Great episode gents….Hey Bill, don’t be too hard on yourself about missing Harold. We call those brain farts…. You did a beyond standup job in making it right:) Heat of the moment. Keep it up guys!
Yeah... stuff happens. But I did feel this one, vicariously 😬 I can just vividly picture myself in Capt. Toti's shoes and what a bummer that realization must have been...
I read a book about the sinking of the Indy back in 78, just months before my Bootcamp. I had already joined the Navy Delayed Entry, and the book was sobering read. I have had a phobia about falling overboard ever since. 27 years after my retirement, maybe now I can gird my loins and delve into the new book. 😅
It's very cool that Capt Toti was waring the WWII Officer's uniform. What a tribute! Awesome episode guys! I was a Boatswiens Mate on the Carrier Midway 73-75 under Capt Shulte.
To Bill, I just finished watching; USS Inianapolis: The Lagacy" and I have to say that I did not realize until now the instrumental role you played in vindicating the Captain. I have a new respect for you sir, and I think that not just the crew and families, but all who served in the Navy/Marines owe you a dept of gratitude.
This is an example of why this series is so interesting and important. The individual stories and experiences are a vital part of the history of of the Pacific war and you two do an excellent job of combining them with the tactical and strategic operations in that theater. Your podcasts are the highlight of my Tuesdays.
You could do an episode next, and feature him as a member, it would be a fitting reimbursment for forgetting him in this one, and hopefully he would be willing and able to join a presentation and also fill in some personal info for the ship and a shipmates experiences.
I agree! A special with Harold Bray would be great! He could be talking with the two of you. Heck give him a internet cam, it would be well worth it! You will get enough views to pay the cost of the camera and a good microphone, that clips onto your shirt, not a hand held microphone like you used today.
He looked good sitting up front where Seth couldn't MISS him. I think I called for mercy?? There probably exist some recording from previous reunions or Veterans Chronicles that could be incorporated or linked?
We need to hear the story about the plate that was missing. I am pretty sure the "stolen" went something like this... "Bill, these are cool plates" ... "I wish I could give you one, but Navy regs... Oh, I have an urgent meeting after this with every officer who is in the wardroom. Harold, trust you'll be okay here by yourself". Wink-wink.
About 20 years ago I met 5 survivors from USS Indianapolis at the World Championship Chili Cook-off in Terlingua, Texas. I think 6 of the men showed up for a while, they partied their speed, their way. I gave 'em room until I thought they were one short. After that I made a point to shake their hands and say ''Thank You''. I was in awe, I had so many questions, they had earned their peace, but for a handshake I gave them that. I had to explain to people who they were in their watchcaps. Just a WOW moment every time, they are missed.
@@william_toti I wanted to know them so bad, but it was once a year for 2 or 3 days. I was proud that they would shake hand with me. The caps had thd profile ships name CA-35 AND survivor. Stopped me in my tracks, sent cold shivers down my back. Wow beyond my wildest dreams. And a good time was had by all!
How about a road trip to Philadelphia to talk about Adm Halsey aboard the New Jersey? Yes, I know the New Jersey is anchored at Camden, but Philly is a nicer place to visit and just across the river!
You are quite good live. I kinda feel you're stressed. In typical episodes you both do much more humor comments and jokes - but this event went good. I'd pay money for this. Bill's inserted apology was descent. I entirely understand how one can forget even most obvious things in process of making something public and new and untested. You definitely have good chemistry live too.
Actually I think Captain Toti needs a faster internet connection and better camera/microphone setup for the regular episodes. His technology makes it appear he has a speech impediment when he doesn't at all.
