Operation TOENAILS-The Invasion of New Georgia-Episode 209

This week Seth and Bill dig into one of the lesser-known, but no less important, campaigns of 1943...New Georgia. The island of New Georgia and its invaluable Munda airfield was considered a vital step in the march up the Solomons chain in 1943. Initial advances made good on plans, but stubborn Japanese defenses and ill-prepared American infantry turned the advance into a slog. New Georgia provided valuable lessons in training and tactics for the fights that would come soon.
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[@mike03a3]

My father was in the 43rd and wounded (lightly) on New Georgia. He fought there, on New Guinea and Luzon but always said capturing Munda was the absolute worst. The tropical jungle was so heavy that you often couldn't see much farther than 10 yards.

[@johnpichler1268]

My Dad also served in the 43rd. 169th inf. I believe F company. He was wounded twice. The first time by morter fire. The second by a hand grenade that was thrown in his foxhole. Two other men were with him. After recovering from his wounds he was assigned to transportation company as a truck driver. My Dad was assigned to the 169th as a replacement just before they left SanFansciso. Carlisle Army Barracks has a lot of information on the 43d Division. My Dad was Peter G. Pichler from Lyndora Pa.

[@Angela-tv8nx]

I want to thank you for putting this on KZbin. I was so happy to come across this. My dad was in the National guard 43rd Division from Connecticut in East Killingly. He came home. He used to tell me a few things but he never ever seemed like it bothered him. I remember him telling me that a Japanese soldier hit him in the face with the butt of his rifle and chipped his tooth. He told me he was stabbed and said it was nothing. It was because he said they tried to capture him and he was mouthing off so a Japanese soldier hit him in the face with the butt of his rifle. If you know my dad I don't think anybody could've capture him for long; he was pretty scrappy. I do have some information on him. He was enlisted on December 10th 1940 was just discharged on August 27 1943. According to my information he was in Camp Blanding Florida first. And as very satisfactory rating as a soldier. It also says that he was in Guadalcanal, New Guinea, New Zealand, also the Philippines. His name was Alfred Park Spicer. Date of birth October 25, 1912. I don't know who went with him but I know there were a lot of guys from his area and I would be really interested in knowing who those guys were if any of them came back. If you have any other information on him or any other guys I would really love to know. I do have a patch of the campaign. I have it on my Yankees hat, which my father would be very upset because he was a Red Sox fan!

[@bruceday6799]

The maps really help me get past the 'cold start' that accompanies the beginning of a lecture or talk on historical events. I start 'on point' geographically and tactically with that prompt provided. Nicely, seamlessly, and accurately incorporated. Over the years I've spoken to a couple of vets awarded the MOH, 'Somebody had to do it' and 'It seemed like the thing to do' are common threads. They are recognized heroes, they saw other unrecognized heroes they thought just as or more deserving. The Greatest Generation!

[@JohnDoe-ff2fc]

I'm a visual oriented learning type of person, and concur.

[@obriets]

Especially for the New Georgia campaign. Not only are the islands convoluted, but the complexity of the strategy would have made even the Japanese proud.

[@pat8988]

The maps are helpful, but unfortunately, they are virtually unreadable.

[@bruceday6799]

@@pat8988 Since its not a live cast just stop the vid, enhance your resolution and enlarge the map.

[@pat8988]

@@bruceday6799 I'm watching the video on a 77" TV. That's pretty enhanced. It's still so blurry it can't be read.

[@AdmiralYeti8042]

Bill’s new setup is awesome! It’s been neat to watch this show evolve.

[@william_toti]

Thanks! Not quite done...

[@nkgoodal]

​@@william_toti hoping we see a John Madden-esque "telestrator" for the map. 😊

[@philkryder1434]

yes, maps add 1000%. leave the maps and other images up. then show Bill and Seth one above the other on the left as about 1/4 of the screen with the maps and other images as the remaining 3/4 of the screen.

[@brettcurtis5710]

43rd US Infantry Division trained in New Zealand around Auckland and it's northern areas around the Kaipara Harbour from late 1942 to 1943 before heading to New Georgia. Their stay was much photographed by local electrician and home appliance dealer Tudor Collins, who had also photographed the decline of the local kauri timber industry - his entire collection is in the Warkworth District Museum and is available on-line. The 43rd returned to Warkworth to regroup and take on replacements after getting their arses kicked on New Georgia, they then left NZ for good to PNG and eventually the Philippines - Gone, but not forgotten in NZ!

