Bloody Betio-Tarawa Days 2-3 and Alexander Bonnyman’s Medal of Honor footage reveal-Episode 228

This week Bill and Seth wrap up the bloody battle for Betio as they go through days 2 and 3 of the historic fight for Tarawa. Then the team goes into the significance of the Battle of Tarawa and what it's implications held for the remainder of the war and even today.
In addition, Seth reveals Norm Hatch’s footage of Alexander Bonnyman’s Medal of Honor action and dissects the film frame by frame.
If you enjoyed this episode, then check these other episodes out in our Tarawa series:
• Utmost Savagery-Tarawa...
• Operation GALVANIC-Pre...
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[@Gool349]

I have been fascinated by this particular battle for years now and this is by far the best piece of content on the history of bloody Tarawa I have ever had the pleasure of watching! Thank you so much for sharing this well summed up, thourough yet down to the point series of videos for us, your subscribers and also all hungry history students to come!

[@Xerethane]

Thank you so much for telling the story of Tarawa. My great-uncle Lane Abbott died on Betio on day 2. We think he was one of those who made it across the airfield (so probably from Red 2 based on this video, I'd have to look it up and confirm with the family). He'd already been in the Solomon Island campaign and had survived the initial landing on day 1. The story I've been told is that on the night of day 1 he had a dream he wasn't going to make it off the island and so he gave his ration to someone in his squad and told them to tell his family about his dream and that he was prepared to meet his end. Some time after making it across the airfield he was killed by one of the Japanese machine gun positions. His body remains unaccounted for though my Grandmother, (his last remaining living sibling) did give her DNA in the last 10 years or so to help get him identified. Most of the family thinks he's still on Betio though there's a chance he's in the cemetery in Hawaii for unidentified soldiers. Perhaps one day his father will get his wish "bring my boy home." For myself, I'd like to visit the island some day and walk some of that route he took.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

That's a tragic story about your great-uncle but what a hero. I too hope that one day you guys get the closure and can bring him home properly. My gratitude to your great-uncle's sacrifice for the freedom that we enjoy today here in America.

[@ColinFreeman-kh9us]

Amazing thanks for sharing mate. It’s powerful to hear that gut feeling/ premonition and the end result, another brave soul with god now.

[@MikeGraceJediDad]

Just have to tell you this. Yes, he made it across the airfield. My step grandfather, Felix Serwatowski, who passed away in 2001, served with him and knew Lane. He was one of his best friends, and told me about having to collect his things after he passed. It haunted him the rest of his life. Lane was a brave, and even kind man and is remembered in our family. We light candles every year for 7 men who passed on Betio that Felix knew at his request.

[@ColinFreeman-kh9us]

@@MikeGraceJediDad thanks Mike

[@jammininthepast]

Thank you Seth and Captain Toti. You're appreciated. PS: the Captain's introduction never gets old and is a source of pride for all Americans.

[@bughunter1766]

I agree. Capt. Tori's introduction should stay for any new viewers, as well as for those of us who've watched every episode twice, yet never fast forward past it. :D

[@georgehughes8698]

Capt. Toti has had an honorable career, and it should be recognized every episode. As a former sailor I have the utmost respect for his service!

[@flparkermdpc]

I couldn't hold back tears in the viewing of Norm Hatch's footage. I was rooting for Bonnyman to beat the historical facts. Damn. .. Seth, as you described the American Home Front, I cannot help but think that this cost of conflict isn't done with the American public. The Russians have been getting sharpened in real combat for 2 years as while we are still sitting behind our previously protective oceans. That reality is no longer true.

[@robertmoffitt1336]

Seconded on hearing the introduction 🍻

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​​@georgehughes8698 And your service as well!🇺🇲⚓️💯👍

[@richardmalcolm1457]

"There was never a doubt in the minds of those ashore what the final outcome of the battle for Tarawa would be. There was for some seventy-six hours, however, considerable haggling with the enemy over the exact price we would have to pay." - Colonel David Shoup

[@F4FWildcat]

Thank you for covering Tarawa so well! I was surprised to learn several years ago. About a young naval officer that rescued some seventy Marines from the waters off Tarawa. He did this under enemy fire. He returned several times looking for surviving Marines. This young naval officer’s name was Edward Heimberger. He was awarded the bronze star with a V for valor. Later, Mr Heimberger dropped his last name and went by the stage name: Eddy Albert. Yes, that Eddy Albert of “Green Acres” fame.

