resupply from the navy. But if he had any idea what the hell the Japanese did to people who surrendered, or to people in general, at the time he should’ve/probably would’ve told them to die standing.

[@LoPro]

No aspersions toward the Fat Electrician, but what he didn't mention was that when the Japanese realized they were going to lose the war, the garrison commander at Wake ordered 98 civilian contractor POWs be massacred. One man escaped to memorialize the war crime on a nearby coral rock before he was eventually captured and killed.

[@marley7868]

also he comes across as incompetant for asking for a status report

[@danielbackley9301]

Actually it was the Navy Commander who was in charge of the island not Major Deverux who ordered the surrender

[@marksnyder8659]

@@danielbackley9301 Exactly......

[@DragunovJ]

I like the longer form videos because it slows down your cadence without removing any of the information or sidesplitting humor. This story was told with a special degree of reverence, though. More, please.

[@45CaliberCure]

I'd been avoiding this one, due to the sad nature of the outcome, but you managed to tell it so well, and I was not aware that many made it through the war. Thank you.

[@YMS09D]

for a first attempt at covering a major battle, you did a commendable job! I never knew that much about Wake Island, despite being a fan of WW History and being the daughter of a Navy fanboy, couldnt join when he was a kid due to medical reasons, and I felt I learned a great deal. I never would have thought such a trouncing would ever occur outside of the early ages of firearms. I'm rambling , too long; didnt read, you did a hell of a job!

[@adammayo9302]

I was an 0811 (Marine Artillery) and that initial contact is every artilleryman’s wet dream. That is a close and direct fire mission. Direct fire is being able to see and aim at what you are trying to hit. These Marines lived the dream and fucking won

[@kevincalhoun9653]

I get that this is a huge time investment for you. I'm 64 . I have read about this and seen documentaries over 1/2 century. The way you told their battle in just 26 min., you told it the way I would have wanted my story told if I had been there. Thank you for your effort. Now, more please.

[@ScottWaa]

Thank you Nic for bringing us American history that deserves to be remembered & we can be proud of. 🇺🇸 🦅

[@boydsinclair7606]

"They've got us surrounded... Poor bastards"

[@strategicprepper2648]

in 1989 i had the privilege of stopping over at Wake Island. being there made the battle seem more real. the thing that impressed me the most was how small the island was.

[@larrymcjones]

The documentary on (I think from history channel) wake island I watch every few years never gets old. It’s gold seeing those vets return to the area and talk about the experience

[@jamesroets800]

That was fantastic. I've read many accounts of the Wake Island battles, and your synopsis of it was spot on. This battle was the first of many times that Japan would underestimate the Unites State's resolve. Next would be the battle of Midway, then the Guadalcanal siege, where the U.S. Navy learned how to beat Japan. Thanks for making this video - it was very good.

[@bradblankenship7364]

Loved the video! As someone who has been to Wake Island twice in 2009 and 2010, it is absolutely humbling when you stand on that hallowed ground and think about the battle that took place....and don't even get me started about the diving. Fantastic video and so much more that could have been said but you did those that served there great justice! #SemeperFI

[@larrybyard8888]

I really want to thank you and your way of telling the story.. Major D. had my dad on a cushman m/c carry his orders until he got blown off twice and couldn't get back to him, so he didn't carry the surrender order. this order was given by Commander Cuntingham USN that had top command on Wake..being a POW for 3yrs.11mos. was beyond your worst nightmare. he told me my first story when I was 12, he passed the next year.

[@ZenZudokai]

“If 450 of those marines and civilians can do that, imagine what we’ll be able to do when we’re ready.” And that, ladies and gentlemen in my opinion, was the final spark that lit the flame of this nation. Political lines be damned, divisions broken, and a surge of unity and iron willed resolve. Americans of all strips and colors and stars took up any means and ways they could to provide and ensure they and their boys and girls overseas would ALWAYS be ready.

[@vtubersubs3803]

The quote attributed to Yamamoto about waking a sleeping giant is actually a myth. There's nothing to indicate he said or wrote that. However, it is absolutely plausible that he did say it, because he made it very clear that he believed attacking the US was a terrible idea. Yamamoto studied at Harvard in the 20s and spoke fluent English, so he had a much better understanding of US attitudes and capabilities than his peers in the Japanese navy.

[@peytonmulder8059]

I just finished Dan Carlin’s 6 part 4 hours each podcast on Japan in WW2 and you pretty much nailed it on the head. Personally I don’t think he went into enough detail on the battle of Wake Island which is really saying something for him. Great video, hope you do more like it!

