Battlefield: Leyte Gulf - History Channel Educational Film
2014 ж. 24 Қаң.
5 723 553 Рет қаралды
VHS recording ripped from transcribed DVD. Many thanks to my grandpa for recording it many years ago and my Aunt for preserving it.
VHS recording ripped from transcribed DVD. Many thanks to my grandpa for recording it many years ago and my Aunt for preserving it.
After graduating in the opening year of Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy, Dad eventually found hisself at Leyte for the invasion. He was the engine room officer of the Samuel G. Borland. A Baltic Cruiser, it was a supply ship, primarily ammunition, close to the beach on invasions. He ended up participating in three Philippines invasions. He was very excited when Merchant Marines who served anytime in 1941 through 1945 were recognized as full military veterans. A very talented organist and eternal optimist, he passed at 96 years old. A great man Thank you for this fine documentary.
Did he smoke any japs?
My dad served in the US navy, South Pacific and he always spoke so highly of the Merchant Marine Sailors and officers. The fact that they went into harm's way with little if any weapons speaks to the courage and dedication the sailors and officers had. Thank you so very much for your father's service!
Brilliant video and commentary, God bless all American Air, Navy and Soldiers who took part in this decisive battle, they should never be forgotten, Amen. Geoff Lewis, Wales, UK, 🏴🏴🏴
God bless the royal air force. They literally saved the war in its early years. True heroes
I hope they are never forgotten, I pray that all future generatins remember what America and Great Britan did and what they sacrificed to literally save the world from tyrrany and domination by a great evil. Now days it seems we need saving from the evil polloticians that are trying to destroy our lyberty and turn all of us into only two classes of people Elite ruling class and the underclass or slave class, or the poor class what ever you want to call it.
My dad fought in the Marianas and New Guinea and then went to Leyte Gulf then the Philippines, He was in all of the battles on the island hopping troops. He contracted malaria which he had the rest of his life. Great man just like all of the others that were there. Thank you Dad and thank you to all the veterans that gave everything they had for us to be free.
Thank you to your dad,american soldiers were called liberators during the day.Mcarthur kept his promise.there is an american cemetery of soldiers who died in ww2 in bonifacio global city(part commercial center and military camp)we never forget.
Mine was at Leyte and Mindanao
I'll guess your father was US Army then, as I've had the idea the Marines were rotated home...or at least out of the spearheads...after three campaigns each.
My Uncle also fought the Japanese and my uncle's wife helping the injured Americans and the Filipinos soldier's. He got caught and imprisoned and tortured. And he was also in death march. All the soldier's in any kind of wars are heroes. I salute all of them with my own two hands!
In behalf of all Filipinos thank you for your parents grandpa sacrifice and service, I am from Hibuson Island, that island in the middle of the Leyte gulf and my grandpa regaled us with his story of the battles of Leyte gulf when we were kids.
I was reading through the comments and realized the people that are commenting and watching the videos are the kids, grandkids and great grandkids of the soldiers. I am also one of the kids, grandkids and great grandkids and feel we understand and appreciate the sacrifice and courage of our families gave because we see these vets up close and personal, the non military public doesn't understand in large part nor want to.
Dad didn't say much about it but Mom said he had nightmares most of their life until he started going to reunions with his shipmates. He passed away at almost 95.
My wife's Grandfather was in this battle on an escort carrier. He was an amazing man, he unfortunately past away this past January after a very full life at the age of 98 (he played golf regularly thru age 95). He is greatly missed, RIP Woody.
"passed" away.
Woody from iwo?
My father-in-law was in this battle. He passed before I matured enough to realize how great and heroic a man he was and how much I could have learned from him. I served in Vietnam on riverboats but it was nothing on the scale of what I just witnessed on this video. I look at what is happening in America today and worry greatly that for her future. What’s really sad is that our children don’t learn in school what ‘ The Greatest Generation’ sacrificed on the alter of duty to country. The same evil they so gallantly fought and stood against has now taken root in our own country. I’m old so I don’t have much more to endure but I have a wife, daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren that deserve to live in a better America and not a third world America. Enough blood and suffering has paid the price by all who have served what has been a grateful nation. Good men and women need to accept the challenge, whether in service or as civilian patriots to put this fascist blight in our nation to rest permanently. It can be done. After all, we are Americans and the ‘ can do’ spirit is in our hearts and will keep ours The Greatest Nation the world will ever know.
And you just try to get them to wear a mask for a few minutes in the grocery store...
You are right that same evil has been allowed to take root with in the greatest country to ever exist. The country whos great sacrifices litterlly saved the whole world from absolute tyrany. The fleckless politicians with in our own governemnt some of whom are part of that evil and are to blaim for tareing our country apart with their divisionary tactics to keep our countrymen divided. Stirring up hatred and division among us. The so called news media propogandist help them do it. We as Americans must stay united after all this is our country. It does not belong to the hipocritical politicians who are selling us all out. Dumbing down our young people turning them into servants and slaves with no knowledge of their own history and all those brave young men that saved the world. That great generation that I and millions of others came from.
Sad, but true.
@@micheal49idiot
We all should be patriotic and loyal, but the last half of the last sentence is simply not true, and a man cannot adhere to falsehood.
My Dad served with the 6th Army and landed on Leyte on 20 Oct.1944. Never spoke of his experience there. May all those brave YOUNG men RIP Always
My uncle never spoke of his WWII experiences. He saw so many of his fellow soldiers killed.