[@jonhenson5450]

You may also like to know a wounded Lee Marvin was pulled back to safety on Iwo Jima by his buddy "Bob" who became Captain Kangaroo!!!

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@jonhenson5450wow! I did not know that. Thank you.

[@paulstuhrenberg9165]

Lee Marvin nor Kangaroo were on Iwo Jima

[@jonhenson5450]

@@paulstuhrenberg9165 was it another island? Another unit?

[@jonhenson5450]

@@paulstuhrenberg9165 thanks, I just checked it out. Marvin at Saipan, Kangaroo too young, no action. I made the mistake of believing Carson, and PBS.

[@richardbennett1856]

Captain Todi and Seth give another comprehensive account of another bloddy classroom. Bill knows a Lot about personal sacrifices, firsthand. Heroes get their due on this channel. Thanks gentlemen, and fantastic guests for 2 GREAT seasons

[@davidkiefer6553]

Greatly appreciate the discussion of LT Bonneyman. His remains were repatriated to East TN (hometown) with great media fanfare several years ago, but there was no mention of the archival footage. Thanks again for great content.

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

This series is such an important record of the Pacific Theatre. I wish this was around when my grandfather was alive. It has let me understand him, and his demons, just that much better. Thank you, gentlemen.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

This is high praise. Thank YOU.

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar the praise is all yours.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

I couldn't have said it better. This channel is so important on so many levels but for me it helps me to reconnect with my father who served in the US Navy South/Central Pacific aboard a converted seaplane tender called the USS Norton Sound.🇺🇲⚓️💯👍

[@marciar7407]

You may want to consider eventually doing an episode on the teams that have been looking for the remains of the lost from 80 years ago. I bring this up because I had a Tucson neighbor, an anthropologist, who would lead teams to former WWII and Viet Nam war battle sites in search of remains. What they could find would be sent to the ID lab at Pearl. He eventually worked at the Pearl ID lab for many years. Now retired, he helped bring closure to many families.

[@kylecarmichael5890]

Capt. Toti, on this 9-11 anniversary, I was a paramedic in Denver, sir I stand and salute you for your service at the Pentagon on this day.

[@rollotomassi6374]

My dad was a first day lander 2nd Marines Red 2…..seriously wounded on the third day…..very dangerous battle for the USMC….misjudging the tide was critical…..God bless and protect the US Navy and the USMC…..Semper Fi.

[@carrabellefl]

Being a C-130 pilot, I never had the experience of walking a recent battleground. However, I have had the displeasure of transporting battle casualties. In Viet Nam we would load the pallets of green body bags in pallet positions 5 and 4 which are adjacent to the paratroop doors. Prior to loading, the pallets would sit out in the hot tropical sun and the bags would leak onto the pallets. I would characterize the smell as a sharp acrid odor with a slight sweetness. We would fly with the paratroop doors, cockpit windows and cockpit overhead hatch open to get airflow front to aft thru the cargo compartment. Even after offloading the smell would linger in the aircraft for a period of time. I have great sympathy for any who have to live with such for days, weeks or months.

[@PalleRasmussen]

It lingers all over East Ukraine these hot summer days.

[@jamesthompson8133]

Tarawa was another reason for the A-bomb. 2miles x 800 yards. Imagine Tokyo compared to this. Excellent job guys! Thank y’all so much!!

[@JimM-o2v]

I looked at Betio today using Google Maps, wow, there is not an inch of vacant space. Buildings every where, and a Marine Training facility. The one thing that remains from the battle is the Japanese Command Bunker, which is labeled and situated just where you reported. Well done Seth and Bill!