[@Efitz101]

This was awesome. Huge fan, love all of the content you put out, and the longer form stuff is superb. Would love to see more of this for sure! Keep it up, Iowan to Iowan

[@critespranberry8872]

Wake Island is also a test flight area for some planes in war thunder, so occasionally you test out your flying skills by strafing wake island

[@RonWinters-lh7eg]

I am so grateful for those who Serve America as a member of the Military. I was in the Navy. As an American, I am beyond grateful for those of you who are Marines, willing to put your life on the line. Not only for those of us who deeply appreciate you, but you protect those who don't.

[@carollamoste2461]

My father a marine inthe pacific during the war never talked about it but his behavior proved how it damaged him. He often listened to a old 33 which had the song wake island on it,I often listen to it on u-tube trying to understand and wonder what he could have been like if he not gone to war,maybe he would not have been so damaged and hateful and maybe our childhood would not have been so chaotic and violent, it made me more compassionate In my adulthood but the scars are deep I am 74 yes old those memories never fade RIP dad..

[@PiniMoo]

The Battle of Wake Island was one of the contributing factors for the creation of the Seabees.

[@brycef7130]

This guy is literally the only person I enjoy listening to tell story’s straight to the fuckin point love it

[@larrybishop468]

I served with VMA 211 in 1964=1965 at El Toro MCAS Santa Anna CA. We were known at the Wake Island Avengers. Our call sign was Charlie Fox. In 64 a group of Marines from our squadron was sent to Wake Island to redo the Memorial to the Marines that fought there.

[@roanferguson8873]

Man, ive been binging these videos in the background all day while I'm working, and i keep thinking you'd probably enjoy covering the Cactus Air force during the battle of Guadalcanal. Most of the Medals of Honor earned by Marine pilots were won by these guys, and they were so competitive with each other that when one of their top scoring pilots was grounded for being sick, he requested that the next top scoring guy would be grounded too so they could keep things fair. Shit's wild, huge part of one of the most important campaigns of WW2, just a good story of Americans being Americans

[@guymaninu]

Your videos are… too good! I cant think of a compliment that equals how much I enjoy you tell these insane stories of our country’s history. As a US army veteran, this is like some kind of drug containing pride, nostalgia and a sense of patriotism that I would like to OD with, lol! Your personality is the source (I believe/think) of your unique delivery/approach to educating and entertaining your viewers. The hairs on my arms stand up to hear you tell these nearly unbelievable stories. Despite the facts of war, I always have a positive vibe after watching your content- and I only seem to get that here, that makes you #1! Lol! Keep doing you brother!

[@Chard-O]

I flew over Wake on my way back from Iwo Jima in March of this year. I could not believe how small it was. Incredible to have seen it from 34,000 feet.

[@mikecampbell1831]

This may be your best video yet - not a lot of people know about Wake island and what took place there. I think it's also pretty clear that this one meant a little more to you than maybe some of your others. Thanks for your work on all of your videos; always look forward to seeing them.

[@navystalker3083]

I have spent a few weeks on Wake Island and it was like living on Gilligan’s island. Snorkeling was great. The bar opened at 4 but since our aircraft was broke they opened it up early for us. They have some huge satellite dishes on the island but the tv’s only got 3 snowy channels. Lots of fun and a few hangovers.

[@bhight100]

How much you wanna bet a Marine would bayonet the artillery piece?

[@gettosurfer]

This is why you join the Marines. Our history is inspiring. The ghost of those that came before you propel you forward. You never want to let them down. By the way, a very good retelling of this battle.

[@Darth_Boons]

He's right getting the kill on that ship with a 100lb bomb just reminds me of using the red rider bb gun that does ridiculous critical hit damage in fallout new Vegas😂

[@masonthibodeaux4060]

Keep em' coming! Did a great job with it. I love WW2 history, but 49 min long documentaries bore me to tears. This is a nice and tidy explanation, and I love it!

[@dirtbily7222]

Outstanding job! Those dudes really did do something incredible

[@matthewzimmerman92]

lost my shit in the first 20 seconds "use to make sense but it is starting to make dollars" is my new favorite saying

[@juanSalazar-dh5qm]

Every time when there's marines involved. I know this is gonna be a good story to hear.

[@mickemike2148]

You sir have such a good way with words that you should consider writing speeches for Brandon Herrera's campaign!

[@jamesgichuru167]

Marines and government civilians both fought hard on Wake. Proud of both.

[@thothmark]

My Grandfather was a Marine Tank Driver in WWII.

[@solidstehl9546]

Well said! I'm not a marine, but full admiration given to brothers in arms. Past, present, and future. With a wild and throaty "hoorah" I salute you!

