Utmost Savagery-Tarawa Day 1 -Episode 227

This week Seth and Bill dive into day 1 on Bloody Betio as the 2nd Marine Division assaults Tarawa atoll as part of Operation GALVANIC. The team discusses the absolute bloodbath that was D-Day ashore at Betio, the mistakes, the successes and the heroism of the common Marine. The team takes a deep dive into the personal stories that offer countless moments of inspiration.
If you enjoyed this episode, then check these other episodes out in our Tarawa series:
• Utmost Savagery-Tarawa...
• Operation GALVANIC-Pre...
• Bloody Betio-Tarawa Da...
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[@secularbeast1751]

Here in Australia, we'll never forget the unbelievable sacrifices made by these brave US men on Tarawa and throughout the Pacific War.

[@CorePathway]

ANZAC gave their all too. Always punching above their weight with limited resources.

[@mikeat2637]

And despite MacArthur, we Americans know that your fine Australian troops, whether from Australia itself or the veteran troops brought home from North Africa gave their all in the vicious fighting in New Guinea at the most critical point in the South Pacific at that time. And we haven't forgotten how your country did all the dirty cleanup work in all of the vast territory that made up the East Indies. The US and Australia formed a bond during WW II, especially during the awful early days of the war, that has stood the test of time and always will. Politics doesn't matter one damn bit, we will always be valued friends and allies.

[@cheesenoodles8316]

The Australian troops delivered some of the first defeats to the Japanese. The battle of Milne Bay, ect ect. The respect and admiration for these important victories.

[@mikeat2637]

@@cheesenoodles8316 A perfect case in point, as is the murderous fight up and own the Kokoda Trail in the Owen-Stanley Mountains right at the outset where Australia held the line alone.

[@SKILLED_two]

As an American, I salute the ANZACS and apologize for MacArthur.

[@christinewelch2209]

My uncle, Sgt. George W. Bowden, he had just turned 23 on November 18, 1943. He was who named "My Deloris" after the love of his life, a woman he would never have the chance to marry, but she was with him, until the end. I recently read all of his letters home and have been trying to learn everything I can about where he was and what his last days were like. Thank you for the detailed information you have provided, we only had folklore and not the details.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

God bless him

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

Beautiful story, pretty bittersweet though. Rest in peace to your Uncle George and thank him in your prayers to him for me.❤

[@robertwatson9359]

Your commentary and depth of coverage of the events of the Pacific theatre help me understand the depth of my fathers service on a lowly Destroyer Escort, the Barber, while he did not have to duck bullets, he had acted as a reserve sonarman, organized entertainment on the ship, and keep records of everyone who came on or off, and materials that come on or off the ship. This included the dead, wounded and living servicemen from two sinking destroyers in his group at Okinawa, the Japanese airmen they rescued, the US Airmen they rescued, they often needed someone to talk to and he carried their pain with him until he died, his fear of the Kamikazes that they shot at and saw the results of, rattled him until his death. My siblings saw him as a no one in the war, and maybe he was, he also had been a very good swimmer so he helped recover bodies of the dead and wounded but when he came back he never swam again, he told me many things because he somehow knew I would not judge him for the fears he had after coming home. As I continue to age into my 70s, I understand him better and appreciate him more as time goes on, he was my hero and now is ascending that level, miss him deeply but think of him and talk him as though he is in the room sometimes, which makes me somewhat nuts, but he taught me duty, diligence, hard work, honesty, and a reverence for the gift of freedom, each of which, is needed now more than ever, for Americans.

[@StuartGivot]

For a good description of the DE’s in the Pacific read “Little Ship, Big War: the Saga of DE343”.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

Your dad sounds like a great guy! Even though he was on a "lowly" lol.. Destroyer escort, he was in the thick of it and sounds like he did the best he could do to help others. Sounds like he passed that on to you as well! This show helps me to reconnect with my dad who passed in 1997. He was on a "lowly" seaplane tender called the Norton Sound during the war. They did not rescue down Japanese Pilots though and I really don't know how my dad felt about that. He did say that they were frightened of them and could not trust that they wouldn't throw a hand grenade up on the deck. The PTSD thing was real as I'm sure you saw in your own household as a child. When you talk to your dad, tell him Jim from Seattle says hi and that I thank him for his service and the freedom that we enjoy today.❤🇺🇲⚓️💯👍

[@johnwilson9364]

As an old soldier I nearly have tears in my eyes at the helplessness of the magnificent US Marines in this assault. Thank you for reminding us of the sacrifice and doggedness of the Greatest Generation.

