WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk Okinawa '45: Allied Assault
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Jun 16, 2025 Dive into the chaos of the Battle of Okinawa, showcasing the largest open seas engagement in history. Learn about the fierce early clashes during Operation Iceberg and the bravery of USS Franklin's crew. The hosts humorously discuss operational names and strategies, while detailing the logistical nightmares faced by the Allies. Explore Japan's dire air fleet challenges and the moral dilemmas in their drastic battle tactics. This fierce clash set the stage for future military operations, as both sides grappled with unthinkable losses.
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Unprecedented Scale of Task Force 58
- The scale and complexity of the Pacific Fleet's Task Force 58 during Okinawa is unprecedented with 1,457 ships and 500,000 men.
- Coordinating all these forces thousands of miles from the USA was a remarkable logistical achievement.
USS Franklin's Harrowing Survival
- The American aircraft carriers USS Franklin and USS Wasp were ambushed and heavily damaged by surprise Japanese dive bombers.
- Despite severe damage and hundreds of casualties, courageous crews fought to save USS Franklin, eventually sailing it under its own power.
Kamikaze Threats Transform Warfare
- Japanese kamikaze attacks became a deadly new threat as they required only a pilot willing to sacrifice themselves, not advanced bombing skills.
- Despite severe losses, the Americans had to constantly defend against highly skilled Japanese pilots, keeping the battle intense.