Seth, you keep saying we’re running a little long. Let not those words be repeated! It is not possible for y’all to run long from the viewers/ hearers perspective for y’all to run long. We do appreciate all the time and effort off air it takes to produce this exceptional memorial to those who fought and died in the Pacific. God Bless y’all!

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

I think Seth is admitting that he doesn't have unlimited talking resources😂! Maybe I could recruit someone from THE VIEW??😂 HELL, NO.

@robert506007

4 ай бұрын

Well from someone who had to play catch up for over 2 months to get current they can run as long as they want. For the US side of the conflict this is equal to if not better than any videos I have scene on the Pacific War. The "Kings and Generals" guys maybe equal or surpass them in mapping and graphics but not in raw information provide.

@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar

4 ай бұрын

Many thanks. It’s our labor of love.

@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWar

4 ай бұрын

I try and be aware of our time as I know y’all’s time is valuable too. Just wait. We’ve got some Leyte Gulf episodes coming up with Jon and oh man…we go loooong.

@presidentmerkinmuffley6769

4 ай бұрын

​@@UnauthorizedHistoryPacificWarLooong is that like Drachninifel Drydock Long? Or.....

My father was an infantryman in the 81st Division on Peleliu (323rd Battalion C Company) . His company was specifically mentioned in the division’s official report on Peleliu for figuring a way to attach lengths of pipe together and using a fuel pump to send aviation fuel into the caves and then igniting it with a flare. He never spoke about his time there . While I have tremendous respect for the Marines (not so much for their commanding general) , almost every review of this battle rarely, if ever, mentions the role of the 81st Infantry Division (The Wildcats).

@portcityrulez

2 ай бұрын

Thank your father for his brave service to his country

Thanks guys. That one was tough. Not a stretch to call it a tragic needles waste. I give you a lot of credit for telling the story with unflinching honesty.

@terencecowart8759

4 ай бұрын

A tragic moment in the Pacific war!

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

You need another "s" to finish your thought but we're with you.

@karinschultz5409

4 ай бұрын

Yes, the needless loss of life at Peleliu was very, very tragic. I wonder, were there repercussions at higher command levels? I hope so, otherwise I'd think Allies would run out of men faster than they could be recruited and trained.

@drewmiller6166

Ай бұрын

​@@karinschultz5409in

Jim Morrison of the Doors was the son of a US Navy Admiral, George Morrison, a Naval Aviator during WW2.

What gets me about Peleliu is that if Nimitz was really that concerned about it, he could've ordered Halsey to dispatch a carrier division to annihilate the airfield. It might've taken a few sorties, but a single carrier division could've destroyed the airfield, and the Japanese would've had no means of resupplying it. That would've accomplished just as much as the invasion.

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

Great, insightful comment. If the airplanes were all destroyed, it's doubtful if they could have been replaced even by air. Certainly not by sea transport by that time. There was very little reinforcement of Japanese garrisons after Guadalcanal 's abandonment by the Japanese, and their New Guinea campaigns ending in starvation. Ultimately, lack of fuel for any transport doomed all island operations. Including Peleliu if it had been bypassed. It would have appeared as a mistake on the Japanese side of the ledger instead of ours.

@Jakal-pw8yq

4 ай бұрын

​@@flparkermdpcreally great points that you make. My father-in-law fought in this battle in the 141st US Army as an artillery man and he said two things about Peleliu. Number one he hated MacArthur's guts because he had no concern about losing men and the other was the island seemed like it was spawned by the devil himself. Also, MacArthur's statements that he needed Peleliu to cover his flanks for the invasion of Mindanao, which he bypassed and went to Luzon instead was such bullshit and such a tragedy for all US servicemen involved. I can care less about the Japanese losses because they were subhuman and brutal at that point in their history. My father who also fought in the South Pacific in the US Navy said there was a saying that went around back in the day. It went, wherever the Japanese went, rape, torture, and murder followed. The facts speak for themselves and I still believe the Japanese have much to atone for who unlike the Germans who have made huge efforts since the end of the war to this day, to wipe out the sins of their fathers.⚓️🇺🇲🙏💯

@lurking0death

4 ай бұрын

My thoughts exactly. This whole operation was done because Nimitz caved in to MacArthur. I can only assume that Nimitz relented because he knew he could not challenge MacArthur or because he traded something else he deemed even more important.

