We Answer MORE of Your Questions-Episode 335

This week, Seth, Bill and new guest, retired US Army Major Shawn Bergstrom return to answer another round of your questions. In this final episode of season 3, we get into some cool topics that include, the fate of battleships, the morality and necessity of liberating the Philippines, and more. Tune in and see if your question is one of the ones we answer. Season 4 starts in three weeks.
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[@xflyingtiger]

"If anybody's guilty everybody is guilty." I agree. My dad was a B-29 Flight Engineer, and the two bombs saved his life. Thanks guys. You are awesome.

[@mollybell5779]

No, Captain Toti, you didn't take too long at ALL explaining how you got into submarines. Interesting and somewhat amusing story.

[@richardbennett1856]

A great boss is a blessing. Captain Todi is representative of a professional Master and Commander. It's why the USN is still keeping the peace, and a big reason the Cold War was ended.

[@mollybell5779]

​@@richardbennett1856Amen to all that. Go Navy!

[@christopherj.osheav5807]

AMEN!

[@dennisweidner288]

You are absolutely correct about the bombing. And for the reason given -- it gave the Emperor the reason he needed to end the War. And for that reason, millions of Japanese lives were saved. Not only by avoiding the invasion but by preventing a mass famine that was shaping up on the Home Islands. Also important to mention is that it was the Japanese who began bombing civilians in 1931 and continued doing so until the American war effort made it impossible for them to continue. Anyone who thinks that a country should not bomb civilians when its enemy is doing so is living in fantasy land. The Japanese killed something like 20 million people (mostly women, children, and the elderly) in World War II. The only way that killing was stopped was the application of raw industrial power on the Japanese nation. The same is true of Germany which killed even more civilians. It is important to understand that over 90 percent of the civilians killed in World War II were killed by the Axis powers and that killing only stopped when those two countries surrendered. Notice that people who criticize the bombing, never tell us how the War could be ended with less loss of life. The only war crime that America could have committed, was to have not turned its massive industrial power toward destroying those two evil regimes.m

[@johnemmert9012]

That's a point I have repeatedly had to make to my undergraduate students. The lack of perspective or context (and even outright lies) about the timeline of the Japanese surrender means that many of the other actions of the war get glossed over and forgotten.

[@niesenjohn]

The bomb was going to be used: that is the nature of things. You don’t spend all that money and create a weapon like that and not use it. It’s horrific power and consequences after needed to be seen to establish the as of yet unreached threshold to use it again. In no time in history could it have been used to SAVE so many lives. Plus, the fire bombing of Tokyo killed far more in just as horrific of ways that first night. I always tell people if they want to argue for useless death and possible war crimes you’ve got the wrong bombing raid.

[@dennisweidner288]

@@johnemmert9012 I find math a good way of clarifying issues. I think one misunderstanding young people have about the War is that most people were killed by the bombing. Actually, bombing is down the list of killing methods and among the most inefficient and expensive. Only about 0.5 million Germans were killed by bombing at great cost in men and material in a war that killed some 60 million people. The Germans found many much more efficient ways of killing people. The Japanese were a little different because their cities were largely made of wood and paper houses. Even so, only about 1.0 million Japanese were killed in the bombing in a war that the Japanese 1) launched, 2) began the bombing of civilians, and 3) killed over 20 million Asians.

[@TehSlaw]

I see all the time on social media and KZbin people saying that the bombings were completely unnecessary and that it was ONLY the Soviet invasion of Manchuria that led to Japan's surrender. They don't understand that they're parroting an actual Soviet propaganda point. There is some evidence that the invasion of Manchuria DID have an effect on Japan's surrender. However the majority of the evidence points to the bombs being the decisive act. A lot of people seem to be pushing back against that nowadays but to me the evidence clearly shows that the bombings led to surrender although I believe the Soviet invasion of Manchuria also helped.

[@dennisweidner288]

@@TehSlaw Your assessment is 100 percent correct. There are a lot of woke voices denying this. It reflects the fact that our universities are dominated by Marxist professors determined to attack America at every chance and to promote anti-Semitism,

[@adotare9180]

Speaking of the Barb, I’m still very happy that the Navy is commissioning a new Barb.

[@UPNilesCyn]

And "Thunder Below" is one of the best Submarine stories of WWII. Who needs fiction with real heros like Morton, O'Kane and Fluckey!

[@michaelowens772]

Your discussion of the atomic bomb is spot on. Nothing to celebrate but that terrible decision saved lives.

