Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy - Episode 412

This week Seth and Bill take a deep look at the man that some called the second most powerful man in the world during WWII. US Navy Admiral William D. Leahy's naval career, as well as diplomatic and advisory career are examined by the team as they go through the astounding rise of one of the United States' true leaders and great men. Tune in to see just how much power the first Fleet Admiral wielded and how much his influence and voice changed the course of history.
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[@williamcoolidge9884]

This episode is much needed. I count myself among the people who didn't know enough about this man.

[@v.mwilliams1101]

Agreed, his name is rarely mentioned. Most interesting and informative as usual. Thank you

[@henryplantagenet219]

Most beloved are Bills digressions. I am amazed how many people Bill knew and knows. He is a living memory of our history. And it is so great to have the possibilty to listen to him.

[@georgeburns7251]

You are so totally correct. These “ digressions” add so much of value.

[@StevenSeiller]

And add so much honor and dignity.

[@davidtrindle6473]

He’s very likable and a great communicator.

[@sulevisydanmaa9981]

​@@davidtrindle6473but seems to have an astmatic throat

[@tonybanke3560]

One of the reason why I watch. He a hoot.

[@steel5791]

I didn't merely 'enjoy' it; I chugged it, with a straw like a root beer float. Thank you for one more outstanding episode.

[@Ray-tg1sj]

I'm going to make a root beer float and rewatch this now. Thanks buddy 😊

[@Matt-416]

Same!! Rootbeer float is exactly what I need.

[@georgeburns7251]

What a way with words. I guess

[@esq_to_b8798]

Absolutely one of the best untold stories of WWIi, thanks for bringing this hero to us! You two are the best at bringing WWII of the Pacific to light!

[@briangibbs3774]

Commodore, I really enjoy your digressions. You tie the events of the war to the present day. As we all know, wars don't happen in a vacuum. Please continue your most excellent injections into the script.

[@nickhatcher7606]

As a Brit, i knew nothing about William D Leahy ... Now i do, what a great man ... thank you for this wonderful episode

[@PalleRasmussen]

Now the Royal Navy has had its share of good Admirals, but in WW2, it seems the Americans very much outdid everyone else combined in that department.

[@flparkermdpc]

I'm not British but, my knowledge of Admiral Leahy was very limited,too. To the point that I was thinking about skipping it. What a bad idea. Your comment saved me from a grievous mistake.

[@tc2851]

☺️if Admiral Leahy was of Irish descent his name would be pronounced as LAH-he. Just saying 🇮🇪 best Pacific was series !

[@jimwatts914]

Outstanding exposition of an often overlooked American patriot. Leahy was essential part of the war effort and served his country well.

[@davidstrother496]

Thank you gentlemen. I knew OF Adm. Leahy, but not much ABOUT Adm. Leahy until today. It is always great to have one's horizons expanded, thank you.

[@brucelytle1144]

What you said is EXACTLY what I wanted to say!

[@flparkermdpc]

You have put another skin on the wall with this episode on Leahy. The lessons I've heard from the life of this great man are foundational. And timeless. There really is nothing new under the sun. Excellence, right thinking and actions, character....amen.

[@Vito_Tuxedo]

Jeez, Bill...you were ON FIRE in this episode! I was born just after WW2. Like you, I remember well the time when the political parties acted like they knew that, fundamentally, we are all Americans, and that was the most important thing. People could argue about their political differences, and still set them aside. There was nothing like the hatred and intolerance we see today. The media actually reported the truth, and had some integrity. It is not clear to me that a nation so divided as we are now can endure.

[@01Sassoon]

Gentlemen… doing the job that the History Channel should be. I’ve listened to every episode, riveted to the episodes, and many 2 or 3 times !!

[@davidferg1413]

Wow! What a man of honor with an incredible sense of duty. I hate to think of how the war would have turned out without ADM Leahy in place. Thank you for this episode.

[@williampage622]

This is one of your best podcasts. Very enlightening on a person few of us are well informed. Seth you need to relax a bit we don’t need you having a stroke.

[@martinwade9003]

Gentlemen, I do believe that this podcast was well timed. Two years ago would have been too soon. In retrospect, this would have been forgotten along with ADM Leahy's part in the effort to win the war.

