Hit and Run-The US Carrier Raids of 1942-Episode 105

In this week's episode, Seth and Bill discuss the situation in the Pacific in late December 1941 and the United States' first strike back at the Japanese.
The February 1, 1942 raid on the Marshall Islands by Enterprise Air Group highlights the episode as our hosts break down the attacks and the personalities that took part in the very first aircraft carrier-launched offensive strike in US Navy history.
Join us for an exciting episode as Bill and Seth dive deep into this often forgotten and overlooked, but very important aspect of the early Pacific War.
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[@dancolley4208]

This is a GREAT episode. It plugs a knowledge gap that I've had for years. I frequently heard that the days between Pearl Harbor and Midway were the time that there were "a series of nuisance raids" but this is the first time that an explanation found me ... Where? Who? When? With what? etc. This podcast had given me a platform which I can use to continue to fill that gap. Thank you. Great job.

[@tomhoefling]

By the way, another thing that the 2019 Midway movie covered was the almost unbelievably heroic actions of Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class Bruno Gaido, including his subsequent murder by the officers of the Japanese ship that captured him and his compadre.

[@gsr4535]

But it was a dreadful movie. High school level - amateurish.

[@PalleRasmussen]

@@gsr4535 I knew already that High School in the US was pretty bad, but *this* bad?

[@davidstallard2235]

You guys did a very good job and hope your channel grows because you put a lot of work and effort into it.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thank you very much. The best way for the channel (and podcast) to grow is by word of mouth from listeners like you. Please spread the word!

[@rtqii]

@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar I found out about your channel after I watched the Midway discussion published by Drach, both of you had the same guest: Jon Parshall, and I searched for more material. I am not telling you your business, but interacting with channels like Battleship New Jersey, and Drach's channel dramatically increases your exposure with people who most appreciate your content. A collaboration or recommendation helps the history community in general, everybody benefits.

[@AndrewGivens]

@@rtqii Well said. I like Seth & Bill and I think too few people are aware of them and their work.

[@rtqii]

@@AndrewGivens I agree.

[@terryp3034]

Hands down, the best history podcast ever. Tremendous detail with excellent perspective. You guys are living encyclopedias and your passion is nonstop. I am so hooked.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Wow, thank you!

[@jameshuening4372]

Great job. 1942 is, to me, the most compelling part of the Pacific war. Love the discussions you are presenting.

[@stevenwillis2362]

Vastly fascinating and informative. My father served throughout the Pacific war afloat and I have had a 60 year obsession with all things nautical. Beyond a doubt the best podcast I've ever had the honor and pleasure to pursue.

[@mainiacjoe]

31:25 The light cruiser was Katori, which in line with Japanese dismissal of defense in these areas was NOT a fist line cruiser. Indeed it had been laid down as a training cruiser and had a mixed main armament of 5.5" and 5" to facilitate the cadets' exposure to different weapon systems. She was sunk by Iowa during the Truk raid.

[@rossdawgsbrokenspirit9038]

This is fantastic, this part of the war I never read.

[@rossdawgsbrokenspirit9038]

I can visualize George Murray's direction of Enterprise in this episode avoiding the bombs and early kamikaze

[@josephliu874]

Fantastic presentation! Thank you!

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thank you too!

[@davidcbr0wn]

Great, Great, Great episode. You guys really hit it describing when the fleet returned and what it did for everyone.

[@joshwhite3339]

Thank you for posting this; I'm so glad I found this podcast. The early carrier raids are what really sparked my interest in the Pacific War back in the day, and I still find them one of the most fun areas to delve into. There are comparatively few sources on them compared to Midway or Guadalcanal or Leyte (The Doolittle Raid being the one exception), so I'm always looking for more info :)

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

So many folks fail to appreciate the impact of those early raids. Among other things, they helped to cement Halsey's reputation early in the war.

[@davidharner5865]

@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar 'early'!

