Best of the History Guy: Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts

From the vaults, four classic The History Guy episodes about WWII destroyers and destroyer escorts. (nearly) One hour of The History Guy!
00:00 - USS William D Porter, the Unluckiest Ship in the Navy
11:18 - USS Buckley vs U-66 during the Battle of the Atlantic
22:27 - USS Ward and the First Shots of Pearl Harbor
35:24 - USS England's Twelve Days
Support The History Guy on Patreon: / thehistoryguy
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
You can purchase the bow tie worn in this episode at The Tie Bar:
www.thetiebar.com/?...
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
Support The History Guy on Patreon: / thehistoryguy
Facebook: / thehistoryguyyt
Please send suggestions for future episodes: [e-mail]
The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
Subscribe for more forgotten history: / @thehistoryguychannel .
Awesome The History Guy merchandise is available at:
thehistoryguy-shop.fourthwall...
#history #thehistoryguy #wwii
Contents of this Video:
00:00 - USS William D Porter, the Unluckiest Ship in the Navy
11:41 - USS Buckley vs U-66 during the Battle of the Atlantic
22:45 - USS Ward and the First Shots of Pearl Harbor
35:27 - USS England's Twelve Days

[@claytondennis8034]

That's old school Navy. They shoot a torpedo at the President and the CO isn't immediately removed from command.

[@commanderredhawk7468]

Having served on the oldest active Tin Can on the East Coast (USS HAWKINS DD-873) from '74-'77, and to step across the pier to the newest Tin Can (USS SPRUANCE DD-963) in '78 was an interesting contrast in going from a World War 2 built destroyer to one built with computer technology and new weaponry. Proud to be called a TIN CAN SAILOR.

[@mainiac4pats]

I worked in a shipyard that had many photos and paintings of “Spruance Class” ships hanging on the walls in meeting and board rooms. The Fletchers, Spruance and others fascinated me. I was lucky enough to build Ticonderoga and Burke class destroyers and cruisers. Thank you for your service. As far as I know I was a fourth generation ship builder in that shipyard.

[@commanderredhawk7468]

@@mainiac4pats In Pascagoula or up in Maine? I also served on the PETERSON DD-969. Thanks for the input.

[@mainiac4pats]

@@commanderredhawk7468 in Maine, Bath Iron Works, now owned by GD. So glad you asked. Living there we had the Naval Air Base in Brunswick Maine and the privately owned shipyard in Bath Maine. Grew up with sailors in town and occasionally I’d see marines. P3 Orion sub chasers flying, doing touch and gos. Sailors waiting for their ships to be repaired, retrofitted or built new. I am sad that our armed services are not as prevalent in the public. My great grandfather on my dads side was in WW1 and WW2 and both of my granpops were in 2. I knew all three of them for many years. One of them worked on Vanderbilt’s yacht 🛥 whilst working at the iron works. I am proud to say I pounded wedges for the final launch of a ship on the inclined ways at BIW. What an honor to watch it fly by me and plunge into the river after raising the cradle high enough for the crib work to fall away. Did you know John Wayne christened a launch there once?

[@commanderredhawk7468]

@@mainiac4pats super. People forget it’s those that are in the background using their craftsmanship that make it possible for those at the end of the spearhead to do their jobs! Thanks to your family’s service and yours from my family of three generations of Navy men.

[@allenbrooks9811]

I served on three cans, the Robert H McCard DD-822, Harold E Holt FF-1074, and Davidson, FF-1045. The main sonar training was conducted at the Fleet ASW Training Center Pacific (FLEASWTRACENPAC - The Navy does have a way with acronyms) un a kong gray building known as England Hall. The England, as a result was legendary among several generations of Sonar Techs. I was a student there on four different occasions in the course of my Navy career.

[@ancientheart2532]

My Dad's boat was the Douglas H. Fox DD779, a Sumner class destroyer. He was a radarman.

[@tomaszyeager6654]

As a 30-year Navy veteran, who spent three tours on tin cans, I enjoy your films and have enormous respect for the ships and sailors who - only 200 or 300 strong - charged into Japanese battleship formations, took the brunt of kamikaze attacks, and cruised close to shore within easy range of Japanese or German artillery to give naval gunfire support to troops fighting ashore. Thanks. Or, as we say in the Navy, “BRAVO ZULU.”

[@interwebtubes]

Many thanks for your service,

[@michaelpender3299]

Ditto sir!

[@interwebtubes]

Thanks for your Service , your tops

[@davidbenner2289]

My mother's father was on a destroyer in the North Atlantic during WWI. My father's youngest brother was on a destroyer along the Korean peninsula during the Korean War, where he got CAR because they were shelled by the Chinese Communists. The only other Navy is a son-in-law, a Chaplin's assistant on Paris and Pendleton (he married a Marine).

[@surfeyes]

SWO or what is your rate? I've only been on CVN and LHD tours.

[@jimcronin2043]

The Adm. Blandy referred to in the video was the same as the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance who earlier in the war insisted that the infamous Mark 14 torpedo was functioning properly and delayed the corrective study and testing which it required. He was also the same who. as chief of the atomic detonation tests at Bikini Atoll, celebrated with a cake shaped as a mushroom shaped cloud. He wasn't the brightest light on the Christmas tree.