[@EsotericRage]

I visited Wake Island in the 90s while on the USS Fredrick. I got some dirt from Wake Island and brought it home.

[@tuzu1758]

“That rug really tied the room together.” ~ The Dude

[@North_Florida_dasher]

Just found you, and as Marine (91-95), I love your content. Will be watching more

[@cjmars822]

This whole story is even more impressive if you’ve ever been to Wake Island. You can literally ride a bicycle from one end of the island to the other in 90 seconds. It’s very cramped quarters

[@av8rk9]

Beyond your story telling ... you are killing it with so many "reaction" videos ... keep going !

[@RodRoz707]

Dude... keep these stories coming. Every topic you cover is gonna be gold. This is the most epic channel I've ever seen yet!!

[@larskjar]

At Narvik the Royal navy sank a German sub with a swordfish dive bomb, which was tiny. Dropping through an open hatch helps though.

[@Jason-zm9qp]

Those 5 inch guns came off of BB-36 USS Texas the last surviving dreadnought. The (I believe were waist guns) guns were removed during a refit and I believe replaced with anti aircraft guns.

[@jmanj3917]

0:01 ..Yeah, well, ...You know what?.. Sh-t. Fair enough... 🤣

[@patclark2186]

So I spent a couple of years on Wake Island. Pretty good memories.

[@jasonmeadors3524]

Henry "Hammerin' Hank" Elrod not only was the badass guy who sank a destroyer with his Wildcat. Once all the fighter planes were destroyed, he turned to beach defense because Marines, after all, are riflemen first and foremost. He was killed by Japanese fire in the fierce engagement during the battle. For his accomplishments and bravery, Captain Elrod was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

[@hoag2531]

That was excellent commentary! Enjoyed it & thank you!

[@yaimcjsdad]

You let the Japanese off easy one this one but I truly thank you sir for a great video. If you ever want to make an update/part 2. If some Second hand account of first-hand knowledge feel free to reach out.

[@bw1889]

Killer review. Love your stuff. One point of clarification… it is argued that Yamamoto never said the “sleeping giant” line. That is was made up by Hollywood producers post-war. It is true, though, that Yamamoto did not want to fight the Americans. He told his superiors that he could give America hell for 6-9 months but no guarantees after 1 year. He knew they would lose.

[@phtevenmolz5030]

There’s nothing quite like Marines deciding that nobody decides when they die except themselves. And they’re gonna have fun before it happens.

[@brownstonecustomcabinetry5309]

450 Marines in 1200 construction workers sounds like an ass whoopen with a universal adapter.

[@TerrenceDenton]

Being a Marine I salute the Marines and the Construction workers that fought incredibly for each other!!!!!!! SEMPER FI

[@No_Fun_Allowed]

When the video started I wondered why they never taught us about this in school but when you mentioned the government abandoning soldiers it made a lot more sense

[@the_fat_electrician]

I'm somewhere between those 2 lol 😆 😂

[@alwayscurious3357]

It's really a no win situation though. Was it worth it to risk CVs (battleships are already out of the question lest they want to follow the fate of Repulse and Prince of Wales) which the navy doesn't have many to spare to relieve an island that is already surrounded by IJN?

[@bransonwalter5588]

​@@alwayscurious3357 I would take the opportunity to send the submarines and hope they got lucky with those horrid torpedos or at least send an air wing. It sounded like Japan was angry. From what I have heard, an angry enemy is a stupid enemy and a stupid enemy makes mistakes.

[@squiddymcsquid6371]

The Japanese were quite formidable when it came to naval warfare during the early stages of world war 2. Sending ships for a relief effort would be near suicide

[@alwayscurious3357]

​@@squiddymcsquid6371And also they tried sending Lexington and Saratoga IIRC to relieve Wake but given they'll be stacked against the Kido Butai is really risky.

[@cjwong]

My Grandfather served in Wake Island as a naval civilian contractor. After Pearl Harbor occurred, he trained with Marines to load Machine guns and went on patrols during the battle. Became a POW of Imperial Japan and he was sent to a prison camp in Shanghai, China. Returned to US. October 1945 and became a U.S. Citizen as result of his service in Wake Island. Ask Grandpa about Wake Island. He said, "I helped," And that was it. If I ever had a bad day, I always remember, my Grandpa's experience put things in perspective. Thanks Grandpa.

[@davidmcgahan5328]

Thank you for helping grandpa he was one awesome man. God bless you and your family.

[@missmeppsie3389]

"I helped." This made me get teary eyed, I can't lie. Thank you to your grandpa so much for his service helping those Marines during wake island.

