WRECKED TANKS & THE WWII INVASION BEACHES OF SAIPAN | History Traveler Episode 230

[@philkaiser6025]

I'm not intending to speak for veterans, but I would think that they would be proud and honored that someone from a younger generation was excited about paying attention and honoring what they did and would know you mean no disrespect. I know whenever I've been around veterans, especially WW II vets, they have all expressed surprise and fascination that I wanted to hear their stories, and by the end of our conversation was thanking me for asking. Kudos, JD.

[@lightingbolt8148]

Exactly right

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

As a Cold War & Gulf War veteran I'm always interested in listening to my older "brothers" recount their experiences. Mine aren't so enthralling as WW2, Korea, and Vietnam. But I would like to add that there ARE some veterans who are not comfortable with talking about it. My late Uncle was an Army Master Sergeant, awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart at Bastogne (Battle of the Bulge). Other than his wife, none of his son's, or siblings know anything more than what I just said. And we cautioned visitors and so on not to ask. On the other hand, My Dad who was the XO of an Army Ordnance Battalion, was always up for a chat and discussion about which weapon was good and what was rubbish. Recounting tales of draftees trying to get out on Section 8, gold bricks and the like

[@davidking6172]

Correct

[@legobatman8353]

My father was in WW2 and helped me with my interest in the history of the war. He was in in the Royal Engineers in Burma and India. His brother was killed on HMS Hood but that never stopped him nurturing my interest in mostly German military history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@milepost465historyhobbies4]

Dad was on Saipan after the invasion just before his group was called back to Pear to prepare for the invasion of Japan. He said the biggest event he witnessed there was when several Japanese POW’s escaped and running about the island. He was fascinated with the PT boats he saw there as well. Keeping in mind he was serving our country at 17 years old. Great video! Dad would’ve approved of using “cool” and “awesome” and happy that the story is still being told…

[@justinweaver8787]

A huge thank you to him 4 his service to our country.

[@Scarywoody]

My father was wounded on Saipan in 1944. Shrapnel in the leg.

[@justinweaver8787]

@@Scarywoody an a huge thank you to him as well for his service

[@joesphjackson3913]

My dad was on Saipan as a Seebee!

[@josephfisk2023]

Thank you for this video, My Father was a Fleet Marine aboard the USS South Dakota, and his brother, my Uncle George was a forward observer, 4th Marine Division. Uncle George got his purple heart on Saipan, he was shot in the head and back and left for dead, but Navy Corpsman recovered him, and he survived. Both are now at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. I've always wondered what the island and the landing areas looked like. This was outstanding. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@kljaberg848]

I had the privilege of going on an Honor Flight with a WWII Marine who was there. Thank you for this video.

[@michae8jackson378]

Crazy how well preserved that tank is in salt water after 78 years.....we are so blessed to have you as our guide on all these adventures JD! Thank you so much!

[@lightingbolt8148]

Not really, the water isn’t that deep. Plus Titanic is still intact

[@jaimelaureano6649]

I was fascinated by how well preserved the "thin skinned" aircraft were in Truk Lagoon and Palau.

[@Ronaldl2350]

Good thick American steel also.

[@cleverusername9369]

@@lightingbolt8148 I wouldn't exactly call Titanic "intact" given that she's in pieces all over the seafloor and is slowly turning into a giant rust stain, but I know what you meant in that she's still actually there. Plus, the tank being in very shallow water makes it even more surprising that it's in such good shape, as it's exposed to the harsh sun or Pacific typhoons, tides, wildlife, seaweed, tourists, and as we know, steel plus water plus oxygen equals corrosion. So the fact that the tank is _not_ sitting 2.5 miles down, compressed in place by water pressure, in a relatively still, anaerobic, cold, lightless environment like Titanic, yet is in such excellent condition despite exposure to the elements, _is_ actually quite remarkable.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@michaelblagrave7648]

Hey JD, I never felt even the slightest disrespect by what you were saying. Your love and enthusiasm for the history is what makes this channel so special. My dad was there in a liberty ship during the fighting on Saipan, and he would have been so thankful that you deemed it important enough to tell this story. God bless you sir, and keep up the great work.

