Victory At Sea - Guadalcanal - Episode 6

Victory At Sea - Guadalcanal

[@JEM133]

May God bless this entire generation,,,, The greatest generation!We owe that generation a giant debt of gratitude, as I sit here and watch our woke society throw our freedom to the wind. So sickened.

[@scottdunn2178]

Lost my dad 25 years ago today. He was on the battleship USS North Carolina and took part in this engagement. I'm 56, and remember fondly watching Victory At Sea on Sunday afternoons in the 70's with him. Love you and miss you, dad.

[@karlmoles6530]

I'm 57, and my Uncle served first on the Yorktown till she sank and spent most of the rest of the war on the USS Intrepid. Sorry about your Father. I just lost mine a couple years ago. He fought in Korea.

[@scottdunn2178]

@@karlmoles6530 57 in April 👍

[@mackenziewoodruff8835]

That engagement was legendary. My grandpa was a PT boat captain. He was there at Guadalcanal too.

[@robertvanderclock2657]

Watching with tears...my dad, bless him was a Guadalcanal survivor and I am everything I ever was because of his unwavering support and love. He died in 2010, one day shy of birthday #92.

[@TheDarthSoldier]

Documentaries like this should be preserved for all time

[@pressureworks]

????? It is, that's why we're able to watch it now.

[@KulocDave]

I remember I was in Massachusetts in the army in the 90s and did jobs on the weekends with a friend of mine. We were repairing a slate roof for an old couple one day. When I met this older guy, shaking his hand I was thinking man this guy looks tough. After we finished the job, his wife and him invited us into the kitchen for coffee and cake and we stood around talking. My friend said go into the living room and look on their wall. So I walked in there and what do I see but the written certificate of the medal of honor! he was a Marine in the south Pacific, I just knew I was shaking the hand of someone that day.

[@fbrown172]

My father was a 16 year old Marine when he went ashore on Guadalcanal in 1942. I lift my glass to all of those fine young men.

[@terrywitkowski9486]

I did 3 tours of Vietnam, but still respect those Soldiers, Marines, and Sailors.

[@Simping4cats]

My grandfather ALSO went ashore with the first wave too!

[@steves8236]

So that means he was about 14 and a half or maybe 15 when he the Marines...? I don't know 'bout that....

[@garyschreckengost2925]

Youngest serviceman in ww2 was an american sailor, enlisted at age 12, lied about his age, served for over 2 years until he was wounded then found out. Lots of underage fought in ww2. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss it. Underage guys still get in.

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

As a young boy and pre-teen in the fifties, I watched this series obsessively. I also read Richard Tregaskis' book "Guadalcanal Diary" around the same time. The opening music of Victory at Sea still gives me goosebumps. I am certain that this excellent documentary series influenced my decision to join the U.S. Navy when my time came during the height of the Vietnam War in 1965. This first, pivotal island battle was the beginning of the "island hopping" campaign that would end in the total destruction of the Japanese Navy and the ultimate defeat of Japan. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this battle and the incredible bravery of the soldiers and sailors who participated in it. It is also impossible to overstate the misery those Marines endured in the jungles of Guadalcanal and Tulagi. And let's not forget those amazing Army and Navy nurses who flew into harm's way to save the lives of the wounded. Will there ever be another generation of Americans like this? I would not hold my breath waiting for it to happen.

[@jameskeresey1283]

I grew up listening to my father's stories of his experiences as a PT boat skipper in the Solomon Islands. It was no accident that I spent 25 years in the Navy.

[@minnowpd]

JFK won the navy cross by saving his crew of PT 109

[@kevinmccorkle7476]

Welcome home.

[@robsan52]

Being a "Boomer" I grew up under the WW2 generation. I've noticed how that has affected me my whole life. This series is great, I think I must have watched the whole series 4 or 5 times before I was a teen. The opening always sends chills down my spine as the music matches the swells coming towards the ship. All of my family fought in the war or as Rosie the Riveter's, luckily they came home.

[@VeryProPlayerYesSir1122]

OK Boomer

[@wcguthrie]

"the Greeks at Thermopoli" you bet your ass!

[@redskindan78]

I feel the same way. I grew up in the 1950s watching Victory at Sea again and again. My dad was USNR 1936 - 1945, going on active duty in late 1940 or early 1941. He became an aviation machinist's mate. We watched this together so many times, with Dad naming the ships -- at least the ship-class - that we saw. I remember the narration well enough that I can speak the next line every time Leonard Graves (what a voice!) speaks.