[@flparkermdpc]

NEARLY!?!? You have quite a few of us in your Higgins boat.

[@paulloya5]

Those Brave Valient Marines who stared death in the face at Tarawa will not be forgotten.

[@kilcar]

32 years ago I spotted a 80 year old with A TARAWA Ball cap in our hardware Store in Vancouver , WA.I greeted him, and said " you were at Tarawa?" His response" , yeah, I don't want to Talk about it". That says everything.

[@sundiver137]

I have yet to meet a real combat vet who will talk about it. Met a British veteran of the Falkland Battle, I mentioned that I was lucky enough to do my stretch in Uncle Sam's Yacht Club without seeing a battle. He said "You don't know how lucky you were."

[@dindu551]

Men this is the most intense story I've ever heard. Masterful telling of an event that is already legend. This video is a credit to those incredibly brave Americans

[@SeattleMarinerMan]

The Pacific war gets way way worse than this. Read “with the old breed” by Eugene sledge.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@SeattleMarinerMan Great book for sure. Also "Helmet For My Pillow" by Robert Leike (sp?) also portrayed in "The Pacific." I was born and raised here in Seattle! I miss the teams with Ken Griffey Jr!

[@davidwatson2399]

Thank you from Australia.🇦🇺

[@user-cr8wn6ji6v]

Enlisted at 18, first conflict Tarawa, four more before retirement. My hero and I will love him till I am with him again. Thank you for remembering and honoring all our soldiers 😊. Oh I am 77 now!!!

[@Steve-dg3md]

Navy /Marine Team at work!! I've done a few training beach landings with nobody shooting at me. The sand , the equipment and ammo you carry wears you out quickly, no joke. These men have my utmost respect.

[@gdolson9419]

And those two destroyers don't begin to get enough credit.

[@klsc8510]

YES! @@gdolson9419

[@CorePathway]

Ummmm….the Navy let the Marines down. Comma failures with the carriers, Checking fire 15 min early, not blowing holes in the reef with 16” shells, being timid about a potential Center Force attack (don’t we have air reconnaissance and submarines?!? If the island was only 800 meters by 3000 meters why couldn’t Battleships have walked 16” shells all the way up the island? The two destroyers who when into the lagoon and fired point blank were the only naval heroes on this day.

[@klsc8510]

@@CorePathway The important thing is we LEARNED. Tawara was the first large scale amphibious assault on a strongly defended beach. We learned war games and assumptions were not reality. Despite all the mistakes, we still won the battle. Plus we had the good luck of crippling and wiping out key command and control infrastructure.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

@@gdolson9419 well we tried.

[@xflyingtiger]

There is a dark side to youtube, and there is a bright side too. You guys are definitely on the bright side. Thank you for supplying us with this great broadcast.

[@mikeat2637]

Bravo my friend, you have come up with the perfect salute of a comment !

[@rogerbourke5570]

There is indeed.

[@TheCrapOnYourStrapOn]

You’re talking about fat acceptance channels aren’t you?

[@73Trident]

Tarawa Bloody Tarawa! Unbelievable heroism and valor by young Americans. This kind of fanaticism is why we had to end the war in the manor we did. The Japanese would have fought to the last child if we had landed on the Japanese mainland. Seth and Bill thank you for all your hard work and preparation in these podcasts.

[@jeffreymartin8448]

This episode illustrates why I'm addicted to this channel. I hope this team stays together for a long time. Really appreciate the good work you guys are doing.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

The Great American actor Eddie Albert was a Coxswain in the US Navy (maybe Coast Guard?) and he piloted a Higgins boat for these landings on Tarawa. He had mentioned that because of the tide levels they had to drop the Marines off 100 to 200 yards out in waist-to-shoulder-deep water. This is all while the Japanese are raking them with machine gun fire from a pier off to the side of the landings. The Marines didn't have weapons at this point, they had lost them trying to climb over some of the rocks and the reefs, etc so they asked Eddie Albert to go back to the ship and get weapons for them which he did. Upon his return to that area, he said the sea was blood red and those young Marines were all killed. This is not a story that Eddie Albert can tell without breaking down. I can't begin to wrap my head around what these brave young men did for us. So very much respect for all involved.🙏🇺🇲⚓️💖

[@kevinrussell1144]

The music, the actual photos, two (or more) actual dudes talking into the camera, and sailors at that.....THANK YOU for all that you do. I am already so weary of AI that I can barely muster up the spit of disgust. Bless you and may you continue your labors of love and honor.

