Exploring Kiribati: WW2 American Military Equipment (1943, Battle of Tarawa)

[@ScottDLR]

I only rececntly discovered this series of video's and have been enjoying them very much. As the son of a WW2 vetran (a Pearl Harbor survivor), I wan't to commend and thank you for the high level of reverence you display throughout these wonderful video's.

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for your comments!!

[@burningkarma]

Thanks for the footage. Betio is where my Great Uncle died on the first day of Battle. His remains were unaccounted for until this past month thanks to DNA. He had been MIA for 74 years.

[@VicStefanu]

Wow.. What an incredible story! When I was in Betio, there was a team of Americans excavating a site where some bodies had been found.. When was your great uncle found (month/year)??

[@amc3]

Kind of sad he never replied to your question after posting such an incredible story ... r do I smell sumit ?

[@MrBrownnn696]

I'm glad he was found.... must respect to your great uncle...

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Semper Fi from a Marine veteran. Major victory for USA and the Marine Corps.

[@marshallanthony.3852]

May his Soul and his fallen comrades R. I. P. They are our true heroes and we will never forget them from the bottom of our hearts for sacrificing their lives for us. G. B. 😂😅

[@alech3814]

Car Family 1 second ago My grandpa was at Betio for each day of the battle. He landed in the 3rd wave on Red Beach 2. My dad and I went back with him to the island in the 90s ... We found bullets, bones, a mortar round and remnants of the war. Unbelievable tragedy they went thru. This video took me back to that special memory I got to share with him while he was still alive. Thanks for posting it. Cheers.

[@VicStefanu]

Wow, thank you for your comments my friend!

[@jkaz7509]

A wonderful historic video of the relics lying in Betio Atoll. My father is from Kiribati who married my Australian mother. I have seen these war relics myself twice when visiting family in Kiribati, and my uncle in law who is a policeman told me at the Betio police station they actually have WW2 guns that still work. If you ever go back and find the police station ask for Peter (Salifas husband) and he will show you. I agree there should be maybe a museum set up, even in Tarawa to house the relics they can. Many of the dug outs need a good clean out too from pollution!

[@VicStefanu]

Hi, thank you for this information and for viewing my videos!!

[@beetooieru5057]

I'm from Kiribati and appreciate your effort to fly there and recorded all of these to the world.

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for watching my videos!! 👍👍👍

[@JohnDoe-gj4dv]

Vic.... As a United States Marine.....and speaking for my son who is also a United States Marine...... THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR SOULS..... YOU ARE SHOWING THE SACRIFICES THAT NEED TO BE SHOWN TO THE WORLD OF WHAT HAPPENED AT THE BETIO ATTOLL

[@VicStefanu]

Hello my friend and thank you for your wonderful comments, much appreciated!!!

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

I'm an old Marine Sergeant who served 1973-1977. Marines from World War Two were the toughest Marines in our history.... just my opinion.

[@bradsimons1218]

I'm the son of a WW2 soldier that fought in the Pacific theater. I want to thank you for recording and documenting this important history, something I can watch with my children allowing them insight into the history of their grandfather. Great job.

[@VicStefanu]

+Brad Simons Thank you very much for your comments, I am very glad that my videos are educational to you and to your family...

[@timothymaynard5122]

Absolutely agree!! These artifacts MUST be preserved and placed in a museum on Tarawa! Many bones are still there. This a memorial of the brave Marines who gave their lives for freedom and liberty!

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your comments!!

[@puterausman7682]

Nice video vic, i think it was a B-24 liberator, from the way the landing gear retracted outboard into the wing, and it was a four engines.

[@750suzuki]

Nice catch, I did not notice the wheel wells, obviously not a floatplane with those characteristics

[@AchVap]

Yeah I think it's a B-24

[@stevemiller7433]

I agree. 4 double row radial engines, long strut landing gear because of the high wing. Gear deploys laterally not linearly (as in a B-17) Very long wing with narrow chord, this was the high lift wing of a B 24.

[@alneal100]

That narrow wing was know as a Davis airfoil.

[@thomassutherland8020]

Putera Usman it is a B-24 Liberator. The Army Air Corps flew them from an airstrip on the eastern end of South Tarawa. Called Bonriki.

[@gmoney2181]

Remembering my Communications Chief Master Gunnery Sergeant Sobrocco landed here as a Radio Operator, but he said very little about this battle. He left un-scathed at Tarawa, but wounded later in Iwo Jima. North Carolina Marine at Camp Lejeune 1969,..Thank you, AMAZING Video.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your comments!

[@bowhunter526]

Very nice video and message. I spent the entire year of 2016 removing the ordnance that was left over from WWII and also assisting the teams working to recover the remains of the fallen warriors who were buried after the war.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your message. I met some members of the American excavating team when I was there in 2015, where you there then??

