The LARGEST Banzai Charge of WWII & the Death Site of a General | History Traveler Episode 233

The Battle of Saipan, which was one of the more savage battles of the Pacific Theater in WWII, pushed the limits of the men who fought there. The brutal fight that had taken the soldiers and Marines through places like Death Valley & Purple Heart Ridge was going to end with the largest banzai charge of the entire Second World War.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
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- WWII Prisoners of the Japanese on SAIPAN | History Traveler Episode 229: • WWII Prisoners of the ...
- The Attack on PEARL HARBOR (What Many DON'T See) | History Traveler Episode 222: • The Attack on PEARL HA...
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[@TheHistoryUnderground]

If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!!!

[@MrTunetracker]

I enjoyed the video for a special reason, My dad saw action during the Saipan campaign. After the war his squadron was stationed there, I was six years old when we arrived there to join our father, it was 1950. we live there for 6-8 months before being transferred to Guam where we lived for a little over two years at NAS Agana,. On Saipan, we lived in a compound of quonset huts just south of Garapan and north of Chalan Kanoa, We were within walking distance of the ocean. There was a small creek that ran close to our home that was lined with bunkers, We were small kids and were afraid to go in, but I'll never forget the smell at the doorways. They smelled like gasoline and we were told they still had human remains inside. This was five years after the battle was over but the island was strewn with war material, We would find thousands of empty shell casings and live ammunition laying all over the place. There were still soldiers in the mountains looking for remaining Japs. None of the dependents of military personnel could o out after dark without being escorted by MPs. There was a flat field a half a mile or so along the road North of our compound where they had chopped down palm trees for seats where they showed us movies at night, They had a flatbed truck with a generator and a projector on it and a screen of white canvas stretched between a three-sided pipe frame anchored in the ground. We all had to be transported to the movies in what we used to call cattle cars which were truck trailers with bus seats in them. There were armed MPs on the perimeter of the field because they had caught surviving Japanese soldiers sneaking down from the hills to watch the movies at times. One night the movie was interrupted by gunfire on the edge of the field when MPs opened fire on what they thought were Japanese holdouts. They rushed us back into the cattle cars and took us back to our compound for the night. We had similar problems on Guam with Japanese holdouts sniping the enlisted beach at Tumon Bay from a cave-riddled cliff face called Two Lovers Leap. Armed Marines show up and clear the beach while they sent Helicopters and boats out to the cliff with loudspeakers and tell them the war was over and they should surrender. I believe the last surviving Japanese soldier surrendered in the late 60s. His rifle was still in tip-top condition. I loved our time on Saipan and Guam and wished I could return someday, but I'm now 78 so I don't think it will ever happen. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to bring us that video.

[@laurencehoernlein4687]

S

[@philiron7461]

+the history underground My grandpa was thrown into the fire on the island of Leyte. He fought in jungles like this. His story is amazing. Lots of historical documents but I can’t get my hands on all of them. Could you look into it? His story was never told by him. I’ve only learned through military records that he had a bronze and two silver stars. On hitting the beach his CO was taken out by sniper fire. My grandpa was promoted(military schooling). He helped secure breakneck ridge. If you could make a story about that battle I’d be deeply in your debt.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@philiron7461 I would recommend reaching out to Footsteps Researchers.

[@12BlockTokie]

I'm down.

[@rickybell2190]

It never ceases to amaze me how men like Benjamin ....a dentist, used his young life to save his fellow men. Honour is an understatement.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Humbling.

[@edrose2772]

The Greatest Generation

[@louistaplin4665]

In a situation like that you do what you have to do. And anybody is capable of doing something like that.

[@bobmatthews3186]

Two of the three men of the 105th US Infantry Regiment posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor - Lt. Col. William O'Brien and Pvt. Thomas A. Baker - were from my hometown area. To this day, their names are honored.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@chriscarola8343]

@@TheHistoryUnderground When was this filmed? Very well done. While a reporter for AP in Albany, NY I interviewed 7 local vets from the 105th who survived the banzai attack. Only 1 is still living, he'll turn 99 next month. 4 of vets were from Troy, served alongside Lt. Col. O'Brien and Sgt. Baker, also from Troy. Both got the MOH posthumously. Many New York soldiers were killed or wounded on July 7, 1944.

[@achillebelanger9546]

My Father’s old National Guard Outfit. He was an Apple Knocker Pre War. Many of the Men of the 105th were killed by friendly fire.

