The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War Podcast is the creation of Seth Paridon and Bill Toti. Seth is a World War II historian with over 20 years experience who's many roles also was serving as a chief historian for The National WWII Museum for 15 years. Bill is not a historian, but is a retired submarine commodore and military planner with a special interest in the Pacific War. Bill has a unique perspective to offer as one who spent more than a decade sailing those same waters where th ...
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Listen to authors reading from their new books of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction featured in Page One: Where New and Noteworthy Books Begin.
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The Liberation of Santo Tomas-Episode 404
1:10:46
1:10:46
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This week Seth and Bill talk about the liberation of the civilian internment camp in Manila at the University of Santo Tomas. In a daring dash through Japanese lines, elements of the 1st Cavalry Division, known to history as Chase's Flying Columns, blow through Japanese lines and head towards the Pearl of the Orient, Manila, to liberate civilian pr…
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Japanese Atrocities in Manila with James Scott-Episode 405
1:43:09
1:43:09
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This week Seth and Bill welcome author and historian James Scott to the show to discuss Japanese atrocities in Manila during the battle. The guys discuss some of the more heinous Japanese atrocities committed against the population of Manila at places like Dy Pac Lumberyard, St Paul's, and Fort Santiago. Following that somber discussion, the guys g…
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Special Episode: Flying the Hump in the CBI with Caroline Alexander
59:43
59:43
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In this special episode Seth and Bill welcome author Caroline Alexander to the show to discuss her new book: Skies of Thunder-The Deadly World War II Mission Over the Roof of the World. In this hour, the guys and Caroline talk about the treacherous flight path known to history as The Hump, the deadly aerial supply run to help keep China in World Wa…
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Oral History with 102-year-old WWII Seabee Cam Pelletier
1:04:41
1:04:41
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In this special 4th of July episode, Bill takes a handoff from Seth and records his first ever oral history. The subject is 102-year-old World War II veteran Cam Pelletier, a Seabee at Guadalcanal, the Russell Islands, the Green Islands, and most notably on Peleliu.#seabees; #history; #worldwar2; #pacific ; #peleliu; #usmc; #firstmarinedivision…
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The Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal with John Bruning - Episode 403
2:12:29
2:12:29
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This week Seth and Bill welcome back pal John Bruning to the show to talk about his new book, and always a fascinating subject, the Cactus Air Force. John's new book, 53 Days on Starvation Island is an absorbing look into the first two United States Marine Corps squadrons to land on Henderson Field in August 1942, VMF-223 and VMSB-232. The guys get…
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The Battle for Manila with John McManus-Episode 402
1:34:23
1:34:23
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This week, Seth, Bill and good friend John McManus take a look at the the battle for the Filipino capital of Manila. The team dissects the incredibly violent and horrific fight for General Douglas MacArthur's beloved Pearl of the Orient. The fighting in Manila was one fo the most violent combat areas of the entire war and the team breaks the fighti…
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The Liberation of Luzon with John McManus - Episode 401
1:57:51
1:57:51
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In the first episode of Season 4, Seth and Bill welcome good buddy John McManus as the trio takes on the topic of the Liberation of Luzon in 1945. The guys discuss the initial landings and successes while also getting into Douglas MacArthur's personal feelings and courage displayed on the island during the campaign. The guys then dig into some of t…
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The Battle off Samar with Jon Parshall (both episodes combined)
3:00:33
3:00:33
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3:00:33
Again, due to popular request, we have combined both Samar episodes with Jon Parshall into this long-form version. This is both parts 1 and part 2 combined. Hope you enjoy.This week Seth, Bill and good pal Jon Parshall get into the much anticipated Battle off Samar! The guys get into the background of the epic fight, the commanders on both sides, E…
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The Body Alone: A Lyrical Articulation of Chronic Pain by Nina Lohman
