The Battle of Midway's Forgotten Heroes That Changed History

[@TJ3]

Play War Thunder for FREE on PC, PS®5 and Xbox Series X|S here: playwt.link/TJ3History - Download the game and get your exclusive bonus now. See you in the skies!

[@Rick_27739]

Thanks i always wanted

[@scullcap357]

Outstanding , see their still are many stories to tell .

[@davidspencer8373]

Like video

[@steveshoemaker6347]

🥰🇺🇸👍

[@matrox]

How oes War Thunder compare to the IL2 Flight sim?

[@calvinerhart276]

This very story was told to me by that very pilot, 1Lt James Muri back in 2013 when I had the pleasure to take care of as a nurse here in Billings Mt. It was an honor to treat a hero from that battle, one that I will always remember.

[@TJ3]

Very cool!

[@richardkeilig4062]

All Americans should be taught about the loss if life of these pilots and their crews.

[@West-TexX]

In “The Rising Sun,” it was noted by the author the determined attack by the B-26 crews DID give Nagumo et al a very sobering experience. It definitely chilled the atmosphere on the bridge, the uncomfortable knowledge that the Americans were as dangerously determined as Samurai.

[@vcv6560]

Having recently finished The Last 100 Days I'm looking forward to this John Toland treatment

[@2854Navman]

@@vcv6560 The Rising Sun is excellent!

[@sukhastings4200]

Yamamoto never wanted war with the US, fearing our industrial might would overwhelm Japan eventually. He turned out to be more correct than even he imagined. He died after we ambushed his plane after Guadalcanal

[@West-TexX]

@@sukhastings4200 exactly. He was SO outspoken against it that he was transferred to the fleet from Tokyo in 1938(?) because it was felt likely he was going to be assassinated by the Army if he stayed in Tokyo. He would not shut up about it, about how big a mistake it was to go to war against America. In that book, it outlines that most army high ranked officers had never been outside of Asia, but many navy officers had and were well aware of the industrial capability and size of the United States. I have to say it’s gratifying to see there are others who are so knowledgeable about history!

[@imranikram9624]

Was Somomotto, the admiral who said that we have awakened a sleeping giant/bear ?

[@jonathanrobinson7573]

Finally someone covered something on the often forgotten B-26 Marauders and their brave underrated crews.

[@marpleloo65]

The attacks of the B-26 crews in the Aleutians on the Japanese fleet at this same time is virtually forgotten.

[@todd4866]

I remember my father telling me about the B-26's at the Battle of Midway . My dad was a B-26 bombardier/navigator and flew in the 9th Air Force, 391 Bombardment Group flying out of Matching Green England from January to October of 1944. He was credited with 78 combat missions 3 of which his plane "The Miss Behavin" did on D-Day . He was awarded the " Disgusting Flying Cross" by the Air Force snd was proud of those planes . I did actually get to see the only air worthy example of a Marauder at "The Fantasy of Flight "near Tampa Florida . Something I'll never forget .

[@user-nv4dk3fw8k]

Respect!

[@wittwittwer1043]

Have you watched the Army Air Force training film, "How To Fly The Martin B-26 Maurader" (1944)?

[@todd4866]

@@wittwittwer1043 Yup , about 5 times . 🤪

[@todd4866]

@@user-nv4dk3fw8k Well my Dad turned 100 years old in September. He told me his last mission is to be the last living WORLD WAR TWO VETERAN . "GOD BLESS HIM "!!

[@gordoh7634]

The B-26 was an awesome medium bomber. Once they solve the early teething problems like all new planes. It was faster than the B-25, carried a good load it was well-armed. Great airplane. And your father was likely a great Bombardier/Navigator as he flew 78 messages. They learned to fly tight formations with a lotta Ma deuce machine guns covering their squadrons.

[@vincentlefebvre9255]

Dauntless and wildcats ? Yes but don't forget the tragic sacrifice of the Devastators and Vindicators. I read that the U.S. had 41Devastators at the battle of Midway and lost 37 of them.

[@garycleveland6410]

The crews of those Torpedo bomber squadrons were decimated.

[@ronjose2256]

Vance, I absolutely agree. LCdrs. Waldron, Lindsey and Massey ( Sqdrn. Cmdrs. of Torpedo Squadrons 8, 6, and 3 , respectively) and a majority of their squadron members perished at the Battle of Midway. They flew TBD Devastators; U.S. Naval aviators on Midway Is. flew the Vindicators. Because their aircraft were ‘obsolete’, most of them were shot down; 37 out of 41, as you mentioned. These pilots and their crews were Heroes. Their sacrifice is a very important story of The Battle of Midway. ( It was an honor and a true education to have lived on Midway Island in the early 1970s during my Father’s military career while serving in the U.S. Navy.)

[@ronjose2256]

Correction in your first name. My apologies, Vincent. 🍻

[@vincentlefebvre9255]

@@ronjose2256 No problema !👍

[@g.t.richardson6311]

Yes I guess they are still naval aviators

[@JohnDoe-pv2iu]

Very good video! I agree that the personnel of the B26s are a largely forgotten group of great people. That war has so many nearly forgotten people and so many stories of heroics, invention, bravery and luck that resulted in victories. The story of the Battle of Midway should never be told without including one name though. Joseph J. Rochefort was a US Navy officer who spent countless hours with high tech paper and pencils to break the Japanese codes. He wasn't even publicly recognized until 40 years later but his dedication and grueling work saved an uncountable number of lives and reduced the length of that war by Years! I understand that the focus of this video is the B26s and they should not be forgotten. People should always remember the name of the man who made all of this possible. Ya'll Take Care and be safe, John

[@thomasn3882]

Why didn't either of the Hollywood movies make reference to the strafing run on Akagi by the B-26? That would have been a good detail to include.

