The Invasion of Saipan Part 1 of 3 with Jon Parshall-Episode 310

This week Seth and Bill welcome great pal Jon Parshall back to the show for a 3 episode run on the invasion of Saipan as part of Operation FORAGER. In this episode, the team discusses the pre-invasion bombardment, the first large deployment of the UDTs (forerunners of today's Navy SEALS), Draper Kaufmann, the landings by the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions, and the utter chaos of the beachhead. The guys go into the Japanese counterattack on the Marine beachhead. The guys go through the largest Japanese armored assault against US forces in the Pacific theater and dive into some of the stories of that vicious night.
As the Marines begin to clear the beachhead, they begin to run into Japanese civilians for the first time in the war. Tune in to hear one of the more terrible and yet touching stories we have revealed yet.
For all our of our episodes on the Battle for Saipan, check these links out:
• The Invasion of Saipan...
• The Invasion of Saipan...
• The Invasion of Saipan...
• Preparations for Opera...
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[@Geologynut37]

I was a History major from the University of Oklahoma. I am currently active duty in the Navy. I think the Pacific War is so incredibly overlooked. I also feel like Europe gets all the media attention. The Pacific War was hell on Earth. These men were up against an enemy that Europe couldn’t imagine. Not downplaying the European Theatre at all. But it’s a complete tragedy that the Pacific War is largely forgotten. The amount of bravery and hardship these men went through for the service of our country is unmatched. It’s something we are severely lacking in society today. Thank you so much for covering the Pacific War. Let’s never forget the bravery these men showed in the face of a brutal enemy.

[@ExiledSpiritunderground]

Consider the sources,.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

I think you're right about that. The ETO gets all the ink. Just from a logistic and Supply perspective, the war in the Pacific was a beast and it took some incredible brain power and bandwidth to pull that off. I don't know that we can do that today. The industrial might that we had during World War II is astounding considering that Saipan happened just days after the invasion of Normandy. In the current geopolitical climate, I'm afraid that we're just not prepared, particularly for China, North Korea, and Russia. I certainly don't have the answers and I'm not quite sure who does. 💖🇺🇲⚓️💯👍

[@reneprovosty7032]

try something different if you want there is an aussie that does Pacific war from aussie perspective Lots of new guinea stuff "HypotheticHistory" I just never knew it like that.

[@PalleRasmussen]

See my comment above; every generation rises to the challenge it has.

[@stevewindisch7400]

Another great episode, thanks for it. My great uncle was a crewman on LCVP Higgins boats for several combat assaults including Saipan. He started out in an old transport working in the boiler rooms where in the South Pacific, temperatures often exceeded 120 degrees F. He would lose up to 15 pounds a day on watch. He ended up getting in a fist fight with a bullying petty officer, and was transferred to the LCVP's as punishment. He was very reluctant to talk about his experiences, his sons said he never did. I asked him about it many times and once when in his cups, he told me. Sometimes, he had to pull a .45 pistol and threaten to shoot scared boys who refused to leave the boat at the beach. He choked up, when he told me that more than once, he then saw those same boys immediately killed. He also personally witnessed the horrors at the cliffs. He was traumatized by the war, in a time when there was no "PTSD". He had a rough go of it and suffered from alcoholism. My grandmother told me, that for 6 months after returning home to Ohio, he would continually wave an arm in front of his face, as if swatting away insects. YES they were the greatest generation... And what they suffered can hardly be understood by those of us who had easy lives and enjoyable youths. Bill Luthanen was a stone-hard man, who did not like any of us in the family buying Japanese cars, and who was forever scarred by the horrors he endured. also, like many vets I have known, he was strongly against Vietnam, and told us all to stay out of it. He told me war movies were all "BS". His 3 brothers also served in the war (two Pacific, one Europe), but none had that sort of experience.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

Good Lord what an amazing story. It's very sad what war does to people. It makes me wonder what your great-uncle was like before he went to war. Do you have any insight into that? I've got relatives that served in World War II and almost to a man their wives said the war changed them much for the worse.