[@cheesenoodles8316]

I have seen the interview with actor Eddie Albert, harrowing account of the brave Marines from another hero of Tarawa. Excellent episode.

[@gregorybrennan8539]

Thank you. This channel is great. It has brought me closer to my father, who has passed who served in the navy in the Pacific.

[@ericflagg80]

This show amplifies the utter tragedy and cruelty of warfare. Every military school and academy needs to show this KZbin film to every Infantryman, cadet, midshipmen and Marine. Bar none! Lessons learned for everyone as war is cruelty to the ninth degree. Man will never see the end of war.

[@josephgilorma6979]

Your podcasts are addictive. I've passed on your info to as many friends as I can who I think will enjoy them also. Thank you from an old tin can sailor who is proud of the record of our destroyers during the war that you are making even more well known.

[@martinazariancriminaldefen3081]

Another great episode. Every inch of Tarawa paid for with American heroism, bravery and blood. The fighting was desperate and savage. Told with great respect and reverence. Thank you.

[@BlitherVids]

Guys, thanks again for the hard work that you do in bringing these stories to us. The terror and sacrifices of Tarawa should never be forgotten!

[@jerrygeorgopoulos2313]

I doubt we will ever again chronical the level of courage, self-sacrifice and raw determination exemplified by those Marines on Terrible Tarawa. The William Borderlon heroics and perseverance is beyond extraordinary. Thanks again for another master class.

[@flparkermdpc]

I sure hope you are right, but surely as we say "never again" here come the Phillistines with a thousand Goliaths.

[@johnvanzo9543]

I believe actor Eddie Albert was a landing craft bosun at Tarawa and won a Bronze Star with V for rescuing dozens of marines under heavy fire.

[@sulevisydanmaa9981]

@johnvanzo9543 U MEAN EDDIE HEIMBERGER, who died @ the early age of 99, and appeared in aroun 500 TV prods & movies ...Dig up the mini-doc !

[@F4FWildcat]

I just can't say it enough, thanks for all you two gentlemen do.

[@Perfusionist01]

Seth and Bill, you have done it again! I THOUGHT I knew about Tarawa, but you brought up a lot of fresh ideas for me. You guys did a fine job explaining things, and the use of the map was very helpful. Galvanic was such an important operation in so many ways. Not only the first attempt at an opposed landing but the flexing of the muscles of the Pacific Fleet as it was being rebuilt after the 1942 battles and absorbing new equipment and men. I read in the Combined Fleet website that ADM Nimitz was not unjustified in worrying about a Japanese Combined Fleet reaction to Galvanic. Apparently, the IJN was considering a naval response to the landings. As far as USN close air support to the Marines, one example is that one of the few USMC M4A3 Shermans that was operational on the island was destroyed by a navy dive bomber! I have gotten addicted to Unauthorized History Of The Pacific War". I look forward to Tuesday mornings and my time watching that week's video. Thank you for your presentations.

[@CrossOfBayonne]

Another railfan spotted welcome aboard

[@Perfusionist01]

Guilty! Railfan and model railroader with a life-long love of military history.@@CrossOfBayonne

[@bmitchell3711]

Another shout out from Australia. You guys are so amazing I feel like I'm in a history class and also an amazing story all at once. Thank you for the education.

[@jacktattis]

Their history is NOT always accurate So when they mention anything we were in, double check It is not always the content it is how that content is presented.

[@sam8742]

@@jacktattisAs far as the normal history videos on KZbin then it’s pretty good

[@marciar7407]

Absolutely great episode. Its emphasis was on the Marines who fought through planning and implementation errors and, despite savage resistance, created anew and carried out their duty.

[@klsc8510]

Courage sometimes comes when your tired, scared, hungry and feel you just have nothing left to lose.

[@bruceday6799]

Somehow the 'Like' button seems wrong, call it a 'Thumbs Up' rather than a 'Like' maybe a 'Well done'. Not your choice I know. Thank you both for clear and concise retelling of a terrible story. I've seen every episode and expected nothing less. I hope we as a nation never forget. Well done many thanks.

[@richardbennett1856]

Like 2 thumbs up?

[@bruceday6799]

@@richardbennett1856 You got it!

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

That may be copyrighted. LOL.

[@CraigMommer]

Until I watched your episodes and the tremendous stories such as Tarawa, I could only relate to what my friend SGT Schmitt would tell me about the Pacific War. He saw a great deal of the fighting and what he would tell me is not in any book. I think everyone should see your episodes to better understand what went on. Great program!