[@bowhunter526]

I did not arrive until Jan 2016. I worked very close with the archaeologist. We did have a two man team there in 2015. I'm sure you know my colleagues and friends. We were staying at the Betio Lodge for nearly the entire year. We were working on Green Beach next to the destroyed 8" Naval Defense Guns.

[@ronvanpelt8196]

Hi Trey do you mind if l ask who sent you and under what auspices you worked there? l am just a bit envious....

[@geezerpower6780]

Vic: Thanks for your interesting, respectful tour of the beaches at Betio. In 1992 I had the honor of attending the annual reunion of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and was able to meet several veterans of this battle. My host, also a 2nd MarDiv vet (but he was not at Tarawa) told me the veterans of Tarawa held a special place of honor and were looked upon with awe and respect by other Marines.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your wonderful comments. It was a special honor, indeed, to visit this very historical place and I am so glad I videotaped it...

[@Grandpadew]

I saw your other video about the Japanese defensive positions and just caught this one...it must be one emotional roller coaster of a ride visiting these places and the history that is so deeply imbedded..thanks again Vic.great series you have here.

[@VicStefanu]

+Grandpadew Thank you, it was a pleasure videotaping these sites...

[@420BulletSponge]

I found an old photo of the battle online which appears to show the 2 side by side amphibious craft, very cool to see the then and now.

[@noneofyurfknbiznes]

Thank you Vic, my Grand Father was there and survived so this stuff interests me very much. In fact I have an Arisaka that came from there. R.I.P. Robert E. Jackman, Marine corp. second division.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your comments my friend, you should be so proud of your grandfather!!

[@MrBrownnn696]

MUST RESPECT

[@Urmom-dd1mh]

timothy newlon Rest In Peace, hero

[@remalm3670]

@@VicStefanu ... No worries, thank you for remembering ...

[@marthavaughan4660]

although I was too young to know them, 3 men from san antonio and family friends at that, died on Tarawa. Gene Seng, Charles Montague, and Bill Bordelon. Bordelon I believe posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Gone but never forgotten. SEMPER FIDELIS!

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your comments and for viewing my videos!!

[@marthavaughan4660]

thank you Vic for letting me know. I am fascinated by all things historic- especially WWII and the vast expanse of the Pacific. Keep up the great work and I'll watch. Be careful please. unexploded ordinance

[@GunnersRange]

Please do not misunderstand my intent here which is only to educate. The award is NOT the 'Congressional' Medal of Honor because Congress does not make the award. It is 'awarded' by the President and 'confirmed' by Congress. The proper terminology is simply -- "Medal of Honor". Semper Fi! CWO4 USMC [ret] 1969-2004

[@lorrainebracewell9830]

Such a beautiful and tranquil island, it is hard to imagine the desperate battles fought there, this video helps us to remember.

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for your comments!!

[@davemedlock2665]

Thank you Mr.Stefanu for presenting this video. I see your passion and share it for the history of what occurred on these island during the war. So terribly important during the war and now largely forgotten. Wonderful video.

[@VicStefanu]

Hi Dave, thank you for viewing my videos and for your wonderful comments!!

[@kolbpilot]

Absolutely wonderful. How I wish I was a millionaire. I'd spend the rest of my days exploring all the major WW2 battlefields. The Pacific would be especially exciting as your video is proof of. Well done.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your wonderful comments!!

[@reymondjames1726]

I agree. Although a million would not be enough.

[@VicStefanu]

I think a million (dollars) would be enough, speaking from experience..

[@MrBrownnn696]

@@VicStefanu hahah Vic ur awesome

[@claudiacotner1638]

always wanted to do the same thing, but the money and time was the problem.

[@jamesolbrisch2582]

I disagree with you saying that stuff belongs in a museum, I feel as an American combat veteran I feel that this equipment is best left where it died, this stuff was with those men who died fighting there. It is the head stones of their sacrifice. It has far more meaning where it is than taken away from there

[@VicStefanu]

These things belong in a museum not only in order to remind the new generations of the sacrifices of their ancestors but (equally important) everything is rusting away and soon there will be nothing but lumps of brown shapeless rust..

[@jamesolbrisch2582]

Vic Stefanu - World Travels and Adventures I dont know. Like I said I feel like they are silent memorials for the men who died in them. I wish there was a way to preserve them where they are.

[@berrytharp1334]

Even marble weathers away with time. Leave that sacred ground alone and let it return to dust.

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for your comments and for watching my videos!!

[@constitution_8939]

I agree, leave all these artifacts just where they died.

[@LL-sq8se]

Yes..Vic your documentation is very...important! My daddy 's youngest brother was killed in that war..He was a very young man..to see and have these images ..is very important to me!🕊️

[@darkdiddler1439]

Really appreciate your efforts to preserve these relics visually for decades to come. Thanks.

