Operation BACKHANDER-The Invasion of Cape Gloucester-Episode 302

[@darrelllovett4722]

This is the BEST podcast on the Pacific war. Seth and Captain Toti; you gentlemen provide context no one else does. You are unvarnished. There are just too many campaigns and battles for ANY military to do things perfectly with perfect people in perfect conditions. You are MUST SEE!

[@SaundersE5]

This is amazing content and so greatly appreciated.

[@-r-495]

Yes, for the US perspective these two not-comedians have done a stellar job so far! They often refer to the Australians, I think an excellent source of their perspective can be found @hypohystericalhistory8133

[@Skeletors_Closet]

The context is what really matters. The History Channel gives the wave top story and it sounds like propaganda without the context.

[@dianeduffcroop8158]

​@@Skeletors_ClosetI couldn't agree more. Most of the other channels that present these battles, are just a one-sided thing. They rarely if ever present the opponents point of view or even after action reports. We're very lucky that these guys are up and at it every tuesday!🇺🇲⚓️🙏💯💖

[@bjohnson515]

greatest history presentation of WWII in the Pacific on the web

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

I am glad you mentioned Ed Bearss, he became one of the preeminent Civil War historians and I was lucky enough to participate in one of his battlefield tours at Gettysburg. This episode inspired me to revisit 'Helmet for My Pillow' by Leckie describing the misery of Cape Gloucester. Another well done episode. Another Civil War throwback, using canister fire from artillery as direct fire against the Japanese.

[@brovold72]

I never made that connection. Wow! My dad and I visited Gettysburg in May/June of '85 and Mr. Bearss was our guide too. I was a kid and just wanted to get the cassette tape but my dad sprung for the private tour--with said guide driving us around the park in our little Honda. I didn't recognize him in the Ken Burns series as he had been bearded back when we'd met him. Fantastic fellow! RIP.

[@DrunkenMickk]

Ed Bearss was incredible look up some of his civil war lectures on KZbin. He was one of the historians on Ken Burns' Civil War series and was head historian at Vicksburg NHP for like 25 years and I think he was the driving force behind the finding and raising of USS Cairo which was the first ship sunk by a (Confederate) naval mine which is on display at Vickburg

[@josephgilorma6979]

I recognized the name when he was mentioned, but I wasn't sure if it was him or another family member. I remember the Civil War series well.

[@graemeday6305]

My grandparents billeted three lads from the 11th Marines in Ballarat, near Melbourne. Thanks to Bill and Seth for including Cape Gloucester in this series; this episode is topical, as a plaque commemorating the rest and refit in 1943 was dedicated in Ballarat during February this year, the ceremony attended by the Commandant of the 11th, Colonel Pat Eldridge, his wife and son together with Regiment Sergeant Major Jeff Vandentop. I’ve read all I’ve been able to find on Operation Backhander, however this episode has clarified so much. Thank you.

[@TomSmith-lf8tr]

Wonderfully heartfelt comment by Aussie whose family lived through those days of uncertainty.

[@Heathen22]

'Better suited for submarines than Marines.' Haha, great line Bill! Keep up the great work to both of you. I have learned heaps!

[@robertzimmerman6772]

Thank you gentlemen. Your efforts, energy and time is very much appreciated. If all Americans listened to your shows, I bet there would be a lot more respect for our veterans.

[@johnveneron6049]

Another well done episode. I usually watch these by myself, but this time my wife watched with me. The "thousand yard" stare made her cry. Her father needed hospital time when he returned home to the states, likely for PTSD/depression. She says this is why your show is so good. It's not sterile history and tactics, but rather the individual soldier and sailor. I know you say this quite often, but my wife got it immediately

[@karinschultz5409]

Never heard of the Cape Gloucester campaign, so thank you for all your research efforts in resurrecting this peice of forgotten WW2 history. All that fighting over two airfields on New Britain which were hardly ever used is a lesson learned. Besides the airfields on Bouganville, there was also an airfield at Finschhaffen, New Guinea in 1943, so the Cape Gloucester battle no sense.