[@amberhutchison4284]

Thank you for your grandpas service. That generation is so humble and bottled up all their emotions. They are and were so incredibly brave and strong emotionally and physically. Thank you grandpa!

[@kilcar]

I bet he knew my friend Richard McKinney, who was from San Francisco and also a contractor. I'd love to know your thoughts on his experiences.

[@lexidecimal9941]

That's a real man, dad. Thanks for sharing this story. Very moving. 👍

[@AC-no8kc]

Things I’ve learned from TFE: Don’t look at doc funny, if you shoot the officer you’ll find out it isn’t a war crime the first time, grunts and crafts are awesome, and hold your fire until you see the whites of their eyes is still a viable tactic.

[@CAPTTIGHT230]

Dang straight!!

[@Questknight12]

You also forgot, "Throwing hands is always an option. Even when alone, outnumbered, and hung out to dry," then by god, its time to lose your crap like the third monkey on the ramp up to Noah's ark and brother its starting to rain.

[@RomanvonUngernSternbergnrmfvus]

⁠@@Questknight12 my favorite lesson I learned about war is that Calvary will always have a place in the battlefield.

[@Coffee_and_Games_Official]

@@RomanvonUngernSternbergnrmfvus Cavalry, Calvary is a place.

[@panther-nk2hn]

@@Coffee_and_Games_Official I'd say grammah nazi, but that is an important distinction. Fair enough.

[@trikstari7687]

>Be United States Marine. >Instructions are cut off. _Doom Music Starts._

[@apokatastasian2831]

iamthekidyouknowwhatimean run

[@jacoblaursen4812]

marine: what are our restrictions? radio: silence marine: well, would you look at the time. It´s kill ´o´ clock *doom music

[@williamhermann6635]

As long as there's crayons, they're good to go

[@Jamhael1]

Marine: "Oh, no! I can't communicate with HQ!" *cocks rifle* "Well, I have nothing to do, and my weapon is thirsty for blood..." *Berserk Guts & Blood starts*

[@dragonbuster1174]

Fitting. One of the sounds tracks from Doom is called "The only thing they fear is you". I imagine they would have become the night terrors of many a Japanese soldier that day.

[@Grissbane]

Japanese Imperial Navy: We have them surrounded! Marines: They have us surrounded! Those poor bastards!

[@thepsychoticone615]

🤣

[@cavemanjoe79]

Being surrounded makes shooting at the enemy a lot easier.

[@panachevitz]

Chesty Puller: they can't get away from us this time!

[@g3tshotheett]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@michellekrueger5122]

My husband, and I were talking about, a situation,he was involved in where, his small unit , ( One of 3 other small units) 4-6 guys each, ) had a ample supply of munitions, little food and water..and out numbered about , 3-1? Found themselves surrounded, by a target rich environment...it was all good he was able to tell me the story years later..

[@robashley8216]

I just want to give props to those 400 civies that had the balls to go down fighting instead of running off and hiding somewhere. We need more people like them in this world

[@TheWabbitSeason]

Much like the Battle of Thermopylae, you had the 300 Spartans, but you also had the 700 Thespians.

[@huasohvac]

Not all of them fought back. Many hid, not that I blame them.

[@Hesseonavy]

Your on an island in the middle of enemy controlled water. A smaller island at that. Not many places to hide. Plus back then men were still men and many fought back when called upon

[@McCarronMotorWorks]

Many civilians were kept on the island and used as forced labor to build defenses for the japanese. A few hundred civilians were kept on the island, 45 died before the end of 1942, 265 were later sent to POW camps leaving 98 on the island. In 1943 97 were executed and buried in a mass grave, one man escaped but was found weeks later and executed.

[@BonesCapone]

The fight is coming there, and there aren't resources to get home. You can choose to assist in your own defense, or you can rely on the skill of fewer men, then the hospitality of your wardens.

[@dremwolf5419]

Since the number of living WWII veterans is dwindling quickly stories like this will keep their heroism alive. Looking forward to more like this.

[@victorwaddell6530]

The last Pearl Harbor survivor passed away a few days ago at the age of 103 . My grandpa is 91 years old and served in the Korean War .

[@ulfrick11]

This is why I wish vets like my great grandpa would have talked about their experiences.

[@owensvillestud47]

Me too, Vets are the best ❤

[@Dr.Spatula]

​@@jakkll right. Most war stories aren't good. War isn't exactly fun

[@dimsum3329]

​@Dr. Spatula both the good and bad history of war must be preserved. To make sure the men and women that went through hell aren't left behind in memory, but instead firmly placed into history as heros

[@TheBigBadBeowulf]

Japanese Navy: "We have destroyed their artillery we can advance!" also Japanese Navy: "Why do I hear boss music?"