[@robertabraham7687]

My dad served in Tarawa during WW2 as a radioman & gunman aboard a PBY 5a plane. The experience had a lasting effect on him. The site of all the deaths & wounded was hard to stomach & he also mentioned the nurses involved in treating the wounded. My mom told me when he returned home on leave in june of 1944 he cried on her shoulder saying, "those poor marines & nurses".

[@jasonthornton3026]

Salute to the troops that stormed that beach. Special salute to Sgt. Emile J. Dulong 2nd Marines. He was a smaller man and had to carry the mortar plate after they hopped off from their stuck transport craft. His taller buddy had to lift him in the water while he walked thru the bomb craters in the deeper water. By the time they waded a few hundred yards to shore, he said he was using the plate as a shield and it had 13 hits on it! RIP Semper Fi Emile!

[@mattbalboa1349]

This is a great report on Operation Galvanic. I am a Marine veteran and am proud to know you guys are sharing this series with us! I look forward to part 2.

[@hongshi8251]

You probably already know how much we all enjoy the channel. I drive older cars so I bought a little transmitter that plugs into my lighter 12 volt and now I can listen on my fm radio. I bet I’ve listened to over 50 shows while I am driving for work. I finally subscribed which I didn’t realize was a thing to do so I hope it helps. Thanks

[@anthonybush607]

William Deane Hawkins and the scout sniper platoon have fascinated me since I first read about Tarawa many years ago. To me, Lt. Hawkins ranks up there with Merritt Edson for his brilliant leadership. I wish there was a book detailing the scout/sniper platoons specific actions in the whole battle.

[@craigjordan4635]

Thank you so much for your work in keeping alive the history of the many battles of the Pacific. My dad served aboard and was a plank holder of the Yorktown CV10. He passed over 10 years ago and since then my interest in the Pacific Theater as only increased. I would so like to talk to him more about his experiences during the war. I was fortunate to escort him for a visit to the Yorktown museum a few years before he died. While there they interviewed him and recorded some of his remembrances, stories I had never heard. Thank you for helping me feel closer to my dad.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

Damn Yorktown had some serious history in some serious battles. I feel exactly the same way. My dad served aboard the USS Montpelier which was a light Cruiser in the South Pacific during World War II. They ranged from the Solomon's, through the philippines, Saipan and Guam and finally Iwo Jima. They did arrive at Okinawa but they were late due to mechanical problems with the ship. But I get it about talking to your dad. My father passed away in 1997 at age 67 so he died relatively young but a day doesn't go by that I don't miss him. He was my best friend and we used to talk about his exploits and experiences during the war. I only wish I had asked him more questions now. I think that's awesome you got to go to that museum with your dad and they interviewed and recorded him! Next time you talk to your dad thank him for his service.

[@dougm5341]

Thanks Seth and Bill. I’ve been waiting for this one. Back down under from my foray to the mothership. I’m sure this episode will not disappoint….

[@user-nh1ty7zf6h]

It is truly hard to communicate exactly how movingly accurate this entire series is. This should be mandatory viewing for all new Chiefs and incorporated into the Academy curriculum. Gentlemen, Bravo Zulu, Tango Yankee. V/R The Old Seabee

[@troystaunton254]

This and the 3h channel do the best coverage of the pacific war

[@pr44pr44]

You guys are amazing! You bring the thing alive, from the experience of the soldier and salor to the grand sweep of the historical event... I've studied ww2 alot already but you are adding much more: I've rewatched many eppisodes and your new ones are better and better! THANK YOU - for what I know is a major commitment of time and effort.

[@flparkermdpc]

Well said.

[@flparkermdpc]

Seth was amped up for this one! As I previously wrote, I had to take breather. Because I could!

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

@@flparkermdpc We had been building to this trio of episodes all season long. I had been writing and prepping for these for a good month or so

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar Thanks 😊

[@Wo1fLarsen]

This is excellent. My dearly departed father was an amateur war historian. He'd have loved this. Thanks guys.

[@flparkermdpc]

No doubt. I'm probably older than your Dad would be now. What is Dad's birth year?

[@Wo1fLarsen]

@@flparkermdpc b. 1937 p. 2011

[@robertupchurch8088]

Thank you so much for remembering the sacrifice of so many during WW2, every episode I learn so much, your efforts are most appreciated.

