The Cactus Air Force-Episode 205

This week Seth and Bill discuss the legendary Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal. In this episode the team breaks down some of the legendary men who flew from Henderson Field in the struggle for Guadalcanal, digging into the combat history of men like Joe Foss and John L Smith to name a couple. Tune in and see what the guys have to say.
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[@F4FWildcat]

I visited the Intrepid in New York. While there, I bumped into a docent, an older gentleman answering questions about the aircraft in the hangar deck. I notice the Marine Eagle, Globe and Anchor and gold aviator wings. I asked him what he flew for the Marines. He said, "I flew the FJ Fury." I knew he was older than that and asked, "Yeah, but what was the first aircraft you flew for the Marines?" He replied: "I flew Wildcats off of Guadalcanal." I said, "You were part of the Cactus Air Force!" His eyes got big and he asked, "You know about the Cactus Air Force?" "Sir" I said, "I have studies about you guys all my life. I would like to shake your hand!"

[@michaelaiello2210]

Awesome! I had the privilege of meeting a survivor of the USS Astoria.

[@vincentlavallee2779]

That is a very neat story! I also ran across a Pearl Harbor survivor while I was doing a computer show in Manhattan(NYC) on the West side in the late '90s. He was there when Pearl Harbor was bombed, and he was wearing a Peal Harbor navy cap (not a baseball cap). I talked to him briefly, left our booth in charge to another, and took him out to lunch. I spent the next 2-3 hours with him! That was awesome.

[@F4FWildcat]

@@vincentlavallee2779 what an opportunity AND honor! Well done!

[@rstynl]

😅

[@rstynl]

😊😊😊 10:20

[@thomaschildress360]

"The Japanese had to change their tactics Because of the SBD"....I can't possibly describe to you how wonderful these podcasts are. Due to 6+ years of fighting stage 4 cancer(tough fight but still winning), my eyes have early macular degeneration from all the treatments, so I do not read very well. But they work well enough to see the screen while listening. Thank you so much!!

[@jagsdomain203]

Agreed. I have 0 time tp read

[@crwmdp9]

🙏

[@michaelheather8469]

Stay strong brother

[@Thumpalumpacus]

Tommy, stay strong, brotha.

[@danielgamache3149]

I have stage 4 lung cancer spread to my spine. You are in my prayers.

[@charlesmarino2027]

When I was very young, I met a Cactus Air Force mechanic who earned a Legion of Merit for repairing aircraft under fire for basically the entire campaign.

[@georgea.567]

Really cool, I was wondering what kind of medals the ground crew got. And the Legion of Merit wasn't usually awarded to enlisted men so that is really impressive.

[@Phatman2167]

One thing you missed about the US expending so much effort to find downed pilots was for morale. When you got in to that cockpit, you knew you might get shot down, and knowing that someone would try and find you and bring you home made it easier to get into the plane. And seeing a buddy who you last saw in a parachute back at base or on ship a couple of hours later is a huge boost to the entire group.

[@Silverhks]

Agreed, the morale factor was so often overlooked by militaries of the time.

[@hazchemel]

Pretty sure that came up, once at least in the final discussion after the battle actions.

[@kemarisite]

Contrast that with at least a couple of occasions where the Japanese maintained fighter coverage over transports until sunset and told the pilots to ditch near a destroyer to await recovery. These would often not get picked up, and on the particular occasion where I remember the specific numbers, of the six who were there at sunset and ditched, five were not picked up.

[@charlesrobey496]

As an 8 yr disabled Marine Corps veteran, I love the colorful language it is how things really were then and now in our armed forces.. Semper Fi

[@parrot849]

Bill, your mention of the SBD Dauntless’ role in the day to day Guadalcanal fighting during that campaign in 1942 prompted me to comment and make was a specific shout-out to oft-forgotten additional rear-seat gunner crew member of the vaunted Navy dive bomber attached to the Cactus Air Force; and for that matter, all “Attack” aircraft of the USN during World War Two. Those enlisted personnel experienced all the same terrifying combat that their officer-pilot partners experienced. Additionally, that rear seat Gunners’ skills and prowess with his twin .30 cal machine gun to defend their aircraft notwithstanding; it was an immutable and inescapable fact that gunner petty officer’s continued existence on planet Earth was by-in-large wholly dependent on the skills, decision-making, and flying abilities of his commissioned officer-naval aviator partner in the front seat. I don’t think that rear seat crewman receives enough historical attention when ever the role of the WWII Navy dive bomber is examined and discussed. Just my two cents on the matter.

[@navyreviewer]

Agreed. "Fighter pilots make movies, bomber pilots make history."

[@dankelly2147]

I served with Grant Young as PRIFLY PO on the Kitty Hawk in 1966. Capt Young began his career as a SBD flying Chief, having earned his “Hat” (CPO) in 1941. He was one of the finest men I’ve had the honor to know. A segment should be dedicated to the flying Chiefs.

