USS Buckley vs U-66 during the Battle of the Atlantic

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest campaign of the Second World War. The campaign encompassed more than a thousand different ship to ship engagements. The engagement between the Destroyer Escort USS Buckley and the German Submarine U-66 was one of the most interesting.
The episode is intended for educational purposes. All events are portrayed in historical context. No graphic depictions of violence are depicted.
The History Guy uses media that are in the public domain. As photographs of actual events are sometimes not available, photographs of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
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[@BELCAN57]

A Navy man voluntarily parting with his coffee cup? That's what I call a desperate battle! Thanks for another snippet of history.

[@andrewinbody4301]

Very funny Steve.

[@darwinawardcommittee]

Steve P Lol

[@Dave_Sisson]

Well that's the US Navy. In WW2 the British Empire gave their sailors tea to keep them awake and rum to boost their courage.

[@hovanti]

Great comment, Steve! My name is Steve, too, and ex-Navy, however, I still have my coffee cup from 30+ years ago.

[@christopherlynch3314]

Hmmm. . .Not sure about Navy coffee, but Army coffee would make an effective close quarters weapon!

[@thedungeondelver]

My God, man, I haven't been so thrilled by a war story since I watched _The World at War_ when I was a child. Well done, sir. Well done.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

thedungeondelver I grew up watching World at War and Victory at Sea

[@thedungeondelver]

How about _Crusade in Europe_ ?

[@darwinawardcommittee]

The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered I used to love watching Lowell Thomas Remembers with my dad. As well as The World at War.

[@deadfreightwest5956]

I remember _TWAW_ too, even thinking about it I can recall Carl Davis' chilling theme music and how the opening credits ended. I also watched reruns of Victory at Sea (I bought the entire series on DVD not long ago).

[@davidjordan9315]

@@deadfreightwest5956 ditto. I can hear that music now!

[@vernonbear]

Once again ‘history that deserves to be remembered’. Brave men doing what they do. We are forever in their debt.

[@jackhawthorn4799]

In all fairness, the bravest people in this story are the Uboat crew - from the boarding attempt to the captain scuttling his submarine and going down with the ship

[@tommypetraglia4688]

@@jackhawthorn4799 One cannot draw a moral equivalence nor delineate lines of bravery when men are all fighting for their lives

[@istvan5674]

When you compare the guns on the USS Buckley vs. U-66 you mixed inches and centimeters. Some viewers may not realize how well armed the U-boat was compared to any DE like the Buckley. The deck gun, a 10.5 centimeter, is the size used on some destroyers (e.g. older German ones) and out-ranged the little 3" (7.6 cm) guns on the Buckley which is why the skipper got as close as he could. The Buckley's advantage was the number of guns and their total rate of fire vs. the U-boat's exposed deck gun and flak guns. In the end it is amazing that 36 Kriegsmarine sailors survived the combat and sinking. It is also a testament to the humanity of the skipper and crew that they went to fish the survivors out of the water, treating them as well as they did.

[@macnutz4206]

Yes, he used American measurements when describing the American weapons and metric when describing the German weapons. An American audience might be confused if one converted to metric to describe those guns. In spite of the fact that everyone recognizes what the 20 MM gun is. That 1.1 inch quad gun was considered obsolete at the time and was replaced on most of the front line ships, at least in the Pacific. The Enterprise had one of those guns left and it saved the lady from a kamikaze plane in one engagement.

[@fredricunderhill204]

Remarkable yes but not uncommon. Both crews were young, under 30. When the U-boat was sunk, the war was over for the 36 of 45 who survived. They also had valuable information about German tactics and conditions. Several in each crew were bilingual. We utilized this to save lives and ships. They often were put in camps in the Southwest which is why Eastern Bloc refugees headed there after the Berlin Wall fell. As I said below, when the "game" ended, the crews respected each other. I refer you to HILTER'S SUBMARINE WAR, 900 pages of history, to find out who the monsters were.

[@ShroomKeppie]

Sailors in war, besides battling each other, also battle the sea. When a ship is lost and the men are at the mercy of the sea, former combatants will risk their lives to save the men in the water.

[@macnutz4206]

Fredric Bang on. Usually sailors do not want to leave enemy survivors to die in the water, but it was often necessary. In the Pacific, machine gunning Japanese survivors, in the water, did occasionally happen, yea though it was frowned upon. Also pointless as they would have died if left in the water anyway. There was an Australian beaufighter group that got in serious shit for strafing Japanese sailors in the water. Japanese prisoners could be dangerous and smaller boats could not deal with them. Japanese fighter pilots had a tendency to machine gun allied pilots that had bailed out, which helped to create the desire for revenge. German Uboat survivors made valuable prisoners. I have read many accounts of sailors, in both theaters , being at first thrilled and then go quiet, thinking about the enemy sailors on a ship they had destroyed. War is ugly. People do things they could not imagine themselves doing, before going to war. Guilt is often part of the post traumatic syndrome experienced by people in combat. That was true for soldiers and sailors on every side.