[@blank557]

I would have loved to see the expression on the faces of the sailors on the USS Buckley when they heard their captain over the loudspeaker announce: "Prepare to repel boarders!"

[@ChiefMac59]

The captain of the USS Guadalcanal, Captain Daniel V. Gallery ordered "Away all boarders" when they capture U-505 on the high seas. The first such boarding action since the War of 1812

[@spikespa5208]

Can only guess at the feelings of Outerbridge having to sink his first command.

[@stevenfairless4931]

We had repel boarder drills on the SSN Tinosa ... I was qualified Thompson Machinegunner. We did some practice while at sea and I was the last to shoot from the sail. We all shot 20 rounds in 3 round bursts. After I completed my live fire the Captain asked for the remaining magazines, unloading them in full auto.. RHIP.

[@ddawsond]

The greatest example of valor was when the destroyers of Taffy Three turned and faced a Japanese battleship division with one of the most powerful warships ever built. Three Destroyers and four Destroyer Escorts against 4 battleships, 6 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers and 11 destroyers. All to save 6 escort carriers and the entire American invasion of the Philippines to push Japan out. Odds' what are those?

[@pitsnipe5559]

As an old “Tin Can Sailor “ I greatly enjoyed this episode. Thanks for bringing us such fascinating bits of forgotten history.

[@richardc7721]

The only thing I didn't like about the book was that when I was only a third of the way through it the binding fell apart. Bought another book and same happened again. Never did finish it, but what I did read was awesome.

[@blank557]

The "Tin Cans" of the navy have always captured my admiration for their deeds of derring do, often against greater numbers and larger opponents in David vs. Goliath encounters on the open seas. HMS Glowworm, USS Buckley, USS Johnston, USS Samuel B. Roberts, USS England, and the USS Laffey, to name a few.

[@dukecraig2402]

25 Oct 1944, "Taffy 3" The USS Johnston (DD-557) and the USS Samuel B Roberts (DE-413) fought the Heavy Cruisers Chokai, Haguro, Kumano, the Cruisers Haruna and Suzuya, and the Battleships Yamato, Nagato and Kongo. With torpedo attacks the USS Samuel B Roberts blew the stern off of the Chokoai and the USS Johnston blew the bow off of the Kumano. The Captain of the USS Samuel B Roberts told his crew at the start of their attack "We are making a torpedo run, the outcome is doubtful but we will do our duty". Both ships were sunk but not before inflicting serious damage to every ship they engaged and more importantly tying up 8 capitol ships of the Japanese Imperial Navy while protecting their task force during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. "The last stand of the tin can sailor's". Makes me proud to be an American.

[@lenorevanalstine1219]

@@dukecraig2402 their sacrifice also prevented the japanese center force from hitting our marines who were on their way to a beach assault in transports and landing craft they saved tens of thousands of lives

[@dukecraig2402]

@@lenorevanalstine1219 Yes they did, two little destroyers wreaked havoc among the Japanese battle group. Banzai that beeoughtches.

[@olliefoxx7165]

@@dukecraig2402 The USS Johnstons attack on the superior numbers and ships of the Japanese navy is the stuff of legends. Such bravery should never be forgotten.

[@dukecraig2402]

@@olliefoxx7165 Those guys weren't just bad, they were bee aa double dd Badd.

[@lrmorrison999]

USS Joseph Strauss DDG16 I was on a Guided Missile Destroyer, USS Joseph Strauss DDG16, in Vietnam 1968-1970. We were at anchor in the mouth of the Mekong River acting as a floating artillery battery for the Army. A spotter plane with a Colonel on board ordered us to shoot at a specified target. The Captain of my ship asked him for a clear description of the target. The Army Colonel said it was about 20 VC men, women, and children digging clams on the river bank about 2 miles away. I was on the bridge of the ship at the Lee Helm station and heard everything on the broadcast radio system. The Captain refused to fire at the target. The Colonel went above him to superior officers and the Captain was ordered by a Navy Admiral to fire on the target. I for one was sweating bullets and thought of leaving my post right then and there. The Captain ordered the crew of the gun mount to load “Wiley Peter” (white phosphorous) and fire a shot in a different direction, making it clear to the gun crew that their asses were on the line if they got within 3 miles of the target. We proceeded to fire 5-6 rounds which never were seen again and the spotter plane had to give up. Genocide is unacceptable to “most” military personnel! The Army Colonel and the Navy Admiral that ordered that genocide can live in Hell. The Captain and crew of my ship slept well that night.

[@stephenland9361]

"The Army Colonel said it was about 20 VC men, women, and children digging clams on the river bank about 2 miles away." Twenty people, including women and children are digging clams. Talk about an "imminent threat". My God!! What if they had been seen actually having a clam bake?? VC my ass!!

[@stevek8829]

Was the Captain busted for disobeying an Admiral's direct order?

[@stephenland9361]

@@stevek8829 "Was the Captain busted for disobeying an Admiral's direct order?" So the Mỹ Lai massacre didn't teach you anything.

[@stevek8829]

@@stephenland9361 the two instances are diametrically opposed. One is a direct order that was disobeyed. The other a war crime that didn't get punished enough, maybe. The troops were pissed and discipline broken, the officers may have lost control. But, there was an investigation and trial and conviction. So what's the connection?

[@stephenland9361]

@@stevek8829 Okay, you didn't learn anything from the Mỹ Lai massacre.