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

The fact that the invasion of Guam was delayed several days because of the Japanese resistance on Saipan, with the recall of the Guam invasion, and reset to several days later puts pay to the later excuses that "we are already committed to Peleliu and cannot recall the mission." Bull shhhh..

Nimitz certainly must be assigned some culpability for what happened but the vast majority of blame must be placed on Rupertus, Puller and Geiger in that order. Rupertus was not willing to believe that things were going as bad as they did and his rejection of using the 81st is indefensible. Puller should have been more forceful in telling Ruperus that the 1st was being destroyed and that frontal assault tactics were murderously ineffective. To his credit, Geiger did try to get Rupertus to face up to the unfolding disaster and Geiger's relief of Puller and pulling back the 1st should have been a wakeup call to Rupertus - but is never was. I know there are good reasons for not relieving a commander during a battle, but leaving Rupertus in command was an astoundingly bad decision by Geiger. Ultimately, the blood spilled by the Marines and the hellish battles they fought provided the 81st with an idea of what they were up against and what not to do. It probably lessened their casualties somewhat. This battle and its horrific losses were the result of hubris by Rupertus and an example of the "sunk cost fallacy." IMO, Rupertus wanted a quick Marine victory and was willing to keep pouring men into the meat grinder to get it and as a way of justifying the losses to date - the sunk cost. One week into the "3-day battle" should have told him that his plan was not working and something else needed to be done. Peleliu is the epitome of a Pyrrhic victory.

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

You show the anger that I didn't quite get up in my posts. Well said.

@eastonnaxk1995

4 ай бұрын

Rupertus was combat ineffective and responsible for the needless death of Marines and Soldiers. Other than the exceptional amount of casualties in the first 3-4 days, the 81st upon arrival on Peleliu were under the command of the Marines and therefore casualties were not lessened somewhat. The Army was expected to "go over the top" and headlong into the teeth of Japanese defenses just like the Marines did. It was not until October, when USMC Colonel Bucky Harris began to employ "siege" tactics to reduce the defenders positions that things got better.

@jefesalsero

4 ай бұрын

Did anyone here read the book about Rupertus that his daughter co-wrote a few years ago? I haven't read it.

"The hatred was so intense that after a position was taken, a few men would take it on themselves or maybe a sergeant might order them to do it before an officer could come up and stop us and form what we called a Possum Squad and go around and shoot all the wounded in the head..." - Eugene Sledge

@lurking0death

4 ай бұрын

Guess what? War is not nice, friends and neighbors. People today get all bent out of shape about German women getting raped by the tens of thousands at the hands of advancing Soviet troops. After what German troops did in Russia, I'd say justice was served and, if anything, the punishment was mild in comparison to the crime. You don't need grand show trials like Nuremburg to deliver swift and sure justice.

Thanks guys. I’m from Peleliu, and that bloody nose ridge to the east side belongs to my clan. My family plot is just below there and not too terribly far from the Marine monument and the Japanese shrine. As a young kid ( age 5, I’m 67 now ), I used to go into those caves including Nakakawa’s cave where he committed suicide. I used to see bones like femur, skulls and to me, it was normal to see them as a child. As my grandma was at the taro patch, I go and play inside those caves and the amphibious tanks. One of them tanks is just below the blood nose ridge and the other two ( relics ) are by my grandmas taro patch. There are also fortified bunkers with live bombs still in their cages, old guns and bullets strewn inside and outside the bunker. This may sound funny but, I was more scared of the dark like night time than, playing with those bones. Sorry I was just a kid so I didn’t know any better. Yes I agree that Peleliu should have been bypassed, however, the tactics that were learned from Peleliu was used in the battle toward Mainland Japan. Tommy Kokichi ( aka Tom Kokichi ). Thanks for reading my little story.

Dave has his pet peeve about "sniper" and I have mine about "decimate". Decimation was the Roman practice of killing one out of every ten men for particular unit offenses. A unit that was decimated here on Pelileiu was still "fresh" and put back into the line.

For Brits, like myself, much of the war in the Pacific has been overshadowed by the ETO. I love these videos which fill in the gaps in my knowledge and awareness . I look forward to sitting with my feet up, with a cup of tea and a biscuit and listening to this amazing history. Keep going chaps, it's much appreciated.

