Dick Bong, Tommy McGuire and The Ace Race Over New Guinea with guest John Bruning Episode 215

This week Seth and Bill welcome first time guest, author and historian John Bruning to the show to discuss the ace race of New Guinea in 1943. The trio unpacks the stories of General George Kenney, the birth of his 5th Air Force, as well as Richard Bong and Tommy McGuire and their quest to become America's Ace of Aces.
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[@stevensparks3126]

My uncle did a tour as a B25 "Air Apache" pilot, came home on leave home a "changed" man as my grandmother told it and returned to fly a P39, which he thought would be safer. He was reported missing in action over New Guinea 4 July 1944. Taken POW he perished when the prisoners were massacred at the prison camp where he was interned before the Aussies captured it. To their credit the Aussies hanged those responsible. Thank you so much for remembering these who are now forgotten . God bless you.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thank you for remembering your uncle.

[@guyh9992]

"The Australian B and C Class trials, which included crimes against prisoners of war and the execution of Allied air men, were conducted by military courts under the Australian War Crimes Act of 1945. They were held at Morotai, Wewak, Labuan, Rabaul, Darwin, Singapore, Hong Kong and Manus Island. In all, Australia conducted nearly three hundred trials, in which 924 Japanese servicemen were accused of war crimes. Of these, 644 were convicted and 148 were sentenced to death, although 11 had their sentences commuted." Source: Australian Dept of Veterans Affairs, Anzac portal.

[@stevensparks3126]

@@guyh9992 Thank you so much. All records of my uncle's services ,save one photo of him in his P-39, were lost in a house fire, I have only the memories handed down by family . God bless the Australian armed forces.

[@damndirtyrandy7721]

Too many forget the atrocities of the Japanese army in the various POW camps and against civilians, in general.

[@kobra289]

I think you guys need to do a story on the Air Apaches, Skip Bombing & Pappy Gunn.

[@leonardoglesby1730]

My father, who will be 100 in July, flew two tours with the 5th AF, 49th Fighter Group, 9th Fighter Squadron. He flew with Bong, McGuire, Johnson, and many of the high scorers. He had 4 confirmed, and several unconfirmed kills, and was in New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, Leyte, Lingayun, Okinawa, to Japan. He was one of the 8 P-38 escorts of the Japanese surrender envoys flying in the "Surrender Betties" from Japan to Ishima. I have his Silver Star, DFC, Air Medal (+5 OLC), and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 6 battle Stars. Also his $1 bill from his "Short Snorter" with signatures of Tommy McGuire, and Charles Lindbergh.

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

WOW,JUST WOW.WHAT A MAN! FLYING ON THE WINGS OF ANGELS.😊

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Incredible! Thank him for us!

[@leonardoglesby1730]

@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar I will. I read John's "Jungle Ace" his biography of Gerald Johnson some years ago and he mentions my father Howard Oglesby in that book. He also mentions another 9th FS ace, Grover Fanning who happens to be my Godfather. Thank you for this great podcast.

[@flparkermdpc]

I get why you might want to hold onto your bits of history, but you may wish to contact one of the several museums that feature Ww2. I bet Seth could put you in contact with museum curators who would accept them for display on a loan basis. He would know who is trustworthy and those to avoid who are either careless or "lose"items.

[@jeffreymartin8448]

Incredible indeed. You never know who you might meet on this channel. Could be the son of this amazing man ! Folks are discovering this channel. Even the younger ones. Seth and Capt Toti say this is their main purpose. I think they are succeeding.

[@johnharris9450]

Put my career and life on hold to take care of my aged parents. Your program gives me a great diversion. Thanks for the work you guys do each week.

[@v.mwilliams1101]

Oh John.... same boat, same gratitude for Seth and Bill

[@johnharris9450]

Will pray for you. We both are being polished. We will be stronger for this.

[@flparkermdpc]

Thanks for the work, YOU are doing now. God bless.

[@dmaggio4011]

i did this..... it is our duty.... but i did not do it with joy.......