[@richarddickson747]

Sadly sometimes it was necessary to kill defenseless men in the water that came from sunken ships. During the Battle of the Bismark Sea there were thousands of Japanese soldiers and sailors in the water who were close to the New Guinea coast and most would have been rescued to fight the Australian troops on shore, therefore the Allied high command sent out both Australian and American aircraft to kill the men in the water and this went on for many days. This was essential as the fighting ashore was desperate and with the reinforcements getting ashore then the battle may have been lost. War is very cruel but sadly so many countries still go to war..

[@perryvalantine4156]

My father was on the Buckley, and he described the battle with U-66 pretty much as you described it. He did have one additional detail, though. He told me that, before the fight was over, one US sailor grabbed a machine gun off the wall of the officers’ mess in an attempt to repel the German sailors as they were trying to scramble aboard the Buckley. Someone warned him, “that thing’s not loaded.” He replied, “yeah, but they don’t know that!”

[@user-ul8yu4ve3l]

My Grandfather was the man injured. Erick Hiott

[@rabbitbully1810]

The battle of Taffy 3. One of the most incredible stories of sheer audacity, sacrifice, and bravery I have ever heard of. I think more Americans should know about this tremendous battle.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

The Battle off a Samar is an exciting story, and I may do an episode this month, as the battle occurred in October. I but I am concerned that it is too well known for a channel on forgotten history.

[@rabbitbully1810]

I dont know one person who can tell me they heard of this battle. I am 50 yrs old. Thank you for your reply.

[@georgeb8701]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel No sir, as you yourself would say; it's history that deserves to be remembered. And I'm not sure many people DO know that story. And besides I love a good NAVY story !Respectfully, George B. proud U.S. NAVY veteran. ✌🏻🇺🇸

[@jamesengland7461]

Just do it! :)

[@rabbitbully1810]

@@mbryson2899 Thanks for the recommendations.

[@jimsvideos7201]

I'm willing to believe that was the last time a sailor at sea fed the enemy a Mk 1 Mod 0 knuckle sandwich.

[@GeneralKenobiSIYE]

I hope he got a purple heart for that injury.

[@emperorcharlemagne369]

@@GeneralKenobiSIYE Maybe you should write a letter, General? Lol

[@GeneralKenobiSIYE]

Writing such letters home to the casualty's loved ones is a duty I wish I did not have. I swear upon the Force that their family will know of how one sailor gallantly defended his stranded Destroyer Escort, beating off wave after wave of Hun from slaughtering the entire crew with only his bare fist.

[@DonHavjuan]

Negative. During Boarding Ops they're not that uncommon even today.

[@GeneralKenobiSIYE]

If in today's world they get close enough to where a crew of a Destroyer is using his fists, then there is a serious problem.

[@scottbennington2936]

Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart both army delta men, died today in October 1993 in Mogadishu, saving a fellow brother army pilot, Michael Durant from a crashed Blackhawk helicopter. Two remarkable men. Thank you for your labor and giving voice to those who may no longer have one.

[@rxmclaren7]

^^^^THIS!!!!!^^^^

[@brt-jn7kg]

Were you in the Mog?

[@pquixano]

Regarding USS Buckley v U-66, after the collision the Captain issued the command “Stand by to repel borders!” Apparently it was the first time in about 130 years that that command was issued by any US Navy ship.

[@philgiglio7922]

U505...away all boarding partiess...first time that order was issued since the War of 1812

[@model-man7802]

How do you go home to Germany and later on tell your friends I was clocked in the head with a coffee cup and knocked over the side?

[@alchilds3710]

@Nosaveddata torpedoing ships in cold water in the dark of night is murder in cold blood. I would feel no remorse ..

[@donaldgrant9067]

I would lie and say it was during the ramming.

[@jackofmanytrades4396]

@Nosaveddata 36 of the 48 man crew of U-66 survived and were taken prisoner. Though from what I understand, many German POWs opted to remain in the US after hostilities ceased.

[@guypalumbo7892]

@Nosaveddata Not Murder!