[@keithrosenberg5486]

New Georgia was where Roger Young earned a posthumous Medal of Honor. Shines the name of Roger Young!

[@FlgOff044038]

Oz, we shall remember him.

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

And also the inspiration for the mobile infantry carrier 'Rodger Young' from the novel Starship Troopers.

[@keithrosenberg5486]

@@MrFrikkenfrakken I read that when I was a kid. And have read it since. Like a lot of Heinlein books, it has a lot of social engineering in it. The song from WWII is also mentioned in Starship Troopers. Shines the name, Rodger Young. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ballad_of_Rodger_Young

[@jameshannagan4256]

I am not going to lie I got misty listening to the heroism of these guys great episode about which I knew nothing at all.

[@scottyfox6376]

Sadly this theatre has been ignored throughout history by American Centric publications. USA just island hopped to victory destroying the Japanese along the way in a few epic battles. Allied Forces under Macarthur are dismissed as inconsequential by a narcissistic egotistical Commander who was more concerned with headlines & publicity. It's sad that this theatre is ignored to all the hardship & bravery suffered by the Allied & US troops.

[@snakeplisken4119]

@@scottyfox6376 Hardships were endered on both sides

[@johnvogt5847]

Thanks for the effort you guys put into these episodes. It is much appreciated.

[@timothybrady2749]

1:15AM where I live. Can’t possibly go back to sleep before viewing another outstanding and informative presentation from Seth and Captain Toti that was just received.

[@jeffreymartin8448]

Ditto. Good thing I was up then !

[@Squab83andTRULIFE316]

Good enough to stay up late for 😊

[@timothybrady2749]

@@Squab83andTRULIFE316 Absolutely!! This is the best WWII podcast presented. I have learned so much, and have had to reevaluate opinions I have held for years. I hope Seth and Captain Toto understand the enormous contribution they are making to the understanding of the Pacific War

[@mikeat2637]

I'm surprised you haven't done a podcast specifically on The Coastwatchers, and their huge impact in the Solomons Campaign. I'm sure that Dave Holland, who resides in Australia, would have access to a lot more information than ordinary sources. I am fairly well-read on the Coastwatchers, but I'm a real novice. I think it might be good to look into for a future podcast.

[@jovianmole1]

Hear, hear

[@mikeat2637]

@@jovianmole1 Hi Curtis, Am I correct in believing that you are in Australia ? In any event, I have been interested in The Coastwatchers since I was a freshman in high school in 1960. I worked as the assistant librarian, and for me it was heaven. They had a very good collection of books about WW II, especially the naval war in the Pacific. During my sojourn in reading I found out about the Coastwatchers and what they did to make the Guadalcanal Campaign successful. I have two copies of Commander Feldt's book and read it at least once a year. Feldt, Paul Mason, Donald Kennedy, Martin Clemens and the rest of those heroes deserve an honored spot in the history of the Solomons Campaign. I hope Seth and Bill decide to do a podcast specifically about the Coastwatchers, it would be a lot fun and very enlightening.

[@jovianmole1]

@@mikeat2637 Mike- I am here in the Land of Lincoln - Illinois. We have much in common with Ukraine, we grow lots of soybeans, but I digress. Thanks for that info about Feldt. I love the show, and I am getting a kick out of reading the comments. Learning a lot, and getting to correct some falsehoods.

[@mikeat2637]

@@jovianmole1 I'm a New Yorker myself, but for how much longer I'm not really sure. The Big Apple has a rotten core and it gets harder and harder to deal with the political idiocy. I'm glad if I have added to your knowledge. You never stop learning.

[@nicholaswilson6602]

Dutchy is a brilliant resource. He should be everyone's first point of contact for the Solomon's campaign.

[@lesmoore6443]

No long-winded comment this time. Fantastic job, guys, thanks for doing these. Simply outstanding. Maps and visuals of course help a lot. I'm spreading the word among my podcast/KZbin military history friends about this operation, here's to hoping your subscription numbers keep climbing to the high levels your efforts deserve.