@@harrybenson9983 Really... I'm pretty sure it's obvious that he doesn't... It seems you are the only one that thinks he sounds like he has a speech impediment... May I ask... How old you are. Meaning... If your in your 20s or so.. ok things happen. But if your 30s or older... I just don't see how it's possible. That comment shows massive immaturity
Captain Toti said in an early episode that he helped carry victims of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon to safety through clouds of smoke that have affected his vocal chords.@@harrybenson9983
I love each of your podcasts. The beginning of each week is highlighted by a topic of WWII history, and each chapter is eagerly anticipated. I’m sort of following your narratives by reading Eagle Against the Sun by Ronald H. Spector. This week I listened to your podcast while working stamps into my collection. When you have a stamp from the British Colony of North Borneo with an overprint from the Japanese Occupation Forces, or a Burma stamp with British Military Authority overprinted BMA, then the history, for this armchair historian truly comes alive!!! Keep up the great work gentlemen!!!
Speaking of Indianapolis in the Marianas. One of her Seaplanes rescued a carrier pilot LTCDR William I 'Bill' Martin. CO of VT-10 squadron from USS Enterprise. His Avenger was shot down near the town of Garapan. Barely escaping from his burning plane. He parachuted into the lagoon and barely avoided having to do a last stand against the Japanese due to more of Air Group 10’s planes covering him. Eventually making it over a nearby reef and swallowing a lot of sea water. He inflated his raft and was dropped a rescue pack by one of his subordinates Lt (jg) Gilbert Blake. Later in the day, he was picked up by one of Indianapolis’s sea planes and after a debriefing by Admiral Spruance. Martin was returned to Enterprise in time for the Philippine Sea.
Wow, just wow. Best episode yet guys. Enjoyed the forum immensely and having the sole CA-35 survivor there along with distinguished family members really personalized this important historical ship unlike any other presentation. Outstanding job gentlemen and many thanks. Oh, Bill, your apology was heartfelt and sincere. You could feel it through the monitor. You handled the omission brilliantly.
Thank you two for another great episode of your epical journey through the pacific. As a European history nerd I am amazed about your effort, your honor and your humor. Every time there is so much more to learn besides anything we see in media. Your work is highly appreciated. It can not be overestimated how important your work is in keeping the stories alive. Only if we preserve the history we may prevent our societies, our children to go through the same again.
I note that one of the FAQs on the net is "Who was Admiral Nimitz?" No kidding. This podhistory may be a reason this is popping up! Can we have another is my question? The current situation is not likely to provide a answer we like, even though we're creating similar conditions and environment.
@@flparkermdpc You’re Right. Modern times. In Germany we have young mps from the Green Party that could not answer a question: „who was Bismarck?“ Not someone in school, a member of parliament …
Bill your edited into apology, was one of the most sincere and to the point! You are truly out standing. I knew when I heard the introduction from my first segment (thinking 118) that both of the speakers, where of the highest quality! Later on it was mention, that the intro section might change. I said to my self “ No Way” you two have earn that Respect! Iam so glad, that I hit “like and subscribe” along with Share with all of my friends that sponge up WWII history . Never Forget, or we will repeat it!
Bill it would have been nice to see your uniform with your awards when you retired before you went back to the 40's. I'm sure Harold forgave you as I'm sure everyone in the rood new who he was. " I called those, senior moments" , which I have all the time. I learn so much about the war from your talks. Thanks Again.
Seth and Bill, I really enjoyed this podcast episode. Well, I really enjoy all of them, but I did enjoy the change of location, the event where it was held, and seeing you two do a podcast in the same room. And Bill, you were looking sharp in your dress whites. The tour of the Pacific Campaign at the WWII Museum was a nice change also. I know doing episodes together in the same location isn't logistically feasible often, but i do hooe to see a few more in the future.
With great sadness, I have lost my oldest brother, West Point grad, Vietnam veteran, Bill W. although wounded, survived a sniper. My brother graciously supported The Academy and our military services throughout his life. I will be traveling to Cleveland for his memorial service. Prior to, I am looking forward to visiting the Gato Class USS Cod 224 moored by the science center. I do so due to both Seth and Bill's unauthorized history and to honor all of those who have served our country. I'm appreciative and thank you both.
when I was sailing with MSCLant in the 1980's, I worked with an Able Seaman, Terry Dempsey. Terry had been on I believe the USS Nevada when Pearl Harbor was attacked and was on the USS Indianapolis when she was sunk. Terry later worked at the MSCLant Fire Fighting School in Freehold NJ. He was an absolutely wonderful shipmate. May he repose in eternal light.