[@dano4787]

Being a history buff myself and a veteran. Appreciate all that you do in keeping our history alive. Our Grandfather's sacrafice for our freedoms will always be honored and remembered,.

[@guylenetaylor3011]

I just want to add that Lee Marvin not only had his sciatic nerve severed in battle but he also was wounded in one of his feet. So many heroes.

[@tripplopez22]

The fact that you took a moment to note that words like “cool” and “awesome” come from a place of historical reverence was pretty special and hit close to home. It’s hard not to be fascinated and excited in historical places like these. Well done as always, sir.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Many thanks.

[@andreguillette6293]

Those tanks were both haunting and beautiful at the same time

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@swampyankee]

My father was in several invasions of the Pacific islands. When the focus was put on the Normandy Invasion, through movies and the D-Day Museum, many of the Pacific Veterans, including my father, felt forgotten. The opening of the Pacific section in the Day-Day Museum along with the parade and hospitality of the people of New Orleans washed many of those feeling away.

[@jeffsquires6620]

I just turned 58 yesterday. My entire life I have had an interest in history. I'm sure your father was a good man and I thank him for his service. Keep his ww2 items close and treasure them.

[@600joe]

The Pacific war was tremendously worse than the ETO.

[@jeffsquires6620]

@@600joe the Japanese were fierce opponents. Had balls, accepted what they gave and didn't bitch. I have a ww2 naval officer hat. Compared to the United states, they were small.

[@mischiefmaker80]

Hafa Adai and Tirow! Thanks for spotlighting my island, brother. Let me know the next time you come through and we’ll crack a beer while we watch sunsets with the group. 😎🤙🏽

[@jeffsquires6620]

Wow, today Saipan looks like a dream retirement destination. Thanks for the Lee Marvin connection. The Man Who Shoot Liberty Valance and the Dirty Dozen are my favorite movies with him.

[@oldgrunt5806]

Shot in the butt is not as funny as it sounds, as the wound affected the Sciatic Nerve and he spent roughly one year in hospital.

[@jeffsquires6620]

@@oldgrunt5806 he also had nightmares for the rest of his life resulting in him keeping a loaded 45 under his pillow for life.

[@oceanhome2023]

You would like this then ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpjSZnV4i6-bo6M

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

He joked about it but I’m sure it must have hurt something fierce.

[@fernandochavez4312]

Two of my uncles participated in one of those “D” days you mention. Thank you for paying respect and not letting us forget. Great job.

[@BevSantini]

I had the honor & privilege to attend a reunion of the 4th Marine Division many years ago (even meeting Lee Marvin’s wife who always attended). The men spoke of Saipan but fell silent when speaking of friends who were “slaughtered” (their words) while landing on the beaches. The horror & chaos continued to haunt them 60 years later. Thanks for another stirring video, JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hard to imagine.

[@garretvaughn7936]

Amazing footage of the outside and inside of the tank! Your B-roll footage, overlaid with historical film, and the very appropriate music makes you one of the best KZbinrs out there. Thanks for all of the hard work you put in to honor the sacrifice of the heroes of the Pacific theater. Wonderful video!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@karlablack4305]

My husband’s grandfather was a member of the 4th Marine Division during the battle of Saipan and Tinian. He would later go on to be a part of Iwojima where he was shell-shocked and removed from combat. He never talked about his service but was the inspiration for my husband becoming a US. Marine. I thank them both for their service.

[@roadlizardcu8664]

Amazing the amount of effort you put into that tank footage, appreciate that very much. The area is beautiful, but, am sure on that day no one was looking at the scenery and it must have been miserable, thank you veterans! Good information, Good video, thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@bonniepugh4818]

My husband's grandfather was wounded on Siapan. He still had the bullet in him when he died about 20 years ago. Thank you for your videos and the respect you show so that they're not forgotten.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! I hope that the series can help fill in some gaps.

