Two if by Sea-The Battles of Kolombangara and Vella Gulf-Episode 211

This week Seth and Bill double dip and take a look at two battles that were fought during the New Georgia campaign, those two being the Naval Battle of Kolombangara and the Battle of Vella Gulf. Tune in and see what the team has to say about ADM Ainsworth's second chance at Kolombangara and the emergence of new US destroyer tactics at Vella Gulf.
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[@richardmalcolm1457]

This series just keeps getting better and better.

[@willarth9186]

Yep, this and Drachinifel's channel are great for naval history. If you have not watched Drach's Russia's Second Pacific Squadron-Voyage Of The Damned you need to watch.

[@michaelaiello2210]

Guys. The pilot was Jack Cram. The situation occurred the day after the battleship bombardment if Henderson and the Japanese transports were landing. We only had 12 dauntlessness abd 8 wildcats to oppose them. Cram rigged his PBY fir torpedo attack and with only 5 minutes of torpedo instruction flew off to attach. The PBY was designed for speeds of about 160 but when Cram dived on his run the PBY was “cooking” at 260. He scored 2 torpedo hits and in his way back a zero got on his tail but was shot down on final approach to Henderson. Cram received the Navy cross I think Seth, who tells a damn good story, would go to town on this one. I hope he tells of this although Guadalcanal has been discussed thiroughly

[@gregorybrennan8539]

Thank you, guys My father was a signalman on the Honolulu ( The Blue Goose). He gave a lot of credit to the helmsman that night for dodging those torpedoes. He felt the experience the crew had from maneuvering the ship to pick up her float planes gave them plenty of practice. He also said the Captain and the "radar shack " were outstanding. He hated remembering war, but he always remembered the 18 year old men who down below fought the fires and flooding, knowing they would give up their lives.

[@collinwood6573]

Thanks for making an effort to acknowledge the American DDs in the Pacific. My great grandfather served in turret 2 aboard the Fletcher class destroyer USS Howorth with DesRon 21 (the one led by USS Fletcher in the Solomons)

[@grumpyparrotphotography]

I could listen to you guys talk all day. It reminds me of when I was a kid, sitting at the kitchen table listening to my dad and uncles talking about the war. Great stuff. Thanks again.

[@JosephKano]

Keep these great episodes coming gentlesirs.

[@USSBB62]

God Bless You Captain and Bill for talking about PBY''s. My father a Flight Engineer on a PBY used to say to me. "Take off at 90, climb at 90, cruise at 90, land at 90, live tell 90". I didn't quite appreciate what he was saying back then. It was a great thing Black Cats, North Atlantic,Alaska, Norwegian Weather patrol among the many and most of all the Rescue work... Thanks again.

[@ph89787]

Weird bit of trivia for Vella Gulf. Hakigaze, Arashi and Maury were all present at Midway as carrier escorts. Hakigaze was part of the screen for the Kido Butai and had to scuttle Kaga. Arashi we need no introduction and Maury was escorting Enterprise's Task Force 16.

[@douglasturner6153]

",That Ainsworth ain't cutting it. Let's turn the Moose loose"! ..Adm Bull Halsey

[@whiskeytangosierra6]

Agree with you on the PBY, one of the most useful "obsolete" aircraft of WWII. See Also, the Swordfish.

[@CFarnwide]

Absolutely! Reconnaissance, search and rescue, submarine hunter, nighttime torpedo bomber, patrol bombing, cargo and personnel transport were just a few roles it filled. Not to mention it was credited with the first air-to-air kill of a Japanese aircraft. I believe variants are still used today in aerial firefighting. Definitely one of the most important aircraft that deserves more praise than it has been given.

[@jliller]

PBY was not obsolete. No WW2 seaplane could tangle with WW2 fighters. It was a great aircraft. Swordfish was a biplane. Maybe the only biplane to see service in WW2 besides those flown by some of the Soviet Night Witches? USN and IJN had both replaced their biplane torpedo bombers in 1937. Had the Swordfish faced enemy fighters at all they should have been slaughtered. Instead they flew where they had essentially no aerial opposition.

[@nickwoods5150]

Another brilliant episode! Please keep them coming Seth and Bill 🙏🏼

[@kyledillard3496]

The USS Gwin was also one of the four destroyers with Admiral Lee’s battleship at the Battle of Guadalcanal.