[@genenoud9048]

Enterprises crew of enlisted, needed a break . They had been out at sea, turning and burning for a long time. Who ever wrote that question has never been on a ship , pulling 2 4 hours watches and a 8 hour work day... not to mention general quarters... even 12 on 12 off that's a 84 hour work week. In the engine rooms that can get over 130 degs. In waters off of Cuba. Acute or chronic stress and loss of focus it builds up.

[@andrews2990]

Yeah that was probably one of the stupidest most-uneducated out of touch questions I’ve ever heard.

[@johnfleet235]

You right about the crew needing a break, but they also need the crew to teach the new group of officers and sailors about fighting the war in the Pacific. It was also helpful in getting the Essex and Independence carriers ready for combat. The yard can document the weaknesses that were being fixed in Enterprise and make sure the new carriers don't have those weak spots.

[@colinellis5243]

Thanks John Glenn! Airforce's loss was definitely Navy's gain

[@jamespaffenroth5148]

I think an underlying reason that King had it out for Fletcher was that he lost Lexington at Coral Sea, which had been Kings ship when he was an O6. I’ve read King loved Lexington and this may have been a contributing factor.

[@davidhobbs5421]

Halsey also got along with MacArthur and they played well together. Fletcher was tagged as not agressive enough. That was not something Halsey was ever accused of. Perhaps the Admiral that that should have given way on the fifth star for Spruance was Leahy. The thing, as I understand it, about five star "retirement" was that they didn't. They were on active status, and full pay, for life. As a compromise, Spruance, although remaining a four star, was also on active status and full pay for life. These opinions are based on my memories from reading Morison.

[@jetdriver]

So based on my reading King’s dislike of Fletcher started pre war as he moved in and out of the Bureau of Navigation. King regarded Fletcher as politically connected and needless to say Fletcher wasn’t a SOB which was the kind of person King liked. Once in command a combination of factors doomed Fletcher. First King has started out not liking him. Second he wasn’t aggressive enough (and for King it would have required stupid levels of aggression to make him happy which would have failed making him unhappy). Fourth you had guys like Jocko Clark who hated having a Black Shoe in command of carriers and never wasted a chance to pour poison in Kings ear regarding Fletcher. Fifth there were some legitimate questions around how Fletcher handled his force at Coral Sea driven by the fact that those ashore assumed Fletcher knew everything they did when he didn’t. That Nimitz after interviewing Fletcher had full confidence in him and told King as much didn’t fully resolve the issue in King’s mind since he didn’t fully trust Nimitz yet either. Sixth after Savo Island Turner who was an adept political Admiral managed to blame Fletcher for the biggest defeat in Navy history which was under his command. Fletcher being more interested in winning a war than self promotion didn’t see this as the threat it was. Of course the anti-Fletcher drumbeat coming from aviators who were certain that they would have won brilliant smashing victory after brilliant smashing victory of only they and their 20-20 hindsight had been in command never let up and Fletcher coming home for a rest was all the opportunity King needed to bury him. It’s such shame because Fletcher was a truly outstanding commander in Nimitz’s own mold. Consider that in the first three carrier vs carrier battles in history he took a USN force that wasn’t remotely as operationally proficient as its IJN foe (an opponent which was unarguably the best in world at that time in the realm of carrier operations) and managed to go 3-0 sinking 4 fleet and two light carriers for the loss of 2 US fleet carriers on of which if not for a serious damage control failure should have survived. Guys like Mitscher and Jocko Clark look great because they had the luxury of commanding the big blue fleet. Yes they performed brilliantly in that role. But the degree of difficulty isn’t even remotely close to what Fletcher faced commanding an untried force with an evolving and still paper thin doctrinal playbook that still had a lot to learn.

[@jpjohn13]

@@jetdriver Very well said.

[@Zcp105]

​@jetdriver I've always been an admirer and defender of Frank Jack Fletcher and that's the best defense of the man that I've ever seen. My impression is that King viewed the aborted mission of wake as a confirmation for his pre-war reasons not to like Fletcher, and unfortunately, King was the kind of man where once you were on his bad side, there was no getting off of it. From then on, every battle Fletcher fought that didn't go perfectly, King had another excuse to dislike and discredit him.

[@hdfoster5507]

Seals and classified info could be a barrier to writing anything about them.?