[@erichammond9308]

My uncle took a chunk of a Sherman tank from Okinawa to his grave - right after 9/11 he was flying to see my dad, got stopped by the TSA, they kept asking if he had ever had surgery, he kept saying "no". They were just about to strip search a veteran of Saipan and Okinawa, a retired Colonel, with a Silver Star, a Legion of Merit, 3 Bronze stars, and 5 purple hearts when a pilot passing by (an Air Force reservist) saw this and casually asked "Sir, what unit were you with in the war?" My uncle looked at him and said " Damn! I still have shrapnel in my shoulder!" - my uncle got the royal treatment from there on until he was picked up at his destination.

[@tyeeggleston6159]

Ive got to think that the marines landing there felt like sitting ducks trying to get to shore. Hats off to the brave marines that sacrificed their lives to capture that island.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@Jerry-fn5nx]

Amazing how that old Sherman is still there after all those years. Love the camera you used to get the underwater shots and shots inside the hatch. Very cool 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that you enjoyed it! 🌊

[@jetsons101]

All veterans and people that support our military owe you a big thanks for keeping our past from being forgotten. You are doing the work that schools today want to forget. Thanks...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[@joanmorton9844]

Thank you for your videos! My dad was in the navy in WWII and spent time in both the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters. At Saipan he was on the USS Satyr. I heard a few stories but my dad really never liked to talk about the war. I found out more from my own research after my dad passed away than he ever told me. He did say his greatest fear was the kamikaze. I really appreciate your bringing WWII to the forefront. I wish kids were still learning about it today.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you for sharing that. Hopefully these videos help people to fill in some of the gaps.

[@lindawallace6051]

Thank you so much for taking us along to places that most of us can't go. A love of history is so important !

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@dawndickson2156]

Thank you for being their voice snd telling their story. My Uncles could not when they came home. You are honoring their service and sacrifice by sharing all with us and generations to come. Completely fascinating and extremely humbling.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. That means a lot to me.

[@AcidRetroArtiboe]

As the son of a WWII Army Air Corps vet (England), I’ve always been fascinated by such history. In the late 1990’s, I had a trip of a life-time and visited Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Palau, and Peleliu. It is amazing the amount of stuff still left on all the beaches and in the jungles.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@ToddSauve]

Lee Marvin had already landed surreptitiously at the break of dawn as a scout-sniper on 21 different islands in the Marshalls before landing on Saipan with the 4th Marine division. He said he had a choice on Saipan; put his head down and his derriere up or vice versa. He chose to expose his behind and that is where the Japanese machine gunner hit him, almost severing his sciatica nerve. Another round hit him in the foot, while a third landed around three inches from his nose. He was truly pinned down, between a rock and a hard place. As I already said in a previous comment on another video you made in Hawaii JD, Lee Marvin's outfit in the 4th Marines had around 250 men in it, and only about five or six survived the war. Joining the Marines during WW2 was almost a death sentence, with his unit having a 98% killed in action rate. That is the definition of grim. Lee Marvin also commented on the heat on Saipan. He said laying in his bed on the navy hospital ship was hellish. Between the heat, his pain and the other marines crying out in pain at all hours of the night and day it was most unpleasant. My ex's uncle was also on Saipan with the US 27 Infantry division and he took a machine gun round in the back, which caused the army to send him home. The doctor's refused to do surgery to take it out because they were afraid it would leave him paralyzed due to it being right next to his spine and they didn't know what damage had been done. He worked for the post office in Phoenix, AZ for the remainder of his life. He was active for all his years, as far as I know, but that bullet next to his spine must have caused a life of pain. Those guys were some kind of tough. 😯

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Crazy to think of what those men went through.

[@ToddSauve]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Honestly, it is hard to imagine. I had an uncle who landed on Kiska 79 years ago in 1943 and he only talked to me about it once. He also fought in Belgium and Holland, doing occupation service until 1946. His own kids tell me he almost never spoke of it and only to his sons. Things they never wanted to think of again. In fact, he only ever marched in the local Remembrance Day parade _once_ in southern Saskatchewan at Bengough. 🤷‍♂

[@markm.5655]

My grandfather served with the Corp on SAIPAN, OKINAWA, and during the occupation of Japan, loved listening to his stories growing up. Would love to visit Saipan and Okinawa.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amazing what those guys accomplished.

