Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History 66 - Supernova in the East 5

what you're about to hear is part five what you're about to hear is part five of what we can now confidently say is of what we can now confidently say is of what we can now confidently say is going to be a six-part series going to be a six-part series going to be a six-part series on japan and the war in asia and the on japan and the war in asia and the on japan and the war in asia and the pacific theater in the second world war pacific theater in the second world war pacific theater in the second world war if you didn't catch the earlier editions if you didn't catch the earlier editions if you didn't catch the earlier editions of this you might want to of this you might want to of this you might want to if you don't mind or if you already did if you don't mind or if you already did if you don't mind or if you already did well then without further ado part 5 well then without further ado part 5 well then without further ado part 5 of supernova in the east december 7th it's history december 7th it's history 41 a date which will 41 a date which will 41 a date which will live in infamy the events live in infamy the events live in infamy the events it's one small step for man it's one small step for man it's one small step for man one athlete if we dig deep in our history in our if we dig deep in our history in our doctrine and remember doctrine and remember doctrine and remember that we are not descended it's hardcore that we are not descended it's hardcore that we are not descended it's hardcore [Music]

history history we left off this story talking about a we left off this story talking about a we left off this story talking about a japanese advance on the second largest japanese advance on the second largest japanese advance on the second largest island in the world island in the world island in the world new guinea which is part of the main new guinea which is part of the main new guinea which is part of the main theater of conflict in mid-1942 in the theater of conflict in mid-1942 in the theater of conflict in mid-1942 in the pacific pacific pacific new guinea and the solomon islands new guinea and the solomon islands new guinea and the solomon islands specifically at this time guadalcanal specifically at this time guadalcanal specifically at this time guadalcanal where the marines have just landed in where the marines have just landed in where the marines have just landed in strength strength strength and for quite a while in 1942 really the and for quite a while in 1942 really the and for quite a while in 1942 really the rest of 1942 this will be the rest of 1942 this will be the rest of 1942 this will be the the focus in this part of the world now the focus in this part of the world now the focus in this part of the world now we should not forget certain other we should not forget certain other we should not forget certain other things things things the japanese are fighting in china have the japanese are fighting in china have the japanese are fighting in china have been since before this war started we'll been since before this war started we'll been since before this war started we'll be fighting there till the end be fighting there till the end be fighting there till the end that's never going away and the chinese that's never going away and the chinese that's never going away and the chinese get little credit get little credit get little credit uh in most countries for tying down the uh in most countries for tying down the uh in most countries for tying down the the great the great the great bulk of japanese forces and resources bulk of japanese forces and resources bulk of japanese forces and resources the japanese are also fighting in burma the japanese are also fighting in burma the japanese are also fighting in burma what's now myanmar against indian forces what's now myanmar against indian forces what's now myanmar against indian forces british forces british forces british forces some burmese forces and other some burmese forces and other some burmese forces and other friends chinese forces too by the way in friends chinese forces too by the way in friends chinese forces too by the way in burma burma burma and they're fighting australians and and they're fighting australians and and they're fighting australians and americans in the americans in the americans in the new guinea solomon islands area when last we spoke the japanese had just when last we spoke the japanese had just started started started their advance over the mountains over their advance over the mountains over their advance over the mountains over land from their bases in northern new land from their bases in northern new land from their bases in northern new guinea to try to take this important guinea to try to take this important guinea to try to take this important city city city on the south side of new guinea known as on the south side of new guinea known as on the south side of new guinea known as port moresby i said it was port mosby port moresby i said it was port mosby port moresby i said it was port mosby which is silly because it's which is silly because it's which is silly because it's spelled exactly as it sounds spelled exactly as it sounds spelled exactly as it sounds and as this advance begins the japanese and as this advance begins the japanese and as this advance begins the japanese begin doing what they've done begin doing what they've done begin doing what they've done all along which is sort of baffling to

all along which is sort of baffling to all along which is sort of baffling to most observers they're committing most observers they're committing most observers they're committing atrocities atrocities atrocities horrible atrocities they love beheading horrible atrocities they love beheading horrible atrocities they love beheading for some reason for some reason for some reason and they've done you know the killing and they've done you know the killing and they've done you know the killing prisoners in in reball before this prisoners in in reball before this prisoners in in reball before this uh the beheading the civilian killings uh the beheading the civilian killings uh the beheading the civilian killings and it's one of those things that sort and it's one of those things that sort and it's one of those things that sort of boggles the modern mind because of boggles the modern mind because of boggles the modern mind because you can't help but ask the the salient you can't help but ask the the salient you can't help but ask the the salient question question question why why is this happening how does this why why is this happening how does this why why is this happening how does this benefit anybody right benefit anybody right benefit anybody right isn't this counterproductive well if you look at the entire war this well if you look at the entire war this was a fascination on the parts of the was a fascination on the parts of the was a fascination on the parts of the world when the war was over not just the world when the war was over not just the world when the war was over not just the war crimes trials but studies war crimes trials but studies war crimes trials but studies experiments surveys all sorts of experiments surveys all sorts of experiments surveys all sorts of psychological evaluations and post-war psychological evaluations and post-war psychological evaluations and post-war examinations of you know human conduct examinations of you know human conduct examinations of you know human conduct and behavior and orders and obedience to and behavior and orders and obedience to and behavior and orders and obedience to other people's orders were something other people's orders were something other people's orders were something that was that was that was highly focused upon because it is highly focused upon because it is highly focused upon because it is somewhat stunning somewhat stunning somewhat stunning it seems a little bit easy to just say it seems a little bit easy to just say it seems a little bit easy to just say well you know human beings can be well you know human beings can be well you know human beings can be terrible to each other terrible to each other terrible to each other and it doesn't apply in some situations and it doesn't apply in some situations and it doesn't apply in some situations i mean for example i mean for example i mean for example in europe the situation's much easier to in europe the situation's much easier to in europe the situation's much easier to boil down to leadership boil down to leadership boil down to leadership i mean the nazi regime in germany i mean the nazi regime in germany i mean the nazi regime in germany ordered these things ordered these things ordered these things you don't have to get too complicated you don't have to get too complicated you don't have to get too complicated you go look at things like the ober you go look at things like the ober you go look at things like the ober salzburg speeches and what hitler was salzburg speeches and what hitler was salzburg speeches and what hitler was saying we're gonna have to do the to the saying we're gonna have to do the to the saying we're gonna have to do the to the polls polls polls um the orders before the attack of the um the orders before the attack of the um the orders before the attack of the soviet union about having to sort of soviet union about having to sort of soviet union about having to sort of throw civilized uh throw civilized uh throw civilized uh norms aside comments like you know norms aside comments like you know norms aside comments like you know genghis khan is remembered as a genghis khan is remembered as a genghis khan is remembered as a statesman today so it really doesn't statesman today so it really doesn't statesman today so it really doesn't matter i mean the end result is how matter i mean the end result is how matter i mean the end result is how you'll be judged not how you got there

you'll be judged not how you got there you'll be judged not how you got there and in the documents and when you read and in the documents and when you read and in the documents and when you read this stuff and this doesn't apply by the this stuff and this doesn't apply by the this stuff and this doesn't apply by the way to how they treated the jews and in way to how they treated the jews and in way to how they treated the jews and in the holocaust because that had nothing the holocaust because that had nothing the holocaust because that had nothing to do with practicality to do with practicality to do with practicality unless you want to say that you know as unless you want to say that you know as unless you want to say that you know as revenge hitler said well if the jews revenge hitler said well if the jews revenge hitler said well if the jews unleash another war on europe they'll be unleash another war on europe they'll be unleash another war on europe they'll be sorry and boom maybe that's what he's sorry and boom maybe that's what he's sorry and boom maybe that's what he's doing there doing there doing there but a lot of this atrocious stuff was but a lot of this atrocious stuff was but a lot of this atrocious stuff was done or done or done or or at least justified on practical or at least justified on practical or at least justified on practical grounds right i mean take take the way grounds right i mean take take the way grounds right i mean take take the way the germans treated the germans treated the germans treated uh civilians in villages where partisan uh civilians in villages where partisan uh civilians in villages where partisan activity was nearby activity was nearby activity was nearby if tom somebody took a shot at german if tom somebody took a shot at german if tom somebody took a shot at german soldiers they'd line up civilians in the soldiers they'd line up civilians in the soldiers they'd line up civilians in the village and kill them village and kill them village and kill them and of course the goal wasn't to just be and of course the goal wasn't to just be and of course the goal wasn't to just be cruel it was to try to deter them cruel it was to try to deter them cruel it was to try to deter them through terror through terror through terror something that is generally frowned upon something that is generally frowned upon something that is generally frowned upon today it's called collective punishment today it's called collective punishment today it's called collective punishment and it's funny because everybody and it's funny because everybody and it's funny because everybody believes in collective punishment to one believes in collective punishment to one believes in collective punishment to one degree or another i mean you ever been degree or another i mean you ever been degree or another i mean you ever been in the classroom where the teacher's got in the classroom where the teacher's got in the classroom where the teacher's got a couple kids talking a couple kids talking a couple kids talking you know amongst the 30 students and you know amongst the 30 students and you know amongst the 30 students and says if the talking doesn't stop all 30 says if the talking doesn't stop all 30 says if the talking doesn't stop all 30 students have to stay after school students have to stay after school students have to stay after school or how about the football coach he says or how about the football coach he says or how about the football coach he says if uh you know anybody starts uh if uh you know anybody starts uh if uh you know anybody starts uh you know fooling around everybody's you know fooling around everybody's you know fooling around everybody's going to have to run laps i mean that's going to have to run laps i mean that's going to have to run laps i mean that's a way to sort of get the group a way to sort of get the group a way to sort of get the group to enforce behavior right the idea is if to enforce behavior right the idea is if to enforce behavior right the idea is if the germans line up a bunch of civilians the germans line up a bunch of civilians the germans line up a bunch of civilians in a village and kill them for every in a village and kill them for every in a village and kill them for every partisan activity the other villagers partisan activity the other villagers partisan activity the other villagers will go stop this will go stop this will go stop this we're the ones paying the price for this we're the ones paying the price for this we're the ones paying the price for this so the idea may be completely flawed in so the idea may be completely flawed in so the idea may be completely flawed in fact fact fact evidence seems to show that in the evidence seems to show that in the evidence seems to show that in the second world war uh second world war uh second world war uh german atrocious attitudes toward the german atrocious attitudes toward the german atrocious attitudes toward the civilian population to stop partisan civilian population to stop partisan civilian population to stop partisan activity activity activity actually leads to more partisan activity

actually leads to more partisan activity actually leads to more partisan activity it's long been understood that the it's long been understood that the it's long been understood that the germans were welcomed in some places as germans were welcomed in some places as germans were welcomed in some places as virtual liberators when they took over virtual liberators when they took over virtual liberators when they took over uh uh uh areas that had been occupied by the red areas that had been occupied by the red areas that had been occupied by the red army and they turned those people army and they turned those people army and they turned those people against them by their cruelty against them by their cruelty against them by their cruelty this is not a second world war thing of this is not a second world war thing of this is not a second world war thing of course though i mean in the first world course though i mean in the first world course though i mean in the first world war go look at the rape of belgium it's war go look at the rape of belgium it's war go look at the rape of belgium it's based on a similar sort of thing killing based on a similar sort of thing killing based on a similar sort of thing killing civilians in villages civilians in villages civilians in villages in an effort to deter partisans in an effort to deter partisans in an effort to deter partisans what's going on in asia is a different what's going on in asia is a different what's going on in asia is a different story and much harder to pin story and much harder to pin story and much harder to pin down i mean as far as i can tell and i down i mean as far as i can tell and i down i mean as far as i can tell and i could be wrong about this i can see like could be wrong about this i can see like could be wrong about this i can see like three levels three levels three levels of responsibility here uh what's going of responsibility here uh what's going of responsibility here uh what's going on with japanese soldiers and this on with japanese soldiers and this on with japanese soldiers and this cruelty could be happening cruelty could be happening cruelty could be happening at the soldier level which is an excuse at the soldier level which is an excuse at the soldier level which is an excuse that the japanese sometimes use i mean that the japanese sometimes use i mean that the japanese sometimes use i mean in the nan king in the nan king in the nan king situation in china they were sort of a situation in china they were sort of a situation in china they were sort of a well you know boys will be boys kind of well you know boys will be boys kind of well you know boys will be boys kind of excuse yes the soldiers did things that excuse yes the soldiers did things that excuse yes the soldiers did things that were out of control but you know can you were out of control but you know can you were out of control but you know can you blame them it was a very hard fight to blame them it was a very hard fight to blame them it was a very hard fight to take the city they lost a lot of buddies take the city they lost a lot of buddies take the city they lost a lot of buddies um you know sometimes people lose their um you know sometimes people lose their um you know sometimes people lose their minds a little bit you know maybe a lack minds a little bit you know maybe a lack minds a little bit you know maybe a lack of institutional control but of institutional control but of institutional control but but this was not a a deliberate effort but this was not a a deliberate effort but this was not a a deliberate effort to wipe people out to wipe people out to wipe people out that would be the excuse and listen that would be the excuse and listen that would be the excuse and listen soldiers have been misbehaving since soldiers have been misbehaving since soldiers have been misbehaving since caveman time so caveman time so caveman time so there's some validity to that maybe there's some validity to that maybe there's some validity to that maybe of course there's no excuse for the loss of course there's no excuse for the loss of course there's no excuse for the loss of institutional control but we'll of institutional control but we'll of institutional control but we'll we'll play with that as one of the we'll play with that as one of the we'll play with that as one of the possible levels that atrocities happen possible levels that atrocities happen possible levels that atrocities happen at the actual ground level where the at the actual ground level where the at the actual ground level where the soldiers are right soldiers are right soldiers are right then there's a high level responsibility then there's a high level responsibility then there's a high level responsibility possibility which is what's going on in

possibility which is what's going on in possibility which is what's going on in europe right you could say listen the europe right you could say listen the europe right you could say listen the emperor and the major leaders decided emperor and the major leaders decided emperor and the major leaders decided they wanted to they wanted to they wanted to have a you know iron fist and this would have a you know iron fist and this would have a you know iron fist and this would be very in be very in be very in keeping with sort of fascist uh keeping with sort of fascist uh keeping with sort of fascist uh intellectual doctrine right an iron fist intellectual doctrine right an iron fist intellectual doctrine right an iron fist sort of strength and we will crush sort of strength and we will crush sort of strength and we will crush dissent and we will teach these people dissent and we will teach these people dissent and we will teach these people you know that sort of thing and you know that sort of thing and you know that sort of thing and that can be true too but where we left that can be true too but where we left that can be true too but where we left the story the story the story was in discussing an affidavit from an was in discussing an affidavit from an was in discussing an affidavit from an australian officer australian officer australian officer that was introduced in the post-war war that was introduced in the post-war war that was introduced in the post-war war crimes trials in the asia pacific crimes trials in the asia pacific crimes trials in the asia pacific theater it was recounted in theater it was recounted in theater it was recounted in lord russell of liverpool's book the lord russell of liverpool's book the lord russell of liverpool's book the knights of bushido knights of bushido knights of bushido where in new guinea australian troops where in new guinea australian troops where in new guinea australian troops were being atrociously killed were being atrociously killed were being atrociously killed i think we used as an example of samuel i think we used as an example of samuel i think we used as an example of samuel elliott elliott elliott morrison i think it was incident where morrison i think it was incident where morrison i think it was incident where he said some australians have been tied he said some australians have been tied he said some australians have been tied to a tree to a tree to a tree tortured and killed and some japanese tortured and killed and some japanese tortured and killed and some japanese soldier who spoke english soldier who spoke english soldier who spoke english had put a placard above the head of one had put a placard above the head of one had put a placard above the head of one of them that said he took a long time of them that said he took a long time of them that said he took a long time to die well how do you think that's to die well how do you think that's to die well how do you think that's going to make going to make going to make the australian soldiers react when they the australian soldiers react when they the australian soldiers react when they capture a japanese soldier capture a japanese soldier capture a japanese soldier well according to this affidavit that's well according to this affidavit that's well according to this affidavit that's exactly what the australian officer had exactly what the australian officer had exactly what the australian officer had done done done a japanese soldier had fallen into their a japanese soldier had fallen into their a japanese soldier had fallen into their hands which is unusual hands which is unusual hands which is unusual and the guy spoke english which is a and the guy spoke english which is a and the guy spoke english which is a double rarity double rarity double rarity and the australian soldier who gave the and the australian soldier who gave the and the australian soldier who gave the affidavit says they took the japanese affidavit says they took the japanese affidavit says they took the japanese soldier to the australian corpses not soldier to the australian corpses not soldier to the australian corpses not the ones tied to a tree but some other the ones tied to a tree but some other the ones tied to a tree but some other ones ones ones and basically said why did you do this and basically said why did you do this and basically said why did you do this and his excuse was the officers ordered and his excuse was the officers ordered and his excuse was the officers ordered us too

us too us too and his rationale was that he says and and his rationale was that he says and and his rationale was that he says and these are my words but this is what he these are my words but this is what he these are my words but this is what he essentially points out that they were essentially points out that they were essentially points out that they were trying to create trying to create trying to create an intentional tit-for-tat retribution an intentional tit-for-tat retribution an intentional tit-for-tat retribution cycle of atrocities as a way to cycle of atrocities as a way to cycle of atrocities as a way to discourage discourage discourage their own troops from surrendering their own troops from surrendering their own troops from surrendering i mean that didn't happen very often i mean that didn't happen very often i mean that didn't happen very often anyway right but anyway right but anyway right but you know the thinking might be it never you know the thinking might be it never you know the thinking might be it never hurts to have an insurance policy hurts to have an insurance policy hurts to have an insurance policy i mean if some japanese soldier was i mean if some japanese soldier was i mean if some japanese soldier was thinking about thinking about thinking about dishonoring himself dishonoring his dishonoring himself dishonoring his dishonoring himself dishonoring his family dishonoring his unit dishonoring family dishonoring his unit dishonoring family dishonoring his unit dishonoring his his his branch of the service dishonoring his branch of the service dishonoring his branch of the service dishonoring his country well country well country well we'll just add this little caveat um we'll just add this little caveat um we'll just add this little caveat um you're not going to spend you're not going to spend you're not going to spend a couple of years in some pow camp and a couple of years in some pow camp and a couple of years in some pow camp and be repatriated to your country be repatriated to your country be repatriated to your country you're not even going to be put up you're not even going to be put up you're not even going to be put up against a wall and shot you're going to against a wall and shot you're going to against a wall and shot you're going to be treated the same way we treated their be treated the same way we treated their be treated the same way we treated their captives captives captives so you might as well take the honorable so you might as well take the honorable so you might as well take the honorable way out way out way out and kill yourself we should also point and kill yourself we should also point and kill yourself we should also point out that the japanese out that the japanese out that the japanese cultural viewpoints on suicide are cultural viewpoints on suicide are cultural viewpoints on suicide are complex and nuanced complex and nuanced complex and nuanced they'd always had more of a of a they'd always had more of a of a they'd always had more of a of a embracing of that than many other embracing of that than many other embracing of that than many other cultures cultures cultures but an attempt to sort of meld fascism but an attempt to sort of meld fascism but an attempt to sort of meld fascism with traditional japanese cultural with traditional japanese cultural with traditional japanese cultural beliefs made it even more of an beliefs made it even more of an beliefs made it even more of an imperative and the emperor's orders to imperative and the emperor's orders to imperative and the emperor's orders to his troops basically said you're not to his troops basically said you're not to his troops basically said you're not to fall into the enemy's hands fall into the enemy's hands fall into the enemy's hands and maybe making sure that the and maybe making sure that the and maybe making sure that the conditions were such and

conditions were such and conditions were such and i think we called it diabolical on the i think we called it diabolical on the i think we called it diabolical on the part of the officers if this were true part of the officers if this were true part of the officers if this were true making sure that the conditions were making sure that the conditions were making sure that the conditions were such that the japanese soldiers would such that the japanese soldiers would such that the japanese soldiers would face face face torture and atrocities and then be torture and atrocities and then be torture and atrocities and then be killed at the hands of the enemy made it killed at the hands of the enemy made it killed at the hands of the enemy made it a lot easier to just say it'd be better a lot easier to just say it'd be better a lot easier to just say it'd be better to to to slit my stomach shoot myself or hold a slit my stomach shoot myself or hold a slit my stomach shoot myself or hold a grenade up to the side of my head and grenade up to the side of my head and grenade up to the side of my head and take the honorable way out so in trying take the honorable way out so in trying take the honorable way out so in trying to figure out why the japanese would be to figure out why the japanese would be to figure out why the japanese would be committing all these atrocities committing all these atrocities committing all these atrocities uh it's still an open question seems uh it's still an open question seems uh it's still an open question seems counterproductive doesn't it counterproductive doesn't it counterproductive doesn't it there's one other aspect that might be there's one other aspect that might be there's one other aspect that might be worth introducing into here though and worth introducing into here though and worth introducing into here though and part of the fascination part of the fascination part of the fascination in the fighting in new guinea there will in the fighting in new guinea there will in the fighting in new guinea there will be a japanese soldier named ogawa be a japanese soldier named ogawa be a japanese soldier named ogawa matsutsugu matsutsugu matsutsugu and he will write a book after the war and he will write a book after the war and he will write a book after the war called human beings and extremists the called human beings and extremists the called human beings and extremists the island of island of island of death new guinea i tried to get that death new guinea i tried to get that death new guinea i tried to get that book in english it doesn't exist book in english it doesn't exist book in english it doesn't exist excerpts from that book we've already excerpts from that book we've already excerpts from that book we've already talked about in the show talked about in the show talked about in the show it's called japan at war and oral it's called japan at war and oral it's called japan at war and oral history by history by history by haruku taya cook and theodore f cook haruku taya cook and theodore f cook haruku taya cook and theodore f cook and in it matsutsugu talks about and in it matsutsugu talks about and in it matsutsugu talks about japanese training methods and i wonder japanese training methods and i wonder japanese training methods and i wonder how much these training methods how much these training methods how much these training methods contributed to how japanese troops contributed to how japanese troops contributed to how japanese troops behaved behaved behaved we'd said earlier using a line that was we'd said earlier using a line that was we'd said earlier using a line that was originally used for jewish folks i think originally used for jewish folks i think originally used for jewish folks i think but it works but it works but it works wonderfully for all sorts of very wonderfully for all sorts of very wonderfully for all sorts of very distinct peoples on the planet distinct peoples on the planet distinct peoples on the planet so using the line and converting it to so using the line and converting it to so using the line and converting it to the japanese we said that the japanese the japanese we said that the japanese the japanese we said that the japanese are like everyone else are like everyone else are like everyone else only more so well every major

only more so well every major only more so well every major military in the world has a process for military in the world has a process for military in the world has a process for turning their civilians into soldiers turning their civilians into soldiers turning their civilians into soldiers basic training right basic training right basic training right and um the japanese versions of basic and um the japanese versions of basic and um the japanese versions of basic training training training in many respects paralleled those of in many respects paralleled those of in many respects paralleled those of other nations other nations other nations except what masatsugu says is when you except what masatsugu says is when you except what masatsugu says is when you actually got on the ground actually got on the ground actually got on the ground in the field in country as they would in the field in country as they would in the field in country as they would have said in vietnam have said in vietnam have said in vietnam some of these officers and units took it some of these officers and units took it some of these officers and units took it upon themselves to go farther than most upon themselves to go farther than most upon themselves to go farther than most other armies went he talks about what other armies went he talks about what other armies went he talks about what would be referred to in other places and would be referred to in other places and would be referred to in other places and times as blooding times as blooding times as blooding the troops masatsugu says the troops masatsugu says the troops masatsugu says that when he got to china you know in that when he got to china you know in that when he got to china you know in country in that war country in that war country in that war well here's what he writes about what well here's what he writes about what well here's what he writes about what the officers made them do as part of the officers made them do as part of the officers made them do as part of sort of finishing their training and sort of finishing their training and sort of finishing their training and again try to imagine any other allied again try to imagine any other allied again try to imagine any other allied army doing this army doing this army doing this and there are photographs by the way in and there are photographs by the way in and there are photographs by the way in case you have doubts case you have doubts case you have doubts and try to imagine how that might have and try to imagine how that might have and try to imagine how that might have some impact on how things some impact on how things some impact on how things actually turned out in the field he actually turned out in the field he actually turned out in the field he writes quote writes quote writes quote i never really killed anyone directly i i never really killed anyone directly i i never really killed anyone directly i shot my rifle so i might have hit shot my rifle so i might have hit shot my rifle so i might have hit somebody somebody somebody but i never ran anyone through with my but i never ran anyone through with my but i never ran anyone through with my bayonet bayonet bayonet in china soldiers were forced to in china soldiers were forced to in china soldiers were forced to practice on prisoners practice on prisoners practice on prisoners slashing and stabbing as soon as they slashing and stabbing as soon as they slashing and stabbing as soon as they arrived for training arrived for training arrived for training stab him they'd order indicating an stab him they'd order indicating an stab him they'd order indicating an unresisting prisoner unresisting prisoner unresisting prisoner i didn't move i just stood there the i didn't move i just stood there the i didn't move i just stood there the platoon leader became enraged

platoon leader became enraged platoon leader became enraged but i just looked away ignoring the but i just looked away ignoring the but i just looked away ignoring the order i was beaten order i was beaten order i was beaten i was the only one who didn't do it the i was the only one who didn't do it the i was the only one who didn't do it the platoon leader showed them how platoon leader showed them how platoon leader showed them how with vigor this is how you stab a person with vigor this is how you stab a person with vigor this is how you stab a person he said he hit the man's skull and he said he hit the man's skull and he said he hit the man's skull and knocked him into a pit knocked him into a pit knocked him into a pit now stab him they all rushed over and now stab him they all rushed over and now stab him they all rushed over and did it did it did it i'm not saying i determined it good or i'm not saying i determined it good or i'm not saying i determined it good or bad through reason bad through reason bad through reason i just couldn't take the thought of how i just couldn't take the thought of how i just couldn't take the thought of how it would feel running a man through with it would feel running a man through with it would feel running a man through with my bayonet my bayonet my bayonet end quote considering the rarity of end quote considering the rarity of end quote considering the rarity of cameras in these scenes it's interesting cameras in these scenes it's interesting cameras in these scenes it's interesting that there are a decent number of that there are a decent number of that there are a decent number of photographs of this actually occurring photographs of this actually occurring photographs of this actually occurring time life actually published some during time life actually published some during time life actually published some during the war the war the war and they are astounding to look at no and they are astounding to look at no and they are astounding to look at no other military did this no other major other military did this no other major other military did this no other major military did this military did this military did this does that create a different kind of does that create a different kind of does that create a different kind of soldier when this is how you train them soldier when this is how you train them soldier when this is how you train them even japanese recruits showing up in even japanese recruits showing up in even japanese recruits showing up in veteran units would talk about and i'm veteran units would talk about and i'm veteran units would talk about and i'm using the exact word here how using the exact word here how using the exact word here how mean the veterans looked when they mean the veterans looked when they mean the veterans looked when they showed up i mean these are people who've showed up i mean these are people who've showed up i mean these are people who've been through a lot i should been through a lot i should been through a lot i should also point out that james jones arriving also point out that james jones arriving also point out that james jones arriving on guadalcanal talked about seeing the on guadalcanal talked about seeing the on guadalcanal talked about seeing the marines who've been fighting there for marines who've been fighting there for marines who've been fighting there for months and he used the exact same word months and he used the exact same word months and he used the exact same word mean so in mid 1942 when these japanese are so in mid 1942 when these japanese are starting their trek over the mountains starting their trek over the mountains starting their trek over the mountains heading toward port moresby heading toward port moresby heading toward port moresby and killing missionaries and killing missionaries and killing missionaries and their children and everything along and their children and everything along and their children and everything along the way decapitating them

the way decapitating them the way decapitating them killing natives this is all something killing natives this is all something killing natives this is all something that plays into that plays into that plays into the entire way that the axis is viewed the entire way that the axis is viewed the entire way that the axis is viewed they're just seen they're just seen they're just seen as somehow vicious as somehow vicious as somehow vicious and atrocity-oriented and atrocity-oriented and atrocity-oriented and cruel in a way that even and cruel in a way that even and cruel in a way that even other armies and listen armies aren't other armies and listen armies aren't other armies and listen armies aren't generally known for wealth generally known for wealth generally known for wealth for good behavior in combat and but this for good behavior in combat and but this for good behavior in combat and but this was on a whole different level was on a whole different level was on a whole different level and it created a level of hatred as we and it created a level of hatred as we and it created a level of hatred as we said in the pacific where if you said in the pacific where if you said in the pacific where if you interview or talk to interview or talk to interview or talk to pacific veterans getting to be a very pacific veterans getting to be a very pacific veterans getting to be a very hard thing to do now there are fewer and hard thing to do now there are fewer and hard thing to do now there are fewer and fewer of them left fewer of them left fewer of them left and actual combat troops which is much and actual combat troops which is much and actual combat troops which is much much much different much much different much much different than other troops uh they're different than other troops uh they're different than other troops uh they're different than you can tell than you can tell than you can tell they don't sound like western front they don't sound like western front they don't sound like western front troops they don't sound like troops they don't sound like troops they don't sound like uh soldiers from north africa they hate uh soldiers from north africa they hate uh soldiers from north africa they hate the enemy and they hate them often the enemy and they hate them often the enemy and they hate them often even to this day and it's because of even to this day and it's because of even to this day and it's because of what they saw what they saw what they saw and what they the japanese were cruel and what they the japanese were cruel and what they the japanese were cruel and where that cruelty came from is hard and where that cruelty came from is hard and where that cruelty came from is hard to pin down in new guinea when they start coming in new guinea when they start coming over the mountains in 1942 over the mountains in 1942 over the mountains in 1942 there is very little to stop them there is very little to stop them there is very little to stop them and that's part of the heroic tale and that's part of the heroic tale and that's part of the heroic tale of the kokoda track or the kokoda trail of the kokoda track or the kokoda trail of the kokoda track or the kokoda trail which is um which is um which is um one of the great moments in australian one of the great moments in australian one of the great moments in australian military history military history military history we should remember there's only about we should remember there's only about we should remember there's only about seven million australians in the world seven million australians in the world seven million australians in the world at this at this at this time so when we use numbers to talk

time so when we use numbers to talk time so when we use numbers to talk about um about um about um you know the size of forces and you know the size of forces and you know the size of forces and everything remember how small everything remember how small everything remember how small this population is that they're drawing this population is that they're drawing this population is that they're drawing troops from and we need to remember troops from and we need to remember troops from and we need to remember something more as something more as something more as the australians will point out left the australians will point out left the australians will point out left right and center their army isn't there right and center their army isn't there right and center their army isn't there can you imagine having the japanese that can you imagine having the japanese that can you imagine having the japanese that close to something like california close to something like california close to something like california and having the army that would normally and having the army that would normally and having the army that would normally defend california defend california defend california on the other side of the world feel a on the other side of the world feel a on the other side of the world feel a little undefended don't you little undefended don't you little undefended don't you the australian troops um who are part of the australian troops um who are part of the australian troops um who are part of their regular military are fantastic their regular military are fantastic their regular military are fantastic they are making up the tip of the allied they are making up the tip of the allied they are making up the tip of the allied spear spear spear in north africa against rommel some of in north africa against rommel some of in north africa against rommel some of these units are are um these units are are um these units are are um were at places like tobruk they were were at places like tobruk they were were at places like tobruk they were spending time in syria spending time in syria spending time in syria becoming excellent in that theater becoming excellent in that theater becoming excellent in that theater learning all the little tricks of the learning all the little tricks of the learning all the little tricks of the trade of fighting in the desert which is trade of fighting in the desert which is trade of fighting in the desert which is a unique sort of an environment a unique sort of an environment a unique sort of an environment so what happens when the japanese start so what happens when the japanese start so what happens when the japanese start coming over the kokoda track coming over the kokoda track coming over the kokoda track threatening the northern outposts of threatening the northern outposts of threatening the northern outposts of australia threatening australia itself australia threatening australia itself australia threatening australia itself well they have a bunch of what in the us well they have a bunch of what in the us well they have a bunch of what in the us we would call like we would call like we would call like national guard troops or reservists national guard troops or reservists national guard troops or reservists and this is where the lore of the and this is where the lore of the and this is where the lore of the defense of the kokoda trail sort of defense of the kokoda trail sort of defense of the kokoda trail sort of begins we should also point out begins we should also point out begins we should also point out something else something else something else it has all the literary makings of a it has all the literary makings of a it has all the literary makings of a great tale great tale great tale the stage is set for drama isn't it the stage is set for drama isn't it the stage is set for drama isn't it i mean anyone who's interested in i mean anyone who's interested in i mean anyone who's interested in military history knows that if you military history knows that if you military history knows that if you combine combine combine one part small area to defend like one part small area to defend like one part small area to defend like for example a pass with one part

for example a pass with one part for example a pass with one part threat of national threat of national threat of national throw in a little pinch of outnumbered throw in a little pinch of outnumbered throw in a little pinch of outnumbered outgunned and overmatched outgunned and overmatched outgunned and overmatched with a little dash of what the aussies with a little dash of what the aussies with a little dash of what the aussies call call call mateship which you know military mateship which you know military mateship which you know military comradeship comradeship comradeship and you have a recipe for national and you have a recipe for national and you have a recipe for national military immortality and in the australian military annals and in the australian military annals the kokoda track is right up there with the kokoda track is right up there with the kokoda track is right up there with gallipoli for those gallipoli for those gallipoli for those moments that just move the australian moments that just move the australian moments that just move the australian soul reminds one a little bit of like reminds one a little bit of like thermopylae in ancient greece right the thermopylae in ancient greece right the thermopylae in ancient greece right the only difference is that thermopylae only difference is that thermopylae only difference is that thermopylae you have the spartan king and 300 of his you have the spartan king and 300 of his you have the spartan king and 300 of his best guys best guys best guys and some extra people too but but you and some extra people too but but you and some extra people too but but you know you have the the cream of the crop know you have the the cream of the crop know you have the the cream of the crop keeping the enormous hordes of the enemy keeping the enormous hordes of the enemy keeping the enormous hordes of the enemy at bay at bay at bay in new guinea its people the in new guinea its people the in new guinea its people the regular military refer to contemptuously regular military refer to contemptuously regular military refer to contemptuously usually usually usually with the term chocos with the term chocos with the term chocos which is short for chocolate soldiers which is short for chocolate soldiers which is short for chocolate soldiers that's what the belgians were called in that's what the belgians were called in that's what the belgians were called in the first world war often by the germans the first world war often by the germans the first world war often by the germans they figured they would just melt they figured they would just melt they figured they would just melt when exposed to heat when exposed to heat when exposed to heat the australian regulars generally look the australian regulars generally look the australian regulars generally look down upon these down upon these down upon these people who are going to be the first people who are going to be the first people who are going to be the first line of defense in new guinea because line of defense in new guinea because line of defense in new guinea because after all if they were any good wouldn't after all if they were any good wouldn't after all if they were any good wouldn't they be with the tip of the spear in they be with the tip of the spear in they be with the tip of the spear in north africa or syria or

north africa or syria or north africa or syria or even places like singapore that just even places like singapore that just even places like singapore that just fell or burma fell or burma fell or burma these guys are what's left and they have these guys are what's left and they have these guys are what's left and they have to hold down the fort to hold down the fort to hold down the fort against japanese veterans who have against japanese veterans who have against japanese veterans who have steamrolled everything in their path up steamrolled everything in their path up steamrolled everything in their path up to this point good luck with that to this point good luck with that to this point good luck with that great beating the uh british at great beating the uh british at great beating the uh british at singapore singapore singapore beating the americans in the philippines beating the americans in the philippines beating the americans in the philippines who's going to stop them in late july who's going to stop them in late july who's going to stop them in late july 1942 these 1942 these 1942 these reservists these national guardsmen reservists these national guardsmen reservists these national guardsmen these chaco soldiers i mean at least in another incident i mean at least in another incident that's similar to this you get a that's similar to this you get a that's similar to this you get a thermopylae in thermopylae in thermopylae in in ancient greece at least the spartans in ancient greece at least the spartans in ancient greece at least the spartans had had had a king there with 300 of their best guys a king there with 300 of their best guys a king there with 300 of their best guys part of the lore in this case that makes part of the lore in this case that makes part of the lore in this case that makes it so um it so um it so um immortal is that it's not australia's immortal is that it's not australia's immortal is that it's not australia's best guys and they've they're the ones best guys and they've they're the ones best guys and they've they're the ones sort of sort of sort of by fate tasked with this endeavor by fate tasked with this endeavor by fate tasked with this endeavor now what makes it so terrible though now what makes it so terrible though now what makes it so terrible though is where this endeavor has to take place is where this endeavor has to take place is where this endeavor has to take place because because because to those of us not in combat it just to those of us not in combat it just to those of us not in combat it just seems like it would be awful to be seems like it would be awful to be seems like it would be awful to be facing facing facing uh bullets and shells and aircraft and uh bullets and shells and aircraft and uh bullets and shells and aircraft and all that stuff all that stuff all that stuff but everyone in the war on the front but everyone in the war on the front but everyone in the war on the front lines anyways facing that lines anyways facing that lines anyways facing that what makes one experience of a combat what makes one experience of a combat what makes one experience of a combat soldier different than another are the soldier different than another are the soldier different than another are the other variables like how terrible a other variables like how terrible a other variables like how terrible a place you happen to be in while you're place you happen to be in while you're place you happen to be in while you're facing the bullets and shells and facing the bullets and shells and facing the bullets and shells and aircraft aircraft aircraft new guinea is on par with fighting

new guinea is on par with fighting new guinea is on par with fighting in the arctic or in the arctic or in the arctic or the sahara desert or the amazon the sahara desert or the amazon the sahara desert or the amazon rainforest and that makes all the rainforest and that makes all the rainforest and that makes all the difference in the world difference in the world difference in the world i mean there was a phrase that i ran i mean there was a phrase that i ran i mean there was a phrase that i ran across across across in the materials uh that purports to be in the materials uh that purports to be in the materials uh that purports to be a a a saying that japanese soldiers had and saying that japanese soldiers had and saying that japanese soldiers had and it's basically a comparison of the it's basically a comparison of the it's basically a comparison of the various places a japanese soldier might various places a japanese soldier might various places a japanese soldier might find themselves fighting in or stationed find themselves fighting in or stationed find themselves fighting in or stationed in in in you know based on their good or bad you know based on their good or bad you know based on their good or bad fortune fortune fortune and the saying is that heaven is and the saying is that heaven is and the saying is that heaven is java hell is burma java hell is burma java hell is burma but no one returns alive from new guinea but no one returns alive from new guinea but no one returns alive from new guinea that's why the title of ogawa that's why the title of ogawa that's why the title of ogawa matsutsugu's book was matsutsugu's book was matsutsugu's book was human beings in extremis the island of human beings in extremis the island of human beings in extremis the island of death new guinea death new guinea death new guinea and matsutsugu says that people would and matsutsugu says that people would and matsutsugu says that people would come simply to look at him come simply to look at him come simply to look at him after the war because they couldn't after the war because they couldn't after the war because they couldn't believe somebody got out believe somebody got out believe somebody got out that's how few people did remember the that's how few people did remember the that's how few people did remember the japanese are gonna have a name japanese are gonna have a name japanese are gonna have a name for all these people that get lost in for all these people that get lost in for all these people that get lost in the war and then come back the war and then come back the war and then come back years later right to view their own years later right to view their own years later right to view their own gravestones gravestones gravestones to go back to their families only to to go back to their families only to to go back to their families only to find out that their wives have remarried find out that their wives have remarried find out that their wives have remarried and their children have grown up with and their children have grown up with and their children have grown up with other fathers other fathers other fathers they call them the living war dead they call them the living war dead they call them the living war dead which is a fabulously interesting phrase which is a fabulously interesting phrase which is a fabulously interesting phrase how many people do you have to have how many people do you have to have how many people do you have to have falling into that category to have to falling into that category to have to falling into that category to have to come up with a special phrase for it come up with a special phrase for it come up with a special phrase for it and they had this all over the war we and they had this all over the war we and they had this all over the war we should say i mean there were germans should say i mean there were germans should say i mean there were germans returning returning returning from soviet pow camps years later

from soviet pow camps years later from soviet pow camps years later the difference is that people didn't get the difference is that people didn't get the difference is that people didn't get lost lost lost in any other theater anywhere near as in any other theater anywhere near as in any other theater anywhere near as often as they got often as they got often as they got lost in the asia pacific theater and a lost in the asia pacific theater and a lost in the asia pacific theater and a lot of people got lost in new guinea lot of people got lost in new guinea lot of people got lost in new guinea because because because when you look at the terrain and the when you look at the terrain and the when you look at the terrain and the circumstances of the people who had to circumstances of the people who had to circumstances of the people who had to fight there fight there fight there it is wild mountains that are on par it is wild mountains that are on par it is wild mountains that are on par with the alps a jungle with the alps a jungle with the alps a jungle that is as heavy as you will find that is as heavy as you will find that is as heavy as you will find anywhere anywhere anywhere rainfall that sometimes tops the more rainfall that sometimes tops the more rainfall that sometimes tops the more than 300 than 300 than 300 inch mark it is never dry in new guinea inch mark it is never dry in new guinea inch mark it is never dry in new guinea except on a few except on a few except on a few particularly dry spots i think it's particularly dry spots i think it's particularly dry spots i think it's matsutsugu who wondered matsutsugu who wondered matsutsugu who wondered uh if you could drowned marching in rain uh if you could drowned marching in rain uh if you could drowned marching in rain that was that heavy famed military writer james dunigan said famed military writer james dunigan said about the new guinea fighting that it about the new guinea fighting that it about the new guinea fighting that it combined combined combined the worst aspects of jungle and mountain the worst aspects of jungle and mountain the worst aspects of jungle and mountain combat combat combat and that's what makes the situation so and that's what makes the situation so and that's what makes the situation so memorable for the people who fought memorable for the people who fought memorable for the people who fought there there there yes they remember the fighting as combat yes they remember the fighting as combat yes they remember the fighting as combat troops on every front remembered troops on every front remembered troops on every front remembered but they added to that the equivalent as but they added to that the equivalent as but they added to that the equivalent as one author said of fighting in an one author said of fighting in an one author said of fighting in an obstacle course i mean the number of obstacle course i mean the number of obstacle course i mean the number of veterans that talk about veterans that talk about veterans that talk about uh these things like the phenomenon of uh these things like the phenomenon of uh these things like the phenomenon of the false the false the false crest for example is a little bit crest for example is a little bit crest for example is a little bit shocking and pretty universal shocking and pretty universal shocking and pretty universal the false crest phenomenon relates to the false crest phenomenon relates to the false crest phenomenon relates to the fact that the fact that the fact that the soldiers who fought in new guinea the soldiers who fought in new guinea the soldiers who fought in new guinea and um and um and um osmar white who was a war correspondent

osmar white who was a war correspondent osmar white who was a war correspondent there said there said there said something to the effect that you know something to the effect that you know something to the effect that you know geography is impartial so it affects geography is impartial so it affects geography is impartial so it affects both sides equally both sides equally both sides equally the climbing that these people had to do the climbing that these people had to do the climbing that these people had to do straight up and straight down mountain straight up and straight down mountain straight up and straight down mountain after mountain after mountain after mountain after mountain after mountain after mountain broke the spirits of so many of them and broke the spirits of so many of them and broke the spirits of so many of them and their stories of their stories of their stories of soldiers on both sides uh breaking down soldiers on both sides uh breaking down soldiers on both sides uh breaking down in tears and embracing each other when in tears and embracing each other when in tears and embracing each other when they finally get to the top of some of they finally get to the top of some of they finally get to the top of some of these mountains these mountains these mountains and then to look over the horizon which and then to look over the horizon which and then to look over the horizon which had been invisible to them before they had been invisible to them before they had been invisible to them before they got to the top and seeing got to the top and seeing got to the top and seeing more mountains just the same as far as more mountains just the same as far as more mountains just the same as far as the eye could see the eye could see the eye could see in his book kokoda which is a pretty in his book kokoda which is a pretty in his book kokoda which is a pretty pretty classic book pretty classic book pretty classic book author peter fitzsimmons tries to give a author peter fitzsimmons tries to give a author peter fitzsimmons tries to give a sense sense sense of what the terrain is like and by the of what the terrain is like and by the of what the terrain is like and by the way when he refers to what he calls the way when he refers to what he calls the way when he refers to what he calls the diggers of the 39th diggers of the 39th diggers of the 39th he's talking about the 39th infantry he's talking about the 39th infantry he's talking about the 39th infantry battalion battalion battalion and the diggers that's a term for and the diggers that's a term for and the diggers that's a term for australian soldiers and he writes quote australian soldiers and he writes quote australian soldiers and he writes quote the diggers of the 39th struggling up the diggers of the 39th struggling up the diggers of the 39th struggling up and over these god-forsaken mountains and over these god-forsaken mountains and over these god-forsaken mountains tried in vain to come to terms with tried in vain to come to terms with tried in vain to come to terms with their new surroundings their new surroundings their new surroundings this was like no place they'd ever been this was like no place they'd ever been this was like no place they'd ever been before or even heard of before or even heard of before or even heard of for many of them particularly those from for many of them particularly those from for many of them particularly those from the often long the often long the often long low featureless planes of western low featureless planes of western low featureless planes of western victoria victoria victoria it was beyond their imagination the it was beyond their imagination the it was beyond their imagination the mountains and ranges continued to the mountains and ranges continued to the mountains and ranges continued to the far horizons far horizons far horizons to all points of the compass valleys to all points of the compass valleys to all points of the compass valleys crevices and creases sprayed out crevices and creases sprayed out crevices and creases sprayed out seemingly at random many of them filled seemingly at random many of them filled seemingly at random many of them filled with thick mist