[@AquaTeenHungerForce_4_Life]

20yr Naval Aircrew in helos and the thought of gunning on those give me a sensation that’s somewhere between terrifying and not my first choice. 😂

[@jamesthompson8133]

Yep when the bullets start flying it don’t matter whether you’re a grunt or a cake eater. You take care of each other.

[@BlitherVids]

Hey guys, I know you touched on the comments... I always want to make sure that I express my thanks for bringing these stories to us in ways that no other channel really has. The level of depth and detail is outstanding and very much appreciated, always. I think it's criminal that more people don't know enough about what you're doing here and I also know that commenting is beneficial to the algorithm. I have shared your channel with close friends and family members in an attempt to get the word out. Thanks again and I'm looking forward to more!

[@ericflagg80]

Well said F*king A Dude

[@samstewart4807]

I agree with Bill. Your language here as well as the videos are excellent- period.

[@qbi4614]

I have noticed the lack of any "F bombs" etc even though i have seen you guys bighting your tongue To be honest, some colourful bits would add to the "two guys in a bar chat" experience The person you complained should go back to mummies titty

[@parrot849]

Just when I think you two gents can’t produce a better podcast, you come with yet another one like this morning’s production. Once again; Bravo to your program!

[@willl7780]

So good

[@crwmdp9]

I love Bill’s knowledge, even more importantly is his enthusiasm in sharing it!

[@speratus7585]

My wife and I insist on "clean" language in our household, but as a proud Navy veteran I know colorful language is inevitable in the wider world, and if there's any place I want my young sons to be hear it, it's here in the context of stories of great heroism and sacrifice. I can be confident your profanity will not be gratuitous. Keep up the great work. Thanks for all you've done.

[@juantanamo33]

Never water down the History! Language is a huge part of learning history and how people think during that time! I personally think you should use their language verbatim to emphasize what the guys are thinkin'! If you can't handle harsh language I think WWII might be a bit too harsh a subject to handle😅. Thanks again for the great episode! Cactus really did hit the enemy hard! Hope to see more views for you guys each week! Really important work you guys do here. 👍

[@rickbredlau3923]

absolutely - and totally agree on the verbatim

[@hazchemel]

Yeah, and '"salty" language hasn't been detected by me who occasionally utters profanity.

[@grahamtravers4522]

Yeah. I got suspended from a WW2 Facebook group for quoting the word "Japs". I immediately left that group ! 🙄

[@juantanamo33]

@@grahamtravers4522 Good! Not a group to be a part of 😆.

[@hazchemel]

The Pacific enemy in Ww2 called Anglos "red devil" and barbarian. The British in ww1 called Germans - the Hun .... another was - Jerry. ..lol.

[@patrickcortazzo6251]

Please, please don't change anything that you are doing! These episodes are just great the way you are doing them. Informative,insightful and yet informal and relaxed in their execution. It is in my opinion why your guests and the viewers enjoy this podcast so much. Why would you change things? Can't please everyone, can only be yourselves. Thanks again for the hard work that goes into each episode.

[@hownekin3755]

When you examine the Economic aspects of American Search and Rescue, I believe the costs of replacing an aircrew member generally dwarfs the cost involved in rescuing them. Factoring in the costs of losing the air crew and the costs of training and deployment of a new aircrew that would be saved. Also, the Morale and aggressiveness of the aircrew would be higher knowing that if they are downed, they would have a good chance of recovery.

[@v.mwilliams1101]

Thank you. Again first rate. As a Canadian, WW2 is studied from primarily the European theatre as it was our involvement. So glad to find these podcasts to learn more about the 'other' war that was going on. Absolutely first rate. And... you could salt up some language, I smile sometimes imagining what is being left out. I've known soldiers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@anthonybush607]

I must have missed the “salty language”. I’ve been studying WWII for over fifty years and I think you guys have been awesome. You have been factual, accurate and notably careful in your language. Keep up the excellent work.

[@williamharvey8895]

Breakfast, coffee, and unauthorized history.

[@dcl1019]

Well, depending on the time of day, maybe a small dram of single malt to supplement the diet!

[@davidhoward3970]

Damn near 2 hours on the Cactus Air Force- just fantastic.

[@stuartdollar9912]

Yep. I knew about the Cactus Air Force previously, but this was basically a crash course.

[@ericflagg80]

Magnificent WW2 Asian Pacific War history channel bar none and second to none! Listen to this latest rendition near Fort Lewis (JBLM) WA after midnight might I say Worth a broken sleep for this somewhat old Army veteran.