[@MF-le7fp]

Over 10K in subs. Keep it going, guys. These videos are fantastic. Thanks for all your hard work! 👍

[@williamharvey8895]

Unauthorized and Drachinefel??? The best of both worlds 🎉

[@BlitherVids]

Absolutely fantastic as always, guys. This is the only podcast-style WWII channel that I watch and I'm going to keep watching every week. The play-by-play recounts of these battles are my absolute favorite thing to anticipate every Tuesday!

[@anthonyquinn9399]

Only prefer to watch these guys

[@willarth9186]

Yep, this and Drachinifel's channel are great for naval history. If you have not watched Drach's Russia's Second Pacific Squadron-Voyage Of The Damned you need to watch. Drach has incredible knowledge just like these guys.

[@marcbondi8462]

Remember the USS Moosebrugger when I was on CG-17 in Norfolk. It had a set of moose antlers and when it got underway, " the moose is loose" could be heard on the 1mc. Their namesake allowed them to get away with that😊

[@user-pl2df1uq2m]

Seth Bill As a former marine history teacher civil war and wwll reinactor your podcast are great keep up the good work

[@RichardMelanson-xi3kq]

Seth & Bill, its episodes like these that I like, these side actions are often not talked about or overlooked because big battles or actions, thank you very much. Rickm.

[@GaldirEonai]

Ainsworth's career so far can be basically summed up as a series of very expensive learning experiences.

[@kentiffany8872]

And isn't that the way it always is. The generals/admirals learn their trade on the backs and blood of their people.

[@coryheckler2354]

I continue to very much enjoy these series. I was on board the USS Midway from 73 to 75...our small boys were these type of destroyers. USS Rowan, Anderson, and two others. Keep up the good work gentlemen.

[@astraltraveler2725]

One of the best history channels on KZbin.

[@alowry2002]

Excited to hearing the episode with Drachinifel as a guest. This is such a great show.

[@964cuplove]

Let’s hope he brings his better more thorough style of talking about fights…

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@964cuplove All of their guest hosts are outstanding. None better than the other, all adding their own take to the history that they are teaching us. There is no ego or grandstanding involved, only history, information and Incredibly accurate and true at that! Facts!

[@philipmorrill8636]

I find myself looking forward to Tuesdays. I wonder why? 🤔 Bravo Zulu!

[@henkvandergaast3948]

Abs brilliant. Australian here. Maybe one day get a guy from the Australian war historians

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

We love the Aussies!

[@TheBruceGday]

Probably hard to get them up at a time to record at the same time, like with David in the Guadalcanal series. I don’t know the name of the person responsible for “Hypohysterical History “, but I like his channel. I’d enjoy seeing a collab there.

[@captainbinghamton1319]

I have read volumes on this same subject, but Seth Perodon and Bill Toti some how boil it down to a granular level. I've never had a better view of history. Thanks guys

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Paridon. ;-)

[@alganhar1]

In WWI Foch had a saying, it takes 30,000 casualties to train a Major General. In WWII the USN was on a hard learning curve. Don't get me wrong, they LEARNED, and pretty fast. But it takes casualties. I think that is one thing Military Historians MUST take into account. As a Brit the Somme is an open wound in our understanding of WWI, but it is also a misunderstood one, as most Britons look at the Battle of the Somme based purely on the first day, and ignore the fact the battle lasted for four months, and could actually be counted as a victory....if a Pyrrhic one, and one fought for political reasons (though that is ignored in the common perception of the battle, Haig and the other generals of the BEF did not want to fight the Somme).

[@henryburby6077]

This. The scale of the somme battle/campaign demonstraited british capacity and resolve to german high command as well as german soldiers As horrifying as it is to admit, the psychological impact, not to mention the often ignored but devestating losses on the german side were probably worth the losses on a grand strategy level. War is a horrible thing which should be avoided unless absolutely neccessary.

[@dandarling152]

You forgot to mention that the surviving DD (IJN Shigure) at Vella Gulf took a dud torpedo through the rudder. If that torpedo had worked, it would have been a clean sweep. Captain Hara tells the story is his book.

[@jliller]

Wasn't Shigure the lone survivor of multiple battles?

[@dandarling152]

@@jliller She was the lone survivor of the Surigao Straight battle. She also went out with the Shinano on her last voyage. The other 2 DDs in the group were eventually sunk, leaving her the only ship to make it back to port. Ironically, she was sunk by a submarine late in the war.