with thick mist with thick mist and most of them the men knew entirely and most of them the men knew entirely and most of them the men knew entirely uncharted by europeans uncharted by europeans uncharted by europeans through it all somehow the track he through it all somehow the track he through it all somehow the track he means the kokoda trail means the kokoda trail means the kokoda trail the bloody track poked and prodded its the bloody track poked and prodded its the bloody track poked and prodded its way way way roughly northward sometimes gripping roughly northward sometimes gripping roughly northward sometimes gripping grimly to the side of a mountain above a grimly to the side of a mountain above a grimly to the side of a mountain above a raging torrent raging torrent raging torrent sometimes going from rock to rock in sometimes going from rock to rock in sometimes going from rock to rock in that torrent that torrent that torrent for as long as a mile sometimes glugging for as long as a mile sometimes glugging for as long as a mile sometimes glugging along beneath four feet of marsh along beneath four feet of marsh along beneath four feet of marsh and often going up a slope which was and often going up a slope which was and often going up a slope which was just a few degrees off vertical just a few degrees off vertical just a few degrees off vertical to an absolute height at the top of the to an absolute height at the top of the to an absolute height at the top of the ranges of over seven thousand feet ranges of over seven thousand feet ranges of over seven thousand feet then he writes it wasn't just the then he writes it wasn't just the then he writes it wasn't just the gut-wrenching agony of reaching the top gut-wrenching agony of reaching the top gut-wrenching agony of reaching the top only to find only to find only to find that a dozen more hills exactly like it that a dozen more hills exactly like it that a dozen more hills exactly like it lay between them and sundown lay between them and sundown lay between them and sundown it was the bone-jarring agony of the it was the bone-jarring agony of the it was the bone-jarring agony of the equally steep descent equally steep descent equally steep descent torturing knees that had never been torturing knees that had never been torturing knees that had never been subjected to such punishment subjected to such punishment subjected to such punishment and all the while risking falls that and all the while risking falls that and all the while risking falls that could maim a man for life could maim a man for life could maim a man for life end quote at the suggestion of some end quote at the suggestion of some end quote at the suggestion of some australian listeners i picked up osmar australian listeners i picked up osmar australian listeners i picked up osmar white's book green armor and white was a white's book green armor and white was a white's book green armor and white was a war correspondent who essentially went war correspondent who essentially went war correspondent who essentially went with the troops and kept with the troops and kept with the troops and kept journals and so it's a little like being journals and so it's a little like being journals and so it's a little like being with a travel correspondent and as white with a travel correspondent and as white with a travel correspondent and as white finds finds finds something unusual you discover it with something unusual you discover it with something unusual you discover it with him and he talks about the primeval him and he talks about the primeval him and he talks about the primeval nature of nature of nature of of the jungle in this area and how it is of the jungle in this area and how it is of the jungle in this area and how it is a little like jurassic park in the sense a little like jurassic park in the sense a little like jurassic park in the sense that it that it that it he said at one point that 10 000 bombers

he said at one point that 10 000 bombers he said at one point that 10 000 bombers could drop their load in one of these could drop their load in one of these could drop their load in one of these valleys he was talking about and it valleys he was talking about and it valleys he was talking about and it wouldn't leave a scar wouldn't leave a scar wouldn't leave a scar if you sit still for a few hours you get if you sit still for a few hours you get if you sit still for a few hours you get the feeling that you would start turning the feeling that you would start turning the feeling that you would start turning into a human chia pet into a human chia pet into a human chia pet and start going all green and growing and start going all green and growing and start going all green and growing in country like this the help of the in country like this the help of the in country like this the help of the native peoples native peoples native peoples is vital is vital is vital and the native peoples of new guinea are and the native peoples of new guinea are and the native peoples of new guinea are fascinating and the more i fascinating and the more i fascinating and the more i researched them the more i started to researched them the more i started to researched them the more i started to fall in love a bit with my subject fall in love a bit with my subject fall in love a bit with my subject there are about and there were no there are about and there were no there are about and there were no surveys done so who knows about two surveys done so who knows about two surveys done so who knows about two million estimated people on the island million estimated people on the island million estimated people on the island at this point at this point at this point and the diversity is impossible to and the diversity is impossible to and the diversity is impossible to describe because there's between describe because there's between describe because there's between 700 and a thousand tribes of them 700 and a thousand tribes of them 700 and a thousand tribes of them they speak between seven hundred and a they speak between seven hundred and a they speak between seven hundred and a thousand different languages thousand different languages thousand different languages a giant chunk by the way of the entire a giant chunk by the way of the entire a giant chunk by the way of the entire globe's language diversity globe's language diversity globe's language diversity comes from new guinea and the comes from new guinea and the comes from new guinea and the differences between differences between differences between one tribe of people and another tribe of one tribe of people and another tribe of one tribe of people and another tribe of people right next door could be stark people right next door could be stark people right next door could be stark so trying to broad brush anything is a so trying to broad brush anything is a so trying to broad brush anything is a fool's errand fool's errand fool's errand the people in port moresby for example the people in port moresby for example the people in port moresby for example who are in regular contact with who are in regular contact with who are in regular contact with australia australia australia very different than people's miles into very different than people's miles into very different than people's miles into the interior which is a little like the interior which is a little like the interior which is a little like going going going into a time machine if you get off these into a time machine if you get off these into a time machine if you get off these trails because you start running into trails because you start running into trails because you start running into peoples peoples peoples that have little to no contact with the that have little to no contact with the that have little to no contact with the outside world in fact if you wanted to outside world in fact if you wanted to outside world in fact if you wanted to try to find some of the last

try to find some of the last try to find some of the last remaining groups of human beings who remaining groups of human beings who remaining groups of human beings who have not been contacted by the outside have not been contacted by the outside have not been contacted by the outside world world world you should have new guinea on your short you should have new guinea on your short you should have new guinea on your short list list list you should have some islands off the you should have some islands off the you should have some islands off the coast of india that's always been coast of india that's always been coast of india that's always been a fruitful place to find some a fruitful place to find some a fruitful place to find some uncontacted tribes the amazon rainforest uncontacted tribes the amazon rainforest uncontacted tribes the amazon rainforest always a good bet lots of things can always a good bet lots of things can always a good bet lots of things can hide in there hide in there hide in there and new guinea even today has tribes and new guinea even today has tribes and new guinea even today has tribes that if not that if not that if not uncontacted very little contact with the uncontacted very little contact with the uncontacted very little contact with the outside world outside world outside world that is both fascinating and somewhat that is both fascinating and somewhat that is both fascinating and somewhat scary and it makes the scary and it makes the scary and it makes the uh allied and japanese armies look a uh allied and japanese armies look a uh allied and japanese armies look a little like little like little like one part you know john wayne in a war one part you know john wayne in a war one part you know john wayne in a war film combined with one part pith helmet film combined with one part pith helmet film combined with one part pith helmet wearing great white explorer kind of wearing great white explorer kind of wearing great white explorer kind of one of the things to consider also is one of the things to consider also is one of the things to consider also is just like on guadalcanal just like on guadalcanal just like on guadalcanal there are few to no good maps so there are few to no good maps so there are few to no good maps so the armies fighting here are flying the armies fighting here are flying the armies fighting here are flying blind which is just one more reason blind which is just one more reason blind which is just one more reason you need the natives and the indigenous you need the natives and the indigenous you need the natives and the indigenous peoples have always been important when peoples have always been important when peoples have always been important when outside powers are fighting in their outside powers are fighting in their outside powers are fighting in their territory we always use the example of territory we always use the example of territory we always use the example of apache scouts because that's one of my apache scouts because that's one of my apache scouts because that's one of my favorites i mean favorites i mean favorites i mean you want to go fight apaches in the you want to go fight apaches in the you want to go fight apaches in the dragoon mountains you better have apache dragoon mountains you better have apache dragoon mountains you better have apache scouts or you're not going to find any scouts or you're not going to find any scouts or you're not going to find any you want to go into afghanistan start you want to go into afghanistan start you want to go into afghanistan start going after tribesmen there going after tribesmen there going after tribesmen there better have some friendly tribesmen to better have some friendly tribesmen to better have some friendly tribesmen to help you help you help you and in new guinea the one aspect that and in new guinea the one aspect that and in new guinea the one aspect that really gave the allies an advantage over really gave the allies an advantage over really gave the allies an advantage over time time time in this regard was they had more in this regard was they had more in this regard was they had more friendly

friendly friendly indigenous peoples on their side than indigenous peoples on their side than indigenous peoples on their side than the japanese did and they made a real the japanese did and they made a real the japanese did and they made a real effort to cultivate them effort to cultivate them effort to cultivate them and they had to because remember the and they had to because remember the and they had to because remember the indigenous peoples of new guinea are indigenous peoples of new guinea are indigenous peoples of new guinea are basically colonial subjects i mean basically colonial subjects i mean basically colonial subjects i mean there's a natural tendency to there's a natural tendency to there's a natural tendency to sometimes have a sense of resentment sometimes have a sense of resentment sometimes have a sense of resentment against the colonial occupiers against the colonial occupiers against the colonial occupiers but pretty soon the japanese for similar but pretty soon the japanese for similar but pretty soon the japanese for similar reasons to how the germans would turn reasons to how the germans would turn reasons to how the germans would turn uh people in eastern europe that they uh people in eastern europe that they uh people in eastern europe that they had liberated had liberated had liberated uh against them when they could have had uh against them when they could have had uh against them when they could have had them on their side the japanese do quite them on their side the japanese do quite them on their side the japanese do quite a bit of that to the a bit of that to the a bit of that to the indigenous peoples of new guinea and indigenous peoples of new guinea and indigenous peoples of new guinea and they will pay for that by not having they will pay for that by not having they will pay for that by not having their help their help their help and their help is such that the and their help is such that the and their help is such that the australians will coin a term australians will coin a term australians will coin a term for the people there sounds a little bit for the people there sounds a little bit for the people there sounds a little bit politically incorrect today politically incorrect today politically incorrect today but anyone who knows the story knows how but anyone who knows the story knows how but anyone who knows the story knows how much love much love much love and respect it is spoken with and respect it is spoken with and respect it is spoken with the australians called the indigenous the australians called the indigenous the australians called the indigenous peoples that helped them the fuzzy wuzzy peoples that helped them the fuzzy wuzzy peoples that helped them the fuzzy wuzzy angels and many an australian soldier and a and many an australian soldier and a bunch of americans too bunch of americans too bunch of americans too owe their lives to the locals we just spent all this time talking we just spent all this time talking about the insane terrain about the insane terrain about the insane terrain how wet it is how crazy this how wet it is how crazy this how wet it is how crazy this footpath trod over millennia by the footpath trod over millennia by the footpath trod over millennia by the natives natives natives how crazy it was for both western troops how crazy it was for both western troops how crazy it was for both western troops and japanese troops to try to negotiate and japanese troops to try to negotiate and japanese troops to try to negotiate these things these things these things how on earth do you get the supplies the how on earth do you get the supplies the how on earth do you get the supplies the massive amount of supplies that troops massive amount of supplies that troops massive amount of supplies that troops need to fight

need to fight need to fight to them through this it's not there's no to them through this it's not there's no to them through this it's not there's no bulldozers making roads bulldozers making roads bulldozers making roads the stuff for the most part has to come the stuff for the most part has to come the stuff for the most part has to come in on the backs of other human beings in on the backs of other human beings in on the backs of other human beings and the allies will contract in 1942 and the allies will contract in 1942 and the allies will contract in 1942 alone to use 32 alone to use 32 alone to use 32 000 natives as the equivalent of a human 000 natives as the equivalent of a human 000 natives as the equivalent of a human transport chain transport chain transport chain you can air drop some stuff and there is you can air drop some stuff and there is you can air drop some stuff and there is an air base an air base an air base a small air base in kokoda which is a a small air base in kokoda which is a a small air base in kokoda which is a prime strategic objective prime strategic objective prime strategic objective but you absolutely can't survive without but you absolutely can't survive without but you absolutely can't survive without the help of these natives the help of these natives the help of these natives not just as we said bringing the food in not just as we said bringing the food in not just as we said bringing the food in but but but if this track this kokoda track is so if this track this kokoda track is so if this track this kokoda track is so unbelievably hard on unbelievably hard on unbelievably hard on soldiers what is it like to try to get soldiers what is it like to try to get soldiers what is it like to try to get wounded men from the front lines back to wounded men from the front lines back to wounded men from the front lines back to a place where you can treat oh i don't a place where you can treat oh i don't a place where you can treat oh i don't know like a blown off know like a blown off know like a blown off limb the natives bring them down limb the natives bring them down limb the natives bring them down a native on each corner of a cot a native on each corner of a cot a native on each corner of a cot carrying the wounded man sometimes carrying the wounded man sometimes carrying the wounded man sometimes jumping from rock jumping from rock jumping from rock to rock to rock in streams i mean it to rock to rock in streams i mean it to rock to rock in streams i mean it this is a story of human endurance and this is a story of human endurance and this is a story of human endurance and you can see why the australians you can see why the australians you can see why the australians just sit there in awe of what was just sit there in awe of what was just sit there in awe of what was achieved here the conditions were achieved here the conditions were achieved here the conditions were heartbreaking heartbreaking heartbreaking and trying beyond belief and trying beyond belief and trying beyond belief now what it isn't is a an affair that now what it isn't is a an affair that now what it isn't is a an affair that you can sit there and you can sit there and you can sit there and put a big map up on the board and show put a big map up on the board and show put a big map up on the board and show these giant outs flanking maneuvers and these giant outs flanking maneuvers and these giant outs flanking maneuvers and and big arrows pointing everywhere and big arrows pointing everywhere and big arrows pointing everywhere although that's not stopping macarthur although that's not stopping macarthur although that's not stopping macarthur of course from doing press conferences

of course from doing press conferences of course from doing press conferences down in australia showing that that's down in australia showing that that's down in australia showing that that's exactly what exactly what exactly what he's doing here but part of the way i he's doing here but part of the way i he's doing here but part of the way i want to talk about the whole want to talk about the whole want to talk about the whole upcoming war especially these island upcoming war especially these island upcoming war especially these island campaigns campaigns campaigns is to try to acknowledge the sameness of is to try to acknowledge the sameness of is to try to acknowledge the sameness of the experience for the soldiers fighting the experience for the soldiers fighting the experience for the soldiers fighting on the ground on the ground on the ground for them there's not that much for them there's not that much for them there's not that much difference because the difference because the difference because the war itself has nothing to do with war itself has nothing to do with war itself has nothing to do with generals generals generals for them and colonels for them and colonels for them and colonels and majors and captains as one and majors and captains as one and majors and captains as one australian veteran pointed out kokoda australian veteran pointed out kokoda australian veteran pointed out kokoda was a straight-up corporals war was a straight-up corporals war was a straight-up corporals war that's because when you're out on some that's because when you're out on some that's because when you're out on some trail on patrol trail on patrol trail on patrol there is no general there with you there is no general there with you there is no general there with you i love the way one of these squad i love the way one of these squad i love the way one of these squad leaders quoted in eric bergeron's book leaders quoted in eric bergeron's book leaders quoted in eric bergeron's book and i think it's one of the best i think and i think it's one of the best i think and i think it's one of the best i think i've said it's one of the best i've ever i've said it's one of the best i've ever i've said it's one of the best i've ever read for the nitty-gritty ground level read for the nitty-gritty ground level read for the nitty-gritty ground level stuff of what fighting in the pacific stuff of what fighting in the pacific stuff of what fighting in the pacific was like touched with fire the land war was like touched with fire the land war was like touched with fire the land war in the south pacific in the south pacific in the south pacific he quotes a u.s squad leader explaining he quotes a u.s squad leader explaining he quotes a u.s squad leader explaining sort of the difference between what it's sort of the difference between what it's sort of the difference between what it's like you know at these higher levels like you know at these higher levels like you know at these higher levels where the 17 to 25 human beings it takes where the 17 to 25 human beings it takes where the 17 to 25 human beings it takes to support every combat man at the front to support every combat man at the front to support every combat man at the front line line line what it's like for them at a war level what it's like for them at a war level what it's like for them at a war level and what it's like for the guy who's the and what it's like for the guy who's the and what it's like for the guy who's the squad leader squad leader squad leader and the people who are in his squad and the people who are in his squad and the people who are in his squad burgerry quotes this american squad burgerry quotes this american squad burgerry quotes this american squad leader but this is exactly how it was leader but this is exactly how it was leader but this is exactly how it was for the australians too for the australians too for the australians too as saying quote the squad leader as saying quote the squad leader as saying quote the squad leader a corporal or sergeant is the man who a corporal or sergeant is the man who a corporal or sergeant is the man who sees that the assault orders are sees that the assault orders are sees that the assault orders are executed

executed executed reams and reams of paper are used to reams and reams of paper are used to reams and reams of paper are used to write orders from the highest authority write orders from the highest authority write orders from the highest authority down down down telling everyone what to do and how to telling everyone what to do and how to telling everyone what to do and how to do it they have predictable phrases do it they have predictable phrases do it they have predictable phrases take and occupy assault and capture take and occupy assault and capture take and occupy assault and capture operations orders annexes to the operations orders annexes to the operations orders annexes to the operations orders operations orders operations orders etc the squad leader never sees the etc the squad leader never sees the etc the squad leader never sees the reams of paper consisting of brilliant reams of paper consisting of brilliant reams of paper consisting of brilliant orders orders orders written by officers who've attended written by officers who've attended written by officers who've attended every war college in the world every war college in the world every war college in the world the annexes to the orders cover the annexes to the orders cover the annexes to the orders cover everything from battery voltage and everything from battery voltage and everything from battery voltage and handheld radios handheld radios handheld radios to the roles of toilet paper that will to the roles of toilet paper that will to the roles of toilet paper that will be available be available be available these orders and annexes are sent to the these orders and annexes are sent to the these orders and annexes are sent to the war colleges war colleges war colleges the archives and the big file in the sky the archives and the big file in the sky the archives and the big file in the sky but the snuffy squad leader doesn't care but the snuffy squad leader doesn't care but the snuffy squad leader doesn't care a tinker's damn about them a tinker's damn about them a tinker's damn about them when push comes to pull he says the when push comes to pull he says the when push comes to pull he says the lieutenant or platoon leader tells his lieutenant or platoon leader tells his lieutenant or platoon leader tells his squad leaders squad leaders squad leaders when i give you the word first squad when i give you the word first squad when i give you the word first squad move out in that direction move out in that direction move out in that direction second squad keep contact with first second squad keep contact with first second squad keep contact with first squad's right flank and move out squad's right flank and move out squad's right flank and move out third squad will be in reserve for now third squad will be in reserve for now third squad will be in reserve for now got any questions got any questions got any questions everyone is thinking to themselves he everyone is thinking to themselves he everyone is thinking to themselves he says yeah says yeah says yeah can i go home now so the lieutenant says can i go home now so the lieutenant says can i go home now so the lieutenant says move out the squad leader tells his 12 move out the squad leader tells his 12 move out the squad leader tells his 12 or so men or so men or so men so and so meaning you know joe move out so and so meaning you know joe move out so and so meaning you know joe move out number two is you know john and so on number two is you know john and so on number two is you know john and so on an enemy machine gunner is pounding like an enemy machine gunner is pounding like an enemy machine gunner is pounding like hell at you one of your snuffies says hell at you one of your snuffies says hell at you one of your snuffies says jesus christ sarge you're gonna kill

jesus christ sarge you're gonna kill jesus christ sarge you're gonna kill every one of us every one of us every one of us you yell back that's right move out and you yell back that's right move out and you yell back that's right move out and get killed or i'll have to kill you get killed or i'll have to kill you get killed or i'll have to kill you and so it goes all of those a-holes he and so it goes all of those a-holes he and so it goes all of those a-holes he says or most of them who wrote all of says or most of them who wrote all of says or most of them who wrote all of those brilliant operations orders were those brilliant operations orders were those brilliant operations orders were never squad leaders never squad leaders never squad leaders end quote end quote end quote the way the war appears depends on the the way the war appears depends on the the way the war appears depends on the zoom level you look at it zoom level you look at it zoom level you look at it and you can look at it from any zoom and you can look at it from any zoom and you can look at it from any zoom level you want that is level you want that is level you want that is the ground level squad level the ground level squad level the ground level squad level zoom level the people actually fighting zoom level the people actually fighting zoom level the people actually fighting but you can zoom in and out to any but you can zoom in and out to any but you can zoom in and out to any degree you want i mean i can pick up a degree you want i mean i can pick up a degree you want i mean i can pick up a book i hardly ever book i hardly ever book i hardly ever have out of my arms reach the have out of my arms reach the have out of my arms reach the encyclopedia of military history with encyclopedia of military history with encyclopedia of military history with trevor dupuy writing it trevor dupuy writing it trevor dupuy writing it and he'll give you the satellite level and he'll give you the satellite level and he'll give you the satellite level zoom out and just explain the campaign zoom out and just explain the campaign zoom out and just explain the campaign sort of in a very quick and general sort of in a very quick and general sort of in a very quick and general fashion but you don't get any sense of fashion but you don't get any sense of fashion but you don't get any sense of what it was like for the people on the what it was like for the people on the what it was like for the people on the ground ground ground but maybe an overview is worth it here but maybe an overview is worth it here but maybe an overview is worth it here in australia to show what happens in australia to show what happens in australia to show what happens as we said the australians are fighting as we said the australians are fighting as we said the australians are fighting with the with the with the chocos these people who are like chocos these people who are like chocos these people who are like reservists who have to kind of hold back reservists who have to kind of hold back reservists who have to kind of hold back the japanese long enough for australian the japanese long enough for australian the japanese long enough for australian troops who are being some of them anyway troops who are being some of them anyway troops who are being some of them anyway withdrawn withdrawn withdrawn from the mediterranean brought back to from the mediterranean brought back to from the mediterranean brought back to australia for a quick australia for a quick australia for a quick refit and then going to be sent to help refit and then going to be sent to help refit and then going to be sent to help and um and um and um here's the way dupuis puts the uh here's the way dupuis puts the uh here's the way dupuis puts the uh you know this this initial part of the you know this this initial part of the you know this this initial part of the kokoda campaign it doesn't sound very kokoda campaign it doesn't sound very kokoda campaign it doesn't sound very dramatic the way he says it though dramatic the way he says it though dramatic the way he says it though but it is an encyclopedia after all but it is an encyclopedia after all but it is an encyclopedia after all quote quote quote july 21st to september 13th 1942

july 21st to september 13th 1942 july 21st to september 13th 1942 advance on port moresby elements of the advance on port moresby elements of the advance on port moresby elements of the japanese 18th army japanese 18th army japanese 18th army under major general tomotoro hori under major general tomotoro hori under major general tomotoro hori pressed inland from gona drove in local pressed inland from gona drove in local pressed inland from gona drove in local allied troops allied troops allied troops and moved up the rugged kokoda trail to and moved up the rugged kokoda trail to and moved up the rugged kokoda trail to seize the key pass over the owen stanley seize the key pass over the owen stanley seize the key pass over the owen stanley mountains mountains mountains which happens on august 12th pushing which happens on august 12th pushing which happens on august 12th pushing ahead he writes ahead he writes ahead he writes the japanese reached to within 30 miles the japanese reached to within 30 miles the japanese reached to within 30 miles of port moresby of port moresby of port moresby before stiffening australian and before stiffening australian and before stiffening australian and american resistance american resistance american resistance under australian major general edmond f under australian major general edmond f under australian major general edmond f herring herring herring supported by tactical air forces with supported by tactical air forces with supported by tactical air forces with local air superiority local air superiority local air superiority halted the advance end quote halted the advance end quote halted the advance end quote that doesn't really give you a sense of that doesn't really give you a sense of that doesn't really give you a sense of the drama the drama the drama and the oppressive jungle fighting and the oppressive jungle fighting and the oppressive jungle fighting involved involved involved i've always found that for that you need i've always found that for that you need i've always found that for that you need to turn to either to turn to either to turn to either the soldiers on the ground who are doing the soldiers on the ground who are doing the soldiers on the ground who are doing the fighting in their accounts the fighting in their accounts the fighting in their accounts or the stories of the war correspondents or the stories of the war correspondents or the stories of the war correspondents who were often the ones who were often the ones who were often the ones who wrote those accounts down for who wrote those accounts down for who wrote those accounts down for example australian war correspondent example australian war correspondent example australian war correspondent george h george h george h johnston was there on the ground his johnston was there on the ground his johnston was there on the ground his dispatches were eventually catalogued in dispatches were eventually catalogued in dispatches were eventually catalogued in a book called the toughest fighting in a book called the toughest fighting in a book called the toughest fighting in the world the world the world and he at the time you know writing in and he at the time you know writing in and he at the time you know writing in contemporary terms as he's finding stuff contemporary terms as he's finding stuff contemporary terms as he's finding stuff out out out with the troops starts seeing the with the troops starts seeing the with the troops starts seeing the survivors of some of these conflicts up survivors of some of these conflicts up survivors of some of these conflicts up on the kokoda track in the owen stanley on the kokoda track in the owen stanley on the kokoda track in the owen stanley mountains come mountains come mountains come shuffling down from the jungle and he shuffling down from the jungle and he shuffling down from the jungle and he says quote

says quote says quote our wounded are beginning to come back our wounded are beginning to come back our wounded are beginning to come back from the owen stanleys from the owen stanleys from the owen stanleys thin bearded gaunt men with hollow thin bearded gaunt men with hollow thin bearded gaunt men with hollow cheeks cheeks cheeks and the marks of strain and pain around and the marks of strain and pain around and the marks of strain and pain around their eyes their eyes their eyes their uniforms are ripped and covered their uniforms are ripped and covered their uniforms are ripped and covered with dried mud with dried mud with dried mud their slouch hats are pulpy and their slouch hats are pulpy and their slouch hats are pulpy and shapeless shapeless shapeless stretcher cases are jolting back on stretcher cases are jolting back on stretcher cases are jolting back on crude law glitters crude law glitters crude law glitters on the shoulders of brawny papuan on the shoulders of brawny papuan on the shoulders of brawny papuan natives natives natives the others have walked all the way along the others have walked all the way along the others have walked all the way along the terrible track the terrible track the terrible track that links moresby with kokoda they that links moresby with kokoda they that links moresby with kokoda they don't try to conceal what they've been don't try to conceal what they've been don't try to conceal what they've been through through through it's only by realizing the difficulties it's only by realizing the difficulties it's only by realizing the difficulties our troops are facing our troops are facing our troops are facing that we shall be able to overcome them that we shall be able to overcome them that we shall be able to overcome them now quoting one of the troops quote now quoting one of the troops quote now quoting one of the troops quote up there we've been fighting on the up there we've been fighting on the up there we've been fighting on the worst battleground in the world worst battleground in the world worst battleground in the world one man said before i was hit i spent 46 one man said before i was hit i spent 46 one man said before i was hit i spent 46 hours without shutting an eye hours without shutting an eye hours without shutting an eye there are mists creeping over the trees there are mists creeping over the trees there are mists creeping over the trees all day all day all day and sometimes you can't see your hand in and sometimes you can't see your hand in and sometimes you can't see your hand in front of your face under the cover of front of your face under the cover of front of your face under the cover of the jungle the jungle the jungle most of our chaps haven't seen a [ __ ] you most of our chaps haven't seen a [ __ ] you most of our chaps haven't seen a [ __ ] you don't even see the [ __ ] who gets you don't even see the [ __ ] who gets you don't even see the [ __ ] who gets you it's like fighting the invisible man it's like fighting the invisible man it's like fighting the invisible man those japs are tough hard fighters those japs are tough hard fighters those japs are tough hard fighters and their camouflage is perfect they can and their camouflage is perfect they can and their camouflage is perfect they can move through scrub or tall grass move through scrub or tall grass move through scrub or tall grass without making a sound and without without making a sound and without without making a sound and without showing a sign showing a sign showing a sign except if your eyes are good an except if your eyes are good an except if your eyes are good an occasional stirring in the vegetation occasional stirring in the vegetation occasional stirring in the vegetation my unit made two attacks on japanese my unit made two attacks on japanese my unit made two attacks on japanese positions positions positions we got to within 15 feet of them but we we got to within 15 feet of them but we we got to within 15 feet of them but we still couldn't see them still couldn't see them still couldn't see them when they were attacking we could hear a when they were attacking we could hear a when they were attacking we could hear a voice shouting from some distance back

voice shouting from some distance back voice shouting from some distance back we soon learned that trick the voice we soon learned that trick the voice we soon learned that trick the voice always comes from a long way back always comes from a long way back always comes from a long way back but the real danger is the [ __ ] force but the real danger is the [ __ ] force but the real danger is the [ __ ] force right up close to you right up close to you right up close to you the japs have amazing patience they will the japs have amazing patience they will the japs have amazing patience they will lie on the ground lie on the ground lie on the ground or stand in a creek up to their necks in or stand in a creek up to their necks in or stand in a creek up to their necks in water all day without moving water all day without moving water all day without moving just waiting to catch you off guard they just waiting to catch you off guard they just waiting to catch you off guard they use the old trick of calling out false use the old trick of calling out false use the old trick of calling out false orders orders orders and sometimes they begin jabbering at and sometimes they begin jabbering at and sometimes they begin jabbering at you from only a few yards away you from only a few yards away you from only a few yards away if you stood up to cover them with your if you stood up to cover them with your if you stood up to cover them with your rifle a sniper would take a crack at you rifle a sniper would take a crack at you rifle a sniper would take a crack at you from a different direction from a different direction from a different direction at the moment they're all over us but at the moment they're all over us but at the moment they're all over us but they've got five times the number they've got five times the number they've got five times the number of men we have end quote the false orders thing is wild a lot of the false orders thing is wild a lot of these japanese troops these japanese troops these japanese troops have a person or two in the units who have a person or two in the units who have a person or two in the units who spoke english and they would yell out spoke english and they would yell out spoke english and they would yell out orders to see if they could get some of orders to see if they could get some of orders to see if they could get some of the enemy the enemy the enemy usually absolutely exhausted and tired usually absolutely exhausted and tired usually absolutely exhausted and tired and on the edge of their and on the edge of their and on the edge of their you know nerves to see if they could get you know nerves to see if they could get you know nerves to see if they could get him to stand up or start moving and then him to stand up or start moving and then him to stand up or start moving and then open fire on him it's vicious open fire on him it's vicious open fire on him it's vicious it's that kind of fighting the it's that kind of fighting the it's that kind of fighting the australians run into the same trick with australians run into the same trick with australians run into the same trick with japanese wounded that other allied japanese wounded that other allied japanese wounded that other allied troops have run into troops have run into troops have run into a story i recall has a japanese uh a story i recall has a japanese uh a story i recall has a japanese uh wounded soldier calling out for help an wounded soldier calling out for help an wounded soldier calling out for help an australian officer goes over to try to australian officer goes over to try to australian officer goes over to try to help him and the japanese soldier throws help him and the japanese soldier throws help him and the japanese soldier throws a grenade at him from close range a grenade at him from close range a grenade at him from close range once again that poisons the well for any once again that poisons the well for any once again that poisons the well for any other japanese who might legitimately other japanese who might legitimately other japanese who might legitimately want to surrender and get medical want to surrender and get medical want to surrender and get medical treatment or anything like that and the treatment or anything like that and the treatment or anything like that and the australians start doing what the british australians start doing what the british australians start doing what the british and the americans have already begun

and the americans have already begun and the americans have already begun doing in their theaters doing in their theaters doing in their theaters not taking any chances i remember one not taking any chances i remember one not taking any chances i remember one soldier saying we just never stopped soldier saying we just never stopped soldier saying we just never stopped watching japanese dead watching japanese dead watching japanese dead and they would run them through with and they would run them through with and they would run them through with bayonets and shoot at the corpses they bayonets and shoot at the corpses they bayonets and shoot at the corpses they just it was a little like having just it was a little like having just it was a little like having vampires vampires vampires rise from the the grave they just never rise from the the grave they just never rise from the the grave they just never knew when it was safe to consider knew when it was safe to consider knew when it was safe to consider you know a corpse of corpse for those who are scholars of the for those who are scholars of the kokoda campaign they know how many kokoda campaign they know how many kokoda campaign they know how many revisionist books over the years have revisionist books over the years have revisionist books over the years have been written about been written about been written about so many of the aspects of the fighting i so many of the aspects of the fighting i so many of the aspects of the fighting i mean were they really outnumbered as bad mean were they really outnumbered as bad mean were they really outnumbered as bad as the old stories say and all that kind as the old stories say and all that kind as the old stories say and all that kind of stuff and i just want to say that of stuff and i just want to say that of stuff and i just want to say that as an american i find that somewhat as an american i find that somewhat as an american i find that somewhat distracting from distracting from distracting from the real situation here that makes it the real situation here that makes it the real situation here that makes it heroic it's not heroic it's not heroic it's not being so outnumbered it's literally what being so outnumbered it's literally what being so outnumbered it's literally what they went through i mean when you read they went through i mean when you read they went through i mean when you read these accounts what these soldiers are these accounts what these soldiers are these accounts what these soldiers are dealing with dealing with dealing with it's upsetting and horrifying in a way it's upsetting and horrifying in a way it's upsetting and horrifying in a way that that that you know you just didn't run into as you know you just didn't run into as you know you just didn't run into as i've said many times now already in i've said many times now already in i've said many times now already in other other other theaters and i should also to be fair as theaters and i should also to be fair as theaters and i should also to be fair as osmar osmar osmar white said right geography is impartial white said right geography is impartial white said right geography is impartial this is happening to the japanese too they're going to get a lot more of that they're going to get a lot more of that when the situation turns the other way when the situation turns the other way when the situation turns the other way um there's a lot going on in this um there's a lot going on in this um there's a lot going on in this theater as we said on august 7th is when theater as we said on august 7th is when theater as we said on august 7th is when the marine landing the marine landing the marine landing about 850 miles to the about 850 miles to the about 850 miles to the east of here happens right in this one east of here happens right in this one east of here happens right in this one theater on guadalcanal we've already theater on guadalcanal we've already theater on guadalcanal we've already talked a little bit about that talked a little bit about that talked a little bit about that and then the japanese will try to land

and then the japanese will try to land and then the japanese will try to land at milne bay in another part of this at milne bay in another part of this at milne bay in another part of this same area of new guinea uh to capture an same area of new guinea uh to capture an same area of new guinea uh to capture an airfield and the australians will throw airfield and the australians will throw airfield and the australians will throw them back them back them back becoming the uh this is famous although becoming the uh this is famous although becoming the uh this is famous although i i've i i've i i've heard it um other people say it's not heard it um other people say it's not heard it um other people say it's not true but i think it is true but i think it is true but i think it is uh becoming the first of the allied uh uh becoming the first of the allied uh uh becoming the first of the allied uh troops to troops to troops to sort of deny the japanese something that sort of deny the japanese something that sort of deny the japanese something that they're trying to take in this war they're trying to take in this war they're trying to take in this war the scale of the fighting reminds one of the scale of the fighting reminds one of the scale of the fighting reminds one of a very large vietnam war campaign a very large vietnam war campaign a very large vietnam war campaign so the kokoda fighting will have like so the kokoda fighting will have like so the kokoda fighting will have like six thousand six thousand six thousand seven thousand japanese troops against seven thousand japanese troops against seven thousand japanese troops against two or three thousand australians for a two or three thousand australians for a two or three thousand australians for a certain point it seems like small certain point it seems like small certain point it seems like small potatoes potatoes potatoes compared to other fronts but you can't compared to other fronts but you can't compared to other fronts but you can't have have have large potatoes on this front because you large potatoes on this front because you large potatoes on this front because you can't feed can't feed can't feed anybody right you you want to put four anybody right you you want to put four anybody right you you want to put four or five divisions on new guinea or five divisions on new guinea or five divisions on new guinea well you don't have the transport to do well you don't have the transport to do well you don't have the transport to do it and they die after you drop them off it and they die after you drop them off it and they die after you drop them off there right so this is how there right so this is how there right so this is how you're going to take this area with you're going to take this area with you're going to take this area with about that many troops and the japanese about that many troops and the japanese about that many troops and the japanese are are are slowly but surely going to start to get slowly but surely going to start to get slowly but surely going to start to get pushed back over the mountains pushed back over the mountains pushed back over the mountains in the other direction back down toward in the other direction back down toward in the other direction back down toward their bases their bases their bases on the north of the island part of the on the north of the island part of the on the north of the island part of the reason for this is because the marines reason for this is because the marines reason for this is because the marines on guadalcanal have made this entire on guadalcanal have made this entire on guadalcanal have made this entire theater something that the japanese have theater something that the japanese have theater something that the japanese have to to to address and sometimes when they're address and sometimes when they're address and sometimes when they're trying to reinforce guadalcanal against trying to reinforce guadalcanal against trying to reinforce guadalcanal against the marines the marines the marines they can't reinforce new guinea to the they can't reinforce new guinea to the they can't reinforce new guinea to the same degree so they're starting to ping same degree so they're starting to ping same degree so they're starting to ping off of each other off of each other off of each other and take pressure off of each other also and take pressure off of each other also and take pressure off of each other also the milne bay battle that we just

the milne bay battle that we just the milne bay battle that we just discussed discussed discussed well that's where you start to see well that's where you start to see well that's where you start to see americans on the ground americans on the ground americans on the ground fighting next to australians and with fighting next to australians and with fighting next to australians and with them them them this is not widely understood in the this is not widely understood in the this is not widely understood in the united states uh in milne bay it's more united states uh in milne bay it's more united states uh in milne bay it's more engineers and some anti-aircraft gunners engineers and some anti-aircraft gunners engineers and some anti-aircraft gunners but you're going to see more and more of but you're going to see more and more of but you're going to see more and more of that also and this is a bit of a that also and this is a bit of a that also and this is a bit of a of a sore point in a lot of australia's of a sore point in a lot of australia's of a sore point in a lot of australia's soldiers minds but soldiers minds but soldiers minds but uh there will be criticism from people uh there will be criticism from people uh there will be criticism from people like general macarthur in australia who like general macarthur in australia who like general macarthur in australia who will say things like will say things like will say things like the australians aren't fighting well you the australians aren't fighting well you the australians aren't fighting well you know that they're not good troops and know that they're not good troops and know that they're not good troops and all these kinds of things completely all these kinds of things completely all these kinds of things completely neglecting that these are neglecting that these are neglecting that these are militia going into combat for the first militia going into combat for the first militia going into combat for the first time against japanese veterans who've time against japanese veterans who've time against japanese veterans who've been there before been there before been there before wait till he sees what the australian wait till he sees what the australian wait till he sees what the australian tip of the spear guys can do when they tip of the spear guys can do when they tip of the spear guys can do when they get there get there get there and they start arriving little by little and they start arriving little by little and they start arriving little by little and as this campaign goes on and as this campaign goes on and as this campaign goes on you start to see um the really good you start to see um the really good you start to see um the really good australian troops up against the really australian troops up against the really australian troops up against the really good japanese troops there's a line that good japanese troops there's a line that good japanese troops there's a line that i loved i believe it was quoted in i loved i believe it was quoted in i loved i believe it was quoted in eric bergeron's book where they asked a eric bergeron's book where they asked a eric bergeron's book where they asked a veteran who was talking about veteran who was talking about veteran who was talking about you know how they ranked the jungle you know how they ranked the jungle you know how they ranked the jungle fighters and after a while fighters and after a while fighters and after a while it was always thought the japanese were it was always thought the japanese were it was always thought the japanese were now these super jungle fighters but now these super jungle fighters but now these super jungle fighters but after a while they will say that the after a while they will say that the after a while they will say that the australians are the best jungle fighters australians are the best jungle fighters australians are the best jungle fighters in the war in the war in the war that the japanese are the second best that the japanese are the second best that the japanese are the second best jungle fighters in the war jungle fighters in the war jungle fighters in the war and that the americans really you can't and that the americans really you can't and that the americans really you can't judge because they sort of knock the judge because they sort of knock the judge because they sort of knock the jungle down jungle down jungle down first and then fight in what's left but once the the tables turn a little but once the the tables turn a little bit and aircraft play a big role in this bit and aircraft play a big role in this bit and aircraft play a big role in this you'll start to see the japanese suffer

you'll start to see the japanese suffer you'll start to see the japanese suffer and they're going to suffer in a way and they're going to suffer in a way and they're going to suffer in a way that will be catalogued in ozawa that will be catalogued in ozawa that will be catalogued in ozawa matsutsugu's book and he'll call matsutsugu's book and he'll call matsutsugu's book and he'll call the fighting on kokoda he'll say his the fighting on kokoda he'll say his the fighting on kokoda he'll say his great memories of the entire campaign is great memories of the entire campaign is great memories of the entire campaign is one of suicides one of suicides one of suicides and mercy killings so that gives you an and mercy killings so that gives you an and mercy killings so that gives you an idea of the japanese memory of this idea of the japanese memory of this idea of the japanese memory of this place and as the fighting continues the and as the fighting continues the japanese are not just fighting japanese are not just fighting japanese are not just fighting you know the the european allied troops you know the the european allied troops you know the the european allied troops they're fighting they're fighting they're fighting the natives uh in green armor osman the natives uh in green armor osman the natives uh in green armor osman white white white has a little blurb that just reminds you has a little blurb that just reminds you has a little blurb that just reminds you that these natives they remind me a lot that these natives they remind me a lot that these natives they remind me a lot of the polynesians where a lot of the of the polynesians where a lot of the of the polynesians where a lot of the polynesians are polynesians are polynesians are the most friendliest most open the most friendliest most open the most friendliest most open most welcoming most hospitable kinds of most welcoming most hospitable kinds of most welcoming most hospitable kinds of people you will ever want to meet people you will ever want to meet people you will ever want to meet but don't make him mad right if you make but don't make him mad right if you make but don't make him mad right if you make them mad they can be them mad they can be them mad they can be just well here's what osmar white talks just well here's what osmar white talks just well here's what osmar white talks about he talks about um about he talks about um about he talks about um one of the natives fighting with the one of the natives fighting with the one of the natives fighting with the australian troops and his name is australian troops and his name is australian troops and his name is liclick liclick liclick and white says quote and white says quote and white says quote with him meaning one of the people in with him meaning one of the people in with him meaning one of the people in the story was a small the story was a small the story was a small pot black native about four feet nine pot black native about four feet nine pot black native about four feet nine inches tall inches tall inches tall named lick lick a cheerful looking named lick lick a cheerful looking named lick lick a cheerful looking creature creature creature with a grin that spread right around his with a grin that spread right around his with a grin that spread right around his head head head paddles the other person said that lick paddles the other person said that lick paddles the other person said that lick lick was being sent back in disgrace lick was being sent back in disgrace lick was being sent back in disgrace and told us about his offense in a raid and told us about his offense in a raid and told us about his offense in a raid on salamaua on july first on salamaua on july first on salamaua on july first lick lick begged to be allowed to carry lick lick begged to be allowed to carry lick lick begged to be allowed to carry ammunition for his boss

ammunition for his boss ammunition for his boss eventually permission was given during eventually permission was given during eventually permission was given during the raid he behaved with great the raid he behaved with great the raid he behaved with great steadiness and courage as steadiness and courage as steadiness and courage as number two to a tommy gun he killed two number two to a tommy gun he killed two number two to a tommy gun he killed two japanese with a bush knife japanese with a bush knife japanese with a bush knife then he disappeared our troops had then he disappeared our troops had then he disappeared our troops had withdrawn by nine o'clock in the morning withdrawn by nine o'clock in the morning withdrawn by nine o'clock in the morning lick lick was missing at the rendezvous lick lick was missing at the rendezvous lick lick was missing at the rendezvous just before the last men moved off he just before the last men moved off he just before the last men moved off he arrived exhausted arrived exhausted arrived exhausted dragging a bulging copra sack it dragging a bulging copra sack it dragging a bulging copra sack it contained 13 contained 13 contained 13 japanese heads he then had the japanese heads he then had the japanese heads he then had the effrontery to ask for leave effrontery to ask for leave effrontery to ask for leave so that he could take them back to his so that he could take them back to his so that he could take them back to his village in the hills and hang them on village in the hills and hang them on village in the hills and hang them on the pole the pole the pole of the he described it as a men's of the he described it as a men's of the he described it as a men's clubhouse clubhouse clubhouse when in the course of his dressing down when in the course of his dressing down when in the course of his dressing down it was pointed out to him that very it was pointed out to him that very it was pointed out to him that very little credit would devolve on him for little credit would devolve on him for little credit would devolve on him for cutting off the heads of men cutting off the heads of men cutting off the heads of men killed by other warriors he replied killed by other warriors he replied killed by other warriors he replied simply simply simply but they were not dead boss they were but they were not dead boss they were but they were not dead boss they were only wounded only wounded only wounded end quote so licklick had gone out there end quote so licklick had gone out there end quote so licklick had gone out there killed the wounded and cut off their killed the wounded and cut off their killed the wounded and cut off their heads heads heads there were stories of natives wanting there were stories of natives wanting there were stories of natives wanting japanese heads so badly that they japanese heads so badly that they japanese heads so badly that they lacking knives sometimes would carry lacking knives sometimes would carry lacking knives sometimes would carry them to a tree with a fork in the trunk them to a tree with a fork in the trunk them to a tree with a fork in the trunk wedged their neck into the fork and spin wedged their neck into the fork and spin wedged their neck into the fork and spin the body around until the head popped the body around until the head popped the body around until the head popped off off off whole japanese patrols will go missing whole japanese patrols will go missing whole japanese patrols will go missing soon only to be found later as rotting soon only to be found later as rotting soon only to be found later as rotting skeletons skeletons skeletons with the jungle vetted vegetation with the jungle vetted vegetation with the jungle vetted vegetation growing all through them growing all through them growing all through them like i said a little like polynesian like i said a little like polynesian like i said a little like polynesian sometimes wonderful

sometimes wonderful sometimes wonderful hospitable people who seem so innocent hospitable people who seem so innocent hospitable people who seem so innocent and giving that it's almost like eden and giving that it's almost like eden and giving that it's almost like eden before the fall before the fall before the fall right but don't make him mad right but don't make him mad right but don't make him mad what eventually begins to turn the tide what eventually begins to turn the tide what eventually begins to turn the tide in new guinea in new guinea in new guinea is something that is beginning to turn is something that is beginning to turn is something that is beginning to turn the tide against the axis in the whole the tide against the axis in the whole the tide against the axis in the whole war everywhere you look war everywhere you look war everywhere you look it's the non-sexy stuff we've been it's the non-sexy stuff we've been it's the non-sexy stuff we've been talking about at this whole talking about at this whole talking about at this whole series haven't we i mean marine corps series haven't we i mean marine corps series haven't we i mean marine corps general robert barrow had a great line general robert barrow had a great line general robert barrow had a great line but it just echoes what generals have but it just echoes what generals have but it just echoes what generals have said forever he says said forever he says said forever he says amateurs think about tactics but amateurs think about tactics but amateurs think about tactics but professionals think about logistics professionals think about logistics professionals think about logistics and in new guinea you can see the and in new guinea you can see the and in new guinea you can see the australians slowly but surely australians slowly but surely australians slowly but surely building up their strength bringing in building up their strength bringing in building up their strength bringing in new good units from the mediterranean new good units from the mediterranean new good units from the mediterranean and places like that and places like that and places like that the americans bring in more troops in the americans bring in more troops in the americans bring in more troops in guadalcanal you're going to see guadalcanal you're going to see guadalcanal you're going to see the marines eventually give way to army the marines eventually give way to army the marines eventually give way to army troops troops troops and all of this is part of what will and all of this is part of what will and all of this is part of what will begin to simply begin to simply begin to simply stop the axis impetus and the things stop the axis impetus and the things stop the axis impetus and the things that the axis had going for it were that the axis had going for it were that the axis had going for it were things like the momentum things like the momentum things like the momentum the initial surprise the wonderful the initial surprise the wonderful the initial surprise the wonderful cutting edge and the um head start cutting edge and the um head start cutting edge and the um head start that their military's often had in being that their military's often had in being that their military's often had in being prepared for this remember the japanese prepared for this remember the japanese prepared for this remember the japanese been fighting in china for years right been fighting in china for years right been fighting in china for years right that creates a bunch of veterans that creates a bunch of veterans that creates a bunch of veterans the germans had a war machine that was the germans had a war machine that was the germans had a war machine that was just awesome just awesome just awesome but they needed these things to but they needed these things to but they needed these things to compensate for what they didn't have compensate for what they didn't have compensate for what they didn't have because this is on paper