[@daffodildude1143]

You guys crack me up, give me goosebumps and put tears in my eyes. Damn these are great!.... Thank you, thank you! Bill: "After 26yrs in the Navy"😂😅😂😂. You didn't need to finish that sentence 🤣

[@arcadiadragon3410]

My dad was a Korea era jarhead(sea going bellhop on board The Bremerton and the Oriskany)...yeah sentence didn't need finishing 😅😂

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@arcadiadragon3410there's a great documentary about the sinking of the Big O! You can find it on youtube. It's amazing all the preparation that went in before they scuttled her. Well worth the watch!⚓️🇺🇲🙏👍

[@truck1701]

Seth, and Bill, I recently found your series on utube, and I have watched all of them to this episode. Well, maybe listened to them, as I'm an otr truck driver, and it helps to pass the time. Bill, Thank you for your service! I grew up listening to some stories from my uncles that served in the war, 2 in the Marines, 1 flew the hump in the B-29 as a tail gunner, and another served as a coxswains mate at Anzio. Most of my youth I read every single book I could get my hands on, learning about WW2. I'm certainly looking forward to more stories from you guys and your take on some of the things I've known for years. Particularly looking forward to the battle of the Philippine sea, and Leyte Gulf! Mush Morton episode was fantastic. He was one of my heroes from the books I read.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

My old man was/is an OTR truck driver. Keep it up brother. We need guys like you. Seth

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWarI don't know what it is about the story of Wahoo and Mush Mortin, and Dick Okane. But I literally choke up when I hear your accounts of her final patrol. I just can't imagine the terror that went through those young Sailors hearts when they knew the end was here. Rest in peace to the crew of Wahoo and may your eternal patrol be free of conflict.🙏🇺🇲⚓️😔💖

[@dougm5341]

Thanks Seth and Bill. Spending a sleepless night listening to some good history….

[@Boron121]

A very good episode. The F4F proved it was a good Airplane. I think many overlook how well it performed because of the F6F and F4U. While only separated by a few years, aviation was advancing so fast that it seems it was old in 1942. You mentioned the TV show Black Sheep about Pappy Boyington. The 1951 movie Flying Leathernecks with John Wayne is about the Cactus Air Force.

[@DalonCole]

Way underrated

[@jameshannagan4256]

This show just keeps getting better.

[@captainbinghamton1319]

Seth, you said the P400 had a 20mm canon. All the documentation I can find says both it and the P39 were fitted with 1 × 37 mm M4 cannon firing through the propeller hub. The Soviets loved it for tank busting. No criticism intended. That said what you and Mr. Toti are doing is a national treasure of knowledge about the largest, bloodiest conflict in human history. Your podcasts should be viewed in every high school in the country. I firmly believe that.

[@kenneth9874]

Some export models, especially the ones ordered by the british had 20mm hispano's

[@elwoodlodge7764]

A couple of things I'd like to mention. First, it's really good to see( I'm quite hard of hearing so I watch the KZbin presentations) Captain Toti doing well. Secondly, as to the remarks from Captain Toti about their use of "profanity", my feelings are that it seems to me both Presenters go to great lengths NOT to use language that might be offensive to a few listeners and when they do it is extremely watered down an is used in context of the events being described, etc. You can't make everyone happy. Please keep up the good work. Lastly, to Captain Toti, thank you so much for your service and sacrifice to this Country.🙂

[@doscarc466]

In many ways, this is one of your most personal podcasts in relation to your honest depiction of some of the emotional trauma these leaders went through during this time. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@tonybanke3560]

Being a history buff, you are the best source I every seen. Keep up the great work.

[@todd2448]

I greatly appreciate all of the work that yourself, Captain Totti and your guests put into these podcasts. I really appreciate all of the detail and personal stories. In my opinion if someone can’t handle some spicy language they have the FREEDOM to listen or watch something else! ISN’T FREEDOM WHY THESE BRAVE MEN FOUGHT! Thanks again, Todd

[@MrBenjaminowns]

I made the mistake of binge watching all your episodes now I’m sitting here waiting. You guys are awesome thank you for your hard work !

[@philipmorrill8636]

I vote for more unsanitized salty language quotes for the purpose of accuracy, posterity, and entertainment. Another fantastic episode BTW.

[@philarakelian7651]

i hope you guys can do an episode on the coastwatchers they had such a vital role, love your work, keep em coming

[@lynndonharnell422]

Perhaps a presentation about the coastwatchers is worth exploring

[@Thumpalumpacus]

Absolutely. It dovetails not only into this presentation, but also would inform the season ! expositions of naval battles, because coasties played a big part in both.

[@arcadiadragon3410]

Agreed...the movies that do mention them just don't show the diversity of the people involved...and the disparate groups that worked together...from all walks of life...old men, young boys, native continents who guarded, guided and sometimes risked their lives to distract the opposing forces hunting them...most of the history I've seen on this subject has been mostly anecdotal and sometimes apocryphal in nature...stories handed down by families would love to know more and be pointed to possible further official historical reading

[@Thumpalumpacus]

@@arcadiadragon3410 Walter Lord wrote a great book, "Lonely Vigil" that though dated is still a good read, no doubt many here have read it already, that explores their ops.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@Thumpalumpacusthanks for the recommendation! Going to hit up Amazon right now and see if I can locate it

[@dcl1019]

It is always great when the new episode notification comes in. It’s like the weekly milestone treat to look forward to. Thank you for all the hard work you are putting in Gentlemen, I think many on here like myself are aware of the time this consumes. It’s also encouraging to see the subscriber count rising steadily. Please keep this excellent work coming. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@josephairoso8013]

You guys do a great job, you are knowable, well prepared and always give us a good sense of the underlying feel for the times. As to the language, in my opinion it has always been appropriate and used in context to the discussion, and never used gratuitously. To the view/listener who took acceptation, please do unsubscribe and don't let the virtual door hit you on the ass on the way out!