[@IglooGaming1775]

*Godzilla size health bar appears in the sky over Wake Island* Imperial Japanese Fleet: 👁️👄👁️

[@johnathonclayton6964]

Imperial troops get within 4,000 yards Loading... shows up in the corner panel

[@Legatus2kx]

Why did I read that in typical Japanese racist fashion, lmao

[@zentriex]

"lack of instruction means default destruction" is a perfect quote

[@JustSir430]

That needs to be a T-shirt

[@woekeraar]

What is that saying you Americans have about the marine core. Marines are only held back by the NCO's so killing a groups NCO's is about the worst thing one can do and the geneva convention goes out the window?

[@mhunt5145]

A direct quote from the Marine that met Mao Zedong, "He congratulated me on surviving and making it through China, and gave me two woven carpets that I took home," Taylor recalled. (The 20-inch-by-14-inch carpets, with green, brown, pink and black checkered patterns and borders, hang today at the end of a long hall in Taylor's home. They are in a glass case.)

[@gcwyatt]

Thank you. I needed that closure.

[@TheMiked73]

20 years ago I had the pleasure of meeting one of those Marines in person. At 80-plus years of age, he remembered every detail of the fight and POW camp. The Alamo of the Pacifc.

[@slickstb1234]

You lucky soul. It's the first I'm hearing about it, 20 years ago I was 14 and still caring about highschool. On the off chance The Fat Electrician checks in on comments, (yeah, talking to you Nic, one electrician to another) I'd love to see a video on the rocket sled gforce testing that was led by a brilliant scientist and head guinea pig. Not so much military, but good for the human race as a whole. If you could just redo all of Simon whistler's history videos with an American dad twang, I would rewatch them all again. Lol

[@sullentamp9140]

That would be amazing to hear

[@elcaponeholyemperorofnj1169]

Tell us more

[@fukurouyoru5929]

One minor correction: the coastal artillery cannons were taken from the second USS Texas, the one that later did the gangster lean at Normandy and is currently in dry dock being repaired in Houston. They were some of her secondary battery that were removed during a refit in the mid-1920s, when she was rebuilt to focus more on long-range gunnery and given torpedo blisters along her sides.

[@jamesogden7756]

Your clarification is important and thank you for it. I was looking up original armament and got very confused. 👍

[@TheH-Dfamily]

Texas is dry docked in Galveston not Houston

[@brianrufh3684]

Thank you for that. I don't have the time to fact check. Lol ain't it weird how those torpedo blisters helped during wartime, but crippled her in peace time. I got to see her in drydock when she first got there. Pretty sure once she's out, she'd give the rest of this worlds Navy's a serious run.

[@CarelessVagabond]

You know your history, my boy 😎🤙

[@bperk3253]

I have slept on that ship multiple times as a child and witnessed it being taken to Galveston for repairs. I'm not sure if it's ever going back to the San Jacinto monument or not

[@danielmayor5695]

"Apparently the IJN Smellyou and Tasteyou were too busy" I died good shit man

[@everettrhay4855]

A good friend’s father was a civilian contractor on wake. He spent several years in a POW camp after being captured. These Marines and contractors were next level tough.

[@flymologaming2167]

my great uncle was also a civilian contractor on wake. He sadly died there

[@npc2153]

He was a hero. He would have had some amazing stories.

[@PvtMerithew]

Built Ford tough

[@flymologaming2167]

I really wished I had gotten to know him@@npc2153

[@evantaylor8046]

My great grandpa was one of those construction workers, he wound up in a Shanghai pow camp. It’s awesome hearing this cause he never talked much about it so no one really knew why he had been through.

[@jackdundon2261]

MERICA

[@thomasheerjr9268]

Did it take 12 people to carry his casket, cuase the sheer weight of his balls of steel?

[@Just_A_Dude]

My grandfather didn't have anything quite that intense, but he was part of the crew of a merchant marine ship docked at the Port of London on Sept 7, 1940... aka, ground zero for the first raids of The Blitz. Given there were over 1,600 casualties and 100,000 tons of cargo destroyed in a single day, I can only imagine the kind of nightmare he lived through... and, just like your great grandpa, he never said a word about it. I only realized what had happened years after he died while looking over some old records of his.

[@tnezprints2671]

... and the sea bees were born. 🌊🐝💪I salute that man. 🫡

[@trinityoutdoorz]

"...given a lack of instruction, Marines resort to de-struction..." True story. Great job covering this historic battle!

[@lorddeathofmurdermountain76]

They're called Teufelshunde for a reason

[@blindbicycle]

God bless the USMC

[@seancallaway5204]

"What did you do with the rugs, dude?" "They really tie the room together, man!"