[@AndrewGivens]

@@davidharner5865 In the Pacific War. Very much so.

[@AndrewGivens]

Superb work! Great discussion of an operation (well, series of operations) which simply are not given the coverage they deserve. As you guys both said, really important battle, because the first actions for a force are so instructive (quite apart from the strategic "turning ,movement" which Bill so eloquently described). It's interesting to me (a Brit) that the early work of RN carriers is never really talked about - only Bismarck and Taranto get the attention, but the RN had a lot to learn in 1939, because their only real experience was 1917-18 and it was essentially irrelevant by then. The loss of HMS Courageous on 'anti U-boat' patrol - to a U-boat! - was a very harsh lesson. That lesson and the reinforcement work which the Fleet Air Arm had to carry out in support of the Norway operation were vital in helping the RN to develop its carrier doctrine early in the war, and they also had a lot of work to do in 1940-41 reinforcing Malta in the face of a serious air and submarine threat, giving them serious operational and battle experience. Hardly talked about. These are lessons which, like Bill said so truthfully, a fighting force can only learn through battle. So, events like the Gilbert & Marshall islands Raids of 1942 are really important for armchair admirals like myself to hear about, so that we get both a better context for where the great fighting teams of legendary battles like Midway and Taranto were coming from, lest we become too lazy in our judgement (pardon the pun) of the conduct of the later, better-known battles. Loving this podcast - thank you both so much for creating this YT channel.

[@dank5032]

Best episode yet. I thought I was up to speed on early war goings on but apparently not. Nicely done

[@mhsvz6735]

I thank God for the brave men of The Greatest Generation. With their sacrifice they gave us the freedom we enjoy today. May God bless them forever and ever. Amen.

[@wonderbreadmodelsandhistor1566]

You guys did a fantastic job here...THANK YOU again for your efforts.

[@jetdriver]

I think your central point here that the importance of these raids has not been properly appreciated is spot on. Well done. With respect to Pye and his decision to cancel the relief expedition I think history has shown he made the right call. Saratoga by herself was not in a position to take on Car Div 2 and it’s almost certain given the limited speed of advance of the transports that they would have arrived too late to make a difference. Furthermore Pye had been advised that Wake was a liability and as such he would have properly judged that it wasn’t worth losing a carrier over. Yes the effects of the recall were terrible to morale. But the effects of pressing forward and losing Saratoga and multiple other ships would have been far worse. This is in fairness seen with the benefit of hindsight. Furthermore that Nimitz ultimately sidelines Pye is a good indication that histories judgement of him was largely accurate. But in this case I think he made the right call.

[@johnspurrell1200]

There were no tenants. The crew lived aboard but weren't charged rent. One of the tenets of writing is know the meaning and spelling of the words you use. These men risked their life. Show them the minimum respect they deserve. How hard is it to use a dictionary and check your spelling? The Mirsubishi Nell waa the bomber type that sank the English BB KGV and Battle Cruiser Repulse at the beginning of thd war near Singapore.

[@michelegambera]

@@johnspurrell1200 Good point but please don't get mad. After all, you misspelled Mitsubishi. Nobody is perfect!

[@jetdriver]

@@johnspurrell1200 congrats on your Internet jerk of the year award.

[@johnspurrell1200]

If Pye had continued, without support, and been hit and or sunk the IJN would have added greatly to the Pearl Harbor raid effects on the USN's ability and time necessary to recover.

[@AndrewGivens]

@@johnspurrell1200 Agreed - very much the point Jet Driver was leaning into. And yes, the range of the G3M was a horrible surprise to the Allies - the RN especially. At the Gilberts, where they were flying on a short-range defensive mission, not so much. The reports of the bombing accuracy though, even against a big ship, from twin-engine level bombers is quite a surprise to me. Kudos to those pilots; they must have been really pressing their attacks hard.

[@Neaptide184]

Great, well researched, level headed and organized historical review. Getting addicted to these….