[@thomaswhitmore5095]

Thanks for your service Captain. Love the video/audios. Would love a Black Cats episode.

[@georgehourdakis2758]

I love hearing the stories and am sitting on the edge of my chair listening to you guys tell the stories of such fine men as John L . I find my self hoping that he had a good life after the war . If you could touch on that that would be truly telling the whole story. I pray he and his brothers in arms did well , god knows they deserve it .

[@7se7en24]

Gentlemen, I am a life long hobby-student of history and consider myself quite well versed on the topic you dedicate this show to. I greatly appreciate the quality of your work, your insights and I learn many things in each episode. To me, your language is straight, honest and eloquent; which i appreciate. I salute you, thank you for doing this for all of us. Greetings from a snowed in Sweden. o7

[@williamharvey8895]

As a 25 year veteran, there is no salty language that would ever offend me.

[@rtqii]

I never miss a minute of this series. As soon as an upload shows up I schedule time to watch.

[@m.r.donovan8743]

In 2002, the two term Governor of South Dakota Joe Foss was detained by Airport Security in Phoenix because they perceived his Medal of Honor to be a dangerous object. He was quoted as saying, "I wasn't upset for me, I was upset for the Medal." You Gentlemen are doing a wonderful job in every respect! Thanks.

[@bobhsohi704]

Airport security in Phoenix at that time we're morons

[@vike50brian]

Another dime gentlemen! Thank y’all for putting in the time to tell theses stories. Definitely a weekly highlight for me.

[@user-zn1qn3dj3f]

Picture a graduate level history class with your two favorite professors. That's what Seth and Bill provide. Like all of your listeners, I am a history buff and am especially fascinated by WWII. I thoroughly enjoy your insights and comments and have recommended your show to a number of friends. Thank you very much for providing me with many hours of fascinating information. I recently retired and look forward to doing menial tasks around the house so I have a chance to listen to your podcast while working.

[@cheesenoodles8316]

Another great show. The what ifs pertaining to stopping Henderson field are so varied. At times I think nothing would have stoped the US.

[@ycloon]

Thank you very much for another great podcast. I fully support your position with respect to presenting a historically accurate accounting of the Pacific War - warts and all. Thank you for sticking to your guns. I have listened to the episode of the dueling warships and I don't think the language was inappropriate. If one of your commenters is hung up over the issue of salty language, I am afraid she/he is, sadly, missing the point of that episode. Query whether commenters such as these are the people this channel is meant to inform, educate, and entertain. Do what you think is right, gentlemen, and this channel's following will grow as surely as the sun rises in the east. Keep up the great work!

[@innovationsurvival]

This is an extraordinary account. It deserves complete exposure to any interested person. Thank you for giving credit where due. Thank you again.

[@anthonybush607]

Carl was facing elite pilots in cutting edge aircraft. Most of the German aces were facing poorly led, trained and/or equipped pilots through the early years. The accomplishments of the Cactus pilots was astonishing. I refer to all pilots including USMC, USN and USAAC.

[@timothybrady2749]

Thank you for another outstanding and super-informative presentation. I have learned an enormous amount about the U.S. Navy during WWII. Until your video series, it seems there was a blackout on the many important personalities and events. Seth and Captain Toti are just wonderful. Best wishes to you and your families.

[@cynthiacarrithers1832]

Have learned so much about the pacific theatre and the men that defended our country. Thank you.

[@conocoex]

Recently found your podcast and I love them. Thank you for your efforts in educating us in this arena!

[@henryruiterkamp7776]

Great show even in the Netherlands, this show is a new light on the history of the Pacific War

[@lennyhendricks4628]

Hey, the Dutch had the oil that Japan wanted. Big part of the Pacific War. And weren't there a few Dutch Navy vessels out there?

[@stevewaldschmidt4344]

Lunchtime on Tuesday - my favorite day/time of the week as I get to watch your newest episode as I take my lunchbreak at work! I rewatch earlier episodes during the rest of the week, but I anxiously await lunch on Tuesday!! The personal touch you provide by telling the stories of the individuals involved is a great plus to your program. The personal stories keep history alive - keep it up! I've found nothing offensive in your language - don't give it a second thought - just be yourselves!!

[@mikemazzola6595]

Another captivating episode. I LOL at the salty language disclaimer. I worked as a civilian engineer for the U.S. Department of the Navy for a number of years. My wife worked even longer for the Navy, including going on sea trials for new construction Los Angeles class submarines as a combat systems engineer. Maybe even one of Bill's boats! Nothing I have heard on this channel approaches the definition of "salty" that she heard (and maybe said) while serving the finest Navy ever to sail.

[@markam306]

Gentlemen, Excellent excellent video. The American practice of going to great effort to recover airmen and soldiers, etc is also a great morale booster. I bet going into combat with the knowledge your country is 100% behind you must make one more confident and effective. (the USS Juneau being the horrible exception here) Very glad Seth mentioned the maintenance war. This is an appropriate name for the effort. The ground crew results made a real difference !!!

