My great grandpa, Milburn E. "Mel" Smith, was on the USS Marblehead. He used to tell us how the crew would fill up buckets of flood water in the magazine, dump the filled buckets into the ocean, then repeat. I have some great photos of the crew members on the deck, there is even a photo of makeshift sail made out of what looks like a bed sheet. If it weren't for the events that led up to the ship docking in South African, my family probably wouldn't exist! Sounds melodramatic, but it is trie. My great grandpa met his future wife, Winifred, while docked in South Africa. She was a South African native who had never left the country. He met her while riding on the city bus, they hit it off, and continued to see each other while the ship was in dry dock. Before he left, a few short weeks later, he proposed to her. While the Marblehead, along with my great grandpa, made its way back to the US, Winifred packed her back and moved to Benson, Minnesota, where she waited for Mel to arrive. That was quite the transition for her, from never planning on leaving her oceanside home to moving half way across the world to the land locked Midwest, and for a man she barely knew. I envy her courage. They married shortly after, moved to San Diego (where he was restationed), had two daughter, three grandkids, and six great-grandchildren, including myself, although I was the only one able to meet them before they passed away. They were happily married for 50+ years. What a story of chance the Marblehead carries with it through history. heet. This video popped up on my feed by accident, but I am so glad it did, I was able to learn a bit more about the history and series of events, thank you The History Guy!

@colinsdad1

2 жыл бұрын

What a great story!! Reminds me of my folks, in a way. My parents were married September 2, 1967-Oct 1, my Dad left for Army Basic Training and then Vietnam. Neither of them knew if they'd ever be together again. But, 54 years and 3 kids later, they're still married and living in the same house in Massachusetts my folks bought with my Dad's Combat Pay.

@baileymcginnis2974

2 жыл бұрын

My great grandfather was on the ship from commission to decomission. If you happen to have/ would be willing to share photos my family would LOVE it. I can give you my email

@laurencannon6334

2 жыл бұрын

@@baileymcginnis2974 I do have photos stashed away somewhere that I would happy to share. Maybe your great grandfather can be found in them.

@musicandairplanes6330

7 ай бұрын

My Father, Harry Clephane was a signalman on the USS Marblehead during that battle. He told us stories just like what this guy is saying. He was burnt really bad during the battle.

I grew up in Marblehead MA, the town history of Naval service goes back to the war of 1812 when the town provided nearly the entire first crew of the "Consitution"...as few other towns had sailors with enough experience or the nerve to man the only warship against the British fleet early on.

My Great uncle George Albert Corbitt served on the USS Marblehead and died of his injuries he received during the Japanese bombing attacks. He lived 3 days from what I have been told and was buried on the island of Java. His body was later returned to the United States and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Rest in Peace Uncle George

Once again, the most important assets of the USN was its training in damage control. It saved more ships than any kind of armament. _Marblehead_ was just one heroic story out of many as damage control teams struggled to save what the enemy thought was already lost.

@glenchapman3899

3 жыл бұрын

Yes the US navy was definitely boss level when it came to damage control. I have read it was the flexibility in training that they got the most value. No need to rely on centrally located experts. Each team could work completely independently in any situation if required.

@sarjim4381

3 жыл бұрын

@@glenchapman3899 The Navy has always said the every sailor is a member of the damage control team. They did have some damage control experts, but their job was mostly to direct the other crew on how to control the flooding and fires from the damage. I don't know if it's still the case but, at one time, every crew member of every warship spent at least a couple hours a week learning about and practicing damage control measures. Combined with the generally high quality of materials, workmanship, and subdivision of each ship, many more Navy warship survived attacks and many more sailors lived than if damage control wasn't such an important part of Navy training.

@thomasb1889

3 жыл бұрын

Even in the late 19th century our damage control expertise, particularly in firefighting was well known.

My grandpa was on the USS Marblehead! I’ve often tried to retell the story but had some of the facts askew. Thanks for homework and celebration of its flight!

@dziban303

3 жыл бұрын

@MrPitjoey They probably swabbed each other's poop decks

@daveto1nut9

3 жыл бұрын

So was. Mine. Was. Spot ger. Gunner. On plane. Dumped. Plane. Turned. Damage. Control sawbomb. On stern

@vainot4u

2 жыл бұрын

My Grandfather also served on Marblehead. We have an old news article that mentions him shooting down a kamikaze. I have his uniform from the war still (family heirloom). Cheers!

@Headerflame

2 жыл бұрын

@@vainot4u That’s amazing!

