Operation FLINTLOCK-The Marshall Islands Campaign with special guest John McManus-Episode 303

This week Seth and Bill welcome a new guest, fantastic historian, John McManus to the show to discuss Operation FLINTLOCK-The Marshall Islands Campaign. The next step in the road to Tokyo follows the Central Pacific Drive as it leaves the Gilberts and acquires positions in the Marshall Islands. Utilizing the lessons learned from Tarawa, the V Amphibious Corps stretches its legs and wipes out the Marshall Islands with the Army's 7th Infantry Division and the new 4th Marine Division. Tune in and see what the trio discusses as they make their way through one of the most successful campaigns of the Pacific War.
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[@richardbennett1856]

What an All Star Cast, you gentlemen have assembled... McManus, Parshall, Tully, Cox, Drachinifel, a who' who of modern military historians. This podcast is a legacy for our grandchildren, lest we forget their sacrifices. The format is brilliantly done. Captain Todi is a bonifide hero. I like the John Madden analogy. Asking questions to leave no stones unturned. Thanks Seth and Bill for 3 seasons of great, must see content. Seth

[@stefanlaskowski6660]

The University of Texas at El Paso has the excellent S.L.A. Marshall collection in its main library. It has all of his books and papers from a long and distinguished career as a soldier and historian.

[@vincentlavallee2779]

I had suggested that they eventually make a complete DVD (preferably Blu-ray) series of their whole WW II series. They could make each of their 'seasons' a separate DVD series, and then produce a complete box set with of all of the seasons as a complete set. If they keep the price down, then a lot of people would buy it. This would then would be around for many future generations. As an example, you can still buy Victory at Sea (1952), one of the best WW II series ever made (and with great music).

[@mikeat2637]

I agree heartily !!!! This is the finest podcast of its sort I have ever seen. Succinct, to the point and with a wealth of great information from extremely knowledgeable members of the historian community. And let's not forget John Bruning and Dave Holland, who have been prominently featured. Two more luminaries that would have contributed greatly are the late, great Jim Hornfischer and his counterpart Ian Toll, who may end up on the show at some point in the future. And another would be Dr. Eric Bergurud, whose accomplishments in the New Guinea Campaign as a whole are also excellent.

[@MichaelW.Keller]

​@vincentlavallee2779 there is the series The World At War which is 36 episodes long. The series is uncensored and gives much of the gruesome details of the war.

[@jonrolfson1686]

Novelist Herman Wouk, a World War II Naval Officer, provided a junior naval officer’s particular view of Operation Flintlock, specifically of support for the fighting at Roi-Namur, as seen through the eyes of Wouk’s fictional counterpart Lieutenant (JG) Keith of the fictional Destroyer Minesweeper USS Caine. Wouk’s 1952 novel The Caine Mutiny is a great introduction to the Pacific War. Wouk’s novel opened history’s door for me as a child in the early 1960s.

[@seanmccann8368]

Wouk was a magnificent writer and I well remember reading his later works "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance" and watching the TV Series of them in the 1980's

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Great books!

[@CraigMommer]

My dear friend (SGT Robert Schmitt) was a member of the 184th Infantry Regiment 7th Inf Division and served at Kwajalein where he earned the Distinguished Service Medal for saving wounded Navy artillery members and carrying them to safety. He also earned a silver star and a bunch of other awards. A real hero and and honor to have served with him. He stayed with the 184th after the war and retired after thirty years. I wrote to St Louis and got his service record to build a shadow box and gave it to him .

[@flparkermdpc]

YOU ARE A TRUE FRIEND!😊

[@SuperNetSpyder]

Goodness, I do enjoy being a part of your audience.

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

My dad was at Kwajalein. He said the worst part about the Island was 1 no drinking water and 2 it was too small. No fresh water means no showers so they were issued salt water soap and told to bathe in the ocean. Too small in that there wasn't enough real-estate to bury the Japanese dead. They loaded LCVPs up with corpses and the navy was supposed to haul them out a distance and dump them off. They didn't do this. So the army troops are off shore trying to clean up......and these bloated, stinking and discolored bodies came floating back towards them. Combat and it's aftermath can be a horrible thing.