[@xostedstellion]

It does in the movie named "midway"

[@cinematicsunproductions7748]

No it doesnt ​@xostedstellion

[@birbfromnotcanada]

YES! Finally someone is taking about those B-26s!

[@TJ3]

About time! Haha

[@birbfromnotcanada]

@@TJ3 definitely

[@charlesclark7350]

Agree, super streamlined way underrated. Lack of training for this hot rod led to high casualties and bad reputation.

[@birbfromnotcanada]

@@charlesclark7350 yup, that’s the thing

[@jonathansteadman7935]

'This is where two of the B 26s would make history '! But no one seems to of heard about it till now, so thanks for informing us. That's the thing I find being in to WW2, you always find fascinating new stories.

[@andrewbranch4075]

Would you do something about the Malta siege? I'm British and we're forever banging on about the battle of Britain, but in comparison Malta was horrific and everyone that served or lived there are forgotten. The casualty rate among our pilots was ghastly and the living conditions were apocalyptic. It was 4 times longer and more destructive than the London blitz

[@Ender-Corbin]

I remember reading about the Malta siege. The defense that they put up was astounding. I'm not sure I think I remember that they only had a few planes and pilots that flew multiple missions until the point of near mental exhaustion.

[@nizloc4118]

From an American, Would love to see that. Sadly, even more as time goes by, so many battles / campaigns get overshadowed, then ultimately forgotten. The US Army in the Pacific is basically unknown today (and I say that as a Marine). The Italian campaign is never mentioned. Even The Bulge... everyone knows Bastogne, but almost nothing else. Don't even get me started on Korea....

[@gandydancer9710]

@@Ender-Corbin " I think I remember that they only had a few planes and pilots that flew multiple missions until the point of near mental exhaustion." Quite a few batches of planes and pilots were delivered over the long period involved and it sounds like you read about only a particular period, but I'm sure they never had enough of anything.

[@johngarbutt3845]

My dad was there with a force of B 17s from June 3-7. He was a flight engineer and top turret gunner.

[@onlythewise1]

my dad to was on heavy lead cruiser, but lost it in Quada canal fight

[@gandydancer9710]

@@onlythewise1 You'd be more plausible if you knew how to spell the name of the island.

[@sonnyburnett8725]

Thank you, I’ve been waiting for a long time for someone to do a video on the B-26 Marauder attack at Midway. Especially, the pass down the flight deck and the heroic last dive of the other B-26 that still seems to be an attempted American Kamikaze attack. God Bless these men, heroes all!

[@scamhunter2346]

I got goosebumps and shocked when I saw the midway scene B-26 attempting to Kamikaze on Akagi’s bridge. I had my eyes wild open and speechless

[@robstuart6112]

The 2019 film has 11 Marauders attacking the Japanese when in reality there were only 4. It also has them dropping bombs when in fact they carried torpedoes. The filmmakers made an effort to have most of the scenes reflect what actually happened, albeit with a few liberties (e.g., the Japanese AA fire was not nearly as effective as shown in the film), so it's surprising that they got this scene so wrong. However, it is true that a B-26 nearly took out Akagi's bridge and the footage which depicts this incident is consistent with what is known about it.

[@soulbravo1761]

@@robstuart6112 The US government should award those brave pilots and crew of that ill fated B-26 that nearly killed Nagumo.

[@estellemelodimitchell8259]

Thanks TJ for the great story. I’ve heard of B-17 in the Battle of Midway but not the B-26. Learnt something from you today.

[@briananderson8733]

A lot of bragging by the US Army Air Corp that accomplished nothing. Not a single bomb hit has been attributed to the B-17s during that battle. While the 4 IJN aircraft carriers and the one heavy cruiser sunk were all hit initially by US Navy Dauntlass (VBs) dive bombers. The carriers were scuttled by IJN destroyers. IIRC the Heavy cruiser was sunk by damage caused by the VBs.

[@jimc6687]

These graphics truly are amazing, TJ! I doubt even just a decade ago that these numerous details were even remotely possible! Jim C.

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@wwiiguy]

Thank the snail

[@markgranger9150]

I have a book from the 60's about Midway from one of the crew off Yorktown and it mentioned everything in the video and more.

[@mochaholic3039]

Yeah I remember reading the account of one of the pilots who flew right down one of the carrier's decks to escape AA fire and chasing Zeros. He mentioned he had the throttle pretty much pressed all the way up to the firewall and injected a heck lot of inches of mercury boost into the engines for a much longer period of time, way over the manufacturer's recommended limits. When pilot landed home and made his report, Pratt & Whitney's on-site representative couldn't believe his ears and had the engines taken off the plane and sent back to the factory stateside to undergo a thorough examination for any signs of the engines tearing themselves apart from the extreme pressures. The engines were taken apart, parts inspected and put back together and ran flawlessly. The engines surprisingly performed better than expected.

[@kevinbernhardt8085]

That pilot deserved the medal of honor

[@fazole]

That's a good recounting of the event but please understand that mercury was not injected into the engines, but rather the way of measuring engine power was by manifold pressure which was measured in inches of Hg just like air pressure can be measured. So std. sea level pressure is about 15 pounds per sq in as measured by a Mercury barometer. Like wise high manifold pressure would also be measured this way, typically 40-50 lbs per inch of pressure as measured in Hg, although a guage was used not a mercury barometer! Some US reciprocating engines did use water injection into the cylinders to achieve temporary overboost of manifold pressure in order to increase power and speed.

[@kiwidiesel]

And that there is where the saying Balls to the Wall originated. The balls being the round ball knob on the end of each throttle lever and full forward was against the firewall or front instrument panel wall.