[@markm.5655]

@@TheHistoryUnderground it is and when he would tell his stories I could picture it in my head. Probably why I like US history so much. Love your videos!

[@texasford]

Again I thank you for keeping WWII history alive, my dad was a B-29 A/C during the war. I can say that those Marines & Army doggies had exceptionally large cojones to do what they did back then & for that the world should be grateful. 🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@afellowamericanafellowamer5317]

A lot to think about. A beautiful beach quiet, peaceful. Then the Americana show up. I had similar thoughts when I used to duck hunt.

[@postalsaint]

Unbelievable doesnt even come close to describing my feeling watching the close up of the sunken tanks. That was the eeriest sequence of any I have seen in my life. It was as if I could feel and hear the ghosts of Marines desperately wanting to tell their stories of what happened that day. Thank you for this vlog. Unbelievable!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@jbrhel]

Thanks for another great video. My Dad was in the ETO and in his later years expressed his admiration for all those that served with him. He would have choked up while watching this. I miss him every day. Bless you and the Greatest Generation.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@lovetolift82]

You use whatever words you want my friend. We all know how much you love those men for their sacrifice. It really is such a stunning view. The peacefulness that is now there is incredible.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@Chard-O]

JD, this one of your finest videos. Thank you for the multiple perspectives on the Sherman's. That was super awesome.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@markraffety3246]

Thanks for doing episodes on the Pacific. This is a fascinating channel. Japanese tanks were no match for Shermans but they were instrumental in early Japanese victories as they would show up in areas where allied armies didn't think tanks could go. Interesting note about Lee Marvin. Thanks again for doing these.

[@gordonreynolds4599]

Your story telling, camera shots, audio, editing, and overall production, just gets better and better. Nothing less than awesome. Great job and thank you for your history lessons!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@PullStartStables]

Having visited Pearl Harbor and Ford Island, it’s quite surprising how there are no tourists around you. It must be a bit more challenging to get there. Thank you for your videos and your stories!

[@renatoreside2109]

Fantastic work, JD! Look forward to your future journeys into and stories from the Pacific theater. The quality of your work shows the respect you give to the sacrifices made in all of the places you visit.

[@rockstarJDP]

This is some of your finest work to date JD, beautifully done! Good job 👏 can't wait to see what's next!

[@markleach116]

I was going to make the same comment!

[@seanduncan9623]

Having been to the Normandy Beaches and hoping to visit so many more historical sites, I understand your excitement. I love this channel. Great job!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@markturpin5667]

Completely incredible. A superb post out of so many each of which is unique and equally superb. Combining the remarkable battle footage of the Marines landing at Saipan with footage of a Sherman Tank left sunk in the lagoon was incredibly moving. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@phyllishershkowitz3806]

Wow, those Sherman tanks submerged in water! Great job behind the camera, those underwater and aerial views were wonderful!👍

[@olentangy74]

Thank you so much for this series on Saipan. I visited twice in 1975-76. I spent an entire afternoon climbing on and snorkeling around the Sherman you visited. ( and also got the worst sunburn of my life, lol). There is much wreckage of landing craft that were blown up by direct mortar hits as they were making their way towards shore, that are visible beneath the surface. Regarding the Sherman, that evening I spoke with a woman who knew the story of that tank. The Sherman's engine flooded, and thre crew abandoned it and wade ashore under fire. The woman said that the sergeant that commanded the tank survived the war and spent a career as a car salesman in St. Louis Missouri. A word about wading the water on Saipan or any of the other islands there. I would encourage you to wear sneakers or reef booties, as you are walking on coral which can be very sharp, also there are conch shells of which certain ones are venomous if you step on them.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Thanks for filling in a few gaps there.

[@cobwebscollectables7232]

Thanks so much, I was so wanting to find out why the Sherman tank never made the beach. Interesting the sea grass leaves a circle around it or perhaps it is regularly worn away by interested visitors I guess.