[@roadgeneral]

I must tell you guys that I have thoroughly enjoyed your You Tube version of your podcasts. This history needs to be told over and over again. The current generation, for the most part doesn't know or care about this period of time. A time when the U.S. was emerging as the premier World Power. To Capt. Toti, I'm an ex-sailor. Active duty 1960 to 1963. PO2, also stationed at Pearl Harbor on Ford Island at The Fleet Intelligence Center Pacific. Had to take a ferry or launch to get to the Island back then. I worked at the O-Club on Ford Island as a bartender I my off duty time. Biggest mistake I ever made in my young life was leaving the Navy. At 81 now, I think about that decision almost every day. I sincerely hope and pray you beat the medical problem you are fighting.

[@johnheigis83]

Please teach this breathing preparation... ( I learned it, by happenstance and experimentation, during my last two PFTs, while serving in the USMC, in 1977. It wasn't taught, anywhere.). To begin a day; and, especially, to prep for anything strenuous (as before a test, a speech, exercising, a game, chaos, etc.). Like while dressing for a game... First, breath out, completely. Then, take a deep breath, and hold it as long as you can; while, even taking in more air, before letting it go and letting your body calm again. Do this, at least 6 times, in a row. Such stretches your chest and lungs open, so you take in far more air than usual, thereafter, with each following breath. It makes one feel like when coming out again after a halftime... Ready! (I had always struggled with my breathing, during runs, like during a quarterly PFT. I always finished, middle of the pack. However, the night before my second to last PFT, I had been swimming, and practicing my water treading, to help battle my fear of water, in light of my particular occupation, as a hit-the-beach Marine. Naturally, I noticed the difference, during my run, the next morning. So, I did - exactly - 5 deep, held breaths, at the line, before beginning the PFT run/race, the next morning. I came in first, with about 100 yards between me and the second man behind me... And, I was able to really turn it on, for the last stretch. I earned myself a 4 day Pass from it. Thusly, any team leader should shout "breathe", occasionally, to do exactly this; especially, at crucial points before, and in a game, etc.). Again, please pass it on. I teach it to anyone who will listen; but, it needs to be taught in schools, and such; and, folks putting some good old science to it wouldn't hurt. As I said, it isn't, or wasn't taught, as late as recently. I suspect, it's spreading; because, I also tell folks in sports, that they must teach it to their competitors, (after they beat them)! And, give me feedback, too. Thanks.

[@crwmdp9]

Please don’t stop! These podcast are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing these.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Glad you like them!

[@mikemazzola6595]

Another masterful episode. I hang on every word. And there are so many yet to watch! Well done gentlemen. As the son of a Naval Aviator, I am partial to the airmen, but I appreciated Bill's pride when he plugged the submariners for dragging a future president from the drink. A war hero of a future president. Different services maybe; but one Navy. The undisputed queen of the seas. May it always be so.

[@PFWoody488]

Never heard of Gaido until now. Thanks for correcting that deficiency. That man deserves to be remembered.

[@patrickmcelhone1446]

Recently discovered your podcast. I love it. You are both extremely informative yet humble. This subject is so relevant considering our current world political situation

[@mitch8226]

Wow great content ,and now I know why I didn't sleep for four years aboard a ssn....thanks bill

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gravitypronepart2201]

Can't tell you how much I enjoyed this episode!!

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thank you!

[@johnspurrell1200]

It is always a pleasure to see acts and comments rehearsed in prior battles so they can be repeated in later holywood films. The gunner leaping into the rear seat and practicing shootibg at an attacking Nell, launched from a land base, not the twin engine bombers launched from carriers and used in the film Midway, I was surprised to not see or hear "Don't give up the ship," or even "We have not yet begun to fight" in the Midway film.

[@tomcrouchman]

Loving the series.

[@richardhall7094]

Awesome job guys!

[@MIKE-se8ye]

Thank you gentlemen.

[@bobdevlin4118]

Amazing content! Thank you!