[@stevewindisch7400]

@@Jakal-pw8yq Im not sure what he was like before the war, sorry to say. Only this I heard: My grandparents had a sailboat on Lake Erie, he enjoyed going out on it as a boy. After the War, he never went boating.

[@ziggle314]

You folks have figured out how to tell a good story while delivering solid history. Thanks.

[@elwoodlodge7764]

Capt. Toti, I personally enjoy hearing your perspective and insights and I constantly think to myself that for an "amatuer" historian you have wonderful knowledge of military history. You and Seth have put together an astounding Series and I always wake up on Tuesday mornings excited for the next episode. Please keep doing what you are doing. 🙂

[@martinpickering4601]

I always enjoy your. Podcast.

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

I just ran into this podcast. With the 4th Marine Division, after Roi Namur my father landed in the first wave on Saipan, Yellow Beach 2. After Saipan he went on to Tinian and later Iwo Jima. He always told me that Saipan was the worst for him. I guess it depends where and when you find yourself.

[@TP-ie3hj]

My grandfather was the same, Sgt 4th Marine, same operations. I heard the same from him.

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

@@TP-ie3hj Yeah, it was a nasty just creating a beachead on the first day. My father was clipped by a 70mm mortar, a piece of schrapnel ripped through his dungaries and just scratched his should. Luckily not a big deal. Nowadays we don't hear boo about Saipan from the media or the government. Everything is about Europe.

[@animatorofkingfishy961]

Thank you, grew up with WW II vets with their leadership and mentoring. Our country is in such a mess without them now. We had no experienced military to start the war but that didn’t stop us from fighting, because japan thought it would. Very proud of our greatest generation and can’t thank you guys enough to keep their sacrifices in our thoughts.

[@robertmontgomery3943]

Well said, ww2 vets without a doubt were the greatest generation. God help us if we have a world war now. Love of country is almost non existent with today’s young people as American history is not taught

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

To think that this Invasion went down just days after the invasion of Normandy is mind-blowing. The industrial might of America at that time was second to none. It's very concerning in today's political climate concerning our preparedness, with China looming is a very frightening scenario. It can't all be done with technology. I don't think we could, nor do I even know how we could approach the level of Industry might and cooperation that we had during World War II. I can only imagine the bickering and wrangling and bulshit that would go down all for the mighty dollar. I'm afraid to say that there's a shitstorm headed our way and we're in no way prepared for it.🇺🇲⚓️💖👍💯

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@robertmontgomery3943 Well said.

[@lukeleppla]

I like your podcast because you guys are so great at discussing strategy, but you also realize battles are won by people and you spotlight the truly heroic and smart actions of the individual.

[@morganhale3434]

Super Jon Parshall is back!!!!!!!

[@LooneyTunes4]

You men are great Americans. Thank you for creating this series.

[@dougm5341]

Good evening fellas. Thanks for this evening’s entertainment.

[@jeffreybaker4399]

Needless to say, somebody has to put out a shirt memo to keep Seth in line. Great information. Didn't realize just how crazy the pre-UDT's tactics were. Necessary, but insanely brave. Hope the Captain's shoulder is healing well.

[@richardbennett1856]

Our prayers for Bill. ❤

[@c7042]

UDTs were the grand-daddies of Seal Teams today.

[@josephgilorma6979]

They trained at Ft Pierce, Florida. There is an OUTSTANDING museum there outlining their history up until present day

[@reggiebenes2916]

I came for Jon Parshall's wallpaper, and the incredible WW2 information, and both exceeded my expectations.

[@parrot849]

Jon’s wallpaper ROCKS!!

[@jonparshall]

It's truly horrid, isn't it?!?

[@davidlavigne207]

My favorite moment: "Stupid close is synonymous with Danger close." I have been at stupid close a few times, nothing as desperate as the Marines fighting tanks at twenty yards, but close enough to appreciate Seth's description. Well done episode by all with some fine anecdotes and analysis.