[@marciar7407]

As a former Navy Nurse, I immensely enjoy learning the details about these WWII Pacific battles that are part of naval history. Thanks for these podcasts and the enormous effort you both put into each one.

[@jeffhoppe4953]

Grandfather was a tail gunner on an SPD in Guadalcanal. Business mentor was a 5 inch gunner on the San Francisco. Thank you for keeping these legends alive.

[@davidlavigne207]

I love this podcast on KZbin! If only we could all be sitting in a bar over some beers or drinks and sharing our mutual love of the Pacific War History, it would be wonderful. To the viewer complaining of "Salty" language I say this. Language such as that has been a part of military life since ancient times until today. It is simply a part of the lexicon of young men far away from home, doing a very hazardous job, trying to express their thoughts to one another in a way that is appropriate to the situation they find themselves in. I will make no apologies for people stuck in the middle of combat situations for merely being very human in their responses to fear. SNAFU is one such example: "Situation Normal, All F****D Up." As a former soldier I recognize this perfectly as a way to sum up the things that occur in training or combat. It is a wonder to me that our hosts haven't included more such "Salty" comments. Keep up the excellent work in telling the story of this incredible and terrible experience for those who fought it. That many more of the Pacific War veterans did not lose their minds because of it simply amazes me.

[@maxlopez8552]

Love the way Seth and Bill bring up personal observations of these heros (and not so heros) at the times of their actions and key moments. This helps bring them to life. Same with the guests. Appreciate this so much. Would like to see an episode on Richard Bong? Keep up the great work and enriching our lives with knowledge to appreciate sacrifices made in this monumental span of history.

[@dansvec5411]

I would say that relatively inexperienced American pilots flying Wildcats shooting down Japanese aces flying Zeros would indicate that Wildcats were every bit as good as the Zeros, if not better. Awesome stuff, guys! I'm loving every bit of your content

[@sundiver137]

The one advantage the Wildcat had over the Zero was its ability to dive. The American pilots quickly learned how to use that and evened out the odds.

[@gravitypronepart2201]

Great story telling as always guys. Its a highlight of my day to see a notification from your channel.

[@dalefarmer3962]

Good episode. Thanks much for your excellent work. Down the road a bit, can you do some episodes on the logistics of the Pacific war. The shortage of oilers, the little known importance of the red hill fuel depot, and the mobile forward support of the fleet support group later at places like ulithi. My personal favorite are the ice cream barges.

[@stuweiss-zi9rc]

And the Troop Carriers. My dad was a C47 pilot and was all over New Guinea, Australia, Biak, Philippines and once to Okinawa

[@patrickshanley4466]

Great show AGAIN. Have seen and read about cactus several times, but you guys still bring out new and awesome stuff. Two things that worked to advantage of cactus- Japanese were at end of long flight over water with limited time for dog fighting, and cactus guys had extra advantage of coast watchers to help refine the estimate of when TOJO TIME was. 👍

[@user-nh1ty7zf6h]

Gentlemen, please don't change a thing. I first learned about the Pacific war and the Second World War around the kitchen table from my Dad. This reminds me of those great evenings listening to an eye witness account of Wildcats, Hellcats and Corsairs fighting overhead from an anti-aircraft gunner's perspective aboard an LCS(L).. Please keep up the great work.

[@bobcosby1034]

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your episodes. I like the format, and especially enjoy hearing from the subject matter expert guests you have on some episodes. I’ve been a WWII history buff since I was in grade school, and have always gravitated towards the PTO, and especially the USN actions. I am 25 year Navy Vet (Ret), LDO Meteorologist, and as such, I must confess that I eagerly look forward to hearing what y’all have to say about Typhoon ‘Cobra’ in a later podcast!

[@gpyle]

This is one of the best series I've ever found on the interwebs. You guys both do such a great job, and bring so much with your experiences and knowledge. Fantastic stuff and I've learned so much. We need to teach more of this stuff in mid and high schools, if you are brave enough to still not home teach. Capt. Bill I hope your voice and throat problems remain manageable so you can continue. The submarine service is so awesome. Tip of the spear. If you ever want to go on a jag outside of WWII I'd sure like to hear about the various adventures you may have some info on in tapping the underwater cables. Seth, you must have talked to a ton of vets who were right there, touching seeing and smelling this stuff live. No better source. Thank you both and as to Bill's last 'reader' response - like Seth said 'suck it up, butter cup'. God bless.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

I certainly did.

[@jamesa702]

It is an honor to have the experience of learning from your hard work concerning the history of the pacific in the early days and months of WWII which could have been terrible indeed. Thank you for your great efforts.

[@johnferguson1970]

Referring to the "political incorrectness" of Lee's message to Cactus, if I remember correctly from "Battleship Commander", the use of "Chinese, catchee?" was suggested by one of Lee's subordinates as a sort of "pseudo-code phrase" that Cactus would understand as a way of establishing ID, but might confuse any Japanese who could listen in. After all, Lee was broadcasting in the clear, and anyone could hear him, so trying to muddy the waters for the enemy made sense.