[@Skeletors_Closet]

Watch the show The Pacific. Cape Gloucester is shown for an episode or two.

[@martyr4587]

Well not much work for the next hour and eighteen minutes. There are some good pod cast, then there are the great ones. You two are the best, along with your special guests. Thank you!

[@xflyingtiger]

I was so happy to wake up and find a new episode of the Unauthorized History of the War in the Pacific.

[@kimmoj2570]

These guys deserve hundreds of thousands of subscribers. I am pushing like button for everything they produce.

[@toms6213]

Outstanding work Seth and Bill. Seth your friends memories of the fights they survived, are a priceless gift. Thankyou for your devotion to them and us.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

My life’s work has been to preserve their memory. Both the PTO and ETO boys I knew. There is a saying that goes something like, “As long as their memory lives they’re never truly gone.” That’s my goal and has been since my days as a historian at The National WWII Museum.

[@toms6213]

@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar Thank you again for your service. My grandsons are watching these videos with me.

[@stevewaldschmidt4344]

Outstanding reply Seth. As long as their memory survives they're never really gone. What kind of world would we live in now had these people not made the sacrifices they made in the past?@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWarI'm sure our world now would be even worse without our great vets!!

[@williamcoolidge9884]

I just wanted to take a moment to thank both Seth and Bill for their amazing series. I had two trips in August that totaled about 50 hours of driving time. The majority of that time was spent listening to this series from the first episode. Now I listen to the weekly episodes while I walk my dog in the evening (that's my dog George as my avatar). This has been time well spent. I had a history minor in college and this series is better than any college class I ever enrolled in. Well done, gentlemen. I also want to call out the superb work on submarine warfare. It has shed light on a part of the war I've never spent much time studying. Now I very much want to tour a Gato or Balao class sub for additional education. Keep up the great work and please know that it is appreciated!

[@sticks0012]

War history always fascinated me since a young man.Started with a great civil war teacher in high school in the eighties. I have watched countless documentary films read a few books over the years but you guys take it to a whole new level of understanding.Just the more personalized version of history is unparalleled. Thank you gentlemen for all you do.This history has never been chronologically so covered as far as i know.Then to put it in this format where it can be listened to anytime just phenomenal.

[@Engineer1980]

Thanks!

[@edwardloomis887]

CAPT Toti said "Edwin Bearss" at 44:00 and something clicked, and I thought, "Wait, what?" Like Ed Bearss of Civil War historian fame? Ed Bearss, who Ken Burns interviewed for the Civil War documentary series? Googled him and found out the old guy I saw in those videos was a young Marine who survived Cape Gloucester. No wonder he was so passionate when describing combat.

[@cathykneeland-gb6up]

Just discovered your podcast finishing season 1 I thought I knew my war history I'm an amateur compared to you guys and your guest dad was a navy signal man on an LST thank you for bringing these true forgotten stories to light our history is too soon forgotten hope you do another theater of the war you guys are awesome

[@johnvanzo9543]

This channel deserves a much wider audience.

[@Coffeeguyzz]

Once again, another outstanding episode. You both have mastered the seamless transition of 'speakers' during your presentation and truly offer a top notch effort in enlightening the public of these oft overlooked Pacific battles. Congratulations and looking forward to future episodes.

[@kaylemoine1571]

I don't know, but as much as I enjoy most of your guests, it's good to have just you two. Thanks.

[@davelane4055]

Thank y'all Skipper and LA historian and especially for infantry shows

[@davidlavigne207]

Amazing episode describing a little known operation. Those men of the 1st Marine Division must have wondered "Who dreamed this cluster-screw up? (Being polite here) The details included by Seth and Bill were fantastic.