[@raykaufman7156]

This is one of the single best WWII history broadcasts I have ever seen. Well done, gentlemen.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thank you

[@trenttoski125]

This needs more attention. Great video

[@morganhale3434]

If you guys aren't getting a literal ton of negative reviews that is probably a record for KZbin. I love the channel and find it informative, entertaining, and a great myth buster.

[@davidlafranchise4782]

I'm not exactly sure what that means???

[@morganhale3434]

What I meant is that there are a lot of trolls on the internet and people get angry and upset over everything.@@davidlafranchise4782

[@giantgeoff]

KZbin stopped showing the actual number of negative reviews a while ago

[@ColinFreeman-kh9us]

Big ups to those camera guys getting the footage, another outstanding show boys. You guys truly do such a great service to these men, their families and to anyone who lives in freedom to this day. From Australia

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Marines would often trade suvaneers with sailors. After this battle when asked a Marine said the only thing he brought off Benito was his " behind".....except he didn't say behind. Outstanding content gentlemen.

[@klsc8510]

I imagine it was a multi-word explative!

[@curmudgeon1967]

Another great job. Bill summed it up perfectly, the lessons would have been learned elsewhere, if not here. The Marines' sacrifice on Tarawa saved tens of thousands of lives going forward. Surreal footage taking out the fortifications and the narration by Seth was excellent. Thanks guys.

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

You and some other first class channels have made clear how small our pre war professional men and arms were and what an amazing learning and growing curve we were able to do. 20/20 hindsight is cheap and easy. Certainly one can learn from that but understand the context in which these incredible events take place before condemning some action or decision. The more I learn from you and a few select others the more I am awed by our WW2 undertakings. Thanks always

[@Papacarnivore15]

I’m so glad I found your channel Seth and Bill. As a WW2 history enthusiast, particularly for the Pacific Theatre, I find your professionalism, detail, accuracy and process to be nothing short of fantastic. I’ve been watching since the beginning of Season 1 and eagerly anticipate each and every new episode. I hope there will be many many more seasons to come as I don’t want your incredibly entertaining and informative show to ever end!! 😊

[@richardbennett1856]

Glad I'm not alone. Fill up another bookshelf...

[@richardbennett1856]

Thanks! I'll pay to watch all 2 seasons twice. I Got to pay for Seth's kids going to Hawaii. Semper Fi from an Air Force Guy.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thanks

[@joeavery6344]

You gentleman are amazing. The guest you bring on, are unbelievable. Thank you.

[@grahamtravers4522]

An epic trilogy, gentlemen, and one of your finest yet. My congratulations to you.

[@craigjones3846]

Thanks for what you do! It’s still strange how most of the American public could care less regarding why they have such grand lives since WW2.

[@c7042-u5g]

Liked your presentation of this tragic event. Look forward to learning more about what that generation had to endure so I could have the life I've enjoyed so far. My father was in New Guinea WW2, my step father was a Japanese POW, and my cousin was in Vietnam. I am a 74 year old veteran also.

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Great ending to the season. Appreciate the graphics and video. You are both very appreciated by myself and the additional snippets with Captain Toti have been exceptional. Nimitz and Spruance were great, don't let the audio bumm you out as it came out ok! Keep us a part of your digging thru the archives!

[@StylinandProfilinBBsandBBQ]

Gentlemen! Outstanding job on season 2!! You guys and your products are ‘can’t miss’ episodes. I seriously look forward to Tuesdays more than Friday now. Ha! Thank you for your hard work. BZ!

[@morganhale3434]

The map of Betio is amazing. That island was literally just an airfield with enough space to house the support troops.

[@Skeletors_Closet]

Give it a look on google maps. There’s barely any room left to build houses. I wonder how much brass and steel and copper and lead is on the bottom of the sea

[@richardbennett1856]

Is it possible that Nimitz and King didn't want the airfield blown to bits? Could that be the reason why the 3 day bombardment was slashed to a few hours?

[@patrickaherne3598]

Fantastic series. This channel has become one of my must watch standards.