[@gw2058]

Great presentation. The Coastwatcher Harry Wickham was a Solomon Islander, his father was English, and one of only 3 Solomon Island Coastwatchers who all did outstanding work. With the time the 43rd spent on Guadalcanal before going to New Georgia you would have expected the US to have set up some sort of Jungle Training facility and learning lessons learned. I have spent some time in this part of the Solomon Islands. The Coast Watchers book by Patrick Lindsay is a superior book on the subject for any interested in the subject.

[@davidkiefer6553]

Totally understand the post production issues of inserting maps and graphics…. Few folks understand how much effort that takes. Presenting live google maps is a good work around.

[@alitlweird]

2:32 am. can’t sleep. Thank God for this podcast. ✝️🇺🇸

[@lynndonharnell422]

An excellent book about coastwatchers is "Australia's Secret Army" by Michael Veitch.

[@thomasvanness1516]

Thank you for the full story about Rodger Young. Rodger was also honored in the book "Starship Troopers", by Robert A. Heinlein. As a pre-teen, I read the book, but thought Rodger Young was an imaginary character. I found out later that he wasn't, but couldn't find out anything about why the ship was named for Roger Young. You and the internet have given me that understanding. The ship that carried the main character of the book , "Starship Troopers", was the TFCT Rodger Young. Heinlein was a 1929 graduate of the Naval Academy. Thank you, again.

[@k.danylchuk2026]

Just a great podcast, with an amazing perspective on the war in the Pacific.

[@tobybabalu6628]

Maps ok but your verbal stories are the BEST ON KZbin.... LOVE YOU GUYS.....best ever.......

[@haldorasgirson9463]

Have you read "You Can't Fight Tanks With Bayonets" by Gilmore? This is an in-depth history of the US militaries attempts to convince Japanese to surrender, and for the marines to accept their surrender. As we got better at this, the number of surrenders increase greatly, but it was never a large percentage of the Japanese forces. Might be worth an episode? Or at least mention.

[@jackpitts1348]

Thanks for the map!! It gives more perspective of the material you presented. Another outstanding presentation.

[@southwerk]

The maps are very helpful. It was good of you to add them.

[@JohnDoe-ff2fc]

This has everything that would make for a fantastic movie; green troops,shortages of supplies and artillery support, MOH recipients, servicemen from the same state and may have been childhood friends, well known leaders, ....

[@jovianmole1]

Spielberg. Hope he's watching.

[@terryp3034]

You two continue to set the standard for intelligent conversation, great detail and understanding of both belligerents and eye opening perspective and context. I can't applaud you enough.

[@g24thinf]

MacArthur and Halsey actually were friends and admired each other. Later in the war after the near disaster at Leyte. Some of Mac's staff were making snide remarks about Admiral Halsey, Mac told them to knock it off. Saying Bill's a fighting Admiral in my book.

[@scottyfox6376]

MacArthur was a glory hound & his staff merely reflected their leader's character.

[@brickhockey]

This show just gets better every day.

[@truck1701]

Another great episode, guys! I'll have to watch it again later, when I can see the maps, as I was driving through Indiana when the notification came in. Since your in 1943 Era, maybe you can do an episode on Wendell Furtig, ( I may be butchering his name, but i read about him in a WEB Griffin book), and his exploits in the Phillipines, after dugout Doug abandoned there, ( I too have a low opinion of him). Again, great job !

[@davidvonkettering204]

WEB Griffin!! His books are the most realistic historical fiction I have ever read, and I love his "The Corps" series.

[@philpockras4408]

Good program, gents. My uncle was in the 37th ID. MY cousin, his son, tells me that Uncle John was in at least New Guinea and the Philippines. He started as an M2 machine gun crewman, and ended up later as lanyardman on a 105mm howitzer. When I knew him, Uncle John was deaf as the proverbial post.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

And his unit trained at Camp Shelby before going overseas. Which is where I record the show.

[@ronaldmcmullen9934]

Enjoying the podcast very much… look forward to new ones each week… keep them coming

[@henriyoung3895]

Another winner. Thank you.