[@richardmardis2492]

You guys again- there goes my early morning… gladly 👍

[@cynthiacarrithers1832]

Incredible bravery and dedication in unbelievable circumstances and hardship - I just marvel at their sacrifice. No wonder they never wanted to talk about it.

[@KayLeMoine]

I want to thank you guys. I have been in hospital for 4 days. Thanks to you I haven't had to turn on TV. I have been so interested in your videos. I've re-watched many and they don't lose their flavor. Just good info. No hype or drama. God knows there is enough drama without added. Thanks again.

[@Legendary_UA]

My Dad, Sgt Wills of M/3/5 was one of the squad leaders in the initial fights at Suicide Creek. The article from Colliers Magazine, talks about walking right up on enemy positions without being able to see them. Having wounded men call out to him on ehat he called, "the coldest damned water he'd ever been in", I think haunted him for the rest of his life.

[@Cometkazie]

One of your top podcasts. Excellent job, gentlemen. What a way to start a season. The ability to use maps is a great addition. I'm a map guy.

[@lennyhendricks4628]

"better suited for submarines than Marines," Good one Skipper!

[@3nheaven]

My grandfather was in the pacific theater. He only shed one story his whole life with his kids , my mom and uncle and i . Later i asked my uncle if he had ever heard that story, he said no , he said he would never speak of the war . He even left all his medals and uniform in a attic of a home they lived in for a short time because he didn't want to think about it. I believe that the killing he did effected his life till he passed. He didn't share this one account until he was 85 yrs old.

[@davidlafranchise4782]

What was the story about? @3heaven

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

My dad was a combat infantryman in the Pacific. He too really didn't talk about his experiences in the war. I remember once I went to the grocery store with him. We were talking as we walked through the store. As we passed the stores fish market (It was closed and they were cleaning it) there was a noticeable fishy smell. My dad who was 88 at the time, stopped mid sentence. I looked at him and he had a strange expression on his face. I asked him what was wrong. He said let's keep going. Later he said the smell triggered a memory of the war. The Japanese troops always had a fishy smell to them. He said that after 60+ years he was right back there in combat.

[@3nheaven]

@davidlafranchise4782 Hopping from island to island. First the naval bombardment then the marines. After that the army rolled in. Establishing a base and airfield. He was not a seabee. But he said they did a lot of the same things. Every night they posted up and guarded their perimeter. The marines never did get every single jap. Some would make it to the mountains and jungle and got away . But after about 2 weeks , them japs were getting very very hungry. So one night my grandfather felt bad and couldn't sleep . There was about 20 soldiers in this big tent sleeping. My grandad opened his eyes and saw the silhouette of a Japanese soldier with his bayonet fixed on his rifle, raised up fixing to start killing. Gramps always slept with his 45 under his pillow and pulled it out and shot him in the head. There really is no way to say how many lives he saved but i know he at least saved 1 guy. Hes my hero. Thank you Jack Bennett for your service . RIP Also he never did say what island it happened on. I was caught off guard and surprised so i didnt think to ask.

[@jaredwren9304]

Keep em comin, boys! Thanks for all you do.

[@robertstack2144]

Bill forgets at @14:16 this episode, that in episode 303 Nimitz took control of the campaign of the Marshall Islands by naming the primary island objective in opposition to his staff. Bill purgered himself. These podcasts are taken and studied seriously and may come to be the most informative discourse on the Pacific War thanks to their guests. Only thing better would be to have Howlin Smith and MacArthur etc as guests.

[@DanielMatthews-ql3wf]

My father who was in the south pacific during the war said that he never wanted to see another island as long as he lived

[@spidrespidre]

Your pronunciation of 'Gloucester' was spot on, Seth. Great show

[@TheBruceGday]

My wife’s grandfather, Ken E. Malick, was in the 1st Marine Division, 7th Marine Regiment. He had joined Guadalcanal Campaign while in progress, part way through. On the one or two occasions he spoke about his war experience, he recalled Cape Gloucester action. The main thing he shared was rain…rain, rain, mud, and more mud.