[@redskindan78]

The Marines had a better outcome on Guadalcanal; than the Spartans at Thermopylae. Probably time to re-read (third time) James Hornfischer's "Neptune's Inferno". @@wcguthrie

[@petersipp5247]

Yes, the opening music...gives me goose bumps. My father was a signalman on a destroyer. In the Mediterranean during WW2. Miss you Dad.

[@rgoing]

A guy from my home town went into the Marines at 15 (they weren't fussy about age-lying). He fought in most of the major battles of the Pacific and served for just shy of three years. He was released in December of 1945. Then in January of 1946 when he turned 18 he got a notice from his draft board to report for duty! (PS They let him out).

[@richardhall9815]

What a great series. My grandfather (Richard Hall Jr.) served as a fire controlman on the O'Bannon, the most decorated destroyer of World War II. After a month of chasing U-boats in the Atlantic, they got their first big baptism of fire one night off Guadalcanal in November 1942 -- the same battle that killed the five Sullivan brothers and both U.S. admirals present (Callaghan and Scott). The fleets made contact shortly after midnight on Friday the 13th. The O'Bannon dueled with a Japanese battleship at point-blank range. Stationed up top in the gun director, he said he could hear the 14" shells the battleship was firing screaming just over his head like a freight train. After a salvo of torpedoes they fired at the battleship failed to explode, Captain Wilkinson ordered the gun crews to "rake the decks." Miraculously the O'Bannon made it through unscathed, one of the few American ships to do so that night, with no casualties despite a jagged chunk of a 5" shell that had failed to explode lodged in the torpedo mount. The flagship San Francisco survived but only barely, having been pounded by 45 hits of various calibers, her captain (who had survived the Pearl Harbor attack despite being blown off the Vestal when the Arizona blew up alongside) and 76 sailors dead, with 105 wounded. The O'Bannon's doctor transferred to the cruiser to help with the wounded, and on his return said flatly, "The Frisco was a death ship." The O'Bannon and San Francisco both rightly received a Presidential Unit Citation. And that was just their first battle of many. Grandpop always talked about when he first saw this series on TV when it came out in the early 1950s. As a kid I was quite a World War II buff myself and my parents bought me the Victory at Sea DVD set. It turned out my grandfather had also bought Victory at Sea when it came out on VHS in the '80s, so now I have both!

[@albardakjy9490]

To the many solders who fought and died in the Solomon's in WWII, may they rest in peace. Thank you for your service.

[@robbyrob0723]

Some say, this is the greatest orchestra ever assembled. Seems fitting for the greatest generation of Americans.

[@jamesberlo4298]

+robby edwardsen the NBC Orchestra ? you mean?

[@robbyrob0723]

Yes!

[@jamesberlo4298]

I'm more Led Zeppelin , early Black Sabbath most 60's Music and Stone Temple P, but also any excellent Music & Musicians and these Men were Ace's and regarded so , Thankfully most Music was Recorded in such quality prior to Stereo , FM , and Hi-Fi . There is a Song Theme from a Summer place that was made for a movie in 1959 and its these guys. there were so many Phenomenal Session Player in the 60's that will never be known by name.

[@Charlesputnam-bn9zy]

Yet my favorite music for the whole series was in the ''Suicide For Glory'' episode.

[@jeffsmith2022]

I remember watching this series when I was a kid in the 50s...

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

Jeff Smith me too....

[@badddkattt]

As do I though it would have been in reruns as I was a toddler during the original airings. The music is so evocative. I also remember The Silent Service which I believe I watched during it’s original broadcasts in ‘57 -58 which I found so fascinating.

[@larselder874]

@@badddkattt We had 445 submarines in the Pacific. Hunting commercial ships and tankers using wolfpack. We sank everything by April 1945. Japan had no fuel, food getting in. They sent their prince to Moscow in April to ask Stalin to set up negotiations with USA. He would not see the prince. He entered the war later and acquired a northern Island from Japan as bounty. By May our surface ships had Japan surrounded. Now, We just drive toyota and honda cars!!

[@thomasbleming7539]

My late uncle Bolis along with my uncle John were with the 1st Marine Division on Guadalcanal. Both of them fought throughout the Pacific Theatre and they both returned to the states when the Japanese surrendered.

[@malafunkshun8086]

“The terror that makes Guadalcanal not a name but an emotion…” Aloha 🙏🏼🤙🏼

[@Rayhid1956]

There is not doubt in my mind that the generation that lived and that fought during WWII was one of the greatest ones. I doubt that we will ever see another like it. Everybody pulled together as one force to fight for the country. We need this kind of documentaries to preserve their legacy and to remind the young generation that the freedom we enjoy today cost the lives of ten of thousands that came before us. God bless the USA!