[@flparkermdpc]

@@dmaggio4011 Just the fact of the circumstances necessitating your help takes the joy. Praying for all of us.

[@timcross2510]

The guys who fought WWII were as many years away from the horror of Pickett's charge as we are from Guadalcanal.

[@gregorybrennan8539]

" We have a fear that people will forget the pertinent lessons of WW2 and treat it like ancient history" (sumarized) Corect!! To me, this channel is not a glorification of war but an acurate examination of the human struggle of the war,with all the warts and selflessness that entails. I have my children watch it. THANK YOU, GUYS! THANK YOU .

[@antonelang9118]

The Tommy McGuire Story, would make a GREAT movie.

[@brucke23]

Seth and Bill, you guys have the best show on the net. Wife and I watch it every night at dinner. Dad was a B24 pilot with 90th BG. Rock on guys….

[@Coffeeguyzz]

Outstanding, gentlemen. Once again, simply outstanding presentation. 2 quick points ... 1. Please have no concern about the length of these episodes. The longer the better. 2. Your abilities to concisely convey the histories of these events - and the men who participated therein - does great honor to all as a growing audience may learn of these incredible heroes and their contributions to this country during a time of existential war. Salute to you and your esteemed guests.

[@flparkermdpc]

The guests add to the bibliography by their literary work, too 🎉

[@rodsands7646]

When watching, 😀the videos never seem as long as the actual length

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Thank you for recognizing Tommy McGuire. He is my personal hero.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

He was incredible man

[@Toto-no3mv]

When I was a kid, one of my best friend's dad (Harrison Freeman) was a former pilot with the 80th FS("Headhunters") in New Guinea in 1942-43. He flew P-39's and later P-38's, and was credited with 4 kills. I was in awe of him, but he was always very reluctant talk about it.

[@lt.petemaverickmitchell7113]

What an incredible podcast this is! Information worth knowing about our great nation!

[@williamashbless7904]

You guys are doing something nobody else has seemed able to do. Don’t be afraid to run long. You have so much knowledge and perspective that it’s a joy to see and truly makes your audience the better for the experience. Thank you.

[@kennethcox2224]

As a history geek these podcasts are a treasure. Both informative and entertaining with a personal touch. Keep up the great work

[@flparkermdpc]

This history podcast is just in time to bridge the gap in current teaching while some of us are still around who remember those times and the people who lived the Depression and Two World Wars.

[@BlitherVids]

Fantastic as always, guys. As someone else mentioned, please don't be concerned about the length of your episodes. For some of us, your podcast is one of the highlights of our week. If you think it's too long, maybe do part 1 and part 2? We're going to continue to love them either way.

[@truck1701]

Wonderful episode, Seth, and Bill! As I've mentioned before, I'm an otr driver, and just last Friday, as I was making my way through Duluth MN, I had to cross the Richard I Bong Memorial Bridge! It is a huge structure, and it is enjoyable to look at. As an avid WW2 amateur historian, I knew exactly who the Bridge was dedicated to and why! This morning, after seeing the topic of your episode, I was thinking how ironic it was that I happened to cross that bridge! Keep up the good work, guys. Our younger generations need to learn this stuff before we lose our history and our heritage!

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Wow. Insane.

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

I akways love jt when a new episode comes out... I wish it was more often... Lol. But i get it.. once a week makes sense

[@flparkermdpc]

These guys don't have "staff". The quality is amazing given the shoestring operation. Kinda like the theater of war we're examining. Made do with stuff that made it to the end of the supply chain.

[@josephjfink]

Just viewed Episode 215 today July 4th. and a big thank you for this excellent story of Dick and Tommy. May we never forget what they and everyone did for our country. I am a proud veteran of the USMC and feel so fortunate to be in this fine country. God bless and please keep the stories coming.