[@briangarrow448]

Right now I am reading a science fiction series about an American destroyer crew that gets transported from 1941 into an alternate universe where dinosaurs still roam the earth and the dominant sentient species are a reptilian predator that eats anything and an intelligent descendant of lemurs who are in a life or death struggle for dominance of the earth. The Destroyermen is the series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves science fiction or WW2.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

Title? Thanks.

[@briangarrow448]

@@stevenwiederholt7000 The Destroyermen by Taylor Anderson I believe the series has 15 different (books), installments.

[@terryhiggins5077]

Destroyermen and it's sequel series Artillerymen are fantastic. Chak, and Silva are my favorites

[@briangarrow448]

@@terryhiggins5077 I didn’t realize there was a sequel series! It is now on my list! Thanks for the heads up!

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

@@briangarrow448 Oh, now I'm going to be Forced to buy some more books! Oh The Pain! 🙂 Thanks.

[@daniellemurphy9755]

"sold for scrap"... Such an undignified end for such magnificent ships/"boats", especially the Enterprise 🥺😔😢

[@Sakai070]

My grandfather was on the picket line at Okinawa as well, USS Ingersoll DD-652. Tin Can Sailors were heroes all!

[@rewalton46]

I spent 5 years (1970-75) aboard the USS Knox (DE/FF 1052). Most of our time at sea was spent following carriers during flight ops off Vietnam. I really enjoyed this collection of episodes about the "tin cans" that served heroically in WWII.

[@hotjob100]

I served aboard 1051. Uss Ocallahan. Your ship sound familiar 80 -84

[@JohnPaul-ii]

If not for the bravery and sacrifice of that generation what a different world it would be. Thank you and RIP.

[@sonarmb]

I spent 10 years on Leander/ River class Escorts in the Royal Australian Navy. Loved serving on DE’s HMAS Swan DE50 and HMAS Torrens DE53.

[@oldmanriver1955]

My brother did the paying off tours in them!! Became the oldest LS Cook in the RAN.

[@RetiredSailor60]

My father served on USS Pritchett during the Korean War. I was on USS Semmes DDG 18 1983-84 and USS Kinkaid DD 965 1987-89.

[@HarryWHill-GA]

As a 3rd generation tin-can sailor, this is history that is near and dear to my heart. Thank you for remembering it.

[@robertweldon7909]

1/22/2024 I am a Navy Aviation (AO) veteran (1965-1969). In an off handed way. sort of, Navy Destroyers helped me choose how I would serve. One day I saw a "News Reel" (?) in 1965 of a Navy Destroyer being refueled by an Aircraft Carrier, in heavy weather. After that, I had no trouble choosing the path of my Navy service. Although they're gone, they should never be forgotten. Thanks to The History Guy, they have become harder to forget. ;-)

[@lancerevell5979]

My second hitch was in the USN (first was USAF), and I spent a bit over three years onboard an ASW Frigate in the early 1980s. The Frigates had originally been classed as Destroyer Escorts, but in June 1975 the Navy revised many ship classifications. These Knox Class DE/FFs were nearly twice the displacement of the WWII Destroyers, and modern Destroyers are now the size of WWII Cruisers.

[@hotjob100]

Uss ocallahan 1051. ASW. Missions 80-84

[@davidcunico1673]

one of those little beasts moored up by us in Pearl with their SQS26 sonar pinging away in port, like to drove me nuts!!! Scrambled my brain!! that was in '65

[@stevek8829]

I'm still trying to figure out "Fast Frigate." As opposed to a slow frigate I suppose? Frigate

[@jacobdill4499]

​@@stevek8829 FF is just Frigate. Like how DD is Destroyer & BB is Battleship.

[@bjames7894]

You tell a wonderful story of real events. My dad was an E3 with Bombing3 on Saratoga in 1940 and an E7 after Yorktown and Hornet at the end of 1942. Those were the days of instant leadership development; they all rose to the challenge.

[@jnstonbely5215]

To : THE HISTORY GUY . Dear Lance , I was very happy just now to have celebrated the full 49 min,54 sec “marathon” History Guy World War II Pacific campaign videos. As always, thanks very very much for bringing History to us “that deserves to be remembered”. Continued successes to you and Crew.

[@MiltonFindley]

Both my father and uncle were tin can sailors, one in the Atlantic and Med, the other in the Pacific. Both survived multiple combats. My third tour in Vietnam was aboard a Gearing class, DD-844, so I too am a proud tin can sailor. I love this series.

[@m1t2a1]

I'm rewatching McHale's Navy after 60 years and I really like torpedo boats.

[@lookronjon]

You made my laugh.

[@dirtcop11]

When I was a kid I had a plastic model of the Buckley. I am impressed by her service record. I also remembered the Ward from the movie "Tora, Tora, Tora.". The line uttered by Neville Brand in that movie was priceless, "You wanted confirmation, there's your confirmation...," As he pointed to the attack on Pearl Harbor just outside his window.

[@chrismc410]

As in the destroyer escort?

[@-jeff-]

TY THG. My father was a Radarman on the USS Stephen Potter DD 538 during the Korean War.

[@webbtrekker534]

I was in the Submarine Service (1964 -1970) but said the Tin Can guys were crazy. They spent more time underwater than we did. Anyway. Seen most of these separately but good to see then all wrapped up together. Thanks.