[@JamesBrooke-co7od]

I believe that I have watched all of your podcasts on the Pacific War. Each podcast revealed tidbits of lnfirmation that I had not been aware of, especially the profiles of the leadership. Those discussions added clarity behind some of the decisions they made. I had not made the connection between the Macon Island raid and its effect on later battles. I find myself listening to your podcasts two or three times to glean the information you are making available to us. Thank you for taking time to produce these poscasts

[@danpage6044]

I Thank You both for doing such a fantastic job of bring these tough, tough lessons back into our lives to remind us of the sacrifices that these young men went through. Brave, brave men.

[@dabda8510]

I've read about this more than normal people but I can still listen to this again and again.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

In Memory of James R. Tucker, b. March 1935, passed away Sept.1, 2023, a 22 year retiree from the U.S. Air Force, veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. "We've lost another old school NCO Veteran who actually took the current society changes fairly well", obviously he will be missed as long as we remember.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thank you very much

[@andrewdawson9753]

This has been one of the only "must see" subscriptions I have on You Tube. I have re watched the series, and in some cases re-watched some episodes several times. Seth, Captain Toti, thanks so much for putting this content out. Shooting episodes every week can be taxing, and I for one really appreciate your efforts. I am one of the numerous history lovers on this channel, who are learning more and more about the war in the Pacific. Can't wait for season three!

[@hongshi8251]

I could listen that introduction to the fine captain, 1000 times and never get sick of it.

[@michaelwolf564]

Gents, Well done. Hatch's filming and the Time articles re-awakened the US public as did Damien Parer's "Kokoda Frontline" in 1942 woke up Australians to what was happening in New Guinea and how Australia was under threat. Parer won an Academy Award in 1943 for his film. Parer later transferred to film US forces and was killed taking movies OUT in front of advancing US troops around the time of Tarawa.

[@robertburckert8567]

Thank you gentlemen for the telling of this history. I am going to embarrass you by saying you remind me of another great teller of history. Ken Burns

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

We are by no means documentarians

[@janewray-mccann2133]

I am an Aussie boomer and I assure you good men that I know more about the Pacific campaign's than most Americans, believe me when I say to you both that you have done your nations warrior's proud with these exemplary accounts. May they never be forgotten. Regard's Rory, Tasmania.

[@richardbennett1856]

This show is exposure to the ANZAC heros that official US history only gave vague credit. Ya'll were fearless and heroic, (And scary to the enemy), on 3 continents, PLUS the Pacific, and the sacrifice is still greatly appreciated, mate!

[@klsc8510]

I got to meet some of your Aussie Soldiers when I was in Iraq 2003. You can still be just as proud of them. I thank them for the use of their pool and a paddle boat on day when I was so extremely frustrated with things. Sailing that old paddle boat was just the ticket for this MI Army National Guardsman! My Company traces its history back to the Pacific as the 32nd Division. You will I trust hear more about them in the Philippines. Bill and Seth have already talked about them in New Guinea.

[@davidaldorfer2224]

What comes through so clearly to me in all the episodes I've watched so far is the deep passion you both share to ensure that generations now alive and to come understand, respect and remember what had to happen and what it cost to bear through to ultimate victory over a foe to whom death in the emperor's service was a high honor and surrender was rank cowardice and disgrace. I fearlessly predict that viewership will grow exponentially in Season 3.

[@johncarr7452]

Irish viewer. Big fan. I realize that you can only include so much in each episode and Medal of Honor winners obviously take pride of place in the bravery awards but can I suggest that you occasionally include people who were otherwise famous and who saw action. Older viewers like myself might remember the actor Eddie Albert who won a Bronze Star rescuing marines at Tarawa was left partially deaf for life. Keep up the good work.

[@StuartGivot]

I would recommend “Stars in Blue: Movie Actors In America’s Sea Services” authors Wise and Rehill, Naval Institute Press, 2007

[@barnentertain]

I've said it before and I shall say it again... a Masterclass. So informative, I'll be watching again and probably again. Thank you gentlemen. Excellent season. Can't wait for season 3.