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for your comments!! 👍👍👍

[@82luft49]

Quite a historic tour of the infamous Red Beach where so many valient young Marines lost their lives. This is the first time I viewed you channel. I like what I see Mr. Stefanu. A new subscriber on board.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you very much for your comments and for subscribing!!

[@BHallBrowser]

Another great video, Vic. Thank you so much!

[@VicStefanu]

Hi and thank you!!

[@14flywright]

B24 Liberator bomber, 4, Pratt and Whitney, double row,14 cylinder radial engines. Two rows of 7. B17 had 4, 9 cylinder single row Wright engines. The B29 had double row, 18 cylinder Pratt and Whitney engines, but was not out yet.

[@frankoffutt7245]

agreed

[@phildreith6863]

B29 had Wright 3350 engines.

[@jerryrichards4300]

Wings look like B24 ,they had a very narrow shape

[@johnenglish8126]

Exactly what I thought once I saw the landing gear in the wing, definitely a B-24!

[@F4FWildcat]

Thanks Vic so much for adding this video. I studied the battle of Tarawa as a youngster many years ago. I remember in the heat of the battle, when asked for a report. The Marine commander on the ground on Betio stated "Situation in doubt." The Japanese commander had bragged: "It will take 10,000 men a 1,000 years to take this island." I guess the Marines didn't read that statement. Still, it was a horrific battle for all. Thanks also for mentioning the poor Korean laborers, really slaves caught in the middle of the battle. Thanks again, I would have loved to join you!

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you very much for your wonderful comments, it was such an incredible experience being there..

[@newhampshirevideo]

Thank you for taking the time to produce this video.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for viewing my videos!!

[@Henryk516]

Thank you for taking the time and trouble to show us the far away battle locations. God's speed. Pacific is a vast area.

[@williamcharles9480]

At the start of the video, from the wing design and the fact that there's 4 radial engines, I'd say it's a B-24 Liberator.

[@VicStefanu]

+William Charles Thanks for the info, a lot of experts have agreed this is a B-24 Liberator.

[@homebuiltindoorplane]

+William Charles Yes its a B24. And those cables were used to drag the airfield there.

[@hipcat13]

+William Charles The way the wheel retracts into the wing is distinctive of a B-24.

[@VicStefanu]

+William Charles Thank you, I think you are right..

[@timothymaynard5122]

You are correct, valiant one.

[@rapanui45]

very nice video, thank you very much for taking time and for sharing it

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for viewing my videos!!

[@Prionel]

Very interesting! Thanks for taking the time and effort to record all of this,

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for viewing my videos!!

[@Hardwoods91]

Thank you for such a wonderful window of history. My father was a Navy SeaBee from the late 60's until the mid 80's. He gave me 100's of old polaroid's from his pacific tours of islands that had remnants of the pacific war. Keep up your great work!

[@VicStefanu]

+Hardwoods91 Thank you for your wonderful comments and for viewing my videos!!

[@jimbonito3766]

so so interesting ... we can imagine a 18 to 22, 23 year old man back in the 40's compared to today ... I think about this a lot . just saying my uncle Joe went down in a B-24 liberator he died at 22 years of age six miles off the coast of Queensland Australia a family tragedy ... I really enjoy watching this video and understand the magnitude of what you are filming ... thanks Jim B

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you very much for your wonderful comments..

[@mrbarrcatz]

Thanks Vic, enjoyed your videos ! Looking forward to Tarawa for some time, as I have been to Guadalcanal, Saipan, Tinian, and even Iwo Jima. Hoping to get to Peleliu in 2019 !

[@VicStefanu]

Hi Gregor, thank you for viewing my videos. I will be going to Peleliu and Titian in about a year!!

[@AndySalinger33]

You, sir, are a true historian. Your videos continue to astound me. Cheers.

[@VicStefanu]

Hi, thank you for viewing my videos and for your wonderful comments!!

[@blazingsniper2611]

Vic Stefanu - World Travels and Adventures it is a Sherman and the hatch u saw that was open was the drivers hatch

[@stevehagen6913]

Outstanding video ! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for your comments and for watching my videos!!

[@OverWatchGaming-RangerJoes]

I am glad I found your channel, very good job ! Subbed

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you!!

[@sargintrock2538]

Great job, you show how they had to wade in for hundreds of yards because of the reefs and tides! Most Excellent!

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for your comments!!

[@andrewb.5996]

WOW I can sense your excitement. Great stuff mate. I've subbed!

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you!!

[@themainproblem]

Hello again Vic. May I ask what the round trip costs to Tarawa was? I'd like to go there.

[@VicStefanu]

First you must go to Fiji, to catch the flight to Tarawa. I paid around $300 for the return flight Fiji-Kiribati...