[@bksfv6812]

Gentlemen, excellent presentation, yet again. I love how you've got the maps and stop to show us exactly where each landing beach sector is, the way you guys pass it off to set one another up for the next point, etc., etc. I really appreciate and highly value your contributions and look eagerly forward to each one of these.

[@jammininthepast]

Seth, Captain Toti, thank you for your work in this (excellent) presentation. I believe the press sat on the carnage at Betio/Tarawa and did not publish the casualties the Marines suffered and the "how" they took them for months. I enjoy hearing about are heroes, because that's what they are and their stories. Thanks again you're appreciated.

[@benjaminfrazier5419]

Been patiently waiting for this, gentlemen!! 🦅🌎⚓️

[@graff324]

I worked for a man when I was in college, who was one of the Marines who fought for Tarawa. He was wounded there, and I was in awe of him. Mr. Claude Adams.......Respect and Honor for him and all of our brave Marines who brought the Sempe Fi Panche of the United States Marines to the Japanese on Tarawa.

[@Southside6305]

Love your podcast as well as news of underwater discoveries! We can never give enough credit to those who served and sacrificed during the war! Amazing podcast! 13:38

[@11bravocrunchie22]

Really enjoying your content, gentlemen. I binge-watched all of your back episodes over the course of about 2 weeks, so now only getting one a week is a little painful. But that’s a “me” problem. Thanks for your episode on the Army’s 32nd Infantry Division at New Guinea. As a Red Arrow combat vet myself, it’s really hard to find good quality information on my own unit’s history. I hope you bring them up again, as they set a US Army record-that has yet to be broken-in WWII: the highest number of days in active front-line combat for any division.

[@robertmoffitt1336]

Never Forget. Very difficult episode to make it through.

[@DOL1954]

Sound was much better this week. Thank you for such an enlightening episode. I was not aware of the sacrifices made by so many men.

[@flparkermdpc]

YOU weren't aware? At least you admit it. You now know. MORE than the collective student bodies of most high schools. Stay tuned! As I'm sure you and all of "our" fellow subscribers will in breathless anticipation. Not hyperbole after this.

[@saenole66]

Another excellent recount of an unbelievable struggle. It is not the only time this kind of carnage was visited on Americans. Antietam, Fredericksburg,and Gettysburg created tremendous loss of life in this kind of struggle.

[@parrot849]

Seth and Bill, Another outstanding presentation and a super job describing a battle that never should be forgotten. Being a Vietnam veteran myself, and having the opportunity of seeing the military from within, this totally illustrates my complete and profound disgust with Douglas MacArthur and those in the Army leadership that conspired to steal our nation’s highest sacred honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor just so MacArthur could fraudulently wear one on his uniform. When one hears of the heroism and total self-sacrifice of someone like Marine Corp Staff Sergeant William Bordelon, and then contrast that with “Clown-Shoes MacArthur” undeservedly wearing the same decoration on his chest, it almost makes one want to vomit in disgust. This current generation rightly refers to it as “Stolen Valor.” It is an especially personal to me that this general was allowed to get away with such an outrageous act. I say personal because I lost two uncles fighting in the Pacific. One at Peleliu and the other in the Philippines during fighting after retaking the city of Manila. Anyway, again your presentation of the first day of combat on Tarawa is probably one of best and most accurate oral accounts I’ve ever heard. I know I speak for many listeners when I say I look forward every week to your fine program, please keep up the great work, we all appreciate it.

[@patrickgrove2645]

Very moving presentation. You have done an excellent job at describing the selfless sacrifice of the marines as well as showing the leadership of their commanders on the beach.

[@gagamba9198]

Brilliant episode today. Thanks for your hard work.

[@anthonyquinn9399]

My greatest thanks to you both oops others thus far Thankyou for your presentation

[@richardclingempeel1782]

Marines never give up !

[@roshdamunki99]

Ever since I saw the new Midway movie in 2019 (I thought, "no way that can't be true!") I have become obsessed with the pacific theater - a part of the war that is not taught widely if at all in UK high schools. Finding your podcast has been so informative - I've watched every one. This has been a harrowing one no doubt, but told with total reverence to the subject matter. In the UK we say "We will remember them" and you do tend to think of your own nation. I will start saying "We will remember ALL of them" because WW2 was truly global and your amazing work illuminates this so well.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thank you

[@craigconover1516]

Once again, you guys have changed my perception of this battle, like you have with every battle you've covered. All the other sources I've read, watched or listened two, mentioned the high casualties the Marines suffered, but ultimately glossed over them in favor of concentrating on the battle won. I thank you for deepening my understanding of the tragic losses the Marines took, which magnifies the degree to which the individual Marines adapted and overcame the obstacles to go on to ultimate victory. I really can't thank you guys enough.