[@sparkey6746]

Enjoyed the discussion, thank you.

[@davidharner5865]

Thank you, your work is fantastic! Catching up on past episodes.

[@anthonybush607]

Awesome job guys.👍🏻👍🏻

[@frankbodenschatz173]

As always, just a tremendous job and with passion and flair!

[@johntempest267]

Love content/details. Keep it up guys.

[@tommilitello888]

Excellent podcast!

[@snook279]

Thank you so much for all your podcasts. I keep learning so much!

[@stuartdollar9912]

Excellent episode gentlemen.

[@dougdavis599]

Another great and Informative show!! This is an awesome podcast!

[@F4FWildcat]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@Vakubli]

Fantastic series.

[@davidpitchford6510]

Excellent.

[@weywey3318]

You guys have a great channel. Thanks for putting it together.

[@billnorthrup7654]

Excellent series. Very well done and informative. I really appreciate the detailed analysis, lacking in most content.

[@patrickshanley4466]

Awesome show about a relatively unknown part of the PTO👍

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

Fantastic series love it.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Glad to hear it!

[@cheesenoodles8316]

This exceeded my very high expectations. Maybe because I grew up on the west coast, because many of the WWII vets I knew served in the Pacific ... These early raids fueled the wars course and are so very important. Note, Gato is a legend ...a very brave man. Excellent show.

[@davidh25952]

awesome work boys

[@covertops19Z]

BRAVO ZULU, for another great brief. On a little known or talked about period of WWII.. Love your channel.

[@stevemolina8801]

Loved it! GO NAVY!

[@tylerrichards6456]

Great episode, although I wish you wouldn’t have left the charges of cowardice against admiral Pye unanswered. If we are going to laud Nimitz for espousing a doctrine of calculated risk, then we should apply the same for everyone. Pye knew he had one carrier with a tiny escort and that there were already at least one and very likely several Japanese carriers standing off wake island before we even got there. The prudent thing to do was to withdraw, especially because losing Saratoga would cut one of Nimitz’ legs off before he could even take up his new post. In hindsight we can see Pye was correct because Sara would’ve been 1v2 with the crack aviators of Hiryu and Soryu

[@1987palerider]

Agreed. He was working with the info he had, and at that point in the war we couldn't afford to lose a single carrier

[@victorboucher675]

Thank you.

[@casparcoaster1936]

Effective simulated combat? Sure: 1) paintball 2) child custody hearing... thanks you guys, have read em all (Hornfisher, Symonds, Frank, & of course, Toll's trilogy) but these conversations you guys engage in are as good (and better) than Drach!!! It's rich, makes me glad I pay for KZbin

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Drach will be a guest soon...

[@MemorialRifleRange]

Thank-You

[@bobbiecrider6964]

This is the information I have been looking for since High school in 1970,... Since high school had very little ww2 pacific history taught... PR2 USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA 42 VA 87 1972/76

[@250txc]

Again very interesting .. I knew had the worlds top navy at this time but was clueless on how weak we were in so many ways ... I have to think our commanders were beyond what Japan had and this helped greatly.

[@terrygregg1228]

Good stuff. Thanks. t

[@billyhouse1943]

Thank you..

[@cragnamorra]

Great episode on a "less-emphasized" period of the war. Very well done. Time constraints being what they are, fully understand the focus on Big E's Marshalls raid as "representative", not faulting that at all. There were, however, some other significant episodes from this early raids effort. Lexington attempted to raid Rabaul, but aborted the attack due to the "calculated risk" principle...her air-defense effort in fending off a large attack by G4M's, however, on 20 Feb was quite notable. This is the action in which Butch O'Hare gained fame and won the Medal of Honor by almost singlehandedly destroying a formation of Betties which otherwise would have reached Lexington unimpeded. Yet another unwelcome, unexpected reverse for Japan in very-early 1942. Likewise the Lexington-Yorktown March raid against Lae/Salamua deserves recognition; an overland raid launched from the Coral Sea to the northeast coast of New Guinea. It was a hell of a piece of airmanship to go over the Owen Stanleys at rather extreme range (and therefore, again, completely unexpected by Japan). I've don't recall reading a historian explicitly connect the dots on this, but I've long wondered if this raid perhaps helped goad Japanese decision-making toward "dang it, we have to do something about Port Moresby, sooner rather than later". Thus precipitating Operation MO and the Battle of the Coral Sea.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Never gonna pass on the Big E. She’s my carrier.