[@birthdayguy9mfm868]

Captain Toti, that joke about admirals and generals was absolutely hilarious 😂😂. I

[@birddog7492]

I had a G uncle on Saipan with the 27th infantry. He told me about a large Banzi attack that almost over run his position. He said they were down to hand-to-hand fighting before it stopped. He told me a lot about Saipan like Civilians committing suicide. And how hard it was to find the Japanese guns at times. I remember him telling me about a retreat from a mountain top as well.

[@jonparshall]

That's coming up in two more episodes.

[@birddog7492]

@@jonparshall Thank you John I look forward to that.

[@marciar7407]

Captain, I see you are healing well after surgery. You certainly did not let it interrupt your participation in this outstanding podcast, and, as one of the many listeners, I am thankful. God is good!

[@sheepheadfilms]

The Navajo Code Talkers were instrumental in the battle of Saipan. The Japanese never broke the code. I'm currently making a movie about a Navajo Code Talker and his experience on Saipan. I expect to have it completed in September.

[@pepsiblik874]

Just the right amount of time for a nice, evening filling programme. KZbin app, some nuts to snack on, and off we go. Beats Netflix.

[@johnprekezes8881]

I feel like a fly on the wall. You guys are trading these stories like you are at a dinner party and just thoroughly enjoy talking about your topics. I love hearing the personal stories both the good and the bad. This makes the history so much more real for someone who is only a baby boomer

[@fredhayes145]

Great presentation. Liked the call out for the USS Washington. My father, ARM2/C Edward P. Hayes, was a radio-gunner on a Kingfisher aboard Washington. I have his WWII flight log which shows him making two gunnery spotting flights (7.2 HRS) over Saipan on 13 June with the senior aviator LT(jg) Kiser. He later made a seaplane rescue flight to Pagan Island on the 26th. He was also aboard Washington for the engagements around Guadalcanal.

[@gorzillaau7761]

That story of the civilian in the fox hole really got to me. Great work as always.

[@richardbennett1856]

We waited a week for Jon to appear on his best historical podcast, which is sayin a lot. King's Conference with the Generalisimo is another golden nugget, five minutes into the presentation. Seth is a brilliant moderator, Captain Todi is a real life HERO. (This is from an Air Force guy.)

[@michailbest1122]

This podcast is going to the moon! 37k views on a video with only 23k subs? That’s amazing most content creators are happy if a video engages with a quarter of their subs

[@patrickshanley4466]

AWESOME SHOW GUYS!! love the Japanese civilians stories and the 4 year old girl story. Keep up the great work 👍

[@stevemolina8801]

Seth, so you missed the memo on the Uniform of the Day ! One thing I heard more than once, is the Lack of Intelligence! What exact intelligence are you referring to and who was supposed to collect it. More importantly where and how was this intelligence supposed to be collected? Again another great program! Jon is one of the few historians who I really enjoy listening to. He is relaxed, not stuffy, just one of the guys! Thanks again!

[@christophertipton2318]

My father was in the 6th Marines Scout-Sniper Platoon on Red Beach. Initially, their job was to protect the regimental CP and later did mostly scouting and recon missions. Part of the platoon also got mixed up in the big banzai attack later in the campaign. Dad was smack in the middle of the big tank attack. Dad's platoon commander, 1/Lt. Frank Tachovsky, was credited with taking out a tank with a bazooka he had taken from an incapacitated Marine. I recommend reading "40 Thieves on Saipan" by Joe Tachovsky. Joe is the platoon commander's son. The Scout-Snipers were nicknamed by other Marines as Tachovsky's 40 Thieves (for good reason). Also, if you've read "Battle Cry" by Leon Uris, he likewise mentions a 6th Marines platoon noted for their thievery and scrounging proclivities. I know Joe and provided him with some leads and source material for his book. Sadly, all of the platoon members have since passed away.