[@jimwatts914]

Outstanding presentation on the first day of Terrible Tarawa. Awe-inspiring stories of bravery in a dangerous place that cost the lives of many brave men of both nations. War is hell for sure but it’s also stupid.

[@CrossOfBayonne]

Journalist and War Reporter Robert Sherrod described Tarawa as one of the most harrowing but brave experiences in the USMC.

[@jeffreymartin8448]

I confess I cried. Had to fix my face up before leaving my office because I don't usually come out of there crying. The stories of individual Marines during this episode is quite overwhelming.

[@flparkermdpc]

I'm with you, Jeff. I went back to the ship for awhile. I turned the podcast on hold to catch up with Seth's rapid fire recounting. And my own emotions.

[@flparkermdpc]

I'm with you, Jeff. I went back to the ship for awhile. I turned the podcast on hold to catch up with Seth's rapid fire recounting. And my own emotions.

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Tarawa. Oh God. I knew what happened here. But you guys tell the horrific story with a human touch.

[@flparkermdpc]

I thought Seth's touch was more like a machine gun!

[@stevenbrooks8496]

This is the only thing I have ever lookex forward to on a tuesday. Thank you gentlemen.

[@bradrapp3697]

Thank you both for keeping this history alive and well. You do great honor to those that served.

[@troystaunton254]

1:48:53 the most gut wrenching part of all this is that we look back at the Normandy invasions and particularly with Omaha believe it was a tragedy. When whilst the sacrifices were severe the reality was the D-Day planners couldn’t have wished in their wildest dreams for that invasion to do any better. The worst beach in Omaha had 900 Kia and 1500 wounded for a total casualty count of 2400. They landed 30,000 on that beach. Yet island invasions like this and others in the pacific get next to no mention. When casualty counts are over 50%

[@brushhogg1]

This is the first history I had seen in a while that brings up Hawkins right off the bat almost.

[@morganhale3434]

This reminds me of Omaha Beach where it was relatively safer to advance than to stay put or retreat. This is the ultimate dilemma of a contested amphibious landing. There is no perceived benefit to retreating, which usually is not the case in land warfare.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

I’ll be honest, I’ve been to Omaha beach several times and while that was no walk in the park, in my professional opinion, Betio was much, much worse than Omaha Beach.

[@morganhale3434]

I agree and that is why Tarawa is such a landmark in the evolution of amphibious warfare.@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

@@morganhale3434 agree 100%

[@morganhale3434]

In your previous episode 1 of this series, you went into detail about all the environmental problems with this operation, mainly tides and geographical problems not addressed by the operational plan. That struck a huge chord with me because I do remember in the planning for Operation Neptune all the environmental variables from moon and tide conditions down to the water density in the sand of perspective beaches and how these variables not only dictated when the Allies could invade but also where and which beaches we could land on versus other beaches that may be more strategically advantageous to capture. How much of this came from the direct Tarawa experience is debatable but these basic mistakes were not made in Normandy. @@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar

[@keithrosenberg5486]

I read about Tarawa/Betio many years ago. I still remember reading about the ferocity.

[@harrybenson9983]

Excellent episode gentlemen. My tiny contribution to it regards the loss of communication from the USS Maryland during the initial bombardment. It is important to remember that radios and all other electronic equipment back then consisted of vacuum tubes. When those 16 inch guns fired the vibration of the ship affected those vacuum tubes. It was probably several modes of failure: 1) the tubes were delicate and if the vacuum was broken they burned out, or 2) the cathode and anode elements, which were delicate also, simply broke from the vibration. The good news about vacuum tube technology was it was fairly easy to troubleshoot then repair compared to today's transistor based circuit board technology. Having been an electronic technician on a guided missile destroyer back in the early to mid-seventies all of the VHF and UHF gear i was responsible for was still vacuum tube technology.