[@Rbjohnson-14]

Gentlemen thank you for bringing the deeds of this great man to our attention. Let’s never forget theses giants that served this country unselfishly

[@tedc.4956]

This was indeed an episode with new information for me. Truly an outstanding episode and so carefully put together. I had no idea what a remarkable man Admiral Leahy was. He was one of those rare, regrettably too rare, leaders who put the good of the country above their personal gain. As others have commented, I too listen with eager anticipation for Bill's digressions. I always value hearing his perspectives and thoughts. Along with the much needed "blooper reel" maybe there can be a "Bill's digressions reel." Leahy's tactic told beginning around 1:14:35 really caused me to laugh out loud. The boss in my life who I hold in highest regard was prone to interrupt a meeting with, "Now I'm just a simple country boy, so I need to make sure I got this..." (He is anything but simple.)

[@Aghorri]

You guys have made Tuesdays special to me. Thank you.

[@henryplantagenet219]

@@Aghorri you are so right. Since the two years now these great guys have become a firm institution for me.

[@timschoenberger242]

Seth: The 16 incher's for the Nagato and Mutsu were known by both the US and Royal Navies. They were written into the Washington Treaty (Colorado had already been completed and Nagago was close to completion). The Royal Navy was given permission to build their only 16 inch battleships, Nelson and Rodney.

[@hlakegollum1]

You bet. GB got to keep Hood even though well over size restriction.

[@ArguingPizza]

I think he was confusing them with Yamato and Musashi which, until some point in 1945, the US thought had 16" guns rather than their 18"

[@JonElliott]

Another excellent session, thank you guys. Bill, your interjections and digressions are priceless!!

[@jeffreymartin8448]

Episodes devoted to personalities are just as enthralling as the episodes focused on the battles.

[@coolhand3328]

You know, you are right. For some reason I’m inclined to see those titles and think i may not be that interested (especially when seeing William Leahy). I have always been mistaken - doubly so this time.

[@NVRAMboi]

Thanks to you both. I knew almost nothing of Leahy and now I feel I know him (and his impact) a good bit more. BTW Seth, The "1st Russo-Japanese War" began in Feb. 1904, lasting until Sept. 1905. Leahy's mentioned quote was wise, but it also suggests that he was simply paying appropriate attention to Japan's actions. A Japanese "surprise attack" began that conflict (also). At issue was control of both Manchuria and Korea - relating to Japanese/Russian influence in those spheres. I know that you know this. Bill's "ad-lib" comments are a very welcome addition to me.

[@NVRAMboi]

PS: I continue to learn so much from this channel. Again, thanks very much to you both.

[@BernardMann-nf1ks]

Thank you yet another great episode. At school I was only ever good at history. My father had a wealth of books WW2 my grandfather flew out of Henderson field WW2 PACIFIC. I Thought I knew a lot about WW2 pacific have you 2 gentleman and John parochial and guests. I have learned so much. Thank you. God bless. Bernie. NZ.

[@Thumpalumpacus]

I came across a leadership formulation a few years ago that summed up my thoughts, as a business manager, for the last 25 years: C³=I. Character x Commitment x Competence = Inspiration. You have to be a good person devoted to doing the right thing no matter how it might bite you in the ass. You have to be committed to both your goal and your subordinates who will be doing the heavy lifting. You have to know your own job and the jobs of your subordinates. I'd add communication as well, not only speaking clearly and respectfully, but more importantly, LISTENING. So in my mind, C4=I. When a leader has these qualities, that leader will inspire his team to do great things. Adm Leahy (along with others such as Gen Eisenhower and Adms Nimitiz and Spruance) demonstrate the validity of this equation. Others, not so much.

[@mfrodyma1480]

Thanks, gentlemen!!! What a gift!!!

[@steventoal6594]

As per usual you gentleman have again surpassed your selves with another fine telling of America's rich military history and of the personalities in the right places that made our Victory in WW2 possible. Thank you .

[@gregcollins7602]

I truly enjoyed this episode of Government, Constitutional and military history. I really appreciate Capt Toti and his knowledge of the government. I have read a book about Leahy in the past and really enjoyed it.

[@blouie18]

Wait. Bill got one wrong! Al Haig was Secretary of State when Reagan was shot. VP Bush was away from Washington. Haig said he was in charge when asked at a press conference. If anyone was in charge with Bush absent, it should have been the Speaker of the House who is third in the line of succession to the presidency. Haig said later he was wrong since when he was in school the Secretary of State was third in the line of succession. Enjoyable episode on someone that the public knows little about. W D Leahy did deserve to get the Navy's first fifth star.