@alganhar1

4 ай бұрын

if you think the US war in the Pacific is overshadowed by the ETO, that's got nothing on the British and Australian war in the Pacific. The Australian actions on Papua New Guinea are virtually unknown outside PNG and Australia, and the actions of 14th Army, especially in 44 and 45 are virtually unknown even in the UK. Better known in India as a significant portion of 14th were Indian, and much of the fighting was on the border between India and Burma. Both places were nasty places to fight as well, steep mountainous jungle terrain, virtually no roads even today, extreme reliance in both PNG and Burma on air resupply due to the lack of roads and so on. Look up Kohima and Imphal, the fighting there was as bad as anything seen on the Island Hopping campaign, same can be said of the battles the Australians fought, like the Kokoda trail.... As a brief aside MacArthur thought the Kokoda Trail was a road because thats what it looked like on the map (he never once went there). Its not, even today its barely a narrow track, In 1942 it was a trail barely wide enough for two men to pass each other at its widest, almost indistinguishable from a game trail at the narrowest. Imagine getting supplies up that trail?

@jefesalsero

4 ай бұрын

Makes me wonder if Seth and Bill will be covering the Australians in the PTO, the Brits in Burma, and the CBI theater as a whole by this time next year.🤔

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

There are Videos on KZread about those India Burma border actions in which the name William Slim is prominently featured. Slim was knighted for saving India. There is description of a Victoria Cross action, by an enlisted man, which I shall look up and try to sneak in here. Great post from Australia. Another black mark on MacArthur. I'm grateful for the Atomic end to that war. I can't imagine the carnage in a command where the general refused to believe the intelligence as a matter of procedure. Through and through an ass. Thank you Manhattan Men.

@parrot849

4 ай бұрын

@@alganhar1- Another despicable fact was that MacArthur would almost never give the Aussies any public credit for successful combat operations against the Japanese Army in his theater of operations. We Americans back home during WWII, and my mother attested to this, only heard news of MacArthur’s United States Army forces making hard fought gains in the SW Pacific region. To hear HIS news releases, a civilian back in the United States would have thought the only place Australia was fighting was in North Africa.

@jameshannagan4256

4 ай бұрын

I learned more from this show then most of the other subs (many) put together and I am a bit embarrassed because i thought I knew this theater pretty well. I am pretty good with the intense naval action but I even learned a good bit about that as well.

My father-in-law was with the US Army and fought on Peleliu. He was with the 141st in an artillery unit. He fought from New Guinea on up. So he saw more action than he bargained for. The only thing he ever said about Peleliu was it literally was hell on earth. And that's saying something since he was at the Buna/Gona meat grinder. In regards to Captain Andy Haldane, he seems like he was the definition of an officer and a gentleman! Rest in peace, sir, and Semper Fi. 😔🙏💖⚓️🇺🇲💯

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

Well before his death on Peleliu, Andy Haldane had cemented a legacy with friends and the faculty at Bowdoin College that is solid through now. There is a leadership award given annually to the graduating senior who has over his 4 year undergraduate years exhibited qualities of service and leadership that is consistent with Ack Ack's level of commitment and sacrifice. I'm not sure how a modern student could possibly qualify, but the fact that such an award exists is testimony to the timeless qualities in the Old Breed, and hopefully the generation that has still to be thoroughly tested.

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

I am out of words when trying to describe the exception that pertains to Andy Haldane, and the loss we feel and have borne.

@Jakal-pw8yq

Ай бұрын

​@flparkermdpc I never served, but I grew up in a military family my dad being a veteran of the South Pacific US Navy. My mom was a WAC in the Army Air Corps. While my dad didn't hold any significant rank he was definitely a leader. Never a follower. He said he never served under a Skipper that was worth his weight in anything other than the skipper of the USS Norton Sound which was a converted seaplane tender that saw action from the Marianas to Iwo Jima and finally Okinawa. Their job was primarily pulling US Pilots out of the drink. And killing any Japanese that didn't want to be rescued. But he would speak eloquently about leadership qualities that I'm sure he was hoping that my 10 and 11 year old ears were picking up on. Some of it I heard some of it I didn't. I was busy listening to The Beatles! My mom was part of a unit that ferried B-17s from the plant here in Everett Washington to Southern California for deployment to the pacific. To her dying breath she loved her B-17s and boy did she love firing those 50 cals out over the ocean! Rest in peace folks, you did your jobs and you did them well! Your loving son forever!❤️🇺🇲⚓️💯👍🙏💖