[@cireeksad2126]

I am in the middle of binge watching your series! Thanks for all the little known fascinating information!!!! My Dad fought at Okinawa with the Army 711th tank battalion. One of 2 battalions, the other the 714th. I was able to down load the after action reports from his time in service. Only a few times did he ever talk about his time there. Rest in Peace Gentlemen. Thank you for your service and the history and wisdom you taught us.

[@TJ3]

Cool! Glad you are enjoying my videos!

[@graff324]

They don't mention the high level bombing by B17s out of midway Island. This caused a delay in launching because of the maneuvering to avoid the bombs dropped. In my opinion the total exceeded the sum of Heroism, Bravery, and Honor by all American Aircrews at Midway

[@ajknaup3530]

That's interesting. I'd heard of the B-17's out of Midway, I knew the bombs all missed; I didn't realize they had such an affect on the IJN Carriers. Thanks for sharing.

[@fredcarl3408]

The B-17s were ordered to take off after army Radar SCR-270 on Sand island spotted the incoming enemy planes.

[@samuelmorado70]

The Japanese fleet was too busy dodging the bombs by the B17s so the Carriers couldn't launch their plane during evasive maneuvers. These pilots gave the Americans time to do what was necessary to prepare.

[@robertmoore2713]

I get so tired of Midway videos that don't credit the main pilot responsible for the victory of Midway. As a reminder, in the final couple of meetings of surviving Midway pilots, several took care to stress the role of Jimmie Thach. He arrived over the Japanese fleet with 5 Rookie pilots to protect the Yorktown's torpedo planes. Two of the Wildcats we down with the Devastators and played no role in the battle. Thach was above the torpedo planes with three of his rookies, one of whom died when the Japanese CAP attacked with the sun behind them. Thach then engaged in a dogfight with varying amounts of Zeroes, but for around 15 minutes he and his surviving two rookies flew against ALL the remaining Zeroes. Thach was officially credited with 3 victories, but he stated that he had managed solid hits on over a dozen Zeroes. But given that he and the rookies were fighting the entire CAP, they weren't trying to confirm kills. The reason they managed to stay alive was Thach had them employ the tactic he had devised 18 months earlier that he had brought to Bull Halsey for adaptation by all the American naval fighter squadrons. But Halsey put him off. With their lives on the line, Thach ordered them to employ what he called his Beam Defense, but which has gone down in history as "the Thach Weave." As he had predicted, the Japanese pilots couldn't figure out how to defeat the tactics, and kept trying to defeat the weave well after the last torpedo plane had left the area (unlike the torpedo squadrons from Hornet and Enterprise, several Yorktown Devastators survived the battle, thanks to actually having some fighter support, even if only 6 rather than the 12 Thach wanted to take). When the US dive bombers arrived, several pilots after the battle expressed shock that there was NO CAP over the Japanese fleet. It was only later that the dive bombers learned that Thach and his rookies had been fighting the entire CAP, allowing the dive bombers to attack unmolested. Accounts of Midway tend to overstress the importance of the torpedo planes and even the planes attacking from Midway (the only real contribution of the torpedo planes and Midway bombers - Avengers and B-17s as well as B-26s was to keep the Japanese carriers disorganized and out of position), but Thach's contribution was gargantuan. He manages to get the entire CAP at a much, much lower altitude than they needed to be (testimony from surviving Japanese carrier officers showed that they grasped the US had to have at least three carriers nearby, since they had been attacked by three Devastator squadrons and half of one fighter squadron (which had still managed to kick the CAP's butt). They were asking themselves where the other Wildcats were and where the dive bombers were (people who say the torpedo attacks at surface level took their attention from attacks from altitude simply don't know what they are talking about. They were extremely experienced pilots who knew the dive bombers would hit next and only wanted to shoot down those pesky Wildcats to go back to altitude. So Thach's immediate contribution was to make the Japanese CAP irrelevant. The dive bombers arrived to see a clear sky and no fighters. But not just that: after months of US pilots feeling that they couldn't compete with Japanese pilots, Thach proved that tactics that exploited both the strengths of the Wildcats - such as more sustained gunfire (the Zeroes had great cannons, but they ran out of ammo rather quickly) and better armor - and the weaknesses of the Zeroes (light armor, only a couple of effective guns, and the dog fighting style of the Japanese, which almost assumed a dogfight was more like a samurai sword fight between individuals, rather than a team effort). Several major historians have argued that the advances in aerial combat tactics at Midway were at least as important as thr sinking of the Japanese carriers. Marine pilots avidly absorbed what Thach learned at Midway and used those lessons in a couple of months at Guadalcanal. Like Thach, John Smith (interestingly, Thach's full name was John Smith Thach), Joe Foss, and others emphasized teamwork over the Japanese individualism. If you read Parshall and Tully's SHATTERED SWORD, they explicitly stated that Thach's tactical success at Midway represented a major turning point in the war. Japanese pilots would never dominate America fliers for the remainder of the war. Needless to say, Halsey finally agreed with Thach that the Weave would become an officially authorized tactic. Sorry for chasing this rabbit, but I am constantly flabbergasted at people failing to give Thach credit for his astonishing achievements at Midway. Thach was without any question the finest American carrier pilot of WWII and probably the finest of any nation. We know this because all the top American pilots flew dozens of practice dogfights against one another immediately prior to the war. No one could outfly Thach - not McCambell, not Alex Vraiciu, not even Thach's sometime wingman Butch O'Hare (though O'Hare could make Thach work harder than he normally did). The only reason he did not go on to be one America's top aces was his age: he was 37 at Midway and the Navy began moving him into assignments that led to major leadership posts. Most have heard about the gigantic thousand plane raids the Navy made against mainland Japan in the summer of 1945, raids that were planned and managed by Thach when serving as the aide to Admiral John McCain (thr senator's grandad). In the 1950s he created the anti-submarine service. OK. /off soapbox.

[@TJ3]

Haha thanks for the interesting perspective!

