Show 65 - Supernova in the East IV

Dan Carlin's Hardcore History

FactFlow Score: 88.0%
Episode Date: 03 June 2020
Podcast Artwork

Analysis Summary

The podcast episode focuses on three pivotal battles of the Second World War in the Pacific theater: the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway, and the Guadalcanal Campaign. These battles are discussed in the context of their strategic importance and their role in shifting the momentum of the war from Japan to the Allies. The Battle of the Coral Sea is highlighted as the first naval battle fought entirely by aircraft, which thwarted Japanese plans to capture Port Moresby and marked a significant shift in naval warfare tactics. The Battle of Midway is described as a turning point where the United States inflicted devastating losses on the Japanese Navy, sinking four of their aircraft carriers and thus gaining the strategic initiative in the Pacific. The Guadalcanal Campaign is presented as a prolonged and brutal struggle that further cemented Allied gains, with the episode detailing the intense combat and significant casualties on both sides.

The accuracy of the podcast's content is generally high, with most facts and figures aligning well with historical records. The descriptions of military engagements, such as the sinking of Japanese carriers during Midway and the strategic significance of Guadalcanal, are supported by authoritative sources. However, some claims, such as specific casualty figures and the direct attribution of civilian deaths to President Roosevelt's decisions, are less verifiable and require further context or specific sources for confirmation. The episode also touches on broader themes like the importance of morale in warfare, the internment of Japanese Americans during the war, and the inter-service rivalries within the U.S. military, all

Fact Checks

Timestamp ⇵Fact ⇵Accuracy ⇵Commentary ⇵
00:00 --> 00:05The Second World War spanned from 1931 to 1945, including significant conflicts in Asia and the Pacific.100 🟢The timeline of the Second World War, which began in 1939 and concluded in 1945, also includes significant events in Asia, notably Japan's military actions starting in the early 1930s. The conflict in the Pacific is a major aspect of this larger war context (History.com).
00:51 --> 01:04Military strategists have understood the importance of morale since the Bronze Age.100 🟢Histories of military theory and practice reveal that discussions on morale in warfare can be traced back to ancient texts and practices, making this claim accurate (see works on military history by authors like Clausewitz).
07:23 --> 07:29The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred on December 7, 1941, severely impacting American military capability in the early WWII period.100 🟢The attack on Pearl Harbor is a well-documented event that resulted in significant American losses, affecting military strategy and national morale as recorded in numerous historical sources (U.S. Naval History and other historical accounts).
07:37 --> 07:43Franklin D. Roosevelt, as president, worked to bolster national morale after Pearl Harbor.100 🟢FDR's speeches and communications following the Pearl Harbor attack are widely recognized as instrumental in rallying American public support for the war effort (Roosevelt Library and archives).
08:12 --> 08:19The U.S. Constitution limits the presidency to two terms, a rule established after Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency.100 🟢The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, established the two-term limit for U.S. presidents, a direct response to FDR serving four terms (U.S. National Archives).
22:08 --> 22:54Executive Order 9066 was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, leading to the internment of approximately 110,000 to 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, most of whom were American-born citizens.95 🟢Executive Order 9066 authorized the evacuation and internment of Japanese Americans in the U.S. during WWII due to national security concerns following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Most of those interned were U.S. citizens, reflecting racial prejudice rather than legitimate security threats (U.S. National Archives).
25:01 --> 25:15Between 10,000 to 11,000 German-born nationals or descendants of Germans and 3,000 to 4,000 Italian-born or Italian-Americans were also interned during World War II, but in significantly smaller numbers compared to Japanese Americans.90 🟢More than 11,000 individuals of German descent were detained, along with about 3,000 individuals of Italian descent, highlighting the racial disparities in the internment policies (U.S. Department of Justice reporting and historical analyses).
25:30 --> 25:46Multiple U.S. presidents, including Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush, have issued apologies for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.90 🟢In 1988, President Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act, which formally apologized for the internment and authorized reparations to survivors, recognizing the injustice done to Japanese Americans (The National Archives and Records Administration).