@baileymcginnis2974

2 жыл бұрын

@@vainot4u My great grandfather was also on that ship! If you would at all be willing to send me a pic of that article and or anything else you might be able to share regarding the ship, that would be super appreciated by my family. If you are willing, I can give you my email!

My dad served on the marblehead Chief Warrant officer engineer, engine man, CWO ELDON C MARSH ,All my brothers including my self served in the NAVY as well. It was most cool to see this story about my old man's ship , it's right up there with a story of a ship I served on, USS ARNOLD J ISBELL DD869 . KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, I love historic military documentaries, when they are done with integrity and accuracy. Good job ! EM3rd CW MARSH

Why does it always feel so tragic when a valiant warrior, gets “decommissioned” ? As we all know the quiet fate that awaits. Thank you sir for if we are not able to preserve the warrior, at least she did not go quietly into the night and get forgotten as is the case of so many others that tragically were not even remembered. “All gave some, some gave all”.

@jsp7410

3 жыл бұрын

It always breaks my heart knowing that they're scrapped. I know we can't keep every ship but it breaks my heart.

@michaelwier1222

3 жыл бұрын

Are we related in some way???

@edmondmcdowell9690

3 жыл бұрын

Adm. Halsey tried to save the USS Enterprise to no avail. If any ship should have been saved as a memorial it was CV - 6.

@sparky6086

3 жыл бұрын

@@edmondmcdowell9690 I heard, that it was refitted to be a star ship.

@em1osmurf

3 жыл бұрын

@@sparky6086 scrapped, 1958, sadly.

My father served aboard the Marblehead during the battle of Makasser Strait earning a silver star. Many years later, during a dinner at the CPO Club at Treasure Island, my father and the head chef at the CPO Club where reunited. Both thought the other had been killed during the battle. The head chef, (Chef Tang) had been a steward aboard the Marblehead. I always wondered why such a valiant action, so desperately fought, never got much attention. Thank you History Guy for recognizing and acknowledging this valuable piece of our countries history.

Not since the USS Oregon in 1898, steaming 66 days from the west coast to the east, by way of the South American cape, has an American warship made such a journey

Mr. History Guy: I am 68 and taking some classes at the local community college. The History professor used your video on "The Bonfires of the Vanities" as one of two videos in a discussion we had about the Italian Renaissance period. I had mentioned your channel to him from another history class so I was excited when I saw your video about the "Bonfires...". Your marvelous videos are even reaching the community college here in rural Arkansas....Well done..!!

Great story, well covered. Her saga is usually overshadowed by other titanic events during that war, but, as you so well argue, it deserves to be remembered. One quibble. Houston was sunk at Sunda Strait, not at Java Sea. As an aside, I once met one of her survivors. He was a deck seaman and spent the war in a POW camp. He was a great, barrel-chested bruiser of a man, probably around 220 lb when I saw him (in 1980), and not fat. He said he returned home at a mere 115 lbs. after the war. This vet told me that the day before the Sunda Strait action the CO came on the 1MC (announcing system) to say how proud he was of his crew and that he did not expect the ship to survive the coming night's action. Did that worry him? Not so much. What he most remembered was that the CO opened up the "soda fountain" so the crew could eat all the ice cream they wanted. That, while operating near the equator in the days before air conditioning, meant a lot to the crew!! The CO did not survive the battle. Of the ~1300 men aboard only about 100 survived the war (per his recollection). But, maybe you've already told Houston's story...

A video I can always hit the LIKE button immediately bc I have never been let down by The History Guy

@shelbybrown8312

3 жыл бұрын

True

@model-man7802

3 жыл бұрын

Me too.😁

@stanstenson8168

3 жыл бұрын

Same here.

@shawnr771

3 жыл бұрын

I have been told by a You tube Creator that Clicking Like just as the video starts makes the U tube Algorithm think you are a bot. And does not weigh that "Like" the same as one that comes later in the equation. Also if you see the ads the longer you let them run the more money is given to the channel.

@J.A.Smith2397

3 жыл бұрын

I feel bad n gotta re-watch em cause I get binge watching n forget to thumbs up it lol

My Dads younger brother was lost with the USS Houston. Excellent presentation on the Marblehead.

I remember that on our second WESTPAC in 1976 on the Long Beach our captain, Harry Schrader, got on the 1MC and told the story of the gallant last stand, and rendered full honors as we passed over the site. Capt. Schrader (RIP) is my model of a Naval Officer.