Respect.
I appreciate the beautiful storytelling and the use of film, maps, and formations to help understand and visualize the battle better. My mother was a little girl when Manila fell to the Japanese. Thousands of lives were given to gain freedom again. Thank you for sharing this film!
My father was in and on Leyte with the LST26, I was just about 2 months old, very sad that we were never to connect.. as I aged, I could see in his eyes he was still back on Leyte..In my adult efforts I could not reach him.. remember please my dad Frank Fitch Ltjg..dad passed June 6,1998..
RIP Frank.
Rip
I understand
o7
He helped save the world, even if all he did was served dishes to the soldiers. I'm sorry for your loss Eileen :(
This is the best documentary I've seen. Much detail. My father flew P51s over Germany and my uncle had 3 ships blown from under him. I'm thankful for all the men and women that defeated the beast that ruled these people.
Respect.
I remember watching these on TV as a kid. They were the very best historical shows regarding WW2. My dad fought in Europe, including the battle of the bulge. My uncle fought in Sicily & Italy. Damn near got killed in Anzio.
My Dad was on the USS Oakland (Task Force 58).
My father was at Anzio beachhead, a machine gunner. He went through much of Italy before being nearly mortally wounded. I read a lot of books on WWII, my favorite history, but I start around the First World War to get everything in order.
my dad, rest his soul, survived that hell. I only heard him talk about it once, which was the only time I saw him take a drink...
They never talked about it. It was just something they did a long time ago. I knew nothing about my own Grandfather's time liberating the Dachau concentration camp until he was well into his 90's, and he was part of Steven Spielburg's Shoah Project to get his testimony from the remaining WWII veterans to serve as an oral history. The first time I saw him cry. They we're indeed the Greatest Generation.
Your Grandpa liberated Dachau? was he in the 45th Division? I reenact as a soldier in that division.
5hank you and God bless you Grandpa Verdekel !
My Grandpa, who lives in Sogod Southern Leyte and at the shores of Sogod Bay use to tell us stories on how they wake up one morning seeing "Flat Top" Ships (Aircraft Carriers) and Battleships/Heavy Cruisers lining the bay. He was one of the intels who provided information to their American and Filipino Commanders on Japanese Naval and Army positions in the Area.
Thank you and God bless you, Grandpa!
Respect.
My Uncle Robert 'Bobby' Cramer was a QMll on the USS Johnston, a Destroyer. He was severely wounded and died on a life raft. He was buried at sea. I was born in 1953 so I never met him. Another man on the Johnston, Bill Mercer sent me some photographs of the Memorial in San Diego, California. I found Uncle Bobby's name on the Memorial.
The Johnston was not just a destroyer but one of Taffy-3's great attack Squadron of legendary fame in this battle. They saved many troops that day.
Are you aware that the wreck of the USS Johnston was recently found in the waters off Samar.
@@davidneel8327 Yes
@Daniel Large My dad gave me the Saturday Evening Post he still had from 1944. It is a little ragged, but the painted battle depiction is on the cover of the magazine and the complete story of Taffy 3 and the Johnston inside. I have Uncle Bobby's Purple Heart.
My farther loved this show, he was a Navigator on a B-29 during WW2. Many thanks I really appreciate your efforts to bring this to so many people. This is my favorite episode.
Thanks, Ernest Evans and your men with and gallantly following of Taffy 3 ... for saving tens of thousands of young beached soldiers on the beach head, and then giving them kids later on, and the grand kids, tens of thousands of them ... all owe their lives to your powerful onslaught to and against the enemy that day in October, all with absolutely total disregard for your own safety. Salute, to Evans and the Tin Can Navy ... among the bravest sailors in history.
That was my relative
Out 9974 oh oh iguana if uh if oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh out i>l
I am amazed by the young american Gunners Manning their battle stations. All of this should be mandatory learning and teaching in all high school
Agreed.
Damn right. Those "tin cans" in Taffy 3 especially the Johnston should have gotten more credit than they got. Commander Evans told his crew "Gentlemen I intend to put you in harm's way" and did exactly that. And by doing so saves those ground pounders that were IN HARMS WAY .
My neighbor Marvin Hatfield was a radio man on the escort carrier that was sunk here.. once they got picked up after 3 days in a typhoon with sharks chewing on them they were taken back to Hawaii for him to only get polio and ended up in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Amazing stories he would tell while we fished as a kid.. most of the time it was just him smoking a pipe admiring the sunsets
Some ruff stuff. The pacific was a challenge logistically and to ensure finatical resistance from Nippon himself!
Thanks for posting! This documents the greatest US naval battle and victory in WW II. From the original British produced "Battlefield" series. Excellent! This history is something every American should know.
Ditto. It has been recently been redone woke. Disgusting.
thanks for uploading it, I used to watch films like this on History Channel. Now, it just airs trash shows. Never forget those those who fought WWII
USN/USAF/USA/USMC Excellent Leadership, and Courageous Efforts by our Sailors, AirForce/Soldiers and Marines in viewing this presentation. How Fortunate we are to enjoy our Freedoms through their selfless efforts in achieving success. Thank-you.
Now this is what I'd call a good documentary for a change. Very comprehensive and it gave a good overview of the prelude and aftermath of the battle. It was also very well structured and didn't have a lot of propaganda in it compared to a lot more recent documentaries. Thanks for preserving and uploading!
