WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk USA: The Forgotten Island - Operation RECKLESS
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Apr 25, 2024 
James Holland and John McManus discuss Operation RECKLESS, the World War Two invasion of Hollandia in the Pacific theater. They explore strategic deception, General Eichelberger's role, logistical challenges, African American contributions, and the rivalry between commanders. The chapter highlights American troops' pivotal role in the Pacific theater in 1944.
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Codebreaking Shaped The Plan
- Allied capture of Japanese codebooks enabled MacArthur to identify weak points and choose Hollandia over stronger Japanese positions.
- That intelligence-driven pivot accelerated the campaign and made the Hollandia landing far less risky than it appeared.
Soggy Trunk That Changed Plans
- An Australian unit found a damp steel trunk of soggy Japanese codebooks hidden in a swamp instead of burned.
- MacArthur's cryptanalysis team dried and reconstructed the codes, giving priceless intelligence.
Air Deception And Range Gave Air Superiority
- Deception and expanded fighter range neutralized Japanese land-based air at Hollandia before the landing.
- George Kenny used longer‑range P‑38s and drop tanks to escort strikes and blunt Japanese airpower.