"at times, the crew was sustained only by the power and quality of the profanity of Chief Bos'n Anderson" HA! Chiefs run the Navy

@joeyjamison5772

3 жыл бұрын

They do in the Air Force too.

@canuck_gamer3359

3 жыл бұрын

I am not a big swearer but I am the first to admit that, at times there are certain words that can bring a laugh and bolster morale. There are films that I can't even bother watching if they've been edited to remove the profanity. Clint Eastwood's "Heartbreak Ridge" is a perfect example, there is literally no point watching that film without the swearing. He fires off more classic one liners in that movie than any other I can think of! There is a time and a place folks and if you want impact, you can't be using those words in every sentence, save them for when you really need them! lol

@roadie3124

3 жыл бұрын

That's good, but we need some examples of the Chief Bos'n colourful language. Australians tend to use some bad language every now and then. I'm always interested to learn some foreign expletives. The facebook page facebook.com/DashCamOwnersAustralia has some very good examples. It's one of my favourite things to hear a sweet, young, female, Asian voice get stuck into the best of Australian profanity. It's liberating. If they can get creative with f'ing this and c'nt that, you know that they are now real Australians. 😁

@joeyjamison5772

3 жыл бұрын

@@roadie3124 If you want some real dirty words, go watch Russian car crash videos for about an hour. Lots of Blyat, Suka!

@EricDaMAJ

3 жыл бұрын

It seems strange to the average civilian - and even quite a few military members - how profanity can have any redeeming value. I mean, c'mon. It's only about 10 naughty words and 30 variations. But if you've ever heard a true NCO master of it rage on, it can be in turns shocking, awe inspiring, terror inducing, and hysterically funny. Sometimes all within the same 5 minutes.

A family friend had 3 ships shot out from under him in one day. His assigned ship sank, he was picked up by a destroyer that promptly was sunk, then picked up by another destroyer that met the same fate. the last ship that picked him up survived. I think I would have been nervous about being on another ship.

@rabbi120348

3 жыл бұрын

I'd be more nervous about staying in the water!

@PogueMahone1

3 жыл бұрын

I'da been nervous letting a Jonah like him aboard my damb ship!

@stevewixom9311

3 жыл бұрын

At that point i'd be tempted to tell the next ship "no thanks.. i'll swim back, it's safer"

@havenhemmings3574

3 жыл бұрын

Was his name "Lucky"? I think not.

@ianb9028

3 жыл бұрын

Not as nervous as the crew of the fourth ship.

There is something about such tales, of a small wounded ship on its own, on the sea, fighting enemy odds, and coming through by the sheer grit and wit of its haggard crew. Makes you cheer her on! Well done for telling us this tale!

Its stories like these, that make one sympathetic to Shakespear's Henry V speech before Agincourt. You cannot fault this saga on any grounds, it's truely noble. I feel it would be a great honor to be part of such an amazing voyage. These people went above and beyond, to preserve the USS Marblehead as an allied strategic aseset, when the outcome of the war was far from certain. It's the meat and potatos of heroic acts, that makes war about building resiliance under pressure, not simply destroying the capabilitiy of the enemy to wage war: what a crew! i am also reminded of General Sherman's comment: 'Thank god war is so terrible, or we should grow to love it too much".

"Sustained only by the power and quality of the profanity by the Chief Boatswain's Mate"... that so reminds me of Command Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Hobbs, U.S.S. Ranger CV-61 in the early 1980's. His nickname was "Popeye", though I doubt many had the courage to call him that to his face. He'd been in the U.S. Navy since BEFORE Pearl Harbor, I met him as a young Sailor 40+ years later. He came into our Welcome Aboard briefing on the Ranger, and spoke of his undying love for the U.S. Navy, telling us he "Fucked his way up one side of Magsaysay Street (the main street of Downtown Olongapo, Subic Bay, Philippine Islands) and had no intention of retiring until he fucked his way down the other". CMC Hobbs had a mastery in "the power and quality of his profanity". But that's not what impressed me the most about this incredibly impressive Sailor. Every day he would workout with the U.S. Marine Security Detachment in the hanger bay. At 60+ years of age, he was having "Fun" just grinding their young souls to a heaping pile of sweat leading the Physical Training, CMC Hobbs muscles had muscles :-), and we didn't call him "Popeye" for nothing. If you ever have the time and inclination, CMC Hobbs is "History that deserves to be remembered". www.uss-rangerguy.com/cmc_david_hobbs3.htm