because this is on paper because this is on paper not a fair fight the axis against the not a fair fight the axis against the not a fair fight the axis against the allies allies allies we've been saying it all along right the we've been saying it all along right the we've been saying it all along right the allies have an advantage a huge allies have an advantage a huge allies have an advantage a huge advantage in population advantage in population advantage in population economic power industrial capability economic power industrial capability economic power industrial capability natural resources the natural resources the natural resources the geographic distribution of things like geographic distribution of things like geographic distribution of things like their bases their bases their bases and support areas and support areas and support areas these are not anywhere near equal it's these are not anywhere near equal it's these are not anywhere near equal it's part of the reason the axis went to war part of the reason the axis went to war part of the reason the axis went to war right to redress some of that imbalance right to redress some of that imbalance right to redress some of that imbalance as they saw as they saw as they saw it but in a war of attrition which eric it but in a war of attrition which eric it but in a war of attrition which eric bergeron says the pacific is going to be bergeron says the pacific is going to be bergeron says the pacific is going to be once the impetus of the japanese is once the impetus of the japanese is once the impetus of the japanese is stopped stopped stopped these are the things that are important these are the things that are important these are the things that are important and the japanese begin and the japanese begin and the japanese begin to start the process of seeing what to start the process of seeing what to start the process of seeing what being being being ground down means the germans are ground down means the germans are ground down means the germans are getting the same experience with their getting the same experience with their getting the same experience with their axis axis axis partners in europe partners in europe partners in europe as everyone who studies the european war as everyone who studies the european war as everyone who studies the european war knows that they'd already knows that they'd already knows that they'd already failed to take moscow at the in the failed to take moscow at the in the failed to take moscow at the in the 1941-42 1941-42 1941-42 winter and a lot of people look at that winter and a lot of people look at that winter and a lot of people look at that as the loss of their impetus as the loss of their impetus as the loss of their impetus they will try to regain that impetus as they will try to regain that impetus as they will try to regain that impetus as part of the big summer 1942 offensives part of the big summer 1942 offensives part of the big summer 1942 offensives and of course that ends up with and of course that ends up with and of course that ends up with stalingrad and we all know how that stalingrad and we all know how that stalingrad and we all know how that turns out turns out turns out but i mean you look at the difference but i mean you look at the difference but i mean you look at the difference compare how compare how compare how things look from the axis side on the things look from the axis side on the things look from the axis side on the first day of the year first day of the year first day of the year 1942 january 1 1942 1942 january 1 1942 1942 january 1 1942 to how things look from the axis side on to how things look from the axis side on to how things look from the axis side on december 31st the last day of the year

december 31st the last day of the year december 31st the last day of the year 1942 1942 1942 it is night and day what changed it is night and day what changed it is night and day what changed the axis impetus had stalled the sides the axis impetus had stalled the sides the axis impetus had stalled the sides had sort of had sort of had sort of crystallized and now you have a grinding crystallized and now you have a grinding crystallized and now you have a grinding war of attrition and in a grinding war war of attrition and in a grinding war war of attrition and in a grinding war of attrition of attrition of attrition the side with the most stuff the side with the most stuff the side with the most stuff the better ability to bring that stuff the better ability to bring that stuff the better ability to bring that stuff and and transport it to where you need and and transport it to where you need and and transport it to where you need it it it the ability to resupply all these things the ability to resupply all these things the ability to resupply all these things begin to tell begin to tell begin to tell and many of the battles in the last six and many of the battles in the last six and many of the battles in the last six months of the pacific war here in new months of the pacific war here in new months of the pacific war here in new guinea and the solomon islands guinea and the solomon islands guinea and the solomon islands is the grinding down stuff i mean in is the grinding down stuff i mean in is the grinding down stuff i mean in guadalcanal guadalcanal guadalcanal there's going to be something like seven there's going to be something like seven there's going to be something like seven larger naval battles larger naval battles larger naval battles and three larger land battles but almost and three larger land battles but almost and three larger land battles but almost all of them are connected to one way or all of them are connected to one way or all of them are connected to one way or another another another trying to resupply the island trying to resupply the island trying to resupply the island the side that can keep bringing in fresh the side that can keep bringing in fresh the side that can keep bringing in fresh troops and replacements and supplies troops and replacements and supplies troops and replacements and supplies is going to win in guadalcanal you get is going to win in guadalcanal you get is going to win in guadalcanal you get this wild situation for a while i like this wild situation for a while i like this wild situation for a while i like the way the way the way um author richard b frank in guadalcanal um author richard b frank in guadalcanal um author richard b frank in guadalcanal describes it he says it's a describes it he says it's a describes it he says it's a it's a mutual siege so 12 hours of the it's a mutual siege so 12 hours of the it's a mutual siege so 12 hours of the day day day the allied forces are under siege the the allied forces are under siege the the allied forces are under siege the other 12 hours of the day the japanese other 12 hours of the day the japanese other 12 hours of the day the japanese forces are under siege and it's a night forces are under siege and it's a night forces are under siege and it's a night and day question and day question and day question at night the allied forces are under at night the allied forces are under at night the allied forces are under siege at the daytime siege at the daytime siege at the daytime the axis forces are under siege frank writes this and when he says frank writes this and when he says cactus flyers by the way on guadalcanal cactus flyers by the way on guadalcanal cactus flyers by the way on guadalcanal he's talking about he's talking about he's talking about the pilots who are flying off of the pilots who are flying off of the pilots who are flying off of henderson field this air base that is

henderson field this air base that is henderson field this air base that is the the the sort of at the center of the marine sort of at the center of the marine sort of at the center of the marine perimeter on guadalcanal that they're perimeter on guadalcanal that they're perimeter on guadalcanal that they're defending defending defending and he writes quote because of the and he writes quote because of the and he writes quote because of the efforts of the cactus flyers efforts of the cactus flyers efforts of the cactus flyers and the lack of efforts by american and the lack of efforts by american and the lack of efforts by american admirals a curious tactical situation admirals a curious tactical situation admirals a curious tactical situation arose in the waters around guadalcanal arose in the waters around guadalcanal arose in the waters around guadalcanal a change of sea command every 12 hours a change of sea command every 12 hours a change of sea command every 12 hours creating a sort of mutual siege by day creating a sort of mutual siege by day creating a sort of mutual siege by day american ships plied the channel between american ships plied the channel between american ships plied the channel between tulagi and guadalcanal tulagi and guadalcanal tulagi and guadalcanal and transports arrived to unload keeping and transports arrived to unload keeping and transports arrived to unload keeping a wary eye a wary eye a wary eye cocked for japanese aircraft at sundown cocked for japanese aircraft at sundown cocked for japanese aircraft at sundown all the ships flying the stars and all the ships flying the stars and all the ships flying the stars and stripes exited hastily to the east stripes exited hastily to the east stripes exited hastily to the east or sought the haven of tulagi's harbor or sought the haven of tulagi's harbor or sought the haven of tulagi's harbor quote quote quote like frightened children running home like frightened children running home like frightened children running home from a graveyard from a graveyard from a graveyard end quote in the words of samuel elliott end quote in the words of samuel elliott end quote in the words of samuel elliott morrison morrison morrison end quote he's now going to talk about end quote he's now going to talk about end quote he's now going to talk about iron bottom sound for a minute and a iron bottom sound for a minute and a iron bottom sound for a minute and a couple of uh couple of uh couple of uh of ships iron bottom sound was the name of ships iron bottom sound was the name of ships iron bottom sound was the name given to an area where so many ships had given to an area where so many ships had given to an area where so many ships had sunk they sunk they sunk they said it had an iron bottom and it's said it had an iron bottom and it's said it had an iron bottom and it's around these islands he says quote around these islands he says quote around these islands he says quote shortly after darkness japanese men of shortly after darkness japanese men of shortly after darkness japanese men of war war war heaved into iron bottom sound which heaved into iron bottom sound which heaved into iron bottom sound which they'd ruled unchallenged since they'd ruled unchallenged since they'd ruled unchallenged since august 9th with the unhappy exception of august 9th with the unhappy exception of august 9th with the unhappy exception of blue and henley blue and henley blue and henley there they would favor their countrymen there they would favor their countrymen there they would favor their countrymen with rice with rice with rice bullets and soldiers and the americans bullets and soldiers and the americans bullets and soldiers and the americans with a bombardment with a bombardment with a bombardment these operations achieved the regularity these operations achieved the regularity these operations achieved the regularity of a crack railroad of a crack railroad of a crack railroad run and disgusted marines labeled them run and disgusted marines labeled them run and disgusted marines labeled them the cactus express soon better known as

the cactus express soon better known as the cactus express soon better known as the tokyo express the tokyo express the tokyo express end quote in other words both sides are trying to in other words both sides are trying to keep their troops keep their troops keep their troops resupplied and reinforced resupplied and reinforced resupplied and reinforced and the side that stops being able to do and the side that stops being able to do and the side that stops being able to do this is going to be the side that loses this is going to be the side that loses this is going to be the side that loses that's what happens in a war of that's what happens in a war of that's what happens in a war of attrition right eventually attrition right eventually attrition right eventually one side's worn down to the nub and the one side's worn down to the nub and the one side's worn down to the nub and the other isn't and this is where our description of and this is where our description of this war is probably gonna deviate from this war is probably gonna deviate from this war is probably gonna deviate from a lot of the tv specials you see a lot of the tv specials you see a lot of the tv specials you see or things from documentaries or things from documentaries or things from documentaries because wars of attrition tend not to be because wars of attrition tend not to be because wars of attrition tend not to be all that interesting all that interesting all that interesting from the tactical and strategic from the tactical and strategic from the tactical and strategic standpoint there's a workmanlike way standpoint there's a workmanlike way standpoint there's a workmanlike way about them i like the way eric berger of course how i like the way eric berger of course how many times have i said that describes it many times have i said that describes it many times have i said that describes it first he points out that there is no first he points out that there is no first he points out that there is no real front line in most of these battles real front line in most of these battles real front line in most of these battles like you might have in europe or north like you might have in europe or north like you might have in europe or north africa africa africa because the jungle is just too darn easy because the jungle is just too darn easy because the jungle is just too darn easy to infiltrate to infiltrate to infiltrate through so what the sides involve do through so what the sides involve do through so what the sides involve do is create perimeters like the marines on is create perimeters like the marines on is create perimeters like the marines on guadalcanal guadalcanal guadalcanal a perimeter is something where you a perimeter is something where you a perimeter is something where you create a create a create a circular defense area where everyone's circular defense area where everyone's circular defense area where everyone's facing outward and that way even if facing outward and that way even if facing outward and that way even if somebody comes through the jungle and somebody comes through the jungle and somebody comes through the jungle and infiltrates and outflanks you you're not infiltrates and outflanks you you're not infiltrates and outflanks you you're not surrounded surrounded surrounded so you have perimeters and the other so you have perimeters and the other so you have perimeters and the other thing you have are patrols thing you have are patrols thing you have are patrols patrols are the only way intelligence is patrols are the only way intelligence is patrols are the only way intelligence is gathered by the officers on the ground gathered by the officers on the ground gathered by the officers on the ground they send out they send out they send out squads usually of soldiers who will go

squads usually of soldiers who will go squads usually of soldiers who will go out in different directions out in different directions out in different directions and try to see where the enemy is make and try to see where the enemy is make and try to see where the enemy is make contact with them if if they have an contact with them if if they have an contact with them if if they have an advantage advantage advantage and that's what this war devolves into and that's what this war devolves into and that's what this war devolves into which makes it which makes it which makes it not so interesting from the general not so interesting from the general not so interesting from the general macarthur level because as i said macarthur level because as i said macarthur level because as i said workmen like right workmen like right workmen like right patrols go out all the time they run patrols go out all the time they run patrols go out all the time they run into the enemy into the enemy into the enemy the fire fights quick and deadly and the fire fights quick and deadly and the fire fights quick and deadly and over over over and that just continues on and on eric and that just continues on and on eric and that just continues on and on eric bergerid writes quote bergerid writes quote bergerid writes quote the small unit war of patrolling and the small unit war of patrolling and the small unit war of patrolling and watching the perimeter watching the perimeter watching the perimeter had a brutal pace during a campaign had a brutal pace during a campaign had a brutal pace during a campaign there was no let up in the activity or there was no let up in the activity or there was no let up in the activity or the violence the violence the violence the japanese landed at buna and started the japanese landed at buna and started the japanese landed at buna and started over the owen stanley mountains in july over the owen stanley mountains in july over the owen stanley mountains in july 1942. 1942. 1942. rabaul was bypassed in early 1944 rabaul was bypassed in early 1944 rabaul was bypassed in early 1944 in the time between significant contact in the time between significant contact in the time between significant contact existed between allied and japanese existed between allied and japanese existed between allied and japanese ground forces ground forces ground forces every day although punctuated with a every day although punctuated with a every day although punctuated with a small number of masked small number of masked small number of masked japanese assaults the war in the south japanese assaults the war in the south japanese assaults the war in the south pacific was a war of attrition pacific was a war of attrition pacific was a war of attrition day in and out soldiers were killed day in and out soldiers were killed day in and out soldiers were killed maimed maimed maimed or stricken with fearful disease or stricken with fearful disease or stricken with fearful disease many characteristics of the war he many characteristics of the war he many characteristics of the war he continues such as the continues such as the continues such as the immense casualty rates the poor immense casualty rates the poor immense casualty rates the poor replacement system replacement system replacement system the hideous climate and malignant the hideous climate and malignant the hideous climate and malignant terrain terrain terrain all worked to push the armies towards all worked to push the armies towards all worked to push the armies towards exhaustion exhaustion exhaustion yet the soldiers fought the land war in yet the soldiers fought the land war in yet the soldiers fought the land war in the pacific with a savage and relentless the pacific with a savage and relentless the pacific with a savage and relentless intensity intensity intensity that had no parallel in world war ii that had no parallel in world war ii that had no parallel in world war ii although it is possible to identify

although it is possible to identify although it is possible to identify incidents of restraint and humanity on incidents of restraint and humanity on incidents of restraint and humanity on both sides both sides both sides the essence of the conflict was the essence of the conflict was the essence of the conflict was something very close to a war of something very close to a war of something very close to a war of annihilation annihilation annihilation end quote so even though we've taken quite a long so even though we've taken quite a long time to get to this point we're going to time to get to this point we're going to time to get to this point we're going to be be be moving rather quickly for a while moving rather quickly for a while moving rather quickly for a while because there's a sameness to things and because there's a sameness to things and because there's a sameness to things and my my my apologies to everyone out there whose apologies to everyone out there whose apologies to everyone out there whose grandfather or great-grandfather fought grandfather or great-grandfather fought grandfather or great-grandfather fought in one of these campaigns we're going to in one of these campaigns we're going to in one of these campaigns we're going to hop over like the island-hopping the u.s hop over like the island-hopping the u.s hop over like the island-hopping the u.s navy is going to do navy is going to do navy is going to do but these island fighting situations are but these island fighting situations are but these island fighting situations are very similar very similar very similar author james jones who fought on author james jones who fought on author james jones who fought on guadalcanal said guadalcanal said guadalcanal said it was like a choreographed military it was like a choreographed military it was like a choreographed military ballet to a certain point ballet to a certain point ballet to a certain point you land on the island you isolate the you land on the island you isolate the you land on the island you isolate the island you cut the island into pieces island you cut the island into pieces island you cut the island into pieces and then you begin slowly but surely and then you begin slowly but surely and then you begin slowly but surely wiping out the defenders this is part of wiping out the defenders this is part of wiping out the defenders this is part of why why why as eric berger had said it's a war of as eric berger had said it's a war of as eric berger had said it's a war of annihilation because unlike annihilation because unlike annihilation because unlike many other theaters in the war the goal many other theaters in the war the goal many other theaters in the war the goal is not the same is not the same is not the same in those situations the goal is to break in those situations the goal is to break in those situations the goal is to break the enemy the enemy the enemy there's lots of ways to do it right you there's lots of ways to do it right you there's lots of ways to do it right you outflank them you get in their rear outflank them you get in their rear outflank them you get in their rear you hit them at decisive points you take you hit them at decisive points you take you hit them at decisive points you take strategic objectives that strategic objectives that strategic objectives that screw up their defense lines whatever it screw up their defense lines whatever it screw up their defense lines whatever it might be but once you get the enemy to might be but once you get the enemy to might be but once you get the enemy to flee flee flee run retreat route whatever it might be run retreat route whatever it might be run retreat route whatever it might be that's where the real killing starts that's where the real killing starts that's where the real killing starts think about the highway of death in iraq think about the highway of death in iraq think about the highway of death in iraq or the filet's pocket in 1944 or the filet's pocket in 1944 or the filet's pocket in 1944 that's where a ton of damage happens the that's where a ton of damage happens the that's where a ton of damage happens the reason this theater is different is

reason this theater is different is reason this theater is different is because because because the japanese don't run the japanese don't run the japanese don't run alone amongst the great armies of the alone amongst the great armies of the alone amongst the great armies of the world the japanese morale is for all world the japanese morale is for all world the japanese morale is for all intents and purposes intents and purposes intents and purposes unbreakable which means you have to go unbreakable which means you have to go unbreakable which means you have to go around and kill them all around and kill them all around and kill them all you have to wipe out each position one you have to wipe out each position one you have to wipe out each position one by one by one by one by one by one by one it's a combination of workmen like and it's a combination of workmen like and it's a combination of workmen like and extremely deadly and it's it creates a extremely deadly and it's it creates a extremely deadly and it's it creates a sense sense sense of fatalism amongst the troops which is of fatalism amongst the troops which is of fatalism amongst the troops which is normal in war but but of a level that normal in war but but of a level that normal in war but but of a level that you don't see you don't see you don't see it's why again the pacific war veterans it's why again the pacific war veterans it's why again the pacific war veterans are different are different are different i remember in the uh wonderful series i i remember in the uh wonderful series i i remember in the uh wonderful series i saw from britain called hell in the saw from britain called hell in the saw from britain called hell in the pacific where they interviewed so many pacific where they interviewed so many pacific where they interviewed so many american veterans american veterans american veterans and one of them just says we were and one of them just says we were and one of them just says we were crafted to be a machine crafted to be a machine crafted to be a machine and each one of us were working parts and each one of us were working parts and each one of us were working parts and we killed that's what we did we were and we killed that's what we did we were and we killed that's what we did we were a killing machine a killing machine a killing machine in that same wonderful documentary my in that same wonderful documentary my in that same wonderful documentary my one of my favorite one of my favorite one of my favorite people to ever talk about the pacific people to ever talk about the pacific people to ever talk about the pacific war uh eugene sledge who was a war uh eugene sledge who was a war uh eugene sledge who was a marine he described the front lines this marine he described the front lines this marine he described the front lines this way and i've never forgotten it he said way and i've never forgotten it he said way and i've never forgotten it he said quote quote quote the front line is really where the war the front line is really where the war the front line is really where the war is and anybody a hundred yards behind is and anybody a hundred yards behind is and anybody a hundred yards behind the front lines doesn't really know what the front lines doesn't really know what the front lines doesn't really know what it's like it's like it's like end quote now that statement isn't meant end quote now that statement isn't meant end quote now that statement isn't meant to denigrate to denigrate to denigrate all the people behind the front lines all the people behind the front lines all the people behind the front lines because i think as we said earlier 17 to because i think as we said earlier 17 to because i think as we said earlier 17 to 25 25 25 individuals is what it takes to keep individuals is what it takes to keep individuals is what it takes to keep someone at the front lines someone at the front lines someone at the front lines and those people could be killed or in and those people could be killed or in and those people could be killed or in danger at any time danger at any time danger at any time but those people in the hundred yards at but those people in the hundred yards at but those people in the hundred yards at the front line it's a different

the front line it's a different the front line it's a different situation situation situation first of all there's not a chance you first of all there's not a chance you first of all there's not a chance you might get killed might get killed might get killed according to james jones in his book a according to james jones in his book a according to james jones in his book a chronicle of soldiering and something he chronicle of soldiering and something he chronicle of soldiering and something he calls the evolution of a soldier calls the evolution of a soldier calls the evolution of a soldier he says part of the evolution of a he says part of the evolution of a he says part of the evolution of a frontline soldier is coming to the frontline soldier is coming to the frontline soldier is coming to the conclusion not that you might die but conclusion not that you might die but conclusion not that you might die but that you will die that you will die that you will die he says you are a different person he says you are a different person he says you are a different person simply for considering the idea simply for considering the idea simply for considering the idea the other thing you do in the 100 yards the other thing you do in the 100 yards the other thing you do in the 100 yards at the front line that the people may be at the front line that the people may be at the front line that the people may be in a medical station behind or a support in a medical station behind or a support in a medical station behind or a support unit or whatever doesn't do unit or whatever doesn't do unit or whatever doesn't do is you kill and you don't kill here and is you kill and you don't kill here and is you kill and you don't kill here and there there there you kill all the time and that will you kill all the time and that will you kill all the time and that will change you too change you too change you too i find it much more interesting to focus i find it much more interesting to focus i find it much more interesting to focus on the soldiers than the on the soldiers than the on the soldiers than the the leap frogging and the maps and the the leap frogging and the maps and the the leap frogging and the maps and the arrows in this case because all these arrows in this case because all these arrows in this case because all these campaigns share a similarity and they campaigns share a similarity and they campaigns share a similarity and they all really revolve around all really revolve around all really revolve around finding the best way to marshal your finding the best way to marshal your finding the best way to marshal your forces forces forces at decisive points in order to get the at decisive points in order to get the at decisive points in order to get the killing machine as that american veteran killing machine as that american veteran killing machine as that american veteran said said said into place so that they can begin into place so that they can begin into place so that they can begin killing killing killing the other thing that is important to the other thing that is important to the other thing that is important to point out is that the war looks very point out is that the war looks very point out is that the war looks very different when you read the actual different when you read the actual different when you read the actual accounts of the pacific war veterans accounts of the pacific war veterans accounts of the pacific war veterans especially if they're not clouded especially if they're not clouded especially if they're not clouded with all sorts of nostalgia if you find with all sorts of nostalgia if you find with all sorts of nostalgia if you find the stuff that happens at the time the stuff that happens at the time the stuff that happens at the time written at the time you find very little written at the time you find very little written at the time you find very little patriotism and all the things patriotism and all the things patriotism and all the things uh that glorify especially the second uh that glorify especially the second uh that glorify especially the second world war which is often referred to as world war which is often referred to as world war which is often referred to as the good war the good war the good war you find a sort of uh deadly earnestness you find a sort of uh deadly earnestness you find a sort of uh deadly earnestness that is um both sobering and if you're a

that is um both sobering and if you're a that is um both sobering and if you're a a a a scholar or a student or just really scholar or a student or just really scholar or a student or just really interested in human behavior interested in human behavior interested in human behavior it's a wonderful sort of test case for it's a wonderful sort of test case for it's a wonderful sort of test case for extreme kinds of things that you just extreme kinds of things that you just extreme kinds of things that you just don't encounter anywhere else don't encounter anywhere else don't encounter anywhere else jones writes in a chronicle of jones writes in a chronicle of jones writes in a chronicle of soldiering such are we humans such as our nature such are we humans such as our nature that we can look back on moments where that we can look back on moments where that we can look back on moments where we very nearly died we very nearly died we very nearly died and remember them with nostalgia and and remember them with nostalgia and and remember them with nostalgia and pleasure pleasure pleasure the truth is 35 years which is how long the truth is 35 years which is how long the truth is 35 years which is how long it had been it had been it had been since the war when he wrote this 35 since the war when he wrote this 35 since the war when he wrote this 35 years has glossed it all over years has glossed it all over years has glossed it all over and given world war ii a polish and glow and given world war ii a polish and glow and given world war ii a polish and glow that it did not have at the time that it did not have at the time that it did not have at the time the process of history always makes me the process of history always makes me the process of history always makes me think of the way navajos think of the way navajos think of the way navajos polish their turquoise they put the raw polish their turquoise they put the raw polish their turquoise they put the raw chunks in the barrel chunks in the barrel chunks in the barrel half filled with bird shot and then turn half filled with bird shot and then turn half filled with bird shot and then turn the barrel the barrel the barrel and keep turning it until the rough and keep turning it until the rough and keep turning it until the rough edges are all taken off and the nuggets edges are all taken off and the nuggets edges are all taken off and the nuggets come out smooth and shining come out smooth and shining come out smooth and shining time i think does the same thing with time i think does the same thing with time i think does the same thing with history and especially with wars history and especially with wars history and especially with wars end quote he then goes on to do end quote he then goes on to do end quote he then goes on to do something something something um that you don't normally see done in um that you don't normally see done in um that you don't normally see done in the history of the history of the history of of wars and especially the second world of wars and especially the second world of wars and especially the second world war he explains why war he explains why war he explains why he goes on to make a distinction between he goes on to make a distinction between he goes on to make a distinction between the leaders the leaders the leaders and the soldiers and he talks about and the soldiers and he talks about and the soldiers and he talks about class differences and he doesn't mean it class differences and he doesn't mean it class differences and he doesn't mean it in a marxist sense in a marxist sense in a marxist sense he simply means in a way americans would he simply means in a way americans would he simply means in a way americans would say college boys and rural kids i mean say college boys and rural kids i mean say college boys and rural kids i mean the difference between the people the difference between the people the difference between the people who both write the history and who the

who both write the history and who the who both write the history and who the history is written history is written history is written for you know the generals the press the for you know the generals the press the for you know the generals the press the media the people back home who read this media the people back home who read this media the people back home who read this stuff the people in the colleges and he stuff the people in the colleges and he stuff the people in the colleges and he makes a distinction between the people makes a distinction between the people makes a distinction between the people on the ground on the ground on the ground and says you could fight in a bunch of and says you could fight in a bunch of and says you could fight in a bunch of battles and read the history of those battles and read the history of those battles and read the history of those battles later and not recognize the battles later and not recognize the battles later and not recognize the campaign you fought in campaign you fought in campaign you fought in at all and by the way doesn't this at all and by the way doesn't this at all and by the way doesn't this remind you like remind you like remind you like of the eric burgerry quote of the of the eric burgerry quote of the of the eric burgerry quote of the veteran who said you know none of those veteran who said you know none of those veteran who said you know none of those people pushing papers were squad leaders people pushing papers were squad leaders people pushing papers were squad leaders well james jones says basically the same well james jones says basically the same well james jones says basically the same thing he writes quote thing he writes quote thing he writes quote history is always written from the history is always written from the history is always written from the viewpoints of the leaders viewpoints of the leaders viewpoints of the leaders and increasingly in our age war leaders and increasingly in our age war leaders and increasingly in our age war leaders do not get shot at with any serious do not get shot at with any serious do not get shot at with any serious consistency consistency consistency leaders make momentous leaders make momentous leaders make momentous world-encompassing historical decisions world-encompassing historical decisions world-encompassing historical decisions it is your average anonymous soldier or it is your average anonymous soldier or it is your average anonymous soldier or pilot pilot pilot or naval gunnery rating who has to carry or naval gunnery rating who has to carry or naval gunnery rating who has to carry them out on the ground them out on the ground them out on the ground where there is often a vast difference where there is often a vast difference where there is often a vast difference between the grandiose logic between the grandiose logic between the grandiose logic and plans and what takes place on the and plans and what takes place on the and plans and what takes place on the terrain terrain terrain end quote he then end quote he then end quote he then talks about the sort of things that talks about the sort of things that talks about the sort of things that almost never make it into the history almost never make it into the history almost never make it into the history books books books where he talks about how the where he talks about how the where he talks about how the war itself and combat specifically war itself and combat specifically war itself and combat specifically can turn a person into someone who lives can turn a person into someone who lives can turn a person into someone who lives simply for this moment simply for this moment simply for this moment and he talks about how it's true that and he talks about how it's true that and he talks about how it's true that everything tastes better every moment is everything tastes better every moment is everything tastes better every moment is savored more savored more savored more you are in a certain sense really living you are in a certain sense really living you are in a certain sense really living because the moment is all you have he

because the moment is all you have he because the moment is all you have he says quote says quote says quote little things become significant the little things become significant the little things become significant the next meal next meal next meal the next bottle of booze the next kiss the next bottle of booze the next kiss the next bottle of booze the next kiss the next sunrise the next full moon the the next sunrise the next full moon the the next sunrise the next full moon the next bath next bath next bath or as the bible might have said but or as the bible might have said but or as the bible might have said but didn't quite sufficient didn't quite sufficient didn't quite sufficient unto the day is the existence thereof unto the day is the existence thereof unto the day is the existence thereof this is a hard philosophy but then a this is a hard philosophy but then a this is a hard philosophy but then a soldier's profession is a hard soldier's profession is a hard soldier's profession is a hard profession profession profession in wartime a lot of men like it though in wartime a lot of men like it though in wartime a lot of men like it though and even civilian soldiers have been and even civilian soldiers have been and even civilian soldiers have been known to stay on and make it their known to stay on and make it their known to stay on and make it their life's work life's work life's work it has its excitements and compensations it has its excitements and compensations it has its excitements and compensations one of them is that since you have none one of them is that since you have none one of them is that since you have none yourself you are relieved of any yourself you are relieved of any yourself you are relieved of any responsibility for a future responsibility for a future responsibility for a future and everything tastes better it is and everything tastes better it is and everything tastes better it is absolutely true for example that when absolutely true for example that when absolutely true for example that when you think you think you think when you know you are going off to die when you know you are going off to die when you know you are going off to die somewhere soon somewhere soon somewhere soon every day has a special bright delicious every day has a special bright delicious every day has a special bright delicious poignant taste to it that normal days in poignant taste to it that normal days in poignant taste to it that normal days in normal times do not have normal times do not have normal times do not have another perversity of the human another perversity of the human another perversity of the human mechanism some men like to live like mechanism some men like to live like mechanism some men like to live like that all the time that all the time that all the time some are actually sorry to come home and some are actually sorry to come home and some are actually sorry to come home and see it end see it end see it end even those of us who hated it found it even those of us who hated it found it even those of us who hated it found it exciting exciting exciting sometimes that is what the civilian sometimes that is what the civilian sometimes that is what the civilian people never understand about their people never understand about their people never understand about their returned soldiers in any war returned soldiers in any war returned soldiers in any war vietnam as well they cannot understand vietnam as well they cannot understand vietnam as well they cannot understand how we could hate it how we could hate it how we could hate it and still like it and they do not and still like it and they do not and still like it and they do not realize realize realize that they have a lot of dead men around that they have a lot of dead men around that they have a lot of dead men around them dead men who are walking around and them dead men who are walking around and them dead men who are walking around and breathing

breathing breathing some men find it hard to come back some some men find it hard to come back some some men find it hard to come back some never come back at all never come back at all never come back at all not completely end quote that's the part of the experience that that's the part of the experience that to me to me to me is so much you know i always say i'm is so much you know i always say i'm is so much you know i always say i'm fascinated with the extremes of the fascinated with the extremes of the fascinated with the extremes of the human experience well human experience well human experience well going from this island to that island to going from this island to that island to going from this island to that island to this other island doesn't intrigue this other island doesn't intrigue this other island doesn't intrigue me as much as what james jones talks me as much as what james jones talks me as much as what james jones talks about there about there about there what this war put human beings into as what this war put human beings into as what this war put human beings into as far as situations and what those far as situations and what those far as situations and what those situations did to them and it would be decades before these and it would be decades before these circumstances circumstances circumstances filtered down to the public and in fact filtered down to the public and in fact filtered down to the public and in fact a lot of the public still doesn't a lot of the public still doesn't a lot of the public still doesn't understand even though the information understand even though the information understand even though the information is out there is out there is out there exactly what the real war on the ground exactly what the real war on the ground exactly what the real war on the ground was like was like was like i've read a lot about this over the i've read a lot about this over the i've read a lot about this over the years and the best years and the best years and the best possible explanation for this is that possible explanation for this is that possible explanation for this is that most people don't want to know what it's most people don't want to know what it's most people don't want to know what it's really like really like really like it is too awful to serve as a good it is too awful to serve as a good it is too awful to serve as a good propaganda tool during the conflict propaganda tool during the conflict propaganda tool during the conflict right not gonna exactly right not gonna exactly right not gonna exactly uh get people all excited about going uh get people all excited about going uh get people all excited about going off to war off to war off to war or having their children go off to war or having their children go off to war or having their children go off to war if you see what it's really like if you see what it's really like if you see what it's really like it's also not very good as an it's also not very good as an it's also not very good as an entertainment option after the war is entertainment option after the war is entertainment option after the war is over you're not going to want to go see over you're not going to want to go see over you're not going to want to go see multiple viewings of a film that shows multiple viewings of a film that shows multiple viewings of a film that shows what war is really like what war is really like what war is really like american poet and journalist walt american poet and journalist walt american poet and journalist walt whitman had said about the u.s

whitman had said about the u.s whitman had said about the u.s civil war that the real war will never civil war that the real war will never civil war that the real war will never make it into the books make it into the books make it into the books and that phrase is used as the title of and that phrase is used as the title of and that phrase is used as the title of a chapter a chapter a chapter in author paul fusell's book war time in author paul fusell's book war time in author paul fusell's book war time fusel was an american officer in the fusel was an american officer in the fusel was an american officer in the second world war led troops badly second world war led troops badly second world war led troops badly wounded in europe wounded in europe wounded in europe and then after the war spent some time and then after the war spent some time and then after the war spent some time trying to trying to trying to de-romanticize modern conflict de-romanticize modern conflict de-romanticize modern conflict and in a chapter where he talks about uh and in a chapter where he talks about uh and in a chapter where he talks about uh the the the the way that the soldiers talked you the way that the soldiers talked you the way that the soldiers talked you know vaguely subversive know vaguely subversive know vaguely subversive sort of tone in their voice he then sort of tone in their voice he then sort of tone in their voice he then explains explains explains why this was and it has to do with the why this was and it has to do with the why this was and it has to do with the difference between difference between difference between what they were experiencing and what the what they were experiencing and what the what they were experiencing and what the public back home public back home public back home were being treated to in terms of were being treated to in terms of were being treated to in terms of portrayals of their experience and he portrayals of their experience and he portrayals of their experience and he writes quote writes quote writes quote what was it about the war that moved the what was it about the war that moved the what was it about the war that moved the troops to constant verbal subversion troops to constant verbal subversion troops to constant verbal subversion and contempt it was not just the danger and contempt it was not just the danger and contempt it was not just the danger and fear and fear and fear the boredom and uncertainty and the boredom and uncertainty and the boredom and uncertainty and loneliness and deprivation loneliness and deprivation loneliness and deprivation it was rather the conviction that it was rather the conviction that it was rather the conviction that optimistic publicity and euphemism optimistic publicity and euphemism optimistic publicity and euphemism had rendered their experience so falsely had rendered their experience so falsely had rendered their experience so falsely that it would never be readily that it would never be readily that it would never be readily communicable communicable communicable they knew that in its representation to they knew that in its representation to they knew that in its representation to the laity meaning the public the laity meaning the public the laity meaning the public what was happening to them was what was happening to them was what was happening to them was systematically sanitized systematically sanitized systematically sanitized and norman rockwellized not to mention and norman rockwellized not to mention and norman rockwellized not to mention disneyfied disneyfied disneyfied end quote one of the ways in which this

end quote one of the ways in which this end quote one of the ways in which this was done was done was done was in the decisions what you show the was in the decisions what you show the was in the decisions what you show the folks folks folks back home when you're showing back home when you're showing back home when you're showing the dead how do you portray the dead how do you portray the dead how do you portray the dead fusel points out that the dead fusel points out that the dead fusel points out that most americans got their history most americans got their history most americans got their history knowledge of the second world war from knowledge of the second world war from knowledge of the second world war from books like the time books like the time books like the time life life goes to war book published in life life goes to war book published in life life goes to war book published in 1977 and he points out that in that 1977 and he points out that in that 1977 and he points out that in that entire book of photographs entire book of photographs entire book of photographs there are exactly three human heads there are exactly three human heads there are exactly three human heads and they are all asian he then goes on and they are all asian he then goes on and they are all asian he then goes on to show that all of the bodies that you to show that all of the bodies that you to show that all of the bodies that you see of american troops are intact see of american troops are intact see of american troops are intact and these are all things that are done and these are all things that are done and these are all things that are done for the sensibilities of the readers for the sensibilities of the readers for the sensibilities of the readers but that's not what the soldiers on the but that's not what the soldiers on the but that's not what the soldiers on the ground saw and he says that ground saw and he says that ground saw and he says that a better comparison for what your a better comparison for what your a better comparison for what your average combat soldier was seeing in the average combat soldier was seeing in the average combat soldier was seeing in the second world war second world war second world war would be what a plane crash of hundreds would be what a plane crash of hundreds would be what a plane crash of hundreds of people in a jet aircraft looks like of people in a jet aircraft looks like of people in a jet aircraft looks like if you're the first one that wanders if you're the first one that wanders if you're the first one that wanders up on the scene and he then points out up on the scene and he then points out up on the scene and he then points out that most people don't know what that that most people don't know what that that most people don't know what that looks like looks like looks like either he talks about how either he talks about how either he talks about how most of these soldiers would see all of most of these soldiers would see all of most of these soldiers would see all of the things that are normally on the the things that are normally on the the things that are normally on the inside of a human body inside of a human body inside of a human body on the outside again you'll see no on the outside again you'll see no on the outside again you'll see no portrayals of american troops looking portrayals of american troops looking portrayals of american troops looking like that like that like that in your history books and believe it or in your history books and believe it or in your history books and believe it or not while not while not while the excuse that is often used is that the excuse that is often used is that the excuse that is often used is that we're trying to be respectful of the

we're trying to be respectful of the we're trying to be respectful of the troops according to fusel troops according to fusel troops according to fusel they didn't like this because it made they didn't like this because it made they didn't like this because it made their experience all the more difficult their experience all the more difficult their experience all the more difficult to relate i mean i had talked earlier to relate i mean i had talked earlier to relate i mean i had talked earlier about how hard it is about how hard it is about how hard it is to sometimes get these combat veterans to sometimes get these combat veterans to sometimes get these combat veterans to speak to speak to speak it's because we who weren't there have it's because we who weren't there have it's because we who weren't there have no frame of reference we can't possibly no frame of reference we can't possibly no frame of reference we can't possibly begin to understand and he writes quote begin to understand and he writes quote begin to understand and he writes quote what annoyed the troops and augmented what annoyed the troops and augmented what annoyed the troops and augmented their sardonic their sardonic their sardonic contemptuous attitude toward those who contemptuous attitude toward those who contemptuous attitude toward those who viewed them from afar viewed them from afar viewed them from afar was in large part this public innocence was in large part this public innocence was in large part this public innocence about the bizarre damage suffered by the about the bizarre damage suffered by the about the bizarre damage suffered by the human body in modern war human body in modern war human body in modern war the troops could not contemplate without the troops could not contemplate without the troops could not contemplate without anger the lack of public knowledge anger the lack of public knowledge anger the lack of public knowledge of the graves registration form that's a of the graves registration form that's a of the graves registration form that's a burial form burial form burial form used by the u.s army quartermaster corps used by the u.s army quartermaster corps used by the u.s army quartermaster corps with its space for indicating quote end with its space for indicating quote end with its space for indicating quote end quote quote quote members missing that's fingers members missing that's fingers members missing that's fingers hands toes other things hands toes other things hands toes other things he continues you would expect front line he continues you would expect front line he continues you would expect front line soldiers to be struck and hurt by soldiers to be struck and hurt by soldiers to be struck and hurt by bullets and shell fragments bullets and shell fragments bullets and shell fragments but such is the popular insulation from but such is the popular insulation from but such is the popular insulation from the facts the facts the facts that you would not expect them to be that you would not expect them to be that you would not expect them to be hurt sometimes killed hurt sometimes killed hurt sometimes killed by being struck by parts of their by being struck by parts of their by being struck by parts of their friend's bodies friend's bodies friend's bodies violently detached if you asked a violently detached if you asked a violently detached if you asked a wounded soldier wounded soldier wounded soldier or marine what hit him you'd hardly be or marine what hit him you'd hardly be or marine what hit him you'd hardly be ready for the answer ready for the answer ready for the answer my buddy's head or his sergeant's heel my buddy's head or his sergeant's heel my buddy's head or his sergeant's heel or his hand or a japanese leg

or his hand or a japanese leg or his hand or a japanese leg complete with shoe and putties or the complete with shoe and putties or the complete with shoe and putties or the west west west point ring on his captain's severed hand point ring on his captain's severed hand point ring on his captain's severed hand end quote the other things that don't make for the other things that don't make for very good exciting very good exciting very good exciting propaganda pieces or propaganda pieces or propaganda pieces or war movies is your own soldiers war movies is your own soldiers war movies is your own soldiers losing their mind from what they see losing their mind from what they see losing their mind from what they see and fusel quotes a few incidents talks and fusel quotes a few incidents talks and fusel quotes a few incidents talks about wilford owen who was a famous poet about wilford owen who was a famous poet about wilford owen who was a famous poet from the first world war from the first world war from the first world war and uh which they of course called the and uh which they of course called the and uh which they of course called the great war until there was a second world great war until there was a second world great war until there was a second world war a few cell rights quote war a few cell rights quote war a few cell rights quote in the great war wilfred owen was driven in the great war wilfred owen was driven in the great war wilfred owen was driven very near to madness by having to remain very near to madness by having to remain very near to madness by having to remain for some time next to the scattered body for some time next to the scattered body for some time next to the scattered body pieces of one of his friends pieces of one of his friends pieces of one of his friends he had numerous counterparts in the he had numerous counterparts in the he had numerous counterparts in the second war second war second war at the botched assault on tarawa and bdo at the botched assault on tarawa and bdo at the botched assault on tarawa and bdo atoll atoll atoll one cockswain at the helm of a landing one cockswain at the helm of a landing one cockswain at the helm of a landing vessel went quite mad vessel went quite mad vessel went quite mad perhaps at the shock of steering through perhaps at the shock of steering through perhaps at the shock of steering through all the severed heads and limbs near the all the severed heads and limbs near the all the severed heads and limbs near the shore shore shore one marine battalion commander badly one marine battalion commander badly one marine battalion commander badly wounded wounded wounded climbed above the rising tide onto a climbed above the rising tide onto a climbed above the rising tide onto a pile of american bodies pile of american bodies pile of american bodies next afternoon he was found there mad next afternoon he was found there mad next afternoon he was found there mad end quote these may sound like isolated these may sound like isolated occurrences but in his book on killing occurrences but in his book on killing occurrences but in his book on killing lieutenant colonel dave grossman who lieutenant colonel dave grossman who lieutenant colonel dave grossman who taught psychology at taught psychology at taught psychology at west point said this quote west point said this quote west point said this quote during world war two more than eight

during world war two more than eight during world war two more than eight hundred thousand men were classified hundred thousand men were classified hundred thousand men were classified for f meaning unfit for military service for f meaning unfit for military service for f meaning unfit for military service due to psychiatric reasons despite this due to psychiatric reasons despite this due to psychiatric reasons despite this effort to weed out those mentally and effort to weed out those mentally and effort to weed out those mentally and emotionally unfit for combat emotionally unfit for combat emotionally unfit for combat america's armed forces lost an america's armed forces lost an america's armed forces lost an additional 504 additional 504 additional 504 thousand men from the fighting effort thousand men from the fighting effort thousand men from the fighting effort because of psychiatric collapse because of psychiatric collapse because of psychiatric collapse enough to man 50 divisions at one point enough to man 50 divisions at one point enough to man 50 divisions at one point in world war in world war in world war ii he writes psychiatric casualties were ii he writes psychiatric casualties were ii he writes psychiatric casualties were being discharged from the us being discharged from the us being discharged from the us army faster than new recruits were being army faster than new recruits were being army faster than new recruits were being drafted in drafted in drafted in end quote then there's end quote then there's end quote then there's the sort of incidents the sort of incidents the sort of incidents i imagine you would least like to find i imagine you would least like to find i imagine you would least like to find out about if you were one of the parents out about if you were one of the parents out about if you were one of the parents who received those terrible telegrams who received those terrible telegrams who received those terrible telegrams from the us government which usually from the us government which usually from the us government which usually started off with the phrase started off with the phrase started off with the phrase we regret to inform you and then we regret to inform you and then we regret to inform you and then explaining that your son was never explaining that your son was never explaining that your son was never coming home coming home coming home the last thing you want to find out is the last thing you want to find out is the last thing you want to find out is that perhaps they were killed that perhaps they were killed that perhaps they were killed by their own people one of those nasty by their own people one of those nasty by their own people one of those nasty little little little realities of war forever but modern war realities of war forever but modern war realities of war forever but modern war specifically is how many people die specifically is how many people die specifically is how many people die from what is euphemistically called from what is euphemistically called from what is euphemistically called friendly fire friendly fire friendly fire this is an unavoidable thing especially this is an unavoidable thing especially this is an unavoidable thing especially in modern war but in europe and north in modern war but in europe and north in modern war but in europe and north africa and other theaters africa and other theaters africa and other theaters it was usually very understandable it was usually very understandable it was usually very understandable things like artillery for example things like artillery for example things like artillery for example your famous phrases the short round for

your famous phrases the short round for your famous phrases the short round for example example example short round meaning a round that lands short round meaning a round that lands short round meaning a round that lands way short and hits your own people way short and hits your own people way short and hits your own people instead of instead of instead of an enemy it happens or aircraft coming an enemy it happens or aircraft coming an enemy it happens or aircraft coming in for close air support in for close air support in for close air support that hits friendly troops instead of that hits friendly troops instead of that hits friendly troops instead of enemy again enemy again enemy again hard to avoid over the long haul but in hard to avoid over the long haul but in hard to avoid over the long haul but in the pacific the pacific the pacific due to the terrain jungle especially and due to the terrain jungle especially and due to the terrain jungle especially and all the night fighting all the night fighting all the night fighting the friendly fire was often much more up the friendly fire was often much more up the friendly fire was often much more up close and personal and close and personal and close and personal and many more people were killed by their many more people were killed by their many more people were killed by their own people using small arms own people using small arms own people using small arms australian medics i was reading one australian medics i was reading one australian medics i was reading one account were continually horrified by account were continually horrified by account were continually horrified by the number of slugs they pulled out of the number of slugs they pulled out of the number of slugs they pulled out of their own people their own people their own people that were of a caliber that the japanese that were of a caliber that the japanese that were of a caliber that the japanese didn't use but the australians did didn't use but the australians did didn't use but the australians did meaning those people were friendly fire meaning those people were friendly fire meaning those people were friendly fire victims victims victims and when you look at the rates of and when you look at the rates of and when you look at the rates of friendly fire they are friendly fire they are friendly fire they are shocking eric burgerry quote some of shocking eric burgerry quote some of shocking eric burgerry quote some of them the worst was it them the worst was it them the worst was it on the island of new georgia 24 on the island of new georgia 24 on the island of new georgia 24 that means one out of every four that means one out of every four that means one out of every four americans americans americans shot on new georgia were shot by their shot on new georgia were shot by their shot on new georgia were shot by their own people own people own people but there were reasons for this the but there were reasons for this the but there were reasons for this the jungle jungle jungle jitters was one of the famous ones you jitters was one of the famous ones you jitters was one of the famous ones you people got trigger happy and the number people got trigger happy and the number people got trigger happy and the number of people that were found of people that were found of people that were found when daylight first hit outside their when daylight first hit outside their when daylight first hit outside their foxholes killed by other marines or foxholes killed by other marines or foxholes killed by other marines or or us army soldiers is legendary you or us army soldiers is legendary you or us army soldiers is legendary you have to go out to go to the bathroom have to go out to go to the bathroom have to go out to go to the bathroom but everybody's so afraid of the but everybody's so afraid of the but everybody's so afraid of the japanese that anything that moves gets japanese that anything that moves gets japanese that anything that moves gets shot at and in the morning you find out shot at and in the morning you find out shot at and in the morning you find out that that that you killed a water buffalo or you killed