[@drcovell]

I met a former USMC fighter pilot who flew Corsairs from Guadalcanal. As an aside, I grew up in the So-CA Desert and have had intimate and still memorable experience with several kinds of Cactus: From what the old gentleman told me and what I’ve read and heard about that group of men, they should have been called the *Cholla Cactus* as those have tiny invisible hooks on the end of their spines. If you come to close, they’ll stick to you and and hurt like Hell to dig out! “Cactus Air Force” indeed!

[@carrabellefl]

It is easy to overlook the contribution of airlift support provided to the Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal in the trying time of the first few months of the horrific combat action. However, the 25 Marine Air Group (MAG) comprising the United States Marine Corps transport squadron VMJ-253 and Headquarters Squadron as well as the 13th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS USAAF) were self-deployed from the US to New Caledonia and began flying missions in support of the Battle of Guadalcanal in September 1942. VMJ-253 flew the C-47 Marines designated R4D. VMJ-253 arrived on 1 Sep 1942 and flew the first mission in support of the Marines on 3 Sep bringing BGen Roy Geiger aboard the first aircraft. The 13th TCs was integrated as a subordinate unit of the 25 MAG (an uncommon inter-service cooperative effort). In late November 1942, at the direction of VAdm. Aubrey Fitch, MAG-25 formed the nucleus of the South Pacific [SOPAC] Combat Air Transport Command (SCAT) with its senior officer serving as SCAT's commanding officer throughout the organization's existence. In 1943 SCAT was joined by VMJ-153, the USAAF 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron and 403rd Troop Carrier Group including the 64th TCS and 63rd TCS (Just think of the horror of Air Force Units under the command of a Marine!!!). On 4 Sep 1942 VF-5 joined the Cactus Air Force. I'm not a Historian, but I would tend to believe that MAG 25 allowed VF-5 to make this vital deployment. The battle of "Bloody Ridge" occurred a week after the airlift supply support began. Airlift is used to provide the rapid movement of high value assets to war fighting commanders such a uniquely trained personnel and spare parts for both air and ground assets. The back haul allows the medical evacuation of wounded personnel. Guadalcanal was also the "school" for development of special units to support airlift operations at major depot air bases, austere forward airfield and Landing Zones. Richard Nixon, 37th President of the United States, commanded SCAT cargo handling units. Perhaps a podcast on airlift by USAAF, Marine and Navy forces should be considered as compared to the absence of this service to Japanese Naval and Army forces.

[@carrabellefl]

14 October Kongō and Haruna bombarded Guadalcanal destroying almost all of the available aviation fuel. U.S. Army and Marine transport aircraft of MAG 25 shuttled aviation gasoline from Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal.

[@brovold72]

Now I actually understand why the local airport is "Joe Foss Field". I should have been taught about this hero in junior high school, and of course I should have made the effort to inform myself many years ago. But better late than never. Thank you very much!

[@parrot849]

Great to hear you touch on the subject of the allied coast watcher’s heroic work during the early part of the Pacific War. Not enough recognition has been afforded these brave individuals over the years. To tell you the truth the actual basis of my early education on the coast watchers was the 1964 Cary Grant/Leslie Carron comedy film, Father Goose! It’s a very funny movie about Grant, a grumpy but free spirited civilian living on his motor yacht somewhere in the South Pacific and being cajoled by the Australian navy into accepting a post as a coast watcher who also, reluctantly, must care for a group refugee female preteen/adolescent students and their attractive French school teacher. It’s a silly light-hearted movie, but nevertheless the whole allied coast watcher system is more or less a prominent element throughout the film. Ya get your education where you can find it….

[@donf3877]

Although a light-hearted comedy, it did have the coast watcher Grant went to rescue was killed. And, the island they were on attacked by an aircraft, and the final scene with the invasion of the island. "Goodie two-shoes and the filthy beast". There are several other movies that dipped into the coast watchers. Another comedy, "The Wackiest Ship In The Army" - starring Jack Lemmon and Ricky Nelson. With the island Commander brow beating a Lieutenant how if it hadn't been for the coast watchers, they could not have taken most of the islands. It featured an Aussie coast watcher... which most were. Also "In Harm's Way" - starring just about everybody (John Wayne - Kirk Douglas - Henry Fonda - etc). The last major film to be shot in black and white, it was released in 1965. It also featured an Aussie coast watcher... which again most were.

[@parrot849]

@@donf3877 - Yes, I’ve seen in In Harm’s Way a number of times. It’s a very entertaining film, terrific cast, an amalgamation of several of the actual Pacific War campaigns rolled into a fictional story. The great English actor Stanley Holloway portrayed the Australian coast watcher assisting the U.S. Navy in their efforts in the movie.