[@Jackmonkey66666hghinnv]

Wow. Not sure why but that hit quite hard, maybe because I’m 25 too but for someone that young to put aside there own tremendous fear and anxiety to dig someone out of a hole with their bear hands and save them, that is just testament to how much heart that young soldier had, not to mention doing it again in the attempt of saving another terrified and desperate brother and be killed. Rip frank medal of honour honestly still doesn’t do half the justice these men deserve, the type of men to save another while every single thing is against them time and time again isn’t just above the call of duty. I can’t say what men like this deserve but it’s more then being somewhat very briefly remembered by a niche group of history buffs and their viewers, every single American should be atleast lightly taught about this men from school or some organisation anything it doesn’t matter what it is, they need to be remembered and held with the utmost respect for these heroic acts on the same level as if someone disrespects America itself, these men should be held that high imo almost nobody % wise has it in them to do what these men did.

[@freda7436]

Maps ARE great...but the fact that you gentlemen have kept me captivated for hours without them is a testament to the quality of your compelling storytelling and interpersonal chemistry.

[@kentiffany8872]

Excellent!! Coastwatchers! Yay!

[@stevewaldschmidt4344]

Great to see that you're covering a battle that is so rarely discussed! Love the stories about the individuals who participated in the campaign. Keep up the great work!!

[@jameshannagan4256]

I really look forward to Tuesdays this is my favorite you tube channel I remember when there were less than a 100 of us but it looks like this channel is taking off I wish more people knew about this. I like the Kings and Generals Pacific series as well (but not as much as this).

[@Gunfighter13NEWT]

Great show! I appreciate all the work you all do for all those who sacrificed for our freedom. This is a great history lecture for young Marines in leadership positions. Semper Fi! Capt. USMC retired.

[@darrelllovett4722]

Why is it so easy for me to see a dark blue"coming to periscope depth" background behind Capt Toti? Fun fact: Lt. John F Kennedy arrived in the Solomons at Rendova.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

He operated out of an area near Tulagi too, but yes PT-109 was sunk in the areas around the Kula gulf

[@kylecarmichael5890]

Sgt. Roger Young sounds like the enlisted version of Adm. Willis Lee. Crappy vision amazing shooter. I saw that marksman badge in was this guy can shoot! And I have no idea how Young he made it into the service and wasn't ruled 4F. Is amazing. And I'm sure at New Georgia, the environment of the island just trying to end you never mind the enemy. Just like Guadalcanal. The combat hardened me could tell the newbies but until you get into that environment they don't understand the rain, heat, humidity, the diseases, the terrifying looking land crabs that see you as lunch. Thank you again gentlemen. This is a great service.

[@johnferguson1970]

A guy from backwoods Ohio with bad eyesight becomes a sharpshooter. Reminds me of Willis A. Lee, Jr. (episode 125), who was a sharpshooter from Kentucky with bad eyesight.

[@davidkiefer6553]

Fun fact cross reference to a previous episode discussion about Admiral W.A. “Ching” Lee…. Petrarca and Young are now ranges at Camp Perry OH, the home of the National Rifle Matches that Lee shot at for many years as part of Navy Rifle Team. (And to this day) Sure he shot at at least one or both. There are at least two other ranges named for 37ID MoH recipients that were awarded for action later in the war (Viale & Rodriguez) perhaps others.

[@klsc8510]

I too after my Army National Guard tour in Iraq, was made Marksmanship NCO for my Company. I am a farm boy that learned to shoot more for fun than hunting. I while not blind or deaf, I am quite near sighted. I joked that if I lose my glasses, I am getting a bayonet. When I was asked why I stated, I am going to start poling out with my rifle. If it yells in English, I will apologize. If it yells in any other language, I SHOOT! Boy did I get strange looks! Thankfully,, I never did have to fire my M-16 in anger in Iraq. After Iraq, during a drill at Fort Custer, MI, I was doing mess check the Sunday morning after Saturday weapons qualifications. I asked one young Soldier how he did? He told me not so good. I told him look, I am old (early 50s) and wear near coke bottle glasses and I qualified. He replied, "Sarge, those aren't glasses, those are camouflaged telescopic sights!" We both had a good laugh!

[@kentiffany8872]

His vision was Like Admiral Lee’s!

[@jameshannagan4256]

That came to my mind as well.