you killed a water buffalo or you killed you killed a water buffalo or you killed a deer a deer a deer or you killed a civilian or one of your or you killed a civilian or one of your or you killed a civilian or one of your own these are the sorts of incidents that these are the sorts of incidents that are so troubling and upsetting are so troubling and upsetting are so troubling and upsetting that they don't sell a lot of tickets that they don't sell a lot of tickets that they don't sell a lot of tickets for movies after the war for movies after the war for movies after the war and they prompt phrases like the real and they prompt phrases like the real and they prompt phrases like the real war will never make it into the books war will never make it into the books war will never make it into the books when you look at the fighting on when you look at the fighting on when you look at the fighting on guadalcanal for example guadalcanal for example guadalcanal for example you can write as richard b frank did an you can write as richard b frank did an you can write as richard b frank did an entire book about it entire book about it entire book about it and it it makes it sound like um and it it makes it sound like um and it it makes it sound like um a number of major world war ii battles a number of major world war ii battles a number of major world war ii battles were happening there in the whole thing were happening there in the whole thing were happening there in the whole thing but when you compare it for example to but when you compare it for example to but when you compare it for example to what's going on in europe the numbers what's going on in europe the numbers what's going on in europe the numbers look minuscule as we've said even when look minuscule as we've said even when look minuscule as we've said even when guadalcanal will have 30 guadalcanal will have 30 guadalcanal will have 30 000 japanese on there which is a 000 japanese on there which is a 000 japanese on there which is a sizeable force sizeable force sizeable force we should remember that at the exact we should remember that at the exact we should remember that at the exact same time during the german summer same time during the german summer same time during the german summer offensive offensive offensive it's millions of men fighting on the it's millions of men fighting on the it's millions of men fighting on the steps of steps of steps of the russian area around stalingrad and the russian area around stalingrad and the russian area around stalingrad and that whole area that whole area that whole area but that doesn't make it any less but that doesn't make it any less but that doesn't make it any less important in fact the emperor of japan important in fact the emperor of japan important in fact the emperor of japan will push his people to continually will push his people to continually will push his people to continually reinforce guadalcanal in an attempt to reinforce guadalcanal in an attempt to reinforce guadalcanal in an attempt to take the island take the island take the island and the problem they have is they and the problem they have is they and the problem they have is they deliver them little by little on this deliver them little by little on this deliver them little by little on this tokyo express like we mentioned earlier tokyo express like we mentioned earlier tokyo express like we mentioned earlier and they're trying to build up a sizable and they're trying to build up a sizable and they're trying to build up a sizable force and when the commander takes a force and when the commander takes a force and when the commander takes a look at what he's got available look at what he's got available look at what he's got available the new troops look great the troops the new troops look great the troops the new troops look great the troops that have been there already that have been there already that have been there already are dying starving are dying starving are dying starving racked with disease disease will will be

racked with disease disease will will be racked with disease disease will will be much more of a problem for both sides much more of a problem for both sides much more of a problem for both sides than combat will be than combat will be than combat will be so you're never able to get say 30 000 so you're never able to get say 30 000 so you're never able to get say 30 000 well-rested well-fed ready for combat well-rested well-fed ready for combat well-rested well-fed ready for combat troops troops troops and this will be an issue as will be and this will be an issue as will be and this will be an issue as will be american firepower american firepower american firepower the japanese had hoped to offset the japanese had hoped to offset the japanese had hoped to offset firepower disadvantages by attacking at firepower disadvantages by attacking at firepower disadvantages by attacking at night as we said night as we said night as we said by their what they considered to be by their what they considered to be by their what they considered to be superior yamato and bushido spirits and superior yamato and bushido spirits and superior yamato and bushido spirits and they were going to go in there and they they were going to go in there and they they were going to go in there and they were going to overrun american positions were going to overrun american positions were going to overrun american positions and it was carnage when you read the and it was carnage when you read the and it was carnage when you read the guadalcanal battles guadalcanal battles guadalcanal battles uh it often reminds one of like the old uh it often reminds one of like the old uh it often reminds one of like the old cowboy and indian movies where you've cowboy and indian movies where you've cowboy and indian movies where you've got the got the got the the uh horse soldiers you know up on a the uh horse soldiers you know up on a the uh horse soldiers you know up on a hill and they're defending the hill hill and they're defending the hill hill and they're defending the hill against waves of enemy attacks well that against waves of enemy attacks well that against waves of enemy attacks well that is what the pacific was kind of like most of the damage as we said earlier is most of the damage as we said earlier is done by patrols right like a vietnam war done by patrols right like a vietnam war done by patrols right like a vietnam war situation and you have situation and you have situation and you have you know the patrol ambushed on the you know the patrol ambushed on the you know the patrol ambushed on the trail quick fire fights and people are trail quick fire fights and people are trail quick fire fights and people are dead and that just happens day in and dead and that just happens day in and dead and that just happens day in and day out all over the place day out all over the place day out all over the place but when the japanese would launch these but when the japanese would launch these but when the japanese would launch these major attacks these charges at night major attacks these charges at night major attacks these charges at night those are always sort of recorded as those are always sort of recorded as those are always sort of recorded as official battles in the in the official battles in the in the official battles in the in the guadalcanal campaign right guadalcanal campaign right guadalcanal campaign right on september 12th for example something on september 12th for example something on september 12th for example something called the battle of bloody ridge called the battle of bloody ridge called the battle of bloody ridge well if you look at the casualties you well if you look at the casualties you well if you look at the casualties you know it's a little more than 100 know it's a little more than 100 know it's a little more than 100 americans it's a little more than 700 americans it's a little more than 700 americans it's a little more than 700 japanese which is a lot in the pacific japanese which is a lot in the pacific japanese which is a lot in the pacific for an for an for an encounter but again in europe in europe encounter but again in europe in europe encounter but again in europe in europe this is a

this is a this is a this is small-time stuff but it doesn't this is small-time stuff but it doesn't this is small-time stuff but it doesn't matter that it's small-time stuff if matter that it's small-time stuff if matter that it's small-time stuff if it's a question of it's a question of it's a question of of taking and holding the island or of taking and holding the island or of taking and holding the island or conquering the island right conquering the island right conquering the island right the only thing that matters from the war the only thing that matters from the war the only thing that matters from the war effort point of view is effort point of view is effort point of view is who has the island at the end of the day actually it's uh not casualties it's actually it's uh not casualties it's deaths so remember casualties involves deaths so remember casualties involves deaths so remember casualties involves wounded people to missing people too wounded people to missing people too wounded people to missing people too captured people too uh the just over a captured people too uh the just over a captured people too uh the just over a hundred hundred hundred on the american side just over 700 on on the american side just over 700 on on the american side just over 700 on the japanese side that refers to the japanese side that refers to the japanese side that refers to to dead kia killed in action to dead kia killed in action to dead kia killed in action in any case there'll be naval battles in any case there'll be naval battles in any case there'll be naval battles that are famous but that are famous but that are famous but they really sort of just add to the they really sort of just add to the they really sort of just add to the attrition i mean on august attrition i mean on august attrition i mean on august 24th 1942 there'll be something called 24th 1942 there'll be something called 24th 1942 there'll be something called the the the the battle of the eastern solomons the battle of the eastern solomons the battle of the eastern solomons on september 15 1942 a japanese on september 15 1942 a japanese on september 15 1942 a japanese submarine submarine submarine will sink the carrier wasp so you know will sink the carrier wasp so you know will sink the carrier wasp so you know those those those precious aircraft carriers which are now precious aircraft carriers which are now precious aircraft carriers which are now the most important ships in the world the most important ships in the world the most important ships in the world the americans lose another one the americans lose another one the americans lose another one on october 11th and 12th there'll be on october 11th and 12th there'll be on october 11th and 12th there'll be another battle naval battle battle of another battle naval battle battle of another battle naval battle battle of cape cape cape esperance off of guadalcanal again more esperance off of guadalcanal again more esperance off of guadalcanal again more attrition on october 26 1942 there will attrition on october 26 1942 there will attrition on october 26 1942 there will be the battle of santa cruz the us be the battle of santa cruz the us be the battle of santa cruz the us will lose the carrier hornet but it's will lose the carrier hornet but it's will lose the carrier hornet but it's all part of the all part of the all part of the attrition process by october 13 1942 speaking of attrition by october 13 1942 speaking of attrition and the side that's able to supply their and the side that's able to supply their and the side that's able to supply their people with reinforcements and supplies

people with reinforcements and supplies people with reinforcements and supplies wins wins wins the first us army troops land on the first us army troops land on the first us army troops land on guadalcanal and guadalcanal and guadalcanal and i believe james jones the person we i believe james jones the person we i believe james jones the person we quoted earlier with them quoted earlier with them quoted earlier with them and he said the u.s marines i believe i and he said the u.s marines i believe i and he said the u.s marines i believe i said this he said they looked mean said this he said they looked mean said this he said they looked mean when they saw them and they also looked when they saw them and they also looked when they saw them and they also looked hammered especially the hammered especially the hammered especially the troops from the division that landed troops from the division that landed troops from the division that landed initially and they had that famous initially and they had that famous initially and they had that famous uh stare that the artists so uh stare that the artists so uh stare that the artists so immortalized immortalized immortalized they'd been racked by malaria they'd they'd been racked by malaria they'd they'd been racked by malaria they'd been fighting and very little sleep i been fighting and very little sleep i been fighting and very little sleep i mean mean mean what this did to the veterans is we said what this did to the veterans is we said what this did to the veterans is we said you can tell a pacific veteran if you you can tell a pacific veteran if you you can tell a pacific veteran if you look at photographs look at photographs look at photographs of u.s soldiers for example or of u.s soldiers for example or of u.s soldiers for example or australian soldiers or japanese soldiers australian soldiers or japanese soldiers australian soldiers or japanese soldiers in the war in the war in the war you can tell where they were serving you did not see for example japanese you did not see for example japanese soldiers racked by disease and starving soldiers racked by disease and starving soldiers racked by disease and starving very often in china but you did in very often in china but you did in very often in china but you did in guadalcanal they guadalcanal they guadalcanal they in fact nicknamed it starvation island in fact nicknamed it starvation island in fact nicknamed it starvation island the starvation's much worse on new the starvation's much worse on new the starvation's much worse on new guinea when the australians guinea when the australians guinea when the australians and americans eventually you know and americans eventually you know and americans eventually you know retake the kokoda track begin to attack retake the kokoda track begin to attack retake the kokoda track begin to attack and put under siege the japanese bases and put under siege the japanese bases and put under siege the japanese bases on the north part of the island places on the north part of the island places on the north part of the island places like buna like buna like buna um it's awful um it's awful um it's awful the japanese by the way had constructed the japanese by the way had constructed the japanese by the way had constructed these uh these bunk houses these these uh these bunk houses these these uh these bunk houses these these areas where they could defend from these areas where they could defend from these areas where they could defend from and it just it and it just it and it just it tore up the people that tried to take tore up the people that tried to take tore up the people that tried to take them it was very vicious them it was very vicious them it was very vicious but the lack of food and supplies turned but the lack of food and supplies turned but the lack of food and supplies turned the japanese situation into exactly what

the japanese situation into exactly what the japanese situation into exactly what ogawa matsutsugu said when he called it ogawa matsutsugu said when he called it ogawa matsutsugu said when he called it the island of death the island of death the island of death he tells a story about everyone trying he tells a story about everyone trying he tells a story about everyone trying to find to find to find food and that all of a sudden food and that all of a sudden food and that all of a sudden what a human being might consider edible what a human being might consider edible what a human being might consider edible changes matsutsugu talks about the changes matsutsugu talks about the changes matsutsugu talks about the starvation and writes quote starvation and writes quote starvation and writes quote i sense that the extremes of existence i sense that the extremes of existence i sense that the extremes of existence could be reduced to the human stomach could be reduced to the human stomach could be reduced to the human stomach lack of protein in particular fostered a lack of protein in particular fostered a lack of protein in particular fostered a kind of madness in us kind of madness in us kind of madness in us we ate anything flying insects we ate anything flying insects we ate anything flying insects worms in rotted palm trees we fought worms in rotted palm trees we fought worms in rotted palm trees we fought over the distribution of those worms over the distribution of those worms over the distribution of those worms if you managed to knock down a lizard if you managed to knock down a lizard if you managed to knock down a lizard with a stick you'd pop it into your with a stick you'd pop it into your with a stick you'd pop it into your mouth while its tail was still wriggling mouth while its tail was still wriggling mouth while its tail was still wriggling yet under these conditions a soldier yet under these conditions a soldier yet under these conditions a soldier offered me his final rice offered me his final rice offered me his final rice and a soldier i met for the first time and a soldier i met for the first time and a soldier i met for the first time gave me half a tarot route he dug up gave me half a tarot route he dug up gave me half a tarot route he dug up we had other fears on new guinea near we had other fears on new guinea near we had other fears on new guinea near the end we were told not to go out alone the end we were told not to go out alone the end we were told not to go out alone to get water to get water to get water even in daytime we could trust the men even in daytime we could trust the men even in daytime we could trust the men we knew we knew we knew but there were rumors that you could but there were rumors that you could but there were rumors that you could never be sure what would happen if never be sure what would happen if never be sure what would happen if another of our own soldiers came upon another of our own soldiers came upon another of our own soldiers came upon you you you we took precautions against attack i we took precautions against attack i we took precautions against attack i once saw a soldier's body once saw a soldier's body once saw a soldier's body with the thigh flesh gouged out lying by with the thigh flesh gouged out lying by with the thigh flesh gouged out lying by the path the path the path the stories i heard made me shiver and the stories i heard made me shiver and the stories i heard made me shiver and left me chilled to the bone left me chilled to the bone left me chilled to the bone not all the men in new guinea were not all the men in new guinea were not all the men in new guinea were cannibals but it wasn't just once or cannibals but it wasn't just once or cannibals but it wasn't just once or twice twice twice i saw this kind of thing one time when

i saw this kind of thing one time when i saw this kind of thing one time when we were rushing along a mountain trail we were rushing along a mountain trail we were rushing along a mountain trail we were stopped by four or five soldiers we were stopped by four or five soldiers we were stopped by four or five soldiers from another unit from another unit from another unit they told us they had meat from a big they told us they had meat from a big they told us they had meat from a big snake that they were willing to share snake that they were willing to share snake that they were willing to share with us with us with us their almost sneering faces unnerved me their almost sneering faces unnerved me their almost sneering faces unnerved me maybe we were thinking too much but my maybe we were thinking too much but my maybe we were thinking too much but my companion and i didn't stop companion and i didn't stop companion and i didn't stop thank you maybe next time we said and thank you maybe next time we said and thank you maybe next time we said and left left left i knew that if it were really a snake i knew that if it were really a snake i knew that if it were really a snake they'd never have shared it they'd never have shared it they'd never have shared it they were trying to pull us in to share they were trying to pull us in to share they were trying to pull us in to share their guilt their guilt their guilt end quote cannibalism end quote cannibalism end quote cannibalism something that you saw almost never something that you saw almost never something that you saw almost never on any of the other fronts they on any of the other fronts they on any of the other fronts they apparently referred to apparently referred to apparently referred to australian flesh as australian flesh as australian flesh as white pig and the papuan the indigenous white pig and the papuan the indigenous white pig and the papuan the indigenous people of new guinea people of new guinea people of new guinea and papuan flesh as black pig and papuan flesh as black pig and papuan flesh as black pig can you imagine and when you read the can you imagine and when you read the can you imagine and when you read the accounts accounts accounts from australian troops or american from australian troops or american from australian troops or american troops troops troops they're all seen through the eyes of an they're all seen through the eyes of an they're all seen through the eyes of an individual right a small individual right a small individual right a small mosaic as i said earlier the combat mosaic as i said earlier the combat mosaic as i said earlier the combat could be switched could be switched could be switched to you could switch the new guinea to you could switch the new guinea to you could switch the new guinea combat with the guadalcanal combat and combat with the guadalcanal combat and combat with the guadalcanal combat and if i didn't tell you where it was that if i didn't tell you where it was that if i didn't tell you where it was that the difference is negligible in terms of the difference is negligible in terms of the difference is negligible in terms of your average soldier eye view for your average soldier eye view for your average soldier eye view for example example example after the last big attack by japanese after the last big attack by japanese after the last big attack by japanese troops troops troops and at one point the japanese as i said and at one point the japanese as i said and at one point the japanese as i said we'll have like 30 000 men on we'll have like 30 000 men on we'll have like 30 000 men on guadalcanal the americans are

guadalcanal the americans are guadalcanal the americans are continually reinforcing the island continually reinforcing the island continually reinforcing the island they'll be up to like 58 they'll be up to like 58 they'll be up to like 58 000 at a certain point this battle for 000 at a certain point this battle for 000 at a certain point this battle for reinforcement and resupply is reinforcement and resupply is reinforcement and resupply is as we said the non-sexy side of war but as we said the non-sexy side of war but as we said the non-sexy side of war but key to who's going to win these things key to who's going to win these things key to who's going to win these things and after a big and after a big and after a big it's sometimes referred to as the land it's sometimes referred to as the land it's sometimes referred to as the land battle of guadalcanal in mid-october battle of guadalcanal in mid-october battle of guadalcanal in mid-october the americans start going more on the the americans start going more on the the americans start going more on the offensive and trying to drive the offensive and trying to drive the offensive and trying to drive the japanese to the edge of the island and japanese to the edge of the island and japanese to the edge of the island and then then then eliminate them and when you read the eliminate them and when you read the eliminate them and when you read the accounts of the american veterans for accounts of the american veterans for accounts of the american veterans for example example example you once again get a real idea you once again get a real idea you once again get a real idea of the absolute hatred that had been of the absolute hatred that had been of the absolute hatred that had been engendered by engendered by engendered by the treatment meted out to both sides the treatment meted out to both sides the treatment meted out to both sides there was an australian soldier there was an australian soldier there was an australian soldier who said that he didn't in north africa who said that he didn't in north africa who said that he didn't in north africa he didn't feel one way he didn't feel one way he didn't feel one way or the other about what he called the or the other about what he called the or the other about what he called the tonys which are the italian troops tonys which are the italian troops tonys which are the italian troops and he said they sometimes had a sort of and he said they sometimes had a sort of and he said they sometimes had a sort of grudging admiration grudging admiration grudging admiration for the fritzes the germans but he hated for the fritzes the germans but he hated for the fritzes the germans but he hated the japanese in the book into the rising sun by in the book into the rising sun by patrick k o'donnell which is um patrick k o'donnell which is um patrick k o'donnell which is um accounts of american veterans he talks accounts of american veterans he talks accounts of american veterans he talks to raider battalion members on to raider battalion members on to raider battalion members on guadalcanal and uh one of them is dean winters who and uh one of them is dean winters who was part of the second raider battalion was part of the second raider battalion was part of the second raider battalion he was on one of these patrols known as he was on one of these patrols known as he was on one of these patrols known as the long patrol the long patrol the long patrol to drive japanese troops sort of to drive japanese troops sort of to drive japanese troops sort of backwards backwards backwards and he says at one point that they came and he says at one point that they came and he says at one point that they came on a japanese hospital in the clearings on a japanese hospital in the clearings on a japanese hospital in the clearings and the hospital's just a bunch of huts

and the hospital's just a bunch of huts and the hospital's just a bunch of huts and he writes quote and he writes quote and he writes quote we came upon a japanese field hospital we came upon a japanese field hospital we came upon a japanese field hospital in bivouac area in bivouac area in bivouac area we killed a lot of japs we bayoneted and we killed a lot of japs we bayoneted and we killed a lot of japs we bayoneted and shot shot shot anything that was still moving it was a anything that was still moving it was a anything that was still moving it was a series of grass huts series of grass huts series of grass huts they were on the ground wounded several they were on the ground wounded several they were on the ground wounded several had broken legs had broken legs had broken legs it didn't look like they'd had proper it didn't look like they'd had proper it didn't look like they'd had proper medical attention because some of them medical attention because some of them medical attention because some of them were bent at a 45 degree angle they were bent at a 45 degree angle they were bent at a 45 degree angle they weren't sticking straight out weren't sticking straight out weren't sticking straight out we were back in japanese territory and we were back in japanese territory and we were back in japanese territory and didn't want to make didn't want to make didn't want to make noise so we used bayonets i was pretty noise so we used bayonets i was pretty noise so we used bayonets i was pretty angry angry angry we had a patrol and they captured one of we had a patrol and they captured one of we had a patrol and they captured one of our men our men our men and tied him over a log and used him as and tied him over a log and used him as and tied him over a log and used him as a woman a woman a woman they rammed a bayonet up his butt and he they rammed a bayonet up his butt and he they rammed a bayonet up his butt and he bled to death bled to death bled to death that made me angry so whenever i get that made me angry so whenever i get that made me angry so whenever i get into action into action into action i get angry i wasn't afraid when i was i get angry i wasn't afraid when i was i get angry i wasn't afraid when i was angry angry angry we all felt that way after what we'd we all felt that way after what we'd we all felt that way after what we'd seen seen seen end quote it is really tough though to end quote it is really tough though to end quote it is really tough though to get into close combat one australian get into close combat one australian get into close combat one australian soldier said that he just shriveled up soldier said that he just shriveled up soldier said that he just shriveled up this is quoted in um this is quoted in um this is quoted in um francis pike's book here he is where he francis pike's book here he is where he francis pike's book here he is where he said he just shriveled up said he just shriveled up said he just shriveled up when the japanese were 10 yards away when the japanese were 10 yards away when the japanese were 10 yards away with edged weapons with edged weapons with edged weapons what you saw as a soldier in terms of what you saw as a soldier in terms of what you saw as a soldier in terms of other people being wounded and the other people being wounded and the other people being wounded and the terrible wounds terrible wounds terrible wounds well my stepfather had a friend who well my stepfather had a friend who well my stepfather had a friend who fought on one of these islands an fought on one of these islands an fought on one of these islands an american american american and had me go up and see him once and he and had me go up and see him once and he and had me go up and see him once and he wouldn't talk to me he'd become an

wouldn't talk to me he'd become an wouldn't talk to me he'd become an alcoholic and stayed in his house all alcoholic and stayed in his house all alcoholic and stayed in his house all the time this is the time this is the time this is 40 years after the war but he was one of 40 years after the war but he was one of 40 years after the war but he was one of those guys like eugene sledge had said those guys like eugene sledge had said those guys like eugene sledge had said who was within a hundred yards of the who was within a hundred yards of the who was within a hundred yards of the front line all the time front line all the time front line all the time and he was one of those guys that james and he was one of those guys that james and he was one of those guys that james jones had pointed out jones had pointed out jones had pointed out never came back from the war completely never came back from the war completely never came back from the war completely but look at what they saw in the same book o'donnell quotes second in the same book o'donnell quotes second raider battalion veteran ray baumel raider battalion veteran ray baumel raider battalion veteran ray baumel who says quote i was about to go back who says quote i was about to go back who says quote i was about to go back and tell them that i couldn't find and tell them that i couldn't find and tell them that i couldn't find anything anything anything and behind us our officer named miller and behind us our officer named miller and behind us our officer named miller and his runner must have walked up along and his runner must have walked up along and his runner must have walked up along the trail the trail the trail come around and crash through like a come around and crash through like a come around and crash through like a herd of elephants herd of elephants herd of elephants i almost shot him i said holy christ i almost shot him i said holy christ i almost shot him i said holy christ he was pissed off he said where the hell he was pissed off he said where the hell he was pissed off he said where the hell is everyone what is taking so long is everyone what is taking so long is everyone what is taking so long i said they're laying over here about 15 i said they're laying over here about 15 i said they're laying over here about 15 yards i'm guessing yards i'm guessing yards i'm guessing then i was going to step in front of then i was going to step in front of then i was going to step in front of them to lead them but they trained the them to lead them but they trained the them to lead them but they trained the officers to go first officers to go first officers to go first so i stepped right behind them i was so i stepped right behind them i was so i stepped right behind them i was about to step behind them about to step behind them about to step behind them we took two steps and a [ __ ] machine gun we took two steps and a [ __ ] machine gun we took two steps and a [ __ ] machine gun went off and almost blew his entire head went off and almost blew his entire head went off and almost blew his entire head off off off all his teeth were knocked out and his all his teeth were knocked out and his all his teeth were knocked out and his tongue was like strips of liver tongue was like strips of liver tongue was like strips of liver his whole lower jaw was almost missing i his whole lower jaw was almost missing i his whole lower jaw was almost missing i said said said lay low it's amazing how you react and i lay low it's amazing how you react and i lay low it's amazing how you react and i said lay low lieutenant said lay low lieutenant said lay low lieutenant end quote he then later says that the end quote he then later says that the end quote he then later says that the next day the officer who had been next day the officer who had been next day the officer who had been shot in the head died saying he

shot in the head died saying he shot in the head died saying he suffocated in his own phlegm suffocated in his own phlegm suffocated in his own phlegm and then pointed out the obvious it and then pointed out the obvious it and then pointed out the obvious it wasn't a pretty sight wasn't a pretty sight wasn't a pretty sight those are the kinds of experiences right those are the kinds of experiences right those are the kinds of experiences right the human experiences the human experiences the human experiences that will have some people that will have some people that will have some people understandably almost drinking the rest understandably almost drinking the rest understandably almost drinking the rest of their life away of their life away of their life away trying to not recall the trying to not recall the trying to not recall the terrible images that are stored in their terrible images that are stored in their terrible images that are stored in their memory banks as terrible as the hatred may be as terrible as the hatred may be between the combatants i can't get out between the combatants i can't get out between the combatants i can't get out of my head something i read in francis of my head something i read in francis of my head something i read in francis pike's hirohito's war pike's hirohito's war pike's hirohito's war because it reminds me a little of the because it reminds me a little of the because it reminds me a little of the christmas truce in 1914 in the first christmas truce in 1914 in the first christmas truce in 1914 in the first world war where the two sides world war where the two sides world war where the two sides jumped out of the trenches and came jumped out of the trenches and came jumped out of the trenches and came together and started exchanging together and started exchanging together and started exchanging uh materials and gifts with each other uh materials and gifts with each other uh materials and gifts with each other uh to the horror of their commanding uh to the horror of their commanding uh to the horror of their commanding officers by the way because it sort of officers by the way because it sort of officers by the way because it sort of showed showed showed a human nest that defied a human nest that defied a human nest that defied the conflict itself there's much less of the conflict itself there's much less of the conflict itself there's much less of that as you might imagine in the pacific that as you might imagine in the pacific that as you might imagine in the pacific which so many modern histories like to which so many modern histories like to which so many modern histories like to call a race war call a race war call a race war a race war of annihilation but in a race war of annihilation but in a race war of annihilation but in hirohito's hirohito's hirohito's war francis pike recounts an incident i war francis pike recounts an incident i war francis pike recounts an incident i never heard of before never heard of before never heard of before based on an entry in a japanese diary based on an entry in a japanese diary based on an entry in a japanese diary and it involves the starving japanese and it involves the starving japanese and it involves the starving japanese soldiers on guadalcanal soldiers on guadalcanal soldiers on guadalcanal in at christmas 1942 when the americans in at christmas 1942 when the americans in at christmas 1942 when the americans get a special christmas get a special christmas get a special christmas food treat because the americans weren't food treat because the americans weren't food treat because the americans weren't eaten particularly well either

eaten particularly well either eaten particularly well either and the japanese nearby can smell it and the japanese nearby can smell it and the japanese nearby can smell it and pike writes quote while the japanese and pike writes quote while the japanese and pike writes quote while the japanese were receiving their last supplies from were receiving their last supplies from were receiving their last supplies from rabal rabal rabal on christmas day gifts of boiled lollies on christmas day gifts of boiled lollies on christmas day gifts of boiled lollies i don't know what that is by the way i don't know what that is by the way i don't know what that is by the way tobacco and matches were being tobacco and matches were being tobacco and matches were being distributed to the allied troops distributed to the allied troops distributed to the allied troops field kitchens served a special dinner field kitchens served a special dinner field kitchens served a special dinner of meatloaf and preserved peaches of meatloaf and preserved peaches of meatloaf and preserved peaches the smell of american delicacies drove the smell of american delicacies drove the smell of american delicacies drove the japanese to despair the japanese to despair the japanese to despair private nishimura recorded a bizarre private nishimura recorded a bizarre private nishimura recorded a bizarre incident in which one of his colleagues incident in which one of his colleagues incident in which one of his colleagues an english speaker declared i've had an english speaker declared i've had an english speaker declared i've had enough enough enough he stripped to his underpants and he stripped to his underpants and he stripped to his underpants and feigning drunkenness feigning drunkenness feigning drunkenness staggered towards the american lines staggered towards the american lines staggered towards the american lines silence followed silence followed silence followed only occasionally interrupted by only occasionally interrupted by only occasionally interrupted by laughter laughter laughter the japanese soldier returned several the japanese soldier returned several the japanese soldier returned several hours later bearing food hours later bearing food hours later bearing food a gift from the american soldiers a few a gift from the american soldiers a few a gift from the american soldiers a few yards away yards away yards away few japanese soldiers he writes were as few japanese soldiers he writes were as few japanese soldiers he writes were as fortunate fortunate fortunate end quote by christmas 1942 though the end quote by christmas 1942 though the end quote by christmas 1942 though the situation in guadalcanal is almost over situation in guadalcanal is almost over situation in guadalcanal is almost over by the end of the year the emperor gives by the end of the year the emperor gives by the end of the year the emperor gives permission for the japanese troops to permission for the japanese troops to permission for the japanese troops to withdraw withdraw withdraw and they launch a campaign to try to and they launch a campaign to try to and they launch a campaign to try to evacuate some troops from the island evacuate some troops from the island evacuate some troops from the island and by february 1943 the americans and by february 1943 the americans and by february 1943 the americans declare the area secure declare the area secure declare the area secure the final casualties are however the final casualties are however the final casualties are however sobering

when you combine the land casualties when you combine the land casualties with the casualties from with the casualties from with the casualties from pilots in the air the casualties of the pilots in the air the casualties of the pilots in the air the casualties of the naval naval naval soldiers on both sides richard b soldiers on both sides richard b soldiers on both sides richard b frank says the american forces frank says the american forces frank says the american forces lost 7 100 people the japanese forces lost 7 100 people the japanese forces lost 7 100 people the japanese forces at least 30 343 people at least 30 343 people at least 30 343 people the casualty rates were the casualty rates were the casualty rates were very lopsided and 75 very lopsided and 75 very lopsided and 75 of the japanese killed died of the japanese killed died of the japanese killed died due to disease and starvation this is an example of the cruelty if you this is an example of the cruelty if you will of the japanese strategy here in will of the japanese strategy here in will of the japanese strategy here in this war the idea that they're going to this war the idea that they're going to this war the idea that they're going to take these islands and then they're take these islands and then they're take these islands and then they're going to force the allies to take them going to force the allies to take them going to force the allies to take them back back back and they're going to win over the allies and they're going to win over the allies and they're going to win over the allies because their people are willing to because their people are willing to because their people are willing to suffer more suffer more suffer more they may be right about that but the they may be right about that but the they may be right about that but the suffering that they put their own people suffering that they put their own people suffering that they put their own people through through through is cruel to the extreme it did create a sense of admiration it did create a sense of admiration though though though from their enemies and richard b frank from their enemies and richard b frank from their enemies and richard b frank writes writes writes quote we cannot leave the subject of the quote we cannot leave the subject of the quote we cannot leave the subject of the japanese soldiers on guadalcanal japanese soldiers on guadalcanal japanese soldiers on guadalcanal without honoring them for their one without honoring them for their one without honoring them for their one supreme virtue supreme virtue supreme virtue a determination a courage far above that a determination a courage far above that a determination a courage far above that of any of the other combatants in world of any of the other combatants in world of any of the other combatants in world war war war ii john b george a junior infantry ii john b george a junior infantry ii john b george a junior infantry officer who faced the japanese

officer who faced the japanese officer who faced the japanese at the gifu i think it's gifu and later at the gifu i think it's gifu and later at the gifu i think it's gifu and later in burma wrote quote in burma wrote quote in burma wrote quote most of us who have fought in the most of us who have fought in the most of us who have fought in the pacific are ready to admit here and now pacific are ready to admit here and now pacific are ready to admit here and now away from all the convincing first-hand away from all the convincing first-hand away from all the convincing first-hand evidence we've seen evidence we've seen evidence we've seen mass starvation untold suffering mass starvation untold suffering mass starvation untold suffering shell shock cannibalism mass suicide shell shock cannibalism mass suicide shell shock cannibalism mass suicide that for sheer bloody hardened steel that for sheer bloody hardened steel that for sheer bloody hardened steel guts the stocky and hard-muscled little guts the stocky and hard-muscled little guts the stocky and hard-muscled little [ __ ] [ __ ] [ __ ] doughboy has it all over any of us doughboy has it all over any of us doughboy has it all over any of us end quote frank continues quote end quote frank continues quote end quote frank continues quote in facing defeat george went on the in facing defeat george went on the in facing defeat george went on the japanese soldier quote japanese soldier quote japanese soldier quote took it like a man like a hero no took it like a man like a hero no took it like a man like a hero no surrender for him surrender for him surrender for him end quote in his book the rising sun end quote in his book the rising sun end quote in his book the rising sun author john toland author john toland author john toland quotes a um report quotes a um report quotes a um report from lieutenant general george c kenney from lieutenant general george c kenney from lieutenant general george c kenney to hap arnold the head of the us army to hap arnold the head of the us army to hap arnold the head of the us army air forces air forces air forces pointing out that the people back home pointing out that the people back home pointing out that the people back home including the war department had no including the war department had no including the war department had no conception conception conception of the problems facing the troops in the of the problems facing the troops in the of the problems facing the troops in the southwest pacific southwest pacific southwest pacific and says quote the [ __ ] is still being and says quote the [ __ ] is still being and says quote the [ __ ] is still being underrated underrated underrated there is no question of our being able there is no question of our being able there is no question of our being able to defeat him to defeat him to defeat him but the time effort blood and money but the time effort blood and money but the time effort blood and money required to do the job may run to required to do the job may run to required to do the job may run to proportions beyond proportions beyond proportions beyond all conception particularly if the devil all conception particularly if the devil all conception particularly if the devil is allowed to develop the resources he is allowed to develop the resources he is allowed to develop the resources he is now holding is now holding is now holding let us look at buna he writes there are let us look at buna he writes there are let us look at buna he writes there are hundreds of bunas ahead for us hundreds of bunas ahead for us hundreds of bunas ahead for us the [ __ ] there has been in a hopeless the [ __ ] there has been in a hopeless the [ __ ] there has been in a hopeless position for two months

position for two months position for two months he has been outnumbered heavily he has been outnumbered heavily he has been outnumbered heavily throughout the show his garrison has throughout the show his garrison has throughout the show his garrison has been whittled down to a handful been whittled down to a handful been whittled down to a handful by bombing and strafing he has had no by bombing and strafing he has had no by bombing and strafing he has had no air support air support air support and his own navy has not been able to and his own navy has not been able to and his own navy has not been able to get past our air blockade to help him get past our air blockade to help him get past our air blockade to help him he has seen lots of japs sunk off the he has seen lots of japs sunk off the he has seen lots of japs sunk off the shore a few miles away shore a few miles away shore a few miles away he has been short on rations and he has he has been short on rations and he has he has been short on rations and he has had to conserve his ammunition as his had to conserve his ammunition as his had to conserve his ammunition as his replenishment from submarines replenishment from submarines replenishment from submarines and small boats working down from lay at and small boats working down from lay at and small boats working down from lay at night and night and night and once by parachute from airplanes has once by parachute from airplanes has once by parachute from airplanes has been precarious to say the least been precarious to say the least been precarious to say the least the emperor told them to hold and the emperor told them to hold and the emperor told them to hold and believe me they have held believe me they have held believe me they have held as to their morale they still yell out as to their morale they still yell out as to their morale they still yell out to our troops now quoting what they yell to our troops now quoting what they yell to our troops now quoting what they yell what's the matter yanks are you yellow what's the matter yanks are you yellow what's the matter yanks are you yellow why don't you come in and fight why don't you come in and fight why don't you come in and fight a few snipers he continues asked to a few snipers he continues asked to a few snipers he continues asked to surrender after they've been surrounded surrender after they've been surrounded surrender after they've been surrounded called back called back called back if you bastards think you're good enough if you bastards think you're good enough if you bastards think you're good enough come and get us come and get us come and get us i'm afraid that a lot of people who i'm afraid that a lot of people who i'm afraid that a lot of people who think this [ __ ] is a pushover as soon as think this [ __ ] is a pushover as soon as think this [ __ ] is a pushover as soon as germany falls germany falls germany falls are due for a rude awakening we will are due for a rude awakening we will are due for a rude awakening we will have to call on all of our patriotism have to call on all of our patriotism have to call on all of our patriotism stamina guts and maybe some crusading stamina guts and maybe some crusading stamina guts and maybe some crusading spirit or religious fervor thrown in to spirit or religious fervor thrown in to spirit or religious fervor thrown in to beat them beat them beat them no amateur team will take this boy out no amateur team will take this boy out no amateur team will take this boy out we've got to turn professional we've got to turn professional we've got to turn professional another thing there are no quiet sectors another thing there are no quiet sectors another thing there are no quiet sectors in which troops get started off in which troops get started off in which troops get started off gradually as in the last war gradually as in the last war gradually as in the last war there are no breathers on this schedule there are no breathers on this schedule there are no breathers on this schedule you take on notre dame every time you you take on notre dame every time you you take on notre dame every time you play play play end quote a football analogy there of end quote a football analogy there of end quote a football analogy there of course

course course guadalcanal is often seen as a campaign guadalcanal is often seen as a campaign guadalcanal is often seen as a campaign with major mistakes on both sides ernest with major mistakes on both sides ernest with major mistakes on both sides ernest and trevor derpy in the encyclopedia of and trevor derpy in the encyclopedia of and trevor derpy in the encyclopedia of military history says the americans made military history says the americans made military history says the americans made fewer mistakes in the japanese and fewer mistakes in the japanese and fewer mistakes in the japanese and that's why they won the american mistakes were almost the american mistakes were almost inevitable if you recall that the entire inevitable if you recall that the entire inevitable if you recall that the entire campaign campaign campaign was given five weeks a mere five weeks was given five weeks a mere five weeks was given five weeks a mere five weeks of preparation of preparation of preparation and the marines performed heroically but you can begin to see a mere but you can begin to see a mere year basically after pearl harbor that year basically after pearl harbor that year basically after pearl harbor that the writing is on the wall for what the the writing is on the wall for what the the writing is on the wall for what the japanese have signed up for japanese have signed up for japanese have signed up for and you run across numbers sometimes and you run across numbers sometimes and you run across numbers sometimes that just display it that just display it that just display it in a wonderfully obvious sense in a wonderfully obvious sense in a wonderfully obvious sense in 1942 for example this is remember in 1942 for example this is remember in 1942 for example this is remember the first year of the war for the united the first year of the war for the united the first year of the war for the united states states states the americans churned out 49 the americans churned out 49 the americans churned out 49 445 planes according to richard b frank 445 planes according to richard b frank 445 planes according to richard b frank japan churned out 8861 and 1942 is the least and 1942 is the least productive year of the war for the productive year of the war for the productive year of the war for the americans 43 and 44 you're going to see americans 43 and 44 you're going to see americans 43 and 44 you're going to see production numbers absolutely shoot production numbers absolutely shoot production numbers absolutely shoot through the moon through the moon through the moon now all those planes aren't being used now all those planes aren't being used now all those planes aren't being used in the pacific theater by the americans in the pacific theater by the americans in the pacific theater by the americans and all those planes are being used in and all those planes are being used in and all those planes are being used in the various theaters in the asia pacific

the various theaters in the asia pacific the various theaters in the asia pacific area by japan the united states it area by japan the united states it area by japan the united states it should point at be pointed out that by should point at be pointed out that by should point at be pointed out that by the end of 1942 has opened up a second the end of 1942 has opened up a second the end of 1942 has opened up a second front front front in north africa operation torch so they in north africa operation torch so they in north africa operation torch so they have have have troops that they have to support with troops that they have to support with troops that they have to support with aircraft and all these other production aircraft and all these other production aircraft and all these other production figures figures figures in multiple theaters nonetheless the in multiple theaters nonetheless the in multiple theaters nonetheless the difference in production numbers are so difference in production numbers are so difference in production numbers are so incredibly profound incredibly profound incredibly profound that the japanese would be foolish to that the japanese would be foolish to that the japanese would be foolish to think that they aren't going to just be think that they aren't going to just be think that they aren't going to just be buried it is the buried it is the buried it is the bravery courage and willingness to die bravery courage and willingness to die bravery courage and willingness to die for the emperor for the emperor for the emperor that they hope will compensate for that that they hope will compensate for that that they hope will compensate for that but when you look at the casualty ratios but when you look at the casualty ratios but when you look at the casualty ratios between japanese and allied troops as we between japanese and allied troops as we between japanese and allied troops as we said earlier in this segment said earlier in this segment said earlier in this segment you would be justified i think as a you would be justified i think as a you would be justified i think as a japanese parent of a japanese parent of a japanese parent of a dead japanese soldier in thinking that dead japanese soldier in thinking that dead japanese soldier in thinking that the government the government the government was guilty of some sort of gross was guilty of some sort of gross was guilty of some sort of gross negligence or military negligence or military negligence or military malpractice in the positions they put malpractice in the positions they put malpractice in the positions they put their own soldiers in their own soldiers in their own soldiers in i mean on new guinea after the campaigns i mean on new guinea after the campaigns i mean on new guinea after the campaigns at buna and gone on those places the war at buna and gone on those places the war at buna and gone on those places the war continues there until 1944 continues there until 1944 continues there until 1944 and the australians have gotten and the australians have gotten and the australians have gotten extremely good extremely good extremely good and the kill ratios are astounding and the kill ratios are astounding and the kill ratios are astounding here's what eric bergeron touched with here's what eric bergeron touched with here's what eric bergeron touched with fire writes about it quote fire writes about it quote fire writes about it quote the australian juggernaut was not only the australian juggernaut was not only the australian juggernaut was not only rolling rolling rolling it was doing so with very little cost in it was doing so with very little cost in it was doing so with very little cost in australian lives australian lives australian lives disease preyed upon all soldiers in new

disease preyed upon all soldiers in new disease preyed upon all soldiers in new guinea until the end guinea until the end guinea until the end the japanese however were losing their the japanese however were losing their the japanese however were losing their ability to cause ability to cause ability to cause pain to their enemies in new guinea pain to their enemies in new guinea pain to their enemies in new guinea fewer than fewer than fewer than a thousand australian soldiers were a thousand australian soldiers were a thousand australian soldiers were killed from february 1st 1943 killed from february 1st 1943 killed from february 1st 1943 the end of the bunagona sananda campaign the end of the bunagona sananda campaign the end of the bunagona sananda campaign until january 1944 during the large until january 1944 during the large until january 1944 during the large japanese attack on finshaven 52 japanese attack on finshaven 52 japanese attack on finshaven 52 australian soldiers lost their lives australian soldiers lost their lives australian soldiers lost their lives a minuscule figure in the grim a minuscule figure in the grim a minuscule figure in the grim arithmetic of war arithmetic of war arithmetic of war in the process in addition to the 13 in the process in addition to the 13 in the process in addition to the 13 000 dead suffered in kokoda buna the 000 dead suffered in kokoda buna the 000 dead suffered in kokoda buna the japanese lost japanese lost japanese lost another thirty thousand men we will another thirty thousand men we will another thirty thousand men we will never know exactly how many died in never know exactly how many died in never know exactly how many died in battle battle battle but the kill ratio on new guinea was but the kill ratio on new guinea was but the kill ratio on new guinea was mounting to levels rarely seen in modern mounting to levels rarely seen in modern mounting to levels rarely seen in modern war war war end quote the allies were adopting end quote the allies were adopting end quote the allies were adopting strategies strategies strategies too that would minimize their casualties too that would minimize their casualties too that would minimize their casualties even more even more even more they were not going to attack the most they were not going to attack the most they were not going to attack the most strongly defended areas that the strongly defended areas that the strongly defended areas that the japanese held japanese held japanese held this is the so-called leap frogging this is the so-called leap frogging this is the so-called leap frogging strategy that the allies choose strategy that the allies choose strategy that the allies choose macarthur often claims credit for this macarthur often claims credit for this macarthur often claims credit for this by the way but there's a lot of by the way but there's a lot of by the way but there's a lot of historical evidence to suggest he was historical evidence to suggest he was historical evidence to suggest he was sort of dragged kicking sort of dragged kicking sort of dragged kicking and screaming it may have been admiral and screaming it may have been admiral and screaming it may have been admiral king who came up with this king who came up with this king who came up with this initially and he is sort of the sort of initially and he is sort of the sort of initially and he is sort of the sort of the counterpart in the navy to macarthur the counterpart in the navy to macarthur the counterpart in the navy to macarthur but the strategy meant that these major but the strategy meant that these major but the strategy meant that these major strong points were simply to be bypassed