Comprehensive I dont think so. Apparently the US defeated the Japs in the Pacific on their own! Not the slightest mention of the Australians in New Guinea being the FIRST to defeat a Japanese seaborn invasion at Milne Bay and the FIRST to defeat a Japanese land force at Kokoda. THAT was the point when Japanese expansion was halted and they had to go onto the defense to attempt to hold onto their gains.
My dad and uncle were there, dad lost his brother one day, they met up regularly until one night his brother didn't show up..this bothered him til his passing ..may they both rip...
I'll add a note about my father who was on an inglamerous LST and made landings also at Lete Gulf and Lingayan Gulf as well as a number of other, earlier landings as part of the island leapfroging across the South Pacific. He witnessed some hairy battles,. which he only told me about 2 months before his passing.in 2018 @ 96.🇺🇲
My father didn't ever want to talk about Korea. We learned about some very dangerous jobs he was assigned from military records after he died. The Vets and those currently serving really deserve our respect and gratitude. 🇺🇲🗽🙏❤️💕👏
It's almost chilling for me to watch / my father was on the USS Albert W Grant, which was part of DesRon56 / 77-2-4 / Section 1 in the Battle of Leyte Gulf / Surigao Straits / he survived and led a full life back in the State of Alabama / father to 6 children and proud retiree of South Central Bell / he passed away on January 9th, 2009 after suffering a heart attack / I am very proud to share this story / my Father was part of the "greatest generation".....Salute!
This is a fantastic video. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your Grandpa's recordings. My father served in the Pacific on an LST and when I was young in the late 50s and early 60s we would watch the Victory at Sea shows together. He passed in 1964 and these shows remind me of the stories he would tell me. Thanks again.
You're lucky he told you. A lot of those old vets couldn't or wouldn't talk about what they had to do
Rich my mom's youngest brother lived with us after his mother died and before he joined the Navy at age 17. He was also on an LST at Leyte Gulf. They were attacked by suicide planes by day and by swimmers carrying mines and charges they tried to attach to their hull at night. But the next landing, at Lengayen Gulf was far worse. That was to support the Battle for Manila.
Same here. We would also watch the Silent Service about submarines in the war, usually the Pacific.
@@kbarada Hi Ken. I forget which of those 2 shows was on Saturday night in our area. My Dad and I shinned the family's shoes that night to get ready for church the next day. Kids today would think that was crazy LOL
Army of the philippinesmodernation
At the US Naval Academy, we obviously studied all major naval battles in the Pacific in our Sea Power class. This film documentary would have been very useful to our studies! Thank you, well done. Bravo Zulu tack 29 Victor. F.B. Marano, Class of 1975.
Thank you for serving in our country’s military.
My father landed at Leyte on 20 October 1944 in the 4th wave onto White Beach just south of Tacloban. His unit, the 5th US Cavalry, moved inland and fought their way up to the top of a mountain west of Tacloban airstrip. He described to me watching the flash of the US Navy battleship guns to the south when the US Navy "crossed the T" and destroyed the Japanese fleet sailing into the Gulf through the Surigao Strait late at night during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He also watched the Navy planes try to land at Tacloban as their carriers were destroyed. Most planes flipped over due to the mud on the airstrip. When the Japanese achieved "air parity" with the US forces, he and the other troopers of the 5th Cavalry hid under the trees to avoid the Japanese bombers that dropped bombs on their position for almost a week. For 71 days his unit fought the Japanese who were dug into fortified positions in the mountains and the jungle of Leyte Island. He said the mud was horrible since the rains poured continuously for 40 straight days and nights without let up. 3 1/2 feet of water fell on the troopers during that storm. Fighting there proved to be pure misery. But, the American forces prevailed.
With all your father had witnessed and been through, I cannot help but wonder how he held up psychologically after the war.
i thank your father for his service , i have the high respect for this generation, what these men,women and children did , i salute the flag...
I flew into Tacloban a year ago. Other than a asphalt instead of grass, the airstrip probably doesn't look much different from when your grandfather saw it. It's a very small airstrip.
Thanks Warren for your personal testimony about your Father fighting in this Incredible Navel Campaign, so many men sacrificed so much to preserve the Freedom of America and our Allies.
Warren Matha Your personal testimony to all of us of what your father went through was Pure Hell to fight the Japanese. The almost daily rain, mud and Japanese planes bombing and strafing their positions you wonder how anyone made it out of there alive. You Father and that Generation demand the respect of all Americans who love Freedom and the Price they paid for it.
54:03 ...no matter what side your personal qualms are against or in support of whatever rhetoric you believe is right you are still a human being and just now witnessing that you cannot tell me it doesn't tug at your core and break your heart..they may have even known or socialized with each other but just him having to keep moving forward LITERALLY a second after confirmation of a fallen...geez man I don't even know what to type. As a mixed native islander a naval brat a naval grad a naval man from a naval family but more than anything else a United States of America Hawaiian born male citizen ...THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES . THANK YOU to EVERY SAILOR in the entire Pacific fleet. I'm always torn about Pearl Harbor because those events inexplicably led to me being born. No bs seriously had the attack been stopped or changed even a little I would not exist.... crazy
My brother and I watched “Victory at Sea” with my Father a “Navy Seabee” Salvage Diver. He went ashore during the Leyte invasion!!
