The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War
Seth Paridon, William Toti
The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War Podcast is the creation of Seth Paridon and Bill Toti. Seth is a World War II historian with over 20 years experience who's many roles also was serving as a chief historian for The National WWII Museum for 15 years. Bill is not a historian, but is a retired submarine commodore and military planner with a special interest in the Pacific War. Bill has a unique perspective to offer as one who spent more than a decade sailing those same waters where the action in “The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War” took place.
Each week, Bill and Seth dive deep into topics pertaining to the Pacific War during World War II. We dissect the battles, tactics, strategies, and personalities that drove the United States' victory on the largest battlefront in human history.
Seth and Bill bring out the hard facts about the war that resonates deeply today, some 80 years after the war was fought.
New episodes are released on this channel every Tuesday, and the audio versions of each episode are released at the same time everywhere you receive your podcasts. Make sure you subscribe to get notifications of every fresh upload and new show!
If you prefer an audio-only version of “The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War,” it can be heard here:
And for those of you interested in the transition from active duty to industry, Bill’s book “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership” is available in hardback at Amazon and other resellers, in eBook format on Kindle and Apple, and in audiobook format on Audible.
Each week, Bill and Seth dive deep into topics pertaining to the Pacific War during World War II. We dissect the battles, tactics, strategies, and personalities that drove the United States' victory on the largest battlefront in human history.
Seth and Bill bring out the hard facts about the war that resonates deeply today, some 80 years after the war was fought.
New episodes are released on this channel every Tuesday, and the audio versions of each episode are released at the same time everywhere you receive your podcasts. Make sure you subscribe to get notifications of every fresh upload and new show!
If you prefer an audio-only version of “The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War,” it can be heard here:
And for those of you interested in the transition from active duty to industry, Bill’s book “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership” is available in hardback at Amazon and other resellers, in eBook format on Kindle and Apple, and in audiobook format on Audible.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 43min
Japanese Atrocities in Manila with James Scott-Episode 405
This week Seth and Bill welcome author and historian James Scott to the show to discuss Japanese atrocities in Manila during the battle. The guys discuss some of the more heinous Japanese atrocities committed against the population of Manila at places like Dy Pac Lumberyard, St Paul's, and Fort Santiago. Following that somber discussion, the guys get into an interesting back-and-forth about Japanese General Yamashita his knowledge of the crimes, and his acceptance of his role in the catastrophe. This is a somber and necessary episode.
Jul 13, 2024 • 60min
Special Episode: Flying the Hump in the CBI with Caroline Alexander
In this special episode Seth and Bill welcome author Caroline Alexander to the show to discuss her new book: Skies of Thunder-The Deadly World War II Mission Over the Roof of the World. In this hour, the guys and Caroline talk about the treacherous flight path known to history as The Hump, the deadly aerial supply run to help keep China in World War II.
Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 11min
The Liberation of Santo Tomas-Episode 404
This week Seth and Bill talk about the liberation of the civilian internment camp in Manila at the University of Santo Tomas. In a daring dash through Japanese lines, elements of the 1st Cavalry Division, known to history as Chase's Flying Columns, blow through Japanese lines and head towards the Pearl of the Orient, Manila, to liberate civilian prisoners of war that have been held at Santo Tomas since 1942. On the verge of starvation, the civilians are rapidly fading away. Rescued at the last minute, the Cavalry, quite literally, saves the day. Tune in and hear the harrowing story of the rescue, the odd American and Japanese truce, and one of the more heartwarming episodes of the tragic fight for Manila in World War II.
#wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #essex #halsey #taskforce38 #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #mastersoftheair #8thairforce #mightyeighth #100thbombgroup #bloodyhundredth #b17 #boeing #airforce wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #oldbreed #1stMarineDivision #thepacific #Peleliu #army #marines #marinecorps #worldwar2 #worldwar #worldwarii #leytegulf #battleofleytegulf #rodserling #twilightzone
Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 5min
Oral History with 102-year-old WWII Seabee Cam Pelletier
In this special 4th of July episode, Bill takes a handoff from Seth and records his first ever oral history. The subject is 102-year-old World War II veteran Cam Pelletier, a Seabee at Guadalcanal, the Russell Islands, the Green Islands, and most notably on Peleliu.
#seabees; #history; #worldwar2; #pacific ; #peleliu; #usmc; #firstmarinedivision
Jul 2, 2024 • 2h 12min
The Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal with John Bruning - Episode 403
This week Seth and Bill welcome back pal John Bruning to the show to talk about his new book, and always a fascinating subject, the Cactus Air Force. John's new book, 53 Days on Starvation Island is an absorbing look into the first two United States Marine Corps squadrons to land on Henderson Field in August 1942, VMF-223 and VMSB-232. The guys get deep into the personalities of the main figures of the two squadrons including legends such as Medal of Honor recipient John L. Smith, Marion Carl and Richard Mangrum among others. The guys talk about the complete lack of preparedness that the two squadrons faced from daily life, training, the ground echelon, disease, and of course, aerial combat. Tune in to hear a fascinating discussion on one of our favorite topics, the Guadalcanal campaign.
#wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #essex #halsey #taskforce38 #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #mastersoftheair #8thairforce #mightyeighth #100thbombgroup #bloodyhundredth #b17 #boeing #airforce wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #oldbreed #1stMarineDivision #thepacific #Peleliu #army #marines #marinecorps #worldwar2 #worldwar #worldwarii #leytegulf #battleofleytegulf #rodserling #twilightzone #guadalcanal #cactus
Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 34min
The Battle for Manila with John McManus-Episode 402
This week, Seth, Bill and good friend John McManus take a look at the the battle for the Filipino capital of Manila. The team dissects the incredibly violent and horrific fight for General Douglas MacArthur's beloved Pearl of the Orient. The fighting in Manila was one fo the most violent combat areas of the entire war and the team breaks the fighting down to the nuts and bolts. The guys discuss the stories of Medal of Honor recipients Cleto Rodriguez and John Reese, as well as the liberation of Bilibid Prison, and much more.
Jun 18, 2024 • 1h 58min
The Liberation of Luzon with John McManus - Episode 401
In the first episode of Season 4, Seth and Bill welcome good buddy John McManus as the trio takes on the topic of the Liberation of Luzon in 1945. The guys discuss the initial landings and successes while also getting into Douglas MacArthur's personal feelings and courage displayed on the island during the campaign. The guys then dig into some of the combat, including the Medal of Honor story of Robert Laws from the 43rd Infantry Division. General Robert Eichelberger, the 11th Airborne assault on Nasugbu and Manila, Rod Serling and more. Tune in to see what the guys have to say about the largest amphibious operation thus far in the Pacific war.
#wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #essex #halsey #taskforce38 #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #mastersoftheair #8thairforce #mightyeighth #100thbombgroup #bloodyhundredth #b17 #boeing #airforce wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #oldbreed #1stMarineDivision #thepacific #Peleliu #army #marines #marinecorps #worldwar2 #worldwar #worldwarii #leytegulf #battleofleytegulf #rodserling #twilightzone
Jun 14, 2024 • 3h 1min
The Battle off Samar with Jon Parshall (both episodes combined)
Again, due to popular request, we have combined both Samar episodes with Jon Parshall into this long-form version. This is both parts 1 and part 2 combined. Hope you enjoy.
This week Seth, Bill and good pal Jon Parshall get into the much anticipated Battle off Samar! The guys get into the background of the epic fight, the commanders on both sides, Ernest Evans, Ziggy Sprague, and others as they start to break down some of the myths surrounding one of the most well-known naval battles in all of history. The guys get into the ships such as Samuel B Roberts and USS Johnston of Taffy 3 and the aircraft as well. The guys get deep into the weeds about the legendary destroyer charge of USS Johnston, USS Samuel B. Roberts, USS Hoel and USS Heerman as well as the other destroyer escorts of Taffy 3. The guys dispel a few of the myths about the battle and dig into the effectiveness of both the American surface counterattacks and the aerial assault by Taffys 2 and 3 on Kurita's Center Force. Tune in and hear what the guys have to say.
#wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #essex #halsey #taskforce38 #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #mastersoftheair #8thairforce #mightyeighth #100thbombgroup #bloodyhundredth #b17 #boeing #airforce wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #oldbreed #1stMarineDivision #thepacific #Peleliu #army #marines #marinecorps #worldwar2 #worldwar #worldwarii #leytegulf #battleofleytegulf
Jun 11, 2024 • 3h 15min
The Battle of Surigao Strait with Jon Parshall and Tony Tully (Both Episodes Combined)
Due to popular request, I have combined both parts of the Surigao Strait shows and released them as one, here. As Bill and I prepare for Season 4, please enjoy the long-form version of Surigao Strait with our buddies Jon Parshall and Tony Tully.
Jun 7, 2024 • 6min
Want to help an active duty person transition to civilian industry?
Captain Bill Toti talks about what led him to write his book, "From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership."
The book is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/CO-CEO-Practical-Transitioning-Leadership/dp/1637630638/ref=sr_1_1?crid=323AAEQTQ2XJZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hpvYz2JpfclBGK_hqITNxCgAXH0a7JJFfYxQNXVDWyfq-jzpAXxzR8J6HUzc2PwlfHO86ACibW88Tx6Yi4I0kw.WGJYEenLKdlocDQpXPDroGuY-Eni1watgqE1XFIGmsU&dib_tag=se&keywords=from+co+to+ceo+by+william+toti&qid=1717514487&sprefix=from+co+to+ce%2Caps%2C309&sr=8-1