[@sgt2dog]

I’m an old Viet Nam Marine, I followed my 17 year Dad into Corps. At 17 he fought in the Pacific War. My Father taught me to respect history especially Marine and Navy. Two of my Fathers Brothers were also in the war serving on ships mostly in the Pacific. The stories of ships combat were full of emotional raging action. Your presentation of this story took me back to my youth and the dedication of those who paid for our freedom today. Thank you from my late Father and his brothers, and from me, thank you from all Americans who are living in a free country.

[@Dsdcain]

What a great storyteller you are. *:-)* Thanks for all your work.

[@garfieldsmith332]

He actually tells History. :-)

[@MendTheWorld]

@@garfieldsmith332 Aren't ships usually referred to in the female gender?

[@garfieldsmith332]

Yepper. Except Bismark as Admiral Lutjens called the ship "He".

[@vespelian5769]

This was a fight worthy of age of sail: well remembered and brilliantly told.

[@bennylofgren3208]

Garfield Smith I believe in German, as well as in Russian, ships are referred to as masculine.

[@Makeyourselfbig]

The U-Boat captain was 26. Went down with his boat. Young men trying to kill each other. The price of war.

[@tomlarocque4720]

Boy when you put it that way...you're right very sad indeed.

[@al7jj]

My father was a captain commanding USAAF squadrons against Germany when he was 23 -- the Greatest Generation grew up fast!

[@Makeyourselfbig]

@@al7jj Three years of war suddenly makes them the greatest generation? British and German soldiers, sailors and airmen fought the full six years. How old do you think they were? Your average Vietnamese served for twenty years in the Vietnam war. If all it takes is time served to make a generation great then there are other much greater generations.

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

Fast forward to the sinking of the Italian cruise ship, Costa Concordia. The captain was the first one off that ship

[@scotcoon1186]

Most wars are started by one who can't get along with the neighbor, and decides to kill him.

[@robert506007]

wow they are not kidding when they say truth is stranger than fiction

[@Scott_From_Maine]

Yes, the story took a turn I was not expecting.

[@Chino56751]

Some of it

[@trashpanda314]

Exactly why I've never felt the need to read non-fiction. I love reading history especially because you stumble across stories like this, that you would swear could be a novel but are indeed true events.

[@ZommBleed]

I'm a former US Navy sailor. I was a bubblehead for a while. This is one of the most exciting videos I've seen of yours yet. Your channel is much appreciated, sir.

[@donnyanda3191]

Thanks history guy . I must have watched 20 of your episodes in the last week , and my brain is better for it.

[@wrightflyer7855]

No Name, I share your sentiments exactly.

[@jeremymenchaca]

I've learned more from this channel than all of my history teachers and professors.

[@frzstat]

USS Buckley, another Destroyer Escort that fought like a battleship. Like her sister ships in the Battle off Samar, Leyte Gulf in the Phillipine Sea.

[@christopherlynch3314]

The story of Taffy 3 would be a great story for this channel. I read "The Tin Can Sailors" and the story of that battle is incredible!

[@willythemailboy2]

@@christopherlynch3314 This is an old comment predating the video, but in case you missed his recent covering of Taffy 3 kzbin.info/www/bejne/anLHlKl6nqZmoqc

[@barrettkeller9855]

This is a great story. Over the years, I've become more inclined to read history over fiction. Fiction, as they say, must be plausible. History can be just plain nuts. Coincidentally​, I just rewatched The Enemy Below several weeks ago. 'Bad Bob' Mitchum and Curt Jergen made it a movie that I've watched multiple times. But now I know the story the movie was based on. In the future, I'll probably just look up the real story here at The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered.

[@frzstat]

Barrett Keller I am the same way about reading non-fiction. I want to know how real people dealt with real problems, in real life.

[@djolley61]

I watched that not too long ago. Good movie.

[@darwinawardcommittee]

Barrett Keller My favorite “war movie” - they were on a Buckley class if I remember the part where the Germans use their book to identify their enemy ship.

[@dukecraig2402]

Try "The Sea Chase", not a submarine movie but it does have John Wayne in a role that's pretty unusual for him, and it's based on a real event.

[@bliztix2]

Barrett Keller check out the battle of Schrute farm in the civil war.

[@cuz129]

My dad served on the Hogatt Bay Casablanca class escort carrier in WW2. Proud you brought this history alive to a new generation!

[@toddtourville984]

Thank you. I love naval history being an old sea dog and still salty. You are the absolute best channel of this site. I felt the tension and fear while you read this. You're one great story teller.

[@RCAvhstape]

Nearly a hundred thousand deaths in the Battle of the Atlantic, wow, that's more than most whole wars. And this battle was brutal, amazing I've never heard of it before. An old school battle from the days of Nelson.