[@Khalifrio]

You folks need to have the Chieftain on to talk about Japanese armor. Heck, armor, from all sides, in the pacific theater in general.

[@ajsimp311]

My grandfather was WIA at Saipan - 1st Bn, 29th Marines “orphan unit” Co. C - wish I had more time and direction to find more about what his unit did (he didn’t talk much about his service) - Love the podcast gentlemen!

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

Entertaining and informative, what else is expected when Seth, Bill and Jon are involved? Great intro to the intricate Saipan campaign.

[@johncarroll2748]

Really, really good channel.

[@wonvon8625]

I like Jon being on, it gives Japan’s side of conflict which adds to Seth and Bill to make more of complete picture. Thanks for the great content Seth,Bill and all your guests.

[@denniswiemer72]

another great episode. Thank you gentlemen.

[@user-hw1qo2mu9e]

I've been looking forward to this all day. I love every episode but the Parshall episodes are always my favorites.

[@edwardbutland3549]

My grandfather served on a LST during this invasion. I have the flag that his ship flew. He hardly ever talked about his service to me, so hearing this podcast explains what he was involved in. Thank you.

[@johnwilson9364]

The work you guys put into each podcast is so impressive, demonstrated by the contents and discussion. Thank you for your efforts to bring the Pacific War to us in such a quality way.

[@larrytischler570]

My mom's youngest brother lived with us after grandmother died. Dan joined the Navy at age 17 and his first mission was on an LCT at Saipan. Your depiction of the way the Japanese had mortar fire zeroed in on our incoming Marines is spot on. He said it was deadly accurate.

[@jammininthepast]

Thanks Seth, Captain Toti and Jon...really like Mr.Parshall's books and always appreciate him guesting on your presentation. As always keep up the superb work. Thank you, you're appreciated.

[@garypetersen4039]

I just found this podcast a few weeks ago and I am so happy I did. Wondeful job gentleman!!!

[@elwoodlodge7764]

I highly suggest that you go all the way back to the first episode of you haven't already done so. It's definitely worth doing.🙂

[@thomaschildress360]

Warning: watching these videos can be addictive. Ok...will be. If you find yourself selling personal belongings, because you lost your job, due to these videos...DO NOT blame the fellows. Just get some sleep. Putting yourself to sleep while listening to an episode is harmful, but this will cease after you get through all episodes! Also if you named your pet cats...Soryu and Hiryu...please seek mental health! Get in line there are about 10000 guys ahead of you! Oh...enjoy....lol, we ALL ENJOY these!!!

[@thomaschildress360]

Oh also, my own Shrink..I mean...my Therapist told me to get a new hobby. So I am changing the faces on the Three Wise Men on our outside navity....to resemble Seth, Bill and Jon....nice huh?

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Haha

[@keepyalegs2gether]

Love your work gentlemen.

[@spidrespidre]

An excellent show and I can't wait for the next 2 in this series.

[@mikelinderman8514]

Another great episode done by the special forces of podcasts

[@lhartrum3]

Great episode! These are the highlight of my week. Love Jon Parshall great addition to the discussion

[@grathian]

1:20:26 Before the Bazooka, the US infantry anti-tank weapon from 1941 was the rifle grenade M9. The late 1942 Bazooka fired what was in fact an M9 with a rocket motor attached. So it was in fact a dedicated, standard and highly effective anti-tank weapon.

[@jameskachman3692]

Glad someone else caught this too, the rifle-grenades are often underappreciated in general, let alone in their "pocket anti-tank" role. I'd love to know what the ammo mix was on Saipan, and whether or not the guys had many/enough M9s to hand. Saipan would've been before the grenade launching adaptor on the M1, right?

[@brushhogg1]

Grandpa served in Europe, his brother, my great uncle right? served in the Marines in the Pacific. I am reminded of something he said once upon hearing Seth and Bill talk about Jim Crow. He said the most evil, vindictive, ruthlessly cruel weapon they had was a platoon of 18 and 19 year old marines armed with semi- automatic .30-06's and shotguns. So the viscious bravery extended down through all ranks, not just the officers and non- coms...