[@MF-le7fp]

Thanks to Mr. Bruning for taking part in this week's episode! Two plus hours seemed like 30 mins. Went by like a shot! It was great. And congrats on hitting 10K subs! 👍📈

[@stevewaldschmidt4344]

Really enjoy how your episodes bring back to life those who served. Because of what you do, these individuals now live on in our memories. Also enjoy reading the comments from your other viewers - you've got a great group of people following your programs. Tuesdays are now my favorite day of the week!! PS. Keep up the book recommendations!

[@flparkermdpc]

Great comment. With this episode I now have another author to follow

[@TitusFFM]

Wohoo new episode. Greetings from Germany gentleman this is makes my day. Thank you so much for your time and efforts to make this wonderful podcasts.

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

Don't you mean wahoo,new episode?😊

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Glad to have you aboard!

[@chrismack5908]

I'm so pleased to hear you've reached 10K! Here's why I eagerly wait for your next episode. Above all, freedom and democracy are worth fighting for. I value the heroes and those who made the ultimate sacrifice to these ends. I've always loved stories told well, and gentlemen, you do. Words cannot describe what a service these podcasts are. Thank you.

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Thanks to the three of you for presenting these stories! YOU are making a difference in portraying the past accomplishments of many heroes! Keep it up.

[@nkgoodal]

Kenney was brilliant, and I think it's a testament to GEN Marshall and GEN Arnold (who were good friends) that Kenney's career survived. Marshall was someone who spoke truth to power (famously to Pershing and Pres Roosevelt). Arnold respected Kenney's technical capability. Regardless, destiny took a hand, Kenney was the right guy for the 5th AF.

[@barbaradavis393]

I was born in 1946, so I didn't experience WWII. I was very interested and read as much as I could. As I get older, I understand more of the big picture. You are all correct, this should not be forgotten. There are many lessons for today. It is especially important to understand that the Pacific War was more than Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. Thanks for doing this.

[@scottyfox6376]

If I may I would recommend a channel called "hypohystericalhistory" if you want to learn about battles of New Guinea in depth. I think most ppl would be surprised if not shocked. For example at Guadelcanal the figures were 1 in 37 marine died while facing 32000 Japanese with 60000 marines while in New Guinea the Australians were outnumbered 8 to 1 from the start with figures of 1 to 11 in Australian deaths. From 1942 to 1945 but the biggest battle campaigns from 1943 to 1944. New Guinea was a mainly Australian affair with help from US Air & Naval forces with Army. RAAF lost around 1200 airmen in a brutal conflict. Salute to all the brave service personnel who had to fight in such a terrible & mainly forgotten theatre.🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@maxlopez8552]

As always, great content! Seth and Bill bring history to life to remember the sacrifices.

[@chrisreeves8037]

McGuire was my uncle's "CO." My dad's baby brother left Texas for the war then remained in the service flying out of Beale AFB afterwards; hence, we interacted very little over his lifetime. Thanks for filling in the war years time gaps. I can see what a sacrifice he and his mates made for us all.

[@kentiffany8872]

Just listened to a Drachinifel marathon on the A6M2. It was tactics. The loss of the advanced warning that Cactus had goes back to combined weapons itc coast watchers. Hope you guys do something on them. Unsung heros.

[@theeducatedgrunt2087]

I went to the Bong Museum in Poplar Wisconsin when i was a kid... I met the Curator Dick Bongs (Dorothy) sister. She looked like she was his twin... She actually came out and let me touch his medal of honor. they had it under glass.. a very special memory...

[@VetNavy]

Today is June 6th with most historical eyes focused on operation overlord while the pacific is receiving the step child treatment. This was a great program today. As a retired CPO USN it’s important for me to see what our counterparts sister services are doing at the same time. I salute all involved 🫡! BZ for this program and channel!

[@henriyoung3895]

Thank you Seth n Bill. Great job. Really enjoy your hard work. SGT DOUG, RECON, 101ST, RVN 68-69

[@mitch8226]

I would love to see a segment on the 380th "King of the heavies " based out of Australia, my neighbor was a squadron commander of a flight of 24s ,later to become a 747 captain, with 37000 hrs flight time

[@hurch1915]

This is why I always look forward to Tuesday mornings. Thanks guys!