[@melperry3576]

Helium Road 99

[@umt1cardiff]

@Ken Hudson please dont forget the small contribution given by the Royal Navy and The Royal Canadian Navy to the battle of the atlantic . Especially the murmanks convoys to russia

[@umt1cardiff]

@Ken Hudson appreciate the reply ,there are a few people from both our countries who try to belittle the contribution given by each other . Part of the 2nd happy time was due to lack of a convoy system in US waters probably due to lack of suitible escorts . The pacific had a higher priority for obvious reasons. Brave men on all sides ,it was only quite recently that an official recognition of the men of Merchant Navy by our government . Regards

[@davidmarquardt2445]

And the U-boats paid a very heavy price. In the opening credits of Das Boot it states that 40,000 German sailors went to sea, 30,000 did not return, a 75% loss rate! That's even higher than the kamikazes who actually tried to kill themselves! In Operation Drumbeat the Germans patrolled up and down the East coast virtually at will, sinking ships right and left, in Miami people could sit on the beach at night and see the muzzle flashes of U-boat deck guns firing on tankers (they preferred deck guns over torpedoes as they were cheaper and had a much better kill ratio, early torpedoes on both sides were very unreliable; IE running far too deep, bad fuses causing failure to detonate, or the dreaded "Wild Fish" which would circle back and destroy the ship that fired it.) They even got into the Gulf of Mexico and would catch ships coming out of the Mississippi.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

@Ken Hudson a big reason for the slaughter on the east coast, no blackout. Ships were silhouetted. FDR had the time imprison thousands of loyal Americans but did have guts to turn of the lights during tourist season. People could see the ships burning from the beach.

[@korbell1089]

Thankyou, I have always loved this story. In a war where surface ships fought miles apart and aircraft carriers could measure their battles in hundreds of miles, LtCdr Maxwell giving the command "Stand by to repel boarders" was a throw back to the age of sail. My understanding is when they sumitted their after action report on how much ammunition they used they also listed the coffee cups.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

korbell the incident throwing cups was in the action report, but the cups were not listed in the ammunition expended.

[@georgeb8701]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel astute and detailed account by a professional Navy man. Coffee cups are NOT ammunition !

[@cricket5044]

Another good story to be remembered. Thanks History Guy. Making history available to all of us like this is a treasure and an honor to those it remembers.

[@fredricunderhill204]

You made this encounter come to life. Buckley class destroyer (escorts) were successful in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and later Pacific theaters due to size, weight, maneuverability, speed and firepower. The U-boat crew can be forgiven for mistaking the size of ship by the amount of firepower targeting them. A displacement of about 13 feet and 300 feet long, the crews were very cohesive, cross trained and professional. I had privilege of speaking with a survivor of another Buckley class which surved in all these theaters, the USS Underhill, DE 682 which was sunk by ramming a kaiten torpedo in July, 1945 while escorting a troop ship in the Pacific. You would enjoy that story. Destroyer escorts were thin skinned and expendable but crews were mostly late teens and early twenties, as were their enemies. Two baseball teams locked in a playoff "game."

[@EnsignSuder]

Thanks so much for a very interesting narrative! As a young boy one hobby I enjoyed was buiding plastic model ships. I had built several, and among my "fleet" was the USS Buckley, a model sold by Revell. The model came with a very brief history of the ship and its crew, and I was so impressed by the actions of the Buckley so much that the account of the battle stayed with me. So, after more than fifty years since building the Buckley, I was excited when I saw your video on the battle. You provided much more information and context than came with the model, and listening to your account renewed and heightened my admiration of the ship and her crew. Well done, and thanks again!

[@davidwinslager6266]

I was hoping you would mention Model 8 Mark 1 Coffee Mug!

[@exJacktar]

As a member of the RCN, I can fully appreciate the desperate struggle both crews were facing and the terrible consequences of losing. Never give up and never give in. And it's stories like this that compelled me to become a Patreon supporter of this channel. Thanks once more.

[@acewrench]

Thanks for producing this. My dad was aboard the USS Smartt (DE-257) as a Gunners Mate 1st Class in the Atlantic during WWII. He made 22 crossings and received a Silver Star for his efforts during one particular battle.

[@user-ul8yu4ve3l]

My Grandfather was the sailor injured

[@BUF20]

Great Story. Your tag line that it deserves to be remembered is epic. I really enjoy the military history stories. Thanks for the lesson

[@shemp308]

I know I have said this before but you remind me of my 7 and 8 grade teacher who is the one teacher who in my mind who got to me! And he liked reading to the class a great teacher and the best story teller and teacher I have ever known. This is the biggest comment I could give you! Thank you keep up the great work.