[@Engineer1980]

Another awesome episode! Thank you Seth and CAPT Toti! Love this podcast. BZ from Retired Navy O6.

[@patrickshanley4466]

Great episode AGAIN. I never could quite understand why the Glouster campaign. Nice balanced assessment of McArthur. Looking forward to next Tuesday 👍

[@gw2058]

By these landings (Operation Dexterity) and the Scarlet Beach Landing on 22 Sept 1943 the Vitiaz Straight between Papua New Guinea and New Britain was secured and dominated by the allies. The landing on the Admiralty Islands tightened the noose around New Britain and Rabaul.

[@Parmen0901]

Midway for me has always been a focus, and I reread Parshalls shattered sword annually. However, this podcast, that I stumbled upon recently, tells me so much I didn’t know. Especially the stories of personal valour and horror. Essential and honest. Thank you both.

[@denniscahill9683]

Edwin Bearss became a historian for the National Park Service and a major Civil War Historian -- and a hell of a guy.

[@fredmauren5301]

I had the honor of participating in a Gettysburg Day 3 tour led by Dr. Bearss in 2003. He lived to be close to 100.

[@sprintcarfan87]

Tuesdays are now my favorite day of the week. I love your videos.

[@jonrolfson1686]

Better suited to submarines than Marines.’ Great line, well delivered. As always, your work is much appreciated.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Felt like I was eavesdropping in on the Marines discussion with McArthur and embedded with the Marines moving inland through the so-called “damp flat”. I can now appreciate the daily operational challenges all faced and the courage and mental toughness req’d to overcome them on Cape Gloucester.

[@michaelward9880]

That 3rd bulldozer operator was Sgt. Kerry Lane. He was wounded during his time on the dozer, but continued on and finished the job. He received a Silver Star for his feat (personally I think it was a Navy Cross moment). He wrote a book about his time in the Solomons, "Guadalcanal Marine" by Lt. Col. Kerry Lane. Excellent read!

[@davemac4316]

Thanks for this information! My Dad was injured while running a dozer on Cape Gloucester under strange circumstances.

[@coryheckler2354]

Wow...what a hell hole for the leathernecks. As a Navy man, I have a larger respect for those guys. I dont think no one could match the shit those young men went through. Thank you Seth and Cpt Toti for another eye opening episode of the war in the pacific. It shakes me to think in whether our todays military could handel this kind of action. Even with todays tech. I can't wait for your next episode.

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

I wonder how the monsoon effected the air forces and air fields. I always appreciate yours and a few other WW2 channels. Thanks as always

[@arneldobumatay3702]

Great presentation! Love the new opening film montage.

[@BlitherVids]

Fantastic! Thanks again Seth and Bill for bringing us these amazing stories. I wonder if the terrain here was harder than anything ever faced in the entire war?

[@brushhogg1]

Maybe the Po valley in winter in Italy could have been as rough terrain-wise...

[@riftraft2015]

Another outstanding Podcast. 😊👍

[@Lemonhead209]

I can truly Say im really Enjoying this Series, it reminds me of my old Neighbor Vic who lived down stairs from me many Years ago he was a Ground Technician for an RAF Mosquito Sqaudron out in Burma, he tell told me the Stories of the Japanese flying over, and Bombing his Airfield, amongst other Stories.

[@josephynemaries4492]

I’ve been researching about the time my grandfather was in E/2/7th regiment, 1st marine division and this is the first video I’ve found by you guys. Very well done. My question: when you are reading information, what sources does your info come from? I’d love to be able to read the original source material if possible.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Multiple sources.

[@colinellis5243]

Macarthur's boot-lickers (a.k.a. staff) often developed plans without consult with the Divisional and/or Brigade level staff. Bill is right, this beggars belief but both 1Marine Div at Gloucester and Australian 9 Div at Finshaven suffered from Macarthur's protecting his image ahead of the reality of the circumstances. Guys another well researched and detailed analysis!