[@joevet66]

RIP Dad you will be missed by many family members, and Thanks Dad for your WWII service in which you were at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. I loved as a kid to hear your stories, know you are with your pals, and you all are sure talking up a storm.

[@jasonswearingen7138]

My grandfather manned a 40mm flak gun for general quarters throughout the island hopping campaign of the PTO. He was also Admiral Halsey's printer. Whenever I watch these, I try to spot my grandpa.

[@musicalsman66]

NBC SYMPHONY: For Toscanini conducting, there were 90-ish musicians, but by the early 1950s fewer than 60 then under salaried NBC contracts (and they were playing other NBC TV/radio shows as well. The 30-ish players that filled out "NBC Symphony" for Toscanini (mostly strings) were engaged "per service" for rehearsals, concerts/broadcasts, and recordings as needed. When Robert Russell Bennett conducted the "Victory at Sea" recording sessions, he got the salaried core group, about 50 players total.

[@allenjones3130]

Formed for Toscanini in the 30s, the NBC Symphony severed its ties with the network in the mid-50s and changed its name to the Symphony of the Air. The ensemble broke up in the 60s.

[@wayupnorth9420]

Grandpa was in the first big one. While in the Corps he was in the Philippines 1917-18. He was a mean old cuss, used to whip me with a chunk of rubber hose. Back when all hoses were heavy rubber. Anyway, I joined and did a 5 year hitch. Believe it or not, he was my inspiration, and after doing a couple things that most Marines don’t usually end up doing, he told me for the first time in my life that he was proud of me. I was good with that. He died 2 months later at 93. Two fifths of whiskey, and a carton of non filters a week as long as I can remember. Like I sad, Tough. I have his Smokey hanging on the wall , with an Eagle Globe and Anchor that weighs about a half a pound. Slightly exaggerated, but it’s hefty. Enough rambling, outstanding video, thank you. Semper Fi

[@rmwein1948]

Still, it is The Best TV Documentary Series 65 Years Later! The Music, Script, Video in the Original B&W, and Narration are Groundbreaking for Generations born after WW11. " Victory at Sea" is fun learning even in the 21st Century! It is a gateway/introduction to American History and the background/importance of WW II to America and the 20th-century world. It is a great video/learning experience that made me Love American History for Life! "We Remember by Learning History"-with great music, narration, script, and video! It's a 4-star Experience in Entertaining/ Learning about Our American Experience and the History of the 20th Century. Richard, sometimes it's Good to Learn American History!

[@monkigunmkiiflash3110]

I wish the series would have spent more time on the Naval Battles at Guadalcanal. Truth be told 3 US Sailors died for every US Marine that died. The bravery of the US Navy fighting a superior enemy force and not backing down over and over again is worthy of note.

[@hey_joe7069]

Always a "superior" enemy force. whenever America is mentioned.

[@Charlesputnam-bn9zy]

The Victory at Midway had blunted IJN naval aviation. But the IJN battleships were a formidable force and well seasoned in naval tactics since Tsushima(1905). Dutch, Americans, British & Australians lost heavily at Savo, north of Guadalcanal & only the Japanese blunder at not exploiting their victory saved the Marines bridgehead. The Americans underestimated the Japanese surface fleet. The Japanese overestimated the American carriers, having lost theirs.

[@dalecomer5951]

Excuse me, the Navy landed the Marines on Guadalcanal and then bugged out. They left the Marines to fend for themselves for some time with inadequate supplies. The men of the 1st Marine Division called the Guadalcanal Campaign "Operation Shoestring."

[@monkigunmkiiflash3110]

​ If bugged out means fought the enemy to their own death you are correct. From Aug 1942 to Feb 1943 while the Marines were defending Henderson Field The United States Navy fought 5 major sea battles off the coast of Guadalcanal resulting the sinking of 31 United States Navy ships and boats. During the 3 day Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on Nov 12-15 1942 The US Navy lost more personnel than the US Marines did in 6 months on land. Add the other Battles fought by the US Navy to save the Marines at Guadalcanal and the sacrifice made becomes remarkable. There are 31 US Navy vessels at the bottom of Iron Bottom sound off the coast of Guadalcanal and each one was a honorable sacrifice worthy of mention.

[@dalecomer5951]

@@monkigunmkiiflash3110 You apparently aren't aware of the chain of events. The heavy losses you cite prove that the Navy was not prepared to go on the offensive against the IJN nor was the national leadership of the U.S. competent to direct the war in the Pacific at that time.