[@berts7867]

@@chriscarola8343 My uncle was in the 105th and was killed in the Banzai attack. He's actually mentioned by name in William J O'Briens book "Battling for Saipan" . I looked for years for info, with no luck. My other uncle who was also there and survived, never told my father what happened, (my father was 20 years younger). One night while researching on the internet, I stumbled across a passage in the book that mentioned him and what happened...I was floored, I searched for years, and to actually find him mentioned by name floored me.

[@berts7867]

@@TheHistoryUnderground My My uncle was in the 105th and was killed in the Banzai attack. He's actually mentioned by name in William J O'Briens book "Battling for Saipan" . I looked for years for info, with no luck. My other uncle who was also there and survived, never told my father what happened, (my father was 20 years younger). One night while researching on the internet, I stumbled across a passage in the book that mentioned him and what happened...I was floored, I searched for years, and to actually find him mentioned by name floored me. And to see the actual places you filmed is just as amazing.

[@darrellhampton5057]

Everytime you guys put this stuff out, I push all my friends to introduce their kids and schools to your content. Best history teachers in the country, hands down. Well done Gents, well done.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I appreciate that more than you know. 👊🏻

[@darrellhampton5057]

Personally, I think yall should approach colleges like Praeger U, Liberty U, etc, to become part of their official curriculum. NO ONE, except Mark Felton Productions, offers what yall do, and yours being on the more ground level personable side of that, but Felton's work and content itself is nothing short of outstanding. People like yall have the ability to re educate the youth of America and dare I say the western hemisphere back to a sense of reality and pride of country, more so than almost any teacher Ive seen in 30 years. OUTSTANDING GENTS, NOTHING SHORT.

[@markleach116]

@@darrellhampton5057 I totally agree with your comments! JD's videos would be a great addition to High School and College history classes!

[@tripplopez22]

We have a one-year-old daughter and can’t wait to introduce her to these videos once she’s old enough. There’s something about seeing where history occurred that textbooks could never capture. JD’s passion and expertise make his videos among the most engaging and interesting videos out there.

[@Mutlap]

who says schools are teaching factual history, college graduates can't even add, subtract, or multiply? They are fortunate they can even speak!

[@timwaycaster7538]

“It is well that war is so terrible, else we should grow too fond of it.” -Robert E. Lee

[@karen-leelamb1097]

This just brought tears to my eyes. My dad fought there during the war. He never talked about it. We lost him in 1995, but sure wish he could have been alive to watch this. Thank you so much for this wonderful presentation. I now know just a little bit of what he went through.

[@TheTinamarie11]

I spent 15 years on-Island and studied the campaign in detail. Fred's a good man and knows the jungle better than anyone. There is, however, so much more to those battles and locations. The most obvious and important was that Paradise Valley, the location of the 'real' Last Command Post was chosen because it provided protection from Naval fire and even air attack. As such, it is sublimely beautiful. To be sure, that is most certainly the location where Nagumo 'died' along with Saito and one other staff officer. Nagumo was buried with full military honors near the current Memorial Park in Garapan. I know both family members and the veterans themselves who have gone. I can't impress upon you the importance of you going. They found their visit to Saipan life changing. It is both beautiful and abjectly terrifying. Much is as it was left in late 1944. And yes, remains are, in places, so plentiful you trip on them. So much I wish I could relay to you here. On 'zuckerberg's site', go to 'CNMI Hikers, climbers and boonie stompers' group. Ask for admission and once in, search for a 'Bruce Megarr' group member. Message me once you're there. I studied the battle to the point of reading Marine after action reports stored at the library at Memorial Park. Maybe I can shed some light on questions you might have. Regardless, you'll have access to a wealth of pictures and maps people leave in posts on the group site. I was initially hired by EPA to address utility issues on island and later taught Chemistry. Amazing just does not capture the true nature of the island. I look forward to hearing from you.

[@elsatanyakaneshi3321]

I was born, raised, and currently live on Saipan. My dad’s parents were on island during WW2 and understandingly, they wouldn’t want to talk about their experiences during that time. Your channel and the videos you have posted about Saipan have been a big help in that area for me and I truly find it amazing to learn more about my island. Thank you so much & I look forward to more content from you.

[@leemichael2154]

My grandad was black watch and after he surrendered he was callously bayoneted in the stomach, he survived prison under the Japanese brutal conditions and came home to Newcastle upon Tyne England to his family's great joy ! Just sharing

[@jimreilly917]

Singapore? Survived bayonet? 😳🤯🇺🇸🇬🇧🦅

[@leemichael2154]

@@jimreilly917 Burma actually

[@119jle]

@@leemichael2154my Grandad was a Army Colonel on the China Burma Road. His Thompson .45 took out over 200. Pay pack 😂

[@cpohrer]

My Uncle, Larry, was there. Until he turned about 92, he wouldn't talk about his experience. He was also at Okinawa.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Un what those guys went through.