[@GaryDunkelberger]

Thank you again for a job well done. "Lest we forget."

[@kilcar]

These presentation are what I imagine it would be like to attending the War College of any major Western power. I follow this one in particular because my dad was part of Cartwheel, and the airdrome his 20th & 60th Seabees shipmates built on Woodlark and Kiriwini Islands 200+ miles to the south made their contribution with air cover. Thanks for a wonderful presentation.

[@esauseven]

Here's a story suggestion. The story of Silas Trepus. He was the father of a boyhood friend of mine and his story deserves telling. He went through many of the battles in the Pacific and was one of a very small number of his original group who survived. He and another soldier were the ones sent by MacArthur on a small boat to determine if Korea had surrendered. If they did not return the plan was to go in with guns blazing. The two soldiers were met at the dock by a married couple who quickly hid them in their home overnight to protect them from soldiers including their own son who would have attacked them. The next morning they returned to the fleet with news Korea had surrendered. We always wondered why Silas lived away from his family in a small hovel. Turns out he had PTSD. I can put you in touch with family members of Silas Trepus if you are interested.

[@Steve-dg3md]

Bill is 100% correct when he see's it as After Action Reports... I served 20 years in the Corps.... every unit does After Action Reports to higher HQ, and it Always includes input from Staff NCO's and Officer's. The main topic on the table is.."What could we have done better" . We did this in training exercises as we as real Combat Operations. Can't stress how important this is to developing good methodology. Bill's not bad for a NAVY guy!! Semper Fi Bill !!!😅

[@zardoz999]

Finally, something worth watching. My day is saved

[@73Trident]

Great job again men. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to this.

[@Trzysetny]

Brilliant as always. Thank you gentlemen👍

[@thomasallan8113]

I aplaud you guys for continuing such great podcasts with the number of subcribers is to me, unbelievable low for the quality of these videos.

[@johnrisher3007]

You guys are doing an awesome job.

[@FlukeTog]

Thank you once again. 🇺🇸

[@SamAlley-l9j]

Thank you Bill and Seth.

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Fantastic history gentlemen.........as usual.

[@felixhopp2673]

commenting for the algorithm. love your content. keep it up 👍🏻

[@Antmann71]

Am in Sydney Australia. It was 37c today or 98f or so . I feel your pain. Only spring here. A long hot bushfire summer ahead...

[@stevemccoy554]

Morning and great show! The damp flat must have been a volcanic plum dump on a coastal plain.. stuck in semi buoyant goo. Must have happened just a few years before.. that was why all the rainforest dead trees.. rotted off at the waterline and ready to fall. What an awful glue trap to be in. God bless those guys.🙏🙏

[@stevemccoy554]

To add.. And Bless you guys for telling their story. Thank you and well done for the series!

[@Skeletors_Closet]

The volcanos at Rabaul erupted simultaneously in 1937 and buried the Japanese airfield. So your comment makes a lot of sense!

[@Skeletors_Closet]

Upon reading to get my date right, I learned that the Rabaul caldera is mighty famous among volcanologists!

[@Dave5843-d9m]

Volcanoes erupt and surrounding land sinks. Trees that grew with a certain waterline will rot when the water level rises.

[@SagebrushRebel]

My late father was in the 1st Marine division 1st Tank battalion and made amphibious landings at Cape Gloucester and Peleliu. He said his tank was the first to make it to the airfield at Gloucester. Goodnight Chesty Puller.

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

I believe Ed Bearss was one of our finest Civil War historians. Fascinating and moving as always. Thanks

[@ericfrazier7766]

Another outstanding program! Thank you. I look forward to each weely release. I would like to recommend an idea for a future episode for your consideration: the transport and repatriation of Japanese soldiers and naval personnel to Japan after the Emperor's surrender broadcast. I assume that was a delicate and potentially dangerous process.