[@LokiLaughs2]

Admiral King "This honey badger only castrated 2 lions this month. Not aggressive enough"

[@philb7789]

My first episode was learning about the Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal and wow how far you guys have come! Watched every episode and can’t believe you guys are up to season 4. Best part of Tuesdays is when the new episodes drop. Great work gents.

[@Hillhouse1956]

Another fantastic episode. And for the next movie, definitely the two naval battles off guadalcanal! I have watched those episodes multiple times and still enjoy them.

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

Seth and Bill I enjoy your candor and knowledge answering the questions. Well done Shawn on keeping the proceedings flowing. 100% once again.

[@dennisweidner288]

As to who was in command when the strikes against the Japanese carriers were sent off and hit the Japanese --it was Fletcher. Spruance did not have command until AFTER Kaga, Akagi, and Soryu were hit and destroyed.

[@jpjohn13]

Yeah, not sure I understand what point Seth was making. The battle was won on the 4th with Fletcher in charge. Spruance did well by not losing it on the 5th & 6th.

[@dennisweidner288]

@@jpjohn13 But Seth said the battle was won with Spruence in charge. Which is incorrect. What you say about Sorience is correct.

[@madrigraal]

Hi guys, love your show. Small correction (perhaps as you know more about WW2 than I ever will) I believe that the Poles were responsible for getting the Enigma machine to the Brits. Cheers fron your friends in Canada.

[@kemarisite]

I believe that was the first. The Germans later added an additional rotor, and it was the British who captured a copy of the newer version with the additional rotor.

[@Tuning3434]

Obligatory comment to feed the algorithm. Thank you all for this great podcast. I'm mostly absorbing it via podcast (and still have some catching up to do as I just hit the Luzon invasion episodes), and you Seth, Bill and honorary member Jon have been accompanying me over hundreds of kilometers walking, thousands kilometers of biking and car drives, days of house-choirs and generally giving me a lot better understanding of how the Pacific theater developed. As a Dutchie with a general interests in history, and naval history specifically, I was aware of subjects. But your channel is the first one that really made me able to connect the dots, and at time pleasantly surprised me with things I never realized, making me eager to hear and learn more. Especially Bill's personal tour of Pearl Harbour was a real highlight, that I thoroughly consumed as a visual episodes. Can't wait for season 4, eager to learn what amazing guest hosts you will feature and cannot wait to enjoy the sun with your knowledge accompanying me.

[@zedoktor979]

Very excited for this one, gentleman. Thanks for preserving history, a couple hours at a time.

[@devjaxvid]

Need to start a “Bilge Pump” drinking game!

[@Brock-vs3xg]

I’m way ahead of you, and several shots in already. What do we want … BILGE PUMPS … what do we need … BILGE PUMPS … BILGE PUMPS … BIGLE PUMPS!!! Cheers!

[@user-lj6fu6rc5j]

When you announced that the next 2 episodes would be Q and A I was disappointed, but after viewing them I found them very interesting. Thanks for all your time investment in these!

[@jimbo16720]

When I think WWII I think of the Pacific theatre because all my relatives fought there. My dad was navy the stores ship Cybele, his brother navy went down on the Indy, and my other uncle was marine security. That's the reason this site has been of interest to me.

[@petestorz172]

Re the flaws of McA, Halsey, Spruance and more, there probably was some element of what Lincoln is supposed to have said about Grant, "I can’t spare this man; he fights."

[@lynndonharnell422]

The Atlantic convoy movie was The Cruel Sea.

[@guestmatejek9029]

Sean, btw, is doing a great job as moderator. Thank you, I am really enjoying his perspective.

[@MadLudwig]

One likely reason the "Slot" was not mined could be the double edged effect of obstacles. They not only deny freedom of movement to enemy forces, but also to friendly forces. They should also be covered by direct fire to have maximum value. Given the narrow area, which limited maneuverability for both friendly and enemy vessels, the risks and constraints may have factored into the decision not to employ mines.

[@saoirseewing4877]

Thank you very much, gentlemen. Not only for the Q&A episode, but for three wonderful seasons. And not only for the two of you at the heart of it, but all the other experts who've contributed so much.

[@morganhale3434]

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!!

[@MrElliotc02]

Last week you agreed the Pelilieu was the worst""mistake" of the Pacific Campaign.May I suggest the Aleutions. Without any stragetic value, required Japanese resupply subjest to American inderdiction, it would have been starved out. Instead, we invaded with very substantal casualties, albeit from trenchfoot and pneumonia. Thoughts?