[@robertmorey4104]

Incredible that anyone could survive both places and not go crazy. Props to your uncle Larry. I have Officers sword captured from Okinawa. I would not want to face someone who knows how to use that thing.

[@jimreilly917]

Your uncle is in heaven. He did his time in Hell.

[@markbrisec3972]

With the way things are turning up lately I wouldn't be surprised if the current generation of soldiers will have to repeat the history and fight in those same jungles or at the same part of the world with the same ferocity and sacrifice. I always had the utmost respect for the members of the Greatest generation..

[@jimreilly917]

@@markbrisec3972 with Japan as Allies this time. But I think you’re correct. Likely under the current regime.

[@corybradshaw8179]

My grandfather fought in the European theater. His brother in the pacific. After the war my grandfather still despised those in the SS but could converse with his Wehrmacht counterparts as he said they fought admirably and were soldiers first. His brother until his death would never forgive and never forgave the Japanese stating their savagery is something that god should never forgive and history should never forget. Says something in my eyes.

[@sirchromiumdowns2015]

They were bestial. Cruel in the extreme. Enemy soldiers or civilians, it didn't matter, the Japanese were monsters. The Rape of Nanjing. Comfort Girls. Unit 731. The Burmese Death March.

[@scottkelly7051]

My dad was the exact same way. He despised the Japanese until the day he died. He saw first hand what they'd done to his fellow Marines.

[@junpinedajr.8699]

You are right sir,to this day Japan never ask for an apology to the horrors it committed in the Asia Pacific Region. The Bataan Death March showcase how monstrous Japan was in WW2.

[@jpmerrick8886]

I studied ww2 for 50 years i have 0 remorse for that regime

[@jpmerrick8886]

Look at whay they did to louie z and our bataan boys etc fatman sh gone to tokyo

[@ryanflynn3861]

My grandfather fought in the Ardennes, and he told me that what they had to deal with was nothing in comparison to the Marines in the Pacific. This just goes to show it.

[@chestophercolumbo4561]

I've always felt that the Pacific was the most brutal theater of the war for US troops

[@silence-humility-calmness]

sounds like the germans were brainwashed to a lesser extent and retained a bigger chunk of their sense of self preservation

[@tileux]

No thats simply not true. With the exception of okinawa and to a lesser extent iwo jima, the pacific island battles were far smaller and far less protracted than in europe. Burma and new guinea were long hard campaigns in awful conditions. Only okinawa comes close to those campaigns in terms of conditions on the allied side in the islands. But if you look at things like the battle of caen theres no comparison: caen had the greatest concentration of waffen ss and heavy panzer divisions in history, including compared to the eastern front. By the end of it caen was just a pile of rubble on the map.

[@theclown2393]

@@tileux I'd take my chances against the Waffen SS over abunch of suicidal Japanese nutcases in the jungle any day. You failed to mention the Battle of the Philippines which is known as the Stalingrad of the Pacific! Which was by far the most Brutal battle of the Pacific theater.

[@powercatjeffy]

I've read Sledges book about Peleliu and Okinawa. Holy cow. I have to agree with the assessment. Bastogne may have been rough, but digging the corals, and slogging through the mud, plus the unnatural behavior of Japanese troops made the pacific a devastating hell hole.

[@johnschofield9496]

If I remember correctly virtually all brush was destroyed during the battle so the biggest problem moving through would be the enemy shooting at you ! The battles in Europe were horrible, but what happened in the PTO was devastating. There simply was no mercy shown from either side, It was kill or be killed at it's most brutal. Thank you for sharing so many historic battlefields that so many have forgotten !

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Even without the undergrowth, the terrain is brutal.

[@dukecraig2402]

Yes, the soldiers who fought there called it Death Valley due to it's lack of cover.

[@ernestoemerson3838]

Kinda makes you want to fight another fanatical enemy, you know, just for kicks. Just a thought...

[@denniscoleman8802]

Thank you so much! For taking us to sights most of us will never see! My Dad fought in the Pacific… he has 6 Battle Stars…can only imagine what he saw/did. ❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@justinweaver8787]

Thank u to ur dad 4 his service!

[@joeritchie4554]

I remember my family friend that fought on Guadalcanal said that the banzai attacks were so terrifying that he still had nightmares about them. He told me that in 1988 so the memories and fear never leave. He said that the Japanese soldiers were either drunk or on some type of opiate because they could be shot several times and still kept coming because they did not fill the pain. I will never forget him telling me about that. It was actually good for him to speak about it because it helped him to deal with the memories.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I’ve had veterans tell me the same. Awful.