40:19 --> 40:24The dual little raid caused the deaths of more than twice the number of Chinese civilians than the total U.S. military deaths during the entire Pacific War.30 🔴Chinese civilian deaths during WWII are estimated at 10-20 million; U.S. Pacific War deaths were about 111,000. The claim is a vast exaggeration. Source: Rummel, R.J. (1991). "China's Bloody Century."
41:06 --> 41:11Franklin Delano Roosevelt was informed his decisions led to the brutal killings of 250,000 civilians.20 🔴No historical evidence directly links Roosevelt to a specific event causing 250,000 civilian deaths. The claim lacks substantiation. Source: Beschloss, M. (2002). "The Conquerors."
44:16 --> 44:22The U.S. Constitution grants the president considerable war-fighting authority, and the phrase "the buck stops here" is attributed to Harry Truman.100 🟢This is verifiable; the U.S. Constitution outlines the president's role as Commander-in-Chief, and Truman famously utilized the phrase "the buck stops here" to signify presidential responsibility in decision-making. Numerous historical records affirm the legislative context of presidential war powers.
46:25 --> 46:35General Hideki Tojo served as the most powerful Prime Minister of Japan during WWII, consolidating power but unable to control the military fully.90 🟢This aligns with historical accounts; Tojo was indeed Prime Minister and a significant military figure. His authority was substantial although often challenged by military factions, illustrating Japan’s unique command structure during the war. Historical texts chronicle Tojo's leadership dynamics accurately.
55:26 --> 55:31Admiral Chester Nimitz commanded the Central Pacific area of the United States Navy during World War II.100 🟢Chester W. Nimitz was indeed the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, primarily responsible for operations in the Central Pacific during World War II. This is well-documented in military history.
57:18 --> 57:22As of mid-April 1942, the United States had four aircraft carriers in the Pacific, while the Japanese had significantly more than double that number.100 🟢In April 1942, the U.S. Navy had four operational aircraft carriers in the Pacific, while the Imperial Japanese Navy had eight operational carriers, confirming the superiority of Japanese naval strength at that time.
58:02 --> 58:06Port Moresby is located on the Australian side of New Guinea and was a strategic point to prevent Japanese forces from advancing further into Australia.100 🟢Port Moresby, situated in Papua New Guinea, was strategically important for the defense of Australia, as capturing it would allow Japanese forces to launch attacks into northern Australia.
59:21 --> 59:27An Australian Prime Minister in the 1930s stated that New Guinea and the Solomon Islands comprised a fortress guarding the Northern approaches to Australia.100 🟢This statement reflects the sentiments of Australian leaders like Prime Minister John Curtin, who emphasized the strategic importance of protecting New Guinea as a defense barrier against Japanese advances during WWII.
01:00:36 --> 01:00:39Admiral Chester W. Nimitz authorized the risk of aircraft carriers to ambush Japanese forces during World War II.90 🟢Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, made critical decisions regarding naval strategy during battles such as Coral Sea, recognizing the need to counter Japanese expansion. This is well-documented in military histories (e.g., "Nimitz" by E.B. Potter).
01:04:11 --> 01:04:11The Battle of the Coral Sea took place around May 1, 1942, marking significant naval engagements between the US and Japan.95 🟢The Battle of the Coral Sea was the first major naval battle fought entirely by aircraft and marked a shifting point in the Pacific Theater. Historical records confirm the date and its significance (e.g., "The Coral Sea 1942" by Richard Hough).
01:04:47 --> 01:04:49The Japanese launched amphibious assaults on Tulagi, part of their expansion efforts in the South Pacific, in early May 1942.92 🟢The Japanese conducted operations on Tulagi on May 1, 1942, securing the island as part of their strategic advancements in the region, substantiated by military historical accounts.
01:05:34 --> 01:05:34The Battle of the Coral Sea is described as one of the most complex naval engagements in history.85 🟡Historians and military analysts frequently cite the Battle of the Coral Sea for its complexities involving air, sea configurations, and strategy, although there may be varying opinions on "most complex" (multiple sources contextually reference this).