[@jovianmole1]

As an Optometrist I made comments about Lee's vision in Episode 123. Admiral Lee was nearsighted, but undoubtedly corrected to excellent vision: Olympic Shooting Medals. The head injury Roger Young suffered in high school most likely gave him Post Concussion Vision Syndrome, which can cause blurred vision due to focusing muscles in the eyes that are confused from weird messages from a concussed brain. In the photo showing Young wearing eyeglasses, it appears he may be myopic (nearsighted...blur far, near ok), which is a somewhat common finding in PCVS. Once corrected he probably saw quite well, being a top notch marksman.

[@user-lv1wt7ep3o]

I love the podcast. You honor the memory of all the men and women who were the "Greatest Generation". I will echo the sentiments for more info on the Australian Coastwatchers. Also, how about an episode on the early UDT "Frogmen", who would evolve into the Navy SEALS.

[@parrot849]

A couple of comments: Regarding Lt. Robert Scott awesome performance against overwhelming odds; of all the Japanese he dispatched that day, I can’t help wondering how many he sent to their ancestral homes using that magnificent bulldozer-like lower jaw alone. He should have been on Army recruiting posters with a profile like that. Second comment, as appropriate as it was to award the Medal of Honor to Scott for his outstanding actions that day, it just reinforces my disgust at the fact that General Douglas MacArthur somehow “gamed” the system to get himself the very same MOH after losing all his forces through an incompetent defensive “non-plan” of the Philippines Islands in 1941-42. MacArthur managing to steal a MOH really grinds my gears and should any other American possessing common sense and respect for what is right and proper. As an administrator-politician, i.e. Governor General of occupied post-war Japan, he was very good at getting that destroyed nation back onto it’s feet. As a military commander and leader of men in combat, he was an incompetent megalomaniacal buffoon; And a dangerous one at that.

[@davidlessenberry8736]

I discovered this podcast a few weeks ago when I was suffering from a GI virus. I have now "caught up," except for skipping a few of the submarine episodes. (No knock, I'm just saving them for later.) Keep up the fantastic work. I have recommended your podcast/YT channel to every history and wargame enthusiast I know. You both have incredible chemistry, knowledge, and "stage presence." Parshall and Holland, as well as the Naval officers, make this the best WWII podcast/YT channel out there. God Speed and God Bless...

[@JosephKano]

Rodger Young. The transport ship Heinlein named in his novel 'Starship Troopers' Fantastic to hear that story.

[@commonsensegunlaw]

Macarthur had the chance to get Munda before Japan, the Aussie Intelligence people told him they were going to take it for a base, and his Staff Intel officer said "No, there no hard evidence" and MacArthur agreed, using his immense tactical genius...Would have been a huge life saver and time saver if he had only.... but he was MacArthur. Highly recommend "Dark Waters Starry Skies" by Jeffery Cox, incredible book that covers the Central Solomon Campaign. The Audio book version is fabulous.

[@scottyfox6376]

Salute to the awesome brave souls who made up the "Coast Watchers". Indispensable & indomitable in their contribution to the war in the South East Pacific. 🫡🇦🇺🇬🇸

[@thomasgarrison3949]

Another Outstanding video. Thanks for the maps, they are greatly appreciated, so I'm not left in the dark about the battleground.

[@lurking0death]

If you want to understand Vietnam, listen to "Unautorized" treatment of the New Guinea and New Georgia campaigns. Terrain and vegetation make a tremendous difference. In Vietnam instead of National Guard, you had draftees who had 4.5 months of total Army experience. Despite that, the Americans rarely lost an engagement regardless how big or small the engagement was.

[@chiron14pl]

I clearly remember watching the whole series Victory at Sea with my Dad who served in the Pacific. Great series, as was World at War

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

I appreciate you being sensitive to the comments of your viewers regarding visuals. I must say one of the valuable gains I have made since viewing this content has been researching the topic and displaying relevant visuals myself during the presentation. Just another victory star painted on the side of your SBD.

[@whbrown1862]

Great work! It really shows the amount of work and dedication that you both have put into this podcast. Truly awesome! Thank you for your efforts - it is much appreciated.

[@Thumpalumpacus]

Very informative. Thanks for clearing what for me has been a hazy operation. The maps are definitely a help, and the stories of heroism underline the importance of loyalty in leadership: you cannot fairly expect the loyalty of your subordinates unless you yourself deliver to them your own unstinted loyalty. Well done.

[@Boron121]

Another good show. It is very good for you to honor those who fought in these largely ignored campaigns by retelling their struggles.