@johnemerson1363

3 жыл бұрын

I graduated boot camp in January 1962. I was at NATTC Memphis next and was going through some pre-A schools. One of them was at the "Northside pool". There, they were teaching us how to abandon ship by stepping off the deck while wearing a kapok life jacket. I thought it was great fun and got to do it a few times. One of our students was an old narled chief who refused to step off. The Ensign in charge pleaded to the old chief to jump and he still refused. Finally, the Ensign asked the chief "What would you do if your ship was sinking?" The chief answered, "I would wait until the flight deck was a couple of feet from the water, then step off. Just like I did on the old Lexington and the Liscomb Bay." The Ensign looked at the old chief and said, "Chief, compared to you, i don't know shit. Please tells US how to do it." For the next hour or so an old combat veteran of WWII regaled us with stories of combat ship board life. I never knew his name but we probably learned more that day than before or since on that one subject. Thank you chief Senior Chief John Emerson USN Retired.

@andrewallason4530

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnemerson1363 nice story, but Lady Lex was completely evacuated prior to her sinking, due to fires caused by several torpedo and bomb hits, and later scuttled by a destroyer ( the following day). USS Liscombe Bay was literally blown apart by multiple explosions, which ruptured her fuel tanks, causing the sea around her to be set ablaze, then she turned turtle, and sank. No one ‘just stepped off’ either ship when their deck was a few feet above the water.

@johnemerson1363

3 жыл бұрын

@@andrewallason4530 True, but when you are 18 years old and the guy has more medals than I had ever seen on a sailor, you believe every story he told. Years later we would have taken his story with a grain of salt, but then it was "straight gouge." Besides, neither we, or the Ensign doubted a word he said at the time.

@hulado

3 жыл бұрын

@@andrewallason4530 lol. no doubt your correct Andrew. thanks. but there is superlative bullshit that can be admired even if not praiseworthy. but buyer beware.

@andrewallason4530

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnemerson1363 yeah. Never question the guy who could put the whole team down, and still not be breathing heavily, I s’pose.

Thanks for this. The USS Marblehead was a great ship with a great crew. We Marbleheaders, who come from the Birthplace of the American Navy, salute her.

@glengalen1324

3 жыл бұрын

Amen. Marblehead Forever!

@joem7641

3 жыл бұрын

John Glover is Marblehead's greatest contribution to this country, in my eyes. But, I'm from the South Shore, so what do I know?

@lawrenceel5321

3 жыл бұрын

"Down Bucket! Molly Waldo!"

@glengalen1324

3 жыл бұрын

@@lawrenceel5321 "Up for air!" and of course "Whip!" Can't tell you how many times I heard my mom holler that out while we were out for a stroll around town. Her family lived in Marblehead long enough to know a lot of the 'townies' and we'd bump into them daily. :)

@lawrenceel5321

3 жыл бұрын

@@glengalen1324 Thanks for responding. I was MHS Class of 66. Lots of memories :) Thank you again.

My grandfather’s older brother served as Chief Water Tender on the USS Marblehead during the Battle of Makassar Straight. Thank you, The History Guy, for sharing this story.

@BA-gn3qb

3 жыл бұрын

My brother's sister married my best friend whose dad's wife had an uncle with a limp.

@JeanieD

3 жыл бұрын

@@BA-gn3qb you’re being rude to me why, exactly? Or is this just who you are as a person?

@BA-gn3qb

3 жыл бұрын

@@JeanieD - You must not like people that limp.🥴

@servicetrucker5564

3 жыл бұрын

@@JeanieD Some people just like to be a horses ass. It’s okay

@blacksmith67

3 жыл бұрын

@@BA-gn3qb You aren’t funny and you aren’t making much of a point. A great-uncle is not a distant relative or some obscure relationship as you try to insinuate.

Two comments. I am with Kevin. I was a young Marine aboard LPH-9 USS Guam back in the mid 70's. When I saw a youtube video of her being sunk as a missile target, it nearly brought me to tears. The other thing is... I thing Houston was sunk in Sunda Strait, and not the battle in the Java Sea.

My Father, Harry Clephane was a signalman on the USS Marblehead during that battle. He told us stories just like what this guy is saying. He was burnt really bad during the battle.

Sitting in the ER of Balboa Naval Hospital, I had a long conversation with a retired officer who had been a junior gunnery officer on Marblehead from 1940 until their arrival in New York, where he transferred to another ship. Typical for the men of the time, he didn't see his service as extraordinary.

I’m a simple man. History Guy posts naval history, I click.

@ShadrachVS1

3 жыл бұрын

I sense you too know of the Kamchatka and its Torpedo Boats...