[@richardbennett1856]

The Aleutians was wasteful, but they didn't decimate the best Marine division for an objective.

[@josepetersen7112]

*And some combat. Not every island was abandoned.

[@seanhall8686]

I am surprised that there isn't a modern movie or miniseries about the naval battles around Guadalcanal. Aside from being important history about a very hard fought campaign, the night battles would be absolutely terrifying with modern production and effects.

[@StylinandProfilinBBsandBBQ]

I would have bet $100 that’s that what Seth was going to say.

[@hc6368]

There should be a BoB type movie. Cactus was our " best " moment too

[@nkgoodal]

Miniseries would be great. Maybe a "The Pacific" tie-in that covers the naval battles. Maybe with some cutting back and forth to some scenes from that mini-series. To understand the Guadalcanal, I think you've got to get the sense that it was "Multi-Domain" with land, sea and air actions.

[@dankelly2147]

An ok Blue Jacket, I find your series has rounded out my understanding of the Pacific War wonderfully, providing valuable insights. Among other things, it has served to give me a much deeper appreciation for several personalities I was honored to serve under in 7th Fleet during my service in 1963-1967, (in particular “Red” Carmody). You’ve become my Tuesday morning go-to. Thanks for the hard work fellows!

[@mkaustralia7136]

Remember the Enigma machine was first broken by the Poles. The Book “XYZ” is absolutely fascinating history of this. They brought an Enigma machine and the tables for cracking the code to the UK. Many of these people actually stayed in occupied France continuing to send information to the UK.

[@farmrrick]

I think the atomic bombs saved the Japanese as a people . They would have fought to the last person if their country was invaded.

[@keithrosenberg5486]

quote> The Queen of Battles of the Pacific War, lifting the crown from the battleship (which had never worn it in combat), was the aircraft carrier. In contrast to the long peacetime gestation of the battleship, the carrier leaped almost at birth into relentless combat. Edward L. Beach, Captain U.S.N.(ret) - “The United States Navy - 200 Years”

[@chuckhillier4153]

From some of what I have read, the reason for the Pacific War was to provide Japan with Sumatra and Java. I wonder what the history of Sumatra and Java is 1942-1945?

[@therealuncleowen2588]

I'm sure things were perfectly fine under Japanese occupation.🙄

[@TheBruceGday]

Last week, the Unauthorized History of the Pacific War team was asked Yamato+Musashi v. NJ+Iowa? They said Iowas, hands down. They had reasons. Drach did a hypothetical of TF34 v. Center Force at Samar. He picked TF34. He gave reasons. Ryan Symanski just responded to the question, “Were the Iowas overrated?” Why or why not. I think having Drach, Ryan, Seth, Captain Totti, and Jon Parshall doing a round table about the Iowas being overrated? And TF34 v. Center Force at Samar, and Yamato + Musashi v. Iowas would be interesting.

[@gustaloni3107]

You guys go from being great to being magnificent. Thanks.

[@johnemmert9012]

Regarding the war crimes comment on the atomic (and fire) bombings, it is interesting to note that practically no aviator or air commander was ever tried for the use of aircraft against civilian targets. The Luftwaffe officers tried for war crimes usually had to do to being involved in anti-partisan operations or their connection to the Holocaust. Much like Doenitz being acquitted of unrestricted submarine warfare on Nimitz's insistence, my interpretation of the war crimes tribunals is that they recognized that they needed to apply a relatively consistent (as the mixed bag of prosecuting nations truly could) legal parameter for the most egregious crimes of the Axis powers, while not prosecuting Axis officers for accepted practices in times of war. Unfortunately for the victims of it, area bombing was accepted by both sides as a method of war by 1941, and the Allies simply were able to build bigger airplanes in larger numbers that would fit that grisly mission profile very, very well.

[@davidhobbs5421]

War crimes prosecutions are even more political than most criminal prosecutions. As was stated, LeMay knew he would have been prosecuted if we had lost. I would cite Yamashita's trial and execution as an example. They got even more political in Europe.

[@jammininthepast]

Thanks gentlemen, I value your work. You're appreciated.

[@petestorz172]

Adding (?) a little more to the submarine resources issue discussion, for much of 1942 the USN had a problem with skippers who were overly cautious. Also in 1942 and into 1943, a number of the boats deployed were S-boats, which were more suited to coastal defense and limited close-in regional operations. These were also old and less than reliable mechanically. S-boats were replaced as Gato-class boats came into the theater, meaning that for a time new boats did not grow the number of boats available for patrols.