[@therealuncleowen2588]

Thanks for sharing your dad's experience. Bathing near bloated corpses feels like a truly horrible, life long scaring experience. Salute to your father.

[@kilcar]

My dad was on the North east Coast and islands off of New Guinea. Some days or weeks after this battle, hundreds of Japanese uniformed corpses came floating into Guasopa lagoon on Woodlark Island. The foul smell filled the lagoon and the natives on the island, normally pleasant and helpful, became fearful and retired to their homes. Dad's 20th Seabees were tasked in burying these . corpses. I didn't know until I found his cruise book for the 20th Naval Construction Battalion , (first cruise)and spoke with his C company shipmate. Dad never spoke of it to us

[@flparkermdpc]

During the late fifties and early sixties I spoke with veterans, friends of my parents, of both Pacific and European combat, and ALL said the one thing that they would never forget is the smell in the aftermath 😮of a battle before the dead had been buried or burned. Mÿ dad was a college educated engineer. So we're most of his friends, which tells you what did with these survivors did with the gift of a remaining life that many of their classmates did not get.

[@craigdillon3974]

figures

[@Snaproll47518]

My dad was with the 7th Infantry Division for the invasion of Kwajalein. After the Japanese defeat the assault troops remained on the island for two weeks and had to endure the stench of 5,000 decomposing corpses. He commented a number of times how the stink permeated everything. Even after embarking on ships the stench was in their clothing and equipment. I recall him once commenting about a foul mildew order as: “it smells like dead Japs.” His wartime experience made a lasting impression with him.

[@higgs923]

Thank you for a thorough recounting of the Marshalls Campaign. My dad joined the Navy in 1938 and he was a member of the crew of the USS Utah on 7 Dec 1941. After the war he was stationed on Kwajalein. My mom was able to join him and thus I was born on Kwaj. Dad fought throughout the island hopping campaign including such lesser known places as New Britain and New Guinea as well as Kwajalein.

[@MartinMcAvoy]

Your pa must have seen a lot in his life, did he share many stories with you?

[@higgs923]

@@MartinMcAvoy He didn't talk much about the war. He was a hard hat diver and he dove on the wreck of the Utah among others. One of the bodies he recovered was that of his best friend.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@higgs923 Damn that's some pretty heavy stuff right there. I can't imagine how your dad felt in that moment. I hope that his post-war years were positive happy and upbeat

[@flparkermdpc]

​OH, GOD, NO....

[@robertmayer7678]

My Dad was in the 7th Division, 32nd Inf. He never talked much about his experiences. He had lost his left hand during the Leyte landings in the Philippines. One of my most treasured photos is one of him on Kwajalein during a pause in the fighting.

[@JohnEglick-oz6cd]

My pops pop served as a medic with capt.s rank in the USAs 508 PIR s 82nd. a/ B Div. His hesitance explaining his horrid experiences was SAD . From his harrowing jump into Normandys' "Bocage " hedgerow country , and the subsequent treachery of crossing open field to get the next hedgerow costing more American , and those poor Allied troops with the Americans was like "being in a carnivals shooting gallery ! Grandpa told me Allied fighter bombers were radioed in , and in those armour killers were dropping 1000lbndrs + napalm bombs incessantly eradicating well fortified hedgerow fortifications that the Nazi- Army troops tenaciously fought for ! Kiss on both sides was humongous ! Grandpa took part in " Operation "Market Garden " ! An overambitious plan by Field Marshall General Bernard Montgomery to curtail WW2 in Europe , but turned out a blood bath not asked for . Arnhem , Holland was a death trap for the British 1st A/B Div..Einhoven , 101st A/B , and @ Nimwjegan , Holland the 82ndA/B Div. Faired just so- so in completing their assigned objectives , which they had to defend tenaciously against stern , determined Nazi- German counter - attacks costing high casualties on both Allied , and Axis troops Grandpa was wounded during the "Battle Of The Bulge " mid-12/44;! He was patched up an sent to Assist concentration camp victims ; grandpa helped other medics , and poignant death , decomposition of bodies orders was a vomit contest between hardened medics ; BAD + SAD!! Grandpa palpable PSTD was SAD . He passed away 1997 from esophageal cancer , but his generation was a strong willed people !!