@luked7525

3 жыл бұрын

Torpedo boats!? Where!?

@ShadrachVS1

3 жыл бұрын

@@luked7525 cleverly hidden amidst those overly innocent seeming British fishing trawlers!

I was first made aware of the exploits of the USS Marblehead through the extraordinary film by Cecil B. DeMille "The Story of Dr. Wassell". It has always been one of my favorites. Thanks for telling the story of the amazing voyage of this brave ship.

My Dad was on the USS Marblehead, told me the story a few times. He said the ship was given the nickname "The galloping ghost of the China coast." Fantastic story, great video. Thanks so much for bringing it to life for me and my family!

@TheHistoryGuyChannel

3 жыл бұрын

I have heard that nickname applied to Eugene Flucky and USS Barb (SS-220), and both the gunboats USS Sacramento (PG-19) and USS Tulsa (PG-22.) USS Houston was also called "The galloping ghost of the Java coast."

I wasn't familiar with USS Marblehead before this video, but I've known about USS Houston for many years. Her heroics and sacrifice will never be forgotten in Australia.

I had a cousin who served in the engine room crew on the Houston. He went down with the ship. He was in his early twenties. Some give all.

USS Houston also deserves to be remembered. A heroic, and tragic, fight to the end.

As a one time resident of Marblehead it is known as the birth place of the American Navy. Not only the most beautiful place on the east coast , but also home to some notable company's as Hood sales among others. Marblehead the town, lives up to the ships standards. I meet Walter Cronkite at a bar called Maddies sail loft in the 80's as well as many other very famous people . Including one of the Kennedy's at a boat yard called Cloutmans Boat Yard as I was 15 yrs old helping a owner work on a lobster boat named the Twin Sisters. Some of the best times of my life, I just didn't know it at the time.

Fantastic account! I'm sitting here with my computer and slapping my forehead with every detour the Marblehead had to make. Incredible. Those men had The Right Stuff.

Such a valiant crew. They truly deserve to be remembered.

To the officers and crew of the Marblehead, Well done, gentlemen Well done!

This one is unique. The bravery of survival itself can, at times, rival the best of active combat scenarios.

Red White and Blue here... This heroic act of man against the odds and sea makes me stand in awe of past service men.

I love that your version of history leaves no stone unturned.

Let me explain why, THG is one the most gripping, enjoyable weekly shows about history Ive experienced in 55 years of watching TV, computers, and iphone screens. Also, why it's one of the most gripping and enjoyable video productions about anything, fact or fiction, I've watched. In order of importance (to me, the all knowing) 1) Delivery: Concerned citizen, fact focused, (seamlessly) adverb free, bullet delivery, like Walter Khondrite 2) Always, a great story, you'd want to hear regardless who told it. 3) Always includes details and context you've never heard before, even if you know the story 4) Great visuals and audio, 2nd to none. Hope this gets out in front of a wider audience, and you never stop keep doing it!

I was awarded USS Marblehead in World of Warships. Thank you for this video as it makes that vessel precious to me.

I think the title should have been "The Ship That Refused To Die"

@nedludd7622

3 жыл бұрын

Rather, "The crew that refused to die."

@gtoycoma

3 жыл бұрын

Just like the Yorktown! Japan bit off far more than they could chew when they attacked Pearl Harbor.

@lurkingcarrier8736

3 жыл бұрын

Nah, that's the _Yorktown_ (CV-5). Two full multi-carrier strike packages and subsequent multiple hours without any damage control, and she was still afloat. It was only with a pair of Long Lances in her side and her keel utterly obliterated by a destroyer-sized depth charge that she finally sunk - a night later.

@nedludd7622

3 жыл бұрын

@@lurkingcarrier8736 The original "Yorktown" was won by the French

@AdmRose

3 жыл бұрын

@@lurkingcarrier8736 Better what happened to the Yorktown than to the Hammann

The history guy is the perfect coffee fare @ 5am on my porch, taking the place of the morning dismals of the local paper.

Thank You History Guy, history indeed worthy of remembering. My father would enjoy your retelling of the USS Marblehead story, when although a child at the time of 1946 decomissioning, he is a veteran of the RAN service in the Police Action of the Korean Peninsula and the UK-Australia Atomic Tests upon Montebello Island, and we have missed him since he took leave upon my parents' wedding anniversary in 2019. As an "old salt" he would thank you too. I believe he does. Lest we EVER forget.

This is a very personal story for me. My great uncle served on the USS Marblehead during her great ordeal. His name was Wheeler Gibson. He told his nephew (my dad) that the dead were everywhere but they kept working trying to save the ship.