[@kensvay4561]

Wow. these fantastic podcasts generate so much interest and great comments. I am a Kiwi living in Cairns and i have followed and bought many books about the war in the SW Pacific. I see the Coral Sea every day and we are only a couple of hours flight from New Guinea and the Solomons.

[@KRRabbit1]

Excellent episode. I was able to pick up a copy of Munda Trail. I may be reading for the rest of my life, but I am enjoying this so much. Seth and Capt. Toti, thanks for all you do! Mark

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Captain Bill Toti, I hope I am spelling your name correctly, During this talk You seem to be more active than usual. I love that. You have a wealth of information to share. I really enjoyed your level of participation in this video. Keep up the great work! You and I are about the same age totally different life experience but a comparable love of history. God Bless and be safe.

[@crazygame2724]

I noticed that as well. Bill was much more assertive and I appreciate his knowledge and experience.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Bill responding: thanks much. Especially since others have suggested I should tone it down!

[@tracygallaway36]

Vella Gulf was significant enough that a Ticonderoga CG was named after it.

[@spikespa5208]

Nice to see these battles up the Solomons getting the recognition along with the better known engagements. All the way to Cape St. George.

[@MadLudwig]

Excellent conversation gents. You provided the perfect explanation of proper destroyer tactics, techniques, and procedures. This episode also demonstrated how battle-proven tactics can ultimately shape future successful strategies and operations. Don't forget to create an Arleigh Burke episode! Perhaps the next week or two might be a good time to introduce him.

[@michaelaiello2210]

Tss as liking about PBY’s reminded me of the story of Roy Geiger’s pilot who flew a OBY, who during I think it was the landing of the Japanese transports, rigged his aircraft with 2 torpedos and helped sink a ship. Upon returningGeiger chewed him out for “ damaging government property”, and then decorated him. You can tell this story much better than I can.

[@51tetra69]

God bless all of the seadogs and swabbies who risked everything and sacrificed so much to protect our countries and preserve the freedoms we enjoy today! God bless all the souls - military and civilian - that we have lost in times of war! God bless America! God bless us all and grant us peace!

[@reggiebenes2916]

31:12. Seth Paridon:"Our torpedoes are starting to work" Capt Toti: "About time". Well said. Imagine the thousands of sailors in 1943 that must have said the exact same thing.

[@kensvay4561]

The saga of US torpedo failures is a political and military lesson. So many lives could have been saved but arse covering in the industry and the military came first.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

I'd love more stories about the US Coast Guard during World War II! They have a great saying that goes "you have to go out but you don't have to come back!" Damn man those guys had cast iron stones!⚓️💯🇺🇲🙏

[@dougm5341]

Prefect timing fellas. Thanks for another show….

[@gregcollins7602]

Great job. As Kirk Douglas said in In Harms Way, we got us a mother lovin' Navy war. Looking forward to more destroyer talk and also Drach.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Bill responding: love that movie. When I was commodore in Pearl Harbor we would do an "In Harms Way" party every December 7th, reenacting the opening scene at the very same swimming pool where it was filmed (I lived across the street from that pool and next door to the "John Wayne house" where he and Burgess Meredith live in the movie.

[@rbrown2822]

Fascinating and informative! Well done! Thanks

[@daverhoades5596]

Great job as always 👍

[@Guangrui]

I for one would not say the battle of Vella Gulf was a minor victory, as in my opinion, it was a major turn of event that eventually would see the USN grabbing Control of the Sea not only in the daylight but also at night

[@larryatkin6507]

Keep up the great programs.

[@Boron121]

I must agree with those saying your podcasts keep getting better. Major victories are easier won when lessons from smaller engagements are put into practice on the big stage. It is great to see these small battles. It is heartbreaking to be reminded how many lost their lives so commanders could learn how to use their weapons in the most efficient ways.

[@patrickshanley4466]

You guys did it AGAIN. Keep up the great work.

[@Perfusionist01]

Loved it! A good explanation of how necessity sometimes breeds success. We finally HAD to let the DDs be the primary surface combatants and they did well. A great video about an almost forgotten area of operations.

[@billechols7136]

Great show gentlemen.

[@tomcrouchman]

Fantastic episode. Destroyers arrive!