[@flparkermdpc]

Very, very helpful. For us. Wouldn't you think if this was not an unknown phenomenon as was stated, that the planners would have planned into the hardware some backup? Including a deputy commander on a separate, un-flagged ship? I guess the importance of communications had not yet been learned. The Civil War was still pretty recent in 1943.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

Great call out! I love vacuum tubes! Give me a 1964 Mullard ECC83 any day and twice on Sundays!! Having been a musician for over 50 years I understand the reliability issue of solid-state versus Tube technology. It wasn't until the early 1980s that solid-state was readily available to musicians and even then it didn't sound that good. To this day I don't really care for solid state amplifiers. While they might sound accurate and authentic to say a 1964 Vox ac30, as a player the feel is completely different and that's a huge difference. Anyway just my off topic 2 cents worth! 🎸🎶🔊😉

[@outlawandoutdoorstv9901]

Served as a Infantryman 06-08. We fight for our brothers nit for freedom, not for America, but for our comrades and family.

[@kyledillard3496]

Gentlemen, You have truly outdone yourselves with this video! Your description of the combat and carnage on Betio was amazing. Great job, keep up the good work. As always I’m looking forward to your next episode.

[@robertmontgomery6811]

Guys I can't recall ever watching such passion from presenters before. Credit to yourselves for honouring these marines and sailors in such a manner. I found this to be a difficult and emotional episode to watch.

[@scottsherman6423]

Difficult but necessary

[@kylecarmichael5890]

Capt. Toti, I want to think you for putting Heroes for the Shadows in my sights. I was 75 pages in before I noticed it. And say what you will about his namesake class but Zumwalt started cracking heads Adm. Zumwalt finally got things moving on integration. And I love the idea of 'Z-grams' These next couple of episodes are going to be hard. That casualty figure surpasses the old Roman tern for decimation, 1 in 10. That is a casualty figure of 30%. Three men in every 10, wounded, killed or missing. Those beaches were truly carnal houses, and the Marines kept moving forward.

[@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar]

Thanks for the kind words on Heroes in the Shadows.

[@jimbrashear9012]

i want to thank you for this video - my father ,Cpl.Waldon Brashear was there - 2nd. div. 8th reg. commanded by Col. Crowe - wish i could review the unedited footage taken by Norm Hatch ( i just learned that he was attached to Col. crowe ) because my dad told me the footage is heavily edited , believe it or not . I can remember holding the bayonet my father carried and still have the compass used by my dad, a mortar squad leader . he told me of having to turn his mortar around and knock out Japanese who had swam to landing craft during the night and began firing on marines . Thanks again !

[@DonMayfield]

My father (born 1906, died 2000) was somehow involved, probably a cook and swimming instructor.

[@jamesthompson8133]

This confirms that the most dangerous weapon in warfare history is a scared pissed off 19 year old United States Marine! SEMPER-FI !!

[@flparkermdpc]

It certainly came down to that, didn't it?

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

Facts!!

[@ericfrazier7766]

Your program was very moving, informative, and fills me with pride for our country. It will be a great resource and reference for others to better understand what actually happened at Tarawa, and complement other works that focus on a larger perspective and battle statistics. I hope you both can continue producing these programs for the entire Pacific war. Thank you both for your oustanding work.

[@flparkermdpc]

We probably should consider tripling th salaries of these producer, creators!Actors!

[@markweinberger4853]

As a Marine I've always marveled at the bravery of the Marines who stormed Betio Island....I've read three books on this battle which sent chills down my spine in every chapter....The slaughter of the Marines considering the size of the island, was in my opinion, the bloodiest island assault of the entire Pacific island hoping Campaign. The determination and bravery of the individual Marine to continue forward while fellow Marines were dropping all around is beyond comprehension. It is also disgusting to me that they are still finding dead Marines on Betio after 80 years...not a single one should have been unaccounted for after the battle.

[@DonMayfield]

Can you list the books (title, author) that you refer to in your post?

[@cosmasgeaney2463]

Fantastic detail Love it Cheers boys

[@chiron14pl]

My father was in the 2nd Div Combat Engineer Btn, so he was fortunate to come in later and avoid the worst of the carnage

[@m.r.donovan8743]

The two of you are getting better at working with one another, handing off the lead with your comments and discussion more seamlessly... like accomplished musicians who are used to playing together. Another wonderful episode to educate those who had no idea of what freedom costs. Thanks so much for keeping these stories of heroism alive.

[@mollybell5779]

Omg I had no knowledge of this battle. Very scary. I can't truly imagine what hell it must have been for those brave young men. What an unfortunate situation to have found yourself in. Thank you for passing on all this detail. Really well done, gents. I learned what an LCVD was. Also the 1897 12 guage pump shotgun. The trench gun. Wicked. I love these. Please keep 'em coming. 😁

[@flparkermdpc]

OUR Marines were PUT there by planners that should have known better. It seems to me that the staff&planner guys took away some misconceptions about the Japanese ability to defend.. They were always playing catch up on Guadalcanal, and the breaks the Japanese gave us allowed us to resupply, and eventually win. Just a few minutes respite between bombardment gave the Japanese valuable time to reform and reposition. There was NOo repeat of Japanese errors as at Guadalcanal.