[@DavidHBurkart]

My Father-In-Law, John Tolich Sr, served aboard the USS Herndon, as a designated speartip Destroyer of the Utah Beach invasion. They were expected to be one of the first ships sunk, which instead not only survived, but served with distinction throughout those all-important morning and early afternoon hours, until their mission changed to body recovery of the floating deceased. It was only at that point they realized they conquered the mission of being more than their calculated position of sacrificial lamb.

[@charlessmart7640]

Thank you for your episodes on the United States Navy. My Dad served on a destroyer escort in World War II and also became a "frogman." Frogmen were the precursors of the USN Seals.

[@Bsim2020]

Great presentation. My grandfather served on a destroyer escort in the Pacific in WW2, so I enjoy content like this.

[@MojoPup]

The story of the Ward was amazing. I first heard about it from my Dad who served in both the Yorktown and the Enterprise. Synchronicity...

[@williamjones3462]

As a tin can sailor (USS Kirk, DE 1087) I thank you for my shipmates and fellow seamen. The stories were much appreciated.

[@glenmartin2437]

Thank you. Our grandchildren, great grandchildren know nothing of US history. Your videos are helping fill the gap in their lack of knowledge.

[@TheCarnivalguy]

My relative was a 1932 graduate of the USNA. He was the first commander of the Fletcher class destroyer USS Porter DD 800 from June 1944 to Dec 1945. I have an article from our Chattanooga paper dated July 5, 1945. The reporter got the Porter and the William D. Porter confused. The headline of the article read: “H. R. Prince Was Commander Of Warship Sunk By Japs”. CDR Prince was later promoted to Captain and retired in 1962.

[@Cha-y412]

My long time neighbor growing up in NJ was Cecile Toft US Naval Academy class of 32. Lt Commander Toft also was the skipper of a Fletcher in WW2.

[@TheCarnivalguy]

@@Cha-y412 Very interesting! I have the 1930 - 1932 USNA yearbooks, The Lucky Bag. I’ll be sure to look for his bio in the 1932 volume. Thanks for sharing.

[@Cha-y412]

@@TheCarnivalguy Mr Toft was a humble, nice and very comical man . In the late 1970s when he retired from his civilian job during warm weather he would get dressed in short pants, white silk socks, and white shoes at 4 Pm on the dot and sit out on his deck overlooking the Barnaget Bay. I mean every day. It was Cocktail hour. Such a classy gentleman.

[@TheCarnivalguy]

@@Cha-y412 Great story! I just looked at his bio in the 1932 USNA yearbook. His photo shows a nice looking young fellow in his early twenties, ready to sail the seven seas.

[@vibratingstring]

Pendleton and his crew on the ENGLAND had some serious skill. Luck only gets you so far. Love that last quip from their fellow vessel, "Damnit how do you do it?!"

[@Mosin-lf7wl]

USN IS3, only a carrier billet or shore billet at the time, but always appreciated the tin cans for their commitment and purpose. One of your best, HG! Long live the USS Saratoga!

[@LangstoniusRex]

I know they were the enemy, but as a submariner i gotta say it takes guts to try and take the surface ship thats pounding the hell outta your boat.

[@earlyriser8998]

loved the format of combining some older shows into a common theme

[@marchills4131]

Damn. That's 50 minutes of some of the finest content I've come across on KZbin. Thank you.

[@geoben1810]

Unbelievable! As a proud U.S. NAVY veteran I salute the Willie D and her crew. They performed their duties under fire and fought in the finest traditions of the U.S. NAVY. I would have been proud to serve aboard her. Four battle stars is certainly something to be proud of. ✌🇺🇸

[@catman351]

Former tin can sailor here. I served on two Knox class frigates (formerly classified as DE's), USS Badger, FF-1071and USS Lang, FF-1060. My experiences aboard these two helped me tremendously in my later professional years as a civil servant. As others had said, "Bravo Zulu " If I had a chance to serve again, I would prefer the "small boys." Best regards.

[@MR2Davjohn]

I always loved to watch the tin cans cut through the sea. I had been on a sub and a destroyer tender, then an ammo ship. We always deployed with a task force in support of a carrier group. My third group had USS America and USS Iowa.

[@TomKeown]

My father served on USS Raymond, a Butler-class Destroyer Escort (DE) after WWII.

[@brandonshaw7619]

My father worked at Ingalls Shipbuilding when they were redoing the Iowa in the early 80s as a ship theater he has a picture of him and two other workers sitting in the bathtub that is on the Iowa for President Roosevelt

[@lanceferraro3781]

Good episode, thanks. I began in Army ROTC for armor, watched the 5 worst tanks episode. (I mentioned your shoes.) Retired from the Navy after 22 years serving on a destroyer, carrier, destroyer tender, and two submarine tenders. Then, 22 years as a middle and high school history teacher. My favorite ship, the destroyer, of course.

[@dottilydecker6322]

My father, Carleton Pollock, age 18, was on the USS Mahan when it was hit by that kamikaze. He said it was horrible, metal flying everywhere, his best friend was killed right next him. He was shaking so bad someone stuck a cigarette in his mouth. Next thing he remembered was being pulled out of the water. The truly frightening thing is that, 4 days prior to this, my dad was on the Cooper when it sank. Other ships were within range of the enemy and couldn’t stop long enough to pick them up so they dropped floats for them instead. They were in the water and targets for sharks for 2 days before a PBY picked them up. It was so full that they never took off, just skimmed along the surface. A few days after that he was transferred to the Drayton and saw even more action. It’s incredible that he even survived.

