This week Seth and Bill take a look at one of the most famous stories of survival and bravery in all of World War II, the story of the USS Franklin. On March 19, 1945 aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) better known as Big Ben, was hit by one or two bombs dropped by a Japanese Judy dive bomber. In the ensuing inferno and chaos that followed, more than 700 American sailors and Marines were killed while the remainder of the crew underwent one of the most trying experiences in all of US Naval history. The story of Franklin is legend, and this week, we get into every aspect of it, from Big Ben’s crew to her captain, to her destruction, and finally her survival.
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Great coverage of a infamous event
So, I love the Constantine reference, but your Roman history needs a little brush up. Constantine, after long civil wars of succession, was on the eve of his final battle to determine who would be emperor after Diocletian, the son of his 'co-Augustus (Maxentius) or the son of his western Caesar (Constantine). He has a dream/vision of someone telling him, "By this sign you will conquer", but it is not the traditional cross of Christianity. It is the Chi-Rho symbol that looks like a Roman 'P' with a long descending tail with a Roman 'X' through it. So Constantine ordered that symbol, painted on his soldiers shields and armor, he goes on to win the Battle of The Milvian Bridge and becomes emperor. Many interpret that CHi – Rho as a symbol of CH-Rist, Constantine orders Christianity to become the state religion, but does not convert to it himself for many years until late in his reign. So, not a cross as was the case for the chaplain, not yet an emperor, and certainly not yet a Christian himself.
Ty for education.
marvelous episode gentlemen
Did those firefighting hoses have fog nozzles?
Bill, hope you're keeping yourself safe in anticipation of Milton's arrival. Use your best judgment in preparation. Covid is notorious for clouding one's judgement.
Garris is one of the examples of why I never trust any “ranking” that comes from any type of government bureaucracy
There was a comment questioning the captains decision to toss the AA ammo early in the discussionn but at the 1:20:00 ish mark we see why that was the right call.
There’s 40mm and 5 inch powder popping off. That’s the ready service ammo supply kept around for quick use at a moments notice.
Ready service ammo for the guns was a real problem, quite honestly there was just too much stored all over the ships. We saw what that ammo stored all over the gun areas did to the cruisers and destroyers around Guadalcanal so that’s a good call imho.
How come the skipper didn't get a court martial for negligence relative to GQ
I lived in Mill Valley and looked out towards Treasure Island where they had a Fire Fighting School. Multiple times a week I would see black smoke rising, more firefighting Sailors were being cranked out
Thank you Bill and Seth.
Wonderful job guys. Bill is 100% correct, the captain should have been relieved, not rewarded with the Navy Cross. Trying to block Fr. Joe’s MOH was beyond unconscionable. Can’t believe this man received such a prestigious command with such deep character flaws. Salute to the Franklin’s crew for achieving the impossible. Thanks again for another memorable episode.
Rashomon is the Kurosawa movie.
An idea for a episode. A B-24 unit that flew at night with radar attacking Japanese shipping. Just an idea.
Hope you feel better Bill. 🫡
I am 72 and have been reading about ww2 since 4th grade.
It is rare for me to find new informative, balanced, and insightful material.
Having stumbled across your podcast on YouTube, I went back and binged all of it.
It is incredible. The honest accounting of command decisions alongside individual actions is amazing.
One of the most stunning revelations is the incredible abundance of not only bad commanders, but the consistancy of their being awarded at the expense of better leaders.
It speaks to me of the unstoppable juggernaut of the USA once its collective mind is set on a goal.
I don't think any other belligerent in the war could have survived such blunders given the lack of overwhelming logistics they posessed, both human and material.
Dont know your future plans. All good things end. But I seriously hope other podcasts come along that take a note from you, anf do such thorough, researched, and deep dive accounts.
Kudos gentlemen.
Finally got a chance to finish this week's video–another excellent presentation of a harrowing tale that runs the full gamut of emotions. You have such a talent for bringing this history to life. Thank you for your dedication to telling these stories that must be remembered. Captain Totti, I hope you're feeling better now, a month out from the taping of the show. With your history of lung damage, a Covid diagnosis is extra scary. I hope it continued to be a mild case and that it resolved quickly without any long Covid issues. I also hope that both of you haven't been hit hard by the recent hurricaines. Stay well, stay safe, and I look forward to next week's show!
It is so refreshing to listen to someone who know about how ships are handled. Kudo to Bill
I served under good commanding officers in combat in Vietnam. I was lucky on that score. Men who served in my unit after me were not so lucky. Men to this day complain about a real jerk of an officer who was my unit's C.O. You have all heard about men "fragging" officers in Vietnam. The officer I am telling about was so universally and vehemently hated that men gathered together to work out a plot to kill him AFTER all off the men including the C.O. were out of the Army. The C.O. foiled the plot himself by dying of natural causes not too long after Nam. Else, there would have been a murder…or justice, depending on your point of view.
Feel better Capt!