[@jammininthepast]

Thanks Gentlemen, I have read allot of what has been written about this nearly forgotten campaign and it remains a "head scratcher". A couple of things I read that is overlooked are the phantom ridge that the Japanese occupied and used and the paths through the jungle to the Japanese commanders hq. US Intelligence missed the phantom ridge and was literally stumbled upon. The Japanese hq was a hooch on stilts decorated with pink furniture and fully stocked larder and bar. The General eventually escaped to safety. A vast amount of Japanese tried to withdraw along the coastal trail, some crawling others staggering, sick and starving. Only a small percentage made it to Rabal leaving the coastal trail littered with the dead. Thanks Gentlemen, you're appreciated.

[@astraltraveler2725]

Great show.

[@billechols7136]

Great show gentlemen.

[@jameshunter5485]

The debt this country owes to the veterans of WW2 and the families of those killed and maimed can never be repaid. To all those who served and and the families of those who suffered and died, including my Uncle Arthur, thank you, you truly are the greatest generation.

[@chuckstillwell9549]

Great, thanks

[@Silverhks]

Another good episode about a battle I knew only the surface details of. Thanks Guys P.S. you sign off calling your channel "The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War" but the name is "Unauthorized History of the Pacific War". It's not a big detail but it can make it harder for people to locate the channel from the podcast.

[@morganhale3434]

Strategically the invasion of Cape Gloucester makes complete sense. The denial of use to the Japanese of the airfields around Gloucester was the main goal. Operationally it didn't make sense because by this time the Allies already had dominance in the air over the Cape Gloucester area.

[@danbenson7587]

The generals and admirals made the best decisions they could with the imperfect information they had. We don’t know what info Mac had. The Japanese fleet was far from beaten. Kenney (whom I admire) was correct on Gloucester, but how many times was he wrong on other targets, and Mac’s judgement correct? We don’t know. Peleliu was another unneeded blood bath and I think that was on Nimitz. Such is war. And it still goes on…Afghanistan. Cheers

[@patrickcortazzo6251]

Wish you guys would come out with some merchandise or some way for you to make a couple bucks off all the time and work you've invested. Really, really enjoy these episodes every week! Thank you for the effort.

[@orlandofurioso7958]

Agreed. Perhaps they'll create memberships for monthly support. Merchandise at a percentage discount could be a perk to members, starting with Bill's book.

[@williamscore5322]

Great episode!

[@tommeehan5879]

I have been following your podcast almost since the beginning and look forward each week to the new episode that drops. And Capt Toti, as a former submariner (USS Batfish, 91-95), I thoroughly enjoy your insights, especially on the submarine war. May I ask a favor? You guys very frequently mention great books on the subject matter during the podcast and I have read a few of them, but I am sometimes driving while listening and it is hard to jot these down while in traffic. Is there any way you can publish a list of these books you mention and add to it as you go? It would make it much easier to find than trying to go back through each podcast to find the specifics.

[@StuartGivot]

I concur.

[@Bob_Betker]

Another great episode.

[@mikelinderman8514]

You guys are like the marines, you crushed this episode The only drawback is you guys don’t do one every day

[@Naashchidinishlohi]

Edwin Bearss (pronounced Bars) became the chief historian for the National Park Service and produced some of the best Civil War history available.

[@ph89787]

A new episode coincides with the launch day of USS Enterprise (CV-6) and Lexington (CV-2). This is a good day.