strong points were simply to be bypassed strong points were simply to be bypassed and that if you could cut them off from and that if you could cut them off from and that if you could cut them off from resupply and reinforcement resupply and reinforcement resupply and reinforcement the soldiers on those places would the soldiers on those places would the soldiers on those places would simply starve to death and those simply starve to death and those simply starve to death and those wonderful defenses that had been so wonderful defenses that had been so wonderful defenses that had been so carefully set up would never be used carefully set up would never be used carefully set up would never be used uh bergeron compares them to giant pow uh bergeron compares them to giant pow uh bergeron compares them to giant pow camps in effect and the more soldiers camps in effect and the more soldiers camps in effect and the more soldiers the japanese sent to these places to the japanese sent to these places to the japanese sent to these places to make them even harder to take make them even harder to take make them even harder to take the more they were inadvertently the more they were inadvertently the more they were inadvertently consigning to consigning to consigning to captivity and starvation and the less captivity and starvation and the less captivity and starvation and the less they had to they had to they had to send to areas that were actively going send to areas that were actively going send to areas that were actively going to be attacked author ian w toll in his book the author ian w toll in his book the conquering tide conquering tide conquering tide explains the japanese feelings about the explains the japanese feelings about the explains the japanese feelings about the allied leap frogging strategy and writes allied leap frogging strategy and writes allied leap frogging strategy and writes quote quote quote and by the way um rabal as we've said and by the way um rabal as we've said and by the way um rabal as we've said was was on the island of new britain it was was on the island of new britain it was was on the island of new britain it is the major japanese base is the major japanese base is the major japanese base in the region and the japanese assume in the region and the japanese assume in the region and the japanese assume the allies are going to try to take it the allies are going to try to take it the allies are going to try to take it so they're going to make it a death trap so they're going to make it a death trap so they're going to make it a death trap and toll writes quote as an airbase and toll writes quote as an airbase and toll writes quote as an airbase rabal had been very nearly neutered by rabal had been very nearly neutered by rabal had been very nearly neutered by unrelenting air attacks unrelenting air attacks unrelenting air attacks but with units streaming into the lines but with units streaming into the lines but with units streaming into the lines from points west from points west from points west japanese troop strength approached a japanese troop strength approached a japanese troop strength approached a hundred thousand hundred thousand hundred thousand surrender was beneath consideration of surrender was beneath consideration of surrender was beneath consideration of course so the garrison began to prepare course so the garrison began to prepare course so the garrison began to prepare for a climactic fight to the last man for a climactic fight to the last man for a climactic fight to the last man defeat might be inevitable but it would defeat might be inevitable but it would defeat might be inevitable but it would be honorable be honorable be honorable heaven beckoned and they would sell heaven beckoned and they would sell heaven beckoned and they would sell their lives dearly and take plenty of their lives dearly and take plenty of their lives dearly and take plenty of american soldiers and marines with them american soldiers and marines with them american soldiers and marines with them for almost two years the japanese have

for almost two years the japanese have for almost two years the japanese have been building and improving their been building and improving their been building and improving their defensive fortifications defensive fortifications defensive fortifications their intricate networks of subterranean their intricate networks of subterranean their intricate networks of subterranean bunkers and tunnels bunkers and tunnels bunkers and tunnels and they were well stocked with and they were well stocked with and they were well stocked with provisions and ammunition for a long provisions and ammunition for a long provisions and ammunition for a long siege siege siege he writes so they waited and waited he writes so they waited and waited he writes so they waited and waited and waited and the americans did not and waited and the americans did not and waited and the americans did not come come come the defenders were denied even the the defenders were denied even the the defenders were denied even the consolation of dying for the emperor consolation of dying for the emperor consolation of dying for the emperor a japanese intelligence officer a japanese intelligence officer a japanese intelligence officer interviewed after the war interviewed after the war interviewed after the war admitted that the japanese quote end admitted that the japanese quote end admitted that the japanese quote end quote hated quote hated quote hated the leapfrogging strategy perhaps the leapfrogging strategy perhaps the leapfrogging strategy perhaps because it offended their sense of honor because it offended their sense of honor because it offended their sense of honor but he added that they respected it and but he added that they respected it and but he added that they respected it and understood its wisdom understood its wisdom understood its wisdom now quoting the intelligence officer now quoting the intelligence officer now quoting the intelligence officer quote the japanese army preferred direct quote the japanese army preferred direct quote the japanese army preferred direct assault assault assault after the german fashion but the after the german fashion but the after the german fashion but the americans flowed into our weaker points americans flowed into our weaker points americans flowed into our weaker points and submerged us just as water seeks the and submerged us just as water seeks the and submerged us just as water seeks the weakest entry to sink a ship weakest entry to sink a ship weakest entry to sink a ship end quote this of course end quote this of course end quote this of course is not to say that there weren't is not to say that there weren't is not to say that there weren't terrible terrible terrible terrible fights to come even the terrible fights to come even the terrible fights to come even the so-called so-called so-called weaker points in the japanese defense weaker points in the japanese defense weaker points in the japanese defense perimeter perimeter perimeter were going to be extremely difficult to were going to be extremely difficult to were going to be extremely difficult to take and this leap frogging strategy take and this leap frogging strategy take and this leap frogging strategy that bypassed these major areas still that bypassed these major areas still that bypassed these major areas still had to take a ton of other islands in had to take a ton of other islands in had to take a ton of other islands in order to do so order to do so order to do so if you looked at a map of the region in if you looked at a map of the region in if you looked at a map of the region in the south the south the south west pacific you will see that macarthur west pacific you will see that macarthur west pacific you will see that macarthur and the us army and the australians and and the us army and the australians and and the us army and the australians and new zealanders are coming up new zealanders are coming up new zealanders are coming up through new guinea towards reball on one

through new guinea towards reball on one through new guinea towards reball on one side side side on the other side of new britain and on the other side of new britain and on the other side of new britain and rubal the navy and the us marines are rubal the navy and the us marines are rubal the navy and the us marines are working their way up the working their way up the working their way up the uh solomon's the island chain there and uh solomon's the island chain there and uh solomon's the island chain there and they will they will they will sort of cut off reball now the fighting sort of cut off reball now the fighting sort of cut off reball now the fighting though though though working your way up the island chain is working your way up the island chain is working your way up the island chain is brutal brutal brutal take new georgia for example after a take new georgia for example after a take new georgia for example after a nice nice nice uh rest period after guadalcanal is over uh rest period after guadalcanal is over uh rest period after guadalcanal is over to to to restock your forces and get them ready restock your forces and get them ready restock your forces and get them ready the navy and the marines the navy and the marines the navy and the marines and army units also start working their and army units also start working their and army units also start working their way up the island chain way up the island chain way up the island chain on the 21st of june 1943 on the 21st of june 1943 on the 21st of june 1943 or thereabouts the americans land or thereabouts the americans land or thereabouts the americans land on the island of new georgia and it is on the island of new georgia and it is on the island of new georgia and it is brutal one of the main areas on new brutal one of the main areas on new brutal one of the main areas on new georgia is called georgia is called georgia is called munda and here's what ian w told in the munda and here's what ian w told in the munda and here's what ian w told in the conquering tide writes about conquering tide writes about conquering tide writes about that quote the 4 500 man japanese that quote the 4 500 man japanese that quote the 4 500 man japanese garrison had dug in deeply and well garrison had dug in deeply and well garrison had dug in deeply and well and the terrain was abysmal the munda and the terrain was abysmal the munda and the terrain was abysmal the munda campaign was a photo negative of the campaign was a photo negative of the campaign was a photo negative of the fight on guadalcanal fight on guadalcanal fight on guadalcanal with the japanese and allied positions with the japanese and allied positions with the japanese and allied positions reversed reversed reversed now it was the american soldiers and now it was the american soldiers and now it was the american soldiers and marines who struggled through swamp marines who struggled through swamp marines who struggled through swamp and under brush losing contact with and under brush losing contact with and under brush losing contact with adjacent units and suffering adjacent units and suffering adjacent units and suffering heavily under harassing attacks by the heavily under harassing attacks by the heavily under harassing attacks by the enemy enemy enemy japanese units he writes launched japanese units he writes launched japanese units he writes launched nighttime bonsai attacks nighttime bonsai attacks nighttime bonsai attacks accompanied by shouting profanities and accompanied by shouting profanities and accompanied by shouting profanities and taunts in broken english

taunts in broken english taunts in broken english two green american army regiments broke two green american army regiments broke two green american army regiments broke and ran and ran and ran throwing down their weapons several were throwing down their weapons several were throwing down their weapons several were shot by other american soldiers shot by other american soldiers shot by other american soldiers who mistook them for enemy and several who mistook them for enemy and several who mistook them for enemy and several dozen had to be evacuated because of dozen had to be evacuated because of dozen had to be evacuated because of quote-end quote quote-end quote quote-end quote psychoneurosis one officer recalled psychoneurosis one officer recalled psychoneurosis one officer recalled that fear was like a disease that spread that fear was like a disease that spread that fear was like a disease that spread through the ranks through the ranks through the ranks eventually transmuting into mass panic eventually transmuting into mass panic eventually transmuting into mass panic discipline and morale crumpled now discipline and morale crumpled now discipline and morale crumpled now quoting a soldier quote quoting a soldier quote quoting a soldier quote by morning in an unmanageable mass by morning in an unmanageable mass by morning in an unmanageable mass men were huddling in groups along the men were huddling in groups along the men were huddling in groups along the trails to the rear trails to the rear trails to the rear and pursued savagely by the enemy that and pursued savagely by the enemy that and pursued savagely by the enemy that caught up with many of them caught up with many of them caught up with many of them and to use an archaic phrase put them to and to use an archaic phrase put them to and to use an archaic phrase put them to the sword the sword the sword end quote toll says that quote end quote toll says that quote end quote toll says that quote eventually all available reserves were eventually all available reserves were eventually all available reserves were committed to the capture of munda committed to the capture of munda committed to the capture of munda three army divisions required a full three army divisions required a full three army divisions required a full five weeks to secure the airfield five weeks to secure the airfield five weeks to secure the airfield eleven hundred and ninety five allied eleven hundred and ninety five allied eleven hundred and ninety five allied servicemen were killed in the effort servicemen were killed in the effort servicemen were killed in the effort most of the defenders died or took their most of the defenders died or took their most of the defenders died or took their own lives own lives own lives end quote we've talked about how much hate there we've talked about how much hate there was amongst both sides was amongst both sides was amongst both sides and yet there are and yet there are and yet there are memories as we said that stick in the memories as we said that stick in the memories as we said that stick in the memory banks memory banks memory banks of the soldiers and marines who had to of the soldiers and marines who had to of the soldiers and marines who had to fight in these campaigns fight in these campaigns fight in these campaigns in his wonderful book that we've quoted in his wonderful book that we've quoted in his wonderful book that we've quoted already from uh into the rising sun already from uh into the rising sun already from uh into the rising sun patrick k patrick k patrick k o'donnell talks to harry clark of the

o'donnell talks to harry clark of the o'donnell talks to harry clark of the fourth raider battalion fourth raider battalion fourth raider battalion fighting on new georgia fighting on new georgia fighting on new georgia and he remembers this quote and he remembers this quote and he remembers this quote we took veeru harbour a lot of boom boom we took veeru harbour a lot of boom boom we took veeru harbour a lot of boom boom and bang bang and bang bang and bang bang it was a blur it was kind of bewildering it was a blur it was kind of bewildering it was a blur it was kind of bewildering to say the least to say the least to say the least there's nothing orderly about modern there's nothing orderly about modern there's nothing orderly about modern combat i'm sure you've been told that combat i'm sure you've been told that combat i'm sure you've been told that enough that you're about to vomit in enough that you're about to vomit in enough that you're about to vomit in your wastebasket your wastebasket your wastebasket it's a blur of sound the only thing it's a blur of sound the only thing it's a blur of sound the only thing you're whittled down to you're whittled down to you're whittled down to immediately is the base person you are immediately is the base person you are immediately is the base person you are you know what you're supposed to be you know what you're supposed to be you know what you're supposed to be doing then he sighs doing then he sighs doing then he sighs it says i shot this guy it says i shot this guy it says i shot this guy thank god he was japanese and not thank god he was japanese and not thank god he was japanese and not american or i would have made the american or i would have made the american or i would have made the biggest mistake in my military career biggest mistake in my military career biggest mistake in my military career he sighs again being a scout sniper he sighs again being a scout sniper he sighs again being a scout sniper i've been cautioned over and over to i've been cautioned over and over to i've been cautioned over and over to look for papers look for documents look for papers look for documents look for papers look for documents this that and the other thing this this that and the other thing this this that and the other thing this soldier was about six soldier was about six soldier was about six feet the guy he shot clean as a whistle feet the guy he shot clean as a whistle feet the guy he shot clean as a whistle most were starving to death and filthy most were starving to death and filthy most were starving to death and filthy and dirty and dirty and dirty this guy was as clean as a whistle and this guy was as clean as a whistle and this guy was as clean as a whistle and around his neck he had the most gorgeous around his neck he had the most gorgeous around his neck he had the most gorgeous miniature painting of himself in shinto miniature painting of himself in shinto miniature painting of himself in shinto robes robes robes i took his dog tags and papers he had in i took his dog tags and papers he had in i took his dog tags and papers he had in a side pocket and turned them over to a side pocket and turned them over to a side pocket and turned them over to military intelligence military intelligence military intelligence they're the ones who told me his name they're the ones who told me his name they're the ones who told me his name something that has haunted me for my something that has haunted me for my something that has haunted me for my entire life entire life entire life they said now quoting them quote this is they said now quoting them quote this is they said now quoting them quote this is a second lieutenant they don't call them a second lieutenant they don't call them a second lieutenant they don't call them that but he's like a lieutenant in their that but he's like a lieutenant in their that but he's like a lieutenant in their special landing forces special landing forces special landing forces their marines and his name was ryuki

their marines and his name was ryuki their marines and his name was ryuki yanigara yanigara yanigara now quoting the marine again quote i'll now quoting the marine again quote i'll now quoting the marine again quote i'll tell you i cannot remember the names of tell you i cannot remember the names of tell you i cannot remember the names of so many people to whom i owe so much so many people to whom i owe so much so many people to whom i owe so much but i remember his name it's terrible to but i remember his name it's terrible to but i remember his name it's terrible to find out the name of somebody you killed find out the name of somebody you killed find out the name of somebody you killed later i was in japan with the dao later i was in japan with the dao later i was in japan with the dao chemical company chemical company chemical company and i ran an article in the newspaper in and i ran an article in the newspaper in and i ran an article in the newspaper in the article said quote the article said quote the article said quote anybody interested in knowing about anybody interested in knowing about anybody interested in knowing about ryuki yanagara special landing forces in ryuki yanagara special landing forces in ryuki yanagara special landing forces in world war world war world war ii please contact harry clark at such ii please contact harry clark at such ii please contact harry clark at such and such a hotel and such a hotel and such a hotel and then he says at my age i'm and then he says at my age i'm and then he says at my age i'm forgetting so many things forgetting so many things forgetting so many things but the last thing i'll ever forget is but the last thing i'll ever forget is but the last thing i'll ever forget is ryuki yanagara ryuki yanagara ryuki yanagara end quote i once again end quote i once again end quote i once again remind us all to remember what is in the remind us all to remember what is in the remind us all to remember what is in the memory banks of these guys memory banks of these guys memory banks of these guys and long after we've forgotten about the and long after we've forgotten about the and long after we've forgotten about the war war war they haven't forgotten about the people they haven't forgotten about the people they haven't forgotten about the people they killed the people they lost the they killed the people they lost the they killed the people they lost the friends friends friends and the visions that haunt their and the visions that haunt their and the visions that haunt their nightmares nightmares nightmares by the time the new georgia campaign by the time the new georgia campaign by the time the new georgia campaign kicks kicks kicks off the most important and well-known off the most important and well-known off the most important and well-known figure in the japanese figure in the japanese figure in the japanese military is not around to see it military is not around to see it military is not around to see it the great admiral yamamoto who is head the great admiral yamamoto who is head the great admiral yamamoto who is head and shoulders and shoulders and shoulders uh above most of the other all of the uh above most of the other all of the uh above most of the other all of the other japanese military officials other japanese military officials other japanese military officials will be shot down by american pilots will be shot down by american pilots will be shot down by american pilots on april 18 1943 the result once again on april 18 1943 the result once again on april 18 1943 the result once again of american of american of american intelligence advantages and crypto intelligence advantages and crypto intelligence advantages and crypto analysts who are able to decode

analysts who are able to decode analysts who are able to decode the japanese messages announcing that the japanese messages announcing that the japanese messages announcing that yamamoto is going to be in the region yamamoto is going to be in the region yamamoto is going to be in the region they ambush him they they ambush him they they ambush him they shoot him he's found later with 250 shoot him he's found later with 250 shoot him he's found later with 250 caliber bullet wounds caliber bullet wounds caliber bullet wounds apparently sitting in his chair after apparently sitting in his chair after apparently sitting in his chair after the plane that he is in is shot down and the plane that he is in is shot down and the plane that he is in is shot down and crashes in the jungle crashes in the jungle crashes in the jungle and one american said that this was the and one american said that this was the and one american said that this was the equivalent of equivalent of equivalent of winning a large battle against the winning a large battle against the winning a large battle against the japanese japanese japanese that there is no other japanese military that there is no other japanese military that there is no other japanese military officials officials officials anywhere near his caliber and for the anywhere near his caliber and for the anywhere near his caliber and for the americans we had said during the battle americans we had said during the battle americans we had said during the battle of midway of midway of midway that it was essentially like paying back that it was essentially like paying back that it was essentially like paying back in osama bin laden when the americans in osama bin laden when the americans in osama bin laden when the americans sunk those japanese carriers sunk those japanese carriers sunk those japanese carriers well from the american point of view an well from the american point of view an well from the american point of view an admiral yamamoto admiral yamamoto admiral yamamoto is like an osama bin laden and so to be is like an osama bin laden and so to be is like an osama bin laden and so to be deprived of his leadership deprived of his leadership deprived of his leadership at this point in the war is almost at this point in the war is almost at this point in the war is almost symbolic of where things are going for symbolic of where things are going for symbolic of where things are going for the japanese war effort the japanese war effort the japanese war effort because by mid 1943 things are starting because by mid 1943 things are starting because by mid 1943 things are starting to look to look to look extremely bleak and in hindsight you can extremely bleak and in hindsight you can extremely bleak and in hindsight you can see see see that it's getting impossible to imagine that it's getting impossible to imagine that it's getting impossible to imagine things turning things turning things turning out in any way shape or form the way the out in any way shape or form the way the out in any way shape or form the way the japanese would hope i mean if you look japanese would hope i mean if you look japanese would hope i mean if you look at the number of at the number of at the number of aircraft carriers that the u.s puts aircraft carriers that the u.s puts aircraft carriers that the u.s puts you know into into operation from late you know into into operation from late you know into into operation from late 1942 1942 1942 all through 1943 it's something like all through 1943 it's something like all through 1943 it's something like seven seven seven big carriers and a ton of escort and big carriers and a ton of escort and big carriers and a ton of escort and light carriers light carriers light carriers the japanese are commissioning very few

the japanese are commissioning very few the japanese are commissioning very few ships ships ships and the attrition is taking a toll on a and the attrition is taking a toll on a and the attrition is taking a toll on a bunch of ships that normally you don't bunch of ships that normally you don't bunch of ships that normally you don't pay attention to pay attention to pay attention to you know everyone focuses on the big you know everyone focuses on the big you know everyone focuses on the big ships and the important ones but there's ships and the important ones but there's ships and the important ones but there's a lot of things like destroyers a lot of things like destroyers a lot of things like destroyers and transports and things that are and transports and things that are and transports and things that are vitally important to day-to-day vitally important to day-to-day vitally important to day-to-day operations that are being destroyed operations that are being destroyed operations that are being destroyed regularly and they're not being replaced regularly and they're not being replaced regularly and they're not being replaced regularly regularly regularly in fact some of the really heartbreaking in fact some of the really heartbreaking in fact some of the really heartbreaking things that you read about in this things that you read about in this things that you read about in this campaign if you're japanese campaign if you're japanese campaign if you're japanese are the numbers of japanese soldiers are the numbers of japanese soldiers are the numbers of japanese soldiers that end up that end up that end up drowning when their transports are sunk drowning when their transports are sunk drowning when their transports are sunk i mean i think there was thousands and i mean i think there was thousands and i mean i think there was thousands and thousands in one incident alone that thousands in one incident alone that thousands in one incident alone that went to the bottom of the sea before went to the bottom of the sea before went to the bottom of the sea before they ever even got to land and fight as we said if you're a japanese parent as we said if you're a japanese parent of a soldier that didn't come home i of a soldier that didn't come home i of a soldier that didn't come home i think he'd have every right to be think he'd have every right to be think he'd have every right to be extremely disappointed and that might be extremely disappointed and that might be extremely disappointed and that might be putting it mildly at the way the war was putting it mildly at the way the war was putting it mildly at the way the war was conducted conducted conducted and the lack of any sort of and the lack of any sort of and the lack of any sort of real sense of value real sense of value real sense of value in the lives of the average japanese in the lives of the average japanese in the lives of the average japanese soldier in november 1943 the u.s navy launches in november 1943 the u.s navy launches another line of assault in the pacific another line of assault in the pacific another line of assault in the pacific war war war this one will be an island hopping this one will be an island hopping this one will be an island hopping campaign campaign campaign through the central pacific so we've through the central pacific so we've through the central pacific so we've been in the southwest pacific up until been in the southwest pacific up until been in the southwest pacific up until now right australia now right australia now right australia new zealand uh new guinea the solomons new zealand uh new guinea the solomons new zealand uh new guinea the solomons all those places new georgia guadalcanal all those places new georgia guadalcanal all those places new georgia guadalcanal but now but now but now i mean this area the gilbert islands is

i mean this area the gilbert islands is i mean this area the gilbert islands is like 1200 miles from guadalcanal a whole like 1200 miles from guadalcanal a whole like 1200 miles from guadalcanal a whole different line of assault different line of assault different line of assault that will eventually take the u.s navy that will eventually take the u.s navy that will eventually take the u.s navy towards the philippines and towards some towards the philippines and towards some towards the philippines and towards some of the most of the most of the most iconic island assaults in this war iconic island assaults in this war iconic island assaults in this war places like iwo jima places like iwo jima places like iwo jima but they start with another iconic but they start with another iconic but they start with another iconic assault assault assault on a coral atoll in the gilbert islands on a coral atoll in the gilbert islands on a coral atoll in the gilbert islands that's iconic for a completely different that's iconic for a completely different that's iconic for a completely different reason reason reason it's called tarawa and it's called tarawa and it's called tarawa and ian w tol in the conquering tide says ian w tol in the conquering tide says ian w tol in the conquering tide says that it was the proudest and most that it was the proudest and most that it was the proudest and most terrible day in the history of the terrible day in the history of the terrible day in the history of the marine corps marine corps marine corps where murphy's law and i've said where murphy's law and i've said where murphy's law and i've said murphy's law is never murphy's law is never murphy's law is never more applicable than in war where more applicable than in war where more applicable than in war where everything that can go wrong does go everything that can go wrong does go everything that can go wrong does go wrong and the only saving grace wrong and the only saving grace wrong and the only saving grace for the marine corps in the whole affair for the marine corps in the whole affair for the marine corps in the whole affair is that many is that many is that many important lessons will be learned and important lessons will be learned and important lessons will be learned and that the price the marines will pay at that the price the marines will pay at that the price the marines will pay at tarawa tarawa tarawa will almost certainly save the lives of will almost certainly save the lives of will almost certainly save the lives of a lot of marines later in the war places a lot of marines later in the war places a lot of marines later in the war places like iwo jima for example but the lesson is so sobering that this but the lesson is so sobering that this is why and i'd mentioned this earlier in is why and i'd mentioned this earlier in is why and i'd mentioned this earlier in the series this is why my navel the series this is why my navel the series this is why my navel from the pacific war stepfather said from the pacific war stepfather said from the pacific war stepfather said don't ever join the marines because he'd don't ever join the marines because he'd don't ever join the marines because he'd seen seen seen the kind of situations they found the kind of situations they found the kind of situations they found themselves in and he wanted his stepson themselves in and he wanted his stepson themselves in and he wanted his stepson to return home alive to return home alive to return home alive all you have to do is look at the all you have to do is look at the all you have to do is look at the photographs and they are photographs and they are photographs and they are shocking of marines shocking of marines shocking of marines chest deep in water on coral reefs

chest deep in water on coral reefs chest deep in water on coral reefs wading with their rifles over their head wading with their rifles over their head wading with their rifles over their head towards the shore towards the shore towards the shore as japanese machine guns something like as japanese machine guns something like as japanese machine guns something like a hundred of them a hundred of them a hundred of them crisscross the water shooting down the crisscross the water shooting down the crisscross the water shooting down the marines when they're absolutely helpless marines when they're absolutely helpless marines when they're absolutely helpless trying to just get to the shore trying to just get to the shore trying to just get to the shore terrawa is nightmarish then the terrawa is nightmarish then the terrawa is nightmarish then the bombardment bombardment bombardment that starts on the 13th 14th 15th of that starts on the 13th 14th 15th of that starts on the 13th 14th 15th of november november november they will shoot drop and lob something they will shoot drop and lob something they will shoot drop and lob something like 6 million like 6 million like 6 million pounds of ordnance onto this little pounds of ordnance onto this little pounds of ordnance onto this little teeny place i mean the fighting area is teeny place i mean the fighting area is teeny place i mean the fighting area is about half the size of about half the size of about half the size of new york central park new york central park new york central park the island is heavily though fortified the island is heavily though fortified the island is heavily though fortified and protected there's and protected there's and protected there's about five thousand japanese troops about five thousand japanese troops about five thousand japanese troops there the admiral that is in charge of there the admiral that is in charge of there the admiral that is in charge of them says them says them says that a million troops could not take that a million troops could not take that a million troops could not take that island in a hundred years that island in a hundred years that island in a hundred years and the um encyclopedia of military and the um encyclopedia of military and the um encyclopedia of military history history history ernest and trevor dupuis describe the ernest and trevor dupuis describe the ernest and trevor dupuis describe the situation this way quote november 20th 24th 1943 november 20th 24th 1943 tarawa bay show island tarawa bay show island tarawa bay show island citadel of the atoll an area of only 300 citadel of the atoll an area of only 300 citadel of the atoll an area of only 300 acres acres acres flat and sandy had been honeycombed with flat and sandy had been honeycombed with flat and sandy had been honeycombed with underground shelters underground shelters underground shelters and some 400 concrete pill boxes and some 400 concrete pill boxes and some 400 concrete pill boxes bunkers and strong points defending bunkers and strong points defending bunkers and strong points defending artillery included eight-inch guns artillery included eight-inch guns artillery included eight-inch guns brought from singapore brought from singapore brought from singapore the island was ringed by a coral reef the island was ringed by a coral reef the island was ringed by a coral reef its opening its opening its opening studded with submarine mines and the studded with submarine mines and the studded with submarine mines and the beaches laced with barbed wire

beaches laced with barbed wire beaches laced with barbed wire insufficient reconnaissance and faulty insufficient reconnaissance and faulty insufficient reconnaissance and faulty maps maps maps had not disclosed that the inner coral had not disclosed that the inner coral had not disclosed that the inner coral reef of bay show itself reef of bay show itself reef of bay show itself was too shallow for landing craft was too shallow for landing craft was too shallow for landing craft despite the heavy preliminary bombing despite the heavy preliminary bombing despite the heavy preliminary bombing and naval gunfire and naval gunfire and naval gunfire 4 700 veteran combat troops under rear 4 700 veteran combat troops under rear 4 700 veteran combat troops under rear admiral kiigi admiral kiigi admiral kiigi shibasaki emerged from their underground shibasaki emerged from their underground shibasaki emerged from their underground shelters shelters shelters to man their defenses as the initial to man their defenses as the initial to man their defenses as the initial assault waves of the second marine assault waves of the second marine assault waves of the second marine division approached division approached division approached while some amphibious tractors reached while some amphibious tractors reached while some amphibious tractors reached the beach the beach the beach they write most of the assault craft they write most of the assault craft they write most of the assault craft grounded on the inner reef grounded on the inner reef grounded on the inner reef and the assailants were forced to wade and the assailants were forced to wade and the assailants were forced to wade several hundred yards several hundred yards several hundred yards through crisscross fire suffering through crisscross fire suffering through crisscross fire suffering shocking losses shocking losses shocking losses end quote to say that doesn't do justice to what to say that doesn't do justice to what the marines the marines the marines encountered some of the eyewitness encountered some of the eyewitness encountered some of the eyewitness assaults do a better assaults do a better assaults do a better job i should point out that these atolls job i should point out that these atolls job i should point out that these atolls are very different are very different are very different than guadalcanal and new guinea they than guadalcanal and new guinea they than guadalcanal and new guinea they don't have giant mountains like don't have giant mountains like don't have giant mountains like like guadalcanal and new guinea do uh like guadalcanal and new guinea do uh like guadalcanal and new guinea do uh the high points on some of these atolls the high points on some of these atolls the high points on some of these atolls are like 10 feet above sea are like 10 feet above sea are like 10 feet above sea level and they don't have dense jungle level and they don't have dense jungle level and they don't have dense jungle to hide you either they're pretty open to hide you either they're pretty open to hide you either they're pretty open the good news is not a lot of places the good news is not a lot of places the good news is not a lot of places where you're going to get terrible where you're going to get terrible where you're going to get terrible malaria malaria malaria like you do on the solomons and whatnot like you do on the solomons and whatnot like you do on the solomons and whatnot the bad news is when the japanese start the bad news is when the japanese start the bad news is when the japanese start shooting at you shooting at you shooting at you there's no place to duck cover and get there's no place to duck cover and get there's no place to duck cover and get out of the way out of the way out of the way the marines will initially pile up

the marines will initially pile up the marines will initially pile up on the beach behind a giant retaining on the beach behind a giant retaining on the beach behind a giant retaining wall that the japanese made out of cut wall that the japanese made out of cut wall that the japanese made out of cut coconut trees and the logs stacked up so coconut trees and the logs stacked up so coconut trees and the logs stacked up so you see these marines you see these marines you see these marines who arrive in the first wave they have who arrive in the first wave they have who arrive in the first wave they have the landing craft there's a small number the landing craft there's a small number the landing craft there's a small number of landing craft that have tracks and of landing craft that have tracks and of landing craft that have tracks and the tracks go right over the coral reef the tracks go right over the coral reef the tracks go right over the coral reef and land them on the beach and they're and land them on the beach and they're and land them on the beach and they're stuck there waiting for the stuck there waiting for the stuck there waiting for the subsequent waves of troops to join them subsequent waves of troops to join them subsequent waves of troops to join them those are the waves in higgins boats a those are the waves in higgins boats a those are the waves in higgins boats a different kind of transport craft different kind of transport craft different kind of transport craft that get caught up on the reef while the that get caught up on the reef while the that get caught up on the reef while the japanese are beginning to blow them up japanese are beginning to blow them up japanese are beginning to blow them up with accurate fire and sometimes the with accurate fire and sometimes the with accurate fire and sometimes the drivers of these boats begin to panic drivers of these boats begin to panic drivers of these boats begin to panic there will be quite a bit of animosity there will be quite a bit of animosity there will be quite a bit of animosity and i think we mentioned this very early and i think we mentioned this very early and i think we mentioned this very early on on on between the marines and navy and coast between the marines and navy and coast between the marines and navy and coast guard drivers who will drive them from guard drivers who will drive them from guard drivers who will drive them from the ships to these beaches they storm the ships to these beaches they storm the ships to these beaches they storm because sometimes those guys don't want because sometimes those guys don't want because sometimes those guys don't want to get anywhere near to get anywhere near to get anywhere near the beaches that these marines have no the beaches that these marines have no the beaches that these marines have no choice but to assault choice but to assault choice but to assault the eyewitness accounts are brutal the eyewitness accounts are brutal the eyewitness accounts are brutal there's a time life book there's a time life book there's a time life book series a whole series on the second series a whole series on the second series a whole series on the second world war and they have one book called world war and they have one book called world war and they have one book called island fighting with a lot of island fighting with a lot of island fighting with a lot of primary source accounts that bring the primary source accounts that bring the primary source accounts that bring the chaotic chaotic chaotic and heartbreaking well i guess unless and heartbreaking well i guess unless and heartbreaking well i guess unless you're japanese you're japanese you're japanese scenes to life one of the ones that scenes to life one of the ones that scenes to life one of the ones that caught my attention caught my attention caught my attention uh specifically had to do with uh uh specifically had to do with uh uh specifically had to do with uh some of these vehicles being some of these vehicles being some of these vehicles being blown up in the water as they went from blown up in the water as they went from blown up in the water as they went from the transport ships trying to get the the transport ships trying to get the the transport ships trying to get the marines to the beach

marines to the beach marines to the beach here's the way the book describes it here's the way the book describes it here's the way the book describes it quote only a handful of amtrak's quote only a handful of amtrak's quote only a handful of amtrak's remained to shuttle them meaning the remained to shuttle them meaning the remained to shuttle them meaning the marines marines marines in across the lagoon reef in fact there in across the lagoon reef in fact there in across the lagoon reef in fact there were no amtraks at all in sight when were no amtraks at all in sight when were no amtraks at all in sight when major robert rudd's major robert rudd's major robert rudd's 3rd battalion 8th marines reached the 3rd battalion 8th marines reached the 3rd battalion 8th marines reached the reef opposite red beach 3 reef opposite red beach 3 reef opposite red beach 3 in higgins boats as the ramps of the in higgins boats as the ramps of the in higgins boats as the ramps of the boats came down boats came down boats came down marines on shore heard a sound quote marines on shore heard a sound quote marines on shore heard a sound quote like a steel girder hitting concrete end like a steel girder hitting concrete end like a steel girder hitting concrete end quote quote quote and one of the boats disappeared quote and one of the boats disappeared quote and one of the boats disappeared quote it had been there said one eyewitness it had been there said one eyewitness it had been there said one eyewitness and then suddenly it was not in its and then suddenly it was not in its and then suddenly it was not in its place place place for a split second there was a blur in for a split second there was a blur in for a split second there was a blur in the air and then there was nothing the air and then there was nothing the air and then there was nothing end quote then came another grinding end quote then came another grinding end quote then came another grinding crash crash crash and a second boat vanished the japanese and a second boat vanished the japanese and a second boat vanished the japanese had the exact range had the exact range had the exact range beyond the reef the cockswain of a third beyond the reef the cockswain of a third beyond the reef the cockswain of a third boat panicked quote boat panicked quote boat panicked quote this is as far as i go he yelled and let this is as far as i go he yelled and let this is as far as i go he yelled and let down his ramp down his ramp down his ramp and a boatload of heavily laden men and a boatload of heavily laden men and a boatload of heavily laden men drowned in 15 feet of water drowned in 15 feet of water drowned in 15 feet of water end quote well the ones that didn't end quote well the ones that didn't end quote well the ones that didn't drown found themselves sometimes drown found themselves sometimes drown found themselves sometimes in neck deep water on a coral reef that in neck deep water on a coral reef that in neck deep water on a coral reef that could cut right through your shoes could cut right through your shoes could cut right through your shoes holding their rifles over holding their rifles over holding their rifles over their heads as the machine guns raked their heads as the machine guns raked their heads as the machine guns raked the sea around them the sea around them the sea around them quote the remainder of rudd's battalion quote the remainder of rudd's battalion quote the remainder of rudd's battalion began began began wading in few lived to tel of it but wading in few lived to tel of it but wading in few lived to tel of it but there were many witnesses there were many witnesses there were many witnesses colonel shoop radioed major crow quote colonel shoop radioed major crow quote colonel shoop radioed major crow quote root is landing to your rear and root is landing to your rear and root is landing to your rear and catching hell end quote

catching hell end quote catching hell end quote crow and his men could see for crow and his men could see for crow and his men could see for themselves so could a sailor on the dash themselves so could a sailor on the dash themselves so could a sailor on the dash shield in the lagoon that's a destroyer shield in the lagoon that's a destroyer shield in the lagoon that's a destroyer watching through binoculars later he watching through binoculars later he watching through binoculars later he recalled and this is the recollection recalled and this is the recollection recalled and this is the recollection quote quote quote it was like a war movie those poor guys it was like a war movie those poor guys it was like a war movie those poor guys plotting in chest high water and getting plotting in chest high water and getting plotting in chest high water and getting shot down shot down shot down i tried not to look but i couldn't turn i tried not to look but i couldn't turn i tried not to look but i couldn't turn away away away the horror of it hypnotized me if i get the horror of it hypnotized me if i get the horror of it hypnotized me if i get to be a hundred years old i'll always to be a hundred years old i'll always to be a hundred years old i'll always remember remember remember end quote overhead the story continues end quote overhead the story continues end quote overhead the story continues in the battleship maryland's scout plane in the battleship maryland's scout plane in the battleship maryland's scout plane lieutenant commander robert mcpherson lieutenant commander robert mcpherson lieutenant commander robert mcpherson watched too watched too watched too he wrote in his log quote the water he wrote in his log quote the water he wrote in his log quote the water seemed seemed seemed never clear of tiny men their rifles never clear of tiny men their rifles never clear of tiny men their rifles held over their heads held over their heads held over their heads slowly waiting beachwood they kept slowly waiting beachwood they kept slowly waiting beachwood they kept falling falling falling falling falling singly in groups and in falling falling singly in groups and in falling falling singly in groups and in rows rows rows end quote the description ends with this end quote the description ends with this end quote the description ends with this quote some of the waiters made it to quote some of the waiters made it to quote some of the waiters made it to relative safety under the pier relative safety under the pier relative safety under the pier others trudged on towards shore through others trudged on towards shore through others trudged on towards shore through water tinged pink water tinged pink water tinged pink and whipped by bullets many died quickly and whipped by bullets many died quickly and whipped by bullets many died quickly some died slowly wounded and struggling some died slowly wounded and struggling some died slowly wounded and struggling to keep their heads above water to keep their heads above water to keep their heads above water as the blood drained out of them and as the blood drained out of them and as the blood drained out of them and their packs pressed them down their packs pressed them down their packs pressed them down some stepped into holes and drowned some some stepped into holes and drowned some some stepped into holes and drowned some died trying to help died trying to help died trying to help wounded buddies heads and limbs of the wounded buddies heads and limbs of the wounded buddies heads and limbs of the newly slained bob newly slained bob newly slained bob gently in the swell the dead from the gently in the swell the dead from the gently in the swell the dead from the first assault waves floated stiffly like

first assault waves floated stiffly like first assault waves floated stiffly like logs end quote the chaos at shore was very apparent the chaos at shore was very apparent when the when the when the marines managed to get something like marines managed to get something like marines managed to get something like six medium tanks ashore six medium tanks ashore six medium tanks ashore but in order for the tanks to move up but in order for the tanks to move up but in order for the tanks to move up and help they would have had to have and help they would have had to have and help they would have had to have rolled over and crushed marine dead and rolled over and crushed marine dead and rolled over and crushed marine dead and wounded which they refused to do wounded which they refused to do wounded which they refused to do but then when trying to get around them but then when trying to get around them but then when trying to get around them ended up falling into holes for the most ended up falling into holes for the most ended up falling into holes for the most part and once again like so much in this part and once again like so much in this part and once again like so much in this conflict conflict conflict it's average infantrymen that have to go it's average infantrymen that have to go it's average infantrymen that have to go up and average marines that have to go up and average marines that have to go up and average marines that have to go up up up and destroy all of these japanese strong and destroy all of these japanese strong and destroy all of these japanese strong points by hand points by hand points by hand and by the time it's over with so are and by the time it's over with so are and by the time it's over with so are the japanese of the the japanese of the the japanese of the 4 700 japanese defenders on the island 4 700 japanese defenders on the island 4 700 japanese defenders on the island 17 prisoners are taken 17 prisoners are taken 17 prisoners are taken and most of them grievously wounded a and most of them grievously wounded a and most of them grievously wounded a lot of japanese will lot of japanese will lot of japanese will kill themselves by shooting themselves kill themselves by shooting themselves kill themselves by shooting themselves with their own rifles with their own rifles with their own rifles pulling the triggers with their big toes pulling the triggers with their big toes pulling the triggers with their big toes and of the marines and of the marines and of the marines well ernest well ernest well ernest and trevor dupuis say this quote tarawa and trevor dupuis say this quote tarawa and trevor dupuis say this quote tarawa in ratio between casualties and troops in ratio between casualties and troops in ratio between casualties and troops engaged engaged engaged ranks among the costliest battles in ranks among the costliest battles in ranks among the costliest battles in american military history american military history american military history its lessons brought about many its lessons brought about many its lessons brought about many improvements in amphibious assault improvements in amphibious assault improvements in amphibious assault techniques techniques techniques correcting the manifest mistakes correcting the manifest mistakes correcting the manifest mistakes committed there committed there committed there end quote saying that the marine end quote saying that the marine end quote saying that the marine casualties on terrawa would end up

casualties on terrawa would end up casualties on terrawa would end up saving marine lives later in the war by saving marine lives later in the war by saving marine lives later in the war by teaching invaluable lessons on how you teaching invaluable lessons on how you teaching invaluable lessons on how you conduct amphibious warfare conduct amphibious warfare conduct amphibious warfare is cold comfort to the families of the is cold comfort to the families of the is cold comfort to the families of the dead dead dead we had said earlier that japanese we had said earlier that japanese we had said earlier that japanese parents of parents of parents of dead japanese soldiers would have every dead japanese soldiers would have every dead japanese soldiers would have every right to think about their right to think about their right to think about their young people their loved ones as being young people their loved ones as being young people their loved ones as being sacrificed sacrificed sacrificed admiral nimitz received tons of letters admiral nimitz received tons of letters admiral nimitz received tons of letters and one of them's quoted in the and one of them's quoted in the and one of them's quoted in the time life book just saying you killed my time life book just saying you killed my time life book just saying you killed my son at tarawa son at tarawa son at tarawa imagine getting a bunch of those according to the encyclopedia of according to the encyclopedia of military history military history military history marine losses taking these places in the marine losses taking these places in the marine losses taking these places in the gilberts gilberts gilberts were 985 dead marines and 2 193 wounded were 985 dead marines and 2 193 wounded were 985 dead marines and 2 193 wounded ones ones ones fighting as we said in a territory about fighting as we said in a territory about fighting as we said in a territory about half the size of new york central park half the size of new york central park half the size of new york central park the american public was shocked by the the american public was shocked by the the american public was shocked by the results and doubly so because franklin results and doubly so because franklin results and doubly so because franklin roosevelt made the executive decision roosevelt made the executive decision roosevelt made the executive decision to do something that was rare and allow to do something that was rare and allow to do something that was rare and allow footage of american corpses footage of american corpses footage of american corpses floating off the beach to be shown in floating off the beach to be shown in floating off the beach to be shown in theaters theaters theaters he thought the american public needed a he thought the american public needed a he thought the american public needed a jolt jolt jolt in the fabulous documentary i mentioned in the fabulous documentary i mentioned in the fabulous documentary i mentioned earlier hell in the pacific earlier hell in the pacific earlier hell in the pacific it said that the shock did indeed result

it said that the shock did indeed result it said that the shock did indeed result in an increased number of war bonds in an increased number of war bonds in an increased number of war bonds being sold being sold being sold but it also resulted in marine corps but it also resulted in marine corps but it also resulted in marine corps recruitment dropping recruitment dropping recruitment dropping for the same reason my step-dad probably for the same reason my step-dad probably for the same reason my step-dad probably didn't want me in the marines he called it a suicide squad and when he called it a suicide squad and when you saw you saw you saw those elite marines waiting 700 yards in those elite marines waiting 700 yards in those elite marines waiting 700 yards in chest deep water under machine gun fire chest deep water under machine gun fire chest deep water under machine gun fire well if you're a parent you probably well if you're a parent you probably well if you're a parent you probably don't want your son doing that don't want your son doing that don't want your son doing that the marines didn't want their people the marines didn't want their people the marines didn't want their people doing that either and what doing that either and what doing that either and what their marines paid a high price for their marines paid a high price for their marines paid a high price for learning learning learning at tarawa will be employed later as we at tarawa will be employed later as we at tarawa will be employed later as we said said said reminds me of douglas hague on the reminds me of douglas hague on the reminds me of douglas hague on the western front the western front the western front the british commander there that took so british commander there that took so british commander there that took so much flack for being a butcher but much flack for being a butcher but much flack for being a butcher but fans of douglas hague say that what he fans of douglas hague say that what he fans of douglas hague say that what he learned in those terrible battles that learned in those terrible battles that learned in those terrible battles that got him that nickname got him that nickname got him that nickname assured that there would be less loss of assured that there would be less loss of assured that there would be less loss of life later in the war marines at places like iwo jima later marines at places like iwo jima later will benefit from the sacrifice of will benefit from the sacrifice of will benefit from the sacrifice of marines at tarawa now marines at tarawa now marines at tarawa now douglas hague of course is a first world douglas hague of course is a first world douglas hague of course is a first world war general war general war general and if you look at the difference and if you look at the difference and if you look at the difference between tactics between tactics between tactics strategy and equipment in 1914 the first strategy and equipment in 1914 the first strategy and equipment in 1914 the first year of the first world war year of the first world war year of the first world war and 1918 the last year of the first and 1918 the last year of the first and 1918 the last year of the first world war right a mere four years world war right a mere four years world war right a mere four years it is astounding and i believe we said

it is astounding and i believe we said it is astounding and i believe we said when we talked about the first world war when we talked about the first world war when we talked about the first world war it's like it's like it's like technology on steroids and in the modern technology on steroids and in the modern technology on steroids and in the modern world war has that effect world war has that effect world war has that effect and you see it in the second world war and you see it in the second world war and you see it in the second world war also also also by 1943 the allies aren't just by 1943 the allies aren't just by 1943 the allies aren't just churning out tons more stuff than the churning out tons more stuff than the churning out tons more stuff than the axis right it's not just a axis right it's not just a axis right it's not just a quantitative advantage it is beginning quantitative advantage it is beginning quantitative advantage it is beginning to show to show to show a huge improvement in quality as well a huge improvement in quality as well a huge improvement in quality as well the united states for example uh had the united states for example uh had the united states for example uh had poor for the most part poor aircraft poor for the most part poor aircraft poor for the most part poor aircraft when the war started there were some when the war started there were some when the war started there were some exceptions exceptions exceptions by 1943 much much better aircraft by 1943 much much better aircraft by 1943 much much better aircraft are making appearances and being are making appearances and being are making appearances and being deployed deployed deployed i mean the p-38 uh the famous lightning i mean the p-38 uh the famous lightning i mean the p-38 uh the famous lightning that was a 1942 plane really but in 43 that was a 1942 plane really but in 43 that was a 1942 plane really but in 43 it's it's it's it's all over the place in 43 you start it's all over the place in 43 you start it's all over the place in 43 you start getting p47s getting p47s getting p47s you start getting corsairs the f4u you start getting corsairs the f4u you start getting corsairs the f4u the p-51s are still a little ways away the p-51s are still a little ways away the p-51s are still a little ways away but you do start getting but you do start getting but you do start getting uh b-29 super fortresses rolling off the uh b-29 super fortresses rolling off the uh b-29 super fortresses rolling off the assembly lines assembly lines assembly lines new carrier aircraft hell divers i mean new carrier aircraft hell divers i mean new carrier aircraft hell divers i mean it's going to be it's going to be it's going to be the fact that the japanese uh especially the fact that the japanese uh especially the fact that the japanese uh especially are not going to be able to take are not going to be able to take are not going to be able to take advantage of improvements in technology advantage of improvements in technology advantage of improvements in technology to anywhere near the same degree to anywhere near the same degree to anywhere near the same degree if you're an aircraft fan from the if you're an aircraft fan from the if you're an aircraft fan from the second world war you know that they're second world war you know that they're second world war you know that they're constantly constantly constantly all the powers are trying to take all the powers are trying to take all the powers are trying to take advantage of what you learn in combat advantage of what you learn in combat advantage of what you learn in combat and come up with variants of your planes