[@ieitaatanrerei2621]

There is also another route and that is from Majuro to Tarawa by Nauru Airline, United Airline flies frm Hawaii to Majuro.

[@keithlapere7650]

Being a military history buff since I was a child and a former soldier. I love your videos. Just subscribed . Thank you for keeping history alive! By the way that plane you came across is a heavy bomber. Looking at the wing design and those engines without getting into the details. You're looking at a B-24 Liberator. Sorry I don't look at others peoples comments so this was probably already confirmed. I'm just confirming it further,lol. Cheers!

[@VicStefanu]

Hi Keith, thank you for your comments and for subscribing to my channel! You are right, that was a B-24 Liberator..

[@nbforrest111]

Vic, You have put together a series of interesting and informative videos! My congratulations, and gratitude. As I served in the Marine Corps many years ago, I came to know quite a few of the men who had served with the Second Marine Division and fought here. Along with the Marines, the Navy took a beating here as well. The Light Carrier USS Liscome Bay was sunk by a Japanese Submarine on the 24th with a large loss of life. With a crew of approximately 900, nearly 700 went down with her. Thank you for remembering them!

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your comments and for sharing with us all this information. It was a tremendous experience being there and videotaping these historic places...

[@leesherman100]

The aircraft is a Consolidated B-24 bomber. The Davis wing shape and certainly the landing gear leg are dead givaways as to the ident. The tank is a Sherman no question. There are photos of Red Beach after the battle with this tank in the same position. This battle was appalling!

[@VicStefanu]

+lee sherman Hello, thank you for your comments and for watching my videos!! Please do not forget to subscribe to my channel!!

[@dansmith7617]

It looks more like a Catalina. From the same company but only two engines.

[@jerryrichards4300]

Definitely a Davis aerofoil .

[@ChrisPPata-kc4td]

Wonderful presentation Vic, I truly enjoyed that. This is a subject that has always fascinated me. I am just amazed at the number of debris still left intact. You articulated your knowledge of this history quite well. Thanks for sharing that.

[@VicStefanu]

+for Julius M. Thank you for viewing my videos!!

[@MarcusAurelius-20VT]

Thank you for this video, very informative. And you've earned a sub!!

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you!!

[@ronvanpelt8196]

Ty Vic for sharing this excellent video l will subscribe and check out your other vids.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you!!

[@WilliamBooneJr]

Thank you very much for this video. Last month the remains of my second cousin, PFC or Earnie Harrison, USMC were returned to the U.S. after 74 years MIA. He celebrated his birthday, November 20, 1943 on the day of the invasion. He just turned 20 when a bullet hit struck head causing immediate death. I am going to put together a video of his life and have been looking at the videos posted here on KZbin about Caroline. Any suggestions would be welcome. Again thank you for your wonderful contribution.

[@VicStefanu]

Hi William, there are several videos on my youtube channel about Tarawa..

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Proud to be former member of the 2nd Marine Division. So much history from the Battle at Tarawa.

[@mokpot]

Betio has long been on my "must visit" list. Thank you for the great video.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for viewing my videos!

[@gridironfootballofficials685]

At that beach actor Eddie Albert was a naval lieutenant and he spent a fair amount of time in a Higgins boat rescuing wounded marines in the water - under fire the whole time.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for sharing with us this information!!

[@stoneblue1795]

ss.sites.mtu.edu/mhugl/2016/10/16/eddie-albert-in-the-battle-of-tarawa/

[@rayclark6596]

JP Stone, they need to move your link to the top of this page!!

[@davidfutch2227]

Gridiron Football Officials. Mr.albert is still called "honorary marine"after risking his live by saving wounded matines Semper fi. Rest in peace. Mr.albert

[@davidharris6581]

Technically He is Eddie Albert Junior.

[@eddgong]

Vic Stefanu , watching your vid now and looking forward to the others , Im far from an expert I just love history but my guess ID on the wing would be that of a Consolidated B-24, the wheel bay location under the wing was my tip off .

[@VicStefanu]

It is a B-24 Liberator.. Thank you for your comments!

[@austenbin4068]

Interesting tidbit about the battle: The Higgins boats couldn't get over the coral, and dropped the Marines off way out from the landing beach. Only the Alligators could get inland, but the first wave suffered such high casualties that the Navy drivers wouldn't go back in. The Coast Guard guys, having lifesaving as one of their core values, went back in to get the Marines out of the water and onto the beach. They suffered very high casualties, but kept running in as long as they had working equipment to do so, and the Marines there were very grateful to the Coast Guard. That's not a slight against the Navy. They had other battle where they shined, but this one was where the Coast Guard really stepped up.

[@VicStefanu]

Hi, thank you for viewing my videos and for your interesting comments!

[@MikeyD22]

Thanks so much for sharing this incredibly interesting video! Fascinating stuff!