[@bobmikecong]

Mau urinated on them, hence the expression "the China man pissed on my rug" made famous by the film The Big Lebowski directed by the Cohn Brothers. BTW China man is not the proper nomenclature

[@seangunn4772]

The Battle of Sunda Strait is a pretty hallowing tale. The USS Houston (a heavy cruiser, already damaged from previous engagements, having one of her main battery turrets knocked out), the HMAS Perth (a light cruiser), and a Dutch destroyer attempted to escape the falling Dutch East Indies through the Sunda Strait. They ran into a Japanese invasion force, consisting of 1 light carrier, 1 seaplane carrier, 5 cruisers, 12 destroyers, 1 minelayer, and 58 troopships. The result was all Allied vessels being sunk, with the Japanese machine-gunning survivors in the water, before taking 675 POWs (of which around half would make it home); the Japanese suffered 4 troopships sunk or grounded, 1 cruiser damaged, 3 destroyers damaged, and the minelayer being sunk by friendly fire. Some reports state that the Houston emptied all of her magazines for all her ammo, from her main guns to her secondaries to her AA to her saluting guns. Numerous reports state her crew carried 8" ammo from the rear magazine of the broken turret and took it to the forward magazines for use. When the city of Houston found out about the disappearance and presumed sinking of the Houston, it held an enlistment initiative, in which 1,000 people enlisted into the Navy on the first day

[@Chino56751]

A striking tale. Of determination, resilience, dedication to achieving the objective, and just outright badassery

[@seangunn4772]

@Agent Washington indeed. During the Memorial Day speech that coincided with the Houston volunteers, FDR said: "Our enemies have given us the chance to prove that there will be another USS Houston, and yet another USS Houston if that becomes necessary, and still another USS Houston as long as American ideals are in jeopardy. Our enemies have given us the chance to prove that an attack on peace-loving but proud Americans is the very gravest of all mistakes." Fun fact: FDR personally knew the crew of the Houston and it was supposedly his favorite ship in the USN

[@user-sf4il5kd5k]

I get more out of your 16 minutes videos than I do from a 2 hour history channel documentary. Lol I love the light comedic aspect you add while still remaining factual. Keep it up! Love your stuff!

[@beefsupreme7414]

Not to mention respectful.

[@Altimion]

My grandfather was a marine on Wake Island and got to spend the rest of the war as a guest of the Imperial Japanese. Thanks for covering this!

[@stonecutter3172]

This will be coming out of left field. Have you ever been to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum? In the WW2 area there is a WildCat Fighter. During it's restoratiton a memorial to the pilots of Wake Island , the Memorial consisted of a Wildcat propeller and engine cowling, was taken down so it could be used to restore the fighter on display. The propeller and engine cover are the same that flew air cover for your Grandfather.

[@jamesroets800]

You should consider the story of Guy Gabaldon - a Marine, raised by a Japanese family in California, who during the Battle of Saipan, literally talked 800 Japanese soldiers to surrender to him. It's a fantastic story - one of many. He was awarded the Navy Cross for that.

[@darrellfarley1869]

The Pied Piper of Saipan!

[@darrellfarley1869]

Prejudice kept it from being the Medal of Honor

[@jamesroets800]

@@darrellfarley1869 Unfortunately I think you're right. His ties to the Japanese community in LA didn't help. In fact, he married a Japanese woman.

[@Spearmint22425]

Wow awesome stuff, nice to hear stories like this were men don’t have to die for the ambitions of leaders, tho they were all probably for it in the moment, I hope they were able to live fulfilling lives after the war.

[@stacysery5612]

That sounds like a cool story.

[@xdanman1175]

I know there’s a lot to cover with Wake Island but I’d like to mention Captain Henry T. Elrod “Hammerin Hank”. His plane was shot down but he survived and after crash landing he lead a group of marines on the ground during an attack. Unfortunately he died during that attack. He’s the first Marine Corps Aviator to receive the Medal of Honor for his actions in the air and on the ground.

[@Dime_time333]

No, people like him or so eager to get a damn like, or to feel smart that they just spout off useless information. Crazy i just wqtched a video about some of the greatest men to grace this earth. Then this pathetic specimen comes rolling along.

[@jimtom4878]

​@@eleventhknight9744irrelevant

[@45CaliberCure]

He added to the information imparted by the video. Chill out.

[@jimtom4878]

@@45CaliberCure he provided cool info, you need to take your chill pill

[@Mma-basement-215]

Rest in peace Hammerin Hank A real American hero and Legend God bless

[@Kumquat_Lord]

If you want another battle, the Battle of Samar would be absolutely brilliant in your style.