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

That's exactly the sentiment that I've heard from several veterans of World War II that were Marine corps. They would always say there's nothing deadlier than an 18 year old devil dog with a machine gun. That's actually pretty scary now that I stop and think about it.

[@sprintcarfan87]

Great show as always. Thank you.

[@curtsmall8596]

Capt Toti appears to have a much wider experience than just looking out a periscope. So much of operational planning is the result of the discerning labor of captains and commanders (O6 and O5s) on command staffs...

[@Fulcrum205]

The 75mm on those LVTs was a variant of the 75mm pack howitzer that was designed to be broken down and carried by mules. It had a stubby little barrel and it's anti armor ability was marginal at best. The Army used the same turret on the M8 gun motor carriage, a self propelled howitzer based on the Stuart light tank. It's finest hour was being mounted in the nose of the B-25G & H models by Pappy Gunn and terrorizing the SWPA from the air. It's still in service today which I think makes it the oldest artillery piece in the US military.

[@kauphaart0]

Outstanding ,as always!

[@user-lj6fu6rc5j]

Can't tell you enough how much I look forward to new episodes each week. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@Gustav-vu5tj]

From the U.S.S Washington's ships book, bombardment of Saipan expended 360 16"/45 rounds and 2145 5"/38 rounds. My father was commanding Turret #2 on BB-56 during that campaign.

[@grathian]

You're freaking me out with a blast from the past - in 1970 as a brand new boot Sea Cadet I'm learning how to be a side boy for an inspection of the Reserve Center we were based at - the Commandant of the Ninth Naval District - one Rear Admiral Draper L. Kauffman. Took the time to stop and have a talk with each of us 14-15 year olds...great guy.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

That really blew my mind to see your mention of the sea cadets! My father was I guess you could say a commander of some kind in the Sea Cadets and he brought me and my best friends into it as well. We also had a visit from an admiral by the name of Horton "Smitty" Smith. I've never done any research on him so I don't know if he's famous, infamous or what. God your comment really took me back!

[@mollybell5779]

Great stuff, as usual. Thank you all for sharing your extensive knowledge. This is a wonderful service you are providing.

[@fredferd965]

This entire series - Alfred Thayer Mahan meets von Clausewitz........magnificent!

[@saenole66]

This is one of your very best episodes. The depth of detail you reveal is outstanding. Looking forward to next two episodes.

[@therealuncleowen2588]

Turner's reply about the moon had me cackling. That exchange just paints the picture of what kind of blowhard Turner must have been. As for the frogmen going in in daylight, probably the only time I've ever thought with dread about the phrase, crystal clear water. Why couldn't it have been murky to provide some concealment.

[@billechols7136]

Great show gentlemen.

[@DimaMakieiev]

Almost first! Thank you guys for awesome work!

[@v.mwilliams1101]

Excellent as always. Seth, you missed the shirt memo.

[@ph89787]

19:39. I remember hearing how inaccurate the Fast BBs bombardment of Saipan was, and all i could think about was the scene from the HBO mini-series the Pacific. Where Eugene Sledge was at Boot Camp and was practicing how to fire a mortar.

[@kemarisite]

"Say again your correction, sergeant!"

[@coachhannah2403]

They had rookie crews.

[@ph89787]

@@coachhannah2403 didn’t one sailor describe the bombardment as a “navy sponsored farming project?”

[@coachhannah2403]

@@ph89787 - Sounds vaguely familiar!

[@The_Red_Off_Road]

I’m really starting to appreciate John more and more. Awesome episode and can’t wait for next Tuesday!

[@briangibbs3774]

Thank-you, gentlemen, for another (as expected) excellent presentation.