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you!!

[@setnaffa]

Tarawa was where American planners learned lessons that saved many American lives on Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

[@VicStefanu]

Very true, it was the testing ground for future assaults.. Thank you for your comments!

[@copart849]

Really appreciate your efforts and great videos of places we will never get to see, but are tied to through family members who fought in WWII. I especially enjoyed your Guam coverage as that is where my father served in the Navy, 1944-45. I feel your work is priceless, as you stated in the video, "these things belong in a museum.". And, sadly, this era of our history is NOT being taught in many schools across our once great nation. God bless you for your work. That is why you feel so emotional at these places, the dead are crying out to be remembered.

[@VicStefanu]

Hi Sheryl, thank you so much for your wonderful comments!! I agree with you that this era of history is rapidly and increasingly becoming forgotten and not being taught to young Americans...

[@roanferguson8873]

That aircraft is a B-24 Liberator or some naval variant. The wing and landing gear are very distinctive

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you!!

[@francissullivan6400]

Great video Vic..Be safe on your travels

[@VicStefanu]

Hello Francis, thank you for watching my videos!! 👍👍👍

[@francissullivan6400]

@@VicStefanu victor I Love your WORK..research and respect you have for the men of those battlefields..From an American I Thank you

[@VicStefanu]

@@francissullivan6400 Hi Francis, thank you for watching my videos and for your wonderful comments!! 👍👍👍

[@bil46lyn]

My father was with the Second Marine Division. He talked if his time in Guadalcanal and Saipan and Tinian, but very little of Tarawa

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for your comments and for watching my videos!!

[@PDXDrumr]

Another great video Vic. I have 4 more years until I get to retire and go traveling, your videos keep me going :)

[@VicStefanu]

+PDXDrumr Thank you for viewing my videos!! Travelling is one of the most fantastic experiences in life, especially when combined with a passion for history....

[@PDXDrumr]

Agreed, I've seen some of the sites in Indonesia, and plan on the S. Pacific in 5 years.

[@HouseDrone1]

My uncle and my dad fought from those islands ,My sas was a B29 gunner ,My uncle was a marine who fought there. One thing I was surprised about was that Charles Bronson was a B29 gunner as well. I have a face book picture of my dad in his B29 ,Look up George Engebretsen .

[@VicStefanu]

Hi and thank you for your comments and for viewing my videos!!

[@jonathanschadenfreude9603]

Quality job my friend! Well done, well said.........I felt like I was there with u. More please!

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your comments my friend!

[@danmclaughlin1180]

Hi Vic , some background info taken from pacificwrecks.com if anyone is interested. 02:37 - B-24J-1-CO "Miss Bee Haven" Serial Number 42-72982 Mission History : On January 21, 1944 took off from Tarawa Airfield (Hawkins Field) on Tarawa (Betio) at 12:21am piloted by 1st Lt Morris A. Skaalen on a bombing mission against Roi Island at Kwajalein Atoll. Aboard as an observer was Captain George Van Vleet, Jr. from intelligence S-2. This bomber took off on a west to east direction but was unable to attain an altitude of 100'. Both pilots lowered the nose slightly in an attempt to gain speed, then pulled up sharply before impacting Tarawa Lagoon tail first. This bomber exploded on impact roughly 150 yards off the southern shore of Tarawa (Betio) roughly two-thirds of a mile east of the runway. Seventeen minutes later, B-24J 42-72999 also crashed into the sea further to the east. Fates of the Crew Three survived the crash and seven were killed on impact. The three survivors were able to escape from a hole torn to the rear of the co-pilot's position allowing them to escape. Observing the crash from Tarawa (Betio), Dr. Feves waded out to the crash site and assisted the three survivors into a life raft. Wreckage The wreckage of this bomber settled at a depth of 18" or partially exposed during low tide. During the crash, the tail section broke off rear of the bomb bay scattering bombs and the tail section landed upside down. The front half of the bomber impacted nose first then spun to the right. The bottom of the nose section was badly damaged and torn. Rear of the co-pilot's position was torn, allowing the three survivors to escape. © Pacific Wrecks - B-24J-1-CO 'Miss Bee Haven' Serial Number 42-72982 Source: www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-24/42-72982.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 04:51 - IsM4 Sherman tank. Abandoned in shallow water on November 20, 1943, off "Red Beach" on Tarawa (Betio), partially submerged in Tarawa Lagoon. © Pacific Wrecks - M4 Sherman Source: www.pacificwrecks.com/tank/sherman/tarawa.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 06:39 - Amtrak, LVT or Alligator: www.tanksontarawa.com/cobra.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 09:16 - I think is a Type 95 Ha go tank www.pacificwrecks.com/tank/type95-ha-go/tarawa/tanklette.html

[@VicStefanu]

Hello my friend, thank you very much for all this very interesting information!