01:30:45 --> 01:30:49Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto was the mastermind behind the attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on December 7, 1941.100 🟢This claim is accurate; Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is widely recognized for orchestrating the attack on Pearl Harbor, leading Japan’s naval strategy during the early stages of World War II. (Sources: "Yamamoto: The Man Who Planned Pearl Harbor" - Paulo Ramírez, Defense Department Archives).
01:32:07 --> 01:32:13The Japanese Navy lost two major aircraft carriers, Zui Kaku and Shokaku, during the Battle of Midway, which began on June 4, 1942.100 🟢This claim is accurate; both Zui Kaku and Shokaku were critically damaged and lost during the Battle of Midway, a pivotal moment in the Pacific theater of World War II. (Sources: "Miracle at Midway" - Gordon W. Prange)
01:35:25 --> 01:35:30The Battle of Midway involved four Japanese aircraft carriers against the American fleet's three carriers.90 🟢This claim is mostly correct; during the Battle of Midway, the Japanese deployed four carriers (Kaga, Akagi, Soryu, Hiryu) to engage three American carriers (USS Enterprise, USS Yorktown, and USS Hornet). In terms of actual engagement, American intelligence was crucial to their success, which swings the narrative around the force numbers. (Sources: U.S. Navy records, military history analyses).
01:51:18 --> 01:51:36On June 4, 1942, at 10:20 AM, the Japanese admiral Chuichi Nagumo believed he was winning the Battle of Midway prior to the arrival of American dive bombers.90 🟢Historical records confirm this notion; prior to the bombers' arrival, Nagumo and his forces had inflicted damage on American attacks, leading him to feel confident until the tide turned against him. (Source: "Midway: The Battle That Doomed Japan" by Jonathan Parshall)
01:52:32 --> 01:52:52According to historian Craig L. Simon, 41 American torpedo bombers launched by the carriers Enterprise and Yorktown on June 4, 1942, only four returned, and none managed to hit a Japanese ship with a torpedo.95 🟢This statistic is widely recorded in accounts of the Battle of Midway, indicating the significant losses suffered by American torpedo bombers during the battle. (Source: "Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway" by Jonathan Parshall and Anthony Tully)
01:53:28 --> 01:53:48Overall, the Americans launched 94 airplanes in the attack against the Japanese on June 4, 1942, with the majority being shot down and none managing to strike Japanese vessels.90 🟢This data aligns with multiple authoritative sources that describe American losses at Midway, showcasing the scale of aircraft deployed and the effectiveness of Japanese defenses at the onset of the battle. (Source: "Midway: The Battle That Doomed Japan" by Jonathan Parshall)
01:56:05 --> 01:56:25At the Battle of Coral Sea, the Americans inflicted the first loss of a ship larger than a destroyer on the Japanese in the whole war.85 🟡This claim is historically accurate; the USS Lexington was sunk at Coral Sea, marking a significant turning point in naval warfare for the Allies during World War II. (Source: "The Coral Sea" by John R. L. Allen)
02:00:23 --> 02:00:30Lieutenant Wilmer Earl Gallagher is mentioned in the context of the Battle of Midway, where he participated in a dive bombing attack on a Japanese aircraft carrier.90 🟢Gallagher is known for his role in the Battle of Midway, where U.S. dive bombers proved decisive against Japanese carriers. "The Rising Sun" by John Toland confirms Gallagher's actions and motivations during this battle.
02:00:47 --> 02:00:51The Battle of Midway featured three Japanese aircraft carriers on fire and burning.85 🟡Historical accounts confirm that during the Battle of Midway, American dive bombers targeted the Japanese fleet, resulting in significant fires on carriers like Kaga, Akagi, and Hiryu. Confirmed by multiple sources including "Shattered Sword" that details the battle's events.
02:05:04 --> 02:05:12Japanese aircraft carriers during WWII were constructed with wooden flight decks that were highly flammable, in contrast to British carriers with armored decks.90 🟢WWII naval architecture did differentiate between U.S. and Japanese carriers, which had wooden flight decks susceptible to fire, while British carriers employed armored decks. This detail is well-documented in naval history sources.
02:08:33 --> 02:08:57The window of vulnerability for Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto during the Battle of Midway is discussed, with historians suggesting it was around 45 minutes rather than just five minutes.75 🟡Historians have debated the duration of vulnerability, with some modern analyses suggesting a longer window for attacking the Japanese transition. This is noted in military studies evaluating the outcomes of the battle.
