It was great to see Seth across the viritual pond for WWII TV. Give it a spin guys

@jmullner76

Күн бұрын

Agreed.

@MartinMcAvoy

32 минут бұрын

Paul Woodadge is a terrible historian and a horrible person.

John Bruning is brilliant. He opens a window into the personalities and problems of the war on Guadalcanal. Simply superb. All three of you showed a great sensitivity and awareness of what it means for a combat soldier to come home from an intense war. Well done.

Thanks so much. What a great episode. John is a brilliant guest. I could listen the whole day.

Great podcast! My father was in VMF 224 commanded by Major Bob Galer. Greatest respect & admiration for every member of the Cactus Air Force (and all those who were on the "Canal") Pls keep up the outstanding work. Semper Fi 👍

Several Cactus pilots were saved by native people who were treated horribly by the Japanese. We owe them much gratitude. The parallel would be the German treatment of the Baltic, Belarus and Ukrainian civilians.

@Albemarle7

10 сағат бұрын

The coast watchers were heavily dependent on the natives in everything they did, as well.

@Canadian_Skeptical

6 сағат бұрын

yes, including JFK!!

I'm just here man! It's 2:09 a.m. PST, couldn't sleep and realized holy hell is torpedo Tuesday! Fire up the Mr coffee, get a pack of smokes sitting off the coffee table, and prepare to get schooled! Love the work you do and the chemistry regardless of who is, is always fantastic and enlightening! From the son of a World War II veteran, US Navy South Pacific, I salute you guys!🇺🇲⚓️💖🙏💯☕️🏝📸🍻

@williampockets

2 күн бұрын

Torpedo Tuesday. Love it. Saratoga wants in

@Jakal-pw8yq

Күн бұрын

​@williampockets Damn, poor Sarah! Sucking up Torpedoes like there's no tomorrow. If ever there was a ship that had a cloud over it it had to have been Saratoga. I know that what-ifs are pointless, but I just wonder had she not sucked up those Torpedoes what would her battle record have been? You can't fault her crew. Because the US Navy had the best damage control in the world. When your hit with a long lance or whatever Torpedoes the Japanese Subs had its kind of a death bell when you get nailed with one of them. Respect to the crew of the Saratoga, you did your jobs and you did them well!🙏🇺🇲⚓️💯💖☕️🏝🍻👍

It is stunning to me that this author is on this show today. I just finished his great book, "53 Days on Starvation Island late last night. I just bought it after seeing John's appearance on the WW2TV channel here on YT almost two weeks ago. Waiting for Seth's return appearance on the WW2TV channel tomorrow.

@davidk7324

2 күн бұрын

Me too, robertdenhooven7258. Although I haven't started it yet as I'm finishing James Fenelon's remarkable Angels Against the Sun. "Starvation Island" is next on my list.

My father was a gunner in a TBM. He won the DFC and 3 air metals. He refused to talk about his war experience until just before he died, but he told me that only 8 people in his unit survived. I know he suffered PTSD. He wasn't alone among the WWII veterans I met.

Another topic for the show was the fight for Port Moresby before 1942. The British and Dutch cared about the colonial powers. After the battle of Java sea, the British diverted all resources to India. Australia requested planes for defense but only got around 20 P 40s. A resource that they got were two veterans who fought German 109s in Africa. Bottom line for a month or two before the Battle of Coral Sea they held off an elite Japanese Naval fighter group to protect Port Moresby. Just before the Battle of the Coral Sea, the fighter group ceased to exist. The Australians evacuated all air resources out of Port Moresby. At this point the entire North coast of Australia was bare. The Australian author makes the case, that the Port Moresby could have been seize if the invasion force continued. Also their is political battles as Churchill was trying to divert the 7 th Australian infantry to India. With out the 7th, Port Moresby and the Battle of Miline Bay would have been lost. Coral Sea battle and action have a bigger impact than is committed nly recognized.

@richardbennett1856

2 күн бұрын

With limited resources, Asia was a backwater for all the Allies. Logistics were strained, and distances were daunting. Even holding India was problematic. You can't do everything everywhere all the time. Something has to give.