[@joeritchie4554]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I forgot to mention that my friend also said that those banzai charges always ended in hand to hand combat. He told me that he saved his life many times with the bayonet or K-bar knife. That had to be horrible.

[@edstein5642]

The Japanese imbibed as much saki as they had available, toasting & honoring their ancestors & each other to a frenzy… then they charged pellmell into eternity with the fervent belief that they were ascending into a state of spiritual continuity with God… as they understood their concept of this. Under those circumstances, they couldn’t lose. If you die, you win on a spiritual level.

[@joeritchie4554]

@@edstein5642 I didn't know that. Thank you for teaching me something new.

[@edstein5642]

@@joeritchie4554 They’ve got shrines in Japan to this day that venerate the sacrifices of those soldiers… & a far-right political movement that reveres the Imperial era & seeks to restore it. Same as radical neo-Nazis in Europe.

[@peepresc8002]

Two of my uncles fought in Burma, they was Chindits. The stories they passed onto us have been passed onto our children and grandchildren. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@grendelgrendelsson5493]

My grandad was killed in Burma in 1945 having been evacuated from Dunkirk and then serving in North Africa against the Italians and Afrika Korps. My mum was born in 1940 and didn't see her dad until the end of 1943 when he received leave prior to embarking for India and Burma. I find it so sad that he died within sight of the end of the war having been through so much combat from Europe to the Far East. He has no known grave.

[@christophertipton2318]

My father fought in the general area of this video, near the railroad tracks. He was a Marine with the 6th Marines Scout-Sniper Platoon. Two squads, including his, had been patrolling further north and were called back. After they got to the Army's lines. the patrol leader felt it was getting too dark to safely move all the way back to the 6th Marines Regimental HQ (their normal position), so they set up a short distance behind the Army lines for the night. Of course, they got caught up in the banzai and had a serious knock-down-drag-out with the Japanese. Rifles, knives, and bayonets. Strangely, none of the Marines were killed or seriously wounded, but not from lack of trying by the Japanese. They reported their situation back by radio to the 6th Marines HQ and the regimental commander brought most of the 6th Marines up to reinforce the Army and got in on the end of the banzai. A battalion from the 10th Marines (an artillery regiment) was emplaced to support the Army earlier in the day and they got seriously involved in the banzai too, firing their cannons over open sights and cutting the shell fuzes down to 2 or 3 seconds. They killed a lot of the Japanese buried in that mass grave. My dad, who was not a fan of the 27th ID, did admit that the Army troops fought well during the banzai. One of the Army battalion commanders received the Medal of Honor also for firing a jeep mounted .50cal machine gun at the attackers until they finally killed him.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@christophertipton2318]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I have several good references about the Battle of Saipan. One is the Marine Corps own historical monograph and another is a book about my father's platoon written by the platoon commander's son, Joseph Tachovsky. The book is "40 Thieves on Saipan." Tachovsky's 40 Thieves was the nickname given the platoon by other Marines because they were notorious for stealing anything they needed unless it was nailed down. Unless they needed nails. They even stole two Army soldiers to take to Saipan with them (one became KIA). They were old high school buddies of one of the Thieves and they wanted to get into combat, so they got smuggled aboard ship in Hawaii and made the landing. The platoon commander was told about them about halfway to Saipan so they wouldn't be listed as deserters. After one soldier was KIA, they had to fess up to the regimental commander and the surviving soldier was sent back to the Army. The KIA soldier was initially buried in the 2d MarDiv cemetery near his Marine high school friend who was KIA around the same time. My father did not speak much about the combat on Saipan or Tinian, but he did tell me a lot of their non-combat escapades. I also got to know the book author, Joe, and he told me stuff he had learned from his father's records and from interviews with the surviving members of the platoon that didn't make it into the book. All of the Thieves have since passed on over the sand bar.

[@erichammond9308]

My uncle was one of only 4 officers of the 105th to survive the banzai charge. Did you know that he had to order the men of the 10th back to their guns at gunpoint, because they had fled and left a fully operational artillery battery undefended? Had the Japanese captured that battery, they could have wreaked havoc on any attempt to assist the 105th.

[@christophertipton2318]

@@erichammond9308 No, I never heard that about the 10th Marines. My father was smack in the middle of that banzai not far from the 10th Marines and he never said anything about such a thing. Nor did any other Marine Saipan vet I've spoken with, plus none of the histories I've read including by authors with no particular axe to grind either way.

