This week Seth and Bill take a look at the 1941-43 battle history of the Navy’s most celebrated ship, the famous USS Enterprise (CV-6). The team breaks down some of The Big E’s WWII battle history by diving into her actions from commissioning until 1943. Bill and Seth dive into her actions at Pearl Harbor, Midway, the Canal and others. Tune in and see the first part of a two-part mini-series this season on the most famous ship of WWII.
#wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6
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The funny thing about Stanley "Swede" Vejtasa is that he was of Finnish extraction, not Swedish, but he got so tired of correcting people who called him "Swede" he basically said "screw it" and never said anything again. Another great tidbit from John Lundstrom's fantastic "First Team" books. Personally, I think Lundstrom's books are the finest and most complete books written about the pre-war naval aviators who were the USN's First Team.
Loved this episode. I live in Vestal NY and love the fact you mentioned the USS Vestal. She repaired a LOT of ships and was a huge help in Pearl Harbor on 12/07/41. Can’t wait till the next episode on Enterprise.
Another great episode, guys !! I love your series on the Pacific War and all the little-known tales you provide.
North Carolina saved Enterprise that day. No question
Capt Bill, what is the picture behind u? The burning ship.
I am one of those people who thinks that the Doolittle Raid was a waste of resources for the amount of good it produced versus having three carriers at the Battle of the Coral Sea. I would love to hear a discussion about this if an episode is ever done on the Doolittle Raid. John Lundstrom's book, "The First South Pacific Offensive" talks about Nimitz's plan for the Enterprise before being informed of the Doolittle Raid.
Lewis and Clark's Enterprise
Another great episode, gentlemen!
Yes you can find the Big E book – on back channels ;~)
Edward Stafford also wrote "Little Ship, Big War", which, in my estimation, is the definitive book about DEs in WWII. I had two friends, George Cordelos and Bill Garrity, who were on the Enterprise during the war. What I found most interesting were the human interest stories they had to tell.
Back around 2002 while filling up my car, I noticed an old guy doing the same that was wearing a naval ball cap. I asked my son to go over and see what was printed on the cap. He came back and said 'USS Enterprise CV-6'. I immediately stopped gassing up my car and ran over to shake his hand. I got his name which I'm sorry I don't remember. I worked for the local utility and looked up where he lived. Six months later my daughter wanted to interview me for a high school class assignment. I told her I think I know someone far more interesting to interview. The next day I went by his house and knocked on the door. His wife answered. I asked if her husband would consent to be interviewed by my daughter at a convenient time of his choosing. He did agree and my daughter got an A on her assignment! He was a rear gunner on an SBD and was wounded in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. After his recovery, he trained new gunners at Pensacola. I learned so much while my daughter interviewed him. And yes, I asked him a whole lot of questions myself. So thankful I got the opportunity. Sadly no longer possible.
I've blown out my rotator cuffs, more power and best wishes on your surgery!!!!
I was just watching Parshal and Drach looking at the Midway wrecks. Looking like she could have been the Big E, Yorktown is very ghostly looking. And boy did the Kaga get blown up and burnt down, wow!
My guess on why Halsey kicked ol Errol Flynn off Enterprise is he probably tried to smuggle a thirteen year old gal on board? Lol
Once in a while, the tax payers really get their money's worth out of a piece of hardware.
Swede might have been flying a Dauntless? Amazing pilot found the Enterprise by looking down and following the oil trail for miles saving him and another plane/pilot. Love your videos. The Best!
Swede flew the Dauntless and dogfighted at Coral Sea but switched to Wildcats at Santa Cruz.
I too am an Enterprise fanboy. God bless.
What camera set up is Bill Toti using because the picture quality on his feed is excellent?
Never heard the story of The Swede's landing in detail like you guys told it. Listen to it with your eyes closed and u r there. It's history nerd fantasia.
I'm not surprised, however, that a man who could whup three zeros manned by first line naval aviators in an SBD could cut that landing in a fighter. Btw, was the L.O. Lindsay related to the Lindsay from Midway?