[@geneballay9590]

Grrrreat video, Vic. Thank you for all the work.

[@VicStefanu]

+Gene Ballay Thank you!!

[@irun4fundotca]

Great job people should never forget the past

[@VicStefanu]

+Charles lakins Thank you..

[@rrrobeltnest7295]

thanks for taking us to this museum.. a drone sure would be a nice view

[@VicStefanu]

Great idea, going back in 2020!!

[@Stalheim97]

This is amazing footage. I would love to visit tarawa

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for viewing my videos and for your comments!

[@skybluetrades]

Thank you for the video Vic. Many of my US Marine brothers gave their lives on Red Beach and it is truly a sacred place. I hope to visit it someday. I also really like your videos from the Solomons. I was there in 1986 as part of a small (6) detachment of Marines. It was an honor to stand on Red Beach there but that landing was peaceful when compared to what the Marines endured in taking Tarawa. Thanks again...Greg

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your wonderful comments my friend. It was such a special experience to be there (Red Beach) and to stand exactly on the spot where the fist landing took place...

[@stephen2567]

The vehicle near the beached ship at approx. 9:15 is most probably a type 95 Japanese light tank. These were used by the Japanese on Tarawa.

[@VicStefanu]

You are right, a lot of people have suggested the same.. Thank you for viewing my videos!!

[@gridironfootballofficials685]

No that is a USMC M4A2 Sherman

[@roanferguson8873]

Scoobie Doo I may be wrong, but that looked like it had a cast hull, making it an M4A1

[@gridironfootballofficials685]

The Shermans at Betio where C Company, 1st Corps Tank Battalion (medium).C Company was attached to the 2nd Marine Division's 2nd Light Tank Battalion for the Tarawa invasion. The 14 M4A2 Shermans of C company where Company HQ China Gal Chicago 1st Platoon Cobra Celia Clipper Cherokee 2nd Platoon Unknown Commando Cuddles Unknown 3rd Platoon Cannonball Colorado Charlie Condor The tank pictured may be Chicago which stalled in a shellhole before landing on Red Beach One. Fourteen Shermans from C Company started out from the line of departure. Eight tanks were to land on Red Beach 3 under command of 1st Lt. Lou Largey. The other six were to proceed to Red Beach 1 with 1st Lt. Ed Bale in the lead. While heading for the reef, two LCMs were sunk along with their Sherman tank cargo. The 12 remaining tanks made it onto the reef and began rolling toward the beach. Two of these Shermans never made it to the beach because they sank in deep shell holes. According to Alexander most of the crew from one tank drowned riding low in tight quarters. C Co. and in fact all Marine Shermans at this time had no water fording kits available. This meant these Shermans were unable to operate in depths greater than three feet. Field expedient sheet metal stack extentions were fabricated but were of no use in a deep shell crater which were many on the reef ringing Betio. In any case ten Sherman tanks touched down on Betio's beach.3 On Red 3, the four tanks of 3rd Platoon Cannonball, Colorado, Charlie,and Condor , had made it to the beach. This unit landed on Red Beach 3 intact, except for Colorado which had taken a sharp hit on the front hull from a medium caliber Japanese gun. Their orders were to advance and blast any bunkers encountered. In a very short time three of the Shermans were put out of action. The exception was Colorado. After being hit a second time by another Japanese gun and bursting into flames the tank was driven straight back to the water on Red Beach 3. Dented and charred, Colorado was saved. It was the only Sherman to survive the first day on Red Beach 3. The three other tanks of C Company had all been put of action very quickly including Largey's own mount, Cannonball. The four tanks had proceeded through a hole blasted in the Red 3 seawall and proceded inland in an attempt to gain the southern shore of Betio. Cannonball and Charlie had crossed the taxiway and were headed through the triangle area in the central portion of the island. Largey in Cannonball had become mired in a burning fuel dump while Charlie had been hit by a 47mm Japanese gun and set on fire. The 2nd platoon rolled onto Red Beach 3 and quickly reformed there before a short drive over to Red 2. The tanks of the 1st Platoon and Company HQ, led by First Lt. Ed Bale, had orders to land on Red Beach 1. After the LCM's dropped their ramps on the edge of the reef the tanks began lumbering forward toward the western most landing beach. Only four Shermans, China Gal, Chicago, Cobra, and Cecilia made it onto the island from this group. Chicago reportedly stalled out in a deep shell hole while manuvering near the island. (note - no confirmation of this) All but one Sherman was recovered after the fighting. They were sent back to Hawaii for refitting and later reissued to another unit that used them in the Marshall Islands campaign in early 1944.

[@davidharris6581]

That is why I was wondering why the tank retrieval unit did not salvage the one in the video? They refit plenty of tanks that had been underwater?