WOW! As a student of WWII, I had always read and heard of the sacrifices of the USMC on Peleliu, but not in detail like this. We owe this generation such a huge amount of gratitude. WWII is full of stories of heroism, bravery, and sacrifice-but none compare to what the USMC gave throughout the Pacific campaign-especially here on Peleliu. A heartfelt “THANK YOU” to all who served from a grateful American. Thanks also to this podcast for immortalizing the legacy of these great heroes.

Wow, you guys did an outstanding job, I am a former Marine, this one is Little known, but in actuality was more horrendous for such a small island and definitely unnecessary. To destroy the first Marine division, kind of makes you think, and what you guys displayed especially was the Marine Corps saying improvise, adapt, and overcome. Thanks so much look forward to the next episode.

@knutdergroe9757

4 ай бұрын

Brother, Never former, Once, ALWAYS MARINE !!! Do not undervalue your service. Because so few sign that line, is no small thing. Let alone honoring your oath and doing all your time. SEMPER FI !!!

@jerrywertelecky9543

4 ай бұрын

Thanks, I sent then noticed. Semper Fi!!

@MemorialRifleRange

4 ай бұрын

Semper Fi Brother

You may recall that the North Vietnamese carried dismantled heavy artillery across horrid steep, muddy, vegetation covered mountains to reassemble them at Dien Bien Phu where they roundly defeated the French. Also in Vietnam American infantry ROUTINELY carried 81mm mortars, .50 caliber heavy machine guns and 105mm recoiless rifles...AND their ammunition! AND their food, water and rifles. This is the other reason American infantry are called, proudly, "Grunts". Similar feats were also performed by American infantry in the India-Burma theater in WWII. American GIs used to scoff at their designation as "light Infantry units". Even today, as back then, it is not unusual for an infantryman to carry 100lbs of gear.

@josepetersen7112

4 ай бұрын

In some ways it's more common nowadays. Armor is a big weight gain, and new, novel stuff like portable jammers (IED jamming, etc) add a lot of heavy bits.

Thank you guys for presenting this series. It shows how vicious war can be and how horrendous the results can be when mistakes are made. God bless the brave men who fought on that god-forsaken island. We need to let people today know just what these men went through, as well as all who have served, to keep our nation and way of life prosperous and free.

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

Except, like Bill, I see significant evidence that these lessons have gotten dusty.

The best program to look forward to every week. You guys are great. Thank you.

You guys are putting out amazing content week after week. I can't thank you all enough for keeping this history alive.

This Pelelieu three-part series is one of your finest.

Another great show gentleman, Thank You.

Thank you for covering this forgotten battle and the especially the exploits of the 81st Inf. My Great Uncle Captain William F. Murphy, N. Quincy, MA was KIA on Bloody Nose Ridge serving with Co K 321st Regimental Combat Team 81st Inf. He died moving his company down the ridge line on the East Road 9/28/44. He received the Silver Star and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Thanks! Your personalized sendoff of a personal hero, Andrew A Haldane was emotion producing. He still has a presence on the Bowdoin campus, a yearly leadership award and a statue. Well played. Andy lettered in every sport and may have been team captain in all of them. Football for sure. Letters to his dean still exist in his file. I was crushed to tears when I first read of his death in Sledge's With The Old Breed.

I really enjoyed the bit where Bill speaks about Andy Haldane and how the war was starting to wear on him. Just how physically tired he was and just imagine the responsibility he felt to his men. Every loss was personal to him. One of the spearheads of the Greatest Generation may he rest in peace.❤️🇺🇲⚓️💯👍🙏

Hi guys Dave here. I will have to fall on my sword and admit I might have made a mistake with the comment that the band Heart's dad was the MOH recipient. I was told that by my drill instructor (gospel) and it was often repeated in the Corps as they were big at the time. I guess it is one of those USMC myths. Their dad was a Marine officer, so the story obviously grew from that? Maybe we should do a myth busting show on this? I'm not a rock history guy it appears, and I will stay in my lane to what I know. At least Heart got a mention as they were a cool band in the day. I will take some advice as they say here in Australia, 'pull you head in mate and stick to what you bloody well know'