My late father fought in this battle. He was at Guadalcanal, both Army and Marine forces, when the battle drew to its peak. His friend and fellow soldier, Hank Carson, survived and both were awarded the Bronze Star. If I am not mistaken, the air field was later named Henderson Field. My father passed at 98 years.
Was your dad in the Marines?
Leyte Gulf was no where close to Guadalcanal.
My dad was in Task Force 58 on the YMS-177 on Leyte. Was in the engine room as a MOMM1st Class. He would talk about how beautiful and clear the water in the bay was before the fleet came in. They eventually cleared 47 mines. There were several close calls including the loss of another YMS.
He sailed under Mitscher and ultimately Spruance, Damn..
My Filipino grandfather was a survivor in the infamous Bataan death march. He retired as a full-fledged Colonel in the Philippine Army after the liberation of the Philippines. His name is Col. Alexander Camagay. He told us a lot of war stories when we were kids.
Respect.
I was a nurse (RN) here in Houston, Texas for about 45 years. I am irked with tons of great Filipino nurses during these years. One female nurse told me that her father had been a big time Resistant leader in the Philippines during WWll. She told me that her mother , her siblings, and she were captured by the Japanese. The Japanese were trying to capture the husband/father thru the wife and children. That did not succeed. The family was eventually released, and the father/husband/resistant leader survived the war!
You mean "full fledged."
@@cbwilson2398 yes, full-fledged
@TAS1945 GOD BLESS HIM AND ALL OF THEM!
Thank you Gen. Douglas MacArthur you won the hearts of the Filipino people and the Japanese people for winning the war for the Filipino and saving Japan from humiliation by supporting them and preventing the Red Chinese and Russians from invading them.
Ol Dugout doug. Totally incompetent.
I didn't think this would get more views than any other video I ever posted!
WINNING!
GIJeff1944 you are so famous
The battle is so complicated it is hard to understand.
David Watson lmao 😂
It's all in how youtube promotes videos.
Reading some of the comments my Dad was with the invasion troops that hit the beach he told me a little about it . My dad had a drinking problem while I was growing up . As a vet myself I understand . My dad is my hero. I love you dad and I miss you .RIP ✝️✝️✝️😪
In War, Men, & Women Are Forced To Watch Many Things That Civilians Just Could Never Grasp, Only By Being There In Person.! Yes, Your Father Is Certainly Our Hero Too, & The Sacrifices Made During The WW II Conflict Was The Greatest The Known World Has Ever Witnessed.! As All WWII Vets, & Vets Alike, I Salute Your Father, & All The Brave Men That Had Witnessed The Epic Battle, That Stopped The World From Plunging Into Another Dark Age, Swallowed By The Abyss Of The, "AXiS FORCES", That Truly Had The Entire Planet In A Fierce Death Grip, & Through These Brave Hero's, We Are Allowed To Be Free, & In The New Troubled Times America Faces, It's The Sacrifices Like These That Should Indeed Be Properly Remembered, & Highly Acknowledged.! A BiG Salute Goes Out To All Of America's Armed Forces, & I Pray Like Hell That We Don't Have To Engage Any Country Under This Administration, As We Could Truly Be Faced By Another, Ever Darker Abyss That Awaits Us All.!
N c bb m McNabb. N. M . .. m.....
John, same here. Only I lucked out and my dad did not have it as bad. I would serve with my father any time or any place.
To Wisconsin Farmer , I feel the same I miss my Dad when I went into the Army my Dad said he wished he could go with me 40 years later I said the same to my son. That's when I knew what he meant God bless you and your Dad 👍
Tell him thank and love from a canadien even if ist not my contry
I've learned so much here that I simply did not know (or did, but have long since forgotten), And I thought myself for so long an expert on WWII. I'm humbled. Brilliant presentation, this, and thanks so much for passing it on to those of us who don't have cable.
Thanks to the many American brave soldiers who died in this battle that liberated my country. We tried to return the favor by my uncle joining the navy when he came of age, and served in a submarine during the cold war. My brother served in the navy aboard the Missouri during the Persian gulf war. I tried to join the navy 3x... passed the test each time (2x at Subic naval base, but was not selected and in California... I was denied for lack of status). After I got my papers, I was already 36 years old...outside the recruiting age. I could've joined the Persian gulf war II at that time. It was not my fate.
My Grandfather was there with mcarthur along time ago. After Corona is gone I'm planning to visit your beautiful country.
I got accepted my good friend...though, being an islander..culture got into my interest..long story short, i could have but my parents were reluctant to let me be..i wish i could but couldnt..hope your are fairing well Good friend😊😣
@@eastofthemississippi968 I'm an American living in the Philippines. I love it here. I would avoid Manila. Are you planning to visit Leyte?
I served during the Vietnam War and spent some R&R there, I loved the PI and the wonderful friends I had there, You tried very hard to join and could do no more, I salute you brother. USS Newport News (CA-148) my time aboard 1968-69-70 Call sign THUNDER flag hoist; November - India - Quebec - Quebec Then onboard the USS Springfield (CLG-7) 71-72 Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Whiskey - Delta - Mike "Fair Winds and Following Seas" Brothers
@@johnwales4214 I will probably land in Manila I read its a busy city with 2 million people there. After Corona is gone I'm planning to visit leyte and samar and iloilo and San Carlos.