[@AnitreaSadi]

A battle of samar would be nuts!!! I mean shit, the overwhelming force the Japanese had, and the destroyers that fought like battleships.

[@danielseelye6005]

Drachinifel's version was great with his dry English humour, but I think it needs some True TFE diction.

[@RailsOfTheSouthProductions]

@@AnitreaSadi and the destroyers view those as “Even odds”

[@maxmoore970]

Those destroyers yelled "Leroy Jenkins" and charged japanese battleships. The US destroyers also embodied I didn't hear no bell, kept fighting after being hit.

[@Kingofdragons117]

The Battle Off* Samar is the Taffey 3 engagement.

[@Redwood65]

My late uncle was one of the marines on Wake. .30 cal machine gunner, Kuku point, on the Wilkes island section of Wake proper. He survived the torture, forced labor, and starvation in the Japanese POW camps. Had his appendix removed with a razor blade and was stitched up with whatever thread they could scrap together.

[@wjphillip]

My wife's late uncle was a Marine on Wake and also had his appendix removed by a buddy. Cpl. Norman Laursen

[@Redwood65]

@@wjphillip I highly recommend reading “Victory in Defeat: The Wake Island Defenders in Captivity” It’s a very detailed account of what these marines went through from the first shots fired to their liberation from captivity.

[@jacktheaviator4938]

The naval infantry that attacked Wake Island is a but more complicated than a Japanese version of our Marine Corps. They were actually Army infantry, but the Navy's Army. The Japanese military made had an incredible level of distrust between the Imperial Army and Navy. They didn't trust each other to the point that the navy had infantry regiments and the army had ships. And everybody had airplanes, which absolutely didn't coordinate.

[@5peciesunkn0wn]

As Drach put it; when some japanese destroyers were defending army landing barges against an american ship attack, some japanese torpedoes missed their targets and struck the army barges. They probably counted those as enemy kills.

[@Professional_Lolicon]

Jesus fuck no wonder they lost

[@jehoiakimelidoronila5450]

Albeit the "most spectacular team kill of the war", as drach puts it. Yikes

[@gunnyclaus8511]

Thanks the stars they were infighting as much as they were! Had they not been trying to outdo each other, they may have been able to win more battles and negotiate an end to the war! Keeping what they’d conquered and changing the whole world dynamic!

[@Dissistheway]

Didn’t know that, thank you for the share of knowledge!

[@jennifersignsoflife1375]

My Grandad served in WWI (yes, one) as a Medic & it's great to see those "tools" being used here. BTW, he survived & passed away when I was 2. I still have the love letters he sent to my Nana during the "Great War". Priceless.

[@darrellfarley1869]

My grandpa was in the U S Army Air Service in WWI (didn’t become the Air Corps until 1926) I have a piece of Trench Art he made, a jewelry box from a section of a damaged aéroplane (as he had written)!

[@jennifersignsoflife1375]

@@darrellfarley1869 That's AWESOME! You're so blessed to have family that kept such treasures. Mine, too. Worth more than all the gold in the world. Thank You SO much for sharing!

[@leftistsarenotpeople]

Same here, one of my Grandads was in the Navy during WW1, (the other a merchant marine in WW2 - probably why I joined the sea going bellhops too). I've got some photos of him on liberty in Paris immediately after the war... doing what sailors do.... and I swear, NONE of us have changed a bit. lol

[@darrellfarley1869]

@@leftistsarenotpeople 😂🤣my grandpa was a Sgt, when the war ended he an 3 buddies were supposed to get leave in Paris before going back to the states. Nooooo, General Pershing decided to send all the Air Service people home first because they weren’t going to be on occupation duty. So none of them were going to make the Army a career so they went AWOL, went to Paris and lived it up for 28 days then surrendered to the first Officer they saw so they wouldn’t be Deserters!!! (It was an officer they had been out drinking and chasing skirts with) so he spoke on their behalf at their Courts Martial! They all got Honorable Discharges just reduced to Privates First Class! Grandma still got his pension check till she died in 1989.

[@leftistsarenotpeople]

@@darrellfarley1869 LMAO.... US servicemen will be US servicemen from now till eternity I reckon. LOL

[@gunnerguy0107]

First thing i see in the title: marines Next thing i think: this isnt gonna end well. For anyone

[@michaelmartin4552]

The civilian workers were employed by the Morrison-Knudsen Construction company out of Boise, Idaho. And 98 civilians were left on the island to work on fortifications for the Japanese. And on 5 October 1943 they were marched to the beach where all 98 were beheaded and their bodies put in a mass grave.