[@williamstumpp3206]

P-38 designed by team with Kelly Johnson of Lockheed Skunk Works.😊

[@Steve-dg3md]

Happy to see your success in this channel 👍 I look fwd to every video you create! I know it's time consuming but we'll worth the effort. Thank you soo much!

[@morganhale3434]

I am glad you did this episode. Richard Bong was a forgotten hero by the mid 1970's when I started getting interested in military history, especially US Navy history because me and my sister are Navy brats. Born overseas in Germany at a genuine Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Germany. My father was one grade lower than a CPO when he was honorably discharged from the Navy. He needed to support a wife and two children. Also, recently I have noticed that the P-38 is being dissed as a fighter. I disagree with the general sentiment, but the later fighters were better.

[@davidelliott5843]

P38 needed a two stage supercharger as did all engines operating above 12,000 feet. I cannot understand why Alison persisted in not doing the job properly. Spitfire V with single stage Merlin got hammered by the new FW-190. RR got off their arses and delivered the two stage intercooler Merlin 61 which went into Spitfire IX. Why were Alison so useless regarding blowers?

[@mikeat2637]

If you haven't already done it, read John Bruning's Race of Aces, it is the best book written about the great fighter aces of the Fifth Air Force.

[@morganhale3434]

@@davidelliott5843 Alison created the A-36, a totally unremarkable single engine dive-bomber. The RAF suggested that if they put in the latest Rolls Royce Merlin Engine, they would buy them and then magically the Mustang with the RAF or later with the USAAF the P-51 came into existence.

[@jeffreyriese]

@@davidelliott5843 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allison_V-1710 The USA was in love with turbochargers: P-38, P-47, B17, etc.

[@drtidrow]

@@jeffreyriese Turbos have many advantages for aircraft, the main one being that they can adjust boost levels nearly continuously over a fairly wide range of altitudes, while superchargers really only provide max boost at a particular altitude.

[@RAK402]

Absolutely OUTSTANDING!

[@RobertLing-sd1mz]

My grandma was a zipper inspector in army air corp. She says she inspected 2000 zippers all over the islands. She always smiles when she's talking about it.

[@gforceeatingcorrect]

Real Heroes!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 they should be running our country. All great soldiers should be running our country.

[@73Trident]

Thank you again Seth , Bill and now John. Tuesdays are my yeah boy days, just like Sundays are my yeah boy days like Drach. You guys are great and have recommended to my friends just like Drach. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@scottsherman6889]

Thank you for telling Tommy McGuire's story. What a selfless man!

[@agecon2246]

I am a VN vet, again humbled by these Marines and Airmen that made the difference in defense of Civilization. We are blessed.

[@scottsherman6889]

Bill, I’m loving the physics lesson on torque.

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Your almost. 12k subs right now. And 1.2 million views as of today as well... Thats awesome guys. We are a couple days into June as of today

[@BlackHawkBallistic]

Wow wow wow, what an amazing episode and amazing guest. I can't wait for the mext episode with John.

[@devjaxvid]

Congratulations on 10k! General Order #3 Spread the word about this podcast!

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Much appreciated!

[@jonparshall]

Loved seeing my friend John! Also loved seeing Wylla! :-) Anyway, enjoyed the heck out of this.

[@flparkermdpc]

You authors bring your research and bibliography to this series. I think we've graduated from podcast to series. I can see an updated Victory at Sea taking shape. Hope to see you soon.

[@toms6213]

Bill and Seth, thank you so much for another outstanding Chapter in your video book on the pacific war. John I will buy your book in the following minutes.

[@briancooper2112]

Great book

[@therealniksongs]

My father was a combat engineer in the southwest Pacific serving in New Guinea. Morotai and Mindinao. He helped build the airstrips these guys flew from.