[@williamault2490]

Congratulations on the ending of season two. I’m looking forward to watching season three’s episodes!! Love your work. Thank you for bringing this history home to us all. Thank you gentlemen.

[@qwertyca]

Brilliant work gentlemen, absolutely brilliant. Please keep it coming!

[@michailbest1122]

Captain Toti, I very much appreciate your humility, but I enjoy hearing Mr. Paridons full intro for you. Also, you never know which random video will be someone’s first video. Thanks for putting out these videos gentlemen!

[@jeffholloway3882]

Excellent show gentlemen, I listened to audio, will watch video after work, you guys are great putting all this together, well done.

[@WoodlandsArchive]

Ive commented before, but I will say it again. Thank you, so much! As a swedish former army officer, age 56, Ive read up on the second world war many times. Due to my location, it was in the past mostly europe. Only in my more mature years did I start learning about the pacific part, then Korea and Vietnam. Your series has given me so much knowledge! Ive bought all the books you recommended, a treasuretrove! From a very grateful swede :)

[@truck1701]

Guys, I gotta say, terrific work on your season wrap up. I've never really gotten many details from the actual battles from either of my great uncles that were in the Marines during the war, i had read about them, but you guys really brought it to life for me. Keep up the good work for us, please! Captain Toti, your introductory credits are never unnecessary, you've earned them, as a friend of mine used to say, "You got it, flaunt it"! And from one Buckeye to another, O-H!

[@flparkermdpc]

I can only jump onto the complimentary commentary as a technical member of the Greatest Generation. I never have figured out how someone born during the war could be included in the ranks of the ones who fought, but I'll take it as duty to cheer.!!

[@miamijules2149]

God damn gentlemen…. truly heart wrenching yet inspiring few episodes. Knocked it out of the park.

[@gagamba9198]

This Tarawa series was excellent. I thought New Guinea was exceptional, and this equalled it. You are going great work. Thank you.

[@jerrywertelecky9543]

Once Again, great job guys!! Seth. the video was awesome. Commodore, the maps were incredibly instrumental to the tactical understanding of the battle, placing the key names and their positions in the fight. Thanks

[@christopherslaughter2263]

I love this channel the education here is first rate.

[@keithstudly6071]

I was a constant reader of "This Day In History" and during the 50th anniversary of WW2 it impressed me that the strategic victories had been won before most of the biggest, and bloodiest tactical battles had been fought. 'Was it worth it?' is always a valid question after a battle. I think that in retrospect isolation and and bypass was an option which would have selected more often by cooler minds. Killing your enemy is rewarding for those who lust for vengeance and revenge but it is the expensive way to fight a war. That said I have great respect for the Marines at Betio and feel that they helped end the war sooner with their blood. Hindsight is 20/20 but it is also a great teacher.

[@JP-sw5ho]

You guys are the only history podcast with cliffhangers

[@richardmardis2492]

Seen that footage before many so times- never knew I was looking at a MOH recipient! Of course- any of the men that was here, was so brave, or had to make themselves brave, are to be admired.

[@jamesthompson8133]

Thank you for putting us right in the middle of the battle! That was incredible! I could hardly sleep last night just waiting for this one. Y’all are wonderful story tellers. Thank y’all so much!!

[@jamesthompson8133]

You guys sure do make it hard to sleep on Monday nights! It’s like Christmas Eve every Monday! Thanks again!

[@flparkermdpc]

I have had a couple sleepless nights on Tuesdays, AFTER the episodes.

[@thelonelybolter8245]

I think the maps on the fly work wonderfully! Glad you can save on editting ;)

[@davekelsey8762]

0500 ! Outstanding episode gentlemen. "Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of your share." - Capt. J.E. "Ned" Dolan"

[@Skeletors_Closet]

They’ll pay their fair share. The USMC is only 1 of 5.

[@PalleRasmussen]

​@@Skeletors_ClosetMarines tend to pay a high share. In 2023, it is the Ukrainians that are paying our share.