[@West-TexX]

You, sir, are correct.

[@xkgbciax5286]

strange i knew about him as kid in south fla. in the 60's He was ww2 fighter Ace Navy Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Silver Star ,Bronze Star (any 1 of them makes you a hero i think he had 2 Navy cross) Thach was assigned to instruct other pilots in combat tactics served in to the Navy till 1967 full admiral

[@centraltendency5343]

LOL God I love Marines. Anyone: "I found a faster way to kill the enemy" Marines: "Yes, please"

[@graff324]

I will always go with the idea that every one of the planes that took off to fight the Japanese knew it was a dog fight and they were on the low end of the scale. NOW HERE THIS: they all did their part , the sum of their combined efforts all contributed to a total much larger. I would hold take any part of the Honor, Skill, Bravery or Devotion of one man or group above any other. (Honestly, if Jimmy Thatch read your statement in your presence, I doubt that you would like his retort)

[@crossbow42]

IIRC, according to Shattered Sword, the B-26 that almost hit Nagumo took off some radio antennas from the bridge. THAT's how close it was! If Nagumo was a little rattled, he had good reason....

[@KyleCowden]

It amazes me that the naval battle that turned the tide in the war of the Pacific happened only six months in but more than that; the extraordinary sequence of personnel laying their marbles on the table to a) prove that Midway was indeed the target despite insistence it was not AND b) That Nimitz bucked the system, trusting the men he had surrounded himself with. But you're right, with all of the time spent learning about Midway over the years, the contribution of the Marauders slipped my notice. The lost TBM flight was well known but I don't believe I heard about the Marauders, or if I did, did not know their contribution. It's clear that Susie Q set Nagumo on his heels and confused his planning. The indecision that followed had a lot to do with how devastating Best's (and his squadron's) hits were on Akagi.

[@TJ3]

Agreed :) thanks for watching Kyle.

[@gandydancer9710]

"...Nimitz bucked the system, trusting the men he had surrounded himself with." Didn't work out all that well. Read up on the "Flight to Nowhere". But the Americans got lucky otherwise on that day. There was anyway never any tide of war favoring the Japanese to turn. They were doomed as of Pearl Harbor. The US built over a 100 carriers! (Not by any means all Fleet Carriers, but even just counting those it was a mismatch.)

[@dovidell]

nice ( new) format , showcasing veterans , as well as improved graphics - more like this please !!

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@craighansen7594]

Another excellent video! I really like how you present historical facts with such realistic video!

[@TJ3]

Thanks Craig!

[@franksinatra3494]

The Realistic video is a fun game to play too! Currently running Realist flight battles with my LTV A-7 Corsair ll fighting these damns Russian MIG-21s

[@mrs6968]

thank you for bringing this history to light for a new generation

[@ThomasWLalor]

Never heard of these heroes and their courage before. God bless them

[@m.a.granados7960]

You MUST read Martin Caidin's "Ragged, Rugged Warriors", "The other Midway" chapter, very enlightening on those first hours of the battle.

[@johnnybanks5321]

Still have my paperback version of that book! An excellent read!

[@mikehenthorn1778]

The other thing that the attack did was pull the cap down the deck use up fuel and ammo so then it had to land in the arm. Looking at the orders of the day record in the logs this had the Japanese behind the curve as every attack Force the fighters to rearm and left them open for the dive bomb attack after the torpedo bombers again drew the cap down to the deck. Shattered sword the book does a great job of explaining this

[@tomcrouchman]

Great job. This story is very important in understanding what happened that fateful day.

[@bizjetfixr8352]

To illustrate the First Air Fleet's vulnerability in early 1942. During the FAF Indian Ocean raid, nine RAF Blenheim bombers were able to approach the Fleet mostly unobserved, and totally unopposed, until after they had dropped their bombs. The Akagi got first notice of the attack when the bombs started exploding. Blenheim were 100 mph slower, and not nearly as tough than B-26s

[@bizjetfixr8352]

The 22nd Bomb Group was on its way th Austrailia, when four transiting aircraft were sent to Midway. These were early B-26s, much faster than the later B-26s. Top speed around 320mph, IIRC. The A6Ms weren't much faster. I've always wondered, given their speed, and the drag of an external torpedo, if the B-26s would have been better off carrying four 500lb delayed fused bombs. Add to that the fact that they had the fuel to circle around and make their approach from the north or west. Approach the target from 10-12k feet, find a gap in the screen, dive in, level off at 200-500 feet, then drop. None of the altitude/airspeed restrictions mandated by dropping torpedos. They would have been sighted a lot later, not being silhouetted against the horizon. Or not spotted at all.....big sky vs. Small airplane moving fast. I wonder if this was even brought up by the USAF guys. Forget coordinating an attack with the TBFs. They were a lot slower. Read Saburo Sakai's book for the problems they had intercepting B-26s in New Guinea BEFORE Midway. And read "Shattered Sword" to get an idea of the limitations that the Japanese ships AA armament had.

[@diffened]

I agree, but at that time the air corps was still trying to figure out the best way to use these bombers, and the mid-level bombing altitude hadn't been determined yet. If indeed the torpedoes had to be dropped at 105 mph, I'm not sure those early models could even go that slow without stalling.

[@bizjetfixr8352]

@@diffened True, but the B-26 guys in Port Moresby knew that Japanese AA fire at that time had trouble with low, fast targets, and that the B-26s were fast enough to make an interception for Japanese fighters a problem, even if they had an altitude advantage.