[@KRRabbit1]

Not so much a conversation in a bar for me. More like a college level lecture, in a Ivy League college. Please keep making these videos, I look forward to them every week. One suggestion, can you addd a reading list at the end of your episodes? I have bought more than a few of the books you mention, but a list would sure be helpful. Mark

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Good morning! But it's March 28th? And salty? WOW, you have done a great job with that. Keep up the great work PLEASE!

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

We record these episodes weeks in advance.

[@bruceday6799]

Please, Bill and Seth, please do not lower your level of authenticity to assuage tender ears. What those young men faced, being relayed to us your audience by a couple avid admirers is why I keep coming back. I have spoken with many of the folks you speak about, their public voices were toned down for the more demure listeners, their hangar lounge voices were intensified by the salt that came with less than public contact especially when we could ply our guests, these men, with relaxed atmospheres and a little awe and alcohol. Stay the course!

[@sethparidon8654]

Have no fear.

[@georgehughes8698]

As a former Navy aircraft maintainer I was appreciative of how you stressed that the pilots wouldn't have been able to do what they did without the mechanics on the ground!

[@davidkiefer6553]

Great series and episode today. With all of the accolades, I struggle to come up with something that hasn’t already been mentioned, until now…. Camp Shelby. As someone who spent a lot of time there mobilizing for the GWOT, twice. That place feels like an old home. Many viewers may not understand the roles all these “camps” have played throughout WW I/II, yet CSJFTC survived, while many are long gone and forgotten. Glad to see there’s highest quality staff there. Perhaps in a future series, Seth you may be able to highlight the camps and what mass mobilization of a country looked like.

[@kiva1955]

Still laughing about the salty language complaint. Had an elderly neighbor who was in an artillery company of the 1st Marines. I didn't know it until he asked if I could record the Pacific HBO series for him. He would answer my questions after each episode. My favorite story was after the last episode and I asked him what it was like to return to the U.S. Did he have a lot of dates with the local girls in his dress Blues? He said he did but usually it never went past the first date. I had to ask why. Of course every date was the girl bringing him home to meet her parents and have dinner with her family. At some point of every meal he would look up and everyone sitting around the table was staring at him with their mouths hanging open. After living with thousands of teenage males on remote islands for multiple years, please pass the f _ _king peas was common dinner conversation. Lamb shipped from Australia (served about twice a year) was the worst meat he ever tasted. Until the day he died he hated the Red Cross and never donated to the organization. Yes there were pretty girls serving coffee when they returned to Pavuvu after combat but they were charging 25 cents for one cup which at the time cost 5 cents back in the states. A baseball sent by a mother to one of the marines and a crude baseball bat carved out of a coconut tree was the extent of their fun on Pavuvu except for the occasional film.

[@hidemisakamoto7707]

I believe that Sasai was called “The Richthofen of Rabaul” by his fellow pilots of the Tainan Air Group.

[@curtismoore776]

Makes my day every time I see a new episode!

[@doughickey4944]

I binged watched most of Season 1 and have now caught up. I am captivated by the stories and the personal dialog you both bring to each episode. Your guests only add to the quality of the presentation....Bravo Zulu to you both! Looking forward to many more episodes and just a suggestion... think of selling some merchandise, as I would definitely buy some to give out to friends/family and promote the podcast, but more importantly, WW2 history. Yours aye!

[@davidwelsh829]

Joe Foss was one of my dads heros. We actually met Joe in AZ in the early 70s when we bought an atv from him to ship to AK. A great American

[@TheKansasredneck]

I grew up near Sioux Falls SD. I didn't know what an amazing man Joe Foss was. Thank you for highlighting him. I enjoy your commentary, salty or not. History needs to be remembered.

[@ianwalker404]

Another great episode, always look forward to the Tuesday podcast. The way the Marines in their Wildcats, when the Zeros were so superior in terms of manoeuvrability and climb rate, combatted the Japanese , shot them down, wore them down was so impressive. This is reminiscent of the defence of Port Moresby by 75 Squadron RAAF, led by John Francis Jackson, for 44 days in early 1942 - they had a handful of P40's. They were successful by adopting the same tactics used by the Marines - taking advantage of superiority of P40 in the drive. Anyway a couple of RAAF senior officers pretty much accused Jackson of cowardice because he wouldn't mix it with the Zeros in a dogfight, which was absolutely stupid. They goaded him into doing just that - predictably he was shot down hitting the side of a New Guinea mountain - criminal waste en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Francis_Jackson

[@rogermwoodbury4966]

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and learned much about the Cactus Air Force I had never known nor heard of previously. Bill's comment about the watcher who wrote lodging a protest about some of the language used in your presentations made me laugh. As a Vietnam War veteran I was reminded of how we were always somewhat careful about "The Tape" which recorded virtually every utterance we made. I was GCI controller and my job involved talking on the open radio nearly continuously, especially during the extremely heavy air refueling activities that was the majority of the work we did at my radar control facility. I hope no historian at some point in the future gets to listen to some of those tapes. Some of the language used was a bit "salty" or perhaps better described as "rather colorful". The repartee between tanker crews and controllers sometimes was what we thought was humorous, if only to break some of the tension when many aircraft were all trying to get fuel from the same tanker. I remember in particular when we released a tanker from the refueling area once they had off-loaded their maximum fuel load, they would challenge our clearance to return to base using a particular three digit code, appropriate for that day and hour. Our response over the radio was a two digit code and both codes were chosen from a list published for that particular hour. Sometimes the tanker's challenge would be something like "R8J". Our response would be two letters chosen as particularly, let's say, graphic. Of course all of this was done phonetically and I hope now as I am much older and perhaps more mature, those tapes are lost to history. But "salty" would be the appropriate term to use in description. It was a war, afterall.