[@johnvanzo9543]

Your channel deserves a much larger audience

[@leemathews1354]

My grandfather was radio/telephone operator in 1st BN, 23rd Marines, 4th MARDIV and made all four Division landings. He said the Navajo code-talkers were key to their success. He enlisted a week after Pearl Harbor having just graduated HS the previous summer in '41.

[@harrybenson9983]

Gentlemen, one aspect of the island-hopping strategy that never seems to be covered is the fate of the Japanese that were isolated and left behind by the U.S. military. Would it be possible for you to touch on that in future programs? Thanks again for the channel. Every Tuesday morning I get up, grab a cup of coffee, then head to the computer for this.

[@pauldietz1325]

I've read that about 1/4 of them died, of bombing, starvation, disease, or suicide. It depends on the island -- some places survived fairly well, others were really bad.

[@richardmalcolm1457]

Yeah, the ones "hopped" over in the Marshalls (Maloelap, Wotje, Jaliuit, and Mili) were in pretty grim shape by VJ Day - well under half strength, starving, utterly isolated. An ideal example of how island hopping worked at its best.

[@The_Red_Off_Road]

They were really mad too. They were passed up and not given a chance to die in battle. I find that funny for some reason.

[@primmakinsofis614]

_Gentlemen, one aspect of the island-hopping strategy that never seems to be covered is the fate of the Japanese_ I was thinking something similar while watching this episode in that there is little coverage of the Japanese side. This is understandable given the nature of the program, but if at some point there could be a guest Japanese historian to offer the Japanese perspective and stories it would be a valuable addition. Of course, I expect there are few Japanese historians who are fluent enough in English to be able to hold the kind of more free-flowing conversations the program does, but perhaps there is one or two out there.

[@JohnnySmithWhite-wd4ey]

The plan was once the airbase was established. Rookie bomber crews would fly missions to bomb and strafe the other Islands in the chain. Giving them experience and destroying the gardens the Japanese were growing for food.

[@jimwatts914]

McManus’ 3 books on the Army’s war in the Pacific are required reading if you’re serious about WW2. All his books are full of facts and great stories. Great addition to your lineup.

[@geneziemba9159]

My Dad was w the 23rd Marines, and landed on Roi. The 4th MarDiv performed the longest amphibious assault in history until being supplanted by the UK when it assaulted the Falklands/Malvinas in 1982.

[@jonlinde5822]

Can't wait to watch this with my mother. We lived on Kwaj in the 1980's; my father was working for MIT's Lincoln Labs and doing intelligence work using the radar array on Roi. Signs of the war abounded back then, including less pleasant ones, namely unexploded ordinance. Special thanks to Seth for pronouncing the islands correctly!!

[@michaelheather8469]

Just want to say thank you i have had so many enjoyable hours watching your show 👍

[@edwardloomis887]

My dad entered the Army in 1945 as a 17-year-old and completed his basic and advanced training about the time the Japanese surrendered. His voyage to duty in the Philippines included a stop in Kwajalein. He commented that it was 6 feet of bare coral sticking out of the water, stripped by the naval bombardment.

[@JamesBrooke-co7od]

You consistently produce excellent podcasts. I appreciate the insights that clarify details on the various aspects of the Pacific war. I have read about the Pacific war for years. This podcast has tied the strategic pieces of the puzzle together better than any other source. This week is one of your best podcasts. Thank you for all the hard work you put into producing these podcasts.