[@bizjetfixr8352]

I'm an old guy, who doesn't play computer Sim games, but if I did, that would be one of the first Sims that I would run. That, and run simulations on what it took for B-17s to hit ships from 8-15k feet. With all the talk about B-17s defending US shores, was there ANY doctrine researched or developed on how B-17s could score hits on fast moving warships? Seems to me that 3-4 B-17s, given proper calculations and tactics, should be able to lay a pattern of bombs in front of a ship that would guarantee 1-2 hits, no matter what the ship did. Did they sco>re ANY hits with B-17s on any moving ships in 1942?

[@yanderexrandom6865]

I think I heard something about the B-26 in combat in Midway. Didn't know this happened though! So spooked he decided to defy orders which resulted in the 3 carriers being wide open to the attack down the line, talk about lucky (for the Americans that is)!

[@Spitfiresammons]

SUSIE-Q must be the bravest b-26 to go into a suicide strafing attack on the deck of Akagi. A fine piece of job TJ3.

[@TJ3]

Huge thanks to the Commemorative Air Force and CAF Airbase Georgia for their support in making this video. Make sure to check them out here! Airbase Georgia Facebook - facebook.com/CAFAirbaseGeorgia CAF KZbin - kzbin.info/door/ajbMdqv165JZRKjs60E46g CAF Official Facebook - facebook.com/CommemorativeAF

[@michaelbaker2552]

The Battle of Midway was all about "operational tempo." The US mounted attack after attack after attack, almost without a break. This took a toll on the Japanese defenders and the B-26's certainly contributed to that. When you are being attacked like that, you have to be lucky every single time while when you are the attacker in that situation you only need to get lucky once and that happened at Midway!

[@michaeltelson9798]

Jimmy Doolittle didn’t select the B-26 for his famous raid because of it being a hot aircraft and needed a long prepared airstrip. The reason it was used mostly in Europe. Not that it was a bad aircraft, just didn’t have the characteristics that he needed for that mission. When there were multiple training problems with it at Tampa. “One a day in Tampa Bay” He went down to investigate it. Remember Jimmy Doolittle or should we say Doctor Doolittle (PhD MIT in aeronautical engineering and years of experience at NACA - blind flying). At the base he asked for an aircraft and a pilot, he took the co-pilot’s seat and after checking out the instruments, he never flew one before, they took off. Taking control and doing some standard test maneuvers he made a low pass over the airfield with air crews lining the field to see the actions, at the lowest point of a couple of hundred feet, he feathered one engine then rolled the aircraft. The finish was making a very clean landing, getting out of aircraft, he pronounced it a sound piece of machinery. He had them under his command in Europe which had “Flak Bait” an aircraft that had survived the most missions and it wasn’t alone with other B-26’s in that category. It’s nose is preserved at the Smithsonian showing its mission total.

[@vcv6560]

The B26 attack and near strike on the IJN Akagi was only revealed to me upon reading Shattered Sword (Parshall-Tully, 2005). It was to my delight they included this fine detail in 2019 Midway, and earlier a homage to the early Zenith Transoceanic battery operated shortwave radio where they (fictitiously) show the crew of the Natalus, in port at Pearl Harbor hearing of the Dolittle raid. An actually very good film. Like Rommel in the west, its unfortunate the perspective of Nagumo on the overall conduct of the war is unavailable. To that end much is owed by historians to Admr Ugaki, whos personal war diary spans fifteen volumes.

[@f114163]

Absolute balls of steel. Sent on a near impossible mission, knew most if not all wouldn't be going home, and went in anyway. No wonder they are often referred to as our finest generation.

[@wm565]

I know the story of 1LT James Muri and the B-26 "Suzie Q" very well. Nice presentation.

[@davidyoung5114]

Had that B-26 succeeded in crashing into the island of the Akagi and killing Yagumo, things may have ended up much worse for the U.S. navy. The next senior officer, Admiral Yamaguchi, on the Hiryu, had a much more aggressive personality than Yagumo, who hesitated when reports came about American ships to the northeast of the Japanese fleet. Nagumo waited until the Midway planes had returned to refuel and rearm them for one all-out attack, which doomed the Japanese fleet. If Yamaguchi had assumed command after Nagumo's death, he would have sent out whatever planes were ready to attack the moment the U.S. fleet had been sighted. There was a narrow window of opportunity when this would have been possible prior to the arrival of the first U.S. torpedo planes. As was seen later, when first the Hiryu's 17 dive bombers (Vals) and then her 10 torpedo bombers (Kates) fatally struck the Yorktown, had all four Japanese carriers sent out the approximately 50 Vals that were ready (regardless of having high-explosive instead of armor-piercing bombs), it was very likely that all three of the American carriers would have been fatally damaged. Also, the Vals headed towards the American fleet would probably have spotted the U.S. dive bombers heading for the Japanese fleet, and alerted Yamaguchi to get fighters up high, instead of them being caught low dealing with the U.S. torpedo bombers. It's a good thing that the B-26 missed!

[@ajknaup3530]

interesting thought

[@donaldtireman]

That is why it boggles the mind that Yamaguchi chose to go down with the Hiryu. He would've replaced Nagumo and been a much tougher opponent in future engagements

[@paulsteaven]

@@donaldtireman luckily, he followed the good ol' naval tradition to go down with his ship. And if we replace Nagumo after Midway, the Japanese carriers under his command might win the Battles of Eastern Solomons and Santa Cruz Islands by exploiting their carrier plane's greatest advantage by operating at extreme ranges just like what Ozawa did at the Battle of Philippine Sea.

[@donaldtireman]

@@paulsteaven A toast to naval traditions and those who choose to follow them to the hilt...

[@rpmuri]

I was in high school in the early 70s when I came across a book in our school library with this account of the Midway Battle. I believe it was written by or was the story told by Captain Collins the lead of the B26s. When I came across Uncle Jim’s name I could hardly believe it. I had three Uncles who had flown during WW2. Bob flew B17s out of England for Eighth Air Force and was shot down over Holland and spent the remainder of the war in a Dutch POW camp courtesy of the Germans. Andy flew B24s in the Pacific Theater after something like 52 missions without much drama. Jim, the only one of the boys, made a career of the Army Air Force / Air Force. This was the first time he had flown in combat. A good book that goes into his life and the before, during and after is “ Midway Bravery” by Dennis Gaub.