[@steveperry6492]

I remember watching this series back in the 1970s with my Dad when I was growing up. Like some other commentors, I wish this episode had spent more time on the vicious and all-important naval battles crucial to the overall outcome of the campaign. The music is great and I always tear up a bit at the end with the " ..To these men go the honors accorded the Greeks at.... and now (pause for emphasis) the Americans at Guadacanal"

[@jameszankowsky4563]

My dad was there on the USS WASHINGTON ..I too get teary eyed when the narrator says "the Japanese will advance no further ".

[@isilder]

Indeed. As an Australian, it seems to whitewash the situation ... The marines, the marines won the campaign. it was all due to the marines... I know its called "victory at sea" and there was a lot of smirmishing (air, land and sea) and land battles, but the naval battles... The marines would not have won without the naval interruption of the Tokyo Express... the marines win came at great cost marines, to airforce, and at extremely great cost to the Navy... how many cruisers, how many sailors ? and a fleet carrier...

[@markrubin9449]

Still the greatest WW2 documentary. And that Richard Rogers music!

[@Abyss1021]

I guess its proximity to the War's end helped make it an original, unforgettable series. Never felt any "propaganda" or subtle overtones when I first viewed this the mid-1950's. It showed the horror, violence and dedication of the USA and it's allies as they fought back against the Axis. I still am impressed with music score. Beautifully arranged and used. To this day, when I put the CD in (still have the old vinyl originals), I still envision the original scenes, and the way I would have used the music to portray the war with all the new footage that's become available over the decades since this classic came out. (a dream that may never come true, but the imagination makes it so fantastic) We can never duplicate the impact of the original series, but it'd be interesting to see how the music could be adapted to new scenes. I'll never forget it and will always remember the influence it had on me as a youth. Superb series....

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

Abyss1021 Recommend you watch the world at war Mark,probably the best doc on WWll.

[@minnowpd]

@@paulandsueroberts4121 The music in both series is phenomenal.

[@warrensmith5693]

I watched the same with the 800 Marines on the USS Valley Forge we were to fly beyond the shore landing in Vietnam following the Bay of Tonkin Incident, loading magazines, checking machine gun belts, and sharpening knives.Our Marine helicopter squadron was a little more experienced having just spent 5 months flying out of Danang supporting the S. Vietnamese Army and US Army Special Forces. These wars do not change much; scared young men trying to stay alive.

[@nanduce72]

My father was stationed on Guadalcanal for 18 months after island taken from Japanese. He was in a non combatant unit. In June 45 he was sent to Tinian, the island from which the Enola Gay flew to drop bomb on Hiroshima. He always said, "War is a Terrible thing, man's inhumanity toward man." Just finished transcribing my parents' WWII love letters, over 1800! Will be editing, adding numerous photos of his time on the islands.

[@Lawrence1203-f7s]

I saw this as a young kid and still enjoy it.

[@dannow4641]

Made sure I added this series to my collection before it disappeared never to be found. Was one of my favorites growing up. Great jungle fighters. Same with the soldiers in Vietnam.

[@JoeNicks389]

My dad fought there with the army, the Americal Division. Plenty of fighting even after the 1st marines left. He never talked about his time there, I found out what he went through after he pasted from my uncle. Great job dad, JN

[@PolarBearTrainer1304]

The battles in the Pacific were so hard.So many young men lost their life to plant the seeds of what we have today, just to see spoils brats and corrupt people ruin everything.They are by far the greatest and the most courageous generation.And most of these people volunteered and dealt with the unthinkable.Most of them never came back home, that's sad.Humans can do the greatest things but they can be the worst thing in the universe.

[@TickleSalty]

My dad was with the USMC 1st division on Guadalcanal. He never talked about his combat experience, but was a proud leatherneck his whole life. His favorite saying was “Marines don’t retire, we just become inactive.”

[@Ronbo710]

I watched this with my Grand Dad who fought in the ETO. I Miss You Perry :( .

[@johnrogan9420]

Sgt Alfred Carvill....greatest USMC serviceman ever...and father to my lovely wife Iris...meet him when he was 50....a paint and body man...one powerful human being...walked his German Shepard every day...in Farmington NM!

[@wowliraren12345]

And I lift my glass to your brave father!

[@lindavarnell9491]

I lift a glass on high, also!!

[@Charlesputnam-bn9zy]

The Army in New Guinea, Wakde, Arawe And especially Biak had nothing to envy the Marines from Tarawa to Iwo Jima, & Guadalcanal also for that matter.