[@erichammond9308]

@@christophertipton2318 yeah, it's the kind of thing you don't usually hear about. The only Marines involved in the banzai charge was a single battery from the 10th marine artillery. The only units involved in the banzai charge was that battery and the 105th infantry regiment. My uncle always said he didn't fault the Marines, it was sheer bedlam and confusion. My uncle always said that there was only one Marine he ever had a problem with, and that was one Holland M. Smith. He also served on Okinawa under General Geiger and said he (Geiger) was a fantastic CO to work with. You should read the Buckner commission report. They pretty much lay out in detail why the Army refused to allow a single soldier serve under Holland Smith's command after Saipan, and the assignment of Simon Bolivar Buckner as overall commander on Okinawa came directly from General Marshall. Everything from the failure to land the 27th division as a whole, failure to inform Navy units that the 27th was to be landed (which led directly to friendly fire casualties due to Navy ships firing on the 27th in the dark thinking they were Japanese infiltrators), refusal to land support units, and division artillery, refusal to lend the 27th artillery or tank support (despite the fact that theirs was still aboard ships that wouldn't transport them ashore because they didn't have orders). Add to that the fact that Holland Smith never even surveyed the ground that the 27th was tasked with assaulting (a valley of recently harvested cane fields with zero cover, surrounded on 3 sides by high ground that was heavily fortified) and his repeated insults calling the 27th cowards (one such insult was delivered personally to my uncle the day after the banzai charge. An insult which also included a reference to "500 D---ed japs" (wiping out) an entire regiment" when it was actually 10 times that number. So, it's not "Marines vs Army" or even Marines vs the 27th, but Holland Smith vs. the 27th. The Marines just didn't want him disgraced (at least not until he got lots of good Marines killed on Iwo Jima). Heck, the Marines wouldn't even acknowledge that the banzai charge was more than 500 to 1000 (as claimed by Smith) until he screwed the pooch on Iwo Jima.

[@stevecastro1325]

Riveting; I get a lump in my throat when I think of all the soldiers on both sides that were sacrificed.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Sobering.

[@A1972LS5MAN]

In humble remembrance, the men of the 27th Infantry Division who fought on Saipan. You are not forgotten

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Those guys went through a lot there.

[@tomvalpo9361]

Cannot imagine the terror of facing thousands of enemies wanting to die.

[@kathleendaugherty4218]

Hearing about these battles is one thing but seeing the actual spot where they happened brings it into perspective. I can't even imagine the fortitude and courage it took to face what they had to do. Thank you for all the hours and miles you have invested in bringing the truth to all of us.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@martinedwards4522]

they deserve no respect or honor for what they did

[@johnsanchez6003]

There was an article published in the local newspaper on the unearthing of remains on this side of the island last weekend. The article mentioned a count of about 400 American and about 4,300 Japanese casualties as a result of the attack on Tanapag beach and that bodies were buried in area known as the "27th Division Cemetery." I have enjoyed the content on the Battle of Saipan. Thank you. Keep'em coming.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@olentangy74]

Another excellent presentation, JD. My uncle fought on Saipan with the Seabees, and during my childhood he showed me pictures taken there, as well as souvenirs from the battle. In 1976, while stationed on Guam in the navy, a spent 6 days on Saipan. It was awesome and yet to walk the beaches where my uncle walked, and where thousands of men died.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@maverick4177]

Certainly one of THE most ferocious theatres of world war 2, thanks for bringing it alive for us 👍🏻👏🏻

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@FLjcollins]

JD- You need to put "Just Bumped My Head" on a t-shirt. Great video as always. As an Army vet, I remember reading about Ben Solomon when reading about MoH recipients- it's nice to see the location where that heroic act took place. Thank you sir, keep up the awesome work.

[@justinweaver8787]

Thank u 4 ur service

[@fredv7487]

Another awesome video JD. Just wild how hard it must have been. The stories told just don't give it justice. How sad the amount of loss of lives on both sides. Thanks JD for all your hard work and taking us along. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@starfish370]

Hi JD, may I say, having just seen the video, how well you conveyed the tragic loses, on both sides, and at the same time, the futility of war. Many thanks for your video and may you continue to produce such high calibre material!

[@stephenrrose]

Great video JD, you worked for this one! That's some thick underbrush! Thank you for the history and it's amazing learning about the men and their sacrifice on both sides! Respect to the locals and the keeping of this history! Thank you for taking us on this Journey!

[@markm.5655]

Thank you for this series! I am having flashbacks to my grandfather's stories and find all of your videos informative as hell!