[@KurtfromLaQuinta]

There at 37:37... the U.S.S Tern was the mine sweeper my grandfather was on right at the end of WW 1. He served as a cook onboard it. He suffered a broken jaw when a freezer door swung open and hit him hard during during heavy seas. They never really repaired it correctly back then. He suffered with that injury until he passed away in 1973. He was a great cook! I have a picture of the Tern he proudly hung in my grandparents house. Interestingly, he also served aboard the U.S.S Medusa a purpose built repair ship as a cook. Both the Tern and the Medusa were in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. My grandfather was out of the Navy by then working for Douglas Aircraft. I still have a menu from the Medusa from a Christmas dinner on board. Thank you History Guy! You do a fantastic job of having history remembered!

[@MainMezzer]

My great grandfather served on both USS Wilkes (DD-411) and USS Riddle (DE-185). Can u talk about the truxton and pollux accident. My great grandfather was on the Wilkes when it happened.

[@lonjohnson5161]

Lance must be a fun guy when sitting around the campfire. He was born to tell stories.

[@hankevans]

Having served on 3 Destroyers and Commanded one, I found your stories most informative and well presented. Bravo Zulu and keep up the great work ! H.J. Evans III CDR. USN (Ret.)

[@ag7898]

The last two Fridays, Drachinafel did videos with graphs showing the US output of ships spanning from just before the war (beginning 1938) to just after the war (end 1947). In particular, was thr video from last week showing the number detroyers, destroyer escorts, and submarines of built and in service per quarter during that time. It was quite interesting. The week prior, he notes that by the middle to end of the war. There were actually more US Navy airplanes flying off the decks of escort carriers than were doing so off fleet carriers. This includes flying off all the Essex Class carriers.

[@timothyboles6457]

Nicely done salute to the destroyer and destroyer escort crews. The only well known incident left out was Taffy 3. Which you have done a separate video on. But the 3 ships in this video were equally well known.

[@paulgrieger8182]

Thanks so much for making this video. My father, Alvin Elmer Grieger served as a Motor Machinist on a Fletcher Class destroyer USS Dortch (DD-670). I remember all of his stories and have his dogtags, medals, his WWI trench lighter, and his good luck charm. I also have a diary he kept (forbidden, but invaluable since the records building burned).

[@kerry_glock]

Amazing combat account for the Buckley! More riveting engagements like that deserve to be told! Thank you so much. My father was a radioman and gunner on an SBD (Dauntless Dive Bomber) and even though he was in training in Pensacola Florida, in June of 1944, he faced the potential of losing his life. The SBDs were in training doing dive bombing exercises. After making their run at the target, the pilot went to rejoin the other SBDs back in formation, but the engine knocked out and they declared an emergency. They began looking for an emergency field and headed towards one they found. Upon coming down on the runway, the plane broke in half between the pilot and dad. Once Emergency Personnel reached them, both had to be cut out of the wreckage. Dad suffered injury to his legs and feet. He was pretty lucky! The pilot suffered greater injuries. After a few days in the hospital, some officers came around and asked if he would fly again? Dad said, “I will if I can be put in a plane with more than one engine”. He was assigned to PBYs, and flew as a radioman and gunner, spending most of his time in “the blister” doing Patrol, Search and Rescue operations on the East Coast of the United States.

[@em1osmurf]

my first assignment was DeHaven DD-727. DeHaven wouldn't be my last greyhound to ride, but god, it was a floating antique, even by 1970 standards--and like the ship, many of the crew were WW2 vets. what incredible people went through the most vicious, desperate war ever, in these things!

[@brogeoti]

My father, MM3c Walter Michael Crawford, Sr., served onboard the USS Oliver Mitchell. Laid down by the Brown Shipbuilding Company of Houston, Texas, on 3 January 1944, Oliver Mitchell (DE-417) was launched on 8 February of that year, sponsored by the mother of her namesake, 2nd Lieutenant Oliver Mitchell, a Marine pilot who posthumously received the Silver Star for his attack on a Japanese destroyer during the Guadalcanal campaign. She received five battle stars for World War II service, one each for her participation in the Luzon attacks, the Formosa attacks, the assault and occupation of Iwo Jima, the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto, and the 3rd Fleet operations against Japan. GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@georgecarlson1460]

This set of episodes brought back memories of my father's service. Ens Arthur E Carlson, SC, USNR spent the bulk of his service on board the Everts Class USS John J Powers (DE-528).