[@LeftHandPanther]

My Great uncle..A marine raider in Guadalcanal..Rest his soul..A real Man and a hero and brother Mason.. Milton Hickey

[@reeda5146]

People don't seem to be aware that New Zealand troops fought shoulder to shoulder with the Americans on Guadalcanal...including my father...I'm very proud to say.

[@rockisland8544]

We all faught together and New Zealand's committ was 110 percent and will always be remembered-Thank you New Zealand for your sacrifice of your fathers and sons to defend freedom

[@briancooper2112]

Thank your cou try,from an America.

[@reeda5146]

@@briancooper2112 Sir I appreciate your thoughts

[@reeda5146]

@@rockisland8544 Sir, thank you for your thoughts. My father survived his posting but post traumatic stress made life hell for him, as well as millions of others.

[@bobparvin9773]

Byjiggedy-do I sure knew it cause the Aussies were fighting romml in Africa and that left yall tasked to help us

[@marcwilkins]

I remember watching this with my dad !

[@thatguyinelnorte]

Victory at Sea was awesome... And in spite of detailing WW2, it was basically G-rated. Can't even get video games that mild these days...

[@spreadeagled5654]

The American victories of the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign were the turning points that stopped the Japanese territorial expansion and shifted the initiative of the Pacific War to the American’s favor. From then on, the Americans went on the offensive and the Japanese on the defensive. The Americans advanced and never looked back and the Japanese retreated and never looked forward................all the way to Tokyo ! 🇺🇸👍✌️👏

[@dennisnaylor2965]

My Dad joined the USMC right after Pearl Harbor. He was in the Pacific theater until the very end. I cherish a large map which traces his movements throughout the war. He was scheduled to go ashore in the invasion of Japan. I'm glad he didn't have to. Semper Fi Dad.

[@fasteddie9055]

Keep it coming . VICTORY AT SEA are the 50s living room personified.

[@DaveSCameron]

Just to let you know again that I appreciate your work and effort creating and sharing this extraordinary channel, trust you are safe and well at this dreadful time in our very own history...

[@8626John]

William Manchester, in his memoir "Goodbye, Darkness," wrote that Guadalcanal was one of the places almost none of the veterans ever wanted to visit in later years. Most referred to it as "that f----ing island." I have loved this series since I was a kid (62 now) watching it with my dad, a Navy veteran of the Korean war. His oldest brother was in the Navy during World War 2.

[@jtoneal3344]

Thankyour for posting. Excellent

[@tonyadams8043]

It's easy to forget, watching this, that while America went a long way to winning the war, a lot of other nations gave their sons, husbands, fathers and brothers in the cause. Remember them all.

[@Zephyrmec]

I remember watching the whole series on TV as a kid in the 50s/60s and we watched them every chance we could on 16mm format as “training films” in the Navy, early 70s. I always paid close attention because my father served aboard the USS Washington BB-56 from the North Atlantic in 42 through Magic Carpet in 46. Haze Gray and underway! The Japanese surrender should have been on the Washington! The Missouri was almost a combat virgin, however Truman being from Missouri.....

[@mgt2010fla]

Yep, you are right! But, picking the best ship would always leave 47 other states upset too! The USS Enterprise was the most deserving but not a lot of angles to see the proceedings. His service in the Senate saved the taxpayers a lot of money and he dropped the two bombs that ended the war! Saving 2-5 MILLION lives, on both sides! PLUS, being the POTUS, gets you a seat at the table! (Now can you imagine a CVN being named the USS Donald J. Trump? (I'm an ex-USAF NCO medic, and a cousin is still aboard the USS Arizona!)

[@johnc2438]

I worked for Bechtel in the 1980's. On my desk was a copy of the final Calship magazine, the publication commemorating exactly four years of furious work by Bechtel's California Shipbuilding Corporation to build and launch 467 Liberty and Victory cargo ships -- starting in September 1941 and completing work in September 1945. Imagine, one company that had never build a row boat, organizing and launching a huge fleet of cargo ships -- more than two per week. And this was just one company! I worked with a few of the people who had been around in the 1940's, either with Bechtel or in the service. I also served in Hawaii at Barbers Point Naval Air station in the late 1960's when so many of the WWII generation were retiring. What a great group of Americans -- all of 'em.

[@dalecomer5951]

When I was a kid there was a great movie about a shipyard in L.A. during WWII which would occasionally show on one of the local TV stations. The main plot was how the workers, used to doing things the traditional way, struggled at first with the radical new modular ship construction techniques and how they eventually became good at it. There was a great scene where they were arguing about their difficulties in a cafe in San Pedro. The film must have been shot and distributed on nitrate film, never properly preserved like so many old films and now lost.