[@dabda8510]

Really loving this channel, as someone in late 40s' but remember reading about Guadalcanal battle since 12 year old kid, in S. Korea in a Korean history book. It was a book above my age level, but I remember reading it over and over.

[@smedleyhverovhe8919]

Thanks again for another great history lesson. My wife, who never cared for history, is a fan! May I suggest a subject I've never heard discussed - radio direction finding operations in the Pacific. Have heard and read just about everything about the cryptanalysis operations, but the supporting HF-DF is never mentioned.

[@grahamtravers4522]

Excellent, as always. Thank you.

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Seth and Bill you just keep doing a fantastic job!

[@wilfordjacobs89]

I have been listening to you amazingly informative podcast for a couple of weeks now and I'm hooked and can't wait till I can get into the next one, unfortunately I didn't start at the beginning so I'm just jumping around just finished the bar room brawl and found it so descriptive and detailed I got a visual while listening!!!!!! I liked and subscribed. Wow!!!!!!! Keep up the fantastic work Gentlemen. Sincerely Will Jacobs

[@73Trident]

You guys never and I mean never have a so-so episode. Every one is great. Thank you so much.

[@georgehughes8698]

Another fantastic job presenting this portion of the Pacific War and explaining why these smaller battles were key in the rest of the war.

[@jameshannagan4256]

You guys are really hitting your stride I have been taking Tuesdays off this is getting so good I had no idea there were so many naval actions I was clueless about.

[@kensvay4561]

It was a really hard slog through the SW Pacific. Our tactics were as poor as our torpedoes. The japanese were masters of night fighting and those huge binoculars played their part. Before the war we were stupidly racist and believed that they only needed the binoculars because their eyesight was so poor. Equally we did not believe that they could be good pilots because of their slit eyes. Racism played a huge part in us totally underestimating the japanese. the British of course believed that the white man was superior to all other races. Even by Korea MacArthur called the Chinese laundrymen. How could they possible beat us white fellows.

[@skipdreadman8765]

Thank you, gentlemen.

[@williamashbless7904]

It’s always so sad when the podcast ends. I wish you guys could keep going on.

[@Hillhouse1956]

Another great episode…I keep learning new things each time. Your style for me is perfect. I do not have a history background, nor familiarity with the navy, the pacific war or any real depth of knowledge of WWII. I started studying WWII two years ago (at age 65), so have a lot of learning to do. I find these videos fascinating and am considering a vacation to see Guadalcanal after seeing your many episodes on it. The personal stories and odd tidbits of information make the history come alive. Thank you.

[@richardw2566]

outstanding work as usual. These episodes just get better and better. The research and presentations are top notch. Keep up the great work Seth and Bill. Bravo Zulu.

[@jeffreymartin8448]

As an ex-Tin Can sailor, I found this episode very satisfying.

[@kentiffany8872]

Captain, don't gaslight me, I know you know that Lt Kennedy and PT-109 went down here. If I know it than you must know it. Thanks for this great podcast and this episode. Great stuff. I've sharpened up my geography and have books to read into the next decade. Thanks again and keep at it. Very Respectfully, SC

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Yes indeed. Wait for that episode....

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

Wasn't Kennedy and PT 109 patrolling Blacket straight during the evening they got rammed by the Destroyer? Bob Ballard actually found one of the torpedo tubes off the 109 I believe in about 13,000 ft off the Blacket Straight area. Hell of a find and it was confirmed from the serial number off the torpedo tube! They flew JFK Junior down to the area to meet some of the locals that were alive at the time of world war ii. Fascinating documentary!

[@garymackey850]

Just finished reading Lonely Vigil by Walter Lord....you guys were correct....all the Coastwatchers were awesome, but Donald Kennedy was a bad ass!!! Waiting for Austrailia's Secret Army to come in this week...Thanks for the recommendation....//

[@kensvay4561]

Donald Kennedy was a great Kiwi warrior though little known.

[@VetNavy]

Great episode! I’ve Commended before about father being a plank owner of Fletcher class DD. He is in your timeline yet since he isn’t in your because he still in high school but will be entering the Navy 8 days before his 18th BD (the Marines were drafting kids on their 18th BD). He was award stars for 53 engagement. This is scratches my head as what those engagement were. He was on the USS Tingey 539. I look forward to your coverage of the tin-can Navy. CPO USN(Ret.)