[@olentangy74]

@@TheHistoryUnderground you’re welcome!

[@dave3156]

JD great job on presenting the beaches at Saipan. I really enjoyed your mixing in period photos with your visit. Great job!

[@johnlashua3805]

I thought Ken Burns was awesome in his rendition of history, but you take it twice his level. My only regret is that I cannot support this channel as I;m retired with very little income. Bless you for your time taking me back to an era my father and uncles served defending freedom. God bless America!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Just watching and recommending the channel to others is more than I could ask for.

[@TheFood42]

Great to see he's delving into the Pacific theater. My grandfather was with the 4th Marines at Saipan (and other islands).By all accounts, it was brutal. I'm so appreciative of this channel. Everything is done with such respect for what occurred at the locations and in a way that is unique to the many other history channels out there. Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@stevesherwood5060]

My uncle was a marine fighting in Saipan. He made the rank of corporal and said that if he had to of fought deeper inside of Japan he probably would’ve made it out alive. The A bombs prevented it. Thanks to all veterans who have fought for my freedom here and abroad, to you all I am indebted. Gob bless our Vets!

[@Shawnroberts1980]

Once again, very well done JD. Mixing in the photos and videos from the war is just awesome. Footage of the tank was amazing. This is why you are growing and growing. Such excellent work. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. So glad that you enjoyed it.

[@waynefoster6964]

I wanted to thank you for going into the Pacific theater of WWII where my grandpa spent the whole war. He was on literally every major island we captured in the Pacific. He was never shot at, thank God, he was in charge of logistics for the 13 and 14 Army Air Corps. However, he died back in 1975, when I was 2. So I never got to speak to him about the war. Thanks for going to the islands he spent 5 years on. Next, you should go to Japan, he was there too.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Won’t make it to Japan on this trip but I hope to sometime in the future.

[@scarecrow3186]

Keep up the awesome documentary video’s on the Pacific. I currently live on Saipan now and have lived on Okinawa for the past 30+ years. I also served in the Marines for 30 years and now retired. My Father served in the U.S. Army during WW II and fought in Europe shot up in Anzio. My Step Father also served in the Marines during WW II and on Saipan and came ashore at yellow beach. He also served on Okinawa as I did also. Just let me say Thank you for your education video efforts and I hope a lot of people get to watch them all.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@scaredy-cat]

As a veteran, I very much appreciate your efforts to bring this history to the public

[@saifulsidek2724]

Thanks you for your servise sir

[@steady316]

Thank you, especially talking about the 4th Marines there is so little about them!

[@stevenemccurdy]

My father was in the 27th infantry division. Saw his 1st action on Saipan. He also won the bronze star there. I started crying as I watched video. Thank you for doing this. He is gone now.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Those guys had a heck of a time there. I'll be posting more on the 27th in future videos. Hope that they help to connect you with your dad's experiences there.

[@christophertipton2318]

My dad landed on Red Beach 1 with the 6th Marines Scout-Sniper Platoon. June 15, 1944 was his 18th birthday. They had the "pleasure" of fighting off those 44 tanks the next night. He got through Saipan and Tinian more or less in one piece. He did get two Purple Hearts, but he said he was wounded many more times than that by grenade fragmentation. You can read about his platoon's story in "40 Thieves on Saipan" by Joseph Tachovsky who is the platoon commander's son.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Thanks for sharing that.

[@stevehein7884]

great filming

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@project_poor_runner]

Thanks for all you do JD! It always amass me the feeling you get in such beautiful places, where so much sacrifice & fighting was done.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@thaddeussykora885]

Go To Tarawa, one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific, and totally forgotten. in less then 3 days, more than 7,500 casualties where amassed there, and today, the island is basically covered in trash left by the local inhabitants. I've seen few to none quality videos exploring what's left of the original battlefield there, Give Tarawa that attention it deserves! Wonderful videos THU, keep it up.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I would like that.