[@patrickshanley4466]

You guys have put together ANOTHER OUTSTANDING show. I had previously read the book but hearing the author speak with you two was great!

[@flparkermdpc]

There is something about having the authors on when discussing an area of their research that makes one want more. Order the books and donate them to your local libraries. Spread the words.

[@russfranck3491]

Your episodes are so interesting. I’ve watched from the very beginning, theirs something about your presentation, keep it up

[@jayshaw63]

I like the stuff on the wall. 🙂

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thanks!

[@stevemolina8801]

Another outstanding show, makes waking up early on Tuesdays worth it. Thanks to th three of you! Go Navy!

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Thank you for Mentioning Tom Lynch and Ken Sparks.

[@gregcollins7602]

Awesome. This episode could not have come at a better time. I finished Race of Aces last week. Another interesting cat that was killed in a P-38 is a medal of honor winner from my area of Texas named William Dyess. Escaped Davao prison and made it out of the islands and back to the states only to be killed training in a Lightening. Fantastic story. I love John's books. Indestructible is at the top of my list of favorites. Great job men. Keep up the great work.

[@flparkermdpc]

Dyess Air Force base...in his honor.

[@gregcollins7602]

​@@flparkermdpcyes sir. I see it's planes flying over the Llano Estacado all the time. Albany is his home town. I have been through it many times.

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

Bravo on another insightful guest and enthralling episode.

[@douglaskillock3537]

Another fantastic episode. To one of Bill's points it's not just the American people who need to hear these stories. We all do. Great guest and damn fine looking cat

[@jonpierce2148]

I really enjoy the podcast and videos. My uncle flew in New Guinea p-40 then P-38. He started as a Flying Sergeant , would love to hear you talk about that program if you have not yet. I am working my way thru all the content. I served on SSN 697 and one day someone saw my jacket and asked me if I knew Bill Toti, I said yes then he told me about the podcast. I have been listening to it ever since. Keep up the good work.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Welcome aboard, shipmate

[@jeffreymartin8448]

No other forum tops this channel in format or content IMO.

[@jollyjakelovell4787]

It's ironic for me to learn that General Kenney didn't see eye to eye with the between the world wars Army Air Corps 'Bomber Mafia' because what brought General Kenney to my attention were the B-24s units of the 90th. When I did broaden my understanding of the war in the Pacific past 'Black Sheep Squadron' I was glad and humbled and proud to learn of the 5th Air force and men like Neel E. Kearby.

[@Icufed]

I am glad I found this pod cast. I was blessed to meet a survivor of the battle of the bulge ,navy back seat gunner.

[@robertstack2144]

Thanks so much for the wealth of knowledge that you presented in these podcasts. You have filled in some of the gaps by bringing to light small details not mentioned in any texts previously written. Soon details will be gone forever as will the people that knew them.

[@genenoud9048]

No greater love then to put yourself in between the foe and you're friends.

[@dummre83]

I’m stationed at McGuire it’s great to hear about the exploits that gave my base its name.

[@beuford1982]

One of the best episodes to date guys! John was an excellent guest to bring in for this one. I thoroughly enjoy listening to and learning from the great stories you guys bring us each week. Thanks guys!

[@giancarlogarlaschi4388]

I was based for six months at Port Moresby. I had read Martin's Caidin book about Pilots on the Pacific , plus " Zero " by Saburo Sakai ( Ace Zero Pilot ) . So ...we went to visit the Imperial War Cemetery on the road to Kokoda Trail . Beautifully kept idilic place ...most of the gravestones indicated : Gunners - Bombardiers - Pilots of Very young age ( 18 - 20's ). Viva Macau B 767 Commander. First Lieutenant ( Ret.) Air Force of Chile. USAF Trained Webb AFB . Big Spring , Texas.