[@denniswiemer72]

Fantastic episode of to me, an unknown icon of WW2. Personally, I think the timing of the episode is perfect. We got the remarkable Pacific War upto the shores near Japan, and now, we see the man behind it all…who’s name would certainly be forgotten with all the action till now. Thanks.

[@grahamreagan5619]

You guys are the best! Thank you.

[@m.r.donovan8743]

One more longtime viewer approving of Captain Toti's so called "Digressions." His viewpoint and these little sidebar snippets of nuance to the story add so much. They often explain why things happened the way the did. He and Seth make a great team. I really feel as though all of us who have watched every single episode have been taken back to school, but in a very enjoyable way.

[@therealuncleowen2588]

Excellent talk about a remarkable man. We were so blessed with such great leaders during WW2.

[@coryheckler2354]

One of the best episodes, guys! What a man!

[@PalleRasmussen]

Happy birthday Mrs. Paridon.

[@richardmardis2492]

Only thing to look forward to today- thanks 🙏

[@chuckluetkemeyer740]

Politics is inevitable. That Leahy could step outside these lines is a particular genius of both Leahy and FDR.

[@CdT-fb1pt]

Thanks! So look forward to these podcasts.

[@JohnnySmithWhite-wd4ey]

I can't sleep when there's a new episode dropping.

[@kimmoj2570]

We in Europe got them in daytime. 😊

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

What a intriguing and interesting episode. Delving into the breadth of the conflict is fascinating and so well worth the time. Great job Seth and Bill.

[@richardlewis4288]

Wow what an episode! I’ve learned so much!Thank you! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@miamijules2149]

Great show today boys…. fascinating stuff.

[@gregbiggs5674]

Excellent episode about a much needed to know naval officer. It is not just the fighting commanders that win wars - it is also those in the upper echelons of the militAary/political sphere as well.

[@kylecarmichael5890]

Thank you again for another great episode. And for another information pack show on someone few know about!

[@Kangenpower7]

Thanks for another great video!

[@davidsmiecinski8125]

Another outstanding episode Bill and Seth! And happy two year anniversary of the show.

[@aajiv1748]

I like these episodes that focus on commanders , like to see one on Raymond A. Spruance.

[@guygibson1957]

As always another great session-

[@toms6213]

Great show. My grandsons are grateful for the life lessons of Admiral Leahy.

[@tlee7653]

One of your best, and I have seen many!

[@carolmoore5307]

Wow. I read this book on Leahy. Thank you. Amazing patriot!

[@OGFC]

Gentlemen I really enjoy your enlightenment you have given many over the past 2+ years. I’ve watched many episodes several times. Great work!

[@alanfaulkner5266]

I want to say thank you, Bill and Seth, for inadvertently preparing me for the WW2 museum. It was spectacular and the most intense set of buildings I have ever stepped in. I walked away feeling it is the coolest non-ancient structure currently on the planet. It's one of few things government funded they absolutely knocked out of the ball park.

[@jimirvine763]

Fantastic episode. BZ gentlemen!

[@fredjones554]

I just read 'the Admirals.' As per your recommendations. Perfect timing.

[@christopherslaughter2263]

You should read 'neptunes Inferno '

[@fredjones554]

@@christopherslaughter2263 I read that 2 weeks ago. In the last month: Neptune's inferno, black snow, last stand of the tin can sailors, mastering the art of command (nimitz), pacific crucible, and am now finishing off the conquering tide. All excellent.

[@OMMgreenshirt]

Good morning, watching while enjoying my first cup of coffee. Yep, this is my first duty Tuesday mornings!

[@lorenhinger3180]

What a great man and an amazing episode! Was looking forward to learning about Leahy but had no idea I was going to enjoy it this much.

[@daviddenchel9192]

Just when you think you knew all the players at the top. Seth and Sub driver Bill humble my history cred. This one opened my eyes as how much I did not know. 4.0!

[@billy54bob]

Wow! So eye opening. To learn so much of a discrete hero was brilliant Thank you

[@jimjohnston5092]

Gentlemen, that was excellent. Thank you. I enjoy your channel very much.