Also my father-in-law flew P-61 aircraft to save and take-over Tinian. He also flew over 50 combat missions for the USA.
Much respect to him😃
this is one of the very best video's i've seen. THANK YOU for up-loading this.
Will never forget get your father. He is a hero to me and many others. May God Always Bless your family. I want to thank you for your Dad’s service to our country. Thank you to your family for he freedoms me and many people throughout the world enjoy today.
The battle of Leyte Gulf is my favorite naval battle. I've seen many documentaries on the subject, but this one is the best by far. I haven't seen this documentary any where else. Thank you for posting it.
My grandfather Charles Orr was a 3rd Marine stationed on the jeep carrier Marcus Island. As a former para marine, when disbanded, he ended up as a Master parachute rigger for the Carrier. He was wounded when , as part of forces ofTaffy2 was attacked by Kamakazi aircraft in late dec, when the second of two aircraft splashed just off the carrier. Parts from the first plane kill a man and wound another, and the bombs from the second skipped into the ships side and the explosions wounded my grandfather, as he was deck side as an observer, searching a specific part of the sky or sea, for enemy during combat...... 18 others were wounded with him. He went to a hospital on Guadalcanal, and in late Feb reppledeppled onto a ship and onto Iwo Jima, but thats a different story
My uncle took cover on an aircraft carrier as a kamikaze plane dove in. His body was never recovered. He rests in peace in the Layte gulf with his fellow ship mates.
This is an incredible series fro real military history buffs. I bought as many of these as I could on DVD (couldn't find all of them.) The detailed coverage of these battles is unparalleled in any other series.
I digitized this video because my grandfather was aboard the USS Darter, the submarine that fired the first shots of the battle of Leyte Gulf. Darter sank the first cruiser of the Japanese fleet escort on October 23, 1944. His sub hit a reef and was stranded overnight until he signaled to their sister sub, the USS Dace, to come rescue the crew. It wasn't found out until sometime later that Admiral Kurita was aboard the cruiser that Darter sunk that night (Kurita survived the attack but I wonder if his death might've shortened the war in the Pacific) Truly an epic story!
My Grandfather was on the U.S.S Canberra. It wasn't it the battle of Leyte Gulf, but took part in the Battle off Formosa, which was a prelude to Leyte. The ship was hit by an areal torpedo in the engine room, killing 23 men. Ironically, just a few days prior by Grandfather transferred from the engine room to a signalman. (Actually, he was my Step-Grandfather, but I was much closer to him than my maternal Grandad who I only saw on the Holidays. My Maternal Granddad was in the Army in Europe. I know he was in the Battle of the Bulge but never had much of an opportunity to talk to him about the war)
My grandfather was in the US Army and fought in the Philippines, he was injured and received the Purple Heart. He told me waiting on the ship at the battle of Leyte Gulf was the scariest part, the Kamikazes were crashing into ships.
Unfortunately, 280 ships is slightly more than the US NAVY has active at this time.
im from the philippines
GIJeff1944 ...good job...
One of the very few things that my Dad would talk about was watching the battle from the beach on Leyte. He said high tide the next day was terrible. He never talked about his time in service.
My Dad was there too in the 77th infantry division. He also never wanted to talk about it. I can't imagine the horrors he saw.
All I knew was that Dad was Airborne( pre- Air Force) and he landed on Leyte by glider a few days before the battle.
My father the same he was there in Leyte on a destroyer like my self always had to watch victory at see never said anything abouhis tour there I meet other sailors same would not share any thing about there tour in Philippines didn’t ask
An excellent programme, thank you and your grandpa and aunt for rescuing it from oblivion
I have allways loved history but even more if it was taught like this,60 years later never too late to learn.many thanks...
My father was an officer on the USS Monterey, a light aircraft carrier of the Independence Class, in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The ship was not hit while he was aboard, but a suicide pilot came so close that Dad could see the pilot's teeth.. I remember him saying that the tracer antiaircraft rounds coming from the American ships was so thick that, "I don't see how a grass sparrow could get through it." .. Gerald Ford served on the Monterey as well.
With the exception of a rudimentary system on the Yamato, Japanese ships did not have radar controlled guns. The American destroyer/destroyer escort captains knew how to outfox the Japanese fire control systems and therefore were able to avoid many shells and survive longer while scoring many hits. Japanese destroyers closed with the escort carriers, but just before they were in range to launch their torpedoes, which were generally more effective than American ones, their incompetent admiral called them back. The ferocity of the destroyer attacks and confusion caused by smoke led the Japanese to believe they were being attacked by cruisers and that the escort carriers were instead fleet carriers. Therefore, for the first part of the battle, the Japanese fired armor piercing shells, which generally passed thru the unarmored American ships, significantly reducing the damage compared to the high explosive shells the enemy belated started using later in the battle. My late uncle was an antiaircraft gunner on the Kitkun Bay.
From what I hear, the entire first part of the battle the Japanese were under the impression that they were facing the 7th fleet's capital ships because of how fierce the resistance was. As a result, most of the Japanese ships were using armor piercing shells that over penetrated the hulls of light carriers and other American ships. It wasnt until they switched to high explosive shells did they start sinking some ships.
I’ve become obsessed with learning every possible detail. The Kitkun Bay is in a lot of the action. I believe it was a Jeep Carrier. Wow, i would do anything to speak to someone from that era that was there. Very exciting you’ve had the opportunity! Be safe!