[@gvjackson81]

With my wife on video chat we both were on the edge of our seats. To be honest, all your history stories, especially when telling of battles past keeps me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. Thank you for all you do to bring history to life so as we the public never forget.

[@ELMS]

Sometimes I’ll see one of your posts and my internal thought process goes like this: 1: Naw, I’m not really interested in that topic. 2: Well, I’ll watch for a minute and give it a try 3: Wow, that was a terrific story! I’d better hit that “Thumbs Up”. Thanks

[@theldun1]

Wow that was one hell of a brawl! Thank you for sharing it so vividly. As you narrated it played like a movie in my head.

[@marinetech262]

Kudos sir. Another excellent episode.

[@AutomaticAxe]

I’m so glad I found this channel. I’m a massive history nerd and you’ve found a method to make topics that even I might not find appealing very interesting. I’ve been sharing your vids to my friends for the last few days, keep up the good work!

[@workingguy6666]

Great to get another episode. Thank you for your endeavor.

[@gordmacpherson3291]

“My dad survived the battle of the Atlantic with the Royal Canadian Navy... thanks for the video “history worth remembering”

[@kd6pn]

We remember the HMCS Athabaskan (G07) and her brave lads. My father was on USN Sub Chaser PCE-1401 and had a classmate on the Athabaskan. Hail the RCN!

[@ozysjahputera7669]

Thank you for this episode, sir. I am an engineer by training, but always consider myself as an amateur historian.

[@jimdunn2958]

My dad was a first class gunners mate on board the DE, USS Kirkpatrick in WWII. He made 22 trips across the North Atlantic guarding convoys to the European theatre. He died in 1994. He would have enjoyed reading your recalling of this incident, as did I. Thanks!

[@robertphillips6296]

My father Aviation Machinists Mate Third Class Lawrence H. Phillips served about the USS Block Island. She was the only US Aircraft Carrier to be sunk in the Atlantic Ocean during WW 2. He like the majority of her crew also served about her replacement the second USS Block Island in the Pacific Ocean and that ship was much luckier than the first. It survived the war only to be scrapped years later. None of the Escort Carriers or Jeep Carriers as they were sometimes called were saved as museum ships. When they were at the dock in Virginia they repurposed an Army Jeep that was on the dock next to the ship. They lifted it onto the ship and by the time it’s driver return had in repainted in US Navy Gray. The used it to move aircraft around amongst other things.

[@richardmourdock2719]

You "out did" yourself with this one H.G. Excellent as always... and without a doubt, those long hours of tedium and boredom would be pierced by that sixteen minutes of stark terror for all involved.

[@kimweaver3323]

Sounds like the Mitchum movie, The Enemy Below. Very cool movie and so is this channel. Thanks, History Guy.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

It does! The Enemy Below was based on the encounter.

[@lwarner3392]

That was what I was thinking.

[@worsel2113]

I think the movie was superb. Not at all a typical war movie. Thoughtful, with believable imperfect characters. Avalon-Hill games had a board game called U-Boat, that pitted one DE against 1 sub. I think the game tried to be as realistic as possible, and the battle was evenly matched. It was definitely possible to win as the sub.

[@henryj.8528]

The Enemy Below is on KZbin (full length).

[@webtennis]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm Brent Abel, Jr. Another chapter to this story is what happened 40 years later. A reunion between the survivors of the Buckley & U-66 in Boston ...

[@roberthill3207]

My grandfather was a part of laying the deck on the USS Croatan Thumbs up stay Awsome love the Bow Tie.

[@em1osmurf]

you obviously have a passion for history, an education in it and enthusiasm for what you are imparting to us. well done!

[@stevewhisperer6609]

Another 'Well Done!' for you, sir. Your efforts in making these videos are greatly appreciated!

[@bobg1685]

Excellent! Another outstanding bit of history told as it should be. Well done!!

[@billylozito5790]

This was a awesome episode thanks History Guy

[@wuzjr]

Keep history alive. Let us remember and learn so we DON'T repeat.

[@andrewinbody4301]

I wish so too Wuzjr. Don't hold your breath.

[@yesyesyesyes1600]

Actually that would be worth hoping, praying and waiting for ...

[@scotcoon1186]

It is much easier to get people who don't know history to repeat it.

[@georgemartin1436]

Great video of an incident I NEVER HEARD OF......again!

[@brownnjeff]

History guy, I just want you to know how much I've come to enjoy your presentations. Keep up the good work!