3:59
3:59
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Nina Lohman reads from the first section of her nonfiction book, The Body Alone: A Lyrical Articulation of Chronic Pain, published by the University of Iowa Press in July 2024.By Poets & Writers
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Traveling Without Moving: Essays from a Black Woman by Taiyon J. Coleman
5:09
5:09
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Taiyon J. Coleman reads from “Tilted Uterus: When Jesus Is Your Baby Daddy” and “Mind the Gap” from her essay collection, Traveling Without Moving: Essays From a Black Woman Trying to Survive in America, published by the University of Minnesota Press in June 2024.By Poets & Writers
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Instructions for the Lovers by Dawn Lundy Martin
4:15
4:15
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Dawn Lundy Martin reads “Winter” from her poetry collection Instructions for the Lovers, published by Nightboat in June 2024.By Poets & Writers
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Tomas Moniz reads from “The Body Is a Wild, Wild Thing,” a chapter in Part One of his novel All Friends Are Necessary, published by Algonquin Books in June 2024.By Poets & Writers
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Call This Mutiny: Uncollected Poems by Craig Santos Perez
3:00
3:00
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Craig Santos Perez reads “Call This Mutiny” from his poetry collection Call This Mutiny: Uncollected Poems, published by Omnidawn in July 2024.By Poets & Writers
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Cinema Love by Jiaming Tang by Poets & WritersBy Poets & Writers
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Ghostroots by ’Pemi Aguda by Poets & WritersBy Poets & Writers
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The Volcano Daughters by Gina María Balibrera
4:17
4:17
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The Volcano Daughters by Gina María Balibrera by Poets & WritersBy Poets & Writers
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Early Sobrieties by Michael Deagler by Poets & WritersBy Poets & Writers
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The Coin by Yasmin Zaher by Poets & WritersBy Poets & Writers
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The Battle of Surigao Strait with Jon Parshall and Tony Tully (Both Episodes Combined)
3:15:26
3:15:26
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3:15:26
Due to popular request, I have combined both parts of the Surigao Strait shows and released them as one, here. As Bill and I prepare for Season 4, please enjoy the long-form version of Surigao Strait with our buddies Jon Parshall and Tony Tully.By Seth paridon, Jon parshall, William toti
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Want to help an active duty person transition to civilian industry?
6:22
6:22
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Captain Bill Toti talks about what led him to write his book, "From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership." The book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/CO-CEO-Practical-Transitioning-Leadership/dp/1637630638/ref=sr_1_1?crid=323AAEQTQ2XJZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hpvYz2JpfclBGK_hqITNxCgAXH0a7JJFfYxQNXVDWy…
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We Answer MORE of Your Questions-Episode 335
1:51:15
1:51:15
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This week, Seth, Bill and new guest, retired US Army Major Shawn Bergstrom return to answer another round of your questions. In this final episode of season 3, we get into some cool topics that include, the fate of battleships, the morality and necessity of liberating the Philippines, and more. Tune in and see if your question is one of the ones we…
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We answer your questions about the Pacific War-Episode 334
1:53:21
1:53:21
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This week Seth and Bill answer your questions in this first part of our Q&A session. The team welcomes new guest retired Army Major Shawn Betgstrom to the crew to moderate the questions and lead the team as we go through the many fantastic questions sent in by our audience. We hope you guys enjoy this episode, and we will definitely do this again.…
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Captain Toti's Memorial Day Remarks, May 27, 2024
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13:13
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From Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, Florida.By william Toți
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Wrapping up 1944 in the Pacific-Episode 333
1:21:15
1:21:15
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This week Seth and Bill wrap up 1944 in the Pacific as we near the end of Season 3. The guys go through the reasons why 1944 was the tipping point in the war in the Pacific with Bill's Top 4 List. We discuss leadership, training, logistics, industrial base and much more. Tune in as we wrap up the most pivotal year in World War II in the Pacific.#ww…