[@jeffreymartin8448]

@@PalleRasmussen That's a different channel. This one is pure and devoted to the Pacific war.

[@danielwallace8434]

​​@@Skeletors_ClosetThere is always one brown butt hole..... So who did most of the ashore dieing? That's the point of this Operation Galvanic series.. get off your 'oh we ALL participated soapbox'.. Bickhead....

[@cenccenc946]

Let's hope those histories don't merge in to season 10 or whatever; but, with China's new map, I am not leaving it off my bingo card that some unfinished WWll pacific theater buisness gets resolved.

[@oscartango2348]

Terrific episode. The footage was incredible. It's fascinating how Norm Hatch, and the other Marine cameramen got such steady footage with hand held 35mm cameras, even if they were just moving but these guys were in the middle of fire fights. Until you showed the still picture showing where Hatch was, I had no idea he was that close. Guess you have to be either crazy or brave, but best to be a little of both.

[@sneakerset]

Apparently, Norm Hatch went ashore with 16mm and 35mm Bell and Howell cameras. The color footage at Tarawa was shot on 16mm, while the B/W footage was shot on the 35mm Bell & Howell Eyemo camera. The 16mm B&H Autoload camera was found to be more durable for combat use by USMC cameramen. source(s): USNI / Hatch interview War and Warfare: Norm Hatch,USMC

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@sneakersetthanks for the info! I was thinking a 35 mm camera would be pretty dang heavy to be humping around in the middle of combat!

[@jimporter6084]

Thanks Seth and Bill for such an in depth discussion on Betio/Tarawa. I have spent time there, even standing on the Vickers 8in emplacement that still exists and visiting the blockhouse remains. What hits you when you walk around the island is just how small it is, barely bigger than the airport. My father's college roommate died there setting up the first Naval radio watch station. Dad was then assigned to Flintlock at Eniwetok. I hope you can cover that mission next season. Keep up the great work!

[@robertzimmerman6772]

As usual, well done. You tell a story that is at once, both sad and uplifting with its due amount of reverence and respect. And I for one have great respect for the grace with which you tell these stories. Oh and, Midway facts that Parshall doesn't know?? Oh boy, can't wait. Thanks again.

[@paultaylor8552]

I don't always commit on videos, but I really have enjoyed watching your videos. Tarawa has always been a battle that I've studied and I'm still learning new things...Outstanding content.

[@bobbyearl60]

You have become my favorite WW2 podcast. I don't know if everyone gets affected the same as I do, but almost every episode I find at times a lump in my throat and my eyes welling up. It is far more real to me now than in my younger years.

[@denniswiemer72]

The other MOH action that was referenced was Chapman. Though another war and different time, it is a compelling story.

[@RichardMelanson-xi3kq]

Seth & Bill, I remember watching Ken Burns, "The War",this southern woman mentioned Tarawa& horrors. Now I truly understand the significance of this battle. Bill, you're around my age, so you know that if it wasn't for the woman folk at home working in the factories or serving as wacs or mtc's, the men fighting the battles could not happen. These women didn't the recognition that they deserve. Thanks as always, Rickm.

[@dougm5341]

You guys never fail to deliver. Thanks once again for your efforts at delivering such quality material. I’m off to Hawaii in two days. Will be in Pearl Harbor, Friday morning….

[@DanielSmith-ld9rq]

I feel like I know a lot about the Pacific War as I've been reading great historians on it for years and this podcast is simply magnificent, I'm always impressed by the level of detail and even when I think I know a lot on the topic I learn a few new things every time! Thanks for another season and can't wait for the next!

[@cynthiacarrithers1832]

This is fascinating, it shows us how fragile life is and how brave these men were. I am so grateful for their sacrifice. I can see why most of the men returning home did not want to talk about the battles they fought! Thank you for sharing and ensuring other generations know about real bravery.

[@rusty14706a]

Capt Toti, please don't change the introduction for you at the beginning of the show. I've watched every video, and some three times. I've yet to tire of it. Very few men ever see the rank of Captain or Commodore of a squadron of nuclear submarines. I'm quite proud of you for accomplishing this successfully. God bless you and I'll see you next Tuesday.