[@markwhite1780]

Great account of WWII battle never having been told to offspring needing to know about the greatest generation. Your work just gets better. Your work makes a difference. Thank you.

[@soundknight]

What an awesome story, so glad you told this!

[@jmadden50]

Coming from an old destroyerman, very compelling story.

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

Your uploads are some of my favorite in the entirety of KZbin.

[@buffalobearbp7095]

Great video Sir. I believe that your WW2 episodes are my favorites. There are so many of these historic battles almost lost to time. This is why I am a Patron, each story so fittingly deserves to be remembered. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Walter Baker thank you for being a patron.

[@daddyquatro]

Love the way you tell a story!

[@fishrsa9046]

I changed my sleeping schedule so I can watch every new video. Amazing how you do them so often with the amount of information in each.

[@ronlovitt165]

Another awesome history gem remembered. Each superb video briefly transports me in time, thanks so much.

[@joestephan1111]

These kind of stories are what make your channel so fascinating. Thank you again.

[@dabbrbowling7439]

I have enjoyed all of your episodes, so far. I do have a couple of question, though. Where do you get your ideas and how many researchers assist you. One other comment, stick with the bow tie. The episodes with open collar, or long tie, just didn’t look right. Thanks for all your hard work. Thanks for the hours of education and enjoyment.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Dabbr Bowling I get them from many places, often from viewers. I do have one researcher who assists on some episodes.

[@dabbrbowling7439]

The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered thanks for the reply. You are the best!

[@rpbajb]

That battle is an almost too strange to be believed. Ships fighting with .45's and hand grenades! Thanks, History Guy.

[@cvproj]

Look up the Potato Battle.

[@jstenberg3192]

One of the very best channels on KZbin. Thanks for all you do.

[@sirierieott5882]

The war saying ‘hurry up and wait’ is so true when discussing the Battle of the North Atlantic. Interesting story again, keep’em coming...

[@bigearl3867]

And that's why I favor the 1911-A .45 acp above all pistols. It'll save your life, no matter where you're at! The G.I. version is the only way to go! Thanks again History Guy!

[@sagebiddi]

"B-b-but what about having more ammo and having better accuracy ?! " .... Lol... Sir I couldn't agree with you more. It's a trusted tried and true platform and me being a bigger guy (6'3 245lbs) I can understand what kinetic energy means or lack thereof... Sure I may have less to send downrange and idk why people complain about accuracy but I figure if thats an issue when you have a . 45 then you just can't shoot period but either way id be horrified seeing that I've landed rounds in target and because of B. A or something I still have a now very pissed off hostile to deal with...

[@thedungeondelver]

For those days on the high seas when you absolutely positively have to kill every enemy submariner trying to board your D-E, only a Colt M1911A6 will do!

[@markwhite1780]

Government Model of the 1911 .45 caliber ACP is one I have owned and I favor it over the Series 70 Match .45 caliber Colt I also own.

[@snek9353]

I doubt any handgun in history has accomplished more then the 1911. And it's still a darn good gun to this day I carry one daily.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@snek9353 😬... Ok worshipers of the church of 1911a1. Enough street corner preaching.

[@nevik9199]

#7 comments, #30 thumbs up & #129 views. that is the lowest i have ever been on here! and it has been 2 or 3 minutes since up load. keep up the great work History Guy!!!

[@johnnydeville5701]

History Guy delivers again! What an amazing story!

[@slingshot1961]

Great story told most excellently. Thanks History Guy!

[@deelarry2137]

I don't even know why, but I do love history..

[@knutdergroe9757]

History, is the story of life and death. It is factual drama. And it gives a reference point of where you from...

[@Traderjoe]

What an awesome story! What’s cool is that even though naval battles are to try and kill the enemy and destroy their equipment, no seaman wants to see another seaman drown and will attempt to rescue the enemy and allow them to live as captives, feeding and protecting them. I wonder what future historians will feel about how things are going in our own country right now. These times are extremely unsettling and while we are doing great financially and economically, we are more polarized than I have ever seen and I can’t help but think that cool heads are not prevailing and there’s likely going to be some real turmoil very soon if we don’t wake up. Remember how we all behaved towards each other right after 9/11? We need to come together like that again. Quick.

[@richarddickson747]

Sadly there are some instances of rescued sailors being treated badly. In 1942 a lot of men were rescued by the Imperial Japanese Navy after some Naval warships and merchant ship were sunk and the survivors were taken on board a Heavy Cruiser and after being questioned they were taken in batches to the Aft deck where they were all machine gunned and thrown overboard. Luckily this was not a common incident.