[@kawiemer]

Really enjoying the Q&A towards the end of the season. Great questions asked and answers to fill in the holes.

[@davidhoward3970]

Happy Midway Day, Captain Toti.

[@christopherj.osheav5807]

Bingo!

[@cragnamorra]

I think the surface naval campaign during Guadalcanal would make a great series. The landings. Savo Island. Cape Esperance. An episode focused on the Tokyo Express supply efforts. Command crisis: Halsey relieves Ghormley. The bombardment of Henderson. Barroom Brawl. Climax finale: The Night the Giants Rode.

[@BoneIdolUK]

Excellent comment. I've thought for a while that Denis Villeneuve would make Giant's Night look amazing

[@UPNilesCyn]

and unhappy Coda at Tassforonga......

[@josepetersen7112]

I will have my usual aneurism pointing out that Gilbert Hoover did nothing wrong and that he was the most capable surface warfare officer the navy had in that campaign (possibly barring Willis Lee).

[@carstenwagner3355]

One question: What do you do, when you come to the end of the war? Will you just stop making this podcast (I don't hope so)? Will you shift the topic to more, let's say specific aspects of the Pacific War? Cover some campaigns in more detail? Do you have any ideas about this at all? Thanks for your answer.

[@yumazster]

I was thinking about it too. I definitely do not want this show to end and I would be fascinated to hear Bill and Seth's thoughts on other war theatres, even though the channel says Pacific.

[@gregpfaffe4098]

They will hopefully be helping ALT. HOLLYWOOD make accurate and very important historical movies

[@petestorz172]

Ironically, the success of the PH attack precluded the hypothetical Decisive Battle around which IJN had built its fleet.

[@editorjuno]

I appreciate Capt. Toti's shout-out to the merchant mariners who, among other things, kept the UK in the war. My mother's older brother died crossing the Atlantic from New York to Liverpool when the rickety old freighter he crewed was torpedoed in the summer of 1941 and I never got to meet him.

[@davidlavigne207]

Gentlemen, these were all great questions and thought provoking answers. Thank you Bill and Seth. To Shawn I say "Scouts out!" from a former member of the 2/17th Air Cavalry Squadron, the 110th Air/Armored Cavalry Squadron and the 4/278th Air Cavalry Squadron, Part of the 278th ACR. I ask this to you Sir: Name me one other American Soldier or General who received the Medal of Honor for a defeat and retreat from battle? I realize that this was a political move on the part of President Roosevelt, but I cannot forgive him for this in my soldier's heart. I have seen too many of my fellow soldiers sacrificed and never awarded anything like this honor to understand it. The honor that he received belongs to the many soldiers who served under him than to anything he did IMHO. Glad that you are aboard to ask the difficult questions all the same.

[@user-mp7wx5kx6m]

Bill, Please elaborate how the "Chinese get some relief and how that cascades in China with all those deaths"? I don't believe an invasion of Formosa/Taiwan would have affected the CIB Theater in the timeframe (late '44-early '45) being discussed. In addition, an invasion of F/T would have caused many Chinese deaths as well since the majority of the population were Chinese. Truly appreciate your, Seth and your guests discussions/thoughts!

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

The potential to draw mainland Japanese forces away from engagement with the Chinese

[@mdcampbell7360]

Concerning a biography of Ernest Evans, "Destroyer Captain: The Life of Ernest E. Evans", co-written by the great James Hornfischer & his son David is due in August. Also, "Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945" by Evan Thomas has Evans as one of the four commanders that it highlights and goes pretty deep into his biography.

[@robertdendooven7258]

Just a notice that frequent channel guest Jon Parshall will be watching and critiquing the 1976 Midway movie on the "Based on a True Story Podcast" at 11:20 AM today (June 4.)

[@lancewallace3680]

Anyone who complained about the various battles off the Philippines obviously has not paid attention to your stories about Midway, Guadalcanal, etc. Many stories you guys have done has been spread over 2 or more episodes because there was just too much to tell for one episode. You guys are doing it right. Carry on.

[@barrygeekler6458]

Always Awesome! Thank you!

[@curtismoore776]

These episodes were needed you guys. I thoroughly enjoyed them and learned from them. Excellent job as always.

[@Les537]

Thanks, boys. Rock on.

