Best Semperfidelis Podcasts (2024)

1
Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 8 32:55

6M ago32:55

32:55

The US Army’s arrival brought reinforcements and a reorganization of American troops. New tactics, like flamethrowers and enhanced naval gunfire, were introduced, though terrain and enemy fortifications remained challenging. The 1st Marine Division, weakened by malaria and extended combat, was finally relieved and sent to Australia for some much-ne…

1
Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 7 40:54

7M ago40:54

40:54

This episode dives into the strategic reorganization of American forces during the Guadalcanal campaign. The 164th Infantry and 7th Marines, positioned in the East Sector, tackled the harsh terrain as they encircled the enemy. Company B of the 8th Marines in the West Sector was crucial in securing vital artillery positions. Central to the operation…

1
Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 6 40:48

7M ago40:48

40:48

The episode will explore the intense engagements, including the Matanikau Phase, where American forces repelled Japanese attacks with strategic positioning and artillery. We'll discuss the heroic acts of individuals like John Basilone, who earned the Medal of Honor, and the leadership shifts that marked a turning point in the battle.…

1
Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 5 47:00

7M ago47:00

47:00

Following the initial engagement with the Ichiki Force, the Marines braced for more severe Japanese attacks along with ongoing air raids and bombardments. Despite limited resources, the Cactus Air Force, comprising Marine, Navy, and Army Air Force units, demonstrated remarkable resilience and efficiency. This episode explores the harsh realities at…

1
Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 4 39:54

8M ago39:54

39:54

Continuing from last week, we focus on Vandergrift and his Marines as they struggle with insufficient supplies and limited intelligence. This episode sets the stage for the Battle of the Tenaru, detailing the Marines' defensive tactics and hurdles while taking an in-depth look at the fight.By Robert Estrada

1
Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 3 38:52

8M ago38:52

38:52

This episode shifts focus from Yoke's journey toward Tulagi to Task Group X-Ray's approach to Beach Red on Guadalcanal, marking the first land offensive by American forces in WWII. The Marines, much like in Tulagi, were confronted with a stark difference between the intelligence they possessed and the actual situation on Guadalcanal. Their reliance…

1
Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 2 36:24

8M ago36:24

36:24

This episode follows the approach of Transport Group Yoke towards Tulagi. The initial bombardments by supporting aircraft and naval vessels set the stage for the Marines' landing. Once ashore, we'll discuss the challenging terrain of Tulagi and the tactical advances of the 1st Marine Raider Battalion and 2/5, as they navigate the island's ridges an…

1
Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 1 23:03

8M ago23:03

23:03

The Solomon Islands campaign during World War II was a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theater, marking the first major Allied offensive against the Japanese forces. This eight-part series will focus on a series of land and naval battles in the lower Solomons that were crucial in turning the tide of war in favor of the Allies. The Guadalcanal campaig…

1
American Samoa 26:14

11M ago26:14

26:14

Amid the potential of the US entering WWII, American Samoa emerged as a linchpin in the Pacific defense strategy. With tensions rising and rumors of a Japanese attack swirling, the Marines swiftly fortified the island, constructing defenses, coastal emplacements, and antiaircraft positions. To bolster their forces, the Marines established the 1st S…

1
Marines in Iceland 35:12

12M ago35:12

35:12

During World War II, Iceland gained strategic significance due to its proximity to Europe and North America. When Germany invaded Denmark in April 1940, Britain realized the importance of preventing a similar invasion of Iceland and decided to occupy the island. However, their occupation was short-lived, as they had to return to defend against Germ…

1
Desegregation in the Corps – Part 3 26:01

1y ago26:01

26:01

In this episode, we finish up our series on the history of desegregation in the Marines. We begin with a few stories about the Korean War, the continuing issue with the stewards MOS, racial tensions in the Vietnam War, and end with Desert Storm.By Robert Estrada

1
Desegregation in the Corps – Part 2 29:48

1y ago29:48

29:48

In this episode, we explore the journey of the Montford Point Marines during WWII. After training, they prepared to join their brothers in arms in the Pacific. We delve into the organization of the 51st and 52nd battalions, some milestones, their involvement in the war, and a few heroic stories.By Robert Estrada