[@SaundersE5]

The best podcast on the brutal war in the Pacific

[@richardryan3]

My Dad was in the 41st Division, The Jungleers, he was a motor pool Sergeant and knew Dick Bong. He told the story that they had removed the radio from a P38 and he took a ride with Bong in his Ship stuffed in behind him. Dad loved to fly and later in life owned several planes. Dad was a guy who could get things, they would cool cans of beer by putting putting them in a flat drain pan with av gas and as the gas evaporated it chilled the beer.

[@flparkermdpc]

This is an incredible episode Seth and Bill. Adding John, and successfully handing him at least co-hosting duty for this important episode made for a supremely illuminating class in a very under reported episode in the Pacific War. The books that do exist generally focus on MacArthur with others getting short shrift. I'm looking forward to further coverage on this unique, and most miserable to be in, theater of the war. The discomforts and lack of basics was morale busting enough without the Japanese enemy, who were still very dangerous and competent at this time. I am on Amazon ordering books. Thanks to all concerned. ❤😊

[@denniscahill9683]

Don't worry about "commercils" for books -- keep making recommendations. Please.

[@flparkermdpc]

I second that.

[@sgt13echo]

I'm just down the road from Bong's hometown, Poplar, Wisconsin. I've visited his grave several times.

[@ericfrazier7766]

Fantastic episode! Very inspirational, and the length was no problem. I hope your channel prospers, and that you both can create an extensive number of episodes. Those will help educate current and future generation about the importance and scope of WW2.

[@morganhale3434]

Kenney was a military genius! He had a firm grasp on tactical combat, fantastic leadership qualities, and most importantly he knew how to fight his equipment. Polybius broke down how the Roman Legions were trained on using their equipment to win battles and wars. The spade was just as important to the Legionaries as the sword. How to best use your assets in combat is a force multiplier of unbelievable proportions.

[@henriyoung3895]

"It's game day".

[@flparkermdpc]

Great, insightful comment.

[@michaelaiello2210]

He allowed Pappy Gunn to modify I think it was the B25’s or 24’s , turning them into gunships, without approval from the brass, that really won the day for the Batyle of Bismarck Sea and subsequent battles.

[@Fulcrum205]

​@michaelaiello2210 more importantly he implemented skip bombing and masthead bombing. Up until then multi-engine bombers were a dismal failure in the anti-shipping role. Once mediums and heavies became effective the "bubble" around American airbase expanded from around 500 miles (combat radius for Dauntless) to over 1500 miles (B-17/B-24 combat radius). IJN has to base their ships further away and guarantees even their fast destroyer convoys are going to be in bomber range during daylight.

[@ubermvd792]

I just wanted to thank both Seth and Bill for this amazing podcast and all other special guest. Also Bill I love the new backdrop, noticed right away the koa lei o mano and love it!

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Yes indeed. A gift from my time in Hawaii

[@richardmardis2492]

Thanks for enlightening me so much!

[@robertmoffitt1336]

Seth, Captain Toti, you guys are fantastic! I've been binge watching back from the start. I'm not sure if I should watch this episode now or wait to catch up! Captain Toti, we're grateful to Seth and you and the all the great guests you bring on, for bringing this podcast to everyone! I can't possibly say enough good things about this podcast, it's simply tremendous! I purchased Race of Aced on Audible, its in my que.

[@loom1565]

One of your best episodes yet. A fascinating and often overlooked area of the war. Well done.

[@mitchrc3]

You earned all that stuff. Thank you for your service.

[@thomasmitchell7645]

i read John Bruning's book "Race of Aces"--a great read. I urge him to write a sequel about the naval and Marine aviators in the Pacific contending for the top ace position: Joe Foss, Papa Boyington, David Campbell, et al.

[@billechols7136]

Great show gentlemen.