[@MrNicoJac]

1:08:00 I think the more important factor is comparative information advantage. As defenders, you only need to remain in your bunker or foxhole, and shoot. You already know where you are and where all your friends are, because you've seen your positions in daylight and walked around the area for months. Just like I can make my way around my own living room in the dark but you couldn't - it's that same idea. As the attackers, you have to do a whole lot more with a whole lot less. You have to 1) not bump into other landing craft on your way to the beach, 2) get your bearings on a beach you've never seen before, 3) find enemy positions, 4) take them out, 5) while avoiding friendly fire and 6) preferably while providing covering fire. If you need 7) naval gunfire or 8) resupply, good luck. If you need 9) an aid station or 10) coordinate with another commander, you'll be fumbling around in the dark. And most importantly of all, you don't know where you're going. You don't know whether you're stepping on a log or a crab or a Japanese or a grenade. So the darkness would hamper the defenders and benefit the attackers in some ways, sure. But in many many more ways, it would help the defenders and thwart the attackers. That's why it's less-crazy to attack during daylight. (although I wonder what would've happened if they attacked later in the day, so you have a couple of hours to get a beach head, but are less-tired when the counter attack comes - I suppose this wasn't done because you'd have less time to have the navy blast away their defenses and less margin before you'd be driven back into the sea; and if they still had pre-ranged artillery pieces up, you're screwed)

[@user-jt4uf4ty7b]

Thanks guys love the series!

[@kentiffany8872]

Great stuff! Thanks alot. You opened up utube and a whole new universe of reading for me.

[@yumazster]

I was used to the continuing narration of the campaigns but Q&A is where you show your historian chops guys. Depth of knowledge and flexibility of minds on display. Bravo!

[@chrismcleod9748]

Chops?

[@yumazster]

@@chrismcleod9748 Aptitude, skills, ability.

[@MikeAltman66]

The best conversation of a great series! Thank you for your service to the heroic people who fought the greatest battles in history!

[@stevenrogge964]

Wow!! What a great discussion. Thanks for doing this and Shawn was a great addition.

[@user-hw1qo2mu9e]

Thank you, gentlemen.

[@bjohnson515]

Great information on all levels and in all episodes!!

[@joseclemente7199]

Hi Seth and Capt. Bill! Great episode. I’m from the Philippines. We pronounce Lingayen with the emphasis on the first syllable. Hope that helps! Love the podcast!

[@73Trident]

Great job men. Thanks for all your hard work and insight. You always make my Tuesday.

[@James-qi3tb]

Love your show. It over the season you have become the mates I have never actually met. Awesome style of show, and I learn lots every week.

[@Perfusionist01]

There were some great questions and answers presented. Thanks to all three of you!

[@douglaskillock3537]

Another grea episode. Thanks to all who participated in the production of these episodes

[@hektor6766]

That good-natured joshing was 100% pure John Glenn.

[@billechols7136]

Great show gentlemen.

[@dougcastleman9518]

I really appreciate you guys, and all of your expertise.

[@guestmatejek9029]

Thank you, I love these Q&A episodes!

[@jonculp3080]

What a way to end season 3 guys!, absolutely loved the Q&A session. I'm looking forward to the CBI content coming up. Hopefully there will be an episode about the 1st Air Commando's, the supply flights over "the hump", and the Chindits raids. Let's not forget the battles of Imphal and Kohima! So much going on in this theater, not to mention the wider Pacific war! As a side note, my grandfather was a combat medic in the Army getting ready to embark a troop ship in San Diego to invade Japan when the atomic bombs dropped. I may well be able to write this today because of that event. He later on helped to to develop a medication called Insulin while working for Eli Lilly in Indianapolis. This was made possible by his degree from the University of Michigan paid for by the G.I. bill. How many lives were saved by the atomic bombs, who knows? Mine may have been, but also countless millions today. Keep up the great work, and looking forward to the next season!!!

[@kemarisite]

There is also the possibility that the use of the atomic bombs to end WW2 prevented their use later. A later use of atomic bombs might have been an exchange of bombs, possibly in Korea with the Russians using them to try to get the US to stop using them. Regarding Fletcher, I think its overstating the matter to say Spruance won the Battle of Midway. I may be parsing the timeline too finely, but the fact of the matter is that three Japanese carriers were on fire by the time Yotktown was hit and Fletcher relinquished tactical command to Spruance. That's a victory, and Fletcher was in command. What Spruance gets credit for is completing the victory (by getting the last cartier) and avoiding the opportunity to lose that victory during the night against Japanese surface forces. Regarding Guadalcanal, keep in mind that original planning was focused on "Tulagi and surrounding positions", not Guadalcanal. The Japanese had a sea plane base at Yulagi as early as May for Coral Sea, but did not land construction troops on Guadalcanal until July (IIRC), so Guadalcanal was a fairly late addition to the plan.