[@richardsmith4928]

Thank you Vic for your historic videos of WWII, they are very interesting and I wish I could visit those locations someday.

[@leokrupp4442]

You get anymore "bronzed" your gonna be a statue.

[@VicStefanu]

lol.... Hello and thank you for viewing my videos!!

[@olentangy74]

Great video, Vic. I notice there are shipwrecks several hundred years offshore. did find out anything about those? Are they war relics, or something more recent?

[@VicStefanu]

Hi! All the wrecks come from the battle of Guadalcanal (1942-43) and each one is identified and recorded extensively regarding when it was damaged, by whom, etc..

[@olentangy74]

Vic Stefanu - Amazing World Videos Hey Vic. The video I was referring to was when you visited Betio in the Gilbert Islands, and the shipwrecks that are visible in the background. Guadalcanal is in the Solomons. Regards.

[@VicStefanu]

@@olentangy74 Hi, you are right, I thought I was responding to another video of mine from Guadalcanal, my mistake.. In the intro of the video and in the final comments, you can see a ship behind me, that was a recent shipwreck from a storm.. Also around 13:40 you can see ships or barges in the far distance; none of those were related to the WW2 era, they are all more recent. In short, if a ship stuck out of the water, it had nothing to do with WW2 battles... all the ships from the battle of Tarawa have been rusted out and they are either buried under the sand or only the very bottom survives and sometimes exposed in very low tides..

[@olentangy74]

Vic Stefanu - Amazing World Videos I see. Thank you very much for your response. I very much appreciate it. !

[@MrArchonta]

Very interesting. I agree that the plane could be a B24 Liberator.

[@VicStefanu]

+Mr. Archonta Hello, thank you for your comments and for watching my videos!!

[@robertmoore8076]

I thank you for this great video. I subscribe to your Channel. I could hear the children in the background and it is much better than hearing sounds of machine guns and cannon and the screams of the wounded. I am very impressed by this video and I think that's such a beautiful place and I hope it never sees War again...

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for subscribing and for viewing my videos!! Yes, there was a group of youngsters that followed me around.. I agree with you, it is such a beautiful place and I hope that its people never witness war again..

[@mnpd3]

Had a cousin killed on first day of Tarawa. Like a lot of other Marines hastily buried on Tarawa, his grave could not be located after the war for re-burial in a permanent cemetery. Because of that, all these guys are listed as missing and still have open MIA cases at the DOD. The appalling MIA numbers for Tarawa are skewed by this --- Marines confirmed KIA but carried MIA because the location of their remains is unknown.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for this information. When I was filing this video, there was a team of American marines digging out the remains of several American servicemen that were found in a yard of a house in Tarawa.. so, I agree, there are several men, buried in Tarawa, whose remains are still to be found..

[@whitestuff1959]

Thank you sir for these great videos, I see the remains and remember all the tears and blood spilt ,so very sad

[@208stroker1]

yes thats a sherman...the hatch opened is the drivers compartment so thats the front not the back...nice vid man , subbed..

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for your comments, for watching my videos and for subbing!!

[@208stroker1]

ur very welcome , i have been a ww2 historian all my life, very much enjoying ur vids..

[@brucemanly7857]

Thank you so much for your knowledgeable narration, and your extraordinary effort at preserving history.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your wonderful comments my friend!!

[@brucemanly7857]

You're the one that deserves the thanks Vic, I'd gladly pay per view on your videos, I appreciate you giving them away, for that alone you've gained a fan, for the information you've gained a student !

[@VicStefanu]

Hi, thank you for viewing my videos and for your wonderful comments!!

[@9005067]

thanks, very interesting

[@biharnewsline]

what an incredible piece of work sir !! Gutsy!! Scholarly!! A heap of thanks for this!! Keep it up .

[@asd36f]

9:20 - looks like the remains of a Type 95 Ha-Go light tank.

[@VicStefanu]

Ok, thank you for this information!

[@tmanoutdoors8277]

Yeah I knew it was Japanese because of its small size but couldn’t tell

[@scotto5701]

Awesome video. You are doing your part in saving history

[@VicStefanu]

Many thanks!! 👍👍👍

[@lewjames6688]

Just a small correction. They were Marines, not soldiers.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for the correction!

[@CannedHam-uz2nr]

This is AWESOME !! Thank GOD for the continued interest in that war & people like you that do the stuff you do. Keep it up ! Great work sir !

[@VicStefanu]

Hi Scott, thank you for your wonderful comments!!

[@thomassutherland8020]

The M4 Sherman was not knocked out, It ran into a shell hole and got stuck. The crew did manage to exit the tank. All survived.

[@VicStefanu]

Hi, thank you for this information and for viewing my videos!!

[@828enigma6]

Odd they didn't pull it out and salvage it.