[@Guitfiddlejase]

REALLY enjoying your videos.. Thanks again.

[@iamrichrocker]

true stories are the best..and you bringing them to us is the greatest gift to these brave warriors that gave their all..thank you for such an unique gift...

[@joyceblackmon1745]

Holy crap some badass dudes kicking ass then throwing them overboard, no names taken lol

[@amelierenoncule]

Nice retelling of that contest, mon cheri.

[@neilwilson5785]

Could I retell it, and become your Cheri?

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

Amazing action. Thank you for the opportunity to learn about this extraordinary naval encounter.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thank you for sharing this account of USS Buckley vs. U66. My ship USS Brister DE-327 was commissioned in early WWII for anti-submarine duty in the Battle of the Atlantic. She served for the duration, decommissioned at the end of the war and was re-commissioned in the mid-1950s as a DER, Destroyer Escort Radar as were many of the other DEs. Prior to Vietnam we patrolled the Trust Territories of the Pacific and the north Pacific as and extension of the Dew Line. in early 1965 we joined TF-115 to setup Operation Market Time, the coastal blockade of Vietnam.

[@snek9353]

I'm reminded of a story I once read about a US pilot who had to jump from his plane in a battle with Japanese fighters. That while descending under his parachute a Japanese pilot tried to shoot him. That then the US pilot's only chance was his 45 pistol, with which he was able to shoot the Japanese pilot. I have no idea how true this story is, I'm curious if you know of it, if it's true, and maybe a video on it is worthwhile?

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Korben the pilot was Owen Baggett. There is some question as to whether he actually successfully shot a plane down, as no Japanese pilots were reported killed in the fight.

[@snek9353]

Wow, an informative reply in only 34 minutes. You da man History Guy.

[@andrewinbody4301]

History Guy is my favorite KZbinr. I want to attend his classes.

[@Oakhart76]

I read the history guy's reply in HIS voice for some reason. Sir, thank you for putting this content out there for all who are unaware of these "histories" so that they may learn, and that these events and those who lived them can be remembered. I haven't watched all of your content (yet), but have you considered delving into more ancient history? For example, the Colossus at (of) Rhodes and it's ultimate fate, the Roman siege of Masada or perhaps the battle of Ecnomus in 256 BC, called "the largest naval battle in history"?

[@georgeb8701]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel The Japanese may not have reported it. It wasn't a kill by an enemy aircraft...... ?

[@TP-tc7vp]

Yay! This made my work break

[@dougmartin8664]

Wow, what a fight! What a bunch of game battlers on both sides! Thank you, sir, for another excellent presentation.

[@zsd101]

Another great video! Awesome work, and thanks for sharing. :)

[@MorellioBenoir]

Greetings! Would you ever consider teaming up with Forgotten Weapons for an episode? Both seem very interested in fascinating history! :)

[@razetheraven7240]

Their subject matter doesn't really overlap that much. Technical details and technology of weapons would be hard to connect with historical facts and stories of people (in quite short video format). They're better off doing their own thing separately.

[@jaybee9269]

>> Hey, two of my favorite channels! I don’t think there’s much overlap tho.

[@richardb775]

That would be awesome.

[@dragsys]

@@razetheraven7240 True, but the sister channel "InRangeTV" has a number of historical videos. I think that would be the more appropriate collaboration.

[@MorellioBenoir]

Ian and his patrons had that dig site, that or something similar could be highlighted. :)

[@bigblue6917]

I was waiting for you to mention cutlasses. What's the German for away all boarders? Now that is close quarters fighting. It's interesting how, in most naval warfare, it is the smaller ships which often see the most action. Even in the big battles they are there like terriers nipping at the heels of the enemy. Taffy 3 at Leyte Gulf is an excellent example of what they can achieve when aggressively led. I did read that the only service arm to suffer more casualties then the U-Boats in WW2 was the Japanese kamikaze squadrons. Gives you an idea of how tough things got once the Allies got to grips with the U-Boat menace. Have you looked at Captain Frederic John "Johnny" Walker. He sank more U-Boats then any other Allied commander during WW2 and was responsible for many innovations when it came to hunting and attacking U-Boats.

[@oldesertguy9616]

I saw your comment and looked him up. Amazing man. Thank God we had men like him who gave so much, their very lives, to serve their country. I am always amazed at how much some people can push themselves, when committed to their cause. I read once about one of the guys that broke the Japanese code. If I remember correctly he pretty much worked himself to death. I don't recall his name, unfortunately.

