The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot-Battle of the Philippine Sea Part 1 with Jon Parshall-Episode 313

This week Seth, Bill and wingman Jon Parshall take a very deep dive into the first day of the Battle of the Philippine Sea, June 19, 1944, better known as The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. The trio looks at the Japanese plans, how they fell into American hands, and all the drama and intrigue between US Admirals as the largest Japanese fleet yet put to sea in the war heads straight for Task Force 58. The decisive battle that the Japanese hung their hopes on turns into one of the biggest routs in Naval history in the largest carrier battle of the war. Tune in and see what the team has to say.

For more on the Battle of the Philippine Sea, check this other episode out:

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[emerald]

I've studied WW2 for fifty years and every time I think I hear a mistakes I look it up and find you're right and I'm wrong. This is so much better than channels that throw video clips of wrong equipment with wrong facts with out regard for accuracy. THANK YOU

[AndrewStanish]

Did I just hear an American hero apologize for how his voice sounds because of injuries sustained helping save lives at the Pentagon on 9/11?

With all due respect, I can't accept that. I feel it's a true honor to hear Captain Bill's voice, and to have the opportunity learn the stories of so many other American heroes from him.

Thank you - and thank you Seth and John and all the other guests, for making not just one of the best podcasts I've ever heard, but also one of the most important.

[happybuddha]

As a History teacher, I am enjoying this podcast so much. Discussing it with colleagues I was explaining that Seth was that rare historian that can pitch history within that sweet spot between Herodotus and Thucydides.
History needs to be accessible to the masses, yet still accurate and rigorous.
Bill, with his technical knowledge is sublime, while your occasional “wing man” John, is an outstanding intellect- a guy I take notes from.
Magnificent effort and product gentlemen.

[williamcoolidge]

I visited the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas on Sunday. I walked into the Midway section and immediately heard a familiar voice. Jon Parshall on a video discussing the battle! Good times.

[curtismoore]

Forget about top ten WWII podcasts, this is #1 in my opinion. I think everyone enjoys it so much because it IS like you guys are having a conversation about it at a bar or diner. My favorite episode so far guys.
It was a treat meeting you guys and Jon at the International WWII Conference.

[johnvogt]

Best 20 minutes of my day. Oh, wait, it was over 2 hours! Thanks guys and Merry Christmas to all.

[wrightsublette]

Damn Seth, “ TF58 turned west, opened up the taps to 25 knots, and went on the Hunt.” Brought tears to my Cold War Gunners Mate eyes… Bravo Zulu Gentlemen. LOVED this episode..

[carstenwagner]

Dear Gentlemen,
at 3:55 Seth Paridon said the audience is not watching because of him. This is surely a mistake. The way you present the History of the Pacific War together with Bill Tody and in this episode Jon Parshall, is exactly the reason for watching this channel. And I think most of the viewers would agree on that.

[JimRibby]

Two amateur observations. First is the loss and recovery of the Japanese battle plans reminds me of the loss and recovery of Lee's special order 191 just before the battle of Antietam. The second is Ozawa's plan to use land based aircraft to help balance the odds reminds me of Nimitz's plan to use MIdway island as an unsinkable aircraft carrier to help even the odds at the battle of Midway. I have heard it said that history doesn't repeat itself but it often rhymes. I'm really enjoying your efforts on this channel. Thanks for all of your work.

[jimgrundy]

As a Brit, I know next to nothing about the campaigns in the Pacific. But your podcast has been a real eye-opener. Thank you for the huge amount of work that goes into producing all of this. It's a real benchmark for me when looking at the work of others covering the subject. Thanks again.

[morganhale]

What I love about this battle is that the Silent Service did yeoman's work during this campaign. They fulfilled, by hook or by crook the fleet submarine's role envisioned by pre-war doctrine in this conflict.

[theeducatedgrunt]

I love you guys. You make my mornings good... A cup of coffee with Seth and Jon and Capt Toti makes my day a little bit better...

[alanrichtmyer]

Dear Seth, Bill, and John... I watch & listen because my father flew B-29s off of Saipan 1944-45 and he never said a word about it to his three sons until it was almost too late. So I am grateful for your unflagging efforts to keep the stories & memories of the Pacific war alive.

[ph]

There's a certain irony with the Philippine Sea. In that, the IJN was fielding 4 Carriers: Shokaku, Zuikaku, Jun'yo and Zuiho, who had fought against other carriers before. The US Navy was only bringing in one, the ever-present and vengeful Enterprise. Yet because of the downgrade in pilot training and throwing away most of their surviving veterans in the Solomons during 1943. The IJN wasn't able to leverage the experience. Whereas the USN were able to rotate their veteran pilots back and after some time, transfer them back to the front. Were able to bring their all-powerful Essex-Class and Independence-Class Light Carriers up to speed.

[hans_von_twitchy]

@1hr: good on Lee for "not, repeat, not" wanting a BB battle. Very few leaders escape the "If you've got a hammer, everything looks like a nail" syndrome. He effectively said, "Best to leave this to the airboys; my BB's will just do after-battle cleanup." I can imagine how tempted he would've been. That guy had his ego firmly in check. Raises my opinion of him considerably.
(PS. your podcast is now on the top of my list of "Oh, goody, there's another one of these to watch/listen too." And it's over two hours and is only part one of two! Happy days!)

[briangibbs]

Gentemen: Please keep your podcast just the way it is. The sponteneity is a large part of the enjoyment I receive. The informality that you and your guests display makes me feel that I am in a room with other lovers of history. Every Tuesday evening, is my "alone time" with you good people and a trusty glass (or two) of lager.

[cheesenoodles]

Excellent. What a journey from the heady days of rarly 1942 to the "Turkey Shoot". My goal is to rewatch a favorite episode drinking a "Suffering Basterd". It should include Jon and everytime he says "shot to pieces" I take a drink. A fine series, and I have been soaking up Pacific War history since a lad.

[michaelhollman]

Seth, Bill, (and Jon) - Have a Blessed Christmas and Joyous New Year!

[colinellis]

For what its worth, I think your informal format is what makes your excellent coverage of the PTO so greatly entertaining. Also guys the fact that you get John P coming back again and again is a sign of how superb, balanced and enjoyable your format is. John is undoubtedly the finest PTO historian of his era so his repeated attendance is another Bravo Zulu to you both. Bill I also hope you feel better soon!

[MrFrikkenfrakken]

There are many points of enjoyment in these podcasts/videos - Seth's depth of knowledge on the topic, Bill's employment of the necessary maps and additional naval expertise, if a guest is included the wonderful insight and information they bring. In this episode for example Jon brings such well spoken and reasoned points and of course there is the vital answer of what shirt selection will clash with the excellent wallpaper. I kid a bit there but this certainly is time well spent.