[@randyhill4652]

Just amazing what those men had to go through just to get to the beach! Thank you JD for bringing this too us. Another great video!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@PiousJeems]

Thank you so much for doing this. My father was there with the 73rd BW 20th AAF. He arrived just after the last Banzi attack as the AAF ground forces as MP. He wanted to return a year before his death in August 2009. One of his good friends was in the 4th Marine Div. They later had their photo taken at one of the caves. Dad and the 330th ASG were quartered on the high ground above Isley Field once the island was secured. I look forward to seeing more of this.

[@gmgg424]

I had an Uncle that was a Navy Corpsman with the 2nd Marines on Saipan. He never talked about it. All I knew he was wounded. Took shrapnel. He passed on a few years ago. My sister went and visited my Aunt and found a citation. While his unit was taking heavy enemy mortar fire he kept exposing himself to take care of the wounded until he was wounded himself. While at the field station they were going to transfer him to one of the ships. He refused to go and stayed at the field station to take care of the wounded Marines.

[@rodneylwright7341]

My sister's husband, Max, was a Navy Corpsman assigned to mopping floors, etc in a Seattle Navy Hospital. One day, there was a notice on their bulletin board asking for volunteers to become Corpsman with the Marines. He went through trying with the Marines and embarked with the 6th Marine Division in the invasions of Guadalcanal, IchiJima, and Okinawa. I believe the heroism of the Navy Corpsmen is little known and understood.

[@Micloren]

Your musical and editing choices are always superb.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@markcassady6844]

Awesome video, JD. I’m loving this Pacific War series.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@gregsayre4700]

PFC John Sayre 2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion was my Grandfather. He was in a LVT(A)4 as a gunner for the 75mm howitzer. I was only 6 years old when he passed away so the only stories I've heard are second hand from my dad and cousins. Thanks JD for showing me the beach he landed on.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Got a lot more to come.

[@mikepulis4618]

My dad was Navy, assigned to subs. He was on Saipan just after the battle using Japanese Marines to box up torpedoes. Dad also was going up a mountain in a jeep when he came across two Japanese soldiers. He figured they were out looking for food and they each left each other alone.

[@bradmcewen]

Inhabitants of a free country need reminders that being free is only as good as today if due diligence is not applied to keep it that way. Those ignorant, unempathic of ultimate sacrifices are desstined to repeat history. There are still those and always will be those that think authoritarians provide a better existence lulling in the complacent by coercive control and dark persuasion. The tank in the water stands as a silent testimonial but it really is loud if can hear what got it there. Super excellent video.

[@Wreckdiver59]

I've been waiting for this since you teased it in your Paul Woodadge interview. Thanks for another great video 👍 Now where's the behind the scenes footage of JD wading out to the tank and climbing on top 😉

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! You saw about every bit of footage that I shot out there.

[@stephaneeternelle-vie4664]

Fascinating,Superb, Quality 5/5 stars 👏👏👏 Video,music and most important History !! You deserve to be among the best well known name of Documentary on the history ofWW2 era !!! BRAVO JD AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR PASSION AND KNOWLEDGE !!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Thank you. That’s pretty high praise for a monkey with a camera. 😅

[@jamesschroeder969]

How did those Sherman's end up that far from shore? Were they Dual Drive like what was used in Normandy or being floated in somehow? Nice work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yes. They were amphibious tanks.

[@scarecrow3186]

There are some war footage of tanks coming ashore on KZbin, check them out.

[@fredsato7778]

Erosion has taken up most part of the western beaches of the island. Typhoons and ocean tides eats away the land, which is why you see grass spots in the water.

[@jamesschroeder969]

@@fredsato7778 good point! Obvious I should have thought of that. Thanks bud

[@stephenmorse7709]

That was an amazing video and the footage taken during the invasion was incredible. Those young American soldiers (now old or deceased) deserve the utmost respect. How strong they were (both physically and mentally) to have such perseverance. Truly heroes.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@GeraltofRivia5150]

Thank god for the greatest generation. We wouldn't have what we have today if it wasn't for them. If WW2 happened today we would all be speaking Japanese and German.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@EmilyElizabethJulietLadd]

As the granddaughter of three WWII veterans I love seeing videos like this & hearing more about what happened & the kinds of things they went through because it helps me to better understand them & why they wouldn't talk about their experiences

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@sandramosley2801]

As much as we love everything you do, don’t do anything dodgy just for us. Please.