[@knutdergroe9757]

Can you imagine, Be on deck, and the skipper yells, Repell broaders !! My blood start roaring just think about it...

[@bigblue6917]

I was going to say that I had a feeling it had been sometime since that had been said. But I seem to remember that this was not the first time this has happened. I think there was at least one other which a vaguely remember as being a British escort during the Battle of the Atlantic. Whether those words were said I cannot recall but it was something similar. And remembering it is a Royal Navy ship it does seem likely.

[@c-jam6392]

Prime example of why I love this channel so much. Excellent work

[@sportster883able]

Gripping stuff!! A great story teller my friend. Am really enjoying your stuff and only found you yesterday!!!

[@stevepirie8130]

Cool story

[@Chris_0803]

Do you get a purple heart from having a coffee mug thrown at your head?

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Chris_0803 they were German, so it would be the wound badge.

[@Chris_0803]

Das wound badge...so literal, so German. Love it.

[@mjbull5156]

"How did you earn your badge?" "I got mugged."

[@arrowhead58w]

Iron anchor*

[@yesyesyesyes1600]

@@mjbull5156 Oh my god :D :D

[@anthonyalexander5027]

I absolutely love your channel. An amazing story I was unaware of! Semper Fi!

[@UnknownUzer]

Absolutely amazing story, and you tell it well. When you got to the part about the length of the engagement, I was stunned to hear that all you had described happened in such a short time span.

[@klausvonzeit8686]

Do USS Borie vs U-405 next?

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Another good story!

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Speaking of the War in the Atlantic, the Story of the "Four Chaplains," should be told.

[@uruiamnot]

USS Growler and Commander Howard W. Gilmore, Medal of Honor winner (in death)

[@richardweil8813]

Right, a similar story for the Borie, DD-215. I've always thought the ultimate heroism was the DEs and destroyers that charged the Japanese navy at Samar.

[@neilwilson5785]

'And two hand grenades' Awesome.

[@pilotdane]

Last night I just finished reading Twenty Million Tons Under The Sea and this morning your video about the Buckley and U-55 appeared in my KZbin. Perfect timing and a great pairing. Thank you.

[@Raymonkey77]

I've been watching a lot of these videos, thank you so much for making these. I love navy history. My grandfather and two uncles served in the navy. Grandfather was a vet of WWII, Korean war, and Vietnam. His main ship was the USS IOWA-"the big stick". One of my Uncles had retired after 23 years in the navy, serving aboard the Constellation -CV64 and Kitty Hawk, CV63.

[@gregoryhajder348]

I find it funny that the crew of the Buckley started throwing coffee cups.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I wouldn't want to get beaned with a Navy coffee cup...

[@neilwilson5785]

The rule is; if you are unarmed, then arm yourself.

[@paulfarace9595]

The coffee cups were not the officer egg cups pictured but rather the much heavier and far more dangerous handleless mugs used by enlisted men. 1.2 pounds of West Virginia clay!

[@christopherlynch3314]

"But. . .you shot an unarmed man!" Of course the classic Clint reply: "He should have armed himself."

[@Nocturnal_Rites]

+Gregory Hajder Yes, but imagine how pissed off they'd have to be to throw them in the first place! My father still has (and uses) the coffee mug from his last ship ... which was in 1972. Believe me, *nobody* uses or misplaces The Cup, on pain of death or worse. Pretty much the size of the Hulk's fist and thick enough to crack a skull. It's been dropped on cement and hasn't so much as chipped. It's an officer's cup, too, btw, with the name of the ship, his name and his rank. Has a handle, too. No egg cups there. Believe me, those are *weapons*.

[@SteelbeastsCavalry]

Everybody now go and watch "The Enemy Below" with Robert Mitchum. Clearly the movie was inspired by this true story.

[@tedhenkle]

My thoughts exactly. I thought I'd scroll through the comments before making a duplicate entry. The Wikipedia page for "The Enemy Below" mentions the Buckley vs. U-66 battle. Also the ship in the movie is a Buckley Class destroyer escort.

[@nickvickers9357]

This was a great episode! Definitely one of my favorites!

[@spinecat]

Another fantastic telling of fascinating history. This one was of even greater interest to me personally because as a young man of perhaps ten years old I had built the Revell model of the Buckley and was familiar with the general story (including the ramming, the coffee mugs and the hand grenades!). Keep up the fantastic work!

[@georgemartin4963]

The "Enemy Below".

[@jefflee1189]

HeavyMetal

[@browndog171063]

As usual, an amazing story, told by a master story teller. Thank you.

[@waveranger4974]

Nicely done!