[@edmcculley3340]

Thank you so much for your presentations. I'm 72. I grew up listening to my family members and others who fought during WW2 describing their experiences. Everything you say matches their descriptions. Thank you for your truthful description. My uncle was on a DD at Tarawa. I remember him describing how his CO stopped the ship to rescue a downed flyer that was downed by enemy fire. He went in the water to get the pilot but couldn't get the canopy open due to damage. It sank. He was pulled back on board. He said everyone on board was crying at losing the pilot. They saw his face as the aircraft sank.

[@stefanlaskowski6660]

I would really like to express my appreciation for the two of you putting out this outstanding series. I've been a WW2 buff since I was in junior high in the late 60s, but my focus had mostly been on the land and air wars of Europe, with little attention paid to naval war, especially in the Atlantic. But with this series, as well as Drachinfel's general coverage of all things naval, I have been reading more and more books on the Pacific War and getting a much more well rounded education on all aspects of the 2nd World War. I do hope that, when you finish up this excellent series, you'll consider doing something similar for the Atlantic Ocean.

[@niall7914]

Huge thanks for all your hard work on these videos. Fantastic to see such detailed history presented so well for the non-academic. I've looked up modern Tarawa. I'd love to have heard your opinion on the state of the Island and the deplorable condition of American and Japanese war dead there. Bodies frequently found in rubbish pits and animal enclosures. The condition of the main landing beaches can only be described as an open air dump. Absolutely shocking in my opinion. It reflects very badly on all parties concerned - US, Japan, Kiribati, Navy/Marines.

[@kilcar]

First time I ever knew individuals in that footage. Ive been viewing that for over 60 years. Thanks for naming the Valiant I will show them to my grandchildren, and they will remember them. This brought tears to us. My folks lost several close friends in the Pacific, and Europe. More than ever I understand their grief.

[@richardmalcolm1457]

Another great episode. Really, you guys deserve a much bigger subscriber base.

[@morganhale3434]

54:35 this is groundbreaking, at least for me, of historical analysis coupled with actual video evidence. Wow! Quite impressive.

[@parrot849]

Another tremendous episode guys, thank you. I dread the somewhat inevitable fate of what the passage of time does to the memory of important events such as the Battle for Tarawa. Unfortunately it won’t be much longer until there will be no more living veterans from that time period, much less veterans who participated in the event itself. It is also sad but equally inevitable that the farther removed in time we become from those horrors of amphibious combat in WW2, the more likely we are to somehow loose the revulsion and sting of the event, and the more than likely chance it will be repeated. I just hope we don’t have to relearn all the basic amphibious combat skills once again. People complain about maintaining a potent well-trained (expensive) armed forces. One of the more obvious reasons is so when the time inevitably comes to have to go to battle, and it always does; we don’t have spill our young folks blood relearning how to properly fight and win.

[@patrickgrove2645]

Thank you Seth and captain Toti for this very moving presentation of the battle of Tarawa. I have read three books on this campaign but you have described vividly the courage and dedication of the marines.

[@jimwatts914]

Appreciate your effort on Season 2. Betio series is mighty fine work with good maps and great film and photo segments. Thanks

[@Phoenix-ej2sh]

I love the screen share and the combat footage walkthrough. It's striking to see how close quarters all of this action really is. So often I look at WW2 combat footage and don't really understand what I'm seeing. I really treasure the opportunity to have a specific situation filmed and explained in detail. Thank you.

[@kennygalli2208]

Best WW2 Pacific War Podcast out there! For every US Marine and Navy personnel: "For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion, Have Mercy on Us and the Whole World." Amen

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Most incredible battle footage I’ve seen. The ID’s and frame-by-frame description of the footage made it easy to understand the hell these men went through.

[@CHUMPZ1LLA]

Keep up the great work!

[@kyanderson2461]

You guys are great !