[@Ronaldl2350]

The beaches are so peaceful now. We can only imagine the carnage, pain and horror our WW2 veterans went through back then. We owe them a huge debt. One thing of the WW2 veterans that I have known including my dad, is humility. "I had a job and did it" I have heard that from more than one of them. Thanks again JD for bringing another great video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I’ve heard many say that same thing. Quite the generation.

[@ChrisMiller-uf7lj]

I’m a Marine and it’s awesome to see our history. Thank you

[@TRKEWEENAW]

Please keep these coming-my uncle was KIA Iwo JIma, what a way to honor these heroes by keeping alive the story of their bravery and sacrifice. I find myself almost being there with these brave men as they attack under fire.

[@georgefulton7012]

My father in law was in the Second Division fought at Tarawa, Roi Island (Kwajalein) and Saipan. God bless him.

[@paulprigge1209]

Thank you for these videos. Veteran disabled country boy. God bless

[@derekridgard9065]

What an amazing series. I am so very pleased to have stumbled upon it on KZbin. The invasion of those islands in the Pacific was heartbreakingly brutal and so brave. The greatest sacrifice.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@dtrainmclean4867]

amazing work mate thankyou for showing this.😀

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure!

[@southc4463]

Man I've watched this one a couple times and its such a wild contrast to see these tanks, weapons of war, death and destruction still there in such a beautiful looking place. My grandfather served in the pacific. I cant imagine being a young Missouri farm boy getting drafted and then finding yourself fighting for your life on a beautiful tropical island you probably couldn't even find on a map, thats just wild. I think this is gonna end being my favorite series of yours, thank you for bringing us along!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! So glad that you’re enjoying it.

[@mgunny05]

JD, I appreciate the time, effort, and financial that you put into this visit. As a retired Marine who knows our history IS important to the Corps,…thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

100% 🇺🇸

[@palerider4015]

JD…Truly humbling subject matter my friend. What appears to be a beautiful place today, must have been one awful hell hole back then. I can’t think of anyone more respectful to those who were there (wherever that may be) than you. The music with that submerged Sherman tank was contemplative and ghostly. Nice work sir. Greetings from the UK 🇬🇧

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@kevinschmitt845]

This is amazing. My grandpa took part in the invasion of Saipan, with the 2nd marines. He was shot and wounded in July, just days before they took the island. He was shot on “flame tree hill” just east of Garapan (to the best of my knowledge and research). Amazing to see your video of how it looks modern day. Thanks!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@rebadaddy]

Really well done. I liked that you mixed in with actual film footage. They truly were The Greatest Generation

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@NickTasy]

My grandfather was there with D Company, 708th Amphibian Tank Battalion (an Army unit). His battalion provided armor support for the entire 4th Marine Division during the beginning stages of the battle. My grandfather went in with the first wave on D-Day and landed on Yellow Beach 1. His company was supporting 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@robertjessen1554]

Outstanding video, as usual. Any history buff feels the same way at any of these significant battle sites understands what happened, knows the cost in lives and equipment and is still in awe of their surroundings is going to think "Man this is so cool, just to be here." My Dad served in B-24s in Italy. I had an opportunity to get 10 minutes of stick time a B-24, Damn it was cool.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@hotrod1984s10]

Best channel on KZbin!!! Congratulations!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@mattskustomkreations]

Beautiful camera work. I’m especially intrigued because I feature LEGO versions of AmTracs also known as “Alligators” in my videos. One was the transport type, the other was an attack type 11:48 to support the troop transporters.