My father was a Navy Sea Bee Salvage Diver during the Battle of Leyte Gulf! He did go ashore to deliver Supplies and Guard Prisoners!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸
My father's Destroyer Escort the DD664 Richard P. Leary and The Fighting 56th battle group of which he was part of made a torpedo run as the Japanese ships were emerging from the Saragao Straights. My dad said of the big guns from both sides that the projectiles sounded like freight trains, as his battle group haul tailed to the relatve safety of the American battle line. This is the first time seeing this film footage, I'd love to see his ship numbers. Thank you, and God Bless America.
My father never spoke about the war. We never knew he even fought until he died 2 years ago. But thank you to your dad for his contribution.
Your not alone for sure. My dad passed in 1993 and no words from him either... We new a little but never asked...I happened to look on ancestry for a free month about 4 years ago... and a family member must of uploaded a smeared enlistment form and on it it said Europe 392 bomber group .. i found b24.net who created the whole bomber group based out of England. when i saw his name as a gunner and all of his missions of Germany and pics of his planes..Wow..i lost it...I’m looking for Vietnam info now. the military really respect us as kids of ww2 vets.
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My grandfather in the Navy told stories, my other grandfather in the Army didn't. I guess that was how that generation dealt with their ptsd, they just buried it and went on.
Captain Evans has a building with his name on it in New England - he also received posthumously, the Medal of Honor. He was half native American (Cherokee0 - the only native American commander n the uS Navy.
NO WORDS CAN EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE
Thanks Steven. That part I didn't know. I'm ex Navy and live in Oklahoma where the Cherokee Nation is based.. I'm going to go see if they have Commander Evans honored as well.. They better!!!
When my grandpa and his brothers fought on Guadalcanal they never dreamed a million years that I could watch World War II as it happened in 2021 God bless you all Grandpa I'll see you soon
I landed on Corregidor and the cement battle ship in Manila Harbor! This was 1973. Flew in the Lake Taal Volcano 2 ! It was boiling inside. Then went up to Bagio City Resort. I was a 53CC in HMM 165. Served aboard 4 LPH,s.#3/10/11 712. We flew the RVN Marines around in support of Lam Son 719.
Excellent. Proper documentary, not hyped up with unnecessary dramatisation, so typical of so many American films.
To my grandfather were base in San Diego and to all phillam retired US, navy who serve during ww2 we salute your effort and sacrifice God bless America, thank you,
My family includes several veterans who served in Korea, Occupied Japan, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and other fronts in the world. My father had a bag packed and was on call 24/7. All served with distinction and dedication to achieve a common aim of service for our beloved USA and allies. We love, respect and thank all veterans and their families for their sacrifices. We will NEVER forget, and ALWAYS honor you. God bless you all!! 🙏🇺🇲💓
Awesome!
My father-in-law was on a minesweeper in the Philippines when this all happened. He didn't know it even happened until after the war when he read the story in VFW magazine. How could this be? The Philippine islands cover a huge area (132,000 sq miles) with 7,600 islands. Between island invasions the sweepers would be sent out on patrols, same as the PT boats. So he was out in the boonies of the Philippines looking for Japanese supply subs (actually found one and sank it). I got a chuckle out of his story but when you're an E-5 on a tiny wooden ship the admirals don't fill you in on the day's events.
Respect from the Philippines
That is an interesting story. I didn’t know mine sweeper was a wooden boat, I suppose they had different kinds.
@@steveperreira5850 There was a bigger vessel called Ocean Minesweeper which I'm not familiar with on construction or function. The YMS ships were the ones sweeping the waters for invasion sites.
@@steveperreira5850 then through to now, wood is a common choice for minesweepers. eg, here's one they use a wood cutting cable to saw into bits, because it was best for the reef to salvage it that way. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Guardian_(MCM-5)
I am from Ormoc city, Leyte Phil. Thanks God I was not born yet but my parents and 2 sisters experienced this war .
WOW ! My father was there at Layte launching and recovery of aircraft. On little carrier USS Sangamon. This ship was taken out of action at Okinawa by kamakizy to flight deck 1945.
My dad was a Army paratrooper who fought on Leyte. Purple Heart and 5 bronze stars.
Thank you so much for sharing this film and for all your work.
The islands you leave to starve. Hit the source. Today. Young lives wasted in war. Enjoyed your film. Too patriotic towards the end..
My Father was on the sweeper USS Chief he talked about sipan tinyan and guam his name was Wardell R Hagen he is in heaven now rip
i thank your father for his service , he has all my respect, the greatest generation ever, he’s in heaven now and has my prayers
@BC Bob I was not able to because I had medical issue
May he RIP I salute him (MCPO US NAVY RETIRED)
To chuckers07 My grandfather was a tailgunner and radio man on a torpedo bomber on Princeton as well and also survived the sinking
My Dad was on SB2C as radio/gunner, Air group 94 aboard USS Lexington. What hero’s we have in our family.
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Dad was on the USS Bisbee, a Coast Guard patrol frigate, seconded to the Navy. Six of them entered Leyte Gulf four days before the invasion. They covered the Rangers who landed at Homohon Island. They swept mines, scouted the landing zones and mapped routes for the landing craft. Bisbee was the station watch ship the invasion.
Excellent, just plain Excellent! Thank You for a wonderful narrative.