[@anthonycorona9435]

I just read a book about Marshall and Stimson. I wouldn’t ever knock the guy but some of these issues about a defined job was FDR’s style. He kept position vague to ensure FDR didn’t let go of power. Great episode! Really enjoy these biographical episodes

[@jkkung4765]

Thank you for expanding our understanding of the history of WW2 especially the Pacific.

[@jetdriver]

Another truly great episode and I’m so glad you did it because I at least didn’t know most of what was presented. And Bill please don’t stop digressing. They ALWAYS add great value to the presentations and I feel like are always relevant. BZ gents!

[@christopherqueen3194]

As you mentioned have presented us with these biographical sketches, I have begun to be amazed by the remarkable confluence of competent and great leaders heading in to the Second World War.

[@ganndeber1621]

Another well presented and informative video. Nice one.

[@johnschwartz8107]

Excellent episode, learned something that I knew little about.

[@douglaskillock3537]

Oh Seth. He used the M word. Montgomery. Don't worry, on our side of the pond we are used to him being a divisive figure

[@phillipbouchard4197]

Thank you for this episode. I currently have the book " The Second Most Powerful Man in the World " and is on my to read list. I was not fully aware of the role Leahy played in building up the Navy in the 1930's.

[@dave3156]

Indeed very enjoyable episode. I really knew nothing of Admiral Leahy. I flunked your opening test--I would have guessed George Marshall, or in his own mind only Dugout Doug. Are you surprised the Admiral allowed MacArthur's shenanigans, or do you think if he needed called into line it was up to General Marshall to do so? Not sure the Admiral and Dugout Doug would hit it off too well. Anyway, thanks again Seth and Bill--really enjoy your podcasts!

[@stevenpage9269]

Brilliant, gentlemen.

[@DAVIDFORSTER-h3t]

I gravitate like many avid followers toward those episodes on military action. However, after two years I learnt more from this than any other episode. An outstanding masterful duo act gentlemen. Thanks so much.

[@MadLudwig]

Beyond the politics... this is an excellent discussion of Admiral Leahy. His son was an Admiral and the Leahy family name has been prominent in America for more than a century. This includes Leahys in the Philadelphia area, two of which (William and Jack) became successful senior executives in John Wannamakers and Strawbridge & Clothier, the two most influential department store operations in the Philadelphia area throughout the 20th Century.

[@larserickson2862]

Hi Bill, my father was also in the CCCs in Oregon and later with the Americal Division on Guadalcanal. Love this podcast!

[@philb7789]

One of my favorite episodes of the podcast. It has me thinking about the caliber of theater commanders like Nimitz and Eisenhower that was complemented by individuals like Admiral Leahy.

[@mkaustralia7136]

Great episode gentlemen

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

I really enjoy the show when it's just the two of them.Thank you two for bringing attention to a war that had to be fought because the freedom of the world was being threatened by axis powers.

[@wkbigfish]

Thanks for another Tuesday History lesson. Both of you are great storytellers of history.

[@jgfina]

Bill often likes to give cudos to Seth for really bring most of the inspiration and knowledge to the podcast. I would disagree, especially in this episode. Bill, your knowledge having served at the Pentagon, gave us insight to the political dealings at the top. Thanks for helping me learn a lot more about the inner workings during the war.

[@jonrolfson1686]

This episode emphasized the necessity of good will in the cooperation of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy through World War II. The tradition of effective U.S. Army & Navy cooperation had been in evidence since Commodore David Conner and his successor Commodore Mathew Perry so effectively cooperated with General Winfield Scott at Vera Cruz in 1847. The ad hoc combination of efforts by officers such as Flag Officer/Commodore Goldsborough and General Burnside in North Carolina, and of Flag Officer/Commodore Andrew Foote and General Grant on the Tennessee and the Cumberland rivers early in the U.S. Civil War cemented the lessons about the value of cooperation. Until the statutory ‘purpling’ that began in 1947, the authority to order inter-service cooperation was that of the U.S. President. The combination of Roosevelt’s deputization of Admiral Leahy, and Leahy’s skilled, firm, and diplomatic exercise of that Presidential authorization contributed greatly to the victory and created a model for the post war Department of Defense reorganization. The endemic squabbles of the Japanese Army and Navy, as you have so frequently noted, tended to weaken their efforts.