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US Naval Academy World War II Legacy of Valor event
1:30:02
1:30:02
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1:30:02
Seth joins Bill at his alma mater, the US Naval Academy, on April 24, 2024, along with Captain Stan Fisher, USN and Lt. Col Pete Owen, USMC (Ret), at the Legacy oof Valor event. Hosted by the US Naval Academy Alumni Association. Copyright US Naval Academy Alumni Association.By Pete owen, Stan fisher, Seth paridon, William toti
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The Liberation of Leyte Part 2 with John McManus-Episode 332
1:15:21
1:15:21
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1:15:21
This week Seth, Bill and John McManus wrap up the liberation of Leyte by talking about the fights at Breakneck Ridge, the Japanese landings and the subsequent US counter landings at Ormoc Bay. The guys get into the stories of the 11th Airborne Division, 77th Infantry Division and the bravery and actions of one General Douglas MacArthur. Tacked into…
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Operation KING II-The Liberation of Leyte Part 1 with John McManus
1:38:53
1:38:53
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1:38:53
Thhis week Seth and Bill welcome back good friend and fantstic historian John McManus to talk about GEN Douglas MacArthur's long-anticipated return to the Philippines. Mac and the 6th Army land on Leyte on October 20, 1944 to liberate the first portion of the archipelago as MacArthur's crusade to liberate the place he called home finally takes off.…
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The Battle off Cape Engano-Battle of Leyte Gulf with Jon Parshall-Episode 330
1:33:19
1:33:19
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This week Seth, Bill and good buddy Jon Parshall wrap up the Battle of Leyte Gulf with the final carrier battle of World War II, the Battle off Cape Engano. Halsey takes the cheese and chases Ozawa's decoy carrier force north, away from San Bernadino Strait, to destroy what is left of the Imperial Japanese Navy's once mighty aircraft carrier task f…
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Captain Toti keyote speaker at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance
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0:50
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Hey, folks, Captain Bill Toti here—and I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that I’m going to be keynote speaker at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance, on May 27th 2024 at 10 am.By William toti
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The Battle off Samar Part 2 with Jon Parshall-Episode 329
1:38:30
1:38:30
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This week Seth, Bill and buddy Jon Parshall wrap up the epic clash off Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The guys get deep into the weeds about the legendary destroyer charge of USS Johnston, USS Samuel B. Roberts, USS Hoel and USS Heerman as well as the other destroyer escorts of Taffy 3. The guys dispel a few of the myths about the battle an…
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Wei Tchou reads “Spores,” the third chapter of her memoir, Little Seed, published by A Strange Object in May 2024.By Poets & Writers
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Rachel Khong reads from the opening of her novel Real Americans, published by Knopf in April 2024.By Poets & Writers
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Peter Mishler reads “A Message From Our Founder” and “Where Else but Target” from his poetry collection Children in Tactical Gear, published by the University of Iowa Press in May 2024.By Poets & Writers
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First Love: Essays on Friendship by Lilly Dancyger
4:16
4:16
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Lilly Dancyger reads from “First Love,” the opening essay of her collection, First Love: Essays on Friendship, published by the Dial Press in May 2024.By Poets & Writers
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Diannely Antigua reads “Diary Entry #28: Ars Poetica” and “We Never Stop Talking About Our Mothers” from her poetry collection Good Monster, published by Copper Canyon Press in May 2024.By Poets & Writers
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The Battle off Samar Part 1 with Jon Parshall-Episode 328
1:24:36
1:24:36
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This week Seth, Bill and good pal Jon Parshall get into the much anticipated Battle off Samar...Part1! The guys get into the background of the epic fight, the commanders on both sides, Ernest Evans, Ziggy Sprague, and others as they start to break down some of the myths surrounding one of the most well-known naval battles in all of history. The guy…
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Submit your Questions for the end of Season 3!