[@oldtipper15]

My grand son mentioned in a gonversationn that we never fought the Japan, What are they teaching in High school history ? I got him a copy of Tora Tora ! Skip love story, but the attack was true!! I'm 85 now we remember all that followed. Thanks for your reports. Your efforts may help give a fuller honest view of history!

[@geraldbaily170]

Hi Guys , The Beaufighter and Torpedo Beau used radial engines not Merlins . Saburo Saki mistook a TBF Grumman Avenger for a Grumman Wildcat and was attacking from the , so Saki, thought the unprotected underside and was shot by the belly gunner in the TBF . The SBD looks nothing like a Wildcat .

[@paulschoppe1448]

There may not have been any bars (adult beverage providers) on Cactus, but they did occasionally have cold beer. If possible on one of your next episodes, please let everyone know how the beer was chilled in the Solomon's despite the lack of any refrigeration. A great example of making do with what you got. Thanks for providing such a great product.

[@RobertHinkle-xe7it]

i believe when the marines came ashore in a rush to leave the japs left everything Like hot breakfast and a large frig unit.

[@kensvay4561]

They would take aircraft to high altitude and the beer would cool instantly.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@kensvay4561damn you could have said spoiler alert first!😅

[@Plaprad]

Salty language? What salty language? I hear worse language than this podcast from my mother. Excellent work guys, keep it up.

[@snook279]

Thank you so much for all you do. Your shows are the only ones that I will sit and watch the whole thing. And I have watched some of them a few times to catch everything!

[@georgegeller1902]

SDB is my favorite WW2 plane. My mom worked a Douglas during the war. My grandmother's brother, Eugene Burns, who was an AP reporter rode in one when he was transferred from Enterprise to Henderson Field. And one of my pal's dads was a back seat gunner/radio man on an SDB during the war. The fact that the SDBs did for a lot of enemy ships is icing on the cake.

[@Crash103179]

My favorite would be the PBY -- an obsolescent bird that found for itself a wide variety of roles across the oceans of the world, from recon to rescue to transport to night attacks on convoys. Let's hope Seth and Bill do a segment on them.

[@danielbackley9301]

@@Crash103179 Yep I wish my memory was better I forget the name of the pilot who flew a generals Cat on a torpedo run during the attack on a Jap convoy.

[@robcooke1956]

Great podcast gentleman! Please keep them coming. I’m 66. My dad was a Lt. Commander in WW2. You guys sound like my dad and his buddies telling war stories. Brings me way back.

[@jimjacobs2346]

Another great show. Gentlemen my hats off to both of you.

[@johnmoore9404]

I have to say this is one of the best historical podcast on the net. I don't think anything that I have heard here is to unfriendly or crass. Love the dialog.

[@josephjfink]

Thank you Bill and Seth for this most informative video. I am proud that I am a former Marine (1969 -1071) and I love hearing about the unbelievable bravery of those US sevicemen who fought so bravely on Cactus. We oue all of them a debt that we will never be able to repay. Please keep the videos coming (and dont worry about the language).

[@cosmasgeaney2463]

Jon Parshall is a legend Thank you for bringing him in , all three of you are my favourite ww2 historians now Cheers

[@jfredq]

I grew up an Army brat surrounded by WWII vets. I was familiar with the ETO but my knowledge of the Pacific War was largely from watching every episode of Victory At Sea. The problem with that is I ended up with no clear idea of the order of battles or how they were connected. Ian Toll's trilogy helped cure that deficit and now I have your excellent videos to add more detail. You all do a great job.

[@jayadkisson2075]

Excellent series of podcasts. For this episode, shout out to Slew McCain who figured out that the U.S. could wage a successful attritional war in the air against the Japanese who had to make long flights down the Slot, and also performed arguably his best service by feeding units into Guadalcanal to the extent the field could handle them.

[@jfuente]

Incredible show. First time listener and just subscribed. I was tipped of to you two gents from Thomas Van Hare. I have been interested in the Pacific Theater for a long time, especially aviation. I recently picked up his solitaire wargame, Mag-23 Guadalcanal covering this topic. It's great and I highly recommend it.

[@stevensindt3087]

Another fantastic episode. Thanks guys, this channel is just awesome!

[@51tetra69]

God bless John L. Smith and Swivel-neck Joe Foss and the rest of the courageous aviators of the Cactus Air Force! God bless all of the veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect this country and to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today! God bless America! God bless all of the souls - military and civilian - we have lost in times of war! Lord have mercy on us all!