[@dennisammann9104]

I had the privilege to serve aboard two Benner Class DDs, USS Perkins (DD-877) & USS Everett F. Larson (DD-830). In July 1970 I reported aboard Perkins the day before we left for a combat cruise to Vietnam. We were assigned targets up and down South Vietnam and once off of Cambodia (don’t tell anyone 😄). In February 1972, I reported aboard Larson the day before she headed to Vietnam, this time we spent our time off of North Vietnam shooting at targets along their highway 1. Mixing it up with shore batteries was very interesting off of Dong Hoi, North Vietnam. My two DDs had all three 5” .38 caliber gun mounts intact, so the forward spotters loved us! We could give you SIX rounds on target! Larson shot so much, we had to go down to Singapore and get ‘regunned’ because our rifling was wearing out. Both ships were decommissioned in 1972, Perkins to Argentina Navy and Larson to South Korean Navy. Both served with distinction in their new countries. Too much fun being on those two tin cans built at the end of WWII. I slept in a ‘rack’ with a canvas bottom, 4 high under the after mount. I was a yeoman seaman, then yeoman 3rd class petty officer. I went on to serve for 20.5 years active naval service aboard USS Juneau (LPD-10), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and USS Ranger (CV-61). Retired as a Senior Chief Yeoman, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. Yes, I was aboard Kitty Hawk when she rammed the Soviet sub off South Korea in March 1984 (see THG’s excellent video on that incident). 🫡🇺🇸😀 Go Navy, Beat Army!

[@scottfw7169]

Talking about doing shore bombardment off Vietnam brings to mind a couple 1970s US Naval Institute Proceedings magazine articles by Robert F. Sumrall where he writes about the ship camouflage paint used in WW1 and WW2 and at end of WW2 article mentions that some ships standing for shore bombardment runs in Vietnam had been hit by shore batteries which used optical rangefinding since radar rangefinding would have given their positions away in advance of firing, so maybe disruptive camouflage paint should be examined again. Was mostly DDs and cruisers which took the hits from Vietnamese shore batteries. The original magazines I saved after Dad retired were lost long ago but I have photocopies obtained from USNI in 1990s. Had thought those copies were long gone but found then a couple days ago while looking for something else. Let's see, the Vietnam shore bombardment, ships getting hit, and camouflage paint, comment was on page 70 of the February 1973 issue right at end of text before photo pages. Oh, I had forgotten it said "... and the Naval Research Laboratory continues to conduct studies in anticipation of the operational requirements which may become realities in the combat environments of the future."

[@ciAMkia]

CQB was one thing I engaged in more than a few times. I have scars on my arms from deflecting knife blades. My opponents had run out of ammo and had even throes their empty firearms at me. Crazy, right? I do enjoy these films, they're done so well. The History Guy has my sincere thanks.

[@ThePrader]

I will always be proud of the fact that I was lucky enough to have been an officer in the USN. Not because I was any great hero but because of the men, and women , that I served with ,and those that came before me. The legacy of their bravery is awesome.

[@kaptainkaos1202]

In the Navy we don’t call them shifts, they’re known as watches. Just a minor issue considering how awesome your videos are. Thanks!

[@lancerevell5979]

I was on Third Watch, also called the "Third Herd". 😄

[@mainiac4pats]

If you took of from watch, you were “skating”

[@kaptainkaos1202]

I always loved what the Airedale’s called mid check, 3rd watch. I LOVED watching the sunrise from the flight line or the cockpit of one of our aircraft, the P-3 Orion or early in my career the EA-3B, the Whale.

[@mainiac4pats]

@@kaptainkaos1202 loved to hear your story about the EA-3B. As a child, when a herc or a galaxy would cast its shadow over us while playing baseball ⚾️ I would just fall over watching it amazed. The whale 🐳! Had a friend who was stationed at BNAS and he flew A3 during his time in the Gulf. I saw many Blue Angel shows over decades. Watched from my tailgate at Fat Boy Drive In sometimes. See if you can find any pics of the drive in restaurant in Brunswick. Legendary A3 I m honored to speak with you. Thanks

[@kaptainkaos1202]

@@mainiac4pats what is so coincidental is my son is a union ironworker. He is staying near Brunswick adding onto some hospital up there. I had the good luck to fly on both the P-3 and the EA-3B at the beginning of my career in VQ-1 NAS Agana Guam. I had to make a choice and chose to specialize on the P-3. I’m now at the end of my career as a flight test engineer. I just had a flight clearance request for new smoke masks on the P-3. I want my last approval of my career to be a P-3. BTW I’m at NAS Patuxent River Maryland.

[@matthewrobinson4323]

This is one of my favorite episodes of one of my favorite You Tube channels. I didn't know this specific story (about the U.S.S. Ward DD 139), but it was stories similar to this that sparked my desire as a kid to join the U.S. Navy, and to be a destroyer sailor in particular. On a similar note, one of my profs in college, a man who was not only a prof, but a friend and mentor, was one of the Pearl Harbor survivors of the U.S.S. Oklahoma.

[@fatboyrowing]

My father, still alive in 2022, served on DE 766, the USS Slater, as a radioman. She is still afloat as a museum ship in Albany NY. They did an amazing restoration of her after she served in the Helenic navy until the early 1990’s. If you get a chance, honor those greatest generation sailors by visiting her on the Hudson. And please donate a few $$$ so future generations can tour the last DE.

[@MikeDacosta-ge3io]

A.ngie hicks fake nudes

[@dennispitz7488]

My ship (USS Jouett DLG29) was of the same class as the England you referred to in your final piece. I had no idea of the spectacular history of the tin can. Thanks.

[@jamie49868]

I'm a Navy Man (AZ2) who stood my watch for 4yrs. I love and respect any Sailor who sails into harm's way, for they are my brothers. But this...this should be a comedy movie, but nobody would believe it.

[@johnlansing2902]

Thank you for the reminder that tough times create times for heroes , and they were heroes .