[@Wreckdiver59]

Looking at the footage and seeing how young those soldiers were, it's just unimaginable how they were able to go through what they did. Absolute hell on earth.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awful. Go back and look at the last shot of archival footage where the guys are holding the flag. Look at how skinny they are.

[@robertjessen1554]

Outstanding video and history lesson. With all my reading following you around the battlefields bring a new perspective to it. The one overhead map made it easier to reference where things were. Hopefully you can use that more in subsequent videos. Thank you !!

[@moobaz8675]

Fantastic summary and overview. You have a real skill in telling the story and setting the scene.

[@j33pfyn4tik6]

You're doing one helluva job JD. Thanks for your hard work.

[@lwovert8148]

this is great stuff. You put out such a great product with loads of information. Thank you!!!!

[@DoktorDetroit]

My father; as far as I can tell and what records I've been able to find, never made it to Saipan. He was at Tarawa, Kwajalein, Eniwetok and Okinawa ++ according to records and family accounts. He never talked about it and by the time I reached 18 I enlisted...Never had the guts to ask after that. He was a US Navy Corpsman assigned to the US Marines. The only thing he really said was that he was thankful the bombs had been dropped on Japan, 'you probably wouldn't be here had they not' and 'heroism in those places was the rule rather than the exception'....My uncles; on both sides, who all served but on the western front were more telling, but I could tell they held my father in great esteem when they all got together. Today I wish I had asked the questions that I probably should have asked, but he passed away in his 90s a number of years ago. I always wanted to travel to the places my father served in his teens and early 20s, but I'm now too old and too beaten up from my own career in the military to do so. Thank you for keeping these men remembered.

[@charlessmileyvideo]

John. My dad was a USN Corpsman too -- Iwo Jima landing. After seeing all of that horror, I never heard him speak a disparaging word about Japanese people. That includes my USN Lt. Nurse serving on islands in the Pacific and all my uncles (that were her brothers) that went to similar places. None of them ever complained or talked much about it. I'm glad you posted what you did. It prompted me to write this. All this stuff needed saying.

[@Ro6entX]

I couldn’t even imagine what soldiers on both sides must have felt aside from extreme fear, especially during that huge banzai charge. Granted the Japanese viewed death much differently than Americans but couldn’t have been easy to make that charge. The Marines on the receiving end probably had more adrenaline than fear during which. And it’s funny you mentioned about skeletal remains being found because I was thinking “I really wonder how many buried/unrecovered bodies are on that island.”

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

There are a lot still there.

[@CattooButt]

@@TheHistoryUnderground and that is just this one island. So many MIA/KIA on former battlefields the world over. RiP

[@christophertipton2318]

My dad said their reaction was much the same as Custer's probably was at the Little Big Horn. "Holy shit! Look at all the friggin Indians!"

[@chrisperrien7055]

KMy estimate is there are 30K- 40K unrecovered bodies or in unmarked mass graves(filled in ditches)on Saipan or in the water/reefs around it. Over 60K people die during that battle. The whole island and surrounding reefs are a graveyard. Very spooky at night , especially if you are alone in the more deserted parts/beaches. Saw an apparition one night in the water , off the bow of the ship I was on while anchored about a mile offshore of Tanapeg harbor back in 1995 or 96, interesting story. During the day, really idyllic in many places, Gorgeous blue water and you can actually get tired of seeing rainbows every day as you come into the Harbor. it was nothing to see 10-15 rainbows stacked on each other , and the beaches are very nice , actual sand , not the pumice of many Pacific islands. Though the seaweed can get pretty thick between the beaches and the reef in places,

[@dukecraig2402]

It wasn't Marine's, it was Army that fought up through "Death Valley" on Saipan and survived the largest banzai charge in WW2, yea, Army not Marine's, it's a little known fact that Army fought not only at Saipan but also at Pelilu and was pivotal in the outcome of both, since WW2 the Marine's as both individuals and as a whole have always been reluctant to acknowledge the presence of the Army in both of those battles.

[@bethromanetto6279]

There are so many times that war history is told from one country's perspective. This series really brings out suffering and death of those from another country. Sometimes we forget that!

[@curtisg.8671]

For you to go the distance for us to share these historical events is speechless JD. Means a lot for younger generations. I watch your episodes with the family. Very educational and interesting. Always looking for more with that appetite for history. Thank you so much as always!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@nmisnotnewandnotmexico.2262]

My great-uncle served in the U.S. 27th Infantry Division's Engineer Combat Battalion on Saipan in 1944. He survived the massive Banzai suicide charge but was KIA later that month while clearing out the caves after the island was declared "secured".