and come up with variants of your planes and come up with variants of your planes or new versions so if or new versions so if or new versions so if take the me109 the german aircraft take the me109 the german aircraft take the me109 the german aircraft well there was an me109 a well there was an me109 a well there was an me109 a b c d e uh finally you get to like the b c d e uh finally you get to like the b c d e uh finally you get to like the g's and stuff and they're all g's and stuff and they're all g's and stuff and they're all better right taking advantage of newer better right taking advantage of newer better right taking advantage of newer stuff stuff stuff the americans will do the same thing the the americans will do the same thing the the americans will do the same thing the british should do the same thing the british should do the same thing the british should do the same thing the russians would do the same thing but the russians would do the same thing but the russians would do the same thing but the japanese japanese japanese fall behind on that too they had the fall behind on that too they had the fall behind on that too they had the zero fighter that was such a great zero fighter that was such a great zero fighter that was such a great fighter when the war started but fighter when the war started but fighter when the war started but as the war goes on the japanese aren't as the war goes on the japanese aren't as the war goes on the japanese aren't getting much better and their enemies getting much better and their enemies getting much better and their enemies are are are so you combine the fact that you're so you combine the fact that you're so you combine the fact that you're gonna have a ton more aircraft gonna have a ton more aircraft gonna have a ton more aircraft being churned out by allied factories being churned out by allied factories being churned out by allied factories and this aircraft is going to start and this aircraft is going to start and this aircraft is going to start outstripping the japanese aircraft in outstripping the japanese aircraft in outstripping the japanese aircraft in quality too quality too quality too it's not just aircraft that are getting it's not just aircraft that are getting it's not just aircraft that are getting qualitatively better qualitatively better qualitatively better i mean for example in 1943 you start i mean for example in 1943 you start i mean for example in 1943 you start seeing seeing seeing late 42 actually but in 43 you start late 42 actually but in 43 you start late 42 actually but in 43 you start seeing the essex class aircraft carriers seeing the essex class aircraft carriers seeing the essex class aircraft carriers uh rolling off the assembly lines my dad uh rolling off the assembly lines my dad uh rolling off the assembly lines my dad served on the essex served on the essex served on the essex in the korean war um the essex is one of in the korean war um the essex is one of in the korean war um the essex is one of these carriers that these carriers that these carriers that actually takes advantage of wartime actually takes advantage of wartime actually takes advantage of wartime experience experience experience to make a better design as we to make a better design as we to make a better design as we should remember in the second world war should remember in the second world war should remember in the second world war everyone expected battleships everyone expected battleships everyone expected battleships to be the big important you know queen to be the big important you know queen to be the big important you know queen of the seas of the seas of the seas when it turned out to be aircraft when it turned out to be aircraft when it turned out to be aircraft carriers the aircraft carriers that carriers the aircraft carriers that carriers the aircraft carriers that japan and the united states had for japan and the united states had for japan and the united states had for example were ones that were designed example were ones that were designed example were ones that were designed before the war before they knew that before the war before they knew that before the war before they knew that these were going to be the dominant

these were going to be the dominant these were going to be the dominant ships and before they had any chance to ships and before they had any chance to ships and before they had any chance to incorporate incorporate incorporate real wartime lessons into the design real wartime lessons into the design real wartime lessons into the design the essex class carriers are different the essex class carriers are different the essex class carriers are different and people who talk about them uh i was and people who talk about them uh i was and people who talk about them uh i was reading a whole thing on them just the reading a whole thing on them just the reading a whole thing on them just the other day were saying that they're other day were saying that they're other day were saying that they're they're they're they're significantly better than the pre-war significantly better than the pre-war significantly better than the pre-war aircraft carriers aircraft carriers aircraft carriers uh the japanese are not going to get a uh the japanese are not going to get a uh the japanese are not going to get a chance to incorporate those wartime chance to incorporate those wartime chance to incorporate those wartime lessons in ship design anywhere near as lessons in ship design anywhere near as lessons in ship design anywhere near as um effectively because they produce so um effectively because they produce so um effectively because they produce so so many fewer ships the japanese are so many fewer ships the japanese are so many fewer ships the japanese are going to rely on going to rely on going to rely on converting battleships that are under converting battleships that are under converting battleships that are under construction into aircraft carriers i construction into aircraft carriers i construction into aircraft carriers i mean they're going to try mean they're going to try mean they're going to try stopgap measures to help themselves stopgap measures to help themselves stopgap measures to help themselves meanwhile the united states is creating meanwhile the united states is creating meanwhile the united states is creating like like like seven eight nine new fleet carriers a seven eight nine new fleet carriers a seven eight nine new fleet carriers a year i mean it's year i mean it's year i mean it's it's a dynamic that the japanese can't it's a dynamic that the japanese can't it's a dynamic that the japanese can't win win win it's a steamroller by 43 and 1943 it's a steamroller by 43 and 1943 it's a steamroller by 43 and 1943 shows you that the axis are beginning to shows you that the axis are beginning to shows you that the axis are beginning to lose lose lose everywhere we said the beginning of 1942 everywhere we said the beginning of 1942 everywhere we said the beginning of 1942 to the end of 1942 it's like night and to the end of 1942 it's like night and to the end of 1942 it's like night and day day day but once 1943 rolls around this is a but once 1943 rolls around this is a but once 1943 rolls around this is a one-way street when it comes to how one-way street when it comes to how one-way street when it comes to how things are going 43 is a terrible year things are going 43 is a terrible year things are going 43 is a terrible year for the axes 44 is worse and of course for the axes 44 is worse and of course for the axes 44 is worse and of course 45 is nightmarish 45 is nightmarish 45 is nightmarish 1943 is the year that the allies 1943 is the year that the allies 1943 is the year that the allies kick the axis powers out of north africa kick the axis powers out of north africa kick the axis powers out of north africa they then quickly cross the they then quickly cross the they then quickly cross the mediterranean and invade the island of mediterranean and invade the island of mediterranean and invade the island of sicily then they quickly cross from the

sicily then they quickly cross from the sicily then they quickly cross from the island of sicily to italy island of sicily to italy island of sicily to italy and knock the italians out of the war and knock the italians out of the war and knock the italians out of the war mussolini is deposed in 1943 so he's one mussolini is deposed in 1943 so he's one mussolini is deposed in 1943 so he's one of the big three right tojo hitler and of the big three right tojo hitler and of the big three right tojo hitler and mussolini mussolini mussolini the germans flip out as you might the germans flip out as you might the germans flip out as you might imagine imagine imagine when italy decides it's gonna declare when italy decides it's gonna declare when italy decides it's gonna declare war on them now war on them now war on them now and they quickly occupy the country and and they quickly occupy the country and and they quickly occupy the country and they start fighting the british and they start fighting the british and they start fighting the british and american forces in the tough american forces in the tough american forces in the tough mountainous terrain of italy with mountainous terrain of italy with mountainous terrain of italy with mussolini mussolini mussolini controlling sort of a rump symbolic controlling sort of a rump symbolic controlling sort of a rump symbolic state that's propped up by hitler state that's propped up by hitler state that's propped up by hitler but the writing's on the wall but the writing's on the wall but the writing's on the wall also in 1943 the bombing of german also in 1943 the bombing of german also in 1943 the bombing of german cities really ramps up 42 saw cities really ramps up 42 saw cities really ramps up 42 saw you know the thousand bomber raids and you know the thousand bomber raids and you know the thousand bomber raids and all that but by 43 it's almost round the all that but by 43 it's almost round the all that but by 43 it's almost round the clock bombing the british at night the clock bombing the british at night the clock bombing the british at night the americans by day americans by day americans by day and eventually uh this will begin to and eventually uh this will begin to and eventually uh this will begin to take its toll on take its toll on take its toll on german quality because german designs german quality because german designs german quality because german designs will be will be will be uh almost captain america-ish you know uh almost captain america-ish you know uh almost captain america-ish you know crazy technological stuff you know jets crazy technological stuff you know jets crazy technological stuff you know jets and all these other things and all these other things and all these other things but slowly but surely you see the but slowly but surely you see the but slowly but surely you see the whittling down whittling down whittling down of german parts and the tool and dye of german parts and the tool and dye of german parts and the tool and dye industry and the ball bearings and all industry and the ball bearings and all industry and the ball bearings and all these things that suffer from the these things that suffer from the these things that suffer from the bombing bombing bombing so that by 1945 you may have these so that by 1945 you may have these so that by 1945 you may have these really sophisticated german designs really sophisticated german designs really sophisticated german designs but the internal parts and whatnot are but the internal parts and whatnot are but the internal parts and whatnot are substandard substandard substandard by german standards and so by german standards and so by german standards and so that will begin to erode some of the that will begin to erode some of the that will begin to erode some of the value in these high-tech designs and value in these high-tech designs and value in these high-tech designs and will also make it harder for the germans

will also make it harder for the germans will also make it harder for the germans to churn out to churn out to churn out some of this cutting-edge stuff in any some of this cutting-edge stuff in any some of this cutting-edge stuff in any sort of numbers that could make a sort of numbers that could make a sort of numbers that could make a difference on the eastern front the soviets on the eastern front the soviets are now by the end of 1943 pushing the are now by the end of 1943 pushing the are now by the end of 1943 pushing the axis forces irrevocably axis forces irrevocably axis forces irrevocably and irreversibly back toward the and irreversibly back toward the and irreversibly back toward the frontiers of germany all the conquered frontiers of germany all the conquered frontiers of germany all the conquered territory territory territory that the germans had taken in 1941 that the germans had taken in 1941 that the germans had taken in 1941 and 1942 is being won and 1942 is being won and 1942 is being won back at huge costs by the soviets back at huge costs by the soviets back at huge costs by the soviets and even though some areas will remain and even though some areas will remain and even though some areas will remain in german hands longer than others in german hands longer than others in german hands longer than others the long fighting retreat back towards the long fighting retreat back towards the long fighting retreat back towards germany has begun germany has begun germany has begun and of course in britain the stockpiling and of course in britain the stockpiling and of course in britain the stockpiling of troops and of troops and of troops and aircraft supplies equipment and aircraft supplies equipment and aircraft supplies equipment and transport ships is well underway transport ships is well underway transport ships is well underway for the long-awaited much anticipated for the long-awaited much anticipated for the long-awaited much anticipated re-invasion of western europe re-invasion of western europe re-invasion of western europe that will culminate with the june 6 1944 that will culminate with the june 6 1944 that will culminate with the june 6 1944 landings at d-day landings at d-day landings at d-day in normandy so the axis is in real trouble by the so the axis is in real trouble by the end of 1943.

end of 1943. end of 1943. you can see how things are speeding up you can see how things are speeding up you can see how things are speeding up in the pacific in the pacific in the pacific by the fact that the allies the by the fact that the allies the by the fact that the allies the americans especially start americans especially start americans especially start increasing the speed of their timetable increasing the speed of their timetable increasing the speed of their timetable beyond what they thought they would beyond what they thought they would beyond what they thought they would they'd had estimates for how long it they'd had estimates for how long it they'd had estimates for how long it would take to move from this island to would take to move from this island to would take to move from this island to that island and they that island and they that island and they throw those timetables out and they throw those timetables out and they throw those timetables out and they start going start going start going more quickly what's more the fact that more quickly what's more the fact that more quickly what's more the fact that they have control over they have control over they have control over a lot of the code breaking as we said in a lot of the code breaking as we said in a lot of the code breaking as we said in the intelligence allows them to see the intelligence allows them to see the intelligence allows them to see where the japanese are deciding to put where the japanese are deciding to put where the japanese are deciding to put their reinforcements right they'll their reinforcements right they'll their reinforcements right they'll reinforce this island and then that reinforce this island and then that reinforce this island and then that island island island so the americans will go to other so the americans will go to other so the americans will go to other islands it is absolutely islands it is absolutely islands it is absolutely a confounding strategy for the japanese this is really the point in the war this is really the point in the war where you can find yourself as i do now where you can find yourself as i do now where you can find yourself as i do now somewhat morally conflicted by how you somewhat morally conflicted by how you somewhat morally conflicted by how you feel about the japanese situation feel about the japanese situation feel about the japanese situation because on one hand in the in the because on one hand in the in the because on one hand in the in the so-called so-called so-called good war that the second world war is good war that the second world war is good war that the second world war is portrayed as these are the bad guys and portrayed as these are the bad guys and portrayed as these are the bad guys and to feel sorry for them to feel sorry for them to feel sorry for them is like feeling sorry for nazi germany is like feeling sorry for nazi germany is like feeling sorry for nazi germany but i always try to remind myself that but i always try to remind myself that but i always try to remind myself that there are a lot of people in a place there are a lot of people in a place there are a lot of people in a place like japan who didn't support where like japan who didn't support where like japan who didn't support where things are or things are or things are or wouldn't have and they're trapped along wouldn't have and they're trapped along wouldn't have and they're trapped along with the people with the people with the people that maybe deserve some level of that maybe deserve some level of that maybe deserve some level of retribution and all of them i would retribution and all of them i would retribution and all of them i would think have some bone to pick or a good think have some bone to pick or a good think have some bone to pick or a good argument to be made against a government argument to be made against a government argument to be made against a government that puts them in the situation that that puts them in the situation that that puts them in the situation that they find themselves now they find themselves now they find themselves now because they're about to reap the

because they're about to reap the because they're about to reap the whirlwind whirlwind whirlwind we've said all along that japan this we've said all along that japan this we've said all along that japan this whole time has been punching above its whole time has been punching above its whole time has been punching above its weight class weight class weight class how astounding their conquests have been how astounding their conquests have been how astounding their conquests have been to this point to this point to this point because japan has no right to expect because japan has no right to expect because japan has no right to expect that they could do what they've done we that they could do what they've done we that they could do what they've done we compared it to compared it to compared it to the japanese rising sun going supernova the japanese rising sun going supernova the japanese rising sun going supernova and the explosion has taken the blast and the explosion has taken the blast and the explosion has taken the blast radius to the borders of india in one radius to the borders of india in one radius to the borders of india in one direction to the borders of the soviet direction to the borders of the soviet direction to the borders of the soviet union in the north all the way to midway union in the north all the way to midway union in the north all the way to midway island you know nearing hawaii in the island you know nearing hawaii in the island you know nearing hawaii in the west west west and down south all the way to new guinea and down south all the way to new guinea and down south all the way to new guinea and the solomons and the solomons and the solomons it's an amazing achievement for a small it's an amazing achievement for a small it's an amazing achievement for a small island nation and a nation that is island nation and a nation that is island nation and a nation that is resource poor a nation whose industry is resource poor a nation whose industry is resource poor a nation whose industry is only formidable when compared to its only formidable when compared to its only formidable when compared to its regional competitors regional competitors regional competitors punching above your weight class often punching above your weight class often punching above your weight class often doesn't last doesn't last doesn't last and they're about to find out exactly and they're about to find out exactly and they're about to find out exactly why they're forced to use their human why they're forced to use their human why they're forced to use their human capital in such a capital in such a capital in such a reckless and heartbreaking fashion reckless and heartbreaking fashion reckless and heartbreaking fashion because they have to make up because they have to make up because they have to make up for the material capital that they lack for the material capital that they lack for the material capital that they lack e w toll in them the conquering tide has e w toll in them the conquering tide has e w toll in them the conquering tide has a story a story a story that just perfectly exemplifies how that just perfectly exemplifies how that just perfectly exemplifies how ridiculously outclassed the japanese are ridiculously outclassed the japanese are ridiculously outclassed the japanese are at this point in the war once the at this point in the war once the at this point in the war once the the great arsenal of democracy in the the great arsenal of democracy in the the great arsenal of democracy in the united states for example has united states for example has united states for example has ramped up and you see big companies like ramped up and you see big companies like ramped up and you see big companies like boeing and grumman and douglas these boeing and grumman and douglas these boeing and grumman and douglas these aircraft companies that are churning out

aircraft companies that are churning out aircraft companies that are churning out assembly line production of planes and assembly line production of planes and assembly line production of planes and the japanese still have the japanese still have the japanese still have skilled small craftsmen churning out skilled small craftsmen churning out skilled small craftsmen churning out theirs theirs theirs and he tells a story about how the and he tells a story about how the and he tells a story about how the mitsubishi plant that is mitsubishi plant that is mitsubishi plant that is making the zero fighters has no airfield making the zero fighters has no airfield making the zero fighters has no airfield next door to it and so they have to next door to it and so they have to next door to it and so they have to transport the newly transport the newly transport the newly made zero fighters can't do it on a made zero fighters can't do it on a made zero fighters can't do it on a truck apparently they're too fragile truck apparently they're too fragile truck apparently they're too fragile can't do it on railroads there's no rail can't do it on railroads there's no rail can't do it on railroads there's no rail heads near the factory heads near the factory heads near the factory so they use beasts of burden so they use beasts of burden so they use beasts of burden to do it oxen towing these fighter to do it oxen towing these fighter to do it oxen towing these fighter planes the 25 miles that they need to go planes the 25 miles that they need to go planes the 25 miles that they need to go and by this time in the war they can't and by this time in the war they can't and by this time in the war they can't get feed for the oxen except on the get feed for the oxen except on the get feed for the oxen except on the black market black market black market and when that starts to fail toll says and when that starts to fail toll says and when that starts to fail toll says the oxen start to die the oxen start to die the oxen start to die and so they can't get the planes the 25 and so they can't get the planes the 25 and so they can't get the planes the 25 miles they need to get them miles they need to get them miles they need to get them so that they can be used think about how so that they can be used think about how so that they can be used think about how much of a disadvantage that puts the much of a disadvantage that puts the much of a disadvantage that puts the japanese in japanese in japanese in and think about how symbolic it is that and think about how symbolic it is that and think about how symbolic it is that that this country who has to use that this country who has to use that this country who has to use oxen to move 20th century aircraft oxen to move 20th century aircraft oxen to move 20th century aircraft the situation they find themselves in the situation they find themselves in the situation they find themselves in when they're facing when they're facing when they're facing the united states at this point in the the united states at this point in the the united states at this point in the war war war in mid-1944 the united states begins to in mid-1944 the united states begins to in mid-1944 the united states begins to turn the very strategy that had been turn the very strategy that had been turn the very strategy that had been part of the defense plans of japan part of the defense plans of japan part of the defense plans of japan against them we have said against them we have said against them we have said for a long time now haven't we that the

for a long time now haven't we that the for a long time now haven't we that the japanese plan here was to have a japanese plan here was to have a japanese plan here was to have a a chain of island outposts a defense a chain of island outposts a defense a chain of island outposts a defense perimeter made up of perimeter made up of perimeter made up of islands that had airfields that could islands that had airfields that could islands that had airfields that could throw up an throw up an throw up an interconnected web of air cover over the interconnected web of air cover over the interconnected web of air cover over the entire region entire region entire region shutting down sea lanes to their shutting down sea lanes to their shutting down sea lanes to their adversaries sinking allied fleets adversaries sinking allied fleets adversaries sinking allied fleets destroying allied bases on other islands destroying allied bases on other islands destroying allied bases on other islands this is just what the americans start to this is just what the americans start to this is just what the americans start to do it's turnabout is fair play time do it's turnabout is fair play time do it's turnabout is fair play time and if you look at a day-to-day rundown and if you look at a day-to-day rundown and if you look at a day-to-day rundown of events in the pacific war you will of events in the pacific war you will of events in the pacific war you will notice a notice a notice a growing number of air attacks over a growing number of air attacks over a growing number of air attacks over a wide wide wide range of territory almost all the time range of territory almost all the time range of territory almost all the time some of them are moderate in size but some of them are moderate in size but some of them are moderate in size but some of them are very large i mean for some of them are very large i mean for some of them are very large i mean for example on february 18 1944 example on february 18 1944 example on february 18 1944 american carrier planes hundreds of them american carrier planes hundreds of them american carrier planes hundreds of them strike the japanese naval base at truck strike the japanese naval base at truck strike the japanese naval base at truck in the carolines in the carolines in the carolines now truck is uh the main naval base for now truck is uh the main naval base for now truck is uh the main naval base for the japanese in the pacific it's the japanese in the pacific it's the japanese in the pacific it's been called the gibraltar of the pacific been called the gibraltar of the pacific been called the gibraltar of the pacific it's been called the japanese pearl it's been called the japanese pearl it's been called the japanese pearl harbor but macarthur's harbor but macarthur's harbor but macarthur's southwest pacific advances and the southwest pacific advances and the southwest pacific advances and the solomon island advances have already solomon island advances have already solomon island advances have already been been been cutting those areas off making them less cutting those areas off making them less cutting those areas off making them less valuable the japanese have had to rely valuable the japanese have had to rely valuable the japanese have had to rely on it less and less they've moved a on it less and less they've moved a on it less and less they've moved a bunch of the big ships out bunch of the big ships out bunch of the big ships out but when the americans strike on but when the americans strike on but when the americans strike on february 18th uh they february 18th uh they february 18th uh they they destroy almost 300 japanese planes they destroy almost 300 japanese planes they destroy almost 300 japanese planes most of them on the ground most of them on the ground most of them on the ground they sink something like 200 000 tons of they sink something like 200 000 tons of they sink something like 200 000 tons of shipping much of it shipping much of it shipping much of it crucial and vital and in short supply

crucial and vital and in short supply crucial and vital and in short supply merchant ships merchant ships merchant ships they have some submarines they are they have some submarines they are they have some submarines they are helping the aircraft too and the helping the aircraft too and the helping the aircraft too and the american submarines are beginning to american submarines are beginning to american submarines are beginning to assert their dominance in a way that has assert their dominance in a way that has assert their dominance in a way that has only recently been only recently been only recently been acknowledged i mean they're cutting off acknowledged i mean they're cutting off acknowledged i mean they're cutting off the ability of the japanese to the ability of the japanese to the ability of the japanese to resupply any of these islands and the resupply any of these islands and the resupply any of these islands and the american aircraft american aircraft american aircraft wreck whole parts of the truck naval wreck whole parts of the truck naval wreck whole parts of the truck naval base the japanese are in no position to base the japanese are in no position to base the japanese are in no position to repair facilities like this repair facilities like this repair facilities like this they've got to pick and choose where they've got to pick and choose where they've got to pick and choose where they can operate they can operate they can operate and where to put precious fuel and where and where to put precious fuel and where and where to put precious fuel and where to risk to risk to risk things like merchant ships and there's things like merchant ships and there's things like merchant ships and there's going to be several major going to be several major going to be several major events where a whole merchant ship events where a whole merchant ship events where a whole merchant ship fleets will go down taking hundreds fleets will go down taking hundreds fleets will go down taking hundreds or thousands of japanese fresh troops on or thousands of japanese fresh troops on or thousands of japanese fresh troops on the way to somewhere or being evacuated the way to somewhere or being evacuated the way to somewhere or being evacuated from somewhere else to the bottom of the from somewhere else to the bottom of the from somewhere else to the bottom of the sea sea sea it's becoming hard for the japanese to it's becoming hard for the japanese to it's becoming hard for the japanese to move move move unfortunately for them the americans are unfortunately for them the americans are unfortunately for them the americans are doing a darn good job of it against doing a darn good job of it against doing a darn good job of it against all odds the logistical challenges i all odds the logistical challenges i all odds the logistical challenges i mean if you actually it's kind of the mean if you actually it's kind of the mean if you actually it's kind of the non-sexy side of wars we've been saying non-sexy side of wars we've been saying non-sexy side of wars we've been saying if you go look at the actual things the if you go look at the actual things the if you go look at the actual things the americans have to do to supply americans have to do to supply americans have to do to supply their people over thousands and their people over thousands and their people over thousands and thousands and thousands of miles of thousands and thousands of miles of thousands and thousands of miles of ocean ocean ocean it is a triumph of modern it is a triumph of modern it is a triumph of modern industrial skill and logistics industrial skill and logistics industrial skill and logistics as we've said the americans have been as we've said the americans have been as we've said the americans have been starting the central pacific campaign starting the central pacific campaign starting the central pacific campaign and that's what tarawa in the gilbert and that's what tarawa in the gilbert and that's what tarawa in the gilbert islands was part of islands was part of islands was part of but in february 1944 you get the next but in february 1944 you get the next but in february 1944 you get the next jump look at your map right from the jump look at your map right from the jump look at your map right from the gilbert's all the way to the marshals gilbert's all the way to the marshals gilbert's all the way to the marshals so in the first week of february the so in the first week of february the so in the first week of february the americans take kwajalein

americans take kwajalein americans take kwajalein in the third week of february they take in the third week of february they take in the third week of february they take aniwa talk now these islands aniwa talk now these islands aniwa talk now these islands are fought over and they're deadly but are fought over and they're deadly but are fought over and they're deadly but they're nothing like terroir and that's they're nothing like terroir and that's they're nothing like terroir and that's partly because of what was learned at partly because of what was learned at partly because of what was learned at tarawa tarawa tarawa now the problem for the japanese though now the problem for the japanese though now the problem for the japanese though is the next jump from the marshall is the next jump from the marshall is the next jump from the marshall islands islands islands is to the marianas and the marianas are is to the marianas and the marianas are is to the marianas and the marianas are part of what japan has now called part of what japan has now called part of what japan has now called the absolute national defense zone so the absolute national defense zone so the absolute national defense zone so this isn't an area this isn't an area this isn't an area that's on a perimeter that you're hoping that's on a perimeter that you're hoping that's on a perimeter that you're hoping to conquer out to and then defend to conquer out to and then defend to conquer out to and then defend this is part of an area that the this is part of an area that the this is part of an area that the japanese consider to be like home island japanese consider to be like home island japanese consider to be like home island stuff stuff stuff places like saipan and tinian places like saipan and tinian places like saipan and tinian and the former american possession until and the former american possession until and the former american possession until the japanese took it of guam the japanese took it of guam the japanese took it of guam if the marianas fall into allied hands if the marianas fall into allied hands if the marianas fall into allied hands the japanese have done the math the japanese have done the math the japanese have done the math and realize that the brand new american and realize that the brand new american and realize that the brand new american heavy bombers the b-29 super fortresses heavy bombers the b-29 super fortresses heavy bombers the b-29 super fortresses now rolling off the assembly lines now rolling off the assembly lines now rolling off the assembly lines yeah if they're taking off from air yeah if they're taking off from air yeah if they're taking off from air bases in the marianas which are closer bases in the marianas which are closer bases in the marianas which are closer to japan than hawaii is to california to japan than hawaii is to california to japan than hawaii is to california they'll be able to make the round trip they'll be able to make the round trip they'll be able to make the round trip to tokyo and back to tokyo and back to tokyo and back bomb the emperor's palace if they want bomb the emperor's palace if they want bomb the emperor's palace if they want to at will to at will to at will the b-29s have been able to reach japan the b-29s have been able to reach japan the b-29s have been able to reach japan from bases in china from bases in china from bases in china but that is small-time stuff compared to but that is small-time stuff compared to but that is small-time stuff compared to the round-the-clock the round-the-clock the round-the-clock nastiness that the japanese can expect nastiness that the japanese can expect nastiness that the japanese can expect if the americans capture the marianas if the americans capture the marianas if the americans capture the marianas which is why they're part of the which is why they're part of the which is why they're part of the absolute national defense zone absolute national defense zone absolute national defense zone everyone realizes how big of a deal this everyone realizes how big of a deal this everyone realizes how big of a deal this is is is no one's quite sure when and where the no one's quite sure when and where the no one's quite sure when and where the americans are going to attack though

americans are going to attack though americans are going to attack though because their timetables because their timetables because their timetables keep catching the japanese off guard and keep catching the japanese off guard and keep catching the japanese off guard and the japanese are not reading american the japanese are not reading american the japanese are not reading american codes but the british and americans are codes but the british and americans are codes but the british and americans are reading japanese codes at around the same time that the at around the same time that the june 6 1944 d-day landings at normandy june 6 1944 d-day landings at normandy june 6 1944 d-day landings at normandy are about to happen are about to happen are about to happen the great preparations for landings in the great preparations for landings in the great preparations for landings in the marianas are taking place the marianas are taking place the marianas are taking place and the challenges are you know everyone and the challenges are you know everyone and the challenges are you know everyone knows about d-day in normandy and that knows about d-day in normandy and that knows about d-day in normandy and that gets a lot of press gets a lot of press gets a lot of press but as a military historian naval but as a military historian naval but as a military historian naval historian craig l simons writes in his historian craig l simons writes in his historian craig l simons writes in his book um book um book um world war ii in the pacific the world war ii in the pacific the world war ii in the pacific the challenges are not challenges are not challenges are not even comparable between the marianas even comparable between the marianas even comparable between the marianas landings and normandy and he writes landings and normandy and he writes landings and normandy and he writes quote quote quote the american buildup for the invasion of the american buildup for the invasion of the american buildup for the invasion of saipan code-named saipan code-named saipan code-named operation forager occurred operation forager occurred operation forager occurred simultaneously with preparations for simultaneously with preparations for simultaneously with preparations for overlord overlord of course the code overlord overlord of course the code overlord overlord of course the code name for d-day name for d-day name for d-day measured by firepower he writes the measured by firepower he writes the measured by firepower he writes the saipan invasion fleet saipan invasion fleet saipan invasion fleet was even larger than the one devoted to was even larger than the one devoted to was even larger than the one devoted to normandy normandy normandy raymond spruance the admiral commanded raymond spruance the admiral commanded raymond spruance the admiral commanded the overall invasion force that included the overall invasion force that included the overall invasion force that included pete michener's powerful task force 58 pete michener's powerful task force 58 pete michener's powerful task force 58 which by now consisted of 15 aircraft which by now consisted of 15 aircraft which by now consisted of 15 aircraft carriers carriers carriers seven battleships 11 cruisers and 86 seven battleships 11 cruisers and 86 seven battleships 11 cruisers and 86 destroyers destroyers destroyers it would provide cover for an invasion it would provide cover for an invasion it would provide cover for an invasion force that included 56 attack transports force that included 56 attack transports force that included 56 attack transports and 84 lsts those are landing craft and 84 lsts those are landing craft and 84 lsts those are landing craft carrying 127 carrying 127 carrying 127 571 soldiers and marines

571 soldiers and marines 571 soldiers and marines end quote for comparison purposes end quote for comparison purposes end quote for comparison purposes 15 aircraft carriers and some of these 15 aircraft carriers and some of these 15 aircraft carriers and some of these are light carriers but they'll still are light carriers but they'll still are light carriers but they'll still make a huge contribution make a huge contribution make a huge contribution 15 aircraft carriers is more than double 15 aircraft carriers is more than double 15 aircraft carriers is more than double the total number of aircraft carriers the total number of aircraft carriers the total number of aircraft carriers the u.s had the u.s had the u.s had in its entire navy at the time of pearl in its entire navy at the time of pearl in its entire navy at the time of pearl harbor harbor harbor so you can see how this one task force so you can see how this one task force so you can see how this one task force is bringing to the is bringing to the is bringing to the table firepower that the us has never table firepower that the us has never table firepower that the us has never had no one's ever had it's more than had no one's ever had it's more than had no one's ever had it's more than 500 ships that will finally you know 500 ships that will finally you know 500 ships that will finally you know take part in these saipan landings take part in these saipan landings take part in these saipan landings these marianas attacks simon's continues these marianas attacks simon's continues these marianas attacks simon's continues quote quote quote the invasion of saipan also required a the invasion of saipan also required a the invasion of saipan also required a much longer sea lift than at normandy much longer sea lift than at normandy much longer sea lift than at normandy while the invasion forces for neptune while the invasion forces for neptune while the invasion forces for neptune overlord that's normandy overlord that's normandy overlord that's normandy had to leap 50 or 100 miles across the had to leap 50 or 100 miles across the had to leap 50 or 100 miles across the english channel english channel english channel many of the transports and amphibious many of the transports and amphibious many of the transports and amphibious ships loaded up at pearl harbor ships loaded up at pearl harbor ships loaded up at pearl harbor more than 3 500 miles from the target more than 3 500 miles from the target more than 3 500 miles from the target beach beach beach for neptune overlord the landing craft for neptune overlord the landing craft for neptune overlord the landing craft could could could and did shuttle reinforcements and and did shuttle reinforcements and and did shuttle reinforcements and supplies to the beaches supplies to the beaches supplies to the beaches in a near constant rotation for weeks in a near constant rotation for weeks in a near constant rotation for weeks after the initial landing after the initial landing after the initial landing for saipan by contrast the men for saipan by contrast the men for saipan by contrast the men equipment the supplies and the equipment the supplies and the equipment the supplies and the ammunition ammunition ammunition all had to cross the broad pacific in a all had to cross the broad pacific in a all had to cross the broad pacific in a single giant stride single giant stride single giant stride eisenhower he continues had warned eisenhower he continues had warned eisenhower he continues had warned marshall marshall marshall that a shortage of lst's landing craft that a shortage of lst's landing craft that a shortage of lst's landing craft at normandy at normandy at normandy could mean that his invasion force might could mean that his invasion force might could mean that his invasion force might be stranded on the beach

be stranded on the beach be stranded on the beach for as long as three days without for as long as three days without for as long as three days without resupply resupply resupply by design the men who invaded saipan by design the men who invaded saipan by design the men who invaded saipan would be stranded there for three months would be stranded there for three months would be stranded there for three months before significant reinforcements or before significant reinforcements or before significant reinforcements or supplies could reach them supplies could reach them supplies could reach them though of course he writes the japanese though of course he writes the japanese though of course he writes the japanese too would have to fight the battle with too would have to fight the battle with too would have to fight the battle with what they had on hand what they had on hand what they had on hand since saipan would be virtually cut off since saipan would be virtually cut off since saipan would be virtually cut off from support from support from support end quote in his book eagle against the end quote in his book eagle against the end quote in his book eagle against the sun sun sun ronald h specter describes how the ronald h specter describes how the ronald h specter describes how the marianas are going to be a different marianas are going to be a different marianas are going to be a different animal than animal than animal than tarawan the coral atolls was it would tarawan the coral atolls was it would tarawan the coral atolls was it would could be more like those could be more like those could be more like those battles in the solomons and maybe even battles in the solomons and maybe even battles in the solomons and maybe even new guinea new guinea new guinea and he writes quote the marianas were and he writes quote the marianas were and he writes quote the marianas were much different from the tiny low-lying much different from the tiny low-lying much different from the tiny low-lying atolls which the marines had captured atolls which the marines had captured atolls which the marines had captured in the gilberts and marshalls saipan in the gilberts and marshalls saipan in the gilberts and marshalls saipan tinian and guam tinian and guam tinian and guam were large and varied land masses with were large and varied land masses with were large and varied land masses with everything from swamps and sugar cane everything from swamps and sugar cane everything from swamps and sugar cane fields fields fields to high jungle-covered peaks and steep to high jungle-covered peaks and steep to high jungle-covered peaks and steep ravines ravines ravines they combined all the hazards which they combined all the hazards which they combined all the hazards which american soldiers and marines american soldiers and marines american soldiers and marines had learned to dread in their earlier had learned to dread in their earlier had learned to dread in their earlier island campaigns island campaigns island campaigns a fringing coral reef protecting a a fringing coral reef protecting a a fringing coral reef protecting a shallow lagoon shallow lagoon shallow lagoon rugged jungle terrain and lots of rugged jungle terrain and lots of rugged jungle terrain and lots of limestone and coral caves for bunkers limestone and coral caves for bunkers limestone and coral caves for bunkers and artillery positions and artillery positions and artillery positions end quote american intelligence has been very good american intelligence has been very good as we said they have a huge jump on the as we said they have a huge jump on the as we said they have a huge jump on the japanese because japanese because japanese because they and the british are reading they and the british are reading they and the british are reading japanese codes

japanese codes japanese codes but they don't know that the japanese but they don't know that the japanese but they don't know that the japanese have about have about have about twice as many defenders on the island as twice as many defenders on the island as twice as many defenders on the island as the americans think they have the americans think they have the americans think they have that's going to be a nasty surprise the good news is that because the the good news is that because the marianas are in the inside of the marianas are in the inside of the marianas are in the inside of the japanese defense perimeter japanese defense perimeter japanese defense perimeter the japanese don't have the defenses up the japanese don't have the defenses up the japanese don't have the defenses up to par yet because they didn't expect to par yet because they didn't expect to par yet because they didn't expect the americans to be there that soon the americans to be there that soon the americans to be there that soon so both sides are going to be caught a so both sides are going to be caught a so both sides are going to be caught a little off guard when the american little off guard when the american little off guard when the american attacks on the islands start attacks on the islands start attacks on the islands start air attacks followed by big fleets i air attacks followed by big fleets i air attacks followed by big fleets i mean the american fleet's over 500 ships mean the american fleet's over 500 ships mean the american fleet's over 500 ships this may be the largest fleet so far in this may be the largest fleet so far in this may be the largest fleet so far in the war and it rolls into the area and the war and it rolls into the area and the war and it rolls into the area and starts starts starts pounding these islands in his book the rising sun author john in his book the rising sun author john toland describes toland describes toland describes a japanese soldier's account of a japanese soldier's account of a japanese soldier's account of sitting through the bombardment waiting sitting through the bombardment waiting sitting through the bombardment waiting for the for the for the marines to eventually land and he writes marines to eventually land and he writes marines to eventually land and he writes quote quote quote battleships cruisers and destroyers battleships cruisers and destroyers battleships cruisers and destroyers began the final bombardment at 5 began the final bombardment at 5 began the final bombardment at 5 30. that would be 5 30 june 15th 1944 by 30. that would be 5 30 june 15th 1944 by 30. that would be 5 30 june 15th 1944 by the way the way the way the dug-in defenders he writes along the the dug-in defenders he writes along the the dug-in defenders he writes along the beaches and on the slopes beaches and on the slopes beaches and on the slopes crouched through the ordeal prepared to crouched through the ordeal prepared to crouched through the ordeal prepared to fight to the death fight to the death fight to the death one made a final notation in his diary one made a final notation in his diary one made a final notation in his diary now from the japanese diary quote now from the japanese diary quote now from the japanese diary quote we are waiting with molotov cocktails we are waiting with molotov cocktails we are waiting with molotov cocktails and hand grenades and hand grenades and hand grenades ready for the word to rush forward ready for the word to rush forward ready for the word to rush forward recklessly into the enemy ranks

recklessly into the enemy ranks recklessly into the enemy ranks with our swords in our hands all that with our swords in our hands all that with our swords in our hands all that worries me is what will happen to japan worries me is what will happen to japan worries me is what will happen to japan after we die after we die after we die end quote the marines and um and army troops too the marines and um and army troops too because there's going to be an army because there's going to be an army because there's going to be an army division in reserve here division in reserve here division in reserve here are themselves wondering about what it's are themselves wondering about what it's are themselves wondering about what it's going to be like and what sort of hell going to be like and what sort of hell going to be like and what sort of hell they're going to encounter when they get they're going to encounter when they get they're going to encounter when they get to the beach to the beach to the beach they are being given a little bit of they are being given a little bit of they are being given a little bit of information from exactly the wrong information from exactly the wrong information from exactly the wrong people people people the americans of course like everyone the americans of course like everyone the americans of course like everyone like to listen to like to listen to like to listen to whatever the cutting edge music coming whatever the cutting edge music coming whatever the cutting edge music coming out the new tunes from the states and out the new tunes from the states and out the new tunes from the states and unfortunately for them one of the dj's unfortunately for them one of the dj's unfortunately for them one of the dj's playing the hits works for the other playing the hits works for the other playing the hits works for the other side side side john tolen writes quote a more ominous admonition came from a a more ominous admonition came from a graduate of ucla graduate of ucla graduate of ucla an american girl of japanese descent who an american girl of japanese descent who an american girl of japanese descent who had been visiting a sick aunt in japan had been visiting a sick aunt in japan had been visiting a sick aunt in japan when the war broke out when the war broke out when the war broke out nicknamed tokyo rose by the americans nicknamed tokyo rose by the americans nicknamed tokyo rose by the americans she first went on the air as anne short she first went on the air as anne short she first went on the air as anne short for for for announcer and currently called herself announcer and currently called herself announcer and currently called herself orphan annie orphan annie orphan annie your favorite enemy now quoting tokyo your favorite enemy now quoting tokyo your favorite enemy now quoting tokyo rose's radio broadcast rose's radio broadcast rose's radio broadcast right before the landings at saipan that right before the landings at saipan that right before the landings at saipan that the american soldiers and marines would the american soldiers and marines would the american soldiers and marines would have heard have heard have heard setting up the next record playing their setting up the next record playing their setting up the next record playing their favorite favorite favorite brand new song quote i've got some swell brand new song quote i've got some swell brand new song quote i've got some swell recordings for you recordings for you recordings for you she was broadcasting just in from the

she was broadcasting just in from the she was broadcasting just in from the states states states you'd better enjoy them while you can you'd better enjoy them while you can you'd better enjoy them while you can because tomorrow at 0-600 because tomorrow at 0-600 because tomorrow at 0-600 you're hitting saipan and we're ready you're hitting saipan and we're ready you're hitting saipan and we're ready for you for you for you so while you're still alive let's listen so while you're still alive let's listen so while you're still alive let's listen to to to end quote and then of course she'd say end quote and then of course she'd say end quote and then of course she'd say whatever the song was right whatever the song was right whatever the song was right while you're still alive here's a little while you're still alive here's a little while you're still alive here's a little tommy dorsey for you tommy dorsey for you tommy dorsey for you something like that the japanese were something like that the japanese were something like that the japanese were great great great at the psychological warfare side of it at the psychological warfare side of it at the psychological warfare side of it and the soldiers and the soldiers and the soldiers and marines getting ready to hit the and marines getting ready to hit the and marines getting ready to hit the beach would have had just a little bit beach would have had just a little bit beach would have had just a little bit more to think about more to think about more to think about after orphan annie after orphan annie after orphan annie gave her um broadcast when the actual landings start again you when the actual landings start again you can see the advantages of the lessons can see the advantages of the lessons can see the advantages of the lessons learned at places like tarawa learned at places like tarawa learned at places like tarawa because they have enough of the landing because they have enough of the landing because they have enough of the landing craft so that the marines craft so that the marines craft so that the marines don't have to go wading through the don't have to go wading through the don't have to go wading through the water with their rifles over their head water with their rifles over their head water with their rifles over their head being shot with machine guns the landing being shot with machine guns the landing being shot with machine guns the landing craft craft craft in an almost i mean they've really in an almost i mean they've really in an almost i mean they've really synced up how the landing craft hit the synced up how the landing craft hit the synced up how the landing craft hit the beach beach beach almost simultaneously now i should point almost simultaneously now i should point almost simultaneously now i should point out that out that out that despite a massive naval bombardment and despite a massive naval bombardment and despite a massive naval bombardment and aircraft everywhere the japanese were aircraft everywhere the japanese were aircraft everywhere the japanese were there and ready so the american amtraks there and ready so the american amtraks there and ready so the american amtraks and everything coming into the beach was and everything coming into the beach was and everything coming into the beach was working better working better working better unfortunately the japanese were also unfortunately the japanese were also unfortunately the japanese were also ready for the attack and ronald h ready for the attack and ronald h ready for the attack and ronald h specter writes quote specter writes quote specter writes quote the result was that the amp tracks and the result was that the amp tracks and the result was that the amp tracks and armored amphibians churning toward the armored amphibians churning toward the armored amphibians churning toward the beach on the morning of june 15th beach on the morning of june 15th beach on the morning of june 15th encountered fierce resistance as the

encountered fierce resistance as the encountered fierce resistance as the first waves left the line of departure first waves left the line of departure first waves left the line of departure tractor drivers could see large splashes tractor drivers could see large splashes tractor drivers could see large splashes thrown up by japanese artillery shells thrown up by japanese artillery shells thrown up by japanese artillery shells falling directly behind them when the falling directly behind them when the falling directly behind them when the landing craft crossed the reef landing craft crossed the reef landing craft crossed the reef and entered the lagoon the enemy and entered the lagoon the enemy and entered the lagoon the enemy unleashed a barrage of artillery unleashed a barrage of artillery unleashed a barrage of artillery mortar and machine gun fire marines mortar and machine gun fire marines mortar and machine gun fire marines crouched low in the bobbing amp tracks crouched low in the bobbing amp tracks crouched low in the bobbing amp tracks listening to the whistle of heavy shells listening to the whistle of heavy shells listening to the whistle of heavy shells and feeling the sickening thud and jerk and feeling the sickening thud and jerk and feeling the sickening thud and jerk produced by near-misses produced by near-misses produced by near-misses the amp tracks and armored amphibians the amp tracks and armored amphibians the amp tracks and armored amphibians answered with their 75 millimeter guns answered with their 75 millimeter guns answered with their 75 millimeter guns and automatic weapons while planes from and automatic weapons while planes from and automatic weapons while planes from nearby escort carriers nearby escort carriers nearby escort carriers swoop down on the beaches like angry swoop down on the beaches like angry swoop down on the beaches like angry hawks firing rockets and machine guns hawks firing rockets and machine guns hawks firing rockets and machine guns and bombing targets just beyond the and bombing targets just beyond the and bombing targets just beyond the beach beach beach end quote he says in the first 20 end quote he says in the first 20 end quote he says in the first 20 minutes minutes minutes 700 of these vehicles 700 of these vehicles 700 of these vehicles and 8 000 troops came ashore think about and 8 000 troops came ashore think about and 8 000 troops came ashore think about that to have 8 000 marines that to have 8 000 marines that to have 8 000 marines landed in 20 minutes that is landed in 20 minutes that is landed in 20 minutes that is coordination coordination coordination some of these marines though are going some of these marines though are going some of these marines though are going to hold on to a foothold that's as small to hold on to a foothold that's as small to hold on to a foothold that's as small as as as 12 yards off of the water 12 yards off of the water 12 yards off of the water by nightfall the marines have landed by nightfall the marines have landed by nightfall the marines have landed 20 000 men this is 20 000 men this is 20 000 men this is showing exactly how much of a science showing exactly how much of a science showing exactly how much of a science they've gotten this down to the problem they've gotten this down to the problem they've gotten this down to the problem is is that it's not going to be easy is is that it's not going to be easy is is that it's not going to be easy even now