[@lennyhendricks4628]

excellent episode

[@coolhand3328]

Gentlemen. Thanks for this episode. Before this, I knew nothing about William Leahy. I’ll be honest. I wasn’t crazy excited for this one when I saw the title. Shame on me. I appreciate that you did this.

[@patrickshanley4466]

Great episode as always. You guys might want to do an episode on how the ships authorized in 1938 actually worked out in WW-II👨‍🚒

[@acefox1]

50:24 Interesting side-note about the Panay incident is that the XO of the Panay was Lt. Arthur Anders, father of Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders. Apollo 8 was the first crew to fly to the Moon.

[@tonymillin9038]

Thanks again for an outstanding episode this time on Admiral William Leahy about whom I knew very little. Well we live and learn! What a great man.

[@JosephPaige-l1j]

You guys are the best.

[@joeyartk]

The Panay incident was similar to the USS Liberty in 1967 ,except the Panay was initiated by local command instead of high command.

[@PaulLaverty-d9s]

I like your recommending books we should read on a topic for additional context and education, very beneficial to the audience!!

[@johnwilson9364]

Super stuff Guys. I was not aware of Wm Leahy's importance as a central figure in operation of the War by the US. Now I have to buy a new book on US leaders of WWII. Sand Pebbles, a superb movie. Thank you both for this study.

[@billechols7136]

Great show gentlemen.

[@Perfusionist01]

Rgabjs guys, I never really understood Leahy's role in the command structure. Lots of fantastic information presented here!

[@robinstevenson6690]

I loved this episode. One point I wasn't clear about, but have since learned, is that Leahy was Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1942 to 1945 (and thus outranked Admiral King throughout that period). So I wonder why FDR and Leahy gave King such a "long leash" and allowed him to run roughshod over all the other admirals in the fleet? That might be one valid critique of Leahy - - that he "let King be King" for so many years.

[@dukeford8893]

King didn't report to Leahy. He reported directly to FDR, just like Marshall. Leahy was brought in mainly to be FDR's Chief of Staff. He had ZERO command authority over King and the Navy during WWII.

[@robinstevenson6690]

@@dukeford8893 Q: Has the situation changed since then - - i.e., do the various Chiefs report to the Chairman JCS or to the Prez?

[@dukeford8893]

@@robinstevenson6690 I believe they all report to the Secretary of Defense.

[@InssiAjaton]

5 days, and only 2k of thumbs up so far. Too bad I am limited to giving only one myself! I have read the “The Admirals” book, more than once, and knew of Leahy from that book. Thanks for the refresher!

[@josephlinck1892]

Excellent.

[@jmans.3807]

One of the best episodes yet. Thanks guys!

[@jonparshall]

Great episode, guys. Leahy was a fascinating guy, and I was pleased to learn more about him!

[@McFFMICP]

Again, learned a great deal. Much like last week, never heard of ADM Halsey's operations in the South China Sea. I've never heard much of FADM Leahy--very informative episode as usual. Hope that you plan to do more in the future on the key leaders of the Pacific War. Not only Nimitz/Halsey/Spruance, but the other key commanders (USMC/USA) as well. YOU GUYS ARE ROCKING THE HISTORY OF THE PACIFIC WAR!!!!!!! Thanks for all you are doing!!!

[@michaelwolf564]

Seth and Bill, As an Aussie love you belting up the Brits. Part of the reason Australia adopted the US in the Pacific and later purchasing mainly US military hardware. The Brit Officers at the level were pretty smart but had to tell you. We luv poking the poms.

[@73Trident]

Great episode guys, Thanks.

[@martinjohnson5498]

1906 wasn’t early to think about future problems with Japan. That was immediately after Teddy Roosevelt brokered the Treaty of Portsmouth, ending the Russo-Japanese War in a way many Japanese thought unfair to them. US military and naval people were becoming concerned about the Philippines at the time, as well. The planning leading to War Plan Orange started at that time.

[@user-hw1qo2mu9e]

Thank you Bill and Seth.

[@chuckhillier4153]

Excellent!

[@MrTScolaro]

The discussion on the depression and Leahy's emphasis on training could be responsible for the higher average quality of, for example, naval aviators earlier in the war vs that later (e.g., Sibuyan Sea) aviators.