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Tragic.

[@Treetopflyer777]

Your content is remarkable. It’s SO important to remember. Thanks for all the efforts you put in. It’s so appreciated. I only wish I could be there alongside to witness myself

[@badkneesone]

Better work than the History networks. Seriously pro level work

[@SoCal780]

I really enjoy your videos tremendously. They are informative, enlightening, educational, and entertaining. This one was no exception. Thanks for putting these together for us. 👍

[@roadlizardcu8664]

Thank you first for braving the conditions on that Island to obtain the footage, which in turn just adds a whole other huge respect for the soldiers of both countries who fought there. Amazing sites and horrendous conditions. Hopefully they have located more souls who can be returned for burial and bring closure to families. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Gave me a whole new respect for those guys. That island kicked my butt.

[@edwardh1591]

Crazy terrain to fight in. Very interesting video. Thank you for sharing

[@perryj8850]

Another phenomenal video. Thanks.

[@kx4gamingandmodels123]

Thank you for putting this content out. Your research and perspective on these forgotten battles are truly fantastic.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching.

[@simonc4384]

Outstanding video. Thanks for sharing

[@lawrencerogers576]

Top stuff, JD. As always.

[@daveryan6426]

Outstanding JD, simply outstanding.

[@jeffe9842]

I have always been in awe of the American soldiers and marines who fought on the Pacific islands against such a formidable Japanese enemy. This video really emphasized that for me and for them to move through the jungle with all their gear is nothing short of amazing. This video really brought home what they had to go through. I've watched every one of your videos since I subscribed during the Gettysburg series and, while all have been quite impressive, and I'm sure subsequent videos will also be impressive, this one was extremely well done. Good job, JD.

[@alexadair5871]

Tinian, Saipan and Guam were the 3 Mariana Islands that the Japanese and Americans fought over back in 1944. The Pacific Island Campaign was some of the most brutal and savage fighting of the war. My Uncle Pete Thomas was killed on Peulaleau which many WWII historians consider was some of the most savage fighting of the war. Many Americans lost their lives on this island.

[@MrFrankturbo1]

Another great episode .. I'm learning as you go .. keep them coming !

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@murphinator666]

I am loving the Pacific episodes so much, and loved how you showed on "google maps" the locations marks of certain points.. pls keep doing this..thank you 🙏

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@twilightofthegods33]

High quality content and enjoyable as usual!

[@HenriqueFPplay]

Awesome video, thanks JD

[@BlueMoonShelly]

Everything that you do and share is absolutely amazing and greatly valued. Thank You for all that you share and do 💜☮️🙏🏼✨

[@WranglerRunner1]

As always, tremendous job. The editing (especially some of the music when telling Captain Salomon's story) is top notch. Great job JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@davidmcgahan5328]

love your channel thanks for sharing this information.

[@Pak-pq6me]

Great stuff! Really enjoy your travels.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@bcnewsome]

Wonderful video thanks so much for the work you do. Amazing stories

[@combataviationdefence]

Your dedication is outstanding. Thanks for your work.😊

[@johnhughes8563]

Thank you so much for your hard work in bringing forgotten history back .

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@raypestrapur2897]

Your docos are some of the best I have ever seen, absolutely outstanding. Really well researched and presented,enthralling and captivating to watch. Thank you for everything you post.

[@darkoflight4938]

Just amazing to imagine this place back then... pure hell! Again, thank you guys for this series!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@danielschultz955]

Just finished listening to “The 40 Thieves on Saipan” perfect timing, very well done! Thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@randymorgan-droneovermichigan]

I am new to your channel. With history trying to be erased by so many, it was great to come across this channel. Thanks for the work you are doing! As I am very proud of my grandfather's role in this heroic time period.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Many thanks. Hopefully people are sharing the channel with others.

[@Carolbearce]

I have learned so much from you that I have never heard in regards to WWll. Thank you doing these documentaries.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@fuhrerbunker5122]

An Amazing Documentary , very interesting and informative . Thank You .

[@petegibson863]

My Dad was in the NZ Third Division , he fought on Guadalcanal with the USMC , preventing the Japanese from retaking Henderson Field , one night during a Japanese bombing raid , a 500 lb bomb fell near to where my Dad and his mates were in fox holes and luckily the bomb did not detonate , the next day the USMC engineers came around , took the fuse out of the bomb , and it was then placed outside the entrance to the NZ camp , the world " KIWI was painted on the bomb , and the US Marines used to come by and ask the NZ troops , what K 1 W 1 meant , humour even in these terrible times ! Thanks for sharing this vlog on Saipan .