@alganhar1

Күн бұрын

@@richardbennett1856 Indeed. People these days also have very little idea of what trying to sustain an army in Northern India on the border with Burma (now Myanmar) was like. Even today road and rail infrastructure is poor, and it was *worse* then. Hell when they were driving into Burma in 1945 one of the flanks literally had to build the road it was advancing on AS IT ADVANCED.... And it had to be done and their objective taken before the monsoon hit because the monsoon would just wash away the road they had just built.... Show me where in the ETO advancing troops had to build a road according to a strict timetable to their objective?

History is necessary. The truth is necessary. This is your best episode yet. Keep the candle burning.

So, I am listening to another great episode of UHPW and then their guest starts talking about the Marine who suffered from PTSD after war and what happened to him. There are many parallels to my father and his trying to deal with his PTSD after the Korean war. He was in the Corps but not a pilot. Seeing Mr John Bruning so moved and empathetic to those who suffer the experience of such war profoundly moved me. I won't go into details about my father's story nor did it end like the Marine he described. His life was deeply affected and I don't think that he really knew how much. Thanks to Seth and the Captain for having Mr Bruning on and dealing with an important subject that affects all of us.

The difference between the shoestring operation of landing on Guadalcanal and the godzilla that shows up at Saipan a little less than 2 years later is amazing. God bless all veterans and especially ww2 vets.

@flparkermdpc

2 күн бұрын

Truly amazing,the transformation of the US effort between the time being discussed today, and the second half of 1944 that occupied most of season three. Buckle up.

My favorite night used to be Saturday. Now it’s Tuesday. What a great show. Thanks guys. Regards from Down Under.

@richardbennett1856

2 күн бұрын

Good day, Just. At the time, with the ANZAC armies in North Africa and a killer Scrap Iron fleet punching way above their weight in the Mediterranean, still able to hang in to Port Moseby with the second team, Crace's small but intimidating navy, and a few fighters proved the Australian cupboard wasn't bare. US history does not give much credit to our heroes from down under, but it's obvious to anyone who studies this . Don't forget the NZ Sheep Boys either...

@richardbennett1856

2 күн бұрын

I said Gus, but the evil autocorrect bot changed it to Just. Hey Ya'll, from humid Arkansas. Keep up the posts, eh? Oy! G'day!!

Great show as ever, but Jon Parshall has to take huge credit for naming his cat family the Kitty Butai!

@geoffmarr7526

Күн бұрын

Her satanic majesty, supreme empress of all she surveys, graciously gives that awesome moniker a disdainful tailflick. High praise indeed!

@douglaskillock3537

20 сағат бұрын

@@geoffmarr7526 As a cat person I am loving all of it. No disrespect to the legendary Gunther, the silent patrol partner keeping Seth safe

Some of the baddest dudes on the stick. At least land based. Fearless and talented. Thanks for the great content. 44 and 45 are impressive feats of American power. 42 and 43 are to me, more interesting since it was not a done deal yet. Thanks boys

@TheBruceGday

10 сағат бұрын

42 and 43 were impressive feats of American courage and determination.

This is one of the best episodes on this channel. I learned more about the beginnings of the Cactus Air Force than I have ever had. At it's height in the Guadalcanal Campaign there were USMC, USAAF, USN, RAAF, and RNZAF squadrons operating out of the Henderson Field complex, so not only was the Cactus Air Force a true Joint Forces Command but also a multi-national command as well. We need to remember the contribution of the Aussies and Kiwi's on the land, air, and sea during the Solomons Campaign plus their vital efforts in the New Guinea Campaign as well.

I'm a 2x Vietnam vet and hearing about the disconnect between combat vets and civilians. It was only by the grace of God and His intervention during my suicide attempt in 1976 that I've been able to spend 20 yrs working with my brother vets, and live a full and meaningful life. Thank you so much for bringing this disconnect between the vets and civilians to the forefront. Thank you very much!

@user-lj6fu6rc5j

Күн бұрын

I glad you turned it around. Stay safe!

@jackoleary8002

Күн бұрын

Sir, thank you for your service - you're a better man than I am

@barrygeekler6458

Күн бұрын

Thank you brother, struggle every day. Stay Solid!