@bughunter1766

4 ай бұрын

Don't be too hard on yourself Dave. I think I speak for the vast majority saying we'll be okay for giving you on this one. I know I have often times throughout my life I had to make the same confession that I had been taught something which was incorrect and needed to correct the record. I like to think of it as the curse of actually having a memory for details. LOL

@elwoodlodge7764

4 ай бұрын

It was an honest mistake and if I hadn't been such a big HEART fan I could easily have made the same mistake.🙂

@elwoodlodge7764

4 ай бұрын

All good. " We're not here to @#$& spiders!" 😂

@BenHai243

4 ай бұрын

Dave, have you watched Leslie Nielson's 2 part doco on Guadalcanal filmed sometime in the early eighties? Well worth watching.

@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349

4 ай бұрын

@@BenHai243 yes both parts. After he left Vouza it was told to me Vouza turned to his family said said, “Who was that fella?”

Thanks Dave, fir coming back.

Heart spent time in Vancouver ,B.C. They rented the house across the street from my parents place. They were good neighbours. Small world. Boy could they rock.

I really love what you guys are doing. My dad was a Marine that was in the Pacific. Like 90 percent of the WW II vets he rarely spoke of what the went through.

Outstanding as usual gentlemen.

Another great episode guys.... I hang each week for my new Unauthorised Episode 😊😊

Rewatching The Pacific miniseries as watching the guys podcast and I am in tears at what these young men endured and had to do and to witness. Absolutely breaking my heart

You guys did awesome AGAIN. Best discussion of this battle I have heard in about 50 years 👍👨‍🚒

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

Maybe the Only discussion people who have been denied our history in our public schools and Universities have ever had..😮

This was a trilogy I wasn’t looking forward to watching but had to for the respect the marines/ soldiers deserve. The whole pacific campaign and what our warriors went through should be known by all Americans. That’s a pipe dream in today's society of victim hood for bs like mispronouns. Anyways, beyond impressed and appreciative of your efforts here. Tremendous job by all. Dave is a low key gem. Takes a couple episodes to get that. Very early in your show he was a guest and frankly very frustrating to listen too..at first, but once you get his cadence and natural way of talking, it becomes really good. Dave is so knowledgeable about the topic and as a marine the credibility to speak about the culture of command and tactics in the marines. This was excellent all the way around. Most importantly I learned things I didn’t really grasp even though read so many books on the pacific. Nimitz for example, I could never accept he alone was most responsible for this operation ever happening. He was and I believe it because of the you guys explaining it frankly with evidence. This decision by Nimitz still has me twisted because in almost everything else he was so good. These episodes, the show itself is awesome. I really appreciate what you guys do. Well done.

I’m kind of disappointed you guys didn't mention Paul Douglas. At age 50 he was apparently the oldest recruit to go through recruit training at Perris Island. He was commissioned shortly thereafter. He fought at Peleliu and was wounded. And wounded again on Okinawa. After the war he became a three term United States Senator from Illinois.

First episode Ive seen from you guys was part 1 and I Binged it all the way through. Awesome job and thank you for what you do! I think its important to preserve history this way for future generations to understand the hell and sacrifice that these Marines went through. If not for you guys, it could dissolve by the next generation.

I always look forward to late Monday evenings!

I lift my hand in Salute to you guys for a job well done. At the same time my right hand remains in solemn remembrance of all the Marines and Army soldiers who fought and died on that god forsaken island.

Bill's maps are a great addition to these episodes. They make great episodes even better. Keep up the good work!!

As is usual when I watch any of these episodes, I did a bit of Googling, and learned something else about Lou Wilson that would be of particular interest to Seth. Lou grew up in Brandon, MS, just 100 miles or so from Camp Shelby.

Excellent. Thank you. Just a thought... Puller's behaviour was out of character, He had an infected leg and a fever. Possible?... the infection could have affected his brain, thus judgment. Encephalitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can be... "Changes in personality. Memory loss. Problems understanding what is real and what is not, known as psychosis." Plus many more. I can't help but wonder if Puller was too ill to be there and should have been hospitalized rather than sent to the front. Just a thought. Glad to see Dave back, so knowledgeable.