[@ramal5708]

The fact that the US Army also did their part in the island hopping campaign and not always the Marines like in the most media and movies portrayed. The Army was there from Guadalcanal until retaking of Philippines and Okinawa and most of the time fighting side by side with the Marines, my great great uncle was at Peleliu and his company and battalion was relieved by the 81st Infantry Division

[@knutdergroe9757]

My father was 1st MARINE DIVISION, and 7th MARINE regiment at Palau. That was the last battle of the war for him. His next younger brother was in the 25th Infantry Div from New Guinea (where they both got a chance to hang out together) to the Philippines(where my uncle finished the war). When they talked about the war, they avoided the terrible, and tried to keep to the comedic. But my father was mostly assigned to division headquarters, and knew most the senior officers from before the war. He knew somethings that my uncle never even thought about(my uncle was artillery 155mm, and was forward observer the last 2/3rds of the war).

[@11bravocrunchie22]

Im glad you brought Mr McManus on. I downloaded all 3 of his books on Audible before the 1/2 way point of this episode. Love your content, gentlemen. Please keep it coming.

[@henriyoung3895]

Thank you guys for your hard work. I really (jing jing) enjoy watching your videos over n over. Again, many thanks from Thailand. SGT DOUG.

[@andrewhimes6058]

Maintaining the Standard of another great show, enjoyed the special guest and looking forward to see John again.

[@thomasbernecky2078]

I am almost (Almost mind you) overwhelmed by the amount of video, maps and photos shown here. Instead of the the typical one map, and 2 stills. Well done gentlemen.

[@nkgoodal]

Gents, great episode. Wow! John McManus; I appreciate his efforts to ensure the Arm'ys contributions in the Pacific are remembered. 7th ID is truly a great unit. The drawdown of the 90s cased the colors of so many great units with Pacific heritage (7th ID, 11th Airborne, 24th ID) and I think that's had some impact on memory. Keeping the lineage of those units in the public's eye is important, in just the same way that having the 1st Marine Division still serve is. Or the pending commission of the new Enterprise and Tang. Lineage matters, and it's good to see the Army and Navy paying some attention to getting some Pacific lineage units back in the force.

[@davidlavigne207]

Thanks for the insights into Operation Flintlock. General "Howlin" Mad Smith is a prime example of what we call today toxic leadership. He was not a team player at all. The taking of the Marshalls also opened up the possibilities of raiding into the inner defenses of Japan. It was a knife, pointed at the heart of the Japanese defenses. Brilliant discussion between some great historians.

[@flparkermdpc]

Howlin' (Stark Ravin') Mad Smith....How is it we don't hear of "fragging"of really dangerous 90 day wonders in these campaigns. I have read Sledge's and Leckie's books, and both had men as officers that probably had it coming. Different generation?

[@davidlavigne207]

@@flparkermdpc Different generation and these men were not fighting in an "unpopular" war. Not that war is ever popular, but Vietnam was such a different experience.

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

Thank you for the time given the MoH earners and the actions they took to be recognized. Add John McManus to the superb guests on the show. Excellent job.

[@dougm5341]

Thank you Seth and Bill. I so look forward to these drops. It eases me into the night….

[@geneziemba9159]

One easy way to remember the configuration of Roi-Namur. Roi was the airfield. Devoid of vegetation. With some bunkers and airfield related buildings. Namur was the support facilities, with vegetation and extensive defensive positions. The airfield on Roi, shaped like the number 4 served as inspiration for the Fourth Marine Division emblem (A gold 4 inset into a scarlet diamond)

[@douglasturner6153]

"Strange things happening in the Marine Corps and all over right now"! ... That's for sure 😂

[@scottgiles7546]

I first read of "Close-In Conolly" in the invasion of Sicily, where certain Panzer units learned it was not a good idea to get in range of Naval gunfire. I shall leave it to others to describe what even one Brooklyn class with their 155 mm naval guns could do to armor that could be taken out by a 6 pounder. I have no idea when, or by who, the close-in name was applied but the affect of close in gun fire in the European theater was well known and it seemed to start with Conolly. For those interested Drachinifel did some episodes on the naval side of overlord which included such gems as "US Texas closed to within a Mile of the shore, which for a battleship is bayonet range, and the captain of the HMS Warspite issuing the order in support of a landed division "40 rounds, 15 inch, rapid fire". (be somewhere else when that falls)

[@michailbest1122]

Man it’s been a long 7 days since 302 came out!! Lol

[@slimeydon]

Excellent episode as always. You guys give me a reason to look forward to Tuesday mornings. Thank you

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

Thanks! Once again the eastern world is shooting. There's old proverbs about the Beat goes on, & May you live in Interesting times, I love history, knowing I'm part of it IS interesting, Hope it doesn't get Too Interesting. Hearing your theme always puts me in a good mood. Bless both you Gents and those you touch.