[@CraigMommer]

I absolutely enjoy every one of your presentations which are actually getting better if that's possible. Perhaps I missed one detail along the way. How did you come up with the description or title of "Unauthorized History"? Who cares as long you DO IT? I spent thirty years in the Army serving with some of the finest soldiers who we call the "Greatest Generation". Most are now gone but we owe them everything! Watching your stories lets me go back and see what they did so many years ago. It is my hope that you cover the stories of past wars with the same enthusiasm you do these. Thanks again and keep it up!

[@TheFUZEMAN]

26 with 8” of snow in Buffalo, NY. Brrrrr!! Another great show and it will take my mind off this afternoons surgery. Getting old is rough. Lighting was a little dim today.

[@TheFUZEMAN]

Surgery went well with one minor detail, I developed A-Fib afterwards. Hope yours had no strings attached Cmdr Toti. ( Not sure what title to correctly put before your name.)

[@ralphregan1473]

You guys we’d to get on Jocko’s podcast, and talk about the founding of the UDT’s. It would be great exposure; and, I’m sure very entertaining.

[@nuts4ships]

I absolutely enjoy each and every episode of this series. I also enjoy the perspective of Jon, when he is on, even though he's only 'Parshally' correct in his assessments.

[@gregcollins7602]

Great job guys. Look forward to the rest of this battle.

[@joanscott8854]

The winter war in Finland is a good example of infantry tactics against armored vehicles.

[@MIKE-se8ye]

An excellent conversation as always gentlemen.

[@73Trident]

As always great job Seth, Bill and Jon. Looking forward to next Tuesday.

[@raykaufman7156]

GREAT episode, but that's no surprise.

[@andrewhimes6058]

One of these things, doesn't look like the others... All kidding aside. Another great show, thanks

[@markfrumkin3230]

Again, thank you for your great work.

[@08silvercs]

My dad lost his best friend on board USS South Dakota at Saipan . My dad’s friends name was Leonard Vito Colangelo. My dad carried a picture of Leonard Colangelo in his wallet up until the day my dad passed away.

[@douglaskillock3537]

Wishing Captain Totti a speedy recovery. His pitching career may be over but intellectually he's still got his fastball

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thank you

[@saffakanera]

My dad was a navy diver in the South African navy, those were some tough dudes. Selection was insane.

[@mnlivestreaming6713]

Absolutely enthralling - a must watch and listen of the week!

[@mmkkggggoodd2315]

Thanks guys!

[@Perfusionist01]

Very interesting episode again. It's interesting that the biggest Japanese tank attack in 1944 was missed by the USMC tankers. According to Ed Gilbert's "Marine Tank Battles in the Pacific," the US tanks were in other areas and played little, if any, part in the Japanese counterattack. The Marines got good use out of the bazooka, less as an anti-armor weapon, but to suppress or destroy Japanese fortifications. The Marines also had another anti-armor weapon that had failed in the MTO, the Gun Motor Carriage M3A1. This was an M3 halftrack APC with an upgraded version of the French 75mm field gun. Adopted as an interim weapon for the Tank Destroyer battalions in the Army, it was found wanting in North Africa. The Marines adopted it as a mechanized assault gun, known to the USMC as an SPM (self-propelled mount). They got good use out of them and finally wore out the vehicles and guns, with their place being taken by M7 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriages on Okinawa.

[@colinellis5243]

Another excellent episode thanks Bill, Seth and John!

[@George-vf7ss]

My dad was with the 2nd Marines during WW2. Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Siapan. He was turned out of a field hospital on Siapan when his temperature went down to 105° to make way for the really sick guys.

[@ganndeber1621]

Excellent well presented informative video.

[@robertmontgomery6811]

So much more than a history. You guys bring it to life and I can feel the emotion all the way through this presentation.

[@RY-TIOUSRY]

Great stuff. As always.

[@scottanderson5581]

Another great episode guys. Always love when Jon is aboard. Looking forward to Phil Sea.