[@ronbyers9912]

McCarther's worst actions were pre-December 7 or immediately thee after. His command wasn't prepared to defend the Phillipines. That was his job.

[@ramal5708]

13:00 dunno why people talking so much about Dresden firebombing, but the Firebombing of Tokyo was more destructive than the Dresden bombing since most of the Tokyo urban area and houses mostly made out of wood and people inside got burnt easily, unlike in Dresden where the buildings are made out of bricks and concrete.

[@Antmann71]

Read slaughter house 5. Being bombed is never good if you there on the ground. So it goes..

[@lindabrashear57]

Not going to comment on whether Tokyo or Dresden was worse, but I will say that once a firestorm gets going, it doesn't matter what the buildings are made of--people may not have burned to death in a stone building, but they suffocated because the firestorm consumed all the oxygen. Either way, they died.

[@JohnnyWalker-xs7yo]

YSU grad, love y’all in addition to. +1 million pts

[@jonrolfson1686]

Seth, Bill, and Shawn - two great Q&A episodes. Answers were thoughtful, well reasoned, and well supported. Hope that you will team up again in future episodes.

[@christopherj.osheav5807]

DATELINE KYIV OBLAST Remarkable. Enlightening. Terrific Q&A. Thank you, gentleman. V/r - IB An American in Ukraine (2019 - Present)

[@Thumpalumpacus]

Shawn is right: all giants have feet of clay. Spielberg/Hanks need to make a movie of the Battle off Samar. And Shawn, you need to be on again! You're fantastic. Would love to see you regularly. ETA: Seth and the Capt, enjoy a little more time off from what are clearly busy schedules.

[@UPNilesCyn]

Just turn Hornfischer's "last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" into a screenplay!

[@Thumpalumpacus]

@@UPNilesCyn Absolutely, it's not only well-researched, but gripping readng as well.

[@douglasturner6153]

You left out the fact the Enterprise was Halseys favorite ship. That had to count for something. 😂😊👍

[@ph89787]

At least one of his favourites. As according to his memoirs. He mentioned that he was fond of Saratoga as well.

[@buzzyhardwood2949]

Excellent as always, gentlemen. My sincerest thanks for the time and effort Seth, Bill and guests put into each one of these podcast/broadcasts. I have learned so much from you two. I thought I knew a LOT about WWII. Now, not even close. You have brought to memory the heroism and dedication of literally hundreds of thousands soldiers, Marines and sailors. These are people and actions that must never be forgotten . Peace and blessings to you both and all who are involved in honoring our courageous ancestors who were “ just doing their jobs”.

[@ronauvil5118]

I'm hoping for a detailed future discussion regarding the possible use of chemical weapons both on on Iwo Jima and possibly the invasion of Japan itself. Also hoping to hear more about the use of mines on both sides either on land or sea.

[@bksfv6812]

Seht, Bill and Shawn, you guys are knocking these "Answering Viewers' Questions" episodes absolutely out of the park! Great job, and super interesting and informative content. Thank all three of you for these!

[@theswordguy5269]

Respectfully Mr. Paridon, you were incorrect that the Japanese would have attempted a coup against the emperor. They actually WERE in the process of attempting a coup, including kidnapping the emperor, when the lights literally went out. I would recommend the questioner who made the rather leading question about the atomic bombings being war crimes to, "The Last Mission," by Jim Smith and Malcolm McConnell. Elements of the Japanese military were more than willing to fight on after BOTH atomic bombings, even including the idea of taking the emperor into protective custody, destroying the surrender tapes that had yet to be broadcast, and fighting on. Only a blackout caused by an ultra long range B-29 strike of which Jim Smith was a crewmember interfered with those plans. As you pointed out, the atomic bombings, while horrific, actually saved lives in the long run, both American and Japanese. An interesting tidbit, as Mr. Smith's bomber stream hit the coast, they spotted small formation of B-29s on a reciprocal course. These were the Silverplate B-29s of the 309th inbound, Bock's Car among them.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

So we were right.