[@william_toti]

Thank you

[@kellyschram5486]

One would say the marines should be prepared for all land, sea, and air. I think the land part would include armor.

[@jeremyperala839]

The Marines will come to regret getting rid their tanks.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

John's the Man, you guys get all the good ones

[@schmidtschmidt2044]

I'm from the Marshall Islands. Born and raised on the Island of Roi Namur. Worked at Tradex Radar back in 1999 after graduating from HS.

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Glad to see another great guest host! And a local one for me in St.James, Mo. Welcome John McManus!

[@billenright2788]

McManus is awesome. His Guad. appearance on WW2tv was epic.

[@Ozone814]

Can’t wait for the WW2tv crossover episode. You know it’s coming

[@flparkermdpc]

I shall check that one out on ww2 TV. I am chased off that thread often because the host talks entirely too much for my liking. I would think John McManus might a bit too gentlemanly for a machine gun host. I'm open to correction.

[@ritaloy8338]

Thanks! I have watched every episode and I, as a former Navy Sailor, have learned more than I ever had in my history classes.

[@flparkermdpc]

You DID go to class?😮, But I absolutely believe you. I loved history, but I had very few inspired story telling people leading the classes. Truth is so much stranger, and stronger than fiction one can smell the battle fields.

[@joebudde3302]

Continuing your excellent analysis, nice to have such guests available and willing to contribute..

[@user-hw1qo2mu9e]

Thank you Bill Seth and John.

[@lurking0death]

Gentlemen, direct fire is when the gunners firing can directly see their target and fire their guns by aiming them directly at the target.. Civil War cannon are examples of this. Indirect fire is when gunners cannot see their targets and the fire is directed by artillery observers with radios or landlines or semaphore who relay target information to the FDC, fire direction control (The guys who plot the charge and direction-location of the target...)...Maps with coordinates are used for this by artillery observers and FDC alike.. Guys, I really respect the effort you have made to tell this incredible story. Nicely done.

[@chrisschmalhofer4348]

Your description of the pre-invasion bombardment brought to mind that line about “fighting in the shade”. I somehow doubt the Japanese had such a cavalier attitude about it at the time…

[@jamesthompson8133]

Wow! It would have really sucked to have been a Japanese soldier during these landings. This shows how important the losses and the lessons 😮of the battle on Betio was. Another wonderful job guys!! Thanks to John for visiting!

[@Zephyrmec]

Great work gentlemen, algorithm food

[@DalonCole]

Up to 20k. Looking good guys

[@Thumpalumpacus]

Dr McManus always offers great insights. Looking forward to his returns. ETA: RE Marine Corps 2030, it is premised on holding island bases for use as missile depots, but sacrifices mobility. In a way, it's a return to the base-defense concept of the Marines 100 years ago. I can't help but wonder if it doesn't open us up to the island-hopping strategy we employed so well in WWII PTO.

[@kylecarmichael5890]

Thank you gentlemen for a great presentation on the taking of the Marshall Islands. I feel this is a classic example of "Why not have both quality and quantity" of forces. An example of good C&C, logistics, support, planning, and well trained soldiers can do when it all works together.

[@charlesmoffat8998]

Thank you gentlemen i really enjoyed this. I lived on Kwaj for a year in 2018 and saw the remains of the guns, buildings and some of underwater wrecks. I often tried to imagine what it would have been like for the men on both sides. We were still finding XO's almost daily during construction. Including an pineapple Granade found on top a dirt pile we dug up the day before. Crazy stuff these men were incredibly brave!