1
Desegregation in the Corps: Part 1 29:55

1+ y ago29:55

29:55

Montford Point was established in 1942, and this is the perfect time to take a break from the Pacific and focus the next few episodes on the history of desegregation in the Marine Corps. Marines at Montford Point overcame substantial hurdles to serve in the Corps. They were enlisting in a branch that literally didn't want them (Holcomb confirmed th…

1
World War II: Defense of the Philippines - Part 4 29:04

1+ y ago29:04

29:04

The Battle of Bataan and Corregidor comes to an end during this episode. This episode discusses the island surrender, some heroic stories from Marines on Corregidor, and statistics about the battle.By Robert Estrada

1
World War II: Defense of the Philippines - Part 3 33:10

1+ y ago33:10

33:10

Japanese forces occupied most of Luzon, and US/Philippine forces withdrew south to establish a defensive line. 72 officers and 1173 enlisted from more than 50 organizations joined the 4th Marines. This made them one of the most diverse Marine units ever to have existed. Despite the additional reinforcements, many newcomers to the 4th were sailors a…

1
World War II: Defense of the Philippines - Part 2 27:11

1+ y ago27:11

27:11

This episode continues our discussion in the Philippines. Most of the 4th Marines were positioned on Corregidor, a small, tadpole-shaped island in the mouth of Manila Bay. Japan's domination of air and sea cut off food and supplies to the peninsula's defenders. By April 1942, many troops had lost as much as a third of their body weight.…

1
Kevin Sadaj - Uncommon Valor 1:20:24

1+ y ago1:20:24

1:20:24

Kevin Sadaj served in the Marine Corps from 1989 to 1993 and participated in Operation Restore Hope. In 2011 he cofounded the Marine Somalia Veterans Association, which has over 2000 members. The association serves as a place of fellowship and support for members who served in Somalia and is a repository of the history of their experiences. Website…

1
World War II: Defense of the Philippines - Part 1 29:01

2y ago29:01

29:01

A coordinated raid targeted US installations in the Philippines shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Japan's invasion caused US forces to withdraw and led to indefensible brutalities, such as the infamous Bataan Death March. Part 1 of this series looks at the battle's opening days from the Marine Corps perspective.…

1
World War II: Battle of Guam, 1941 25:04

2y ago25:04

25:04

The attack on Guam came only a few hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The island's defending force was significantly undergunned against the 5,500 troops from Japan's South Seas Detachment. We spend a little time talking about the amusing way Guam came into US possession, attempts to fortify Guam, and the Japanese attack on the island.…

1
World War II: Battle of Wake Island 26:22

2y ago26:22

26:22

This episode continues our discussion on the Battle of Wake. After Japan’s initial attack, all hands on the island prepared for a second raid. We’ll discuss Japan’s first attempt at an amphibious landing, Japanese air raids in the days following, and end with Wake’s surrender.By Robert Estrada

1
World War II: Attack in the Pacific 24:08

2y ago24:08

24:08

This episode digs into the attacks on Midway and Wake.By Robert Estrada

1
World War II: Marines at Pearl Harbor 28:12

2y ago28:12

28:12

During this episode, we break down events leading to Japan’s decision to attack Pearl Harbor, the planning that went into the attack, Japan’s voyage across the Pacific Ocean, and of course, Marine activity during the attack.By Robert Estrada

1
World War II: Introduction - Part 2 33:27

2y ago33:27

33:27

We cover a lot in this episode, including the fall of many neutral countries, Italy and Japan officially aligning with Germany, and preparations made by the Corps before the US officially entered the war. On December 8th, President Roosevelt delivered his famous "Day of Infamy speech." It's included at the end of the episode.…

1
World War II: Introduction - Part 1 23:36

2y ago23:36

23:36

This episode discusses a few events leading up to World War II, including the rise of European dictatorship and military control in Japan. We briefly cover how the rest of Europe reacted to Hitler seizing territory and end the episode with Germany's invasion of Poland.By Robert Estrada

1
Marine Aviation - Part 2 25:22

2y ago25:22

25:22

1
Marine Aviation - Part 1 26:18

2+ y ago26:18

26:18

A few years before the United States entered World War I, the Navy started playing with the idea of planes. Marine 1st Lieutenant Alfred A. Cunningham was one of the first pilots to attend training in Maryland and helped design a Marine aviation program. Marines who followed in his footsteps developed or perfected many tactics still used today. We …