at night the japanese will counter at night the japanese will counter attack the beach heads they will use attack the beach heads they will use attack the beach heads they will use tanks they will fail but it's the tanks they will fail but it's the tanks they will fail but it's the beginning of beginning of beginning of the kind of battle that the japanese are the kind of battle that the japanese are the kind of battle that the japanese are going to fight for the rest of the war going to fight for the rest of the war going to fight for the rest of the war when they're fighting essentially for when they're fighting essentially for when they're fighting essentially for the homeland the homeland the homeland they're also willing to risk much more they're also willing to risk much more they're also willing to risk much more now that the stakes are so high now that the stakes are so high now that the stakes are so high including their painstakingly including their painstakingly including their painstakingly rebuilt battle fleet there hasn't been a rebuilt battle fleet there hasn't been a rebuilt battle fleet there hasn't been a big naval battle in a while now big naval battle in a while now big naval battle in a while now the japanese haven't wanted to risk the japanese haven't wanted to risk the japanese haven't wanted to risk something like this without a good something like this without a good something like this without a good chance chance chance of winning or achieving something worth of winning or achieving something worth of winning or achieving something worth the potential downsides the potential downsides the potential downsides saving the absolute national defense saving the absolute national defense saving the absolute national defense zone from conquest is deemed to be zone from conquest is deemed to be zone from conquest is deemed to be something that something that something that important and ronald h specter an eagle important and ronald h specter an eagle important and ronald h specter an eagle against the sun picks up the story quote against the sun picks up the story quote against the sun picks up the story quote while the marines were digging in for while the marines were digging in for while the marines were digging in for the night lieutenant commander robert the night lieutenant commander robert the night lieutenant commander robert risser risser risser captain of the submarine flying fish was captain of the submarine flying fish was captain of the submarine flying fish was peering through his periscope at a peering through his periscope at a peering through his periscope at a parade of japanese parade of japanese parade of japanese battleships and carriers silhouetted battleships and carriers silhouetted battleships and carriers silhouetted against the coastline against the coastline against the coastline of san bernardino strait in the central of san bernardino strait in the central of san bernardino strait in the central philippines philippines philippines about 900 miles from saipan it was the about 900 miles from saipan it was the about 900 miles from saipan it was the biggest group of targets risser had ever biggest group of targets risser had ever biggest group of targets risser had ever seen seen seen but he knew that the first priority had but he knew that the first priority had but he knew that the first priority had to be getting word of this fleet to be getting word of this fleet to be getting word of this fleet to spruance in the pacific command when to spruance in the pacific command when to spruance in the pacific command when darkness fell the flying fish darkness fell the flying fish darkness fell the flying fish the submarine surfaced and sent out her the submarine surfaced and sent out her the submarine surfaced and sent out her message quote message quote message quote the japanese fleet is heading for the the japanese fleet is heading for the the japanese fleet is heading for the marianas end quote

marianas end quote marianas end quote admiral spruance will tell his admiral spruance will tell his admiral spruance will tell his commanders that the japs are coming commanders that the japs are coming commanders that the japs are coming after us after us after us with the largest fleet they've ever used with the largest fleet they've ever used with the largest fleet they've ever used also also also and it should be pointed out that on a and it should be pointed out that on a and it should be pointed out that on a historic historic historic standard these fleets aren't just the standard these fleets aren't just the standard these fleets aren't just the largest fleets largest fleets largest fleets in this war up till this time these are in this war up till this time these are in this war up till this time these are the most the most the most powerful fleets that have ever come in powerful fleets that have ever come in powerful fleets that have ever come in contact with each other in world history contact with each other in world history contact with each other in world history even up until this day in hirohito's war even up until this day in hirohito's war even up until this day in hirohito's war francis pike puts it in perspective francis pike puts it in perspective francis pike puts it in perspective he points out that the largest aircraft he points out that the largest aircraft he points out that the largest aircraft carrier battle before this time period carrier battle before this time period carrier battle before this time period where you have aircraft carriers on both where you have aircraft carriers on both where you have aircraft carriers on both sides is the battle of midway sides is the battle of midway sides is the battle of midway where both sides put together muster where both sides put together muster where both sides put together muster seven aircraft carriers seven aircraft carriers seven aircraft carriers this battle that's about to happen is this battle that's about to happen is this battle that's about to happen is gonna have 24 he says it's almost 350 gonna have 24 he says it's almost 350 gonna have 24 he says it's almost 350 percent more percent more percent more than the second most battle he says if than the second most battle he says if than the second most battle he says if you take you take you take just the aircraft involved this is the just the aircraft involved this is the just the aircraft involved this is the largest air battle in american history largest air battle in american history largest air battle in american history he says if you just count the aircraft he says if you just count the aircraft he says if you just count the aircraft it's the fourth largest air battle in it's the fourth largest air battle in it's the fourth largest air battle in all history anywhere all history anywhere all history anywhere and he says if you add what's going on and he says if you add what's going on and he says if you add what's going on at the battle of saipan with land forces at the battle of saipan with land forces at the battle of saipan with land forces and everything over there he says it's and everything over there he says it's and everything over there he says it's arguably arguably arguably the largest military naval engagement in the largest military naval engagement in the largest military naval engagement in history in other words an engagement history in other words an engagement history in other words an engagement that has both that has both that has both naval elements and land elements people naval elements and land elements people naval elements and land elements people don't think about it that way this is a don't think about it that way this is a don't think about it that way this is a perfect example of the kinds of perfect example of the kinds of perfect example of the kinds of encounters in the second world war encounters in the second world war encounters in the second world war in the pacific theater that don't get in the pacific theater that don't get in the pacific theater that don't get noticed by people that focus

noticed by people that focus noticed by people that focus inordinately on the european theater there are no naval encounters in the there are no naval encounters in the mediterranean mediterranean mediterranean or the north sea or the atlantic to or the north sea or the atlantic to or the north sea or the atlantic to rival anything like what's going on in rival anything like what's going on in rival anything like what's going on in the pacific the pacific the pacific and if you're a japanese sailor you and if you're a japanese sailor you and if you're a japanese sailor you would have every right to feel would have every right to feel would have every right to feel optimistic about the outcome here the optimistic about the outcome here the optimistic about the outcome here the japanese are japanese are japanese are desperate for a decisive battle and it desperate for a decisive battle and it desperate for a decisive battle and it looks like they've scraped together the looks like they've scraped together the looks like they've scraped together the proper forces to get one proper forces to get one proper forces to get one and over and over you read these and over and over you read these and over and over you read these remembrances by japanese sailors who are remembrances by japanese sailors who are remembrances by japanese sailors who are looking out over the balcony and can see looking out over the balcony and can see looking out over the balcony and can see this fleet that is so much more powerful this fleet that is so much more powerful this fleet that is so much more powerful than even the fleet they struck pearl than even the fleet they struck pearl than even the fleet they struck pearl harbor with harbor with harbor with i mean just take the two largest i mean just take the two largest i mean just take the two largest battleships that human beings have battleships that human beings have battleships that human beings have ever put afloat and they're with this ever put afloat and they're with this ever put afloat and they're with this japanese fleet the famous yamato japanese fleet the famous yamato japanese fleet the famous yamato and her sister ship the musashi whose and her sister ship the musashi whose and her sister ship the musashi whose 18.1 inch guns have never been fired in 18.1 inch guns have never been fired in 18.1 inch guns have never been fired in anger anger anger are they going to be fired in anger now are they going to be fired in anger now are they going to be fired in anger now the japanese figure the japanese figure the japanese figure and then they've got their first new and then they've got their first new and then they've got their first new purpose-built aircraft carrier to come purpose-built aircraft carrier to come purpose-built aircraft carrier to come off the slips in a while the tahoe off the slips in a while the tahoe off the slips in a while the tahoe armored flight deck considered to be and armored flight deck considered to be and armored flight deck considered to be and you love this little poke in the eye of you love this little poke in the eye of you love this little poke in the eye of fate don't you fate don't you fate don't you considered to be unsinkable you may considered to be unsinkable you may considered to be unsinkable you may recall that that's recall that that's recall that that's the same moniker that the poor titanic the same moniker that the poor titanic the same moniker that the poor titanic had and the tahoe's only been had and the tahoe's only been had and the tahoe's only been commissioned for a month right so you commissioned for a month right so you commissioned for a month right so you talk brand new it's brand new and it talk brand new it's brand new and it talk brand new it's brand new and it becomes the flagship becomes the flagship becomes the flagship the japanese have a plan and it's a good the japanese have a plan and it's a good the japanese have a plan and it's a good one one one they're going to launch their planes they're going to launch their planes they're going to launch their planes which have significantly greater range which have significantly greater range which have significantly greater range than the american aircraft out of the than the american aircraft out of the than the american aircraft out of the americans range

americans range americans range so that they can hit the american ships so that they can hit the american ships so that they can hit the american ships but they can't be struck in return but they can't be struck in return but they can't be struck in return the devil though is in the details when the devil though is in the details when the devil though is in the details when you get to the nitty-gritty you get to the nitty-gritty you get to the nitty-gritty part of the reason the japanese planes part of the reason the japanese planes part of the reason the japanese planes have this extra range have this extra range have this extra range is because they lack some of the things is because they lack some of the things is because they lack some of the things that the american planes are going to that the american planes are going to that the american planes are going to have have have like armor makes you light to not have like armor makes you light to not have like armor makes you light to not have armor increases your range increases armor increases your range increases armor increases your range increases your maneuverability but you better not your maneuverability but you better not your maneuverability but you better not get hit get hit get hit and they don't have things like and they don't have things like and they don't have things like self-sealing fuel tanks like the self-sealing fuel tanks like the self-sealing fuel tanks like the americans which will again americans which will again americans which will again lower your weight just don't get hit in lower your weight just don't get hit in lower your weight just don't get hit in the fuel tanks or the fuel lines the fuel tanks or the fuel lines the fuel tanks or the fuel lines some of these japanese aircraft are of a some of these japanese aircraft are of a some of these japanese aircraft are of a new improved type new improved type new improved type which as we pointed out all the major which as we pointed out all the major which as we pointed out all the major countries of the world are trying to countries of the world are trying to countries of the world are trying to keep pace with aircraft development the keep pace with aircraft development the keep pace with aircraft development the japanese have fallen behind so it's japanese have fallen behind so it's japanese have fallen behind so it's great to have all these new aircraft great to have all these new aircraft great to have all these new aircraft the problem was is to go with all these the problem was is to go with all these the problem was is to go with all these new aircraft the japanese have all these new aircraft the japanese have all these new aircraft the japanese have all these new pilots new pilots new pilots who can hardly fly these new aircraft who can hardly fly these new aircraft who can hardly fly these new aircraft and they're having and they're having and they're having accidents all the time in the post-war accidents all the time in the post-war accidents all the time in the post-war uh interviews with japanese admirals uh interviews with japanese admirals uh interviews with japanese admirals they focus on this inordinately and it they focus on this inordinately and it they focus on this inordinately and it was not something that was was not something that was was not something that was really apparent at the time but these really apparent at the time but these really apparent at the time but these aircraft are being flown by japanese aircraft are being flown by japanese aircraft are being flown by japanese pilots who have pilots who have pilots who have dozens of hours in the cockpit often dozens of hours in the cockpit often dozens of hours in the cockpit often compared to hundreds and hundreds of compared to hundreds and hundreds of compared to hundreds and hundreds of hours that the american counterparts hours that the american counterparts hours that the american counterparts that they're gonna fly against have in that they're gonna fly against have in that they're gonna fly against have in theirs theirs theirs and you would rather have a much worse and you would rather have a much worse and you would rather have a much worse plane with a much more experienced pilot plane with a much more experienced pilot plane with a much more experienced pilot than to have a pilot who only has dozens than to have a pilot who only has dozens than to have a pilot who only has dozens of hours in the cockpit even if their of hours in the cockpit even if their of hours in the cockpit even if their plane's better plane's better plane's better and in the case of the japanese their

and in the case of the japanese their and in the case of the japanese their planes aren't better planes aren't better planes aren't better i want to get an idea of the little i want to get an idea of the little i want to get an idea of the little things that show things that show things that show exactly how desperate the japanese are exactly how desperate the japanese are exactly how desperate the japanese are the japanese have fueled a lot of these the japanese have fueled a lot of these the japanese have fueled a lot of these warships warships warships with the equivalent of straight crude with the equivalent of straight crude with the equivalent of straight crude oil right out of the ground oil right out of the ground oil right out of the ground they can't even get the oil that they they can't even get the oil that they they can't even get the oil that they need for the ships boilers and engines need for the ships boilers and engines need for the ships boilers and engines refined and if they do get them refined refined and if they do get them refined refined and if they do get them refined they can't get the refined oil to where they can't get the refined oil to where they can't get the refined oil to where the warships are they have huge fuel the warships are they have huge fuel the warships are they have huge fuel problems problems problems and you know it because this straight and you know it because this straight and you know it because this straight crude is going to foul the boilers crude is going to foul the boilers crude is going to foul the boilers destroy the engines i mean you don't destroy the engines i mean you don't destroy the engines i mean you don't use this if you think you're going to use this if you think you're going to use this if you think you're going to have a fleet to fight next year in the have a fleet to fight next year in the have a fleet to fight next year in the year after and the year after that this year after and the year after that this year after and the year after that this is a sign of desperation as the japanese fleet approaches as the japanese fleet approaches the americans on june 19 the americans on june 19 the americans on june 19 1944 they begin launching their waves of 1944 they begin launching their waves of 1944 they begin launching their waves of attack planes attack planes attack planes now they are outnumbered by the now they are outnumbered by the now they are outnumbered by the americans and carrier aircraft and they americans and carrier aircraft and they americans and carrier aircraft and they know this they have a compensatory know this they have a compensatory know this they have a compensatory part of their strategy to deal with this part of their strategy to deal with this part of their strategy to deal with this though they know they've got airfields though they know they've got airfields though they know they've got airfields on all these islands around on all these islands around on all these islands around saipan and they all have land-based saipan and they all have land-based saipan and they all have land-based aircraft aircraft aircraft so they're going to add the land-based so they're going to add the land-based so they're going to add the land-based aircraft to the carrier-based aircraft aircraft to the carrier-based aircraft aircraft to the carrier-based aircraft that they have and they may even that they have and they may even that they have and they may even outnumber the americans and what they outnumber the americans and what they outnumber the americans and what they don't know don't know don't know is that for the previous days leading up is that for the previous days leading up is that for the previous days leading up to this the americans have been pounding to this the americans have been pounding to this the americans have been pounding all these airfields pounding them all these airfields pounding them all these airfields pounding them whittling down all this strength the whittling down all this strength the whittling down all this strength the japanese admirals are counting on japanese admirals are counting on japanese admirals are counting on cratering these airfields and making cratering these airfields and making cratering these airfields and making them next to useless

if you read the primary source accounts if you read the primary source accounts of what's going on when the japanese of what's going on when the japanese of what's going on when the japanese begin to launch these begin to launch these begin to launch these attack waves at the americans it's funny attack waves at the americans it's funny attack waves at the americans it's funny because it's not what you would expect because it's not what you would expect because it's not what you would expect it's often a bunch of it's often a bunch of it's often a bunch of japanese naval officers sitting japanese naval officers sitting japanese naval officers sitting in the command center of say one of in the command center of say one of in the command center of say one of these aircraft carriers these aircraft carriers these aircraft carriers and after they launch the planes they and after they launch the planes they and after they launch the planes they start looking at their watches because start looking at their watches because start looking at their watches because they know how long it should take those they know how long it should take those they know how long it should take those planes to get to the americans planes to get to the americans planes to get to the americans and they're expecting to hear all this and they're expecting to hear all this and they're expecting to hear all this chatter over the radio and start to hear chatter over the radio and start to hear chatter over the radio and start to hear uh reports about what's happening and uh reports about what's happening and uh reports about what's happening and what's being sunk and all those kinds of what's being sunk and all those kinds of what's being sunk and all those kinds of things and they look at their watches things and they look at their watches things and they look at their watches and they're not getting anything back so and they're not getting anything back so and they're not getting anything back so then then then they figure okay this must have happened they figure okay this must have happened they figure okay this must have happened or that must have happened and then they or that must have happened and then they or that must have happened and then they look at their watches again a little look at their watches again a little look at their watches again a little while later and there's still nothing while later and there's still nothing while later and there's still nothing and you can sense the unease growing and you can sense the unease growing and you can sense the unease growing something seems wrong and what turns out something seems wrong and what turns out something seems wrong and what turns out to be wrong to be wrong to be wrong is that the americans are not caught by is that the americans are not caught by is that the americans are not caught by surprise surprise surprise but instead are waiting for the japanese but instead are waiting for the japanese but instead are waiting for the japanese the japanese have added radar the japanese have added radar the japanese have added radar since midway so they've got some radar since midway so they've got some radar since midway so they've got some radar now but it's not as good as the now but it's not as good as the now but it's not as good as the americans and there's very little of it americans and there's very little of it americans and there's very little of it compared to what the americans have the compared to what the americans have the compared to what the americans have the americans are not just americans are not just americans are not just loaded with radar they're putting it in loaded with radar they're putting it in loaded with radar they're putting it in airplanes now they're putting it airplanes now they're putting it airplanes now they're putting it in anti-aircraft shells the famous vt in anti-aircraft shells the famous vt in anti-aircraft shells the famous vt shells which instead of the aircraft shells which instead of the aircraft shells which instead of the aircraft having to be hit with an anti-aircraft having to be hit with an anti-aircraft having to be hit with an anti-aircraft round to explode round to explode round to explode the american rounds will sense when the the american rounds will sense when the the american rounds will sense when the aircraft are near and just explode this aircraft are near and just explode this aircraft are near and just explode this will take a huge toll as well will take a huge toll as well will take a huge toll as well we had talked earlier about how the we had talked earlier about how the we had talked earlier about how the americans are learning

americans are learning americans are learning how to conduct aerial defense and by how to conduct aerial defense and by how to conduct aerial defense and by 1944 they've got this down to a science 1944 they've got this down to a science 1944 they've got this down to a science they've got their aircraft carriers they've got their aircraft carriers they've got their aircraft carriers protected with ring after ring of other protected with ring after ring of other protected with ring after ring of other warships including at the very outer warships including at the very outer warships including at the very outer edges edges edges destroyers that are on picket duty so destroyers that are on picket duty so destroyers that are on picket duty so that when the japanese aircraft show up that when the japanese aircraft show up that when the japanese aircraft show up looking for aircraft carriers looking for aircraft carriers looking for aircraft carriers first they have to get through the first they have to get through the first they have to get through the defensive screen of american planes if defensive screen of american planes if defensive screen of american planes if they get through them they get through them they get through them then they run into the destroyers then then they run into the destroyers then then they run into the destroyers then they run into the cruisers after that they run into the cruisers after that they run into the cruisers after that then they run into the battleships after then they run into the battleships after then they run into the battleships after that that that all of them shooting and filling go look all of them shooting and filling go look all of them shooting and filling go look at pictures filling the sky at pictures filling the sky at pictures filling the sky with black puffs every one of those with black puffs every one of those with black puffs every one of those involving shrapnel going out in every involving shrapnel going out in every involving shrapnel going out in every direction direction direction and the japanese do not make it through and the japanese do not make it through and the japanese do not make it through these defenses to get to the precious these defenses to get to the precious these defenses to get to the precious american aircraft carriers american aircraft carriers american aircraft carriers they get massacred by the american they get massacred by the american they get massacred by the american fighters fighters fighters one american pilot who's enjoying one american pilot who's enjoying one american pilot who's enjoying this um unbelievable killing field says this um unbelievable killing field says this um unbelievable killing field says this is just like a turkey shoot this is just like a turkey shoot this is just like a turkey shoot and forever afterwards the americans and forever afterwards the americans and forever afterwards the americans will refer to this battle as the great will refer to this battle as the great will refer to this battle as the great marianas turkey shoot marianas turkey shoot marianas turkey shoot what you're really seeing if you boil it what you're really seeing if you boil it what you're really seeing if you boil it down to brass tacks down to brass tacks down to brass tacks is you are seeing veteran experienced is you are seeing veteran experienced is you are seeing veteran experienced combat pilots combat pilots combat pilots feasting on a bunch of kids basically on feasting on a bunch of kids basically on feasting on a bunch of kids basically on a bunch of people a bunch of people a bunch of people who've got no hours in the cockpit who who've got no hours in the cockpit who who've got no hours in the cockpit who can hardly can hardly can hardly land their planes on carriers and who land their planes on carriers and who land their planes on carriers and who are being torn to are being torn to are being torn to pieces and who gain almost nothing for pieces and who gain almost nothing for pieces and who gain almost nothing for their trouble their trouble their trouble while the aircraft are being launched by

while the aircraft are being launched by while the aircraft are being launched by the japanese aircraft carriers things the japanese aircraft carriers things the japanese aircraft carriers things start to go wrong already start to go wrong already start to go wrong already and an american submarine spots the and an american submarine spots the and an american submarine spots the wonderful brand new wonderful brand new wonderful brand new one month after commission unsinkable one month after commission unsinkable one month after commission unsinkable tai ho tai ho tai ho and launches a bunch of torpedoes at her and launches a bunch of torpedoes at her and launches a bunch of torpedoes at her in an incident that deserves to be in an incident that deserves to be in an incident that deserves to be remembered with the name remembered with the name remembered with the name of the pilot the japanese pilot name and of the pilot the japanese pilot name and of the pilot the japanese pilot name and i hope i pronounce his name properly i hope i pronounce his name properly i hope i pronounce his name properly asakiyo komatsu is above the tai ho asakiyo komatsu is above the tai ho asakiyo komatsu is above the tai ho sees the torpedo wakes heading for his sees the torpedo wakes heading for his sees the torpedo wakes heading for his carrier carrier carrier and dives his plane at one of them and and dives his plane at one of them and and dives his plane at one of them and then suicidally then suicidally then suicidally smashes into the ocean destroys the smashes into the ocean destroys the smashes into the ocean destroys the torpedo that's heading for his aircraft torpedo that's heading for his aircraft torpedo that's heading for his aircraft carrier killing himself destroying his carrier killing himself destroying his carrier killing himself destroying his plane plane plane but not keeping all those torpedoes from but not keeping all those torpedoes from but not keeping all those torpedoes from hitting the tahoe one of them hits it hitting the tahoe one of them hits it hitting the tahoe one of them hits it and like so many of the japanese and like so many of the japanese and like so many of the japanese carriers at the earlier battles carriers at the earlier battles carriers at the earlier battles doesn't seem to do a lot of damage doesn't seem to do a lot of damage doesn't seem to do a lot of damage initially but initially but initially but stuff starts to add up another american stuff starts to add up another american stuff starts to add up another american submarine spots the shokaku which is one submarine spots the shokaku which is one submarine spots the shokaku which is one of the veterans of the pearl harbor of the veterans of the pearl harbor of the veterans of the pearl harbor attack attack attack launches a bunch of torpedoes at it launches a bunch of torpedoes at it launches a bunch of torpedoes at it what's kind of ironic about this is the what's kind of ironic about this is the what's kind of ironic about this is the american submarine doctrine american submarine doctrine american submarine doctrine is not meant to go after warships like is not meant to go after warships like is not meant to go after warships like the german doctrine it's meant to go the german doctrine it's meant to go the german doctrine it's meant to go after merchant ships after merchant ships after merchant ships it's the japanese who build these it's the japanese who build these it's the japanese who build these massive submarines intending massive submarines intending massive submarines intending to utilize them against warships and to utilize them against warships and to utilize them against warships and kind of you know looking their noses kind of you know looking their noses kind of you know looking their noses down at the idea of attacking merchant down at the idea of attacking merchant down at the idea of attacking merchant ships and yet here you are ships and yet here you are ships and yet here you are with two japanese aircraft carriers with two japanese aircraft carriers with two japanese aircraft carriers struck by american submarines struck by american submarines struck by american submarines and the air complement of these carriers

and the air complement of these carriers and the air complement of these carriers being torn to shreds by american being torn to shreds by american being torn to shreds by american aircraft aircraft aircraft this is a sacrifice on the japanese part this is a sacrifice on the japanese part this is a sacrifice on the japanese part that is heartbreaking that is heartbreaking that is heartbreaking and before the battle the heads of the and before the battle the heads of the and before the battle the heads of the fleet head fleet head fleet head raised the flag of admiral togo the raised the flag of admiral togo the raised the flag of admiral togo the japanese japanese japanese naval hero who won the most famous naval hero who won the most famous naval hero who won the most famous japanese naval battle japanese naval battle japanese naval battle ever the 1905 crushing victory over the ever the 1905 crushing victory over the ever the 1905 crushing victory over the russians at tsushima russians at tsushima russians at tsushima so they raise that same battle flag and so they raise that same battle flag and so they raise that same battle flag and they basically repeat they basically repeat they basically repeat admiral togo's message you know that the admiral togo's message you know that the admiral togo's message you know that the fate of the empire rests fate of the empire rests fate of the empire rests on this battle and every man is expected on this battle and every man is expected on this battle and every man is expected to do his utmost which is sort of a to do his utmost which is sort of a to do his utmost which is sort of a japanese version of the lord horatio japanese version of the lord horatio japanese version of the lord horatio nelson the british admirals line nelson the british admirals line nelson the british admirals line and they do their utmost and they die and they do their utmost and they die and they do their utmost and they die while doing it author nathan miller in his book war at author nathan miller in his book war at sea sea sea a naval history of world war ii writes a naval history of world war ii writes a naval history of world war ii writes about the american planes finding the about the american planes finding the about the american planes finding the japanese and beginning to lay into them japanese and beginning to lay into them japanese and beginning to lay into them and writes quote the two forces collided about 90 miles the two forces collided about 90 miles from the american carriers from the american carriers from the american carriers pushing the charging handles of their pushing the charging handles of their pushing the charging handles of their 650 caliber guns and checking their 650 caliber guns and checking their 650 caliber guns and checking their sights sights sights the hellcat the american the hellcat the hellcat the american the hellcat the hellcat the american the hellcat pilots pilots pilots nose down from 25 000 feet on the 69 nose down from 25 000 feet on the 69 nose down from 25 000 feet on the 69 japanese planes spread out below them japanese planes spread out below them japanese planes spread out below them let me stop here that's just one wave of let me stop here that's just one wave of let me stop here that's just one wave of the japanese attack and the japanese attack and the japanese attack and miller continues quote miller continues quote miller continues quote commander charles w brewer reported that

commander charles w brewer reported that commander charles w brewer reported that his initial burst of gunfire his initial burst of gunfire his initial burst of gunfire literally ripped a zero to pieces before literally ripped a zero to pieces before literally ripped a zero to pieces before the debris the debris the debris had hit the sea brewer was already on had hit the sea brewer was already on had hit the sea brewer was already on the tail of another fighter the tail of another fighter the tail of another fighter he accounted for two more zeroes during he accounted for two more zeroes during he accounted for two more zeroes during the brief battle the brief battle the brief battle japanese planes were quote end quote japanese planes were quote end quote japanese planes were quote end quote falling like falling like falling like leaves said one pilot and those that leaves said one pilot and those that leaves said one pilot and those that escaped escaped escaped got only as far as the line of got only as far as the line of got only as far as the line of battleships protecting the carriers battleships protecting the carriers battleships protecting the carriers before they were shot down by before they were shot down by before they were shot down by anti-aircraft guns firing shells with vt anti-aircraft guns firing shells with vt anti-aircraft guns firing shells with vt fuses those are the radar fuses some fuses those are the radar fuses some fuses those are the radar fuses some cartwheeled along the surface of the sea cartwheeled along the surface of the sea cartwheeled along the surface of the sea in flaming arcs and exploded in black in flaming arcs and exploded in black in flaming arcs and exploded in black geysers of smoke and sea water geysers of smoke and sea water geysers of smoke and sea water the only hit was on the south dakota the only hit was on the south dakota the only hit was on the south dakota which lost 27 which lost 27 which lost 27 men without a reduction in her fighting men without a reduction in her fighting men without a reduction in her fighting capacity capacity capacity in all 42 japanese planes were shot down in all 42 japanese planes were shot down in all 42 japanese planes were shot down by the hellcats by the hellcats by the hellcats and the surface ship screen no enemy and the surface ship screen no enemy and the surface ship screen no enemy aircraft reached the carriers aircraft reached the carriers aircraft reached the carriers and only one american plane was lost end and only one american plane was lost end and only one american plane was lost end quote that was an example of what happened to that was an example of what happened to one wave of the japanese attacks but all one wave of the japanese attacks but all one wave of the japanese attacks but all the subsequent waves went the same way the subsequent waves went the same way the subsequent waves went the same way one american pilot said for 35 one american pilot said for 35 one american pilot said for 35 miles he could see burning wreckage miles he could see burning wreckage miles he could see burning wreckage leaking oil and on fire in the sea where leaking oil and on fire in the sea where leaking oil and on fire in the sea where all these japanese planes kept falling all these japanese planes kept falling all these japanese planes kept falling into the water into the water into the water when the final numbers are tallied it is when the final numbers are tallied it is when the final numbers are tallied it is one of the most one of the most one of the most one-sided naval battles in all history the taiho which had been struck by that the taiho which had been struck by that one

one one torpedo eventually blew up torpedo eventually blew up torpedo eventually blew up when the fumes from fuel lines spread to when the fumes from fuel lines spread to when the fumes from fuel lines spread to the whole ship and ignited several hours the whole ship and ignited several hours the whole ship and ignited several hours after the torpedo hit after the torpedo hit after the torpedo hit the shokaku that was hit by other the shokaku that was hit by other the shokaku that was hit by other torpedoes turned over and torpedoes turned over and torpedoes turned over and sank the next day the americans managed sank the next day the americans managed sank the next day the americans managed to find a light carrier the he you and to find a light carrier the he you and to find a light carrier the he you and they sink that the only real drama on the american side the only real drama on the american side happens when american planes try to get happens when american planes try to get happens when american planes try to get back to their aircraft carriers they had back to their aircraft carriers they had back to their aircraft carriers they had been launched been launched been launched desperately and with an understanding desperately and with an understanding desperately and with an understanding that the japanese were too far away that the japanese were too far away that the japanese were too far away for them to hit and get back to their for them to hit and get back to their for them to hit and get back to their carriers so they carriers so they carriers so they limp back almost out of gas and the limp back almost out of gas and the limp back almost out of gas and the american admiral does something that american admiral does something that american admiral does something that they did in an earlier battle as well they did in an earlier battle as well they did in an earlier battle as well and it's a it's and it's a it's and it's a it's one of those moments that's an inspiring one of those moments that's an inspiring one of those moments that's an inspiring one because with all the submarines one because with all the submarines one because with all the submarines and all the apparent japanese aircraft and all the apparent japanese aircraft and all the apparent japanese aircraft that may still be out there and that may still be out there and that may still be out there and dangerous dangerous dangerous you want to run dark when those when the you want to run dark when those when the you want to run dark when those when the sun goes down you don't want to be sun goes down you don't want to be sun goes down you don't want to be visible visible visible but with american planes trying to find but with american planes trying to find but with american planes trying to find you and desperately land you and desperately land you and desperately land the american admiral decides to light the american admiral decides to light the american admiral decides to light them up like a hollywood premiere as one them up like a hollywood premiere as one them up like a hollywood premiere as one of the of the of the american pilots said they turn on all american pilots said they turn on all american pilots said they turn on all the lights then they turn on the landing the lights then they turn on the landing the lights then they turn on the landing lights and they turn the searchlights lights and they turn the searchlights lights and they turn the searchlights on and point them straight up in the air on and point them straight up in the air on and point them straight up in the air and even though a lot of american pilots and even though a lot of american pilots and even though a lot of american pilots ditch into the sea ditch into the sea ditch into the sea they're quickly rescued and the final they're quickly rescued and the final they're quickly rescued and the final casualty totals according to ernest and casualty totals according to ernest and casualty totals according to ernest and trevor dupuis and the encyclopedia of trevor dupuis and the encyclopedia of trevor dupuis and the encyclopedia of military history are quote military history are quote military history are quote the great marianas turkey shoot as it's the great marianas turkey shoot as it's the great marianas turkey shoot as it's called

called called cost admiral ozawa 346 planes cost admiral ozawa 346 planes cost admiral ozawa 346 planes and two big fleet carriers and of course and two big fleet carriers and of course and two big fleet carriers and of course one light carrier one light carrier one light carrier u s losses they write were but 30 planes u s losses they write were but 30 planes u s losses they write were but 30 planes and some slight damage to a battleship and some slight damage to a battleship and some slight damage to a battleship from a single japanese bomb which found from a single japanese bomb which found from a single japanese bomb which found its target its target its target end quote that is a crushing defeat for a japan that is a crushing defeat for a japan that needed a decisive battle that needed a decisive battle that needed a decisive battle but not a decisive battle that they lost but not a decisive battle that they lost but not a decisive battle that they lost what's more when it's over the fighting what's more when it's over the fighting what's more when it's over the fighting on saipan on saipan on saipan is still just getting started and if is still just getting started and if is still just getting started and if saipan saipan saipan falls remember all of a sudden japan falls remember all of a sudden japan falls remember all of a sudden japan and its homeland are within range of and its homeland are within range of and its homeland are within range of america's brand new america's brand new america's brand new super heavy b-29 super fortress bombers the b-29 super fortress by the way the b-29 super fortress by the way is a fearsome weapon it is is a fearsome weapon it is is a fearsome weapon it is a preview of what cold war bombers will a preview of what cold war bombers will a preview of what cold war bombers will look like and it is a quantum leap from look like and it is a quantum leap from look like and it is a quantum leap from where where where bomber technology was a mere five years bomber technology was a mere five years bomber technology was a mere five years before this time when the second world before this time when the second world before this time when the second world war began war began war began and the japanese don't have to try to and the japanese don't have to try to and the japanese don't have to try to imagine what it might be like to have imagine what it might be like to have imagine what it might be like to have their cities their cities their cities come under attack by this weapon because come under attack by this weapon because come under attack by this weapon because they need only look at their axis they need only look at their axis they need only look at their axis partner partner partner germany and see german cities being germany and see german cities being germany and see german cities being converted from converted from converted from full-fledged functioning cities into full-fledged functioning cities into full-fledged functioning cities into rubble rubble rubble nightly and daily by allied bombing

nightly and daily by allied bombing nightly and daily by allied bombing attacks by attacks by attacks by bomber planes which are nowhere near as bomber planes which are nowhere near as bomber planes which are nowhere near as sophisticated as the b-29 sophisticated as the b-29 sophisticated as the b-29 and when u.s army air corps personnel and when u.s army air corps personnel and when u.s army air corps personnel begin begin begin launching b-29 bomber attacks from launching b-29 bomber attacks from launching b-29 bomber attacks from southern china southern china southern china which are just able to hit the japanese which are just able to hit the japanese which are just able to hit the japanese mainland they can't hit most of the mainland they can't hit most of the mainland they can't hit most of the islands they can't hit tokyo but it's islands they can't hit tokyo but it's islands they can't hit tokyo but it's a warning that as they inch closer and a warning that as they inch closer and a warning that as they inch closer and as the airfields get closer to japan as the airfields get closer to japan as the airfields get closer to japan and as the range of these bombers and as the range of these bombers and as the range of these bombers increases it's only a matter of time increases it's only a matter of time increases it's only a matter of time and it in april 1944 i think it's april and it in april 1944 i think it's april and it in april 1944 i think it's april the the the japanese will launch their largest japanese will launch their largest japanese will launch their largest offensive of the entire war offensive of the entire war offensive of the entire war and it is little known in the west which and it is little known in the west which and it is little known in the west which i've always found interesting but i i've always found interesting but i i've always found interesting but i didn't know about it till about 35 years didn't know about it till about 35 years didn't know about it till about 35 years ago ago ago it's called operation ichigo it's called operation ichigo it's called operation ichigo half a million japanese soldiers more half a million japanese soldiers more half a million japanese soldiers more than 100 000 horses something like 15 than 100 000 horses something like 15 than 100 000 horses something like 15 000 vehicles and we've already explained 000 vehicles and we've already explained 000 vehicles and we've already explained the japanese the japanese the japanese lack of resources and they can hardly lack of resources and they can hardly lack of resources and they can hardly get their fleet enough fuel to even move get their fleet enough fuel to even move get their fleet enough fuel to even move so something like this is a major so something like this is a major so something like this is a major endeavor so one would think endeavor so one would think endeavor so one would think well this must be for you know high well this must be for you know high well this must be for you know high stakes right if the japanese win here at stakes right if the japanese win here at stakes right if the japanese win here at this operation ichigo against the this operation ichigo against the this operation ichigo against the chinese chinese chinese you know should be decisive you know should be decisive you know should be decisive unfortunately and tragically if you're unfortunately and tragically if you're unfortunately and tragically if you're looking at this from the japanese point looking at this from the japanese point looking at this from the japanese point of view of view of view it's not i mean they're really trying to it's not i mean they're really trying to it's not i mean they're really trying to create a land bridge between two areas create a land bridge between two areas create a land bridge between two areas they control they control they control and they're trying to overrun these

and they're trying to overrun these and they're trying to overrun these american air bases so that the b-29s american air bases so that the b-29s american air bases so that the b-29s can't hit them from china can't hit them from china can't hit them from china by the time it's over the japanese lose by the time it's over the japanese lose by the time it's over the japanese lose another hundred thousand of their another hundred thousand of their another hundred thousand of their soldiers they soldiers they soldiers they inflict something like north of three inflict something like north of three inflict something like north of three hundred thousand more casualties on the hundred thousand more casualties on the hundred thousand more casualties on the chinese chinese chinese for little decisive gain this is for little decisive gain this is for little decisive gain this is becoming a pattern in 1944 where the becoming a pattern in 1944 where the becoming a pattern in 1944 where the apocalyptic side of this war from the apocalyptic side of this war from the apocalyptic side of this war from the japanese perspective just japanese perspective just japanese perspective just picks up steam i mean in the same time picks up steam i mean in the same time picks up steam i mean in the same time period the japanese launch another period the japanese launch another period the japanese launch another attack in the attack in the attack in the burma india theater which ends up going burma india theater which ends up going burma india theater which ends up going nowhere nowhere nowhere and cost them another 72 000 dead and cost them another 72 000 dead and cost them another 72 000 dead the fighting in new guinea has never the fighting in new guinea has never the fighting in new guinea has never stopped stopped stopped in fact uh there's the japanese are in fact uh there's the japanese are in fact uh there's the japanese are still inflicting casualties on americans still inflicting casualties on americans still inflicting casualties on americans and australians there and australians there and australians there and the disease which we really have not and the disease which we really have not and the disease which we really have not done justice to is killing and done justice to is killing and done justice to is killing and and incapacitating more japanese more and incapacitating more japanese more and incapacitating more japanese more australians and more americans than the australians and more americans than the australians and more americans than the combat many times more casualties than combat many times more casualties than combat many times more casualties than the combat the combat the combat the malaria the the dysentery the malaria the the dysentery the malaria the the dysentery the many other uh infections and stuff the many other uh infections and stuff the many other uh infections and stuff that that are taking a toll of allied that that are taking a toll of allied that that are taking a toll of allied and axis soldiery and axis soldiery and axis soldiery is brutal as we said this is the theater is brutal as we said this is the theater is brutal as we said this is the theater where people starve to death and disease where people starve to death and disease where people starve to death and disease kills or incapacitates far more people kills or incapacitates far more people kills or incapacitates far more people than combat than combat than combat this is not how it is on most of the this is not how it is on most of the this is not how it is on most of the other fronts it makes the asia pacific other fronts it makes the asia pacific other fronts it makes the asia pacific theater different theater different theater different and at this time period the new guinea and at this time period the new guinea and at this time period the new guinea campaign the island of death is really campaign the island of death is really campaign the island of death is really living up to

living up to living up to the hype as far as the japanese post-war the hype as far as the japanese post-war the hype as far as the japanese post-war reputation of that place is concerned reputation of that place is concerned reputation of that place is concerned and after macarthur promises no more and after macarthur promises no more and after macarthur promises no more bunas because the buna campaign was bunas because the buna campaign was bunas because the buna campaign was vicious vicious vicious he and the australians managed to sort he and the australians managed to sort he and the australians managed to sort of bypass most of the japanese cut them of bypass most of the japanese cut them of bypass most of the japanese cut them off from supply off from supply off from supply and leave more than a hundred thousand and leave more than a hundred thousand and leave more than a hundred thousand japanese soldiers on new guinea starving japanese soldiers on new guinea starving japanese soldiers on new guinea starving to death to death to death and dying of disease and then as we said you have the battle and then as we said you have the battle of the philippine sea which of the philippine sea which of the philippine sea which just ended the great marianas turkey just ended the great marianas turkey just ended the great marianas turkey shoot where the japanese lose three shoot where the japanese lose three shoot where the japanese lose three carriers hundreds of planes and barely carriers hundreds of planes and barely carriers hundreds of planes and barely scratch the americans it's scratch the americans it's scratch the americans it's a sign that the war is beginning to a sign that the war is beginning to a sign that the war is beginning to enter a new phase a phase where enter a new phase a phase where enter a new phase a phase where just like in europe actually the axis just like in europe actually the axis just like in europe actually the axis have have have lost the war but they're going to lost the war but they're going to lost the war but they're going to continue continue continue fighting the last year of the war is the fighting the last year of the war is the fighting the last year of the war is the most horrible most horrible most horrible but it's also a time when there is no but it's also a time when there is no but it's also a time when there is no doubt as to who's going to win it doubt as to who's going to win it doubt as to who's going to win it which creates a circumstance that just which creates a circumstance that just which creates a circumstance that just adds to adds to adds to a sort of a a tragic a sort of a a tragic a sort of a a tragic overlay to the whole thing right it's overlay to the whole thing right it's overlay to the whole thing right it's one thing if you die for a cause but if one thing if you die for a cause but if one thing if you die for a cause but if it's a it's a it's a a lost cause already it reminds one of a lost cause already it reminds one of a lost cause already it reminds one of something like something like something like the last stands all throughout history i the last stands all throughout history i the last stands all throughout history i mean think of thermopylae or think of mean think of thermopylae or think of mean think of thermopylae or think of the alamo if you're an american right the alamo if you're an american right the alamo if you're an american right the famous last stand in texas the famous last stand in texas the famous last stand in texas where an overwhelmed amount of where an overwhelmed amount of where an overwhelmed amount of volunteers volunteers volunteers at a little church or a mission in texas at a little church or a mission in texas at a little church or a mission in texas get overwhelmed by the mexican military

get overwhelmed by the mexican military get overwhelmed by the mexican military that outnumbers them many times over that outnumbers them many times over that outnumbers them many times over but something like thermopylae or the but something like thermopylae or the but something like thermopylae or the alamo is redeemed alamo is redeemed alamo is redeemed somewhat because eventually the people somewhat because eventually the people somewhat because eventually the people that that that were able to overwhelm the last stand were able to overwhelm the last stand were able to overwhelm the last stand are paid back you know many times over are paid back you know many times over are paid back you know many times over right the americans come in and defeat right the americans come in and defeat right the americans come in and defeat the mexicans in a war the mexicans in a war the mexicans in a war the greeks defeat the persians the greeks defeat the persians the greeks defeat the persians eventually eventually eventually in this part of the conflict the in this part of the conflict the in this part of the conflict the japanese are going to fight the japanese are going to fight the japanese are going to fight the equivalent of equivalent of equivalent of alamo after alamo after alamo and alamo after alamo after alamo and alamo after alamo after alamo and thermopylae after thermopylae after thermopylae after thermopylae after thermopylae after thermopylae after thermopylae but there's never going to thermopylae but there's never going to thermopylae but there's never going to be an avenging angel moment be an avenging angel moment be an avenging angel moment when the battle of the philippine sea is when the battle of the philippine sea is when the battle of the philippine sea is over the japanese forces on over the japanese forces on over the japanese forces on saipan and tinian and guam are on their saipan and tinian and guam are on their saipan and tinian and guam are on their own own own there will be no reinforcement there there will be no reinforcement there there will be no reinforcement there will be no resupply will be no resupply will be no resupply their job is to die and take as many of their job is to die and take as many of their job is to die and take as many of the allies with them the allies with them the allies with them while they're doing it now we should while they're doing it now we should while they're doing it now we should remember that this was always part of remember that this was always part of remember that this was always part of the plan right as strange as it sounds the plan right as strange as it sounds the plan right as strange as it sounds that this should be the plan that this should be the plan that this should be the plan but the japanese were going to have but the japanese were going to have but the japanese were going to have these island outposts and then they were these island outposts and then they were these island outposts and then they were going to make the allies take them back going to make the allies take them back going to make the allies take them back and the assumption was the japanese and the assumption was the japanese and the assumption was the japanese would be willing to take more pounding would be willing to take more pounding would be willing to take more pounding than the allies would take than the allies would take than the allies would take you know inflicting the pounding that's you know inflicting the pounding that's you know inflicting the pounding that's already been put to the test on a number already been put to the test on a number already been put to the test on a number of these places new guinea the solomons of these places new guinea the solomons of these places new guinea the solomons tarawa the gilberts the marshals tarawa the gilberts the marshals tarawa the gilberts the marshals but saipan begins a different segment of but saipan begins a different segment of but saipan begins a different segment of this war this war this war because on saipan are a bunch of because on saipan are a bunch of because on saipan are a bunch of japanese civilians japanese civilians japanese civilians as you get closer to japan you start as you get closer to japan you start as you get closer to japan you start running into running into running into women and children and this

women and children and this women and children and this complicates matters greatly and and adds complicates matters greatly and and adds complicates matters greatly and and adds a whole different a whole different a whole different sort of problem for the americans and sort of problem for the americans and sort of problem for the americans and the australians as they try to deal with the australians as they try to deal with the australians as they try to deal with these places because these places because these places because what do you do with civilians that get what do you do with civilians that get what do you do with civilians that get caught in the crossfire caught in the crossfire caught in the crossfire what's more what do you do with what's more what do you do with what's more what do you do with civilians that get caught in the civilians that get caught in the civilians that get caught in the crossfire crossfire crossfire who are thoroughly indoctrinated by who are thoroughly indoctrinated by who are thoroughly indoctrinated by japanese propaganda japanese propaganda japanese propaganda to believe for example that people like to believe for example that people like to believe for example that people like the marines are going to rape and murder the marines are going to rape and murder the marines are going to rape and murder them them them one of the pieces of propaganda said one of the pieces of propaganda said one of the pieces of propaganda said that a marine could not become a marine that a marine could not become a marine that a marine could not become a marine until they killed a close family member until they killed a close family member until they killed a close family member i mean if this is what you really i mean if this is what you really i mean if this is what you really believe believe believe you have a bunch of civilians that are you have a bunch of civilians that are you have a bunch of civilians that are almost as fanatical sometimes almost as fanatical sometimes almost as fanatical sometimes as the soldiers and you see this play as the soldiers and you see this play as the soldiers and you see this play out tragically on saipan out tragically on saipan out tragically on saipan and on guam saipan most of all though and on guam saipan most of all though and on guam saipan most of all though and and and what happens on that island so shocks what happens on that island so shocks what happens on that island so shocks the american high command the american high command the american high command that they begin to make calculations that they begin to make calculations that they begin to make calculations that if this is what it's like that if this is what it's like that if this is what it's like on an outer japanese island what will it on an outer japanese island what will it on an outer japanese island what will it be like if we actually have to invade be like if we actually have to invade be like if we actually have to invade the japanese home islands are all the the japanese home islands are all the the japanese home islands are all the civilians going to be like this civilians going to be like this civilians going to be like this after the battle of the philippine sea after the battle of the philippine sea after the battle of the philippine sea we'd said that the marines had landed in we'd said that the marines had landed in we'd said that the marines had landed in force on saipan they have misjudged the force on saipan they have misjudged the force on saipan they have misjudged the number of japanese defenders on the number of japanese defenders on the number of japanese defenders on the island there's 32 island there's 32 island there's 32 000 of them which is about twice as many 000 of them which is about twice as many 000 of them which is about twice as many as the americans thought as the americans thought as the americans thought this forces the americans to bring in an this forces the americans to bring in an this forces the americans to bring in an army unit that they brought in reserve army unit that they brought in reserve army unit that they brought in reserve they land the 27th division they land the 27th division they land the 27th division and then the marines in the 27th