@hektor6766

6 сағат бұрын

Denying Vietnam its self-determination after French colonialism wasn't defending freedom or the United States. That was the disconnect. Politicians and industrialists in their richly-appointed offices authored that disconnect as they manipulated toward the debacle for their own self-interest. As they did with the false testimony of Nayirah, the Kuwaiti ambassador's daughter, the stowed away white paper and ignored August 8 PDB on Al Qaeda's plans, and the dubious reports of yellow cake. Because 9/11 couldn't have been foreseen, the Saudi Royals were generous with their oil and their money in return for weapons, and Saddam couldn't have been alarmed about Kuwaiti lateral oil drilling under the border, or US imperialism in the post-Cold War era. He was just a bad man, same as Ho Chi Min, Mossadegh or Allende, and that's all the American troops or public needed to know.

Gentlemen, I have immensely appreciated every episode of this channel, but this one definitely is the best (so far).

Thanks my dad Harry Brooks was on the Enterprise CV-6, a Ham Radio operator before the war, was "volunteered" to go to Henderson Field because he could scratch build and maintain the radios to vector attack aircraft from Guadalcanal from spare parts as the navy was short of radios. He was there after the fleet pulled out and during the bombardment of Henderson Field by the Japanese fleet. My aunt told me he was put in for a commendation which was not awarded due to his contribution being for brain power rather than fighting in action. He did get jumped a grade in promotion.

Unauthorized Cats of the pacific war!

@garymackey850

2 күн бұрын

lol

One of the best episodes I've yet seen. Seth, Bill, John, Thank You.

Had to smile....during the introduction of John...I look over and see his book Race of Aces on my unread shelf....Still two away from its turn....Of course, I'll be on Amazon before the episode finishes ordering his new book!

@richardbennett1856

2 күн бұрын

John is on the Mt. Rushmore of great history writers. Both background books are must-read.

This is one of the most important episodes, for many reasons, that you have done, thank you!

As usual spot on. Thank you for sharing and talking about difficult subjects in the last part of your podcast, well done, your sincerity and tact is welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.

This is one of the best episodes!

Great episode, thanks for this. My dad served 33 months in the S. Pacific on Guadalcanal and Bougainville with the Americal Div. He never wanted to talk about it. It was a different time, the vets just wanted to come back and get back to life. He was affected greatly by his experience both physically and emotionally. He dealt with it with alcohol and anger outbursts but always provided for his family! I never understood him as a youngster but as I matured started to understand in my own way. Again, Thanks for this episode and I hope more people come to appreciate what all the veterans of all services and all conflicts have given to our nation!

This is why I watch your documentaries every time & watch them again. To listen, and try to understand. This is so very important!

I'm 70 years old, and I grew up reading about these heroes, in books like Great American Fighter pilots of WWII; however, since reading Race of Aces I now know the men behind the names and scores. Thank you John for introducing me to men like Gerald Johnson and his wife Barbara.

Top 10 episode. This was some of your best work, guys.

WOW! Another outstanding and informative presentation. The Unauthorized Broadcast just keeps getting better! I really appreciate the time spent addressing and exploring the struggles some of these men had following their Guadalcanal experiences. PTSD seems entirely ignored for WWII and Korean War vets.

Yesssss more aviation content is always welcome!!!!

Great episode. Thank you advocating for our veterans. We owe them our freedom.

Thank you Bill Seth and John.

An additional topic for the show. The whakiest ship in the navy was a TV show in the 60s. The show closely matched the navy that was used during the battle for Buna. Heavy equipment was transfered by ratty civilian ships using the byous along the New Guinea northern coast. They were hunted by Japanese destroyers. No Allied escorts ships were allowed past Miline Bay. The were responsible for delivering the M3 Stuart tanks to the front. They did this with no port facilities. Any cargo that the DC 3 could not deliver went through these guys. Got the information from the book be American General that took over command for the American division in early November 1942.

@KennanKlein

Күн бұрын

I have visited the memorial to Marion Carl in Hubbard Oregon where Marion grew up on a local farm.is cool to see him talked about so highly in your talk today. I love my Tuesdays thanks to you guys.as Bill says"I'll see you next week!"