[@jayjohnson9996]

I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the Tarawa campaign video and that you guys ended season 2 with a bang. I’m really excited and looking forward to season 3 because there are still more Pacific War battles to be talk about on land and sea. Thanks guys I really appreciate you two for doing what you do because you do it so well.

[@devjaxvid]

Great Episode’ Looking forward to your tour of Pearl!

[@denniscahill9683]

Thanks, guys. Can't wait for Season 3.

[@shoofly529]

Ditto!

[@Jayne22]

Thank you for showing the footage, it brought it home quite graphically what those men went through and why they sufferred so much. May they all rext in peace. 😢

[@garyaugust1953]

HI Seth, hope you are well, I did comment on your last appearance on WW2TV, passing on best regards to Bill, and do so again. Outstanding show ( as always), so professional and concise. Thank you also for joining our ' 'Friends of WW2TV' group. I speak for all members in saying how much we appreciate your appearances and also your combined work here on your channel.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

@@garyaugust1953 many thanks

[@judithcarney8482]

Thanks. Daddy was there. He used semiphore to talk to the ship as the radios were out. His message was "Request heavy concentrated fire all beyond 02 at 1400."

[@Perfusionist01]

Guys, thanks for a great Season 2! I'm looking forward to Season 3, and the episodes Bill filmed on the road. Yes, the material may be recorded elsewhere, but I feel your strength is to pull things together. You have been working on the interrelations between campaigns, services, etc. My father started his military career as a Sgt in the ETO and ended up as a Major General, and I think he would have enjoyed watching these programs You have an informative style that is very pleasant to listen to, and you seem to work well together plus your guests are fascinating. . I will stay with you as long as you are putting out these videos. By the way, I didn't catch it here, but there was another piece of movie film from Betio that showed Japanese troops running from a bunker and being fired on by the Marines. It is on of the few clips that showed both sides in actual combat in the same piece of film.

[@bennettrogers7921]

It was shown at about 25 min in

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@bennettrogers7921Thx...

[@innovationsurvival]

Utterly incredible recount of the battle. You have memorialized and breathed life into an extraordinary battle. Superb in every, any dimension. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@williamashbless7904]

The wait from Tuesday to Tuesday, this time was agonizing! First: I agree that Bill’s intro is cumbersome(?). How about ‘Attack sub skipper, and other things’? It’s hard to do real justice to his career without it becoming too long. I’m surprised that there were not more Medals of Honor awarded. There has to have been dozens of marines that reduced bunkers with explosives and then mopped up with bayonet and Ka-Bar that deserve recognition. The airfield seemed in really good shape when the Hellcat landed. Were naval gunners purposely avoiding that target to preserve the strip? Betio was so small I expected the strip to be littered with shell holes. Also, no mention of the slave laborers who numbered over a thousand. Were any of them captured, or were they murdered by the Japanese? Really looking forward to the upcoming season. You two are amazing. Thank you!

[@saenole66]

Really outstanding episode of a horrific fight to secure Betio. The footage shot by Hatch was breathtaking.

[@LaurenceKing-d4f]

Late to the party on this episode.... Congratulations. gents, IMHO your very best episode especially the coverage of Bonnyman's actions. Larry King

[@2Oldcoots]

Fantastic information that all Americans should hear so they don't take Freedom for granted. The Greatest Generation in Action!

[@davidlavigne207]

The images from this fight, which were controversial when released for public viewing in cinemas back home, were as instructive to the public as were the Civil War photographs displayed for the public after the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg. For the first time the American people were reminded of the reality of what was being asked of their sons. Washington was worried that public morale would crumble because of this. Instead, patriotism and support increased. This was a remarkable set of episodes. Well done Seth and Bill!

[@gregcollins7602]

Gentlemen, this series has been fantastic. FYI Seth, Tarawa by Robert Sherrod is available in ebook format on Google Books. I just bought a copy for $11. Thanks for the recommendation. Again great job guys. Keep up the great work. 👍

[@rickbredlau3923]

Guys, this has been the best episode by far - the slow motion footage and explanation/description was outstanding