[@pappybugington]

My great uncle Clifton Moore was on Ward during Pearl. He survived the war and finished his engineering degree. He would go on to manage LAX airport through the 50s-70s. He passed away peacefully at his home in Lancaster CA in 2003.

[@unclepat2518]

My uncle, Carl K Greene was on board the USS Morrison DD 560 when it was attacked and sunk by at least four kamikazes at the Battle of Okinawa on May 4th 1945. He did not survive.

[@steveb6103]

I have been to the number 3 gun of the Ward a number of times over the years. The first time was on December 7 1971. My teacher was a Navy veteran of WW2.

[@EngTecher]

My Uncle Isi, Uncle Zeke, & my dad Adolfo were veterans of WWII. 2 in the Pacific Theatre, & 1 in Europe. We heard this story about the Aztecas through the family orals, but we knew since the news was announced over the radio news at the times on Mexican radio air waves & passed on through families & friends.

[@chillindave1357]

"Damn it, how do you do it?" I love it!

[@georgedoolittle9015]

The combined US Navy and US Coast Guard *FLEETS* of Destroyers are the most underrated aspect for anyone serious about the study of World War 2 and why the outcome of said War against that particular variant of ahem *"Axis Powers"* ahem was never in doubt. It wasn't just the quality and quantity of these Warships all there certainly was that it was how these Warships were used...always attacking, always out ahead of the Fleet and acting literally as the spear itself despite almost always being just one ship. In effect the D's and DE's *WERE* the Fleet and represented complete domination of Oceans and Seas where they operated and still do today.

[@josephscarpaci3688]

My older brother joined the Navy in 1962, signed up for "ship electronics" assignment to the Shelton DD214, last few months on a tender ship at Subic Bay. Even in the '60s destroyers were a nonstop duty & sent a different person home when he signed out!

[@carlgomm9699]

I really like this channel, I love history and the way you present it, please keep up the good work !!

[@haggis525]

A retired Chief and proud tin can sailor - I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of history "that deserves to be remembered". Not that I'd ever forget, of course, but these stories are the stuff of legend. In the early years of my career there were still many serving veterans of the Battle of the Atlantic.... I have heard countless stories from these men - some were probably even true! 🤣🤣 In any case, the men who served in the RN, the RCN and the USN from 1939 through 1945 were definitely men of iron and hearts of oak - every one! Bravo Zulu to them all! 👏 And BZ too, to the History Guy for putting this excellent show together! Finally - yes, every great story has pirates! Aaaarrrgh! 🤣

[@em1osmurf]

i had one old quartermaster Chief (navy for navigations) that participated in the original White Sands atom bomb testing. he loved to go around during GQ and black out peoples' TLDs (radiation film). he was literally hot. our skipper enlisted after PH, retired as a bird CAPT in 1973. he actually told a DesRon21 Commodore to get on the flag bridge, or he'd beat his a$$ in front of god and everyone. your "old navy". the greatest generation to have lived, and they're nearly all gone. bless them all.

[@haggis525]

@@em1osmurf Captains don't threaten Commodores - depending on the era a flag officer or senior Captain in charge of a flotilla - with a beat down. In fact - Captains (0-6 or NATO equivalent) don't threaten anyone with a beat down. Sorry, mate - I'm calling BS on this part of your sea story. Also - Army/Chair Force/Marine Colonels are "Birds" as 0-6's.... Navy Captains are Captains... no birds, mate even though the insignia of rank (on US Navy collar) is an eagle.

[@brianohehir9792]

Love your historic story telling ‘history guy’ .. a diamond in the otherwise nonsense on KZbin.

[@ditzydoo4378]

It always makes me smile when I hear the retelling of USS England. Truly a remarkable patrol and service.

[@daniellucas1494]

A fitting tribute the the Tin Cans of the U.S. Navy. To this day - the backbones of the fleet! Nicely done sir.

[@armondedge8840]

A wonderful video for us old guys who remember "the greatest generation", if not the war itself. Thank you for doing this one. I recently read a great novel based roughly on the England's activity by P T Deutermann, a retired navy captain, and was glad to learn its actual history.

[@masterskrain2630]

Boiler Tech, DD-890 U.S.S. Meredith, last of the Gearing Class Destroyers, early 1970s

[@pitsnipe5559]

BT on Leary 879 early 1970’s

[@allenbrooks9811]

Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 34. Meredith was the Squadron flagship. I was aboard Robert H. McCard DD-822. I'll say you guys in the holes of those old straight stick plants had it rough, especially compared to the newer 1200 pound plants. It got really hot down there!.

[@bionicman6969]

When men are in a desperate struggle of life and limb we use what is at hand, even if it's a coffee cup against a U-boat.

[@landtuna8061]

There is another story of 'combat' between an American destroyer and a German U-boat where, out of ammunition, the Yanks hurled potatoes at the Germans. True! Note: The potato locker was outside on the weather deck so easily accessible to the sailors looking for 'weapons'.

[@terryhiggins5077]

Awesome content as alway, tho I'm honestly kinda surprised the USS Johnston, or Samuel B Roberts weren't include in the video. For me at least, they are the default winners for the "best of american destroyers and destroyer escorts"

[@mainiac4pats]

I worked on the Roberts after it was damaged. It was a beautiful frigate. We had t-shirts that said, “Frigate isn’t a swear word”. That’s not exactly what they said, but I am sure it’s close enough to get the humor.