[@bpm990d]

Pretty cool seeing General Rupertus wearing his Distinguished Marksman badge while discussing the embarcation of the 1st Marine Division. Other notable Distinguished Riflemen present on Guadalcanal were Lt. Col. Merritt Edsion who earned his badge in 1927.

[@macskrade]

It turned the tide in the Pacific war.

[@troyshutter1654]

Dennis Skrade

[@charlessalmans4496]

In addition to the bravery of the Marines and sailors portrayed here, victory was assured by the tremendous industrial capability of our nation, which during the war managed to build 8,800 naval vessels, 5,600 merchant ships, and 286,000 warplanes all recounted in Freedom's Forge by Arthur Herman. Sadly, we couldn't do that today.

[@thangnguyen10]

As long as the news reporters rported the truth instead of being pro-ennemis instead of supporting our own troops, US forces can defeat any army in the world. And if I am in the place of the President, I will forcefully en force the rules of traitor of the nation ALL reporters and all news channel who reported fake news and being pro- ennemis in the times of war. The bullshit betrayal news in the time of Vietnam war will never be forgiven. They profitted the benefits on behalf of the American soldiers blood and that is unforgiven.

[@stevek8829]

@@thangnguyen10 the American public wasn't convinced it was war against communism. Getting in the middle of another nations civil war is something Americans don't like. And fighting a war with rules against winning we don't like either. Our media reported pretty accurately and your desire to squelch freedom of the press means you don't understand America.

[@garyschreckengost2925]

We could do it even faster now with automated equipment. Problem would be getting troops. 35 of all men cannot pass the asvab, ,n over 40 percent cannot pass the basic physical. That's even worse than ww2, with men still were suffering the effects of the depression. Think about That

[@danhamilton2193]

My Father as there during WW 2. He met my Mothe after the war.

[@jeffmoore9487]

At minute 6:30: It wasn't a B17 but an Australian or NZ coast watcher that delivered the message about the Japanese airbase being built on Guadalcanal.

[@fsbirdhouse]

I know of no image of soldiers that have been thru absolute HELL than are those Marines at Minute 25:00 in this video. It is a classic that cannot, nor ever should be repeated in the annals of warfare...Indeed, they did serve their time in Hell.

[@Atlithonatiu]

The Marines are now and always have been part of the Navy. Originally used as sharpshooter in the yardarms of sailing warships. Ocean going warriors A proud tradition based in the need to cover ones back. Makes the Navy a versatile platform. Ultimately, all battles are settled on land for land.

[@dashaB-sl4pu]

The kookaburra's are a dead give away in this, they're an Australian native bird or "Laughing Jackass", a big type of kingfisher, made my day

[@peebles-z6s]

At 6:48 it shows the brass at the Pentagon making plans to invade Guadalcanal, but that building was not finished until 1943.

[@fasx56]

The movie editors probably inserted the Pentagon photo just to orient the viewers, good observation.

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

There are many clips of film that are out of context.

[@stevek8829]

The Pentagon was begun in mid '41 and offices were occupied before the construction was complete in '43 so perhaps it's possible.

[@lamwen03]

If you want to read a very detailed account of the Marine and Naval battles of Guadalcanal, 'Neptune's Inferno".

[@tomh6183]

One of the finest books i have ever read.

[@fbrown172]

Yes, dad turned 16 in October just before Pearl Harbor and he lied to get into the Marines the following March. A lot of young men did after Pearl Harbor.

[@spreadeagled5654]

Go 1st Marine Division! Ooooorahhh!!!!!

[@saulpaulus]

Well aware of the history & served in the USN. All battles are not resolved on land. Spanish Armada was defeated at sea. Trafalgar & Battle of the Nile, Midway & Coral Sea were all decisive sea battles. Marines would've had no shot at winning on land at Guadalcanal but for the sacrifices made by the Navy at sea.

[@johnpeda3381]

im uncle was there in 42 Walter

[@stevek8829]

The Marines were left high and dry by the Navy for a while at Guadalcanal.