The efforts of U.S. Servicemen were absolutely extraordinary.

A fine example of American perseverance in battle.... Russ

@allandavis8201

3 жыл бұрын

A fine example of the courage and determination of those who have, are, and will serve the cause of peace. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Shaking my head here... I first met Marblehead in "World of Warships". Thank you for filling us in on her Life and voyage!

@alegekelso

3 жыл бұрын

I first met her in azur lane. Fascinating to hear her story.

@bepbep7418

3 жыл бұрын

I love WOWS. They did a great job replicating the ships. Now how battles go, that's a different story [F.D.I.]blackrosetiger_2019

Unbelievable. I salute the valiant officers and men of the USS Marblehead for performing their duties while under fire and saving their ship and shipmates in the finest of tradition the U.S. NAVY. I would like to believe that I would have performed my duties as those brave men did in the face of terrifying odds. The NAVY does it ALL, and does it ALL AT ONCE! Proud U.S. NAVY veteran PO3 '73 >'77 ✌🇺🇸

@mwburfeind

3 жыл бұрын

likewise USN '69/'73

@geoben1810

3 жыл бұрын

@@mwburfeind Ahoy mate ✌

Probably best videos on YT. Thank you for doing videos that recognize the bravery of the men and women that made this country great.

It is sad that we tend to class heros as those who win battles and damage the enemy (who-ever that may be), while those who (against all odds) just manage to survive are brushed aside.

The movie "The Story of Dr. Wassle" is one of my favorite movies made during WW2. A rare movie presenting the Dutch and their contribution to fighting the Japanese during WW2. It also includes a rare "add on" at the end of the movie, informing the audience about the fate of one of the characters. Sort of maybe the first post credit scenes added to a movie. A beautifully made movie in color, that is a historically interesting movie to watch.

@davidnelson5891

2 жыл бұрын

My dad. Was aradio. Gunner. On the. Seaplane. On. Marble head. Dumped. The. Plane. Saw. The. Bomb. Go. Off. On the. Stern. Saw. His. Friend. Killed. Always. Seamed. Bothers. By. It

One of the greatest story tellers on KZread. If you haven’t subscribed to THG. THG deserves your subscription.

Excellent job History Guy, another forgotten story of heroism beyond the call of duty. This is what made us great as a nation.

I need stories like this to motivate me. I realize any trials and tribulations that I have endured pale in comparison.

@bepbep7418

3 жыл бұрын

Yup and what's even crazier, is most of these men were under 25 at the time.

We should definitely be proud of those sailors and their abilities under stress! Tough 'ol battle wagon!

Every crewmen on a navy ship is a damage controlman when required.

@MrLoobu

3 жыл бұрын

Well yea they cant swim home lol.

@steve0592

3 жыл бұрын

Unlike the crew of the IJN Taiho.

@danmartin3183

3 жыл бұрын

I went through the Navy's ship board firefighting school, excellent.

@em1osmurf

3 жыл бұрын

ah, yes, memories of the famous USS Buttercup!

@dhkent55

3 жыл бұрын

That is true, but we still looked to the damage control men for advice, guidance...and perhaps a few new swear-words!

As my dad served in the US Navy in World War II, history of this war at sea has a special place for me. Thank you for an eloquent and well prepared history lesson..

Oh boy, the tale of another heroic ship. These are some of your best episodes, IMHO. Please keep them coming.

History Guy, Mark Felton and Dark Docs ..... All I Need

@KX6D

3 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed Dark Docs videos, but the constant interruptions from commercials was just too much so I now avoid them completely.

@kenp7814

3 жыл бұрын

@@KX6D Adblock Plus? I click through the others

Great Video HG. I always enjoy the humor injected in your presentations. By the way don't forget about John R Mckinney Medal of Honor recipient. This mans life and service ought to be an inspiration to everyone who knows about it. He got his medal on Luzon during the liberation of the Philippines. Had graduated from high school he would probably have been voted least likely to survive much less succeed in almost anything. His story is well told in the book Phantom Warrior. Please consider this mans story because it's history that needs to be remembered. Thank you for what you do HG.

What does it take to bring the USS Marblehead home? Guts and perseverance.