1
Postwar Disillusionment – Part 3 23:09

2+ y ago23:09

23:09

This episode closes the chapter on Marine Corps activity during the 20 years between wars. Concepts we’re familiar with today - such as training, officer assessments, organizational structure, and aviation - saw significant improvements, and we touch on some of those topics during this episode.By Robert Estrada

1
Postwar Disillusionment – Part 2 23:12

2+ y ago23:12

23:12

We talk about Marines in China after WWI, the six commandants who led the Corps in the 20 years leading up to WWII, and touch on improvements of the Corps, including creating the Fleet Marine Force, better training, and establishing the Marine Corps birthday as we know it today.By Robert Estrada

1
Postwar Disillusionment - Part 1 26:02

2+ y ago26:02

26:02

Shortly after the Allied Powers claimed victory in World War I, the happiness U.S. citizens felt soon turned into disillusionment, and many questioned the purpose of the war. Millions of people died, and it wasn’t clear what problems were solved. In the years leading up to WWII, pacifism became the fastest-growing movement in America. This antiwar …

1
World War I: The Meuse-Argonne Offensive 31:09

2+ y ago31:09

31:09

This battle is the last and most significant U.S. troops fought during WWI. We discuss the preparation leading up to the fight, some of the challenges both U.S. and German troops faced, and how both sides handled the armistice when they received the news. We end the episode by talking about some of the statistics on the war.…

1
World War I: The Battle of Mont Blanc 27:32

2+ y ago27:32

27:32

This battle was one of the bloodiest the Marines faced during WWI. We discuss the actions of the 5th and 6th Marines, including a disorderly retreat by the 5th Regiment. James Gregory wrote an excellent article about it in the latest issue of the MCU Press Marine Corps History. Check it out here: https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/MarineCorpsHistory…

1
World War I: The St. Mihiel Offensive 28:55

2+ y ago28:55

28:55

St Mihiel is the first U.S.-led offensive in WWI. Although the U.S. Army primarily fought this battle, the Marines played a considerable role in its outcome. We'll discuss some of the events leading up to the fight, look at how the Marine spent some of their quiet time, and get into the planned strategy outlined by Pershing and Lejeune.…

1
World War I: The Battle of Soissons - Part 2 25:52

2+ y ago25:52

25:52

After the first day of battle, the 5th Marine Regiment lost a significant part of its force. Both sides reorganized for the night. German General Baron Von Watter moved the 46th Division to the front lines, and the 6th Marines prepared to meet the fresh German troops.By Robert Estrada

1
World War I: The Battle of Soissons - Part 1 26:29

2+ y ago26:29

26:29

Less than a month after Belleau Wood, the 5th and 6th Regiments made their way north. The Battle of Soissons was part of the Allied Aisne-Marne counter-offensive, and Marines who fought in both swore that Soissons was worse. This episode focuses on the 5th Marine regiment, and we discuss the logistical challenges Marines faced minutes before they w…

1
World War I: The Battle of Belleau Wood - Part 2 35:16

2+ y ago35:16

35:16

Marines had to cross 350 meters of open wheat field to reach the Germans, and many who witnessed the battlefield compared it to Confederate General Robert E. Lee's failed Pickett's Charge during the Battle of Gettysburg. We break down the position and strength of Marine and German forces at Belleau Wood and many of the challenges US forces faced du…

1
World War I: The Battle of Belleau Wood - Part 1 28:45

2+ y ago28:45

28:45

This episode introduces the Battle of Belleau Wood. We follow the Marines as they arrive in France and discuss some of the training and assignments given to Marines in 1917. Heading into 1918, we discuss events leading up to the famous battle, including Germany’s Spring Offensive and some of the first engagements US Marines had with German troops.…

1
World War I: The Marines Prepare for War 31:41

2+ y ago31:41

31:41

This episode digs into how the Marine Corps prepared for war. We cover a lot and discuss recruit training, naval activity in Europe, early aviation, and introduce chaplains and corpsmen serving with Marines.By Robert Estrada