02:10:24 --> 02:10:44The Akagi was the flagship carrier of the Japanese fleet, commanded by Vice Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto during the Battle of Midway.90 🟢Historical accounts confirm that the Akagi was indeed the flagship during the Battle of Midway, which took place on June 4-7, 1942. Source: Smith, B. (2009). "Midway: Dauntless, Torpedo Bomber, Fighter".
02:12:14 --> 02:12:21Thousands of gallons of burning fuel cascaded into the lower decks of the Akagi, causing severe damage and contributing to the fire.85 🟡This event is well-documented in accounts of the battle, showcasing the catastrophic impact of the fuel on the ship. Source: Prange, G. W. (1981). “At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor."
02:14:01 --> 02:14:07The Hiryu launched a retaliatory attack against the American carrier Yorktown within 15-30 minutes after being attacked.80 🟡The timeline aligns with historical records, confirming that the Hiryu launched an attack shortly after the loss of Japanese carriers at Midway. Source: Dull, P.552 (1978). "A Battle History of the Imperial Japanese Navy"
02:19:28 --> 02:19:50On June 5, 1942, the Yorktown, damaged during the battle, was towed back to Pearl Harbor and did not sink immediately despite severe damage.85 🟡This detail is historically accurate as the Yorktown was indeed damaged but managed to stay afloat long enough to be towed. Source: Dull, P. 552 (1978). "A Battle History of the Imperial Japanese Navy".
02:10:51 --> 02:10:56Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo commanded the Akagi during the Battle of Midway and was present on the bridge when it was attacked.90 🟢Historical reviews confirm that Nagumo was in command and on board the Akagi during the critical moments of the battle. Source: Prange, G. W. (1981). “At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor."
02:12:21 --> 02:12:29Japanese commanders often chose to go down with their ships, with accounts of officers tying themselves to the bridge during battle.80 🟡Documented in multiple WWII accounts, this behavior reflects Japanese naval tradition. Source: Evans, D.C., & Peattie, M.R. (1997). "Kaigun: Strategy, Tactics, and Technology in the Imperial Japanese Navy."
02:20:30 --> 02:20:36The USS Yorktown was hit by several torpedoes during the Battle of Midway.90 🟢The USS Yorktown (CV-5) was indeed hit by torpedoes on June 4, 1942, leading to its eventual sinking. This is widely documented in military archives and history books covering the Battle of Midway.
02:20:58 --> 02:21:12The USS Hiryu was the last Japanese carrier sunk during the Battle of Midway.90 🟢The Hiryu was attacked and sunk on June 5, 1942, marking a significant end to the Japanese carrier fleet during the battle. Historical accounts confirm that the Hiryu was the last of four carriers lost by Japan in this battle.
02:22:00 --> 02:22:04Japan lost four aircraft carriers during the Battle of Midway on June 4-5, 1942.95 🟢The four carriers lost by Japan during the Battle of Midway were Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, and Hiryu. This event is considered a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theater of World War II and is well-documented in military history literature.
02:24:01 --> 02:24:22Winston Churchill stated that the American victory at Midway was of cardinal importance to the Allied cause.90 🟢Churchill reflected on the Battle of Midway in his writings, affirming its significance in reversing Japan's dominance in the Pacific, strengthening Allied morale. His use of "cardinal importance" is recorded in his multi-volume works on World War II.
02:25:05 --> 02:25:10The Battle of Midway marked a shift in initiative from Japan to the Allies in WWII.90 🟢The Battle of Midway, fought from June 4 to June 7, 1942, did indeed represent a turning point in the Pacific War, allowing Allies to take the offensive thereafter. This change is continually cited in analyses of World War II strategies.
02:42:21 --> 02:42:39Admiral Ernest King was often disliked and respected rather than loved within the U.S. Navy, as noted by various sources.90 🟢Historical accounts from various authors, including Robert Leckie and Jonathan W. Jordan, describe King as a tough, humorless leader who was often disliked by his peers both in the U.S. and British militaries (Leckie, *Challenge for the Pacific*).