[@reddalert4925]

Damn, that's tragic, I live only 2 hours from Boise, I wonder if I know any of their descendants

[@TangleWireEnjoyer]

I don't care what anyone says. Your story telling is great. And wont put folks to sleep like other short content creators out there. Keep up the great work. Gonna have to send you a tip for this one!

[@dimsum3329]

Other creator just tell a story, he instead does what anyone should do and that is honor the life's that was lost and regard them as heroes

[@TheMcEwens419]

Every time I listen to you, I get a pride I can't describe. . . Other than that I'm blessed to be an American. Thank you for this lesson.

[@dravenocklost4253]

Same

[@Soucka74]

Absolutely same.

[@MIKE_F44]

I got emotional watching this one.

[@adenkyramud5005]

Dude I get that too and I'm not even american 😂

[@General_Grevious7284]

Anytime you hear the Marines you know its gonna be good

[@Ryumen]

Not if you're for the other side, then it's "who did I piss off?" running through their mind for probably a really short time. Lol

[@lordofpain3476]

Anyone that has ever met a Marine knows that a single squad of unsupervised Marines could conquer the planet in a month ( three weeks if there is alcohol involved ).

[@robertburns5990]

2 weeks if the enemy took out doc and the CO lol

[@emilkurtcarson1907]

@@robertburns5990 Yeah, if you take out the officers, all you've done is left the rest w/o supervision and it just got real...ugly, that is, for the world, cause you shot Doc. OORAHH

[@K37-h1z]

So 3 weeks?

[@jimmyhuttner]

Well said. Semper Fi! OooRAH!

[@RAWms]

"If" there's alcohol involved? Have you met Marines?

[@solsticeangel2]

My grandfather was a Navy man on Wake Island. He was granted the Purple Heart and was a POW. He never liked talking about that time. But! He came to my 4th grade class of delinquents and told his story of what happened, and we all listened like angels with wide eyes and ears. We all still talk and praise him till this day. He still had albums of photos and “relics” of Wake Island. I miss him dearly. One of the last times he ever got to tell his story in person and now he can live on, including the book that was written.

[@crazyw8087]

As a Marine, I love these videos. Anytime you do one about Marines, I know I’m going to love it. Semper Fidelis

[@elcaponeholyemperorofnj1169]

HOORAH!!!👍

[@harleyme3163]

its bred in, we arent trained to care.

[@_Clayton.Bigsby_]

Ooh Rah brother

[@mtlbstrd]

Sadly, I’ve never experienced that brotherhood, but my son is currently serving in The Corps on Okinawa. I have great respect, admiration, and appreciation for all who serve honorably in every branch of our military, but have always had a special respect for the Marines (perhaps because my fav uncle was in the Corps in Vietnam), I too love the vids detailing their exploits.

[@ninjabearpress2574]

I had to pause for laughter when you mentioned fixing bayonets to artillery pieces. My brother's a Marine so I one hundred percent, iron-clad guarantee his response would be, "Wait, we can do that?"

[@DrTank-s7y]

😂

[@jealc0]

Grunts and crafts, grunts and crafts. Just give it a moment. Some dumbass artilleryman will figure that shit out.

[@squirrelssuck59]

When Chesty Puller was given a demonstration of the flame thrower at Camp Lejeune he remarked "where's the bayonet attach" . God bless Chesty!

[@m_s578]

My boyfriend and I recently started watching your videos and while watching this one the story of the escaped Wake Island American in China started to sound really familiar… and then you showed the photo of the solider standing next to Mao and confirmed my suspicion that hey! that’s my great grandpa! I love the mention and coincidence of me seeing your video. Before passing away, he wrote a book about his experience called Rescued by Mao by William “Bill” Taylor. I really don’t know what he did with those Chinese rugs so I’ll have to ask my great grandma… If I find out I’ll be sure to comment again but I love the content, keep up the amazing work!

[@F14thunderhawk]

so how are the rugs?

[@obcane3072]

Rug update please!😂

[@stanlogan7504]

I want to know too

[@Th1sUsernameIsNotTaken]

Also wanting an update on the rugs

[@maxmyers9700]

Rigs?

[@jrmfsu]

Have you ever stumbled upon a KZbin channel and immediately said to yourself, "welp, I know how I'll be spending the next however long it takes to watch every single video on this channel"? That's me the last 2 hours.

[@the_fat_electrician]

Welcome lol and yes i have

[@jrmfsu]

@@the_fat_electrician 3 days later and I've watched every video at least once. Now I'm on round two. Absolutely love your content and your respect for our incredible armed forces. Thank you so much for the work you, and thank you for your service!

[@Kaera0585]

Same here