[@barneyfife291]

Thanks

[@tomhoefling]

It is important that we still "Remember Pearl Harbor." Great job, gentlemen. I agree about the importance of these raids, and I'm happy that the 2019 Midway movie highlighted them. You all may well have had something to do with that, via your writings. Who knows.

[@icewaterslim7260]

Didn't know about these until now.

[@mpetersen6]

One important thing about these hit and run raids. It allowed the USN to give their aircrews some combat experience.

[@sailordude2094]

Thankfully the US fleet command got smart, lol. Thanks for the awesome early Pacific war history, I never knew about this! @54:30, Crazy but I have a autographed photo of me and Bush from the early 2000s, I can see it on my mantle now. I met him on a carrier during Navy reserve training. I think it was the Enterprise CVN 65, if you can believe that, lol.

[@dennisweidner288]

Really excellent presentation about a poorly understood campaign., Great discussion. One more example of how Admiral King was usually correct and does not get the credit he deserves. Your focus here was that these raids forced the Japanese to divert resources to upgrade the defenses of their many island bases. It would be nice to have some facts and figures on this, but I suppose that no one has worked up the numbers. But this is a very valid point as well as capturing Yamatos' attention leading to Midway. One other very important impact was real battle experience for the pilots and crews which I think you do not give enough attention to. At this stage of the war, the performance of the Japanese carriers outclassed the American carriers. And they had better fighters and torpedoes planes, better-trained pilots, as well as a torpedo that actually worked. Yamamoto had good reason to think that Kido Butai would come out better in a fleet engagement. These raids were a vital part of raising the combat effectiveness of the American carriers for the inevitable showdown when it finally came at Midway.

[@billyhouse1943]

Thank you…

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

The correct term is " Hauling out with Halsey". 😎 Another quote from Halsey in a report to Pearl. " Engaged in running gun fight. Japanese gunning, Enterprise running".

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

I remember this quote from Much Morton & Wahoo too...

[@williamolivadoti3867]

After WW2, one of my salesmen was a Wake Japanese POW camp survivor. He hated vehemently both the Japanese and the U.S. NAVY with equal portions of animosity. If the Navy had made it to Wake, they would have had the Japanese in a crossfire betwixt the shore batteries and the US fleet.... When was the only time this ever happened before in American history? Yorktown? A pie in the face....It flies in the face of reason.... Fie on it,.... Pye not on it...A Pye in the Sky etcetcetc ...My other friend was a Battaan Death March survivor. The Japanese treated him better than the rest of the other prisoners coz he had lotsa curly bright red hair. You can see him in one of the old color utube films videos here of the Death March. He was ok physcically but his head was all screwed up. He practically lived in my aunt`s restaurant She fed him free for the rest of his life. I miss him dearly. Yea i know i am an old sucker.... i can remember blackouts and aluminum pot curb collections in Connecticut in 1943-45. I still got them ration stamps and WW2 war posters..

[@williamolivadoti3867]

Blackouts cos them Nazi subs was comin` into the Sound at night..

[@alexkalish8288]

I am amazed with the intellect and tactical depth of flag commanders, who used the fleet that they had, brilliantly. Nimitz was a genius and he had a handful of genius's in his command. For a over matched navy, he used everything to great effect and with absolute fearlessness. My dad was at Pearl harbor 12/7/41 with the 19th inf. for months they were digging trenches on the beach..