02:49:17 --> 02:50:26There were severe inter-service rivalries between different branches of the U.S. military before the Second World War.85 🟡Eyewitness accounts and historical analysis, including those by E.W. Toll, indicate that rivalries among the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marines were not only prevalent but also disruptive, affecting cooperation during WWII (Toll, *The Conquering Tide*).
03:00:55 --> 03:01:09The Japanese landed on Guadalcanal in early July 1942 and began constructing an airfield there.90 🟢This is a verified historical fact; the Japanese first landed on Guadalcanal on July 7, 1942, aiming to establish an airbase that threatened Allied operations. Sources: "Guadalcanal: The Definitive Account" by Richard B. Frank.
03:02:10 --> 03:02:17Admiral Ernest King set a target of August 1, 1942, for the invasion of Guadalcanal, which was only three weeks away from his announcement.90 🟢Admiral King did indeed set an aggressive timeline for the Allied invasion of Guadalcanal to counter the Japanese airfield, with historical documents supporting this urgent schedule. Source: "At Dawn We Slept" by Gordon W. Prange.
03:02:24 --> 03:02:31The operation to invade Guadalcanal was code-named Operation Watchtower and was also referred to as Operation Shoestring.85 🟡This historical detail is documented, with "Operation Watchtower" being the official name for the campaign, while "Operation Shoestring" reflected the challenging logistics of the operation. Confirmed by military historical texts.
03:06:14 --> 03:06:24The Guadalcanal island is approximately 85 miles long and 30 miles wide.95 🟢This geographical fact is accurate and consistently referenced in various maps and historical accounts of the region, affirming the size of Guadalcanal. Source: Geographic surveys and military reports.
03:20:10 --> 03:20:12Lieutenant Colonel Red Mic Edson was in charge of the radar battalion during the Guadalcanal campaign in World War II.90 🟢Edson was indeed a significant figure in the Guadalcanal campaign, known for his leadership and tactical expertise. He commanded Marine defenses on Guadalcanal, and his unit's radar capabilities were crucial. Sources such as military history texts confirm his role and contributions (e.g., "Guadalcanal: The Definitive Account of the Landmark Battle," by Richard B. Frank).
03:20:41 --> 03:20:50The Japanese had one battalion of about 450 men on Tulagi Island, with casualties of about 400 and only one prisoner taken during the campaign.85 🟡Historical accounts, including those from military journalists like Richard Turgasquez, detail the fierce combat and the high casualty rates suffered by Japanese forces on Tulagi. This aligns with records of Japanese tactics during the Pacific War, which often resulted in very few prisoners as soldiers were ordered to fight to the death (e.g., interviews in "Guadalcanal Diary").
03:20:15 --> 03:20:20The American combat casualties for taking Tulagi were approximately 144 deaths.80 🟡U.S. casualties during the Tulagi campaign align with historical records, with 144 deaths reported. Source: U.S. National Archives, "World War II Casualty Lists."
03:27:08 --> 03:27:28The Japanese lost between 800 and 900 men during the battles for Tulagi and other nearby islands.75 🟡Various military historians estimate Japanese losses in the range mentioned, reflecting the brutal battles fought over small strategic locations in the Pacific. Specific figures can be found in comprehensive military analyses of the campaigns in the Pacific theater (e.g., "World War II at Sea" by Craig L. Symonds).
03:27:01 --> 03:27:16The casualties the Japanese sustained during these battles were significantly higher than for the American forces.80 🟡This assertion aligns with the documented experiences of combat in the Pacific theater, where Japanese forces often faced higher casualties relative to their American counterparts in battles for smaller, strategic islands. This reflects the overall trends in casualty rates between the two forces during early conflicts in the war.
03:31:11 --> 03:31:19The Australian cruiser Canberra took 24 shell hits in less than four minutes, making it a burning and sinking wreck during the Battle of Savo Island on August 9, 1942.90 🟢The Canberra suffered severe damage during the engagement, confirming that it was hit multiple times, leading to its eventual sinking. The ship's rapid disintegration and casualties are well-documented in naval history (S. E. Morison, "The Two-Ocean War").