[@ues5587]

I believe that one of the TBF's in this attack was actually the very first one off the production line at Bethpage

[@paintnamer6403]

Neat history details! I remember a model kit of the navy B-25 but was called PBJ-1 and it seems that B-26 kept their USAAF numbers.

[@michaelgautreaux3168]

They were JM-1 & -2. U probably know this but wanted to share 😉

[@patrickmccrann991]

PBJ was flown by the Marines but I don't believe the Navy actual flew them.

[@magosryzak7477]

The B-26 had a bad reputation, but my grand father worked on them throughout the war and he would fight anyone who disparaged it. He was so very proud of his planes and though some were shot down, they took on far more punishment than thought possible and had the best survival rate of any bomber in the US Arsenal.

[@slimeydon]

Tomonnaga the Japanese strike leader radiod back to Nagumo’s strike group that there was need for a 2nd strike. The near miss by the B-26, while heroic, had nothing to do with the decision to launch, or not launch because there was lots of chaos, confusion and indecision on the bridge of the Akagi that morning

[@blainelytle341]

Thank you for filling in another gap in the history of my Father's and my 4 Uncle's war ! ( As well as many of my neighbors and relatives ! )

[@paulcurtis1159]

Excellent video , film makers and historians should follow your lead . Stories like these need be told . Thankyou

[@edwardberwind8544]

I'm no kid at age 80, but let me tell you your videos are outstanding and much appreciated.

[@chrislong3938]

Fantastic story with a great ending!!! Thanks!

[@danilorainone406]

those guys likely knew it would be a no return mission,,lockers packed, a quick ltr to mom,the gf,the wife lil sis, with a scapular and prayerbook,medal sad man real sad,brave guys these were

[@robinsattahip2376]

Just flying the early B26 was dancing with death, it took time to get the bugs out of it.

[@kiwidiesel]

The B26 had a high wing loading when compared to the B25 and therefore was not tolerant of mature mistakes and absolutely unforgiving if you got slow on approach or were operating on one engine. It was an advanced twin for its time and a lot of the bugs were air crew related handling errors which earned it its nick name.

[@robinsattahip2376]

@@kiwidiesel Politely, It doesn't matter why, if it crashes a lot it's a bad airplane with a problem. It was foreseeable that it would be flown by low-hour pilots. Thanks though for your comment. Such a high wing load is not too good anyway in a warplane that will likely face battle damage. The B25 was a thing of beauty. Cheers

[@billboth4814]

Tomonaga's report was the key factor in Nagumo's decision although the B-26 & Avenger attacks as well as the efforts of B-17s & Vindicator and Dauntless dive bombers undoubtedly reinforced that decision. Sacrifices of the Hornet, Yorktown, & Enterprise torpedo bombers set up the successful dive bomber attacks.

[@jaminmartin3628]

This is the most interesting battle of ww2

[@michaelwillette5738]

For a full account of the B26 & TBF attack and all early war combat read Martin Caiden's amazing book : " The Ragged Rugged Warriors". Suzi Q's survival is even more miraculous than related here. Damage was so severe that the pilots had to hold full aileron and opposite rudder on approach. On rollout the instrument panel fell into the pilot's laps. The statements of the number of hits varies but the crew including the wounded refused to be transported until they examined the damage. It was noted that all propeller blades had bullet holes and the hit count ceased at 400+ on "one side" only! It should be noted that flight engineer & top turret gunner Sargent Gorgoj having been blown out of his turret & wounded by a 20mm explosive round crawled back to his inoperative guns in order to fool the Zeros into thinking his guns were still "hot"! One can only wonder, as with all combat accounts lost to planes & crews that did not return, what heroism occurred. We may never know.

[@historyinbitesizedchunks5857]

Personally It was a foolhardy attempt. None of the aircraft hit their targets and without fighter escort, it was doomed from the start. Those crew died in vain.

[@michaelgautreaux3168]

GR8 vid. Super job 👍👍. Whether design work was finished or not, the B-26 had an original requirement for torpedoes. Many thanx.

[@tucrusaderx]

I love the B-26 it a good plane great video too

[@ThePyramidone]

You failed to mention that the Navy TBF Avengers were from Hornet's VT-8 Torpedo 8. Before the Midway battle, VT-8 was in the middle of replacing its TBD-1 Devastator torpedo bombers with the newer Avengers. The Hornet had only received 6 of the TBFs before setting sail to Midway. A decision was made to reinforce Midway with the Avengers and withhold the Devastators on the Hornet. History reminds us of the sacrificial attacks made by VT-8 with Ensign George Gay being the only survivor of the carrier attack. Enterprise's VT-6 and Yorktown's VT-3 also made ineffective and equally catastrophic torpedo attacks. Overlooked are the other 2 survivors from the first attack wave of VT-8 Avengers that flew from Midway, Ensign Albert K. Earnest, and Radioman Harrier H. Ferrier (WIA), A third crewmember, Seaman 1st Class Jay D Manning was killed.

[@wanyelewis9667]

In "A Dawn like Thunder", the author goes into great detail about Earnest's mission and how Manning died. It was horrific. When someone gets hit with a 20mm cannon shell, or even a large-caliber MG round like the .50, it ain't pretty.

[@billybubba8344]

There were also some, high level bombers that dropped bombs that all missed, because the Japanese could see them and take evasive action. I always felt they also helped keep them distracted and impact the decision to attack the island again.

[@electric-man5113]

nice video - I had no idea there were 2 separate attacks near the Akagi like that.