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

There was a fine book on Saipan extremely critical of H M Smith. I would look forward to your in depth look at him. Thanks to you and your guest for another fine presentation

[@william_toti]

We will be covering this

[@stefanlaskowski6660]

What wonderful synchronicity! I've read six of Mr. McManus' books over the past couple of years, and am currently about 25% through Island Infernos. McManus is a fine writer, and I particularly like that he pays more attention to logistics than most authors. I'm looking forward to reading the final book in what so far has been a superb trilogy.

[@JohnDoe-ff2fc]

I just had a thought pop into my head. how is it that the US could provide the materials to fight in the Pacific AND Europe? Raw materials (food included), labor, manufacturing, keeping the citizens' support, diplomatic wrangling,.... It's nothing short of a miracle. That would likely require several episodes

[@therealniksongs]

A free people, united in the belief in what they were fighting for, unparalleled productive capacity, and too far from their enemies to have their factories bombed. Sadly, it appears that nation no longer exists. See the "War Factories" series.

[@SKILLED_two]

Thanks for teaching us cool stuff, John.

[@troystaunton254]

I am all the way here for this.

[@barnentertain]

Thank you for another excellent talk. John McManus was an excellent guest and i shall be seeking his book(s). Congratulations on 20 K subscribers! Feel grateful i found you fellows early. Looking forward to the '44 season.

[@F4FWildcat]

My uncle made the invasion of the Philippines and Okinawa. When you cover those operations, I will share what I know about his experiences. I can tell you, they did not pass a "dead" Japanese combatant, without making sure they were really dead.

[@larryezell5106]

Eugene B Sledge said those guys were on "posum duty'.

[@williampage622]

Very good, very informative, thanks

[@hdfoster5507]

I think that "Howlin' Mad" should have been relieved after this operation and not allowed to command men in combat again. He was just plain nuts and didn't care a whit about the men under him. He was like Custer, 'ride to the sound of the guns and casualties be damned. And, he hated the Army.

[@brushhogg1]

The ubiquitous 5"/38 triumphs again. From the conning tower shot off Pearl to Leyte that 5" really whupped that ass.. Capt Bill's evaluation of naval rifle effectiveness is right on as per usual

[@dougp6664]

I hear the word 'logistics' a lot. Are there any plans for an episode touching specifically on the supply train that made this Pacific effort possible?

[@Sshooter444]

My great uncle George Smith was there, 49th FA, 7th ID

[@ph89787]

Flintlock also marked the return of Air Group 10 to combat aboard Enterprise.

[@scottcampo7348]

Another great episode. I hope you add Ian Toll to your long list of historians to your discussion about the Pacific War

[@billechols7136]

Great show gentlemen.

[@benjaminfrazier5419]

MAN!!! What a treat!!! I ALWAYS learn something from the work of you gentlemen!! Been fascinated with WW2 history, especially the Pacific Theater of operations as a child!! Your podcasts are excellently done, well researched and brilliantly executed!! This former Marine is recommending your unit and all attached personnel for a meritorious mast! 🦅🌎⚓️

[@jammininthepast]

Thanks Gentlemen, I always enjoy you, Seth, Captain and Mr. Mcmanus. Well done. You're appreciated and Sempre Fi.

[@saenole66]

Great guest in John McManus. The lessons learned at Betio served Operation Flintlock well.

[@richardschaffer5588]

The expert/author w/knowledgeable hosts format is EXCELLENT. It is impossible to know everything about something as big as WWII this format gets around that. I wish there had been more about the pre invasion operations and the offshore navy plan to deal with the IJN if they showed up.

[@xflyingtiger]

Thanks a lot for another great "unauthorized" history program. I look forward to these.

[@dummre83]

Yea John McManus awesome. Thanks guys love your videos.

[@CodeElement190]

Not sure everyone is aware, Steven Spielberg & Tom Hanks "Masters of the Air" finally has a release date on January 26, 2024. I don't know if Seth or Bill knew any US Army Air Veterans and technically would be out of scope for the channel, but it would be cool to have a special podcast episode on the Air War in Europe.