I had an uncle that was on USS Walke during WW2 who went down with the ship in war. That was the reason I went in the Navy at age 20. I was on USS Nimitz when we tried to save the hostages that was in Tehran in the later 70's.
Thanks to you both for your heroism!
@CARYLADD863 WAS THE WALKE A SIMS CLASS DESTROYER? OR THE SUMNER CLASS DD?
I believe it was a Sims class
My Grandfather Charles Beck was on the Johnston...he had stories to tell
I'll bet. Very hard to over-estimate the bravery of the Johnston, Roberts, Hoel, and Heermann.
My grandfather was on the Princeton in Leyte Gulf 1944
Thanks to all who serve/served so I can have a nice life in the USA!! No matter how alone you think you are, you are not. We are with you in spirit and will never forget.
Thank you I was a tin can sailor enjoy every day on board with the courageous crew service 1/62 until 5/24 /68 still kicking at 80 saw so much hardship in the world American is heaven compared
My father was on the USS White Plains. When Centre Force initially attacks Taffy III, WHITE PLAINS was the first CVE to come under intense heavy fire. Fourteen-inch battleship salvos landed close aboard, hurdling men off their feet. So violent were the explosions, electrical power and steering was temporarily lost. Her Action Report stated, "photographs taken from this ship show about 180 splashes." My dad rarely talked about it.
I bet I've watched this 10 tens. I really enjoy this history. The greatest defeat ever suffered by the Imperial Navy. Both my Grandfather's served in WWII, and we are a Goldstar Family from "The War on Terror" ]
My grandfather was army second wave landing on Leyte.
I realize that I may not hear anything more then I do know. It may be a dream of mine to hear from anyone who may have known my dad..Frank Fitch Ltjg USCG Lst26..when he left Brooklyn,Nzy I was all of 6 daysold. We never knew each other. Praying someone out there, either knew my dad or maybe your dad shared something. Dad rarely spoke more then a few words..had so many memories..right now I am begging for even two words..sadly none of his four children had bern able to reach him. GOD BLESS YOU ALL..Eileen Fitch Douvarjo
🤗🤗🤗 (hugs)
Thank you Grandpa and Aunt. Great job and a great doco..
nice video as I sat watching I was reading my fathers biography he left his kids about his tour aboard the USS Herbert at the Battle of Leyte. he would wake up in the middle of the night 30 yrs later crying from remembernce of his sister ship getting hit by kamakazi and they spent all night pulling men out of the waters. his description of that night sends chills down my back even now.
The USS HeerMan DD532???
I had no idea that we had so many carriers back then, those essex class ships they had sure brought our numbers up🙌
I too had no idea that we had so many Casablanca Aircraft Carriers either. My dad and his family were under Japanese Occupation in Manila Philippines. He had to learn how to speak Japanese during the 3 years of Occupation! He told me some really wild stories, because him and my Uncle Ely my Grandfather and Grandmother witnessed a lot first hand.
I'm so proud of our Navy and of my dad a Veteran Purple Heart Recipient. G0D Bless America!
I believe one of the escort carriers that was damaged by a Japanese Kamikaze was the USS Santee. Damage control brought fires under control. Later that day it was once again hit by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine. Once again damage control was effective and saved the ship, though, it was forced to retire and get more permanent repairs.
My great appreciation for this video. Thank you for making this... God bless
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My father in law, Lt W.R. Wurzler was the commander of the U.S.S. Sonoma, sunk by a Japanese light bomber that slammed into its side in that battle. They are not acknowledged as the first ship sunk by a kamikaze because the plane was not flown specifically for that purpose.
A group of 12 liberty ships left the USA late 1943 headed to The Solomon Islands. My father was on the second to last ship and my uncle was in the first group the six. Halfway out to sea to the islands one of the liberty ships in the rear and broken down. The ship my father was on was ordered to tow The disabled liberty ship into port without destroyer protection. The rest of the group steamed along its way to Saipan. Knowing that a loan ships was a perfect targets for German and Japanese subs. My father ship pulled into northern France. Now my uncle is fighting Japanese on Saipan my father's fighting Germans in the southern part of France. More than half the men that arrived on those liberty ships, never made it back. And over three quarters of the men was on my father ship that made it to France are buried there. The small bits of information I could squeeze out my uncle and my father tight lips was that of horror. What was worse a Japanese banzai attack of 500+ with artillery and machine guns or 25+ Tiger tanks with artillery and 500 German troops opening up on you. Thank God we will never see that, I hope and pray!
This interesting post raises a fascinating point. The United States faced the greatest logistical challenge of the War -- especially supplying Pacific forces. The distances were much longer than those involved with Europe. It was a virtual invitation for a Japanese commerce war and they had a substantial submarine force. Yet the Japanese never seriously attacked the American supply ships. In contrast, the Americans to great effect attacked Japanese supply lines with their subs.
Thanks for the best film on this subject I have ever seen...
My late dad, Frank Vincent was a signalman on the USS Almaak AKA 10, then went TAD to the LST 117 for 3 months, then back.
Ww2 blows my mind how much technology planning strategy man power just everything that happened is just mind blowing.. I love my troops if you don't stand behind our troops stand infront of them
My Dad was on the USS Hutchins during this battle. He received a Bronze Star for repairing a radar that had been damaged by a bomber attack. The company rep onboard said could not be repaired. Allowed his ship to spot the next wave of Japanese bombers-
My dad served i nthe Army from 1939-1943 but all he ever talked was winning money at poker and organizing bus trips home for money. He taught me all forms of gambling be4ginning at age five saying I would never be hustled. I rarely was.