[@zotfotpiq]

these detailed, "boots on the ground" views of the war are fascinating and I can't get enough. If you ever get to a point where you're "finished" telling stories on this scale, I'd love to get your guys birds-eye-view of different sections of the war. Like covering the guadalcanal campaign in it's entirety over a single episode. I'd also love to hear your opinions on "what could have been." How could yamamoto have better used his surface forces there or at midway? seems like battleships could have torn up midway with proper air cover... but I don't know enough about that kind of combat to understand if something prevented him form doing so. Love to get your ideas on big picture stuff in addition to all the detailed stories. Thanks so much for all your work.

[@mattwilliams3456]

Excellent as always, and excited to hear Drach will be making an appearance.

[@Doc_Tar]

I'm looking forward to hearing about Arleigh Burke and how he made his name with destroyers in the Pacific War. Wonderful content to cover these lesser known but still very important navy battles of WWII.

[@briangibbs3774]

If memory serves me correctly, it was a Catalina (we called it Canso) that picked up the Bismarck after she evded the tailing cruisers , subsequent to sinking Hood. I also believe that the Cat was manned by a U.S.N. crew on an "Aggressive Neutra;ity" patrol. { insert here 2 winks and 2 nudges}

[@CarnageDogg]

Bill & Seths excellent podcast

[@tonybanke3560]

This is the best ww2 series

[@ianwalker404]

You're building up the picture really nicely, great presentations. Tuesday wouldn't be Tuesday without the Unauthorized History. I do a few history group presentations myself. I couldn't resist responding to a couple of comments I got by saying "to your point Dave or Pete", gave me a little buzz. Thanks again gents!

[@stretch9952]

I believe Morrison in one of his US Naval History Volumes stated that Moosebrugger extensively drilled his DD squadron in night torpedo attacks, particularly quick release and abruptly turn maneuvers, and this was the payoff. Very informative series. I appreciate the (new to me) level of detail in your presentations. I also compliment you on your willingness to present both the triumphs and tragedies of these campaigns.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

The bridge crew of Leander probably was stunned and distracted by the US cruisers rate of fire. Between the noise and and flashes, lookouts would have lost their night vision and are probably looking out out of sector.

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Navy vet here aboard the Uss Sperry as-12 she was a sub-tender who served during ww2 .

[@thomasjamison2050]

Given the ability of Japanese destroyers to dismantle Heavy Cruisers, I wouldn't be able to underrate the importance of taking out so many Japanese destroyers.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

Thanks! A pleasant history lesson on a Rainy Tuesday. Very much anticipated

[@whbrown1862]

Great video! Thank you!

[@gwaihirwindlord1935]

Outstanding as always! Any possibility of an episode about land based Navy AirPower in the Pacific theater. Specifically VF-17. Growing up I knew about the Marine Corps flyers, watched Baa Baa Black Sheep like many others here, but after moving to Norfolk, I was fascinated to learn about the characters that made up the original Jolly Rogers and the dogfights between their Corsairs and Army Mustangs over the city of Norfolk that got them transferred to NC.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

I’ve thought about doing something on the Jolly Rogers, and we may, but it would be much later. Trying to wrap 43 now.

[@stevewaldschmidt4344]

Hard to get all my work done on a Tuesday. Great programs gentlemen!

[@rtqii]

I had to schedule quiet time to sit down and watch this. There is no better researched source on the Pacific War. I frequently recommend Seth and Bill in the comments on related videos on other channels, and the owners of those channels reply that they too are watching.

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

Good morning guys.I have been waiting,but no longer.Thanks.

[@sargeherren]

Great work guys but I do have a couple of issues with this episode. The HMNZS Leander was the lead ship of the Leander-class of light cruiser. Bill said that she was under armed compared to the Brooklyns. Undergunned, maybe but not under armed. She had only 8 6in guns, this is true, but she also carried 8 21in torpedo tubes giving her significant firepower for her 7000 ton size. Seth mentioned that she was 5 knots slower than the Brooklyns, but she was capable of 32.5 knots which is the speed of the Brooklyns. In essence, if utilized properly, she would have been a deadly addition to the Allied squadron. Next, you said that the tactics used at Vella Gulf were those of Moosbrugger. They were not. In fact, Moosbrugger had taken over the destroyer squadron less than a week before the battle from Arleigh Burke. It was Burke who formulated the tactics that Moosbrugger used at Vella Gulf and that he himself would use at Empress Augusta Bay. That being said, you guys are doing a great job and this has become one of my favorite podcast on WWII.