[@Xplane67D]

I stayed in Saipan my whole childhood. I used to go to tank beach with my relatives and it was awesome. When it was high tide that served as a jump spot as well as sugar dock. I even still remember when the little security cement house was on the dock. We’d jump off the roof too. Good times being outside. Big shout out and love to my garapan famillia

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@jpeavy637]

For someone who doesn't like the ocean, great job filming that Sherman!! Thank you for all the great work !!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It goes beyond dislike. I actually hate the ocean. But that was actually cool.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

First of all, thank you for taking us to saipan. I love your channel and I'm a subscriber and this story resonates with me because my uncle was with the fifth Marines during World War II and fought at Saipan but his baptism of fire was at Guadalcanal at barely 17 years of age. He went on to fight at Bougainville and various other Islands but he said the most vicious and terrifying battle was at Saipan. He was wounded in the leg but refused treatment to stay with his buddies and to stay in the fight. He was a sergeant and found himself in charge of 30 some men at age 18 because their first two lieutenants were Kia on the first and second day. I have nothing but huge respect for these men, for my uncle and for my father that was in the US Navy South Pacific. Thank you for the upload and sharing another Journey with us!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Thanks for sharing that.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

@@TheHistoryUnderground no problem! I grew up in a military family so I was steeped in the traditions of the US Navy,, my Dad, the US Marine Corps, my Uncle and my Mom was a WAC in the army. She was part of a unit that flew Boeing B-17s from the plants here in Everett and Seattle down to California for deployment to the pacific. She loved her B-17s! She told me they would let her fire the 50 cal machine guns over the Pacific. She also told me there was a hot shot pilot that actually did a barrel roll in the B-17! Well she got sick to her stomach so they opened up the bombay doors so she could do her business! I was raised by two of the finest people I will ever know and they were just another small part of the greatest generation! Thanks again for all you do and how well you do it! Jim from Seattle

[@jaspergrey108]

That was Amazing as always! Thanks for carrying us along. I look at those beaches and the ones in Normandy, Iwo Jima, and all the others our braves soldiers stormed and I am in total awe of their bravery. My hats off to all of those men.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@user-ou4gz2pg4d]

I am in awe....especially when you got in the water to be next to the tank. What a privilege, knowing your respect and appreciation for the wars and all the men who took part. Thank you lots JD!

[@cynditermath9118]

This series on the Pacific Theater is so revealing. It touches on many areas that should be known, but get “overshadowed” because of the ETO. We need to remember it was a two front war for the US. Thank you for your great insights in the Pacific.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed. Got a lot more on the way.

[@mrDCunningham]

A friend of mine served with Lee Marvin every step of the way through the war. His name is Norbert Kross and Lee Marvin nicknamed him "shorty". One day in a cantina 3 guys were poking fun at him for being little. Lee whipped all 3 of them for his friend Shorty. Nobert says that Lee was the real deal bad ass. Great video JD. 👍🏼😎

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@jessesteel333]

I find the silhouette of those ships in the background quite fitting. It gives a little idea of how packed that horizon would have been in 44. Bloody great work as always JD! I’m really looking forward to this series!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed. Thanks!

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

Amazing footage of that tank

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. Pretty cool experience.

[@mwrenn6060]

Well done! What an incredible opportunity to have gone where those brave Marines and soldiers fought so valiantly.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@ultrablue2]

Such natural beauty mixed with jagged reminders of war. It’s surreal.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yes it is.

[@VanillaGorilla502]

Beautiful and somber reminder of those who went before us. Thanks for bringing history to the current generations JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@joshua.snyder]

Really awesome! One grandpa was at Normandy; the other was at Saipan, just post-war. Thank you. He had some stories about Amelia Earhart and Saipan he learned there which were facsinating.

[@BigLisaFan]

Please share them with us?

[@joshua.snyder]

@@BigLisaFan He shared what has become generally discussed at this point. The people of Saipan claiming to have seen a white woman pilot. She had been captured by the Japanese. She was executed and buried after her imprisonment and her plane destroyed. He was sharing this in the late 40's after his discharge from the Navy.

[@BigLisaFan]

@@joshua.snyder Thank you. I thought he might have heard some different stories. I have heard that one and all things considered, it might be closer to what actually happened to her and her navigator. Maybe, in time, the mystery might one day be solved?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