[@josephgilorma6979]

Perhaps focusing on airborne units in the PTO

[@mikeat2637]

One thing that I have always wished you gentlemen would touch on would be the "teeth-to-tail" conundrum present in modern warfare, which really became significant beginning in WW II. Throughout almost all of the ground warfare historical pieces I have read, this phenomena is not touched upon as much as it should. The direct combat formations are outnumbered by the members that keep the background work going. If you have John McManus on again in the future I think it would be a great subject to have a discussion. There have been so many instances of the units at the tip of the spear being bled dry of combat personnel during the war which can lead to an overall downgrading of their strength and abilities to perform their missions.

[@73Trident]

Great as usual, great guest and CONGRATULATIONS on 20k subscribers.👍👍👍👍

[@Steve-dg3md]

Ha! Do you mean .. like the Marines who had to stomach being under the command of Look At Me MacArthur?? Howling Smith was accustomed to having hard charging Marines in his command.... no cautious fighters here.😮

[@lafouche345]

Great guest ! In light of todays events …… your review of history is even more important.

[@dwilson540]

Great Show and thanks for the shout out to Eagle Scouts. My father fought as a Marine in the Pacific station on the USS Boston. I appreciate learning a little about his story and life during that time.

[@kaylemoine1571]

Couldn't wait.

[@therealuncleowen2588]

It was very considerate of the Japanese to get started on that bomber capable runway for us. Isn't that the story of the Pacific War? Japan builds airbase, Americans take it.

[@skipdreadman8765]

That's an interesting perception. The Japanese failed to build runways on some notable occasions. For instance; while the Americans were able to build a functional airfield on Adak Island, the Japanese failed horribly at trying to build an airfield on nearby Kiska. The Japanese relied on A6M seaplanes (Zeros with floats) to defend their garrison and shipping in the Aleutians. The Japanese could build airfields under good conditions, but struggled with expeditionary construction or unusual conditions.

[@therealuncleowen2588]

@@skipdreadman8765 Well yes, the Americans were far better at building things in harsh conditions than the Japanese. I wasn't commenting on that fact. I was simply observing that when the Japanese did build an airfield, the Americans usually took it from them.

[@MartinMcAvoy]

I did not know much about this campaign before but I do now! Extra points for Seth as he pronounced Worcester properly! 😀

[@jimb9063]

I think the place name is pronounced the same same both sides of the pond. First time I've heard North Americans pronounce Canberra with the emphasis on the first syllable was on this channel though!

[@scottsherman6889]

Hey Bill, your voice sounds better. Hope you’re getting better and we’re praying for you.

[@timborchers6303]

Good episode, John is great. Wanted to note one important lesson learned from Tarawa. The Marines, in my mind, had a bad plan at Tarawa because they failed to concentrate. The red beaches were concave in places and were about 1500 yards wide, which dispersed the attack. The Marines could have landed two regiments abreast on Green Beach, about 600 yards, and advanced down the island. The Army got it right two months later. There has been limited criticism of the Tarawa plan, but it’s worth noting and save by the bravery of the Marine riflemen. This type of landing does have its disadvantages but better allows for concentrated fire support, easy rotation of units , etc.

[@dougmyers9162]

I’m so enjoying the content of this channel. Great format; you guys are doing a wonderful job. A couple ideas to consider: how about doing an episode on the logistics performed by the US in producing, bringing, and supporting the massive amount of ships, aircraft, personnel, munitions, food and the other necessary supplies into the Pacific Theater. Maybe it’s too boring of a topic…but there might be interest by your viewers in this topic. Hopefully, you’ll continue offering insight into what was going in the minds of the Japanese high command watching their navy and army getting absolutely crushed by the US and it’s allies at every step from 1943 until the end of the war. Why did they keep fighting as hard as they did? To westerners, their choices seemed antithetical, but they continued onward until the bitter end. Lastly, consider discussing the effects of the heavy use of propaganda by both sides and how it impacted the tip-of-the-spear: the sailors, solders, (and US Marines) on both sides.

[@brushhogg1]

I have read that Flintlock was the epitome of Island assaults and afterwards, although the lessons learned thru the Solomons and Gilberts were still applicable, the nature of the fighting had changed with the huge mountainous and complex islands starting with the Marianas....

[@snook279]

Once again thank you so much for all the great information.