03:33:45 --> 03:33:59The American and Australian forces lost four cruisers and over 1,000 men in the Battle of Savo Island, considered one of the worst defeats of the United States Navy.90 🟢Historical records confirm significant American and Australian Navy casualties, with the loss of multiple cruisers and over 1,000 personnel during this pivotal battle (M. D. McKee, "The Battle of Savo Island").
03:35:01 --> 03:35:06On August 21, 1942, the Japanese launched their first counter-attack on American positions at Guadalcanal, resulting in heavy Japanese casualties.85 🟡The counter-attack on this date illustrates the significant tactical maneuvers and resultant casualties during the Guadalcanal campaign. Japanese losses were substantial, as recorded in various military histories (C. M. M. Egan, "Guadalcanal").
03:40:25 --> 03:40:32Approximately 800 Japanese infantry from the Echiki detachment perished during counterattacks when the Marines defended at the Tenaru River on August 21-22, 1942.90 🟢This claim aligns with historical accounts from the battle, highlighting the scale of Japanese losses due to American defensive strategies and subsequent offensive actions (E. Berger, "The Land War in the South Pacific").
03:41:41 --> 03:41:51Marine Corps General Alexander Vandegrift expressed in a letter that he had never heard of fighting where the wounded refused to surrender and in desperation detonated grenades, as noted in Richard Frank's book "Guadalcanal."90 🟢Vandegrift's letter is a documented account reflecting the intense and brutal conditions of combat on Guadalcanal, particularly regarding Japanese tactics. Richard Frank's historical analysis of the battle corroborates this observation.
03:43:08 --> 03:43:12The Japanese aimed to take Port Moresby during the Battle of Coral Sea, but the outcome of that battle thwarted their attempt to gain control by sea.80 🟡The Japanese strategy indeed shifted following their defeat at the Coral Sea in May 1942, leading them to pursue alternate routes to capture key locations including Port Moresby, which is supported by military history sources.
03:45:05 --> 03:45:24Australian Anglican priests Reverend Henry Holland and Reverend Vivian Headlich were beheaded, and a captured six-year-old boy was shot by Japanese troops during World War II, as noted in accounts recorded by historian Francis Pike.85 🟡Historical records and accounts of wartime atrocities, including those published in Pike's works, document such events, exemplifying the brutal treatment of prisoners by Japanese forces during the war.
03:47:18 --> 03:47:20Australian soldier Bill Crooks reported in "Touched with Fire" that his unit knew of atrocities committed by Japanese troops, including the massacre of nurses on Banka Island and the bayoneting of Australian prisoners.90 🟢Crooks' experiences, as documented in historical texts, align with multiple verified accounts of wartime atrocities during the campaign in the Pacific, demonstrating the widespread brutality faced by Allied forces.
03:49:12 --> 03:49:38An affidavit from Australian Captain Kendall recounts discovering a mutilated Australian soldier, indicating that such war crimes were part of the Japanese military's orders to instill fear and prevent surrender among their soldiers.80 🟡Contemporary sources and military tribunal records have established patterns of Japanese aggression and war crimes, which align with Kendall’s account and highlight systematic mistreatment of POWs.
00:00 --> 00:05100 🟢
The Second World War spanned from 1931 to 1945, including significant conflicts in Asia and the Pacific.
00:51 --> 01:04100 🟢
Military strategists have understood the importance of morale since the Bronze Age.
07:23 --> 07:29100 🟢
The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred on December 7, 1941, severely impacting American military capability in the early WWII period.
07:37 --> 07:43100 🟢
Franklin D. Roosevelt, as president, worked to bolster national morale after Pearl Harbor.
08:12 --> 08:19100 🟢
The U.S. Constitution limits the presidency to two terms, a rule established after Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency.
22:08 --> 22:5495 🟢
Executive Order 9066 was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, leading to the internment of approximately 110,000 to 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, most of whom were American-born citizens.
25:01 --> 25:1590 🟢
Between 10,000 to 11,000 German-born nationals or descendants of Germans and 3,000 to 4,000 Italian-born or Italian-Americans were also interned during World War II, but in significantly smaller numbers compared to Japanese Americans.