[@JoshuaTootell]

I'm guessing they were not included because they were battleships, not destroyers 😉

[@pearidgefarmer]

My Uncle Bill was radar officer on uss Gambier Bay cve 73 sunk by Japanese battle ship Yamato. I also served on ww2 carrier, USS Boxer. 60-65

[@braddblk]

@@JoshuaTootell The USS Johnston (DD-557) was a Fletcher-class destroyer and USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort. All battleships were named after states,

[@Celebmacil]

@@braddblk "The USS Samuel B Roberts became known as The Destroyer Escort That Fought Like a Battleship for her time in World War 2." It was a humorous reference to the history of Taffy 3's action in the Battle off Samar, not a misidentification: note the winking face. Anyway, the fact that they knew the reference would probably indicate they're also reasonably well versed in the naming conventions, and likely the histories, of US warships.

[@TonyTony-bh2ei]

Thank you, fore your time you put in

[@terryherrera5252]

GREAT JOB !! My Father served in the Navy⚓️L❤️VED it !! He WUZ on the “MOST IMPORTANT” ship in a flotilla !! A Supply Ship !!!!! He WUZ a Chief Cook !! He talked his whole life about it !! BUT he is of Mexican decent ! Second Generation,TeXaN !! Still felt the l👀J’S of the Crew ! He had a lot of Friends cause he also served cause of a shortage all the time in the kitchen !! R. I. P. ❤️🙏🏼

[@thomassmith4022]

I was on the USS Somers, a converted 947 Destroyer, to a DDG. Great duty. I loved the extended video as I am an intense Naval History freak, and especially Destroyers of all sizes and shapes. Our ship was a part of a distinguished line from (USS) Somers, DD381, DD947 and DDG34. Thanks for the history class on Destroyers.

[@Cheeseatingjunglista]

Love the extended format, dare I say even better than the podcasts???? Brilliant stuff, my stalwart go to channel for the last 4+ years - imprecise I know, but have no idea when I first subbed, its just you seem have ALWAYS been around!!

[@scottfoster2639]

Another great channel to quench the unquenchable thirst for history.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

The is a memorial to The USS Ward at the State Capital in St Paul.

[@ronshauling2000]

The crew of the England really was incredible

[@Cha-y412]

My Dad and his identical twin Brother served onboard the DD 536 USS Owen 1951 - 1954. While onboard My Dad and Uncle did a combat tour in Korea , was hit by enemy shore batteries, escorted Marines on and off the beach, did blockade duty, and cicumnavigated the World. My Dad and his Brother both passed away young in their 30s from an illness not related to their service and I dont think either one of them knew how special the record of the USS Owen and her crew were on that World Cruise. Norfolk Va Panama Canal Long Beach Ca Pearl Harbor Hawaii Korea - combat missions Seisbo Japan Manila Philippines Columbo Suez Canal Sicily Italy Rota Spain Norfolk VA I cant imagine going around the World on a 2100 ton ship. What a ride!

[@BriBeast8566]

My Grandfather was a Fireman onboard a Fletcher Class destroyer, the USS Dashiell DD 659 during WWII and had stories about Leyte, Phillipines and Typhoons... i so miss that man, my hero.

[@dancolley4208]

Great sea stories (and I mean that in the most respectful terms). Bravery was unquestioned. Loyalty and camaraderie was the standard. Keep 'em coming !!! Anchors aweigh !!!

[@MrWhiskers65]

Over a million subscribers now! Wow! I remember when this channel came about… Great to see that good hard working people get their just rewards! 🎉

[@weibherrman]

These videos are the superior form of a playlist

[@jasonmpd2946]

Superb, as always.

[@richardmccaughey5928]

My father served on the U.S.S. Aaron Ward DM-34 which saw service (her only as she was commissioned in 1944) on picket duty off Okinawa in Spring of 1945. Its story is one of legend as she sustained six direct Kamikaze hits yet did not sink. Her story was well documented in the book "Brave Ship. Brave Men".

[@edl617]

One uncle had served in the national guard until the end of 1939. When his old guard unit was federalized in 1940. With his wife’s permission he join the navy in 1940. Served on destroyers in the Atlantic and pacific until 1946.

[@jimhousley3870]

I served aboard APA's drove LCM's and LCVP's. Produced programing for the Movie Channel and other Viacom networks, now drive a Harley. Your work is the best.

[@alanmoffat4454]

HEART WARMING STORYS WE DONT WZNT TOO SERVE WE ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS THEN AND NOW THANKS FOR THE HISTORY AGAIN 😀.

[@christineshotton824]

It's interesting that you mention the shortage of trained crews. My grandfather served on cruisers in WWII. His first ship took part in the gunfire support for the Anzio landings. His ship fired so many rounds in shore bombardment that after the beachhead was secured, his cruiser had to go back to the US to have repairs done on the guns. Rather than wait for this work to be completed and return the crew to their ship, the navy gave everyone two weeks liberty, then put them all on trains to the west coast to crew a brand new cruiser in the Pacific. The Navy figured that they'd have a new round of recruits trained up by the time the first cruiser was ready to go back to sea.

[@davethompson2953]

As far as military history, you are the gold standard