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

You're talking like a modern medical officer. Being sent back for mental ill health was a major shame back then. Misguided tough guy ethos.

@davidbrian2570

4 ай бұрын

Inexcusable regarding Puller. He butchered young men for results that were unattainable as with Repurtus. Sometimes tactics need to relooked at through clearer eyes and not using the definition of insanity.

Col. Bucky Harris was flexible enough to change tactics on Ngesebus, it worked, and 5th Marines began making ground with less casualties. I.E strike strong points, then bypass them, continue forward movement, as your reinforcing elements isolate and wear down the strong points methodically. Not as many head banging, body consuming frontal assualts.

Bill having rose up the ranks pretty high, did you ever see very senior leaders make horrible decisions under the premise that it "Was for the good of the service." I know I've read that the US Army senior leadership was adamant the USMC wouldn't have anything to do that the media could make a story out of on June 6th. I'm beginning to think the operation was "For the good of the service." to make sure the USMC stayed in the public eye. Not so much for the immediate time period but post war when senior leadership knew having lived thru WW1 the budgets would get slashed back to prewar or less. It would explain Rupertus being adamant the Army wasn't to have anything to do with this op and that the Marines would bulldoze this island toot sweet. And having said that, if this is true and this waste of a Marine Division was just to make sure the Corps would get funding post war then Forrestals comment at Iwo Jima that the actions of the USMC there would guarantee the Corps would be around for another 1000 years makes me wonder if the politicians weren't becoming a little worried over the interservice positioning for funding that was already taking place. "Oh Cripes we can't have them destroying entire Divisions trying to one up one and other" must have been running thru heads in DC.

@eastonnaxk1995

4 ай бұрын

Excellent point. There were also 8 Medals of Honor awarded to Marines on Peleliu and none to anyone on the 81st. Also interesting to anyone who has read about or researched Peleliu, you wouldn't even know that the Army fought and died on Peleliu for 58 days.

I normally watch episodes in one sitting but like Tarawa I have enough background to know these 3 eps were going to be hard to watch because you do such an incredible job letting those who fought tell there story. Such a needless waste of men, not just casualties, but the survivors and having to live with what they saw and endured.

Some more rock and roll or country music trivia, though this is not Pacific related. Olivia Newton-John's father was the MI5 agent who took Rudolph Hess into custody. Her grandfather and grandmother fled Germany in the early 30s and he was a Nobel Prize winner.

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

Definitely WW2, though.

A magnificent set of episodes. You make the terrible sacrifice understandable to un-militay minds. Well done.

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

I'm not disagreeing with the well done, but I'm not so sure about understandable, except perhaps that even great commanders can and do err, and when they do, because of their position in the chain, it is a whopper.

@american_cosmic

4 ай бұрын

@@flparkermdpc That's not what they meant by "understandable" - they mean these guys present the battle in a way that is easy for people to comprehend and grasp what happened.

Amazing still alive in 47, and i was wondering if any of the commanders on these islands were able to communicate with their superiors as to what worked and didn't as the battles went on. Dave, special thanks to you for your expert commentary as well! Captain Bill of of many postings and our wonderful big hearted historian thanks to you both, please keep these going as well as the masters or the air reviews. Maybe a review of the Pacific episodes next?

Wow. Just wow. Another GREAT episode gentlemen.

My late father was a Pharmacist's Mate, USN, in all actions after Midway. I guess he would have had a hand in providing medical care to these many, many wounded. He rarely discussed what he saw during the war, except to say it was horrible. Your description of this ghastly battle helps me understand why he didn't want to share with his little girl what he did and saw. What a tragedy- for both sides. May the dead rest in peace.

Great presentation men. I'm beyond words about this battle.

Another brilliant episode comprised as always of exemplary research and superb presentation. I have really appreciated this excellent three episode series but have found it as hard going, to listen to, as you three gents have obviously found it to present. Bill summed it up best, this tragic destruction of the great 1st Marine Division is truly heart breaking! Bravo Zulu!

Sledge wrote that surviving there was largely a matter of luck.

@hdfoster5507

4 ай бұрын

Survival in combat always carries a element of luck, sometimes more than than others. (Personal experience)

Well done men, I just finished! A total waste of young men, which General Officers in charge of this battle to go forward ought to have been shamed, that would scratch the surface of being accountable. Unfortunately we cannot go back and rewrite this sad story to rectify this outcome. Victory was useless!