[@Jemini553]

$ hours ago , late but i am glad to be here

[@John-gg4mq]

Awesome series and I am hooked and addicted.

[@lurking0death]

Nicely done, gentlemen.

[@orlandofurioso7958]

Thanks!

[@kilcar]

As usual, riveting. Thanks Gentlemen.

[@lesbraze]

As always great content, great presentation! Thanks Gents!

[@MIKE-se8ye]

Thank you both.

[@ronaldmcmullen9934]

Keep the video and war history coming …enjoy them so much. The history is so fascinating

[@CFarnwide]

Thank you for this! I’ve only heard the name of the battles and never the full details. It’s great learning about the smaller engagements that happened between the major ones.

[@stuartdollar9912]

The volume of fire by the US 5" guns on these ships is amazing.

[@parrot849]

An outstanding episode guys, many thanks to Bill and Seth. Once upon a time there was Martin and Lewis, Burns and Allen, Rogers and Clark, Johnson & Johnson, Huntley and Brinkley; Now…, there is… (wait for it…drum roll please) “The celebrated Captain Todi and Mr. Paridon”!!!

[@toms6213]

Thank you your work is great!

[@timetravelingsonne8069]

You guys gotta do am episode sometime on the Black Cat PBYs. Such a cool unit and not many people talk enough about em.

[@kensvay4561]

The Blackcats that flew out of Cairns and Darwin were fantastic. Most of their missions were mining and they closed a lot of japanese harbours. Official US histories totally played down their contribution. There is a great book that shows how much they achieved but were never credited for. They lost over 300 crew but were never acknowledged by US histories of the war. I live in cairns far north qld and most of the Catalinas flew from our estuary. There is a wonderful monument here.The book is called RAAF Black Cats by Robert Cleworth and John Suter Linton. It is on Kindle as are most of the best books. Catalinas also flew out of perth Western Australia and once again received little acknowledgment by the Americans. they could fly from Perth to Sri Lanka, a 20 hour trip and would see two sunrises on the journey. After the war the Qld Catalinas flew POWS home. They could carry 18 men plus the 9 crew. What a fabulous aircraft, one of the best of the war.

[@retrodude9683]

When I was younger, I used to wonder why there weren't many preserved cruisers as museums...Now I am just in awe of the stubbornness of US commanders and their unwillingness to acknowledge that the Type 92s effectiveness is mind-blowing!

[@theeducatedgrunt2087]

Entertaining as well as educational... thank you for educating me...

[@tedc.4956]

I love Tuesdays.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

American Admirals were told. For example Admiral Wright knew of the Long Lance but ignored it the information. Why you might ask, the Japanese couldn't possibly have a superior torpedo than the USN. Call it institutional arrogance or racism, but that is what happened

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

I think institutionalized racism definitely played into it. Not to mention propaganda. I mean for Christ's sake how can these bucktoothed, round glasses wearing short people possibly beat the mighty America? It took us a minute to figure it out and and thank God we did figure it out when we did. Had we maintained that arrogance things would have dragged out significantly longer in the Pacific. Obviously Japan didn't have the resources to prosecute the war the way they wanted to. Again I'm very grateful for that. I grew up in a household where my father fought in the US Navy, South Pacific during World War II and my mother was a WAC in the Army Air Corps where she was part of a unit that flew B-17s from the Everett plant here in Washington down to Southern California for deployment to the Pacific. My parents would have dinner parties with buddies from the war and there were many a night where there was some very spirited conversations going on. Some of them fascinating and funny and some of them absolutely horrific when talking about the barbarity and cruelty of the Japanese military machine particularly the IJA. My dad said there was a saying that went on during the war that went, "wherever the Japanese went torture rape and murder followed." Sadly a very accurate statement. Rest in peace mom and dad, you guys answered the call, you did your jobs and you did them very well! I love you and I miss you everyday!💖🙏🇺🇲⚓️🛩🎖🏝🍻💞💯👍

[@hidemisakamoto7707]

Awesome Awesome!!!!

[@gregbiggs5674]

When I lived in Peru from 1966 to 1970, I spent two weeks in the Amazon jungle. While there I got to do a water takeoff in a PBY Catalina. I sat in one of the waist blisters. It is a wonderful, but noisy, airplane!