I watched John yesterday from an interview with Paul Woodedge about two weeks ago. As I mentioned there, I have manhandled 500 pound bombs, and there is simply no kind of handhold to get a grip on. Four guys means two on each side linking arms under the bomb with the guys on the opposite side, then lifting and holding it in place while someone else fastens the shackles. That was bad enough when I was healthy, I can't imagine doing that while sick. Regarding Smith and Edson and their fate, I follow another content created called Habitual Line Crosser, a current air defender NCO. He closes out most of his videos with "Do not give in to the 22 a day", referencing the suicide rate among service members and his advocacy/concern about it.

Out standing I have been joying this for over a year now keep up the great work remember history is so important

My grandfather's friend and neighbor earned a Legion of Merit at Henderson as an airplane mechanic. The citation basically says he was there from day one at Henderson until the end of the battle. He never talked about it, but he was on the field for every bombardment. Was the casualty rate among mechanics so high that you got a Legion of Merit if you didn't earn a Purple Heart?

Great show gentlemen.

Sorry to disagree with you, but our family did not forget what was going on by 1943 ! My father was not able to serve in the armed services { medical } ; he served as air raid warden and part of the San Francisco Police Department. My brothers and I were all in support of our part in the war, we had our garden in the back yard, used black out window shades, and hid under our desks at school. Proud of the job my dad set up for the ship loads of returning sailors and troops, he set up the dock side telephone multi-booths so they could call their loved ones right away. I joined the Air Force in my senior year of high school (1956) My brother also joined the Air Force for 4 years then went into to the Navy for another 4 years ! My daughter also served 4 years in the Air Force, My Grandson is now stationed in South Korea as a member of the US Air Force, We don't forget how we got here!! Thanks for your great program, look forward to next week !!!

@annrn6148

20 сағат бұрын

Sounds like your family is similar to mine. But it's unfortunately true that we are just a small percentile. The vast majority of the populace have quickly become self-absorbed, complacent, & even superficial. They feel history is irrelevant to them, as they're the centers of their own little worlds. Such a huge disconnect.

You have been producing exceptionally informative/educational podcasts. And whenever I have down time, I find myself replaying the entire series. I feel this latest episode just set the bar that much higher. The insights offered by the 3 of you, while discussing the men involved in this conflict, were so moving. I feel it reflects on how strong the emotional dedication you have to the histories of these men, the sacrifices they made, & to getting their true stories told, are. I can't wait to read the book.

The Coast Watchers, set up pre-war, by the Australian Navy, saved many lives of seamen and airmen during the campaign. Also, the early warning of the coastwatchers allowed the Cactus airforce to get up to altitude to gain some advantage. The entire campaign, with all involved deserves our study and utmost respect.

Sleep is far over ratted, especially when The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War is on.

@bughunter1766

Күн бұрын

Very true, today. But I bet the guys on Guadalcanal would not agree!

I grew up and still live just a couple miles from the farm that Marion Carl grew up on, and knew his brother, Manton Carl, personally. I was also a good friend of Jack Lenhardt, who as a young boy, watched Marion Carl fly over his hometown in his F4F Wildcat, and was inspired to become a pilot. So this narrative has a very real personal interest to me!

僕は英語はよく分かりませんけれど、不思議とこちらのパネラーの野太い低い声を聴いてると落ち着いてリラックスした気分になれます。 一種の環境音楽みたいな感じで聴いてます。 入眠用にいいです。 ある意味、佛教のお経を読経するお坊さんやグレゴリアン聖歌のごとく、意味は分からなくてもリラックスできる感じに似てますね。　変わった拝見の仕方をしていてすみません。

@richardbennett1856

2 күн бұрын

Brave and tough to the end. Imperial Japan pushed the Allies to the limits with very limited resources. We respect all the Brave warriors on this podcast.

@Brock-vs3xg

2 күн бұрын

Translation: “Although I don't understand English very well, listening to the deep, deep voices of the panelists makes me feel calm and relaxed. I listen to it like a kind of environmental music. Good for falling asleep. In a sense, it's similar to Buddhist monks reciting sutras or Gregorian chants, which can help you relax even if you don't understand the meaning. I'm sorry for the strange way I'm viewing this page.” So guys, content is OK but your voice are great for putting people to sleep. Hey, a compliment is a compliment right? Another great episode - keep ‘em coming. LOVE the podcast!