[@BurnsPhillipsIII]

I just found your podcast and find it the to be an outstanding source of information about WWII in the Pacific. Well done! I’m working my way through all episodes having started with Cape Gloucester and Peleliu as my father fought in both battles as a member of F Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He was seriously wounded on day 10, September 25th on Peleliu when shot in the face. He lost vision in an eye and had his jaws wired together for six month as his jaw healed after being reattached. He never spoke much about the war except about the crazy times they had in Australia. At age 75 I am creating a timeline story of his journey from enlistment to the day he was wounded for myself, my son and my three grandsons. I have read innumerable books and articles in researching this. Would you share with me the books or articles you are reading from on the two battles? Also, I have had a very difficult time locating after action reports of the 7th regiment in these two campaigns. Would you have suggestions about how these might be found? Thank you for your great podcasts. You’re doing an excellent job.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

We aren't reading from books. We write this stuff.

[@pelicans456]

I think it's good to go back and do stuff from before '44 (also, obviously, practical from a "make sure the podcast has content" perspective). The only downside is that it makes it harder to watch the whole of the Pacific war in a row, if someone were inclined to do so. You could probably get around that by just creating a playlist with everything in chronological (rather than episode) order. Then you'd be free to record whatever you want without "messing up" the order (I don't watch in order, but I'm sure some people complain in the comments when the date bounces around). Thanks especially for the info on the Cactus Air Force, really helpful for a defense economics article I'm working on.

[@marciar7407]

Excellent. Unicorn Dream Creek was a winner!

[@alamoforce]

You guys need to get Lance Zedric on for the Alamo Scouts. His depth of knowledge is in territory I consider to be expert level.

[@trohlack5150]

I really appreciate your work here guys. Very good stuff. I'll go ahead and ask evem though the answer is likely in one or more of your episodes - is there anything comprehensive on the islands that were skipped? Example - Pelilu should have been skipped but wasn't. What other garrisons were skipped and in doing so were good decisions to do so or were those few ans far between? Or was the strategic value of those islands we invaded obvious and they defended only the islands we really needed? I guess in the island hopping campaign did we hop over a great deal of opposition?

[@garfieldfarkle]

I had the good fortune of knowing several Marines who were there, including Silent Lew Walt. Not having maps should have been more concerning to planners. Aerial recon only saw the tops of trees in triple canopy jungle masking terrain features. They were getting 15 or 16 inches of rain per day. The ground was a soggy sponge and everything was just rotting. I read somewhere it's one of the wettest places on the planet. It needs to be pointed out that the Marines did not know where the Japanese main force was or what the Japanese were trying to do until some documents were captured that said Aogori Ridge would be where the Japanese would focus their defense. To them, it was a critical place near the main trail they were using, which the Marines knew nothing about. The location of this ridge was not given in the captured documents. The Marines just knew it was out there, somewhere. The Marines were feeling their way forward, but had no idea they had found Aogori Ridge when they arrived. The account I heard from guys who were there differs a bit from yours as to how they got that 37 mm artillery piece up the hill. The Marines had walked into a complex of 37 bunkers with interlocking fire. There were Japanese in the trees who held their fire until the Marines passed by. The Japanese stopped the Marine advance with fire from all those bunkers and men were getting hit, one after the other. Silent Lew and a runner ran back to get that gun and found its crew dead. So they began to wrestle it forward and other Marines braved the enemy fire and rushed to help, but they got picked off one by one. The one constant was the indomitable Walt, a big, powerful man who, as a guard, was captain of the football team as well as the wrestling and swimming team at what is now Colorado State University. He had been recruited by at least one professional football team. While yes, he pushed the thing, a more common word used by those there was he "pulled" that 37 mm cannon up that hill, and in so doing, severely dislocated both of his shoulders. They not only had to take out those Japanese bunkers, but they were also firing cannister to knock down jungle to give Marine riflemen a better view of where the enemy was. Along the path taken getting that piece up the hill were a string of dead Marines shot while helping to wrestle that cannon forward. Walt was always modest about what he'd done, but other Marines there were in absolute, jaw-dropping awe 20 and 30 years later. It was because of the kind of leader he was, exposing himself to enemy fire that inspired others to rush to help out, only to be cut down. Silent Lew Walt was not going to be stopped. He had a belief, perhaps a premonition, that he would not be killed in battle. He just knew it. They got to the top as night fell quickly. Walt refused evacuation, but insisted on remaining in command. The Marines dug in and Silent Lew ordered ammunition brought forward. It arrived about 5 minutes before the first of 5 banzai charges were launched by the Japanese. It was Walt walking the artillery closer, then ordering his Marines into their fox holes as he brought the artillery fire up to his own positions because that's where the Japanese were. I asked him about it and he just looked at me and said, "That's what had to be done." With both shoulders severely dislocated, Walt looked up to see a Japanese soldier a few feet in front of him with a samurai sword held high, about to swing down. Walt had a .45 and shot at him as an artillery round exploded close by. Walt later said he was unsure if the Japanese soldier was killed by him or the artillery round. The next morning Chesty made his way to the top of the ridge to find his star pupil from Basic School with two dislocated shoulders and Marines chattering about Walt's leadership during the whole action. I think General Shepherd was there, too, and Silent Lew Walt was recommended for the Medal of Honor, but stateside the award was reduced to the Navy Cross. One legend that's probably a myth, was that General Vandegrift somehow interposed himself, grumbling, "My Marine officers don't pull cannons up hills. Give him the Navy Cross." If that happened, it was someone other than Vandegrift. A doctor who was a fellow Edson's Raider operated on Walt's shoulders and got him recovered in time for Peleliu, where he earned his second Navy Cross, also on a Medal of Honor recommendation. It was said later they did so because of the way he exposed himself to enemy fire, they expected Walt to get killed doing something else heroic and that would be when he would be awarded that pretty blue ribbon with the little white stars on it.