[@dennismoore2209]

My dad was a Sargent radio man on Pelilue who was attached to a colonel. Tarawa was unbelievably tough island for the Marines to take. God bless them all!!!

[@jackburkhart873]

I haven’t even listened yet and I’m thanking you! You guys are great storytellers and this story needs told.

[@ramal5708]

The start of the 3 days adventure of the 2nd MarDiv on Tarawa

[@USSBB62]

Captain Toti. As one sailor to another and a cigar smoker, your description as "RIPE" by chewing all day on the same "stick" is perfect and right on. See you next year in Benicia hopefully .

[@robbinsteel]

When the TV show “Victory at Sea” aired the episode on this landing my Father was glued to the screen. He was a Navy Corpsman. I remember him saying “that pier was murder”. He rarely talked about the war but he must have been in the early part of the attack if fire was coming from that pier. You can’t say it enough that he was part of The Greatest Generation.

[@tobiasGR3Y]

The men who charged the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima had the road to their success paved by the men who landed at Dieppe, Algiers, Italy and of course *Tarawa.* Truly thankful for the men who had to learn the hard way how to launch and amphibious invasion before the largest invasion ever attempted was launched, those who perished never knew how invaluable there sacrifice ever was in the drive for absolute victory.

[@democracy_GER]

Some weeks ago i found your channel. Free time became UHotPW time. For your 4 episodes about the Tarawa operation, i only can tell you that it is better than any book i read about this battle. Thank you for your time and your knowledge you are investing in this project. This is for the ages. More peoply should see/hear your content.

[@Jemini553]

I pray that you all are safe in these strange times , things are going to get worst in the weeks to come especially Florida

[@joevallez8664]

Gentlemen.. when I see that little blue dot next to your icon showing a new episode.. just makes my day! Thank you, 20 student of history and still learning.. its a wonderful thing. :)

[@2Oldcoots]

My father fought in The Occupied Aleutian Islands and Okinawa. Greatest respect to you for these truthful broadcasts. I'll never understand how and by whom it was decided not to give full details of this War to The American People. By not doing so we failed to educate our people about the darkside of human nature and the fierce threats to our Constitutional Republic.

[@aBRUSHforCONFUCIUS]

What a reverent visual and oral tome you two have created, thank you!

[@flparkermdpc]

Great description of Seth's breathless narrative.

[@maximillianvermontsuperbik2624]

Superb dialog, analysis and discussion. TY.

[@snook279]

Thank you for this video and I look forward to the ones coming. Growing up I was able to meet some survivors of Tarawa and hear some of their stories. You give a great insight into the battle.

[@paulloya5]

Medal of Honor recipient William Bordelon and PFC Gene Seng and PFC Charles Montague all graduated from the same high school Central Catholic High school in San Antonio TX, all three of those heroes were KIA in the first Hr of the battle.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

About 10 years or so ago I saw a documentary on YT about Tarawa. The culmination of it was that they took a retired Marine that had landed in one of the waves on the first day back to the scene of the battle he fought in so long ago. When they got to the beach he was astounded because it had become a garbage dump. An unofficial garbage dump. This man was in tears stating that this was Hallowed Ground. I don't remember the name of the documentary or the Marine that they took there that day but I will never forget his visceral reaction to that.😔

[@DonMayfield]

Comment if you do recall.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

​ I didn't do a super in-depth search but I did go on KZbin and searched "Marine Returns to Tarawa." And there was a handful of documentaries or mini docs that came up. You might be able to find it in that batch. I didn't have the time to look at it today but I'll check it out during the week and if I discover that particular film I'll shoot you the link.

[@Jemini553]

i love always what you two great guys give us to remember thank you

[@jamesthompson8133]

I remember studying this gut punch! Your right Seth 30 minutes in combat is like a day. Wow! Great job!

[@jonhenson5450]

Just found you guys, super details, out-fkng-standing work, Men. I think you'll agree Tarawa, Pelilu, Chosin, Khe Sahn , Hue City, and Fallujah are the foundations of OUR tribe. Thank you so much.

[@chaines01]

Been waiting for every episode. You guys are fantastic

[@MIKE-se8ye]

Excellent presentation gentlemen. Thank you.