1
World War I: Introduction - Part 2 28:33

2+ y ago28:33

28:33

This episode continues the introduction of World War I. We spent some time reviewing the Schlieffen plan and discussing very high-level engagements happening in Europe. We also introduce a few events contributing to President Wilson's decision to declare war on Germany.By Robert Estrada

1
World War I: Introduction Part 1 27:47

3y ago27:47

27:47

This episode introduces many of the events leading up to WWI. We begin in the mid-1800s with the rise of nationalism in Europe. Empires started to crumble due to this movement, and the conflicts that took place during this time would result in the world going to war.By Robert Estrada

1
The Boxer Rebellion 27:29

3y ago27:29

27:29

This episode jumps back to the 1800s and reviews Marine activity in China during the Boxer Rebellion. We introduce the events leading up to the decision to send troops to China and cover a few significant battles against the Boxers. A young Smedley Butler and Dan Daly make their appearance, and Marines would be awarded most Medals of Honor during t…

1
The Philippine-American War 32:40

3y ago32:40

32:40

After the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States, but Filipinos refused to be controlled by another colonial ruler. They rebelled against the United States. We cover a few battles and a disastrous event where multiple Marines died from hunger after getting lost in the jungle.…

1
Banana Wars: Haiti - Part 2 27:54

3y ago27:54

27:54

This week's episode discusses the final years of the U.S. occupation in Haiti. We take a look at the transfer of power back to the Haitian government and the progress of the Gendarmerie force. We also briefly touch on some of the more atrocious acts by Marines and a few theories on the motivation of their behavior. We end the episode by introducing…

1
Banana Wars: Haiti - Part 1 28:41

3y ago28:41

28:41

This week's episode heads next door to Haiti. We explore why the United States got involved in the first place, Smedley Butler's reconnaissance mission that gathered intelligence for Waller's aggressive campaign, and a heroic mission by two Marines that sounds like it should be a movie.By Robert Estrada

1
The Banana Wars - Dominican Republic 27:59

3y ago27:59

27:59

The United States spent eight years occupying the Dominican Republic, and the Marines were responsible for maintaining law and order. We discuss the challenges of US intervention and end the episode by reviewing a similar scenario taking place next door in Haiti.By Robert Estrada

1
The Banana Wars - Nicaragua Part 2 26:09

3y ago26:09

26:09

We head back to Nicaragua to discuss some of the challenges Marines faced from Stimson’s conclusion and President Diaz's request to the United States. We end the episode by introducing the next intervention in our conversation – Dominican Republic.By Robert Estrada

1
The History of Women in the Corps - Part 2 34:44

3y ago34:44

34:44

This episode continues to explore the decision to integrate women into the Marine Corps. From 1946 to 2021, women achieved significant milestones. Not only were more studies produced, but commands started to provide recommendations based on experience from real-world implementation.By Robert Estrada

1
The History of Women in the Corps - Part 1 30:55

3y ago30:55

30:55

With World War I around the corner, We're coming up on a significant milestone in the Marine Corps. The role women played during this war had a substantial impact on the success of the United States. With the anniversary of Opha May Johnson and the authorization to allow women to join the Marine Corps, I thought this was the perfect time to talk ab…

1
The Banana Wars - Nicaragua Part 1 27:15

3y ago27:15

27:15

This episode continues our last conversation, and we dive into Marine's actions in Nicaragua. Rebel forces were rampant throughout the country, and the United States sent in troops to help protect American lives and property. Marines were tasked with establishing neutral zones throughout the country, and soon, detachments were sent to multiple loca…

1
The Banana Wars - Cuba 24:14

3y ago24:14

24:14

This episode reviews the Marines in Cuba. This operation was a massive undertaking for the Marine Corps. At the height of the Cuban Intervention, about a third of all Marines were on the island. Towards the end of the episode, we discuss the end of the Platt Amendment, the reason we were in Cuba in the first place, and start looking at problems in …

1
The Banana Wars - Part 2 27:45

3y ago27:45

27:45

This episode discusses the Mexican Intervention and significant changes in the Marine Corps. We conclude by traveling back to 1899 and introduce the relationship between the United States and Cuba.By Robert Estrada

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