[@theswordguy5269]

@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar Yes, but you said that a coup would have occurred to keep Japan in the war. It was actually in progress. Apologies if I'm splitting hairs. I think you handled the leading question from the questioner very well. Thank you for keeping up the great work!

[@RKarmaKill]

Excellent

[@michaelsommers2356]

The US used a cipher machine called SIGABA. This used fifteen rotors; five did the enciphering, while the other ten controlled the rotation of the ciphering rotors. This was never broken by Germany or Japan. Germany tried, but quickly gave up. It was invented by Frank Rowlett. It was also never shared with our allies, including the British. An attachment allowed it to interoperate with the British TypeX cipher machine. I think the machine mentioned by Mr. Toti was the KL-47. SIGABA was used into the 1950s.

[@NVRAMboi]

Thank you gentlemen. I'm always learning on your channel. I said it once before, but Major Bergstrom is a great fit on this panel/team. Seamless integration. You guys make it seem as if he were born as a part of this channel from its inception.

[@tracyedwards5400]

I would love to see a mini series on the Guadalcanal campaign. Done well it would be awesome. Land, air and sea battles!

[@davidbrian2570]

Good morning from SC!

[@andrewpizzino2514]

The last two episodes superb

[@georgeblock745]

Knowing what would happen kept both sides of the perverbial button

[@dboconnor57]

All I have to do is hear Seth and Bill, and see their smiling faces, and I know I’m going to have a great evening. Thank you, dear gentleman, for your in-depth knowledge and insight. In my opinion, nobody does it better. Please take care of yourselves and keep up the brilliant work you do.

[@elwoodlodge7764]

Thanks, guys, for a couple of fun and interesting episodes. This has been a nice break but I ready for Season 4 to begin.🙂

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

It’ll be here soon enough. Recorded 403 today.

[@ReverendScaleModeler]

Another interesting episode! Great questions and great answers! Would love to see bios of any number of those individuals.

[@williamharvey8895]

Yay, Drachinefel length videos 🎉

[@cv6enterprises]

RE: SoDak and Enterprise at Santa Cruz. There was an article in The Hook magazine a few years ago on this very subject. Don't recall the names of the individuals, but as i recall, the gunnery officer of Enterprise approached SoDak's gunnery officer about SoDak getting all the credit for the "26" aircraft shot down. His feeling was that Enterprise had shot down most of them. After all, they had the best angle. SoDak's gunnery officer told him SoDak got the credit because the Navy was trying to justify the fast battleships existence by selling them as aircraft carrier escorts.

[@terrylawrence7498]

Spurs, Stetsen and Sabers. That is so cool. Our Country rocks. Great info. Keep at it . More maps.

[@nkgoodal]

Gents, great episode and Q&A. Might want to read the rest in the "Poindexter" voice, but I think it's interesting nonetheless. A quick note on cryptography in WWII. I retired as an Army Signal Officer and worked with a lot of encrypted systems, so this topic is a bit of a passionate area for me. Cryptography and cryptanalysis was a strong point for the Allies, as has been covered in many movies and books. The US had a system (SIGABA) that worked much like ENIGMA, but was much more secure and had a higher level of automation (a single machine could be used to encode and decode). It used a rotary encryption system, like ENIGMA, but had 15 rotors to ENIGMA's three. It also had some algorithmic advantages over ENIGMA. Bill's discussion on tabular (one-time pad) encryption systems is also critical. If you are trying to protect information, using one-time pads is the most secure method, but requires a lot of logistics. Combining that method with an encrypted system like SIGABA makes for an extremely secure communications system. SIGABA was only declassified in the mid-90s.

[@stevensparks3126]

Captain, the story of John Glenn taking you out of the Air Force and into the Navy is amazing. If you washed out as a pilot in the USAF Lord knows what they would had you doing, Semper Fi.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Agree

[@jmullner76]

Good episode boys.

[@bobkohl6779]

Eigma is a very tricky subject. The Polish had it and brought the basics to England long before a U Bost was captured with an Enigma decorder and tge rotaries

[@PalleRasmussen]

What about a movie on Johnny Walker? I know he was not American, but he was out of this world.

[@innovationsurvival]

Great series. Simply superb. Serious question: I have my father's WWII hand painted leather flight jacket. He flew 50 15th Air Army Air Force B17 missions out of Streperone Air Field, Italy. I would like to give it to a museum for display. It is in *beautiful* condition. Any suggestions?