[@musicalsman66]

ABOUT THE MUSIC: Don't forget that Richard Rodgers only wrote his "twelve themes" at the piano for "Victory at Sea"--all together, they last less than 20 minutes. The credited VAS "arranger" Robert Russell Bennett transformed these tunes for symphony orchestra in a zillion ways in scoring the series, but in the end composed many, many hours of orchestra music all on his own. The average "half hour" VAS episode only has 6-7 minutes of Rodgers tunes, in total. Here, starting at 19:20, is the five-minute "Guadalcanal March." Wanna know how little Rodgers contributed? Here you go: www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100010507/

[@dalecomer5951]

So what? That was the deal. Rodgers was probably very busy at the time. Bennett got paid and if he felt he got shortchanged by the producers he had recourse through the guilds or courts. Yeah, he probably should have gotten a screen credit for composing and orchestrating. To me, the bigger issue is Rodgers' tendency to plagiarize themes from classical composers probably on the presumption that most people were unfamiliar with classical music and would never know. One of my favorite themes used for the series was lifted from Debussy. The most famous example is probably the theme he "borrowed" from Borodin for _South Pacific_ .

[@pressureworks]

Is your nickname Angry Arrogant Aa-Ron??

[@DalonCole]

The American Transports were not "ravaged". The Cruiser / Screening force was devastated on the first night causing the Transports to be withdrawn the next day pretty much leaving the Marines hanging out to dry. To this day Admiral Kelly Turner's named is not mentioned by a Marine unless it is followed by an expletive for his orders for the Naval Force to pull out before all the Marines heavy equipment and most of their supplies to not be landed.

[@thespaceman3200]

in my opinon back in those days the only japanese with a clear way of thinking was yamamoto when he say i can only guaranted six monyhs of victorys after that he knew that the states will be ready to figth them and winning the war i remember to read where i just dont remember after pearl harbour one japanese have say (we just wake up the sleeping lion)

[@waltermoriarty5157]

notice that the narrator says 'the die is cast'? that was said of Caesar as he crossed the Rubicon into Rome with his army..'iacta est...'

[@williamcanter3233]

Father was in WWII Germany uncle South Pacific WW11

[@billmitchell4749]

My Dad earned his first Naval Battle Star at Guadalcanal, USS SAN DIEGO CL53

[@DalonCole]

At 11:10 a P-40 is shown giving air cover. I am no expert but having read a BUNCH of books about the Guadalcanal Campaign and I do not remember anything about P-40's being used in the initial landings. From what I have read all air support, at least fighter cover was ship born and that meant only F-4F's. If someone knows better and could fill me on where they came from I would really appreciate it.

[@teddydavis995]

..

[@capttomblackwell]

+Stephen Coleman Correct, no P40s @ GC-the RN used them though in the Med off carriers

[@fbrown172]

Absolutely sure. In the months following Pearl Harbor, it was not that difficult for underaged young men to convince recruiters that they were old enough to join. And unless the person was obviously too young, the recruiters seldom cared. America was in the fight of it's life and she needed everyone willing to fight.

[@brycechannel2317]

That Russian Island surfaced from underwater and tried to stay in Los Angeles

[@granskare]

In USA, these people are called 'the greatest generation' The M3 tank did a great job in Burma!

[@tbamagic]

Slide the time line over to about 19:00 and watch ...then ponder: What a time that must have been in America. And the entire event was only about 44 months from the beginning to the end. 44 months! And- it was done with no computers, no internet, no calculators, no fax, no copying machines, no TV, no interstate highway system, no cross-country air freight, no electronic spreadsheets or word processors.....the list goes on and on. Just slide rules, mechanical typewriters and adding machines, carbon copies, steam locomotives, telegraphs, stick shifts, pad & pencils, T-squares, and...well, you can complete the list! ...could we rise to this challenge again if we had to??

[@bobparvin9773]

The Marine Raiders also were in this dam battle and we're gorilla fighters meaning they were experts in jungle warfare and they were experts throwing knives, and hand to hand combat, besides masters of ambush. Read the long patrol, it's all about their exploits. They would always come back with very few dead, and inflict massive enemies killed. They were without a doubt the best trained special forces of WW 2.

[@matthewrendino4223]

Dad served on Barton 599;destroyer sunk 11/13/1942;Dad survived; returned to states on Destroyer escort Barnett.

[@chopperchopper1418]

My pops was a medic with them.

[@johntuttle4486]

After the "And now" at the beginning, I keep expecting John Cleese to come out with, "for something completely different".

[@rmwein1948]

America and our basic republican and democratic values became the beacon of freedom to the rest of the world during/after WW II and into the 21st Century. America with all of our faults is still a Great County when Americans work together to fight/protect our individual constitutional guaranteed freedoms against the forces of oppression, totalitarianism, and darkness.[ Please Watch the Last 7 minutes of this KZbin "Victory at Sea" Episode- and You will better apppreciate the individual sacrifices made to protect America's Freedoms/Ways of Life by every generation.]