I like the shorter Captain intro, more time for talking about this great stuff, and as long as he stays on the show and keeps us informed on sub stuff all is good. Now if he has to leave for some reason, we may have to have a discussion on that and see what it will take to entice him to stay.

Not sure that very many people know this but.. the U.S. military is currently re--building the airstrip on Peleliu for military usage.

I loved this episode (like almost all the others). This all reminds me of another story how a fallen leader can have a major impact on morale. In a paraphrased passage from the book “Enemy at the Gates,” a beloved German officer was shot by a sniper. He had been in many other campaigns and was revered by his men as being nearly invincible. Soldiers gathered around his body and wept openly, despite the continuing gunfire. Veteran soldiers became fearful and timid as news of his death spread like a brush fire.

Sobering. Beyond words. Thank you.

Always great to see Dave H. Please have him back early and often!

Absolutely stunning and heart breaking detail of terrible facts.

This was an incredibly tough one to watch and listen to. I thought I knew about this battle but I knew so little and now I know so much. So I'm very grateful and I'm very heartbroken that this unnecessary battle had to take place. I always thought that it was MacArthur's Folly but when Bill said that it was nimitz's Folly everything's fell into place. God Rest the souls that lost their lives on that godforsaken island and those that were wounded and had their lives shattered physically, emotionally and spiritually. Anybody that went ashore on that island came off a changed man forever.💖🇺🇲⚓️💯🙏

Peleliu is the one battle that I have the most problem with, it just seemed all of it was so unnecessary.

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

I think the exposure given to Peleliu by our hosts is the point to the in depth coverage.

PTSD must have been absolutely universal in the first division. As the child of a man who suffered from PTSD in world war II I can assure you that the survivors of the first's wifes and children also suffered from this mess. Many of my friends growing up had fathers with the same issues.

Thats crazy Tina from The Talking Heads father was Admiral Weymouth. I love that movie "Stop Making Sense"..... David Byrne is a genius.. As always you guys did a great job. Seth, Dave, Capt Bill.... thanks guys.

I love the granular detail.

@flparkermdpc

4 ай бұрын

Great descriptive phrase, and true.

Thanks gentlemen great vid. I enjoyed all three of you and your info. & takes. Sledge's book is arguably the best book ever written about WW 2 PTO. A quote from one of Sledgehammer's brothers in arms (probably regarding Puller) "hell Sledgehammer their going to get us all killed", that speaks volumes. Thanks again you're appreciated.

@jammininthepast

4 ай бұрын

Oops! their=they're above...

Rupertus initially thought it would take only 5 days - it took 73 days!

Oh no! Bill's introduction! It messes me up if you don't do it right Seth! 😉

Brilliant coverage of a terrible battle. The tragedy of strategic error. Interesting to watch Dave Holland's face when the worst aspects of combat were being discussed. The impression of a combat veteran. Well done Guys and thanks.

Informative, entertaining as the subject matter can be, great guests. A winner of a podcast/channel.

Ann and Nancy Wilson's parents were John and Lois Wilson. While he was a Marine, it appears he retired in 1960. Louis Wilson, MOH, was appointed Commandant in 1978.

Guys, thank you so much!!

This is one you can't blame Mac for. This was Admiral Nimitz's worst decision of the war.

Simply fantastic. The topic, the dynamic and perspectives and knowledge of all three of you and how they combined here is as good as it gets. Kudos. And thoughts for the lives lost and ruined at this horrible battle.

Seth and Bill, excellent show as always. Moving, touching, shocking, important. I was thinking how much I will miss your weekly shows when you reach the Downfall and after effects. Have you guys considered doing more WW2 stuff from other theatres of operation? The Med, Africa, ETO, etc.? You make my life more interesting and informed, and I don't want to see you go "off air." God Bless.

Outstanding guys. Another set of videos that reminded how much I didn't know. Really looking forward to what y'all have to say about the little naval action off Samar! :)

Thank you Bill Seth and Dave.

Enjoyed this multi part format very much, thank you Gentlemen.