@johnrudy9404

Күн бұрын

You are welcome here. All are welcome.

@user-ur1ke5zc3j

4 сағат бұрын

ご返信ありがとうございます。　アメリカという強敵と戦った時点で日本の負けは確定していたとしか思えないですけれど、太平洋上で行われた数々の闘いは何百年何千年と世界史の劇的闘いとして語り継がれていくものだと思います。

@user-ur1ke5zc3j

4 сағат бұрын

ご返信ありがとうございます。　やはり冷静かつ平静に割合淡々と対談されてるところと低音ボイスがリラックスできるポイントではないのかなと撲は思います。

❤❤❤❤ thank you, from a cold war/OIF vet.❤❤❤

I always love Mr Bruning's presentations. Regarding the discussion about Col Smith's suicide, I was reminded of Gen Bradley's quote in his memoirs about relieving Gens Allen and Roosevelt of commanding the First ID: "They committed the sin of loving their men too much." It's so harsh and wrong in so many ways, but what else do we feel when watching a buddy die? "The Good War" by Studs Terkel is a fantastic oral history documenting that disconnect between the troops on the front and the civilians back home. The modern fetishizing of veterans is in many ways mere lip-service. "Thank you for your service"? I hear that on those occasions when I do mention my own service. My answer is always "The best thanks is the vigorous exercise of your rights." The complacency of modern Americans is both stunning and disheartening.

This channel is such an enjoyable part of my life. Thanks a million times again Seth and Capt. Toti.

John Bruning on Torpedo Tuesday is awesome. His book Indestructible is one of my favorites. After reading 53 days in May I can say it is now one of my favorites. Great book. Keep up the great work guys. Btw, incredible focus while his cat does amazing acrobatics.

I would like to say that John Bruning is like a modern day Ernie Pyle in how he has told the stories of many American servicemembers from WW2 until the so called "War on Terror." I have personally buried over 35 members of the U.S. Army Aviation units I have served in over 32 years, some due to accident, and some due to combat. I appreciate the way in which he has honored these people in his books. I too have seen some fellow servicemen and women who at least contemplated or committed suicide due to PTSD. All of them expressed a sense of betrayal by their proponent agencies. Thanks for the look at what was such an important contribution by some outstanding examples of American bravery and sacrifice. Semper Fi to all the Marines, past, present and future from an old U.S. Army NCO.

My dad’s ship, USS Tracy ( DM-19) made a milk run or two to bring avgas in 55 gallon drums for the Cactus aviators.

Thanks for bringing to life the struggles and determination the WWII vets went through. They didn’t talk about ot

Excellent episode, thanks.

After 12 years in the Navy i went through something that left me suicidal. (Nothing like these men went through) When the Navy found out they removed me from my ship, sent me for a psych eval, and discharged me with no kind of treatment. I firmly believe they were more concerned about the image of an active duty suicide vs a vet suicide since those happened regularly. It took me over ten years just to get over the anger, bitterness, and sense of abandonment i felt. Now almost 30 years later i still have occasional nightmares about it. Never went to th VA because the thought of dealing with anything military would make me physically ill. Your discussion of John L and his treatment by the Navy really hit home.

@joebombero1

Күн бұрын

I hope you find peace in your heart. You stepped up, ready to defend our nation when many did not. Your personal sacrifices were real and obviously still weigh on you. I hope you find a resource to help you find peace. God bless you.

@richardanderson2042

Күн бұрын

@@joebombero1 thank you. I am lucky to have a wonderful supportive wife throughout, and the good Lord has watched over me.

@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar

Күн бұрын

God bless. Hope you've found the answer, and sorry for your experience. The Navy is comprised of flawed human beings, just like every other organization on the planet.

I’ve watched a number of your episodes, and I really like you guys. You also present everything quite well. This podcast is without a doubt one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. There was a lot of heart and soul evident. Truth as regards what those men went through, and the ongoing issues that influenced their lives is sobering. Thank you for the excellent work you’re doing. Take Care and Be Well!

You guys are awesome speaking from your hearts. Thank you so much for sharing all this.