[@KWise-sr4ml]

Great job guys.The maps really help a lot. I know it's a lot of extra work but it's appreciated

[@daviddb2528]

Your efforts with the maps are very welcome - for those of us not already indoctrinated into the history of the war in the Pacific the maps are vital to our understanding. Keep up the good work chaps!!

[@ianbishop8986]

enjoyed the maps and honesty of the New Georgia campaign

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

In my High school class (Early-Mid 70's), Jr. ROTC (Air Force), my classroom instructor, Col. Bauer would always show these variety of old Reel-to-Reel Docu movies, It was an enjoyable part of a usually not too fun school day. I too am very much a map guy, to this day I do not own Any kind of GPS, including phone (Flip-Phone kind of guy). P.S.- Had all of Rich Frank's maps earmarked in his Guadalcanal Book and followed along with your YT podcast.

[@alganhar1]

Nothing wrong with using Modern technology. I have GPS on my boat, and you literally HAVE to have communications on an ocean going boat, its Maritime Law. It is not optional, no working comms, you do not go to sea, period. Additionally my career has taken me to some isolated regions where having a sat phone or cell phone is kind of a good idea. Its like taking a rifle into Bear Country, you do not HAVE to do it, but god help you if you don't and something goes wrong and you end up face to face with an annoyed bear. And yes, I do know how to read maps, I was born in 1970, I keep paper sea charts on the boat, and paper maps in the car, but they are backup for if anything goes wrong. I am fully able to navigate using maps, charts, visual sightings using sextants and other such techniques. All useful backups for if something goes wrong with your GPS, but I consider the GPS my primary Navigation system, not my secondary. It makes things a HELL of a lot easier if you are routinely having to navigate.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

@@alganhar1 What you say is true, but I'm not a Mariner, like the water (we yearly go charter deep sea fishing on the family vacations, have photos, but I Pay someone to have those technologies), but don't work there, I have spent Many hours in dense wilderness areas, this was before GPS, I got good at maps, to this day I'm willing to say of my piers I'm still the best map reader, and yes, on more than one occasion I've ran into Bears, and it is always unpredictable.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

Thanks! Living in the southern, lower Ohio River Valley we continue with overnight frost which is hamstringing my garden activities, I'm thinking about moving to the Newest of the Georgia's, maybe around Savannah. FYI- there a thermo-nuclear bomb lost somewhere off the coast of Savannah.

[@bobbyearl60]

I'm originally from Georgia. One of my acquaintances recently moved to Savannah but knew nothing about the Tybee Bomb. He was not thrilled when I informed him of its existence(and size).

[@SaundersE5]

You guys give a voice to our honored WW2 veterans who are gone. God bless

[@roberthansen9639]

Maps intro very helpful. Been switching between your KZbin video and Google Earth. Three minutes in to your video I had Google Earth zoomed in to the areas of action and current names of points and rivers. Thanks!

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

I didn't even see anyone complaining about wanting maps... Let's not be to hard on them everyone. Honestly... You should ask DRACH for things like that... That's much more in his wheelhouse... He even likes that kind of thing.

[@Perfusionist01]

A very good description of an almost-forgotten campaign. Places like New Georgia and Kasserine Pass proved a much-needed school for the US Army (among others) and provided the jolt to improve training and organization. It will be interesting to note in future episodes how the operational tempo increased. In November 1943 the US forces would be striking at Bougainville and at Tarawa as well as continuing combat operations in New Guinea, plus continuing the rebuilding of the carrier force.

[@Perfusionist01]

PS, the added maps are very helpful!

[@GenDischarges]

Dear Seth and Bill, Your cameo of the actions of Lt Scott immediately brought to mind a presentation I attended in the UK in 1984. A Company Commander of the Parachute Regiment relayed a story of their attack on a hill during the battle of Goose Green. On the way up the hill they suffered a number of casualties but they pushed through and finally got to the top of the Hill. Being a Para and hyper-trained he knew that he had to go straight into all round defence to stave off the inevitable counter-attack. He said he looked around to assess his unit's strength ready to deploy his troops but all that was left were himself and his signalman. Believe me, the words 'cowardice' and 'apprehension' do not appear in the lexicon of the Paras. He said the attrition of his unit on the way up the Hill was caused not only by the casualties but also by fellow soldiers stopping to assist the wounded. Maybe, just maybe, Lt Scott 'loneliness' had similar causes. Thanks for another great, warts and all, presentation.