[@easyrider7694]

Wow!! What a gorgeous place to see and with a lot of history. Looking very peaceful nowadays a place to relax.. Now over 70 years on it is so fascinating to see so many American wrecked equipment laying around the bay not alone the one's that are not accounted for. The tank in the sand is a sherman and the 4 engine plane possibly be B-17 flying fortress bomber or B-24 liberator.. Thanks for sharing this brilliant video vic 👍 😊 👍

[@VicStefanu]

Hello my friend, thank you for these wonderful comments! 👍👍👍

[@easyrider7694]

@@VicStefanu Your welcome vic good man...

[@robertk.5195]

Those two tracked vehicles - I believe - are Studebaker Weasels. They used the Champion flathead 6 engine and had clutches that drove the tracks in unison or individually for the purpose of turning.

[@VicStefanu]

Hi, thank you for this information and for viewing my videos!!

[@eatcommies1375]

Great footage Sir!! Keep up the great work!

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you!!

[@johnbrock1602]

I think that is where Marines had to wade to shore 200 to 300 yards an took the island the water was chest deep an the Marines we’re being shot as they came ashore

[@VicStefanu]

This is the place, yes.. Thank you for your comments!!

[@jeffburnham6611]

@John Brock, you are correct. The reason they had to wade so far to the beach was due to only a limited number of LVT Alligators available during the landing. The Higgins boats couldn't cross the reef, so the Marines were forced to wade ashore. The LVT's however were able to crawl right up onto the reef and proceed to the beaches. Consequently, the Higgins boats were kept at the reef after they unloaded, and then shuttled the injured back to the ships and brought in supplies.

[@1keykneedeep]

Its the 1st time i have wver seen this battlesite. Absolutely beautiful island. Full of relics

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your comments and for viewing my videos!!

[@少川靖男]

When you hop from island to island, you'd better check whether the sites were once Pacific atomic/hydrogen bomb test sites. Radiation lingers !!

[@VicStefanu]

I did and I stayed away from radiation sites..

[@chrisj197438]

This will be added to my bucket list

[@VicStefanu]

A great, historic place to visit!

[@TheBumper100]

Vic, the seawall built at water's edge and the outer reef are of much more historic interest in telling the battle story than rusted junk.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your comments!!

[@thinghammer]

This series of videos is excellent. Very well done.

[@VicStefanu]

Hello, thank you for watching my videos and for your wonderful comments!! 👍👍👍

[@thinghammer]

@@VicStefanu you must have spent a fortune travelling to all of these places. Glad you did!

[@VicStefanu]

@@thinghammer Best investment I ever made...

[@bigstick5278]

1,000 Marines and sailors had been killed, and nearly 2,300 were wounded.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for the information!

[@kvogel9245]

Interesting video, and your enthusiasm makes it even better!

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your wonderful comments!

[@reymondjames1726]

The worst fighting for marines was on Tarawa.

[@VicStefanu]

There were other places in the Pacific that witnessed more intense fighting, Iwo Jima as an example..

[@VicStefanu]

OMG, I bet he can tell you some incredible stories from both of the assaults..

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for your comments!!

[@craftpaint1644]

Peleliu takes the worst battle of the Pacific designation at 40 percent landing casualties, crap pre-invasion reconnaissance mapping, and lack of basic supplies like clean water throughout the battle. The Japanese learned much by radio and used the tactics to wage "endurance defense" for the remainder of the war.

[@VicStefanu]

I will be spending lots of time in Peleliu in 2020!!!

[@billcooper6620]

Thank you so much. Some day I want to go there. My dad Leon Cooper fought there. You taught me a lot. Grateful

[@VicStefanu]

Hi Bill, thank you for viewing my videos!

[@jduff59]

Betio -probably the absolute worst fighting in the entire war -Hell on Earth!

[@VicStefanu]

That's right! Thank you for viewing my videos!!

[@ronvanpelt8196]

iirc that dubious honor belongs here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Peleliu having said that ANY assault such as this one would have been a hell on earth to those brave men who endured them....salute

[@VicStefanu]

Hello and thank you for viewing my videos!!

[@mose717]

Thanks for posting your videos.

[@VicStefanu]

Thank you for viewing my videos!!

[@littlejimmy2855]

2020 is hindsight the us should have by passed these islands and starved them out.

[@haroldpetzold1033]

little jimmy I believe Tarawa had an air strip. we by passed most of the islands that had no airfield or capability for an airfield or staging areas

[@VicStefanu]

Tarawa had an airstrip and some on the original buildings (and the control tower) are still there..

[@sonnydean3187]

Yes, but your confusing Tarawa with Peleliu.

[@MrBrownnn696]

Wow Vic that must of been a crazy experience to see everything in person huh ?.

[@VicStefanu]

Exactly!!And this is why I travel so much!!