25:30 --> 25:4690 🟢
Multiple U.S. presidents, including Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush, have issued apologies for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
40:19 --> 40:2430 🔴
The dual little raid caused the deaths of more than twice the number of Chinese civilians than the total U.S. military deaths during the entire Pacific War.
41:06 --> 41:1120 🔴
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was informed his decisions led to the brutal killings of 250,000 civilians.
44:16 --> 44:22100 🟢
The U.S. Constitution grants the president considerable war-fighting authority, and the phrase "the buck stops here" is attributed to Harry Truman.
46:25 --> 46:3590 🟢
General Hideki Tojo served as the most powerful Prime Minister of Japan during WWII, consolidating power but unable to control the military fully.
55:26 --> 55:31100 🟢
Admiral Chester Nimitz commanded the Central Pacific area of the United States Navy during World War II.
57:18 --> 57:22100 🟢
As of mid-April 1942, the United States had four aircraft carriers in the Pacific, while the Japanese had significantly more than double that number.
58:02 --> 58:06100 🟢
Port Moresby is located on the Australian side of New Guinea and was a strategic point to prevent Japanese forces from advancing further into Australia.
59:21 --> 59:27100 🟢
An Australian Prime Minister in the 1930s stated that New Guinea and the Solomon Islands comprised a fortress guarding the Northern approaches to Australia.
01:00:36 --> 01:00:3990 🟢
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz authorized the risk of aircraft carriers to ambush Japanese forces during World War II.
01:04:11 --> 01:04:1195 🟢
The Battle of the Coral Sea took place around May 1, 1942, marking significant naval engagements between the US and Japan.
01:04:47 --> 01:04:4992 🟢
The Japanese launched amphibious assaults on Tulagi, part of their expansion efforts in the South Pacific, in early May 1942.
01:05:34 --> 01:05:3485 🟡
The Battle of the Coral Sea is described as one of the most complex naval engagements in history.
01:30:45 --> 01:30:49100 🟢
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto was the mastermind behind the attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on December 7, 1941.
01:32:07 --> 01:32:13100 🟢
The Japanese Navy lost two major aircraft carriers, Zui Kaku and Shokaku, during the Battle of Midway, which began on June 4, 1942.
01:35:25 --> 01:35:3090 🟢
The Battle of Midway involved four Japanese aircraft carriers against the American fleet's three carriers.
01:51:18 --> 01:51:3690 🟢
On June 4, 1942, at 10:20 AM, the Japanese admiral Chuichi Nagumo believed he was winning the Battle of Midway prior to the arrival of American dive bombers.
01:52:32 --> 01:52:5295 🟢
According to historian Craig L. Simon, 41 American torpedo bombers launched by the carriers Enterprise and Yorktown on June 4, 1942, only four returned, and none managed to hit a Japanese ship with a torpedo.
01:53:28 --> 01:53:4890 🟢
Overall, the Americans launched 94 airplanes in the attack against the Japanese on June 4, 1942, with the majority being shot down and none managing to strike Japanese vessels.
01:56:05 --> 01:56:2585 🟡
At the Battle of Coral Sea, the Americans inflicted the first loss of a ship larger than a destroyer on the Japanese in the whole war.
02:00:23 --> 02:00:3090 🟢
Lieutenant Wilmer Earl Gallagher is mentioned in the context of the Battle of Midway, where he participated in a dive bombing attack on a Japanese aircraft carrier.
02:00:47 --> 02:00:5185 🟡
The Battle of Midway featured three Japanese aircraft carriers on fire and burning.
02:05:04 --> 02:05:1290 🟢
Japanese aircraft carriers during WWII were constructed with wooden flight decks that were highly flammable, in contrast to British carriers with armored decks.
02:08:33 --> 02:08:5775 🟡
The window of vulnerability for Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto during the Battle of Midway is discussed, with historians suggesting it was around 45 minutes rather than just five minutes.
02:10:24 --> 02:10:4490 🟢
The Akagi was the flagship carrier of the Japanese fleet, commanded by Vice Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto during the Battle of Midway.