Truly mighty men who fought & died for our freedom . God bless each & every one of them . I salute all of you .
Q
My grandfather was a former u.s army during ww2 sadly he died and left 5 children which includes my father...war is bad...no winner cause both lost lots of lives and left their families in despair...
These Docos are Very Important Part of History and I Love Them.
My father was shot down during the battle of Leyte gulf as a gunner in the turret of a TBM Avenger with VT-10 . the p
My Dad told me stories about this. He was a Lt Col Army Air Corps (now Air Force), supervised/ran all medical care in the 5th Army Air Corps in New Guinea and the Philippines. Told me about being on an LST landing at Leyte Gulf. Kamikaze bearing down on them, 2 500lb bombs under wings, LST gunners, front and back, I recall, blazing away. All aboard thought they would be killed. Kamikaze pulled up at the last minute, spied a better target on the other side of the LST. He said the front gunner managed to shoot it down just after it passed over them. He described the gunner as 'a big black guy' who saved them all. Also said it so rattled the gunner that he kept firing his anti-aircraft gun continuously at the destroyed Japanese Zero even after it sank, until he ran out of ammunition. I was a teenager hearing this, thought it was another war story even though he spoke little about what he did and where he was during the war. A snotty teenager in the 60's thinking yah, yah, whatever. After watching this film, I am astounded at what happened, ashamed of my callousness to his experiences then, and amazed at the accomplishments of a then 27 year old kid from Iowa. They recalled him later to bring back some cultures, tissue and blood samples of several tropical diseases. He never talked about it, obliquely mentioned it once telling me about coming home, then clammed up. This footage tells an amazing story about our grand and great grandfathers. We forget, and don't appreciate. At the end of 'Saving Private Ryan', with his family at the graveyard of all those soldiers, I feel like one of the son's standing off to the side, having no idea what my father did. At age 71, I am sorry I wasn't more respectful then.
David Downing i thank him for his service, he has my respect, the greatest generation ever,
OMG. My dad died recently and told me the story of a kamikaze bearing down on his LST and a big black guy taking him out via his 50 caliber at the last second. I thought it was Mindoro but he also landed at Leyte. The USS Nashville had just been hit he said. My dad was an army medic with the 5th army and also helped with operations into Corregidor.
Respect to your father.
My father was a Marine wounded hitting the beach of Saipan, widely considered the Normandy invasion of the Pacific. This video mentions Saipan being used as a base to support this operation. Eventually, B29s also bombed Japan from there. He never breathed a word about it to me. Now than I am much older than he ever got to be, I am grateful for KZhead videos about the efforts of all the WWII service members, and the industry back home that built overwhelming numbers of tanks, planes, ships, guns, bombs, shells, and ammunition. And trucks. One video identifies jeeps as quarter ton trucks, and shows how important trucks were in retaking Europe. They realized that they could fit quite a few more trucks per Liberty Ships if the trucks were disassembled, so they set up a reassembly plant in Iran, of all places.
My Dad was wounded aboard ship waiting to go ashore at Tacloban.He and three other Army Air Force officers were hit by an exploding 20mm anti-aircraft round.Another ship was attempting to shoot down a kamikaze and the round exploded topside.
My Uncle was on the USS CALDWELL at Ormoc Bay, Leyte, assigned to escort landing craft to take the island, and was then struck by a kamikaze. The USS WARD and MAHAN were sunk in these attacks that day, but the CALDWELL was heavily damaged when the kamikaze's plane bomb struck the forward magazine and shredded the bow of the ship after the plan hit the radio room just below the bridge. I remember him telling me that story. Very detailed account in this film, although it doesn't mention those vessels in that part of the battle. Important bit of history here in this well done documentary, and these actions served to be pivotal to destroying much of the Japanese surface fleet.
Respect.
Dad was there on the USS Mississippi bb41. God knows how he made it home only to pass from Hodkins disease in 1965.😢😢❤
One of the best WWII docs♡ Thank you !
My Dad landed on Red Beach, just hours before MacArthur stepped foot on the Island... One of many TRUE AMERICAN HEROS
your dad was,,,, NOT Mac,,,, just a glory hunter
YES MAC ARTHUR WAS TRULY THE GREATEST , I CONTINUE TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE POLITICS OF OUR FIGHTING FORCES WERE IN OPPOSITION TO MAC ARTHUR ' S TOTAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE ASIAN CULTURE AND GEOGRAPHY AND THE SHEER IMPERIAL AND DETERMINATION OF RADICAL ELEMENTS TO FIGHT TO THE END !
The first one, or the second one when the first attempt failed to be filmed properly and he did it again?....he was full of himself.
@@builtnotboughtmadeinphilip3955 Ever hear how he screwed up in Korea? I'm just not a fan of the guy. Made other mistake in WWII as well. Can't imagine how hard it is when your decisions kill people. Then again propaganda is important, so yeah I agree with your point, he is just no hero to me.
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Im from Philippines and im proud that my country have a big role in ww2. I hope this thing will change if ww3 came. We dont want war and be the battlefield
Superb presentation; thank you... 👍
Excellent video. I was waiting to take the test at the end. Going to have to watch this a bunch more times. Great share, thank you.