I am only 20 minutes in, and this is marvelous! The more depth, the more detail, the more I love it! The long form, like the multi-part episodes you have had, are the best! I am glad you are doing the time warp back to the Cactus Air Force! Great guest in Mr. Bruning! Thank you gentlemen!

This John guy is great. He even has books I own in his bookcase. Bring him back. I’m getting his books.

Very good Episode. Liked discussion at end about what it was like at home during WW2 and for the vets returning.

I hope you guys go back and cover more of the Aussie campaigns.

Hi Seth, hi Bill. A small sugestion. It is PTS. In my eyes it would be honoring the Vets not calling it a disorder, because it is no disorder. It is a wound sustained in battle. Thanks so much.

I have Race of Aces and am looking forward to getting this one as well! And the timing is excellent as I just finished Neptune's Inferno: The U.S. Navy at Guadalcanal by James Hornfischer. Edit - and I was turned on to all of these books due to UH of the Pacific War Podcast.

Great interview and excellent podcast. However painful, there's a cost to war that no country should ever forget. Hope you have John Bruning back, as his humane narratives of the Pacific War paints a far different picture. I find it difficult to believe that these rookie pilots were thrown onto combat with so little training.

While the entire episode was excellent, the section on John L Smith was both moving and put a spotlight on PTSD and mental health challenges for our veterans.

This just keeps getting better and better every week! Thanks, Seth, for assuring us your fine team will continue after the wars end with whatever plan you have for us. Surely it will entertain and enrich our lives!

Very poignant and revealing episode. John is a very well spoken, humble, and knowledgeable guest. The two hours flew (no pun intended, as Seth would say) by, could listen to him for many more hours. As I have said a few times now, there is NOT a podcast coverage of the Pacific theatre like this anywhere. Kudos to you!

As always Seth and Bill great topic and job on a subject that many don't or do not go into in depth like you do. John thank you for your great presence on this subject. Your book is now on my must read list. My family was a big part of the greatest generation. Both theaters and you show the best and the saddest parts of the aftermath of the conflict that affected the entire world. You are always on my must watch on Tuesday. Thank you very much gentlemen. Ready for next week. Now off to watch Seth and Woody on WWII Battle of Phil Sea.

Good episode very thought provoking

Thank you sirs for your extraordinary efforts in presenting the history of the Pacific War, are there any plans for you to present an episode on the soviet liberation of Manchuria and Korea during your final season?

@flparkermdpc

2 күн бұрын

Gotta get my opening remarks up before Tuesday gets too old. This is a GREAT episode. John Bruning writes and picks his subject with his heart on his sleeve, and Seth and Bill are enthusiastic accomplices. We're back at the beginning when the outcome is very much in doubt, and the lack of preparation and readiness is frightening. The Marianas Turkey Shoot is way in the future, and the path forward is not clear, to say the least. This is a grounding discussion.

Paraphrasing Churchill, “The Americans can always be counted on to do The Right Thing….after they have exhausted all the wrong things”

Amazing episode. Marine aviation on the Canal will always be a special topic for me thanks to a friendship with a veteran, now passed, who was an 18-yr old ordnance man (who *volunteered* to go to Guadalcanal from the Hebrides as a replacement after the "night of the battleships"!). Bruning is a fantastic guest, and this episode is a special one in these several seasons of excellence.

Good morning from SC!

I hope Steven Spielberg is paying attention to all your episodes, there are at least 50 years of movies that could be made from them, and a lot of them would make great The Best Years of Our Lives.

I've already read race of aces twice.. I'll order Starvation Island, today.

Infantry are who win the war and are the greatest heros. Boots on the ground. Holding ground.

One of your most interesting and thought provoking podcasts. PST is so misunderstood still because it is such a personal issue. Veterans are not eager to discuss their own weaknesses. If you cannot keep pace it is received negatively. Veterans are not special but we are unique. Thanks John Bruning for your research.

Great show, great guest and very interesting topic. One of your best! Shocking how little equipment and support--and training--they initially had. Genuine heroes all. Thanks for all you do Seth and Bill.

Very very glad you are talking about the damage these good people go through. I am not one of those but we all need to be able to understand what is really going on rather than live on blind

Great episode! 2 + hours passed so quickly. Hope JB returns soon. I read that miltary volunteer enlistees drop significantly when high causalities figures were slowly being realized by the general public roughly around '43. There's going to be a lot more killing and dying ahead.