Thank you for covering this. I knew about it from my family as my grandpa had been transferred off of the Marblehead shortly before this. I still know little of his service, though I have some of his bars and medals. He liked to talk about his time on a jeep carrier, and the fact that they had just started a zag (or was it a zig, lol) when two torpedoes sped past. He said that course changed had saved the ship. So proof that the random zig-zags did work. He survived the war and brought back a Japanese officer's sword, a flare gun and an Arisaka type 99 rifle. I sold the flare gun to a friend but retain the other two. I'm interested in returning the sword, especially if there was some hope it would make it back to the family it had belonged to.

I'm a long time fan of yours . As the oldest of 8. My father saw convoy duty as there was a group of sailors on liberty ships. Lot of history you have shown . Thank you and really glad your from our area.

I'm retired Navy and a naval history enthusiast, yet I never knew the final results of her encounter with the Japanese. I am really glad to hear that she got to kick some more butt for the rest of the war.

The name of the Gary Cooper film? "The Story of Dr. Wassell" 1944, Director Cecil B. Demille

@lizj5740

3 жыл бұрын

Based on the book of the same title by James Hilton.

@AndrewLohmannKent

3 жыл бұрын

If it is the film I watched perhaps 50 years ago it was particularly good. But there may be more than one ship, bomber plane and others with similar incredible stories.

@howardfortyfive9676

3 жыл бұрын

That *Cecil B. Demille made SPECTACULAR FILMS.*

@AndrewLohmannKent

3 жыл бұрын

I recall that the film I watched was of a British navy because the end of the story the admarilty struggled to find ways to award the crew because the ship had sailed back without aid.

Hey, History Guy, you mentioned the loss of the USS Houston in the Battle of the Sunda Straight in your commentary. Unfortunately, you forgot to mention the HMAS Perth. Perhaps a future episode could be about the Battle of the Sunda Straight and the two allied vessels that took part in it, as well as the story of the survivors of these two gallant fighting ships.

Danm, when I first subbed this channel had less than 100k subscribers. Now it's pushing a million. Shows how interesting history is.

My Dad was an engine room Chief on the Marblehead during those events. He didn't tell many war stories to us kids while we were growing up, but he worked on a book for decades, partly for catharsis, I suppose. I still have the unfinished manuscript somewhere--a couple boxes of typed pages (with carbon copies). Maybe on 5.25" floppies, too.

@sgtmarty9682

3 жыл бұрын

I remember Dad being particularly proud of the relentless work the crew did to keep going. It's hard to imagine such an effort in regular life. They had continued working through the night and smoke to get out of the battle zone while working to keep the ship afloat. When they learned that the Japanese reported the Marblehead as sunk, the whole crew was ecstatic. The ship went to several ports on their way back to New York, seeking what repairs they could fine and dockyards to accommodate them. They spent some time in Recife, Brazil getting repairs.

@tracyhurst4393

2 жыл бұрын

I would think that manuscript would have some historical value. My dad sailed on the USS Raleigh during WWII. It was one of Marblehead's sister ships.

Sincerely, thank you. I've neverheard of the Houston, Detroit or the Marblehead. Always found of history, and took reflective respect from gistories of war I enlisted nto the US Army. One would think a ground pounder would inheirenly be ignorant of the tools used by the other War Forces during those days. However, I was born In San Diego. My father, a second generation Aircradt Mechanic, my grand father hand tooled the cowl of the Spirit of St. Louis. More importantly who I am or tge education i recived, is your presentation, diction and pace; you keep the audience rapt in your tale! Few and far between do i fibd your videos, yet I have always meant to commend you, and thank you for that , what you give to me. That, in its self, is service. I my opinion, there is no higher reward, than being honored. Too often and too cheaply do cut another short imply for the purpoae to wear a wry smile momentarily. Finding the converse within you, consistently, I again, thank you deepky, for your passion and your adhearance to ethical journalism. You di not flout about, puffed up in self praise... You harken back to a time where. Journalist was often trusted more than the town mayor, some ministers, educators, and government officials. Ib the 80s that clout, that influental trust of the people became a codified marketable number called the "q code", in entertainment. At the time, amuch differnt than today, there was one television star who was the most trusted man on the planet. That honor spanned 3 decades. An actor, not even a journaliat, later discovered to have been.. A debauched man. Thank for walki g your own path.on tge ethical road. Edgar, Clemens, Eliott,, Charles, M.K. Houseman, Mr. Walter Kronkite , Himself, i believe we could include a Cosell and honestly a very young, very passionate for truth- Mr.Heraldo Rivera... And mr. "And that's the way it was..." Had a blessed day, and i look forward to being swept in yoyr retelling of history in 13 minutes, and how my own retelling ... If tge same wtory to my froends and damily grow to double the length of ypurs Admittedly, i lack the cadence and delivery a polished journaslist maintains. I am o.k. with not having that, ad ai can always rely on you, to move me emotionally, patriotically, convict me ethically, and leave me with positive words implying you had faith in me, your fellow American.