[@nltalbottgmail]

Appreciate your recognizing Medal of Honor recipients.

[@m.r.donovan8743]

Thanks for the maps! It truly helps us understand these movements and their significance better. Thanks to you both for your dedication and effort in this project... and above all for your respect and reverence to those men who fought and died so gallantly for freedom. Our noble allies really appreciate the mention of their heroes who contributed to victory. Without them, it would have taken us years longer to achieve the defeat of the Axis.

[@edwardloomis887]

Oscar Griswold was a West Point graduate and World War I veteran, to include the Meuse Argonne offensive that generated significant friendly casualties. He was a regular and had good overseas and stateside experience. He knew what he needed to do.

[@williamharvey8895]

I went to school in ohio, in music class one of the songs we learned was "the ballad of Roger Young ". It's also a name of a ship in Robert Hienlens scifi book "Starship trooper".

[@davidmowry8951]

Another fantastic episode. Great job Seth as always. Bill, awesome job with the maps. Really appreciate it. Kiwi Kennedy was a total badass. NZ still pisses me off after going on strike when the marines needed them most in 42. Cost lives. Huge embarrassment and stab in the back that has been kept pretty quiet for years. Kennedy was obviously made of different stuff.

[@walterdeibel5368]

Great program! Adding the maps is a sweet touch and really help the viewer understand of the region and topography/conditions these units conducted operations in! It might be interesting to add charts to naval operations to show how constricted these waters were as well! I just found your website and have been listening at every opportunity! Really love your guest contributors as well. Outstanding stuff!

[@nilo9456]

Shines the name, shines the name.... Look it up, look it up.

[@thomlinford]

The maps are a great addition! Appreciate the additional effort gentleman.

[@MF-le7fp]

So glad to see this episode pop up today. Enjoyed it. Thank you. But you guys never really got back to whether or not the Kiwi coast watcher was located, and saved.

[@lesmoore6443]

I guess not in detail, but Seth did - once or twice - say that the expedited dispatch of Marines did in fact save Mr. Kennedy. So I think he made it.

[@RobertHinkle-xe7it]

had many appointment during and after the war and lived to 1976?????

[@riftraft2015]

Awesome podcast. These podcast are deep dives with intricate details not told in common history books. These guys are TRUE historians. They discuss the good, the bad, & the ugly. And give either credit, or criticism, where it was REALLY due. Love it. 10+ stars. 😁👍

[@jovianmole1]

I love how our Unauthorized hosts mix up the strategic, tactical, and local action. You cannot help but tear up hearing the MOH accounts. I wondered where they were going with the next episode. Straight up the slot. Is the Battle of Kula Gulf next?

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Possibly…

[@retroblackwulfe3413]

Fellas I'm learning so much from your videos

[@davidlee8551]

Thank you both for sharing your study & knowledge.

[@andersed1]

The maps shown really help visualize what is going on. It is a great addition.

[@Christopher-os7eo]

Another outstanding job gentlemen

[@steel5791]

Haven't even watched this episode, beyond the intro, but THANK YOU FOR THE INCLUSION of MAPS! Two hours later; now I have watched this installment. You have taken me from a state of complete ignorance about this battle to having a foundation that will serve as the framework on which to hang further understanding as I search out more details. Your series always serves this same function regardless of my initial familiarity with the subject. Kudos for providing such a chance for learning to me and countless others,

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Thanks!

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

"GO BUCKEYES". Spent 11 years of the best part of my older adolescent life at Wright-Patterson A.F.B.

[@jean-francoislemieux5509]

very well done with the live map!

[@hansbroger946]

When I was a precocious, 7-year-old bookworm, my retired USN grandfather gave me a well-worn copy of the "Reader's Digest Illustrated Story of World War II." This channel, with its excellently curated balance of grand narrative, forgotten theatres of operation, and personal stories of actors on the ground, gives me the same sense of awe and excitement that I felt delving into the history of America's Second World War experience 25 or so years ago as a little kid. While that 515 page tome may have fallen to the wayside for more recent generations, your work pushing the digital frontiers of public history is carrying on those legacies of honor, bravery and service to country to the KZbin/Podcast generation. Keep up the good work and I look forward to future episodes to come!