and then the marines in the 27th and then the marines in the 27th division begin advancing up division begin advancing up division begin advancing up up the island of saipan which is about up the island of saipan which is about up the island of saipan which is about 12 or 15 miles long 12 or 15 miles long 12 or 15 miles long guam is the big one in the marianas it's guam is the big one in the marianas it's guam is the big one in the marianas it's like 30 miles long and when these units advance up the and when these units advance up the island of saipan island of saipan island of saipan you see the american inter-service you see the american inter-service you see the american inter-service rivalry rivalry rivalry reach the boiling point and boil over reach the boiling point and boil over reach the boiling point and boil over the japanese of course have the most the japanese of course have the most the japanese of course have the most famous inter-service rivalry of any of famous inter-service rivalry of any of famous inter-service rivalry of any of the major powers their army and navy the major powers their army and navy the major powers their army and navy almost hate each other sometimes i mean almost hate each other sometimes i mean almost hate each other sometimes i mean it gets into open warfare practically it gets into open warfare practically it gets into open warfare practically the americans though not immune but at the americans though not immune but at the americans though not immune but at this point when the marines this point when the marines this point when the marines are relying on the army and then decide are relying on the army and then decide are relying on the army and then decide that the army is unreliable that the army is unreliable that the army is unreliable all hell breaks loose something that all hell breaks loose something that all hell breaks loose something that becomes a big enough problem to go all becomes a big enough problem to go all becomes a big enough problem to go all the way up to the american high command the way up to the american high command the way up to the american high command back in washington dc back in washington dc back in washington dc it breaks out into open discussion in it breaks out into open discussion in it breaks out into open discussion in the american media with some newspaper the american media with some newspaper the american media with some newspaper outlets siding with the marines other outlets siding with the marines other outlets siding with the marines other newspaper outlets signed with siding newspaper outlets signed with siding newspaper outlets signed with siding with the army and what happened is this with the army and what happened is this with the army and what happened is this the marine forces on saipan uh were on the marine forces on saipan uh were on the marine forces on saipan uh were on both sides of the army unit the army was both sides of the army unit the army was both sides of the army unit the army was the center and the army was connecting the center and the army was connecting the center and the army was connecting the two marine divisions the two marine divisions the two marine divisions when everybody advanced the army units when everybody advanced the army units when everybody advanced the army units were slower in the advance and what that were slower in the advance and what that were slower in the advance and what that meant was the marines were able to move meant was the marines were able to move meant was the marines were able to move farther ahead of the army which farther ahead of the army which farther ahead of the army which imperiled their flanks and the japanese imperiled their flanks and the japanese imperiled their flanks and the japanese infiltrators could attack them infiltrators could attack them infiltrators could attack them both the marine commander on saipan both the marine commander on saipan both the marine commander on saipan and the us army commander on saipan were

and the us army commander on saipan were and the us army commander on saipan were both named smith the marine commander both named smith the marine commander both named smith the marine commander was a guy named howland madsmith was his was a guy named howland madsmith was his was a guy named howland madsmith was his nickname nickname nickname and he proved that he would live up to and he proved that he would live up to and he proved that he would live up to it when he started berating the it when he started berating the it when he started berating the commander of the us army forces for commander of the us army forces for commander of the us army forces for being insufficiently aggressive being insufficiently aggressive being insufficiently aggressive and then he went to his own admiral and and then he went to his own admiral and and then he went to his own admiral and demanded that he be fired this other demanded that he be fired this other demanded that he be fired this other army commander and then the admiral army commander and then the admiral army commander and then the admiral fired him and all hell breaks loose when fired him and all hell breaks loose when fired him and all hell breaks loose when that happens the army not happy with that happens the army not happy with that happens the army not happy with that as you might imagine that as you might imagine that as you might imagine uh getting in each other's faces i mean uh getting in each other's faces i mean uh getting in each other's faces i mean it's really quite astounding it's really quite astounding it's really quite astounding many of the commentators i was reading many of the commentators i was reading many of the commentators i was reading would either take the marine side or the would either take the marine side or the would either take the marine side or the army side army side army side uh but plenty of them said that a lot of uh but plenty of them said that a lot of uh but plenty of them said that a lot of this disagreement stemmed from a very this disagreement stemmed from a very this disagreement stemmed from a very different idea of tactics and doctrine different idea of tactics and doctrine different idea of tactics and doctrine the marines traveled lightly advanced the marines traveled lightly advanced the marines traveled lightly advanced quickly quickly quickly were willing to suck up more casualties were willing to suck up more casualties were willing to suck up more casualties in the hopes that by ending a campaign in the hopes that by ending a campaign in the hopes that by ending a campaign sooner sooner sooner the overall casualties would be lessened the overall casualties would be lessened the overall casualties would be lessened the army was much more deliberate they the army was much more deliberate they the army was much more deliberate they preferred to wait for things like preferred to wait for things like preferred to wait for things like artillery support they would artillery support they would artillery support they would they would hunker down you know at night they would hunker down you know at night they would hunker down you know at night and sometimes retreat to a better and sometimes retreat to a better and sometimes retreat to a better perimeter they were trying to save lives perimeter they were trying to save lives perimeter they were trying to save lives right use maneuver use technology use right use maneuver use technology use right use maneuver use technology use air and artillery to air and artillery to air and artillery to lessen the amount of casualties but what lessen the amount of casualties but what lessen the amount of casualties but what this meant was the 27th division this meant was the 27th division this meant was the 27th division connecting the two marine divisions was connecting the two marine divisions was connecting the two marine divisions was not moving as quickly and this was not moving as quickly and this was not moving as quickly and this was upsetting the marines the fighting on saipan was also the fighting on saipan was also you know it's becoming a cliche to call you know it's becoming a cliche to call you know it's becoming a cliche to call it deadly but all these islands have it deadly but all these islands have it deadly but all these islands have different threats as we've been saying different threats as we've been saying different threats as we've been saying all along all along all along on saipan it's caves the island is

on saipan it's caves the island is on saipan it's caves the island is riddled with them riddled with them riddled with them and japanese soldiers will hide in these and japanese soldiers will hide in these and japanese soldiers will hide in these caves and if the caves are not caves and if the caves are not caves and if the caves are not dealt with they will come out after the dealt with they will come out after the dealt with they will come out after the americans move past them and attack them americans move past them and attack them americans move past them and attack them in the flank and rear in the flank and rear in the flank and rear snipers and all those kinds of things snipers and all those kinds of things snipers and all those kinds of things the problem that the allies and the the problem that the allies and the the problem that the allies and the americans find out though americans find out though americans find out though is that these caves sometimes have is that these caves sometimes have is that these caves sometimes have civilians in them and civilians in them and civilians in them and the civilians tend to be in the places the civilians tend to be in the places the civilians tend to be in the places where you least expect them where you least expect them where you least expect them and this makes matters more complicated and this makes matters more complicated and this makes matters more complicated and tragic army sergeant john cider is quoted in army sergeant john cider is quoted in matthew a resell's book the things our matthew a resell's book the things our matthew a resell's book the things our father father father saw and describes one of these caves saw and describes one of these caves saw and describes one of these caves that they come across and the americans that they come across and the americans that they come across and the americans had japanese americans with them had japanese americans with them had japanese americans with them who they would often use as translators who they would often use as translators who they would often use as translators to communicate with the japanese to communicate with the japanese to communicate with the japanese soldiers soldiers soldiers and would say hey you know come out of and would say hey you know come out of and would say hey you know come out of the caves and that's the story the caves and that's the story the caves and that's the story sergeant john cider relates he says sergeant john cider relates he says sergeant john cider relates he says quote we had this cave quote we had this cave quote we had this cave and we had two japanese americans guys and we had two japanese americans guys and we had two japanese americans guys from the hawaiian islands from the hawaiian islands from the hawaiian islands they didn't carry guns or anything but they didn't carry guns or anything but they didn't carry guns or anything but they were smart they walked right into they were smart they walked right into they were smart they walked right into the cave and talked to the japanese the cave and talked to the japanese the cave and talked to the japanese soldiers soldiers soldiers they weren't going to give up our two they weren't going to give up our two they weren't going to give up our two came out and told us came out and told us came out and told us and then they went back in and told them and then they went back in and told them and then they went back in and told them they had five minutes before we were they had five minutes before we were they had five minutes before we were going to shell them going to shell them going to shell them then they went back in and told them then they went back in and told them then they went back in and told them they had three minutes they had three minutes they had three minutes all of a sudden we heard the screaming all of a sudden we heard the screaming all of a sudden we heard the screaming of women and children of women and children of women and children we told them to let the civilians out we told them to let the civilians out we told them to let the civilians out the japanese wouldn't let them out the japanese wouldn't let them out the japanese wouldn't let them out that was their protection so it came that was their protection so it came that was their protection so it came down to

down to down to dot dot dot they blew the cave up dot dot dot they blew the cave up dot dot dot they blew the cave up how many people were killed we don't how many people were killed we don't how many people were killed we don't know but that cave was closed know but that cave was closed know but that cave was closed they exploded it with dynamite end quote in uh japan at war in oral history in uh japan at war in oral history haruko taya cook and theodore f cook haruko taya cook and theodore f cook haruko taya cook and theodore f cook interview interview interview a japanese veteran on saipan who has a a japanese veteran on saipan who has a a japanese veteran on saipan who has a truly reader's digest type truly reader's digest type truly reader's digest type adventure maybe that's not the right way adventure maybe that's not the right way adventure maybe that's not the right way to describe it trying to survive the to describe it trying to survive the to describe it trying to survive the american assault on saipan and american assault on saipan and american assault on saipan and eventually he finds himself in a cave eventually he finds himself in a cave eventually he finds himself in a cave like the one the american just described like the one the american just described like the one the american just described that they had to blow up that they had to blow up that they had to blow up the veteran his name was a yamauchi the veteran his name was a yamauchi the veteran his name was a yamauchi takeo and he describes finding this cave takeo and he describes finding this cave takeo and he describes finding this cave and running in it with a buddy for and running in it with a buddy for and running in it with a buddy for protection but there were already people protection but there were already people protection but there were already people in the cave including civilians you in the cave including civilians you in the cave including civilians you begin to see the tragedy begin to see the tragedy begin to see the tragedy and perhaps a preview of what a war and perhaps a preview of what a war and perhaps a preview of what a war against the japanese home islands might against the japanese home islands might against the japanese home islands might turn out to be like turn out to be like turn out to be like and the veteran says quote and the veteran says quote and the veteran says quote that sailor and i fled to the very that sailor and i fled to the very that sailor and i fled to the very northern tip of the island where we northern tip of the island where we northern tip of the island where we found a cave to crawl into found a cave to crawl into found a cave to crawl into inside were a japanese non-com a inside were a japanese non-com a inside were a japanese non-com a non-commissioned officer non-commissioned officer non-commissioned officer i thought he must be a master sergeant i thought he must be a master sergeant i thought he must be a master sergeant that's the way he spoke that's the way he spoke that's the way he spoke several soldiers and some japanese women several soldiers and some japanese women several soldiers and some japanese women with babies with babies with babies maybe 20 of them all together it was maybe 20 of them all together it was maybe 20 of them all together it was pitch dark at night pitch dark at night pitch dark at night i could hear their voices babies crying i could hear their voices babies crying i could hear their voices babies crying the sailor and i sat in the corner in the sailor and i sat in the corner in the sailor and i sat in the corner in the darkness without talking to anyone the darkness without talking to anyone the darkness without talking to anyone else there else there else there immediately above that cave ran a road

immediately above that cave ran a road immediately above that cave ran a road american forces were all over the place american forces were all over the place american forces were all over the place the sergeant insisted that the baby's the sergeant insisted that the baby's the sergeant insisted that the baby's cries would alert the americans cries would alert the americans cries would alert the americans kill them yourself or i'll order my men kill them yourself or i'll order my men kill them yourself or i'll order my men to do it to do it to do it that's the sergeant speaking several that's the sergeant speaking several that's the sergeant speaking several mothers killed their own children mothers killed their own children mothers killed their own children the veteran says now he talks about the the veteran says now he talks about the the veteran says now he talks about the americans attempt to get them to come americans attempt to get them to come americans attempt to get them to come out out out quote now the americans began to quote now the americans began to quote now the americans began to broadcast surrender advice broadcast surrender advice broadcast surrender advice over loudspeakers from the sea japanese over loudspeakers from the sea japanese over loudspeakers from the sea japanese forces forces forces throw down your arms we will protect the throw down your arms we will protect the throw down your arms we will protect the honor of those who fought hard honor of those who fought hard honor of those who fought hard and who give themselves up we have water and who give themselves up we have water and who give themselves up we have water we have food we have food we have food their japanese he says was a little their japanese he says was a little their japanese he says was a little shaky they said that they would resume shaky they said that they would resume shaky they said that they would resume firing after a fixed interval that was firing after a fixed interval that was firing after a fixed interval that was the first time i heard an american call the first time i heard an american call the first time i heard an american call to surrender to surrender to surrender but i feared that if i surrendered but i feared that if i surrendered but i feared that if i surrendered within sight of our own men during within sight of our own men during within sight of our own men during daylight daylight daylight i might be shot in the back end quote i might be shot in the back end quote i might be shot in the back end quote he then tells a heart-wrenching story of he then tells a heart-wrenching story of he then tells a heart-wrenching story of a civilian a civilian a civilian teenager many of the civilians had teenager many of the civilians had teenager many of the civilians had cyanide and they were killing themselves cyanide and they were killing themselves cyanide and they were killing themselves and he says that this teenager's whole and he says that this teenager's whole and he says that this teenager's whole family took the cyanide and killed family took the cyanide and killed family took the cyanide and killed themselves themselves themselves but seemingly gave her something that but seemingly gave her something that but seemingly gave her something that was was was fake so that she would survive and live fake so that she would survive and live fake so that she would survive and live and he said that and he said that and he said that he had to tell her you can't kill he had to tell her you can't kill he had to tell her you can't kill yourself your parents tried to spare yourself your parents tried to spare yourself your parents tried to spare your life your life your life you know they say that things like war you know they say that things like war you know they say that things like war and any big historical story and any big historical story and any big historical story is thousands of little individual

is thousands of little individual is thousands of little individual stories added together like a mosaic stories added together like a mosaic stories added together like a mosaic this is truly tragic and yet at the same this is truly tragic and yet at the same this is truly tragic and yet at the same time time time you know especially in the years after you know especially in the years after you know especially in the years after the war one would the war one would the war one would hear a story like this and say well they hear a story like this and say well they hear a story like this and say well they asked for it they started the war and asked for it they started the war and asked for it they started the war and all those kinds of things which is all those kinds of things which is all those kinds of things which is understandable and yet at the same time understandable and yet at the same time understandable and yet at the same time one's tempted to suggest that um one's tempted to suggest that um one's tempted to suggest that um there are a lot of innocent blameless or there are a lot of innocent blameless or there are a lot of innocent blameless or just just just um pawns on all sides um pawns on all sides um pawns on all sides trapped in this kind of matrix if you trapped in this kind of matrix if you trapped in this kind of matrix if you will if you can't spare some sympathy for if you can't spare some sympathy for japanese civilians japanese civilians japanese civilians at least spare some for the chamorros at least spare some for the chamorros at least spare some for the chamorros the people of saipan who were there the people of saipan who were there the people of saipan who were there before the japanese even before the japanese even before the japanese even arrived after the first world war arrived after the first world war arrived after the first world war thousands upon thousands maybe thousands upon thousands maybe thousands upon thousands maybe tens of thousands of those people will tens of thousands of those people will tens of thousands of those people will die and suffer terribly caught in the die and suffer terribly caught in the die and suffer terribly caught in the caves while the americans and the caves while the americans and the caves while the americans and the japanese japanese japanese fought it out in a book called saipan fought it out in a book called saipan fought it out in a book called saipan oral histories of the pacific war by oral histories of the pacific war by oral histories of the pacific war by bruce m petty he recounts bruce m petty he recounts bruce m petty he recounts story after story told by chamorro story after story told by chamorro story after story told by chamorro people people people who survived this affair and the who survived this affair and the who survived this affair and the loved ones that they lost along the way loved ones that they lost along the way loved ones that they lost along the way and the family tragedies that unfolded and the family tragedies that unfolded and the family tragedies that unfolded in front of them it's in front of them it's in front of them it's grim stuff as the americans fight their way up the as the americans fight their way up the island island island the japanese can see the writing on the the japanese can see the writing on the the japanese can see the writing on the wall wall wall in his book combined fleet decoded

in his book combined fleet decoded in his book combined fleet decoded author john pratas quotes another author john pratas quotes another author john pratas quotes another japanese diary this one by japanese diary this one by japanese diary this one by a soldier named nagata kazumi and he's a soldier named nagata kazumi and he's a soldier named nagata kazumi and he's writing this it's thought on july 4th writing this it's thought on july 4th writing this it's thought on july 4th and his diary entry and his diary entry and his diary entry is a testament to what is a testament to what is a testament to what most japanese by this time are clearly most japanese by this time are clearly most japanese by this time are clearly aware of that the end aware of that the end aware of that the end game is in sight and he writes quote game is in sight and he writes quote game is in sight and he writes quote the decision to make a final stand has the decision to make a final stand has the decision to make a final stand has at last been announced at last been announced at last been announced only japanese officers and men will only japanese officers and men will only japanese officers and men will fight under such hopeless conditions fight under such hopeless conditions fight under such hopeless conditions the spirit of yamato however is rendered the spirit of yamato however is rendered the spirit of yamato however is rendered powerless by the overwhelming strength powerless by the overwhelming strength powerless by the overwhelming strength and the heavy weapons of the enemy the and the heavy weapons of the enemy the and the heavy weapons of the enemy the island of saipan island of saipan island of saipan is too small it is even difficult for me is too small it is even difficult for me is too small it is even difficult for me to hide myself to hide myself to hide myself and i'm only five feet tall our last day and i'm only five feet tall our last day and i'm only five feet tall our last day will be here in a day or two will be here in a day or two will be here in a day or two nothing to regret nothing more to do nothing to regret nothing more to do nothing to regret nothing more to do this is fate it had to end this way this is fate it had to end this way this is fate it had to end this way end quote on july 6th the general in charge on july 6th the general in charge sato is his name will climb onto a rock sato is his name will climb onto a rock sato is his name will climb onto a rock have a last meal according to some have a last meal according to some have a last meal according to some anyway anyway anyway of canned crab meat and sake of canned crab meat and sake of canned crab meat and sake and then slit his belly with a knife or and then slit his belly with a knife or and then slit his belly with a knife or a sword a sword a sword while an adjutant behind him waits for while an adjutant behind him waits for while an adjutant behind him waits for the proper moment to shoot him in the the proper moment to shoot him in the the proper moment to shoot him in the head head head this is followed by admiral nagumo's

this is followed by admiral nagumo's this is followed by admiral nagumo's suicide suicide suicide the um victor at pearl harbor and the the um victor at pearl harbor and the the um victor at pearl harbor and the loser at midway loser at midway loser at midway will dispense with any of the ceremonial will dispense with any of the ceremonial will dispense with any of the ceremonial protocol and simply shoot himself with a protocol and simply shoot himself with a protocol and simply shoot himself with a pistol at least according to survivors the day after these two commanders end the day after these two commanders end their lives their lives their lives it's the turn of the rank and file to do it's the turn of the rank and file to do it's the turn of the rank and file to do so so so and we've been calling these charges and we've been calling these charges and we've been calling these charges these these these basically suicidal charges by the basically suicidal charges by the basically suicidal charges by the japanese bonsai charges which is what japanese bonsai charges which is what japanese bonsai charges which is what the americans called them the americans called them the americans called them because the japanese soldiers would because the japanese soldiers would because the japanese soldiers would often yell bonsais one of the often yell bonsais one of the often yell bonsais one of the things that they would scream on the way things that they would scream on the way things that they would scream on the way in to attack in to attack in to attack but the japanese especially here on but the japanese especially here on but the japanese especially here on saipan saipan saipan are taking part in what the japanese are taking part in what the japanese are taking part in what the japanese term is a gyokosai term is a gyokosai term is a gyokosai and that means the breaking of the and that means the breaking of the and that means the breaking of the jewels jewels jewels they will drink a lot of liquor they will drink a lot of liquor they will drink a lot of liquor get to a point where they're actually get to a point where they're actually get to a point where they're actually singing singing singing before thousands of them will explode before thousands of them will explode before thousands of them will explode onto the american lines this was not onto the american lines this was not onto the american lines this was not totally totally totally unexpected in matthew a resell's book unexpected in matthew a resell's book unexpected in matthew a resell's book the things our fathers saw the things our fathers saw the things our fathers saw u.s soldier nick granaldo u.s soldier nick granaldo u.s soldier nick granaldo says quote i remember it rained like says quote i remember it rained like says quote i remember it rained like hell that night hell that night hell that night and the water was running down the slope and the water was running down the slope and the water was running down the slope into our foxholes into our foxholes into our foxholes i had to use my helmet to keep bailing i had to use my helmet to keep bailing i had to use my helmet to keep bailing out you know

out you know out you know the night before the bonsai i woke up the night before the bonsai i woke up the night before the bonsai i woke up that morning that morning that morning and oh jesus christ they the japanese and oh jesus christ they the japanese and oh jesus christ they the japanese got above us and they were giving us got above us and they were giving us got above us and they were giving us plunging fire plunging fire plunging fire shooting right down into the foxholes shooting right down into the foxholes shooting right down into the foxholes because they were high enough to look because they were high enough to look because they were high enough to look down down down lieutenant gower he was my platoon lieutenant gower he was my platoon lieutenant gower he was my platoon leader leader leader he was regular army he was a good man he he was regular army he was a good man he he was regular army he was a good man he called us together the squad leaders called us together the squad leaders called us together the squad leaders he said i think we're getting hit with a he said i think we're getting hit with a he said i think we're getting hit with a bonsai bonsai bonsai we're going to have to pull back end we're going to have to pull back end we're going to have to pull back end quote quote quote let me point out that this happens like let me point out that this happens like let me point out that this happens like so many of these major japanese attacks so many of these major japanese attacks so many of these major japanese attacks at night grinaldo continues quote at night grinaldo continues quote at night grinaldo continues quote holy jesus there was howling and holy jesus there was howling and holy jesus there was howling and screaming screaming screaming they had naked women with spears stark they had naked women with spears stark they had naked women with spears stark naked naked naked they took bayonets and strapped them on they took bayonets and strapped them on they took bayonets and strapped them on the end of a pole the end of a pole the end of a pole and they came screaming at us figuring and they came screaming at us figuring and they came screaming at us figuring hey the good-hearted americans aren't hey the good-hearted americans aren't hey the good-hearted americans aren't gonna shoot a woman you know gonna shoot a woman you know gonna shoot a woman you know horseshit there were so many of them horseshit there were so many of them horseshit there were so many of them like cockroaches coming out of the like cockroaches coming out of the like cockroaches coming out of the woodwork woodwork woodwork we had to pull back end quote we had to pull back end quote we had to pull back end quote i have a book on saipan and it spends i have a book on saipan and it spends i have a book on saipan and it spends something like 30 or 40 pages covering something like 30 or 40 pages covering something like 30 or 40 pages covering this event with three to four thousand this event with three to four thousand this event with three to four thousand japanese fighters japanese fighters japanese fighters swarming over the american front lines swarming over the american front lines swarming over the american front lines forcing the americans to pull back forcing the americans to pull back forcing the americans to pull back there are plenty of accounts of japanese there are plenty of accounts of japanese there are plenty of accounts of japanese sword-wielding soldiers who are sword-wielding soldiers who are sword-wielding soldiers who are hacking to death wounded americans who hacking to death wounded americans who hacking to death wounded americans who can't get away chopping off heads it's

can't get away chopping off heads it's can't get away chopping off heads it's it's medieval at times it's medieval at times it's medieval at times but it's also doomed in his book the but it's also doomed in his book the but it's also doomed in his book the nobility of failure tragic heroes in the nobility of failure tragic heroes in the nobility of failure tragic heroes in the history of japan history of japan history of japan author ivan morris describes this author ivan morris describes this author ivan morris describes this specific specific specific incident and puts it in the larger incident and puts it in the larger incident and puts it in the larger context of the japanese suicidal attacks context of the japanese suicidal attacks context of the japanese suicidal attacks the bonsai charges the the bonsai charges the the bonsai charges the gyokazeis and he says quote it was not gyokazeis and he says quote it was not gyokazeis and he says quote it was not only pilots or even military men only pilots or even military men only pilots or even military men who responded with suicidal desperation who responded with suicidal desperation who responded with suicidal desperation to the agonizing course of events to the agonizing course of events to the agonizing course of events in battle after battle from the in battle after battle from the in battle after battle from the aleutians to guadalcanal aleutians to guadalcanal aleutians to guadalcanal japanese soldiers avoided surrender by japanese soldiers avoided surrender by japanese soldiers avoided surrender by participating in fierce suicide attacks participating in fierce suicide attacks participating in fierce suicide attacks which the americans described as bonsai which the americans described as bonsai which the americans described as bonsai charges charges charges probably the most fearsome scenes of all probably the most fearsome scenes of all probably the most fearsome scenes of all took place on the island of saipan took place on the island of saipan took place on the island of saipan in july 1944 when organized military in july 1944 when organized military in july 1944 when organized military resistance became impossible resistance became impossible resistance became impossible some three thousand japanese soldiers some three thousand japanese soldiers some three thousand japanese soldiers most of them armed with nothing but most of them armed with nothing but most of them armed with nothing but bayonets bayonets bayonets or sticks charged into the concentrated or sticks charged into the concentrated or sticks charged into the concentrated machine gun fire of the american marines machine gun fire of the american marines machine gun fire of the american marines and were moaned down to the last man at and were moaned down to the last man at and were moaned down to the last man at times the japanese corpses were piled so times the japanese corpses were piled so times the japanese corpses were piled so high high high that the marines had to move their that the marines had to move their that the marines had to move their machine gun emplacements machine gun emplacements machine gun emplacements into an open line of fire as new waves into an open line of fire as new waves into an open line of fire as new waves surged forward surged forward surged forward a particularly macabre note was provided a particularly macabre note was provided a particularly macabre note was provided by a contingent of wounded soldiers by a contingent of wounded soldiers by a contingent of wounded soldiers many of them swathed in bandages and many of them swathed in bandages and many of them swathed in bandages and leaning on the shoulders of their leaning on the shoulders of their leaning on the shoulders of their comrades

comrades comrades who staggered out of the hospitals and who staggered out of the hospitals and who staggered out of the hospitals and infirmaries to take part in the last infirmaries to take part in the last infirmaries to take part in the last suicide attack suicide attack suicide attack subsequently he writes entire units of subsequently he writes entire units of subsequently he writes entire units of japanese soldiers japanese soldiers japanese soldiers knelt down in rows to be decapitated by knelt down in rows to be decapitated by knelt down in rows to be decapitated by their commanding officers their commanding officers their commanding officers who then in turn committed harakiri who then in turn committed harakiri who then in turn committed harakiri hundreds of other soldiers shot hundreds of other soldiers shot hundreds of other soldiers shot themselves through the head themselves through the head themselves through the head or more frequently exploded themselves or more frequently exploded themselves or more frequently exploded themselves with hand grenades with hand grenades with hand grenades as the marines advanced through the as the marines advanced through the as the marines advanced through the blood-drenched island blood-drenched island blood-drenched island they witnessed one mass suicide after they witnessed one mass suicide after they witnessed one mass suicide after another another another end quote end quote end quote it was army units that were initially it was army units that were initially it was army units that were initially struck by this struck by this struck by this charge but after they were overrun and charge but after they were overrun and charge but after they were overrun and forced to pull back forced to pull back forced to pull back the japanese reached artillery units the japanese reached artillery units the japanese reached artillery units behind them that were composed of behind them that were composed of behind them that were composed of marines marines marines and when they were finally stopped there and when they were finally stopped there and when they were finally stopped there were people like were people like were people like typists and cooks and people like that typists and cooks and people like that typists and cooks and people like that who'd been who'd been who'd been armed hastily and picked up weapons to armed hastily and picked up weapons to armed hastily and picked up weapons to try to try to try to beat off this terrible attack beat off this terrible attack beat off this terrible attack then when it was over the field was then when it was over the field was then when it was over the field was littered with japanese dead more than 4 littered with japanese dead more than 4 littered with japanese dead more than 4 300 bodies were counted 300 bodies were counted 300 bodies were counted of the american casualties it was of the american casualties it was of the american casualties it was in excess of 900 killed and wounded in excess of 900 killed and wounded in excess of 900 killed and wounded and a ton of medals given out including and a ton of medals given out including and a ton of medals given out including multiple medals of honor most of them

posthumously posthumously it was the worst japanese it was the worst japanese it was the worst japanese bonsai attack or gyokusai if you prefer bonsai attack or gyokusai if you prefer bonsai attack or gyokusai if you prefer of the war the desperation of the war the desperation of the war the desperation is clear for all to see after the bonsai charge the americans after the bonsai charge the americans continue to move up the island continue to move up the island continue to move up the island compressing the japanese into the compressing the japanese into the compressing the japanese into the northern tip of the island where there northern tip of the island where there northern tip of the island where there is a more than 800 is a more than 800 is a more than 800 foot tall cliff with jagged rocks in the foot tall cliff with jagged rocks in the foot tall cliff with jagged rocks in the sea below sea below sea below and that's where the final tragedy of and that's where the final tragedy of and that's where the final tragedy of saipan occurs saipan occurs saipan occurs right in front of america's watching right in front of america's watching right in front of america's watching eyes as the soldiers saw it all unfold eyes as the soldiers saw it all unfold eyes as the soldiers saw it all unfold and it was filmed you can go see the and it was filmed you can go see the and it was filmed you can go see the tragic footage of this tragic footage of this tragic footage of this where americans slack jawed where americans slack jawed where americans slack jawed watched the civilians the japanese watched the civilians the japanese watched the civilians the japanese civilians but also natives from the civilians but also natives from the civilians but also natives from the island island island begin to commit mass suicide again from island fighting quote again from island fighting quote saipan was declared secure on july 9th saipan was declared secure on july 9th saipan was declared secure on july 9th but the final horror came after the but the final horror came after the but the final horror came after the fighting was over fighting was over fighting was over at the northern tip of the island lay at the northern tip of the island lay at the northern tip of the island lay marpy point hope i pronounced that marpy point hope i pronounced that marpy point hope i pronounced that correctly correctly correctly a plateau some 833 feet above a shore of a plateau some 833 feet above a shore of a plateau some 833 feet above a shore of jagged coral rocks jagged coral rocks jagged coral rocks and there hundreds of japanese civilians and there hundreds of japanese civilians and there hundreds of japanese civilians joined the few remaining troops in an joined the few remaining troops in an joined the few remaining troops in an orgy of self-destruction orgy of self-destruction orgy of self-destruction despite loudspeaker assurances that the despite loudspeaker assurances that the despite loudspeaker assurances that the victors would treat captives well

victors would treat captives well victors would treat captives well parents threw their children off the parents threw their children off the parents threw their children off the cliffs and jumped after them cliffs and jumped after them cliffs and jumped after them whole families waited and swam out to whole families waited and swam out to whole families waited and swam out to sea to drown themselves sea to drown themselves sea to drown themselves one group of a hundred japanese bowed to one group of a hundred japanese bowed to one group of a hundred japanese bowed to marines watching from a cliff marines watching from a cliff marines watching from a cliff then they stripped bathed donned fresh then they stripped bathed donned fresh then they stripped bathed donned fresh clothing clothing clothing and spread a japanese flag on a rock one and spread a japanese flag on a rock one and spread a japanese flag on a rock one man distributed hand grenades man distributed hand grenades man distributed hand grenades and one by one they pulled the pins and and one by one they pulled the pins and and one by one they pulled the pins and held the grenades against their bellies held the grenades against their bellies held the grenades against their bellies end quote there's also photographs end quote there's also photographs end quote there's also photographs of japanese families who were wavering of japanese families who were wavering of japanese families who were wavering and didn't know and didn't know and didn't know exactly how to begin and hidden japanese exactly how to begin and hidden japanese exactly how to begin and hidden japanese snipers from a distance would make up snipers from a distance would make up snipers from a distance would make up their minds for them and shoot them down their minds for them and shoot them down their minds for them and shoot them down there are so many bodies offshore that there are so many bodies offshore that there are so many bodies offshore that the americans can't even bring the americans can't even bring the americans can't even bring ships in because they're having to ships in because they're having to ships in because they're having to plow their way through the human plow their way through the human plow their way through the human wreckage wreckage wreckage in his book the rising sun author john in his book the rising sun author john in his book the rising sun author john toland actually has descriptions that toland actually has descriptions that toland actually has descriptions that are too are too are too upsetting to even talk about of the upsetting to even talk about of the upsetting to even talk about of the ordeal that the ordeal that the ordeal that the survivors who didn't die in these survivors who didn't die in these survivors who didn't die in these suicide attempts lived through i mean suicide attempts lived through i mean suicide attempts lived through i mean what's it like when you're in a cave what's it like when you're in a cave what's it like when you're in a cave with your father your mother your with your father your mother your with your father your mother your siblings including some as young as siblings including some as young as siblings including some as young as toddlers toddlers toddlers and they have to have a discussion about and they have to have a discussion about and they have to have a discussion about what's about to happen i mean in one of what's about to happen i mean in one of what's about to happen i mean in one of his his his stories um related by a survivor who did stories um related by a survivor who did stories um related by a survivor who did not die not die not die the father and the mother had the the father and the mother had the the father and the mother had the conversation about how they're going to conversation about how they're going to conversation about how they're going to go to a happy place and all these things go to a happy place and all these things go to a happy place and all these things i mean it is

i mean it is i mean it is it is a human tragedy writ large it is a human tragedy writ large it is a human tragedy writ large and it's clear from all the accounts and it's clear from all the accounts and it's clear from all the accounts that it melts the hearts of even the that it melts the hearts of even the that it melts the hearts of even the adversaries here we've been calling this adversaries here we've been calling this adversaries here we've been calling this a race war war of annihilation a war of a race war war of annihilation a war of a race war war of annihilation a war of hatred but the marines and the army hatred but the marines and the army hatred but the marines and the army personnel who witness personnel who witness personnel who witness this they know they're looking at a this they know they're looking at a this they know they're looking at a tragedy and tollen tells the story of tragedy and tollen tells the story of tragedy and tollen tells the story of one american officer watching this with one american officer watching this with one american officer watching this with tears streaming down his face saying why tears streaming down his face saying why tears streaming down his face saying why do the japanese kill themselves like do the japanese kill themselves like do the japanese kill themselves like this no one knows exactly how many no one knows exactly how many civilians on saipan ended up dying civilians on saipan ended up dying civilians on saipan ended up dying either through suicide or getting caught either through suicide or getting caught either through suicide or getting caught in the war in the war in the war figures for the entire pacific campaign figures for the entire pacific campaign figures for the entire pacific campaign can be can be can be wildly different from one source to wildly different from one source to wildly different from one source to another another another part of the reason why is so many people part of the reason why is so many people part of the reason why is so many people disappeared disappeared disappeared caves get blown up with people inside caves get blown up with people inside caves get blown up with people inside japanese soldiers turn up years later japanese soldiers turn up years later japanese soldiers turn up years later suicides happen in remote places and the suicides happen in remote places and the suicides happen in remote places and the jungle tends to conceal a lot but i've seen civilian death totals but i've seen civilian death totals between 20 and 25 between 20 and 25 between 20 and 25 000 people japanese and chamorro 000 people japanese and chamorro 000 people japanese and chamorro those are devastating casualties for an those are devastating casualties for an those are devastating casualties for an island this size right 12 island this size right 12 island this size right 12 15 miles long 20 to 25 000 dead 15 miles long 20 to 25 000 dead 15 miles long 20 to 25 000 dead civilians it's civilians it's civilians it's it's a nightmare scenario as the war it's a nightmare scenario as the war it's a nightmare scenario as the war goes on and you're going to run into

goes on and you're going to run into goes on and you're going to run into more and more more and more more and more populated islands every step of the way populated islands every step of the way populated islands every step of the way towards the japanese homeland towards the japanese homeland towards the japanese homeland as far as japanese casualties those vary as far as japanese casualties those vary as far as japanese casualties those vary too too too on saipan between 27 and 29 on saipan between 27 and 29 on saipan between 27 and 29 000 japanese dead are usually the 000 japanese dead are usually the 000 japanese dead are usually the numbers you see american dead and missing american dead and missing well saipan's about um 3 500 a little well saipan's about um 3 500 a little well saipan's about um 3 500 a little bit more than 3 500 maybe american dead bit more than 3 500 maybe american dead bit more than 3 500 maybe american dead a couple hundred missing between a couple hundred missing between a couple hundred missing between 13 and 16 000 wounded 13 and 16 000 wounded 13 and 16 000 wounded remember that the uh invasion of tinian remember that the uh invasion of tinian remember that the uh invasion of tinian happens right at the same time happens right at the same time happens right at the same time and the invasion of guam happens right and the invasion of guam happens right and the invasion of guam happens right afterwards afterwards afterwards guam is another tough fight but on guam is another tough fight but on guam is another tough fight but on tinian tinian tinian it's about 320 americans who die it's about 320 americans who die it's about 320 americans who die but it's like 5500 japanese and you but it's like 5500 japanese and you but it's like 5500 japanese and you start to see how much start to see how much start to see how much the kill ratio is turning against the the kill ratio is turning against the the kill ratio is turning against the japanese in a way that you japanese in a way that you japanese in a way that you rarely see in modern war ten to one rarely see in modern war ten to one rarely see in modern war ten to one ratios becoming pretty common ratios becoming pretty common ratios becoming pretty common and on guam the japanese lose and i've and on guam the japanese lose and i've and on guam the japanese lose and i've seen anywhere from seen anywhere from seen anywhere from again wildly different figures in the again wildly different figures in the again wildly different figures in the encyclopedia military history it says encyclopedia military history it says encyclopedia military history it says ten thousand men ten thousand men ten thousand men but many sources will say the japanese but many sources will say the japanese but many sources will say the japanese lost more than eighteen thousand men on lost more than eighteen thousand men on lost more than eighteen thousand men on guam guam guam the americans lose about three thousand the americans lose about three thousand the americans lose about three thousand dead and about seven thousand wounded the entire operation operation forager

the entire operation operation forager if you total it up the japanese lose if you total it up the japanese lose if you total it up the japanese lose about sixty seven about sixty seven about sixty seven thousand men out of seventy one thousand thousand men out of seventy one thousand thousand men out of seventy one thousand originally originally originally these numbers represent almost total these numbers represent almost total these numbers represent almost total destruction of japanese forces destruction of japanese forces destruction of japanese forces you don't see this anywhere else it's a sign of how committed they are it's a sign of how committed they are to the cause and how unlikely it is that to the cause and how unlikely it is that to the cause and how unlikely it is that you can break their morale and get them you can break their morale and get them you can break their morale and get them to surrender to surrender to surrender it's going to be a fight to the death it's going to be a fight to the death it's going to be a fight to the death and after saipan and guam and tinian are and after saipan and guam and tinian are and after saipan and guam and tinian are through through through the japanese know that at least the the japanese know that at least the the japanese know that at least the more insightful amongst their leadership more insightful amongst their leadership more insightful amongst their leadership that the war is decided that the war is decided that the war is decided but it's not over yet one of the naval chiefs of staff says one of the naval chiefs of staff says after saipan falls that hell is about to after saipan falls that hell is about to after saipan falls that hell is about to descend upon us descend upon us descend upon us they know that the b-29s are coming and they know that the b-29s are coming and they know that the b-29s are coming and before the islands are even free of before the islands are even free of before the islands are even free of japanese defenders japanese defenders japanese defenders navy engineers the seabees come in and navy engineers the seabees come in and navy engineers the seabees come in and start building the airfields that the start building the airfields that the start building the airfields that the b-29s will use to attack b-29s will use to attack b-29s will use to attack the japanese homeland on july 18th the military leader tojo on july 18th the military leader tojo resigns he's forced to by the emperor resigns he's forced to by the emperor resigns he's forced to by the emperor and the other elements in the government and the other elements in the government and the other elements in the government two days later a bomb two days later a bomb two days later a bomb goes off in the german

goes off in the german goes off in the german empire is that a good way to call it the empire is that a good way to call it the empire is that a good way to call it the nazi state nazi state nazi state and officers under adolf hitler and officers under adolf hitler and officers under adolf hitler had tried to blow him up in the july had tried to blow him up in the july had tried to blow him up in the july 20th plot 20th plot 20th plot so by july 20th hitler's wounded in the so by july 20th hitler's wounded in the so by july 20th hitler's wounded in the bombing attack mussolini as we said bombing attack mussolini as we said bombing attack mussolini as we said is already a shadow of his former self is already a shadow of his former self is already a shadow of his former self and falling tojo is gone now so of the and falling tojo is gone now so of the and falling tojo is gone now so of the big big big three only hitler's left the successors to tojo in japan the successors to tojo in japan begin to try to figure out a way to begin to try to figure out a way to begin to try to figure out a way to cobble some sort of piece together so cobble some sort of piece together so cobble some sort of piece together so the worst can be avoided the worst can be avoided the worst can be avoided but they have a lot of headwinds working but they have a lot of headwinds working but they have a lot of headwinds working against them against them against them including the emperor himself who uh in including the emperor himself who uh in including the emperor himself who uh in herbert pbx's hirohito herbert pbx's hirohito herbert pbx's hirohito suggests that he's going to die fighting suggests that he's going to die fighting suggests that he's going to die fighting and japan begins to prepare for this and japan begins to prepare for this and japan begins to prepare for this sort of last sort of last sort of last ditch stand on the home islands that ditch stand on the home islands that ditch stand on the home islands that will make use of every man woman and will make use of every man woman and will make use of every man woman and child and bix rights quote child and bix rights quote child and bix rights quote on august 4th the new cabinet decided to on august 4th the new cabinet decided to on august 4th the new cabinet decided to arm virtually the entire nation arm virtually the entire nation arm virtually the entire nation and have all subjects begin military and have all subjects begin military and have all subjects begin military training with bamboo training with bamboo training with bamboo spears in workplaces and schools spears in workplaces and schools spears in workplaces and schools throughout the country throughout the country throughout the country hirohito the emperor formerly confirmed hirohito the emperor formerly confirmed hirohito the emperor formerly confirmed the new preparations for defense against the new preparations for defense against the new preparations for defense against the forthcoming enemy offensives the forthcoming enemy offensives the forthcoming enemy offensives at his imperial conference two weeks at his imperial conference two weeks at his imperial conference two weeks later emphasis was to be placed later emphasis was to be placed later emphasis was to be placed on air defense fighting the enemy in the on air defense fighting the enemy in the on air defense fighting the enemy in the interior rather than at the water's edge interior rather than at the water's edge interior rather than at the water's edge and the rapid development of quote sure

and the rapid development of quote sure and the rapid development of quote sure victory weapons victory weapons victory weapons end quote which meant the large-scale end quote which meant the large-scale end quote which meant the large-scale production production production of so-called body smashing or special of so-called body smashing or special of so-called body smashing or special attack weapons attack weapons attack weapons designed to quote end quote exchange designed to quote end quote exchange designed to quote end quote exchange the life of the crew or the pilot for a the life of the crew or the pilot for a the life of the crew or the pilot for a specific military achievement specific military achievement specific military achievement end quote suicide weapons end quote suicide weapons end quote suicide weapons that's where we are by this time in the that's where we are by this time in the that's where we are by this time in the war we have been saying all through this we have been saying all through this series that the japanese series that the japanese series that the japanese are like everyone else only more so are like everyone else only more so are like everyone else only more so well in june 1940 when winston churchill well in june 1940 when winston churchill well in june 1940 when winston churchill was afraid that the germans were about was afraid that the germans were about was afraid that the germans were about to invade to invade to invade another island nation just like japan another island nation just like japan another island nation just like japan but in this case britain but in this case britain but in this case britain he gave a famous speech a speech that he gave a famous speech a speech that he gave a famous speech a speech that well might have been written by the well might have been written by the well might have been written by the japanese emperor himself japanese emperor himself japanese emperor himself he said quote we shall defend our island he said quote we shall defend our island he said quote we shall defend our island whatever the cost may be whatever the cost may be whatever the cost may be we shall fight on the beaches we shall we shall fight on the beaches we shall we shall fight on the beaches we shall fight on the landing grounds we shall fight on the landing grounds we shall fight on the landing grounds we shall fight in the fields fight in the fields fight in the fields and in the streets we shall fight in the and in the streets we shall fight in the and in the streets we shall fight in the hills hills hills we shall never surrender end quote we shall never surrender end quote we shall never surrender end quote he also had quipped remember you can he also had quipped remember you can he also had quipped remember you can always always always take one with you meaning every britain take one with you meaning every britain take one with you meaning every britain civilian could take a german soldier civilian could take a german soldier civilian could take a german soldier with them and that would eat up the with them and that would eat up the with them and that would eat up the whole german army because there were so whole german army because there were so whole german army because there were so many civilians

many civilians many civilians well it sounds like the japanese were well it sounds like the japanese were well it sounds like the japanese were taking an inspiration from churchill's taking an inspiration from churchill's taking an inspiration from churchill's playbook here playbook here playbook here because in this final year of the war because in this final year of the war because in this final year of the war that's their plan and civilians are that's their plan and civilians are that's their plan and civilians are training with bamboo spears training with bamboo spears training with bamboo spears to make it a reality if you think the show you just heard is if you think the show you just heard is worth a dollar dan and ben would love to worth a dollar dan and ben would love to worth a dollar dan and ben would love to have it have it have it a buck a show it's all we ask go to a buck a show it's all we ask go to a buck a show it's all we ask go to dancarland.com for information on how to dancarland.com for information on how to dancarland.com for information on how to donate to the show donate to the show donate to the show wrath of the cons punic nightmares wrath of the cons punic nightmares wrath of the cons punic nightmares apache tears and of course ghosts of the apache tears and of course ghosts of the apache tears and of course ghosts of the ost front ost front ost front just a few of the classic hardcore just a few of the classic hardcore just a few of the classic hardcore history titles available from history titles available from history titles available from every true fan has heard these favorites every true fan has heard these favorites every true fan has heard these favorites hey they make great gifts too coming up in part six the final coming up in part six the final installment installment installment of this series peleliu of this series peleliu of this series peleliu iwoma okinawa macarthur's return to the iwoma okinawa macarthur's return to the iwoma okinawa macarthur's return to the philippines philippines philippines kamikazes and atomic war kamikazes and atomic war kamikazes and atomic war an armageddon of the sort that has an armageddon of the sort that has an armageddon of the sort that has rarely been seen rarely been seen rarely been seen in modern warfare all this in modern warfare all this in modern warfare all this and more in part six of supernova in the and more in part six of supernova in the and more in part six of supernova in the east