"At times," the Captain wrote, "the crew was sustained only by the power and quality of the profanity of Chief Boatswain Anderson." LOL!!!!! Proof that usage of profanity are not always bad! At the right moments, it will put the wind behind your sails!

Thank you! As the proud descendant of US Navy and merchant marine veterans, I am always appreciative of stories that honor our valiant ships and their brave crews.

A great story that deserves to be remembered.

Another story that needed to be told about our history and the greatest generation. Thanks History Guy.

Another fasinating episode by THG. Imho all decommissioned naval vessels deserve to have their bells preserved as a memorial to those who served on them.

This ships name kinda haunts me through many games. Never knew that it was these infamous. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

NOW THATS AN EPIC ONE FOR HISTORY STILL TOO BE TAUGHT.

Bravo, Marblehead! (And bravo to the crew and commander of the Marblehead!)

I certainly don’t like war; but when the history guy gives a presentation on the subject, I must watch!

Thanks for sharing a piece of history that I had no knowledge of. History is a funny thing and I wonder how certain events in our lifetime will be remembered in the future.

@TheHistoryGuyChannel

3 жыл бұрын

So do I!

@bepbep7418

3 жыл бұрын

I wonder how much will be forgotten to the sands of time. We're still discovering daily how much of our history we've already "forgot" all over the world. Even fewer people retain the skills we've forgotten. (i.e. making Katana's)

I'm a Navy Veteran but served during Viet Nam as a Corpsman with the 3rd MarDiv. Never learned that much about Navy and regret what I missed (proud to serve with Marien's though) so appreciate your Navy stories very much. (SD)

Excellent video and presentation as usual! Thank you for these awesome “snippets” of history!

I read about this ship in a Navy Times mag back in the mid 90’s. It said in the mag that the fleet left the Marblehead and radioed in she was lost at sea. When she arrived in the first port after the battle, the people there thought they were seeing a ghost ship. The Captain was able to get a message out at that point that told command the Marblehead was still afloat. This has always been one of my favorite stories of survival and perseverance from WWII. Amazing ships and men!

A great story. One I was unaware of. Thank you.

Love the channel. All history deserves to be remembered.

Thank you for the Awesome Video on this Great Ship and her Heroic Crew

Another great episode. Thanks THG.

Wow. That is truly incredible! Thanks for helping us remember this amazing history!

Another piece of history I did not know. History Guy you are simply amazing when it comes to history! I have enjoyed each video that you have made.

I love the Marblehead in the game world of WarShips. I had no idea about the history of ship or it's crew. Thanks for another great video!

THG never disappoints! Thanks for your work

As a native Bostonian and a casual sailor I have an affinity for the town of Marblehead MAss although I’ve never been. Anderson embodies what is great about humanity and the story it’s fragility.

Your evocative and telling prose made for yet another keeper Lance. Kudos..

That's an epic story. I have read accounts of that battle, Java Sea, but can not recall reading of the Marblehead. That allied force was so unprepared to meet the Japanese navy. It was a one sided affair indeed.

As always another great video! I have loved history since I was a kid. Your videos give new life to those overshadowed historical moments. Thank you.

Fascinating. Thanks for another great foray into such interesting history, keep up the good work!

THAMKS TOO ALL THAT SERVE NOW THIS STORY IS HISTORY CHEERS .

some of the ships i served aboard are scrapped, one went to S Korea navy, DeHaven DD-727 (scrapped), Juneau LPD-10 mothballed, Tattnall DDG-19 scrapped, and AS-19 was a logistics support ship (read: floating warehouse), in the indian ocean. my last was five years aboard Big John, USS JFK, CV-67, and as posted here, it is a deeply sad feeling when a mighty vessel is scrapped. excellent vid!

One of The History Guy's BEST episodes. So VERY well done.

My uncle, James Francis Lyons, who had lied about his age to enlist in the US Navy at 16 years of age, served aboard this ship. He once gave me a book about this ship's trial by fire and subsequent amazing voyage. He never spoke of his WWII service. He just gave me the book...not unusual for that amazing generation.

Outstanding storytelling. Outstanding service of those that served on the Marblehead and the ship itself.

Birthplace of the US Navy! An amazing story Thank you! Should be taught in Mhead HS!

@ASHole71

3 жыл бұрын

Lol @ Beverly