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

Agreed! Nimitz was the man, no question about that. My uncle, Harold F Willard was a submariner, sorry don't remember the boat, but on December 7th he was with a buddy on Diamond Head and they watched the whole attack unfold. They couldn't get back to their sub because the local police had the roads closed and the MP's were telling everybody to get into their houses and not to come out! He felt guilty about not getting back to his boat for years and years. Not that it would have done much good though. RIP Uncle Harold❤.🇺🇲⚓️💯👍

[@markwriter2698]

Thank you. Adds the human touch to the statistics. .

[@richardbennett1856]

This is rarely given more than a couple of paragraphs in most history books, but the Marshall and Caroline island raids were essential to future air operations. Its why Enterprise performed so well at Midway, in comparison to Hornets poor showing.

[@1jviezy]

Idk if you guys read the comments this far out but I was wondering if Bill had a source or a reference to the story he told about Halsey promoting the man to Chief for laughing at him. I'm writing a paper on Halsey for a class at my University on Bill Halsey and would love to put that in it. Thanks for all you do and the hours of entertainment!

[@petestorz172]

Effects far exceeding or being the reverse of actual damage done to whom seems to have been common in 1942. This was the first such instance. It's interesting that relative newcomer Nimitz realized his fleet's need to gain battle experience through "minor" raids.

[@SirLurkALot]

I believe the Japanese cruiser attacked in this raid was the IJN Katori.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Correct, thank you very much. Sometimes it's difficult to remember everything when you are trying to spit out facts within a story.

[@dinodoc4366]

@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar No worries. You two are doing a great job. I'm enjoying this series immensely. Thank you!

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

The hit and run raids had a few functions. First, gaining combat experience. Second unbalance Japan's offensive plans Third, USN morale Fourth home morale.

[@jagsdomain203]

Are there vids on trhe other raids

[@model-man7802]

Dad was on the Yorktown CV5

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

If memory serves, the SBD's did have a technical issue in these raids. The temperature change diving from altitude to lower altitude fogged their bomb site.

[@johnspurrell1200]

Their intended bomb site was the enemy carrier deck. The plane's bomb sight fogged up not the SBD's target the intended bomb impact site.

[@davidhoffman6980]

@13:54 "and Bloch says 'if you take my carriers...and hit these far flung Japanese bases, well that leaves Hawaii wide open.' And to a point, he's right." I disagree. I think the biggest reason the Pearl Harbor raid was successful is because of surprise. By January of 1942, we were expecting an attack, could have constant CAP, and could presumably scramble ships prior to an incoming attack. Also, a second raid would have to deal with counter attacking land based aircraft. At this point, the air corps still believed that B-17s bombing at 10,000 feet was a viable anit-shipping strategy. A second raid could have done more damage, but Japan likely wouldn't have surprise, and would be fought from the outset. That's not to say it would have gone well for us, but I don't see how admiral Bloch had a leg to stand on at the time.

[@rossdawgsbrokenspirit9038]

@48:35 I have never heard this tale wow it proves beneficial to laugh at and mock your commanding officer!

[@rossdawgsbrokenspirit9038]

@45:23 this is huge

[@rossdawgsbrokenspirit9038]

George H. W. Bush: 58 Combat raids duly noted!

[@scottgarbs7761]

TBD's did ok at Coral Sea, no? The Avengers got wiped out at Midway along with the TBD's didn't they? The TBD must be a better torpedo plane than the British Swordfish? Didn't the TBD really demonstrate that any torpedo bomber needs fighter help...to repel the enemy's fighters....to be successful? Great shows. Thank you!

[@dancolley4208]

It seems that a turning maneuver is not tied geographical proximity to the enemy. The USN attacked in the northern edge of Japanese influence while the bulk of the Japanese fleet was far south of the Marshall Is. and the Gilbert Is. The US Navy turned the Japanese while not even being close to them. A very interesting tactical move. Maximized the risk vs. benefit equation.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Agree

[@johnheigis83]

Idea... Shells filled with Argentine type bolos... That would arm, as they get released from the shell, while taking advantage of the spin of the shell, for filling the sky against Zeros, with a third "arm" being longer than the other two, so to cause it to dart around, too?