From someone who had to play catch up for over 2 months to get current Seth you, Bill and whoever else is on your talks can run as long as you want. For the US side of the conflict this is equal to if not better than any videos I have scene on the Pacific War. The "Kings and Generals" guys maybe equal or surpass you in mapping and graphics but not in raw information provide. Thankyou and please keep it coming so long as you are willing and able.

Great show gentlemen.

Tough episodes to watch, but needed to know what the story was. Thanks for the time and effort and honesty. Well done.

I’ve got a quick question for Captain Toti, is it accurate that “Chuck” Gwinn was flying patrols from Peleliu when he spotted the survivors of the USS Indianapolis? I remember Brigadier General Gordon Gayle’s Bloody Beaches: The Marines at Peleliu mentioning that that Gwinn and company were flying from Peleliu. It makes me feel better to know that at least the Indy survivors benefitted from the sacrifices made over those two and a half months. Thank you for your service in defending our country and your continued service spreading terrific content with this podcast!

I researched the Wilson sister parents and their father was Marine Major John Bushrod Wilson Jr. (1920-2000) and mother Lois Mary Dustin (1923-2014).

@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349

4 ай бұрын

Thanks. I will double check. Who knows it might be one of those Marine legends myths that we are all told. I heard it many times in the Corps.

@mdcampbell7360

4 ай бұрын

​​@@guadalcanal-walkingabattle5349I looked into it as well. Their GRANDfather, Brigadier General John Bushrod Wilson Sr. served in the Pacific as assistant commander of 3rd Marine Division on Guam & Iwo Jima. He died of a heart attack at Camp Pendleton in 1948. His son, John B. Wilson Jr. retired as a major. The MOH winner & future CMC was Louis H. Wilson Jr.

I knew Peleliu was bad but never knew how bad it was. Now I know.

Wow I'm "speechless "

Another great segment guys. THANK YOU. 😊

Outstanding

It just goes to show that even the best of us can drop the ball once in awhile. We all are all just human beings and none of us are perfect. There was practally no intelligence on Peleliu and what we did have was faulty. The snap decision to send the the Marines and GIs into that hell just because they were already at sea is the poorest reason for putting young men (or now, women) into such danger for absolutely no justifiable reason

Wonderfully put together, thank you

For Dave: The US Army's Artillery school at Ft. Sill is affectionately referred to as The Comanche County Cannon Cockers' College. I was in FAOOC8-61.

Ugh. What an absolute tragedy, I had no idea.

Great stuff. Thank you.

Ann and Nancy Wilson are such beautiful people! Great genes.

Has Adm Nimitz ever acknowledged how much of a debacle Peleliu was?

Thank you gentlemen.

Hi guys, I had read several books on this campaign, heard from 2 survivors of Peleliu and knew upfront this piece of the series was to be ugly. However I wasnt prepared for the (although appreciated) continued approaches that proved fruitless so many times. I get the amount of time needed for the marines to discover as to what weapon(s) to use to unearth these well defended, well trained enemy. But to see teams whittled down to 5 or 6 men or six men out of 50 individuals was shocking as to why command didnt rethink this mess much earlier.. Does command ever take stock, reevaluate and attempt something different by the end of day 3? I mean by this point the numbers seem to indicate the casualties at over 50%… Im in an armchair only commanding my remote but even I can see these numbers. Their is some incredible amount of bravery, soldiery and utter sadness. All in a place where if you took the time to reflect or honor a fellows bravery you yourself were either shot or wounded for trying to preserve a moment in time. Some tragic loss of men so far away that you cannot imagine the time it takes to even get to the battlefield(s). An icredible battle hardfaught by both sides in which finality does not give relief. In the end all deserve a nod for their bravery and a moment of silence for those that lost everything. Great work fellas. And thank you for bringing us more Pacific WWII history…

Thanks, boys.

Thanks!

Great!

Awesome Torpedo Tuesday. Really enjoyed this series.

Great work guys! Would've loved to hear Nimitz's retrospective voice in your panel.

A little bit of Rock n Roll trivia. General James Thayer, an Oregonian, who was an inspiration for the Oregon Military Museum in Clackamas, Or. has a famous Rock n Roll son with Tommy Thayer who's lead guitar in the band KIZZ. General Thayer was awarded a silver and bronze star for liberating a Nazi death camp.

Another outstanding episode, gents.

You guys make Dull Tuesdays a LOT more fun! Pelelieu isn't a laughing matter however...