[@tonystidham4564]

I knew about B-17 bombers making failed attacks in the Battle of Midway, but I never seen or read anything about B-26 bombers there. Interesting

[@drakeil]

I always wondered why they did not use unguided rockets in these attacks considering how close they had to get. I can assume some of the reasons that I will not get into. At least they worked on guided missiles using trained pigeons that controlled the flight surfaces by pecking at pictures of Japanese ships, they were rewarded when they got the target correct with food. This system was never put into service despite the determination that it would actually work (saw this on the Military Channel).

[@paulsteaven]

Rockets were not that useful in crippling ships hence the emphasis of using bombs and torpedoes by both Japanese and American/British sides.

[@jasonshuster4748]

There's a Robert D Perry digital art print showing Suzie-Q flying over the Akagi

[@uglyburgerO]

thank you for talking about the b 26s torpedo bombers because not many people know about it just like a hand full of people know.

[@jaminmartin3628]

Great job man

[@ronaldwatson1951]

Outstanding reenactment however it was apparent that the Japanese weren't aggressive enough in the beginning of the war too much wait and see strategy. Although knowing that resources were constantly needed. Good video

[@tiredlawdog]

Sad, both of our enemies had excellent torpedos, but we were unable to come up with a decent one.

[@graff324]

The problem was that they were developed in the Atlantic Ocean which is both colder and has a high salinity than the Pacific. Once they figured this out, the firing pins were milled down a very very small amount and they did the job .

[@bk-vf2fz]

It was a bureaucratic nightmare, with the Bureau of Ordnance back in the States stubbornly maintaining that there was nothing wrong with the equipment, and veteran submarine captains pulling strings to convince top brass otherwise. The ensuing research was very scientific and resulted in effective redesigns of the warhead and tailfin assemblies to correct all of the problems. Sadly this was not carried out prior to America's entry into the war, where it would have made a difference on day 1.

[@hrdley911]

@@bk-vf2fz Agreed. The hubris and stubbornness of some in positions of power cost many servicemen their lives. A decent torpedo from day 1 would have made a significant impact.

[@samuelhowie4543]

We actually copied Germany's torpedoes between the world wars. Germany fixed the problems they had with it and the US Naval Ordinance refused to admit there was a problem with it.

[@tiredlawdog]

Torpedoes weren't all we copied from the Germans. Later, helmet design, MG 42 on our m60, and camouflage on present day uniforms.

[@briananderson8733]

There were ONLY four B-26s flown from two separate squadrons that flew off the island of Midway. They took off at the same time as six new Avenger torpedo bombers. The four planes did not score any hits (that detonated). The most they did was continue to occupy the Kido Butai preventing them from launching a strike. The most significant planes were the Dauntlass. With the Devastator torpedo bombers taking 2nd place occuping the Kido Butai. The four carriers of the Kido Butai were engaged in operating the CAP over their carriers. No time to spot a strike. That was the MOST significant action of any of the torpedo carrying planes INCLUDING the B-26s. So those 4 planes were not very significant. Even the Wildcats pale by comparison to the Dauntlasses and Devastators in roles. Only other plane worth mentioning is the catalina PBY for its recon role.

[@Arturian.music.official]

Awesome! ..keep 'em coming!

[@gabrielabate6020]

This was the story that I had wished was in the movie "Midway" (2019), instead of the boat load of inaccuracies that was presented!

[@bigsteve6200]

Nobody has done the raid on the Oil Refineries at Ploesti yet. One of the B-24's, Strawberry Bitch. That one was on that raid. It is in The Museum of the Airforce.

[@allgood6760]

Thanks for this and new to me. I used to work with a guy that flew with Dauntless planes with our RNZAF 👍🇳🇿

[@sean2valid886]

Amazing video as usual!

[@TJ3]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@etaoinbshrdlu]

Fascinating and important topic. Well executed video!

[@snidecommenter7117]

Also, the early attacks kept the Japanese fleet off balance which helped set the stage for the following annihilation.

[@jimleffler7976]

Man, Thank you So Much for making a video this detailed about the 4 B 26 Marauders and Torpedo 8 detachment attacking the Japanese Fleet. This rarely if Ever makes it into Any form of media outside of books, so this was an overdue tribute to them. One critique, and maybe it can be a future video, is about the Marine squadrons SBD and SB2U Vindicator attacks on the Japanese Fleet. I think a Capt Fleming flew one of the "Vibrators" and a Lt ( ?) Irvin flew an SBD. They also, Sadly, did little if any damage and were decimated. They are never mentioned, even in the 2018 movie, and I believe one of them smashed into a Japanese ship in what was thought to be a suicide esque attack. Correct me if I've misinterpreted that. However they have gotten little mention, and I'd love to see this caliber of video honor them as well. Thanks again, great job remembering that brave attack. From my understanding, the sole surviving TBF crew had a little to say about Ens George Gay being the "Sole Survivor"

[@dee2231]

Strategy every time .... just awesome.

[@heavybreath]

B26 were also used in the Aleutians - one B26 madea run at the carrier HIJMS RYUJO The pilot attempted to use the torpedo as an impromptu bomb. Diving at the carrier he launched his torpedo at the carrier. At the last second the carrier dipped into trough of a wave and the torpedo passed across the flight deck

[@gandydancer9710]

Good tall tale, but that would take an impossible wave.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding video and presentation.