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

Yeah you gotta feel sorry for all those other countries that were doing their best fighting for democratic values!!

[@1101millie97]

Did most of the Japanese units fighting on Guadalcanal already serve in the Philippines, fighting the American and Filipino defenders on Bataan and Corregidor, and elsewhere in the archipelago?

[@edchester1773]

My mother was a welder in the shipyards in the north while my SeaBee dad was there building fuel tanks...........................

[@granskare]

In USA they are called 'the greatest generation' !!!

[@jonathanrogers9039]

When the soldiers landed at quad, they brought at least one dog with them. Just wonder if there were other dogs landed?

[@tbamagic]

What a time that must have been in America. And the entire event was only about 44 months from the beginning to the end. 44 months! And- it was done with no computers, no internet, no calculators, no fax, no copying machines, no TV, no interstate highway system, no cross-country air freight, no electronic spreadsheets or word processors.....the list goes on and on. Just slide rules, mechanical typewriters and adding machines, carbon copies, steam locomotives, telegraphs, stick shifts, pad & pencils, T-squares, and...well, you can complete the list! ...could we rise to this challenge again if we had to??

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

Could have sworn it started in 1939!

[@PxThucydides]

A different kind of history. It would be thirty years before somebody had the idea of just putting a camera on a table in front of the guys who were there and getting them to talk. Of course, it would also be thirty years and more before most of them were willing to talk. A different kind of history.

[@finnmartens3067]

Hey how's it going? Brilliant! badge test What do you think... 1!

[@failuretocommunicate]

Should be a required semester for all post-graduate disciplines.

[@BearwoodBrown]

I find the music irritating the quality is great just seems wrong

[@glmschlaglp]

The mobilization montage that starts at 19:58 is amazing.

[@glmschlaglp]

No. My first cat.

[@garymgsell]

got that right!

[@judpowell1756]

25:02....the "Thousand Yard Stare"

[@Charlesputnam-bn9zy]

11:16 this footage is used over and over again, but it's of a British Blenheim, filmed by the Germans it was attacking, probably in the Mediterranean.

[@dalecomer5951]

Great catch.

[@Charlesputnam-bn9zy]

@@dalecomer5951 There is good German & Italian footage taken from their ships of attacking Bristol Beaufort & Beaufighter torpedo bombers in the Mediterranean.

[@dalecomer5951]

@@Charlesputnam-bn9zy They got the wrong episode. I thought the job of technical advisers was to prevent that sort of mistake. Note that they repeatedly show U.S. Navy gunners firing 40 mm AA guns but U.S. Navy ships were not equipped with 40 mm guns before early 1943.

[@Charlesputnam-bn9zy]

@@dalecomer5951 Well, you know how it is : ''Pressure'' as John Milton would say in ''The devil's Advocate'' & they used what was handy. Not that excellent footage of attacking Japanese bombers seen from US ships is not available. I remember one funny ''aha!'' moment of mine, when I found out that the footage of a supposedly Afrika Korps tankman with a presumed disabled German tank behind him, surrendering at El Alamein to the British was in fact that of a British soldier surrendering to the Germans at Tobruk, and the tank behind him was able-bodied, & one of the 2 reasons he surrendered. Because he was shirtless & in shorts, he could be anyone of the 2 camps. The movie that erroneously used the footage was an Anglo-German b/w documentary ''Our General Rommel'' I saw in theaters in 1965. No trace of it exists today. Later, much much later, in a documentary on DVD about armoured war, I came upon the same footage, but more complete in showing his captors as not British.

[@prplhze2000]

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Rock! (10:33)

[@ericunderwood9674]

BAR Man @ 15:50!

[@69Applekrate]

agreed, the navy portion of Guadalcanal is often overlooked and that is sad.

[@victorwormington4196]

0

[@sargintrock2538]

This series codified a generation and gave direction to another! Now as we slip over the Abyss we see how well MTV has filled the gap!

[@pressureworks]

There you go again, always with them negative waves. What ? 4 years later, we're still here!

[@rein1705]

Before America was lost forever to corruption......

[@davidhull7115]

I don't know why he had to slip Waterloo in there.

[@mrlaw711]

America could not do this today. It doesn't have the moral leadership or direction.

[@jimmcalexander4591]

Don’t you love war.

[@rotorheadv8]

The Japanese were not prepared for the Marines. They were prepared for the Chinese or the starved unsupplied U.S. forces they encountered in the Philippines.

[@granskare]

Japanese military are very very strong !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!