[@bobbiecrider6964]

I would like to see more maps 🎯

[@JohnnyBoy-tw9mh]

These carrier raids gets way to little attention. Great stories!

[@johnspurrell1200]

What is the way to little?

[@davekelsey8762]

👍

[@pagejackson1207]

I'm disappointed that Captain Todi didn't acknowledge the existence of the Washington Treaty cruisers that were absent from Pearl Harbor with the carriers on December 7th. You should do a podcast on the contribution those cruisers made in 1942. These carriers bore the brunt of the Guadalcanal campaign's naval battles. Six of the seven New Orleans class cruisers were sunk or heavily damaged and the Portland (Portland class) was also heavily damaged at Guadalcanal in 1942. The contribution (sacrifice?) of Washington Naval Treaty cruisers contributed significantly to our victory there by preventing naval bombardments of Henderson Field on several occasions and thus preserving our air supremacy during daylight hours. My father served as Chief Flight Officer on the Indianapolis in 1943 and 1944 (she wasn't involved in the Guadalcanal Campaign). He lost his best friend when she was sunk late in July 1945. He always said that he wanted to write a book about those cruisers. He said that he would title it "Tin Ships, Iron Men").

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Keep watching. We get there. Don’t complain until you watch everything.

[@pagejackson1207]

@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar Wonderful! And I want to apologize for incorrectly spelling Captain Toti's name. I'm really enjoying the series. My father didn't speak of his war experiences very often but he clearly loved his service in the U.S. Navy. When we were little he awakened us every morning by walking into our room bugling "General Quarters" and ordering "all hands on deck"! He was shot down at Tarawa and attacked several times by Betty bombers on his scouting missions. The death of his friend so close to the end of the war affected him deeply. I'm named for Lt. N. Page Hill, Chief Radio Officer, of the Indianapolis who was from Alabama. I think of him often, especially on Memorial Day. Keep up the good work and I will practice patience.

[@COACHWARBLE]

I love your work. I need your help with a project i am writing. Is it possible to speak to either of you over the phone?

[@samstewart4807]

The Saratoga was first hit in Jan.42 What caused her to be in repair for 5? months? Was she being upgraded? Or was she so badly damaged as to require 4+ months of repair????

[@grathian]

Glide bombing was not a happy thing for Japanese AA Fire control, which like the British HACS, but unlike American or german aa fire control was designed to engage targets flying at a constant altitude.

[@michaelcoe9824]

Sirs, I very much appreciate anx enjoy your work, but, you cannot both have your pie and eat it, (if you will forgive the levity). Would the saving of Wake have been good for moral if a carrier had been lost, particularly at that juncture?

[@dennistaylor3796]

42 minutes deserves to be a Short!

[@getoffenit7827]

Just a question Im not sure where to post a question like this one Anti-Aircraft weapons to fend off dive bombers,torpedo bombers,fighters and Kamikaze There were the 40mm pom-poms,1.1in rube goldberg guns,20mm guns and .50cal Why didnt the U.S.Navy use a Vulcan Gun? A multiple barrel,rapid fire gun in 20mm? 25mm? For 'close in' aircraft attacks against American ships? Multi barrel guns were not a -new idea..just curious and thinking out loud

[@goldenschlong4846]

I hope somebody was held accountable for the torpedo fiasco

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Not really, I'm afraid.

[@frankrosati6403]

Some maps would have been helpful, but otherwise really great job.

[@jovianmole1]

You could have done a 2nd hour on the rest of the raids. Butch O'Hare won his MOH on these raids and flew with Jimmy Thatch.

[@bobbiecrider6964]

👍👍