[@billyhouse1943]

Thank you…great video as usual…

[@rcwagon]

I posit a question to generate discussion regarding the common perception of some marines in WWII: Did Marine General Rupertus ever visit the front: Tulagi; Cape Gloucester; Pavuvu; Peleliu; or later? From books I have read, it seems that he shut Puller down some how at Peleliu.

[@jonhenson5450]

Strangling Rabual without chewing up whole divisions with a amphib assualt was the SINGLE biggest factor in the success of the overall island hopping campaign.

[@happybuddha563]

Great to episode. Gloucester campaign reminds me of the Tarakan campaign in its “strategic” futility. Yes it was a win, but the cost?

[@dave3156]

I knew very little of this operation so it was very informative. Man you gotta feel for the 1st Mar Div. Geez take this nasty place then the next assignment is Peleliu? Very sad for these brave Marines. Thanks!!

[@Cuffsmaster]

Thank you for your work

[@kimmoj2570]

17:18 OK, i spilled my coffee 😂

[@chrislondo2683]

Hope you guys cover the recapture of Borneo. Though it was an Australian operation with support from the US Navy and US Army Air Force.

[@Tommyk801]

Hi guys. Appreciate the work you guys do on such an important topic for so many. I looked for something on peleliu from you guys. Do you guys plan on covering the bloody battle and the reasons why they even took the island? Thanks again

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

We haven't gotten that far yet.

[@Tommyk801]

@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar I was wondering if that was the case. I didn't know you guys were following the time-line. I'm obsessed with the pacific war for some reason. I'm only 30 but it gives me a nestalgia like feeling when I hear and learn about it. Thank you. I'll subscribe forsure

[@brushhogg1]

In the footage from Guadalcanal, there is a clip of a Marine advancing just spraying .30cal from the hip. The MG itself looks like a stinger from an SBD or lower rear from a TBF rather than an M 1919... but it had to be a similar look to the fella Seth was talking about...

[@Cometkazie]

The bursting radius of a 105mm is 20m so they could be brought in closer than 50yd in extraordinary circumstances. We had one shoot during my gunnery training at Ft. Sill where we adjusted 75mm fire from a bunker and brought it in real close. Wish it had been 105mm with its bigger booms.

[@CHUMPZ1LLA]

The submarine joke made me chuckle too