3:29
3:29
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We will be accepting questions by April 14, 2024 for recording the final episode of Season 3.By William toti, Seth Paridon
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The Battle of Surigao Strait Part 2 with Jon Parshall and Tony Tully-Episode 327
1:13:07
1:13:07
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This week Seth and Bill welcome back grat buddy Jon Parshall and Tony Tully to wrap up the conversation about the Battle of Surigao Strait during the Battle for Leyte Gulf. The foursome gets deep in the weeds discussing the destroyer action in the strait and, of course, the gunfire portion of the battle. American battleships West Virginia, Tennesse…
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The Battle of Surigao Strait Part 1- with Jon Parshall and Tony Tully-Episode 326
1:08:05
1:08:05
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This week Seth and Bill are joined by great buddy Jon Parshall and Jon's co-author and new guest, Tony Tully! The foursome breaks down the early stages of the Battle of Surigao Strait during Leyte Gulf and get into the commanders, the ships and the PT attack before breaking for next week's showdown of the big guns. Tune in and get into the weeds wi…
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The Battle of Leyte Gulf-Battle of the Sibuyan Sea with Jon Parshall-Episode 325
1:58:10
1:58:10
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This week Seth, Bill and great pal Jon Parshall tackle the first "official" fight in the greater Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea. The first in our four-episode series on the largest naval battle in human history sees the trio taking a deep dive into the submarine actions of USS Darter and USS Dace, as well as some of Halsey's de…
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Historical review of Masters of the Air Episode 9
1:11:27
1:11:27
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This week Seth, Bill and Tommy take a look at the final episode of Masters of the Air Part 9. The guys go into the POW march to Moosburg, Gale "Buck" Cleven's escape, Johnny "Bucky" Egan's days as POW, Rosie Rosenthal's final mission, and much more. Join the team as they wrap the final episode and give their thoughts on the series as a whole.Image …
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Historical review of Masters of the Air Episode 8
57:28
57:28
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This week Seth, Bill and Tommy take a look at Masters of the Air Part 8. The team discusses the accuracy, tropes and history behind some of the scenes in the penultimate episode of the Apple TV series.Image courtesy Apple TV#wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihist…
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The Air Battle of Formosa-with Jon Parshall
1:59:21
1:59:21
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This week Seth, Bill and great buddy Jon Parshall get together to discuss one of the more unknown events of the Pacific war, the Air Battle of Formosa. In early October 1944, Admiral William F, Halsey's Task Force 38 launched a series of devastating air strikes on the Japanese bastion of Formosa in preparation for the liberation of the Philippines …
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Formosa or the Philippines-King versus MacArthur-Episode 323
1:24:37
1:24:37
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This week Seth and Bill take a very deep dive into the decision to either invade Formosa or liberate the Philippines in the fall of 1944. The two options were both on the table for the JCS in 1944, and the favored option isn't the one you are thinking of. The team takes a look at the roots of the Philippine obsession by MacArthur and the desire to …
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Historical review of Masters of the Air Episode 7
1:10:31
1:10:31
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This week Seth, Bill, and Tommy take a look at Masters of the Air Part 7. The team dives into actual POW life in Europe during WWII, discuss the P-51 Mustang and its importance in the Allied aerial effort over Europe in 44 and 45 as well and dig into some of the personalities of the real men portrayed in the episode and even get into a few unknown …
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The Invasion of Peleliu Part 3 of 3-Operation STALEMATE II-with Dave Holland
1:50:14
1:50:14
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This week Seth and Bill are rejoined by good friend Dave Holland to wrap up the bloody Operation STALEMATE II, the fight for Peleliu. This week the team gets into the stories of Eugene Sledge's K-3-5, the story of Medal of Honor recipient Arthur Jackson, more of the bloody fighting for Bloody Nose Ridge, and the tragic death of Sledge's company com…
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Historical review of Masters of the Air Episode 6
1:08:18
1:08:18
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This week Seth, Bill and Tommy discuss Masters of the Air Part 6. The guys get into the nuts and bolts of escape and evasion, the POW interrogations of John "Bucky" Egan and Allied prisoners, Flak Houses, and the emotional toll taken on the airmen of the 8th Air Force and others in the skies over Europe.Image courtesy Apple TV#wwii #wwiihistory #ww…
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Review of Masters of the Air Episode 5
1:04:06
1:04:06
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This week Seth, Bill and Tommy take a look at Masters of the Air Episode 5. The trio breaks down the episode and get into the historical detail regarding the October 10, 1943 8th Air Force mission to Munster, Germany. The third in a row for the Mighty Eighth, Munster was the worst of them all for the 100th Bomb Group and a new emerging hero, Robert…
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The Invasion of Peleliu Part 2 of 3-Operation STALEMATE II with guest Dave Holland
2:04:05
2:04:05
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This week Seth and Bill welcome back an old friend from Season 1, Dave Holland to talk about the 1st Marine Division's tragic fight for Peleliu. The trio gets into the fight starting at D Plus 1 and goes through the bloodletting and destruction of the 1st Marines on Peleliu. Tune in and see what the boys have to say about the end of the fight for T…
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Review of Masters of the Air Episode 4
1:15:37
1:15:37
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This week Seth, Bill and Tommy take a look at Masters of the Air Episode 4. The team gets into the nuts and bolts of the episode diving into topics such as the ground crews, leave in London, the American Red Cross, morale within the 8th Air Force and the beginning of the infamous Black Week in October 1943.Image courtesy of Apple TV#wwii #wwiihisto…
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