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thank you very much.

[@douglaskillock3537]

Another great episode. The maps are very helpful. We all know that anyone with an interest in military history loves a map with a lot of arrows on it. But honestly, even the older members of the audience like myself usually have access to more than one device. Pause the pod and Google the location. I was doing this recently for the Guadalcanal episodes, especially those discussing the ground campaign

[@Imtahotep]

This is awesomacious, well told history!

[@johnthomas2485]

Fun Fact. Roger Young was the name of the ship in Heinlein's novel, Starship Troopers. Ballad Of Riger Young. To the everlasting glory of the Infantry, shines the, shines the Name, Roger Young.

[@chrisnizer5702]

Japanese troops were excellent jungle fighters. Fortunately for the Allied troops on Guadalcanal, it was extremely difficult to coordinate multiple elements, out of communication and separated from each other in difficult terrain, and still try to maintain a strict timetable. For whatever reason, we made the exact same mistakes on New Georgia: multiple elements, separated from each other without reliable communications and logistical support, through difficult jungle terrain, against well defended objectives. I have to agree with you both, New Georgia wasn't a well thought out operation. Definitely not a high point in the campaign.

[@haroldmendelson8397]

Gentlemen, great presentation. I have one correction and that was the total troop count of Japanese on Rabaul. It was not 100,000. At the end of the war, The Australian Army assumed control of Rabaul and accept the surrender of the Japanese garrison on Rabaul. The total head count of Japanese. It was, 139,000. The Japanese commander accepted his fate and took the unusual tact of having all of his men take building skills classes while they waited to be shipped by the Japanese ships. This would take over two years. This commander convince his men they would be sorely needed in rebuilding Japan.

[@toddschmidgall9639]

Maps may be great, but I want to say, just listening to the discussion between the two of you & your guests when you have them, is just… fantastic!!!

[@markwriter2698]

Absolutely the best narrative of the pacific war.

[@greggpeabody4470]

Just in awe of your detailed review and thoughtful information. As a 1st Gulf War Marine I have the highest respect for your videos. Semper Fi

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

When MacArthur had people in command under him that were competent, he tended to give them their objective and the necessary support within his power. Another example of this would be Army Air forces general Kenney. He was a Dynamo that change the Dynamics completely for airpower over New Guinea. MacArthur left him to his job and gave him support when they needed it

[@davidvonkettering204]

He surrounded himself with brownnosers, and blamed Australian Generals for not fighting hard enough from the time he took command until the end of the war.

[@tonybanke3560]

This podcast just gets better and better

[@eyecyou8511]

Thanks so much for the maps. Now I not only know the story, I know where it’s happening. Great great job!!!! I love you guys!!!!

[@slimeydon]

In the early days of my history nerdom, as a teenager, I read E.B. Potter’s book on Nimitz, which was an excellent read.

[@ScottBrown-ix9yx]

Love the maps, thanks so much for adding them in! Keep up the awesome work guys!

[@rtqii]

The axis powers gained control of all the quinine production early in the war. The US and other countries worked on synthetic drugs as replacements. They decided on Atabrine (Mepacrine), which was produced in large amounts and was highly effective... But unlike quinine it has serious side effects and at one point it knocked out 20% of an entire division, including the commander, General Patch, with severe nausea and dysentery on Guadalcanal... Many soldiers said malaria was preferable to the Atabrine... They later reduced the dosage, but getting soldiers to take Atabrine was a challenge. There were other side effects as well, and the Japanese immediately got on the air and Tokyo Rose told the troops that it would make them sterile.

[@davidvonkettering204]

I've seen films of Atabrine dosing by Pharmacist's Mates by tossing the tablet into the mouth of the marines--the drug also tasted horrible.

[@sulevisydanmaa9981]

Brought to juy by Pfizer ...

[@auscolpyrtosspott9175]

Another great episode. The information of campaigns I never knew the details about. I usually listen to the Spotify cast and then hit the youtube video. The maps are a nice touch and works well in this impromptu format. I'm currently reading, "With the Old Breed" by E.B. Sledge which I'm sure in the near future, those campaigns will be discussed in detail. I can't imagine the he** these men went through.

[@johnmoore9404]

Thanks for Maps! Great job. GREAT LINE - "Stocked by a snail"