[@blomborg6120]

Y’all should start a merch line and one of your shirts should say “stupid close” 😂😂

[@charleslachman4637]

I visited Saipan in 1969 and the wreckage of that tank attack were still visible

[@jnseney]

Still there today

[@USAACbrat]

I can appreciate the Commanders problems having used my old glasses in by snorkel mask, really fun when they turn upside down or slip sideways. You spend a lot of time fussing with them. While in the Marine business, i couldn't meet the 20/200 min for a captain's lisc.

[@stephenalexander6721]

I am constantly amazed at what these people did, what they accomplished,on land, sea, air throughout the whole war.

[@billyhouse1943]

Thank you..

[@georgedoolittle9015]

This is the first actual Land Campaign in the Pacific absolutely. The Movie "Windtalkers" does I think do a great job showing this actually. I agree very much considered "Japanese territory" as well and would earn the US Marine Corps a quite terrifying reputation as relates to the Japanese "defenders" and how they would express this terror to the local population. The size of the US Navy in the Pacific is absolutely *ENORMOUS* by this point in World War 2. As important as Strategic Bombers from the ground pounder point of view the connection between an M1908 Springfield Rifle, the US Army "Pack" Howitzer and two types of Tanks in the far more famous M-4 Sherman Tank with the highly underrated M-4 or 5 or whatever is was labelled "Stuart" light Tank the latter of which the US Marine Corps only had by dint of dumb luck as neither the USSR nor the British Empire wanted the vehicle. For me anyways how "fortunes of War" very much in play in the Battle of Saipan. Plus US Destroyers firing at point blank range also starts to make its mark. US Marine Corps now knows it will have an Air Wing by this point in World War 2. US flamethrowers, napalm strikes, satchel charges, mortars, unit level radio work...everything gets thrown into this one absolutely. One aspect where the Atlantic Theater impacts the Pacific Theater very positively by 1944 is the massive size of the US Coast Guard by this point in World War 2 all of which are deployed into the European Theater at this time. The U-Boat "menace" still exists but by now it is clear the weather is by far the biggest enemy to the US Navy and Coast Guard for both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. This lead to the standing up to what we now know as the "National Weather Service." This need to understand the science of weather would become a huge issue as relates to strategic air power as there was still no understanding of the "jet stream" this late in World War 2. As an overall point the idea of creating "overmatch" as it's called today very much on display here although per expectations the Japanese yet again prefer to fight to the last man rather than yield in any way even to the overwhelming sight alone of total annihilation en route. Not sure about how artillery spotter aircraft are effected in the Pacific Theater as this becomes a huge deal for the US Army in the European Theater. "Reverse slope fire" very effective but not once tactical air power appears as your position as artillery is now totally exposed so yes, absolutely "the Island Hopping Campaign" becomes all designed to effect forward operating bases from which to deploy airpower is the strategic goal. *"Knowing this"* provides an exceptional level of motivation for soldiers on the ground to press forward as they know if they take any air field there will be actual livable conditions in taking that plus the ability to create a secure location from whence to operate into and out of if that even be possible if you're a ground Commander now ordered to literally take stock of "your situation" ahem.

[@davelane4055]

Take care of that shoulder SKIPPER AND GOD BLESS Y'ALL

[@MemorialRifleRange]

Thank-you

[@billtravis100]

Loved how Seth teed up RKT and made John hold his nose and made him give credit. Heh hah!

[@robertmoffitt1336]

"That's a hard day at the office." 56:50 We stand on the shoulders of giants. 🎗️💝 Never Forget

[@geoffoliver1239]

Thanks!

[@coryheckler2354]

Another great podcast! Yes, Capt and John, where's Seth's blend of shirt? Lol, love it. Thanks again! Waiting for the next episode. Take care all. See yas in the next episode! Capt, I hope your feeling much better.

[@joeavery6344]

Thank you gentlemen. You're in sight is priceless.

[@josephgilorma6979]

The Navy Seal Museum in Ft Pierce Florida is a must visit for anyone interested in the history of the UDT and Seals

[@marky657]

I love all you guys and you do suck a great job and such important history of the Pacific WAR

[@walterrider9600]

thank you