[@bryanhoffman9255]

As always, your podcast is very educational.

[@kaylemoine1571]

Oh boy! I get to enjoy today. See you later.❤

[@USSBB62]

Captain Tori: Beautiful and concise explanation of Direct and Indirect Fire. We shot at a Target Destroyer at 2500 yards and several 16" rounds just skipped on the water and went over the target using direct fire. Can you imagine 1700 lbs.skipping on water. Change subject; My son-in-law was a Major in 1st. Tanks Twenty nine palms. He retired about a year ago after participating in the demobelizing and decommissioning of 1st. Tanks. Do let us know when you figure the new doctrine out if possible ?

[@johnbullard902]

Thanks for these wonderful Pacific theater accounts. I listen with great interest but also with regret--that my dad who was a Pacific vet is no longer here to listen with me. He was in the 1st Cavalry division in the Philippines--and he was a B.A.R. man. Combat promoted to Sergeant He was later in the first wave to enter Japan after the surrender.

[@robertmoffitt1336]

I just recently finished John's trilogy on the U.S. Army's history in the pacific in WWII on audiobook, and it is a tremendous series. It really is, for me, undiscovered territory concerning WWII history. Fantastic audiobooks, and if he had done 12 books, I'd have audiobooked all of them! Super, super trilogy, I can't recommend them enough!

[@brianhoover2294]

It’s great that you’ve added an episode with Professor McManus (hopefully more to come). One question I’ve always had, and I’m sure it’s been asked and answered in the past, but why were LVTs and other armored landing craft used so successfully in the Pacific not also deployed more prominently for amphibious landings in Europe? I know they were used to some extent at Normandy, but one wonders what difference they might have made for the American assault troops at Omaha Beach or for the Canadians at Juno Beach had they been used in greater numbers? Would they not have stood up to heavier German anti-tank and anti-ship artillery? LVTs were used to a larger extent by Montgomery in the Battle of the Scheldt and most significantly in the crossing of the Rhine as part of Operation Plunder.

[@robertwatson9359]

Habitually get up at 4am on Tuesdays, not that I enjoy your presentations.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Get some sleep!

[@Cometkazie]

John McManus is a terrific addition.

[@SaundersE5]

Every episode is a history lesson. Thanks!

[@tylerrose4416]

Just saw John give a speech in my hometown, was really good. Highly recommend his works

[@fernandodelrio2582]

Really love this episode! Well, I love all your episodes. You are great, and so are your invites. It's really a pleasure watch your videos

[@bigstevesnostalgiadragraci4240]

Excellent podcast, maybe your best yet. Until now, although good you guys have been Navy centered, and the Pacific war was so much wider. Great job! Keep them coming.

[@parrot849]

Wonderful episode guys, Thank you. Mr. McMannus was a great guest. He is a military historian and author who has that ability, and many great authors don’t have, the ability to orally present the material that is so brilliantly set forth in written form. Just a quick question, why couldn’t Admiral Nimitz have spoken to General Smith or if that wasn’t sufficient, to the current Commandant of the Marine Corps at that period of time when General Smith was stirring up so much animosity between the two services in the PTO in order to get Smith to shut his mouth. Bill, Seth; Any thoughts? General Smith’s continued “fictitious” negative and caustic public comments regarding US Army performance could have been interpreted as a major detriment to overall theater morale and giving aid and comfort to the enemy.

[@markoconnell3507]

As it is,streight and to the point 👍

[@TheBurr75]

Just found these ...they're great

[@pizzafrenzyman]

Kwajalein highlighted the need for infantry to have tactical input into armor usage. The first day or two, tankers were ordered to move only as directed by Regiment (Battalion?) HQs, so tankers would stop when they reached their objectives. Infantry would beg the tankers to hit specific targets, but without success, until orders came down on high.

[@JohnnyWalker-xs7yo]

Guys, I continue to learn. Much appreciated. Excuse my ignorance if I’m supposed to address you in a specific way due to your service & thank you as well for that.

[@pizzafrenzyman]

Several Admirals stated the Majuro was the best natural harbor in all of the Pacific.