[@alancranford3398]

It's not general knowledge but both Imperial Japan and the US air forces (Army and Navy) were starved of fighters during the Battle of Midway. No Army fighters could take part because there wasn't time to move P-40's by ship and the P-40 didn't have enough ferry range. Aircraft carrier air groups had 36 Dauntless scout bombers/dive bombers, 15 Devastator torpedo bombers, and a mere 18 Wildcat fighters. There were enough fighters for a Combat Air Patrol over the carrier task force or to escort a strike package to the target, but not both. Dauntless dive bombers were pressed into service as anti-torpedo bomber Combat Air Patrol. Most of the fighter aircraft on Midway were Marine Corps Brewster Buffalo flown by pilots with only a few hours in the Buffalo and averaging less than 200 air hours including flight school, so even if there had been sufficient fighters, it would have made little difference. The Devastator was notorious for losses that day but compared to the Avenger and the Marauder the Devastator actually did well. Five out of six Avengers were shot down and the remaining Avenger was damaged beyond repair. Three out of five Marauders were shot down and Susie-Q was damaged beyond repair. The solution was increasing carrier-based fighter squadrons to 27 improved F4F Wildcats (until they could be replaced by Hellcats) and at the end of the war many fleet carriers had two fighter squadrons on board, with the Navy fighters picking up a secondary fighter-bomber role. Midway prompted the US Navy to put more fighters on its carriers.

[@gmfraizer73]

Very interesting! I knew about the B-26s being involved but I knew nothing else about their involvement.

[@mikegray-ehnert3238]

The other factor in the success of the dive bombers was the result of the Zero's decimating the torpedo attacks and taking the Zero's away from high cover where they could have paid a heavier toll on the dive bombers. There fate was almost as bad as Midway's flight of 6.

[@Idahoguy10157]

The first Americans to draw blood in the battle were in a PBY Catalina making a night torpedo attack

[@jacknick429]

I had no idea that B-26’s were used against the Akagi - thanks for posting this !!!

[@DD-fj2ut]

If Nagumo had been killed by the B26 hitting the bridge, perhaps the more aggressive Yamaguchi on Hiryu would have taken over. This may have changed the results. The eventual destruction of the four carriers was quite a combination of separate events that came together in about 4 minutes of time that included a good measure of luck ( and much more pluck and heroism) so you never know what some different decisions on the Japanese part would have done to the battle. The Japanese had been doing quite well up and until Best and McClusky showed up to ruin their day..

[@MrSuzuki1187]

The 6 TBF Avengers that flew from Midway were from Torpedo Squadron 8, the same squadron that flew from the USS Hornet and was decimated attacking the Japanese carriers. Those pilots were flying the old TBD-1 Devastators. All 15 Devastators were shot down as were 5 of the 6 new TBFs. A very tough day for Torpedo Squadron 8.

[@Commander_35]

This was showed in Midway (2019) but instead of Torpedo they used bombs and showed the one scene where one of the '26 almost hit the bridge.

[@msgfrmdaactionman3000]

It's messed up that the 70s film Midway didn't show this! The Navy also used PBY Catalina's for a night attack and they sank an oil tanker not in that film!

[@cudathehawgjetfixer7520]

A must read to get a real good look into the Battle of Midway, or any battle from the Spanish Civil War to 1943 is the book "The Ragged, Rugged Warriors" every movie about the Battle Of Midway has never told the real story, B-17's, B-26's, TBF-1's all fought in that battle but Hollyweird only states is was just a Naval battle which does not give the real heroes their due during the battle!

[@johnmoran8805]

Thanks! Fairly accurate vid, a rarity. Well done!

[@bobkonradi1027]

"Would-a, could-a, should-a" I always go back to the initial attacks on the Japanese carriers, especially by the B-26s. They were armed with torpedoes, which none of the B-26 crew members knew anything about. In the reports of their actions, they tried to drop the weapons, but either they were inept or the torpedoes never detonated. Whatever, It is said that after their torpedo runs the bombers overflew the flight decks of the Japanese ships. I always think of what might have happened if they'd been outfitted with bombs that worked instead of torpedoes that didn't, and since they were able to overfly the flight decks at low altitude, they could have dropped those bombs right off the bat, and the battle would have been over much sooner than what turned out to be the case. Hindsight is 20/20 but the fact that the U.S. Military had faith in untested torpedoes remains a very reviewable decision.

[@gandydancer9710]

If you're going to drop a large bomb that low you might as well go all-out Kamikaze, because if it goes off you're dead anyway.

[@kevinzuniga4910]

Imagine the story the surviving B-26 crew had to tell, I can’t imagine flying over the massive Japanese fleet under fire.

[@dutchman7216]

That was interesting. Thankyou How about Battle of the Java sea?

[@rolandoscar1696]

Wow. Incredible story. Thanks.

[@Ayrek2023]

Midway air force Army B-26B PBY-5 PBY-5A B-17E TBF-1 Marine SB2U-3 SBD-2 F4F-3 F2A-2

[@dualdanman816]

I'm a big fan of the B 26, Hotrod bomber of the sky🏌️🤟

[@stevecastro1325]

I knew about the Avengers Pyrrhic run, but did not know about the Marauders. Thank you.

[@t-fuelernienotoriousmisfit7449]

I love World War II history but you got me on this 1. Never heard this story. Bravo to you 🧐🤷‍♂️🤔🚀🤟🙋‍♂️💯💥

[@Idahoguy10157]

Combined attacks by American dive bombers and torpedo bombers escorted by Wildcat fighters were navy aviation doctrine. At Midway the squadrons attack individually because attacks were uncoordinated

[@thecooky7744]

I have always had an interest in WW2 Pacific campaign had an uncle at pearl harbor and my father was a cb he was in the convoy heading to midway and didn't talk much about it.

[@dee2231]

Wow what bravery..... awesome.

[@BlindPidePiper]

The major and not insignificant point of the Midway attacks and the TBD attacks that took such bad losses was that it kept the Japanese from launching their second strike leaving them set up for "Nagumo's dilemma."

[@alwayssmiley01]

Top-Class Upload, Thaaaaaaaankyou 😁👍

[@TJ3]

Glad you enjoyed it!