[@williamyalen6167]

Komedic Kudos to Bill for picking up on Seth's cartoon travails comment & following it up with that deft crack about the malfunctioning parachute being made by Looney Tunes mainstay Acme Corp!🤣 Certainly not the most important aspect of this episode, but a subtle interjection that's worthy of note. 👏

[@cosmasgeaney2463]

Fantastic as always Thank you both for doing this A great service by you both to a great era, when war showed honor and humanity when it was possible

[@klsc8510]

The first P-38s had engines that rotated at the top rotating toward the cockpit. With a single engine failure, the torque was to a countered by the "long wing". Most of the P-38s had engines that rotated the opposite way. Now when an engine failed the "long wing" added to the torque of the good engine. Jamming the power immediately to the good engine without immediately adding counter rudder trim would cause a severe immediate torque roll. This I think is the problem you are referring to. So when an engine failed, you instead of adding power had to chop the power to the good engine at first. You then had to slowly add power while adding rudder trim to counter the torque. When mastered, the P-38 was a solid airplane.

[@chrisschmalhofer4348]

Seth’s comment about stuff being cool reminded me of my good friend and NASIC historian, Rob Young. His collection of stuff is quite legendary in the center, and his tours of the national Museum of the United States. Air Force are equally legendary and very enjoyable. From one historian to another, I think the two of you would get along excellently.

[@flparkermdpc]

I'm beginning to see an updated Victory at Sea documentary series taking shape.

[@fantabuloussnuffaluffagus]

The P-38 was a Kelly Johnson design, the same guy that did the F-104, U-2, and SR-71. His designs have a reputation for being top performers, but also demand a lot from their pilots.

[@LUVEMDPOWER]

Now, if someone would just make a movie about these guys .....

[@davidstallard2235]

Thank you for all the hard work you put in this episode.

[@saenole66]

Fabulous episode. What fearless aviators these men were. Thanks so much.

[@scottsherman6889]

Bill: "Zero angle on the bow!" Great! Thinking of Wahoo at Wewak and Sam Dealy. Thank God for our great heroes.🙏 This podcast is a wonderful combination of granular history, great story-telling, and humor. Thank you all!!

[@johnmccann7546]

First I thought having read RACE OF ACES , I should skip this show, but this presentation was just terrific!

[@mollybell5779]

These podcasts are so interesting! I really can't thank you enough for the service you provide. The level of detail makes it all the more real. I'd never heard of Tommy McGuire. We owe so much to selfless men like him. Just great. Thank you for the education, gents.

[@lmmplus4]

Outstanding gentlemen! Thank you so very much for all you do in this podcast.

[@JosephKano]

Thank you again gentlemen for a great episode.

[@happybuddha563]

I really like the biographical moments of this podcast. It really demonstrates that generation that fought this conflict were something else. So many great individual stories that would make fantastic Hollywood movies. I hear that there is a real possibility of a movie about Colonel “Tatay” Wendell Fertig (USArmy) coming. I discovered this out while researching another notable, Robert "Jock" McLaren. Let’s not also forget the role of the USS Narwhal in supporting the Philippine guerilla actions against the Japanese- what a submarine!! The Pacific War may have lasted 5 years but there are decades of stories. A great show you have gents 👍

[@richardbennett1856]

Bill, your wall is so cool. Thanks for every episode. My posts are usually 2 months late. Seth's database is more than most Professors. You both are 10 out of 10. Thanks for enriching our knowledge and leaving a legacy for future generations.

[@jamesfreach1022]

My father, Mike Freach, was one of the Jolly Rodgers B17 Squadron stationed in New Guinea and the surrounding islands. He flew 54 missions before the end of WWII. On one mission, he saved Truman and Eisenhower by shooting down 7 Japanese fighters who were attacking the transport plane carrying them to Australia. He past away on February 11th 2011.

[@dougm5341]

Love that you guys are up early, so I can get to bed later then planned. Thanks for a new drop Seth and Bill….

[@Bentley10199]

I love this channel! I’m grateful to you two for making these. I’m now aware of historical campaigns and actions that I never knew existed. Plus the people involved in these events..I find these videos extremely fascinating. Grateful to you both for putting in the effort. Can’t be easy doing these weekly.

[@maxlarthan7437]

Thank you Seth and Bill.

[@jdrake8738]

You guys ROCK keep them coming!!!!!!!!!