[@steveschlackman4503]

I have been looking at your coverage of the battle of Saipan. The amount of content that you did is just outstanding. I was born in 1944 and WW 2 was much closer to me than your generation and I know almost nothing, in detail, about the Pacific war. I had three relatives that fought in Europe. None of them would talk about their experiences. Saipan is certainly as far away from Gettysburg as a person could get.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding video and presentation.

[@jaredevildog6343]

That was very interesting . Thank you for such an informative, well done video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@dougparker4802]

The more I watch the more I’m jealous of your travels. Just amazing

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad to share the experiences. Thanks for watching.

[@Jim-op3kg]

JD another great video! You show us things that I might not ever seen before. Great channel. I learned more on this channel then any history class I ever have taken!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@johnallen8618]

The way you present this history is brilliant, very calm and to the fact, I've only just found this channel, and I'm hooked, can't wait for the next one 😎

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@athanstreitz9178]

Thank you for doing an outstanding job of not only presentation/historical knowledge of your topic, but, superb editing that keeps your videos Top Shelf for me. And thanks for the Sherfy Farm/Gettysburg! Very appreciative!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Many thanks!

[@HistorySavior1941]

Dude! This is the best video that you have ever put together hands down! Definitely my favorite and as you know I have seen every one. This hits a new level! Awesome stuff!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@claytonburr1185]

If they had you as a teacher in school I would have A's my history class. They need more people like you in the schools. Amazing work

[@kiwifruit27]

I have heard these stories told but never by someone who is actually there. Thanks for this. You are doing an amazing job

[@chevybob9836]

These videos are awesome. I think an entire book could be written based on the information you provide. Thank you so much for sharing. 👍👍

[@Senna458]

So sad, how war saps this World of young men with so much potential to move humankind forward ...... may they forever rest in peace and may they never be forgotten.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very sad indeed.

[@bobgrewe988]

Awesome history lesson. Thanks

[@belgianmalinoit9665]

Man, just another excellent video. Your narration, editing and drone work are all phenomenal. Major fan.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@waynejensen4224]

Another great video. Keep up the good work.

[@larryburwell8550]

Thanks for posting it's an epic military history story. I appreciate what you did to share this with us

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@jimcronin2043]

I am imagining myself as a young Japanese soldier whose belief in the Bushido Code might have been half-heated at best but bound by peer pressure to commit suicide with the group (or possibly ordered against my will) rather than preserve my life, and the terrible feeling as I waited for the grenade to explode.

[@martinedwards4522]

screw them

[@Nighthawk1966]

Excellent stuff for real ! Wow, great content, great stuff as usual ! Man, your living the dream !

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@simonvirus6417]

You do such a great service to history and these men along with their families you honor. Your parents i am sure are very proud to have a son like you Ben. From Australia

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@JohnnyLandscape]

Can't help but feel like I haven't done enough to serve my country.Your videos are powerful and super informative.Thank you.

[@philmathenia2265]

Wow, JD every time you put together a series it’s just amazing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@philmathenia2265]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Your very welcome ,sir.

[@phyllishershkowitz3806]

This was so engrossing, enjoyed interweaving black & white clips. Kudos to you for managing that terrain! Wonder how overgrown it was during WW2? This series on Saipan has been the best! Thanks!

[@vw2112]

with the large amount of shelling that went on i think that it would have been pretty much like a moonscape at that time in a heavily fought over zone. Just a guess but i have walked those areas in Guam and still could see where the shell impacts in the jungle areas are. The are mostly little lakes now filled with water and sawgrass. water up to my knees because id assumed it was solid ground with tall grass at first glance.

[@bassplaynsumbeach]

Absolutely love the video JD!!! I'm still active duty Air Force and I've been deployed to Guam two times now and definitely understand how hard it is to hike the steep terrain especially when you add the crazy humidity. keep up the great videos brotha!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@mrDCunningham]

JD this is epic! Outstanding work. 👍🏼😎

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@littlebitseaton2925]

Super job JD as usual.

[@georgepobi3531]

Thank you for what you do

[@oifiismith]

Aloha and Mahalo, Thanks for bringing us along and showing these historic areas. Love the channel. Stay safe and God bless🤙

[@peterramadge4739]

One of the best documentaries I have ever seen! Top job!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@w0happ3l]

wow just wow. thank you for taking the effort to show us these amazing yet horific sites of war

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@mark-ib7sz]

Just excellent!! Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@johnreynolds6499]

Good job. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@robertharper3754]

Such a fantastic video, thank you for this!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!