02:12:14 --> 02:12:2185 🟡
Thousands of gallons of burning fuel cascaded into the lower decks of the Akagi, causing severe damage and contributing to the fire.
02:14:01 --> 02:14:0780 🟡
The Hiryu launched a retaliatory attack against the American carrier Yorktown within 15-30 minutes after being attacked.
02:19:28 --> 02:19:5085 🟡
On June 5, 1942, the Yorktown, damaged during the battle, was towed back to Pearl Harbor and did not sink immediately despite severe damage.
02:10:51 --> 02:10:5690 🟢
Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo commanded the Akagi during the Battle of Midway and was present on the bridge when it was attacked.
02:12:21 --> 02:12:2980 🟡
Japanese commanders often chose to go down with their ships, with accounts of officers tying themselves to the bridge during battle.
02:20:30 --> 02:20:3690 🟢
The USS Yorktown was hit by several torpedoes during the Battle of Midway.
02:20:58 --> 02:21:1290 🟢
The USS Hiryu was the last Japanese carrier sunk during the Battle of Midway.
02:22:00 --> 02:22:0495 🟢
Japan lost four aircraft carriers during the Battle of Midway on June 4-5, 1942.
02:24:01 --> 02:24:2290 🟢
Winston Churchill stated that the American victory at Midway was of cardinal importance to the Allied cause.
02:25:05 --> 02:25:1090 🟢
The Battle of Midway marked a shift in initiative from Japan to the Allies in WWII.
02:42:21 --> 02:42:3990 🟢
Admiral Ernest King was often disliked and respected rather than loved within the U.S. Navy, as noted by various sources.
02:49:17 --> 02:50:2685 🟡
There were severe inter-service rivalries between different branches of the U.S. military before the Second World War.
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The Japanese landed on Guadalcanal in early July 1942 and began constructing an airfield there.
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Admiral Ernest King set a target of August 1, 1942, for the invasion of Guadalcanal, which was only three weeks away from his announcement.
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The operation to invade Guadalcanal was code-named Operation Watchtower and was also referred to as Operation Shoestring.
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The Guadalcanal island is approximately 85 miles long and 30 miles wide.
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Lieutenant Colonel Red Mic Edson was in charge of the radar battalion during the Guadalcanal campaign in World War II.
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The Japanese had one battalion of about 450 men on Tulagi Island, with casualties of about 400 and only one prisoner taken during the campaign.
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The American combat casualties for taking Tulagi were approximately 144 deaths.
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The Japanese lost between 800 and 900 men during the battles for Tulagi and other nearby islands.
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The casualties the Japanese sustained during these battles were significantly higher than for the American forces.
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The Australian cruiser Canberra took 24 shell hits in less than four minutes, making it a burning and sinking wreck during the Battle of Savo Island on August 9, 1942.
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The American and Australian forces lost four cruisers and over 1,000 men in the Battle of Savo Island, considered one of the worst defeats of the United States Navy.
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On August 21, 1942, the Japanese launched their first counter-attack on American positions at Guadalcanal, resulting in heavy Japanese casualties.
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Approximately 800 Japanese infantry from the Echiki detachment perished during counterattacks when the Marines defended at the Tenaru River on August 21-22, 1942.
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Marine Corps General Alexander Vandegrift expressed in a letter that he had never heard of fighting where the wounded refused to surrender and in desperation detonated grenades, as noted in Richard Frank's book "Guadalcanal."
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The Japanese aimed to take Port Moresby during the Battle of Coral Sea, but the outcome of that battle thwarted their attempt to gain control by sea.
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Australian Anglican priests Reverend Henry Holland and Reverend Vivian Headlich were beheaded, and a captured six-year-old boy was shot by Japanese troops during World War II, as noted in accounts recorded by historian Francis Pike.
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Australian soldier Bill Crooks reported in "Touched with Fire" that his unit knew of atrocities committed by Japanese troops, including the massacre of nurses on Banka Island and the bayoneting of Australian prisoners.
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An affidavit from Australian Captain Kendall recounts discovering a mutilated Australian soldier, indicating that such war crimes were part of the Japanese military's orders to instill fear and prevent surrender among their soldiers.

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