Really appreciated his little rant/tangent on how these guys are models to look up to for the younger generations. Being a Gen-Zer myself, these men and their forefathers are my role models for that scrappy, can-do, independent, liberty-loving, and God-fearing American spirit that conquered a continent and built this nation atop it. Cheers! :)

A chain fall was like gold to these men. Or even come a longs .

Great episode. Thank you.

What an excellent explanation of the nitty gritty and effective leadership qualities required to make things happen effectively amid the messy realities of live. Respect to your veterans who helped to stem the tide of imperialism and birth a more peaceful civilised era. Now I have to buy that book.

Loved Race of Aces, purchased 53 Days on Starvation Island on Audible just now. The disconnect between civilians and military portion of the podcast toward the end was just heartbreaking to me. Never Forget. 💝 🎗️

You guys need to have Bruning on as a guest more often! John should write a book about the "race of aces" among Naval and Marine Corps aviators from 1942 to 1945.

For some reason I did not think this episode would be interesting... how wrong I was. The Americans were really in a tough spot and it created some exceptional people and amazing stories. Thank you for uploading this.

THe story that VFM-223 basically had so many pilots shot down but who were able to return to duty says a lot about the USN/USMC resilience and acquisition and retention of pilot skill that helped doom the Japanese pilots. OK, flying a circle so the rear gunner can sink boats?!?! Truly inspired application of 'Use what you got'!!!! And John L's reaction to the tail gunner really is going to mess with me. This whole episode will, which is among several shifts understanding 1v1 conflict. I was a paramedic, understand 1v1, what they pilots went thru was NOT 1v1 on any scale. Thank you SO MUCH!!!

One of your best episodes. My Dad was a WW2 vet. Normandy to Northern Germany, the Canadian Army.

Thanks Seth, Captain Toti and Mr. Buning. I just ordered his book, I liked the Aces book. I enjoyed your show. I appreciate it very much. Thanks, you're appreciated.

Excellent episode thank you

I never knew the complete story of the Cactus Air Force. Very informative adding more to my understanding of the Guadalcanal battles. Did have to go and re-listen to some of Mr. Bruning,s commentary as I kept laughing at how he kept his composure and not missing a beat talking all the while dealing with his cat. Great episode again with some funny animal interference thrown in.

I’m half way through Starvation Island. Another great read.

As long as we don't have some form of compulsory service that at least gives the returning personnel a large group to belong to the gulf between civilian and military will continue to widen. I frequent a near by cemetery that has multiple service members killed overseas, but a larger percentage of former service members who passed in the years between V-J day and the start of the Korean war. I often wonder and really maybe don't want to do the research to find out causes of deaths. Seth I really look forward to your upcoming debunking the "We're all in this together." Episode.....been trying to explain this to people for decades that the disconect has ALWAYS existed despite popular myth.

When I was a chaplain assistant in the Air Force, the number one killer military personnel was suicide. Thank you for bringing that up and all your hard work.

"Lug nut personality." Excellent show gentlemen. I thoroughly enjoyed the ebb and flow of information that has left me much better informed about the Canal. I appreciate John's pacing and communication skills and can't wait to sample his writing. Starvation Island is up next for me. Regarding your closing conversation: "You know, a DEAL deal. Maybe the guy's a republican."

Great podcast!

Great talk.

Having served a tour on submarines, I moved on to work in a shipyard for the bulk of my career. I fought a constant battle between doing things right and doing things good enough. A loose bolt somewhere might cause a buzzing vibration that modern torpedoes will happily home in on. It surprised me how even guys who had served needed to be reminded.

Thank you for sharing your expertise. This episode was a humbling experience.

Throughout the Pacific war, the Marines fought as much against the tropical environment as they did against the Japanese. Aboard ship, with little ventilation, heat, and sea sickness. Guadalcanal, Pavuvu, Bougainville, Pelelieu, Iwo Jima, and assorted islands that were anterooms to hell.

Thanks for making the point about the home front's disconnect with the warfighters. I think awareness of this might help us otherwise clueless (if well-meaning) civilians help returning warfighters.