Nice work gentlemen. It happens Bill. I slipped up during a promotion ceremony myself. Forgot to acknowledge a family member! Ouch! I agree with some of the other comments that you two should take your gift on the road to help educate young Americans on the history and priceless value of the sacrifices offered upon the alter of freedom during WWII. We need to reel the current generation of high school and college students back in. They're far too self-absorbed and exposing them to this treasure of American history could truly reshape their priorities.
This is a great idea because school education basically ignores C20th history. Sadly this is the stuff we should all be at least be cognisant of. By the way, that’s a word my spell checker refused to correct when I used an “e”.
I am warmed by Seth pointing out on several occasions, episodes, that the loss of life in these actions is awful. All the participants had mothers who grieved. And continue to do so, as we continue to use war as a political tool, but woe to the unprepared or unwilling. Keep banging this drum you men!
Another great episode as usual. You cant beat the feeling of personal and personable interaction between yourselves, your guests, and your audiences of which i consider myself a Huge fan! Bill & Steve, We love you guys 😊😊😊
At 54 minutes and you are taking about the armor piercing bomb, and mention the last survivor Harold Bray sitting here! Very well done! A lot of great information about the Indianapolis.
Excellent episode! I love that you guys chose to do this live, and at such a prestigious event. It was great to not only hear these details from you guys but also to have so many esteemed guests that gave a word or two to engage in the conversation. Thanks so much and I can't wait for the next one!
Captain, this long retired Commander can fit into her uniforms, also... with room to spare. Thanks for this live broadcast from one of the many great military museums.
I think your program continues to evolve into one of the best Military History podcasts out there. The additions of guests like Drachinifel and John Parschall, among others, adds more insight and knowledge that we listeners appreciate. I would really like it if you could bring in Craig Symonds and Victor Davis Hanson to provide their 30,000 foot view of the Pacific War in the global context. Keep up the good work.
Don't beat yourself up we've all had brain cramps. You guys are amazing thank you so much for doing this podcast too many people today disregard history. Thank you for keeping it alive!
Very well done, as usual. I am glad the story of the end of the Indianapolis is getting further discussion elsewhere. Having the family of the crew of the Indianapolis present for that discussion would have been a painful and difficult experience for all involved.
This was a fantastic episode. It was an honor to watch this episode, to see the families of the men who served on USS Indianapolis. And good job including this event in your programming. As to the series, you have done a wonderful job explaining the events leading up to various battles, tactics and to my mind most importantly describing and bringing to life the men who fought on both sides of the conflict. I look forward to each episode. Thank you!
Skipper. I think it was awesome show of respect, how you put that side not in the pod cast. And only putting on medals and ribbons that was earned during ww2. B Z. 4 .0 on the uniform. Yesterday I was looking at my cruise jacket from 87-88.
Wow a live show a real treat! Glad that the reunions continue even as we lose participants of the actual event. Bill lookin good in the dress whites. Thanks Seth and Bill for another great episode!
Great episode. As a teenager living on Nimitz Hill on Guam in 1969 I found a dud US 8 inch shell. Sounds like it might have been was shot by the Indianapolis. It was the site of a pitched battle as we also found that day a Japanese 75 mm dud shell, spent 5 inch star shells, several US hand grenades, and mortar rounds all in the same small area. EOD was impressed.
I am glad you had the smarts to not mess with the rounds and just report them. When I was in the Air Force stationed in then West Germany at Pruem Air Station 1980-83, I would explore some of the WWII German bunkers that lined the road to the Air Station. In one bunker I found what appeared to be the projectile for an 88mm and outside a mortar round. I left them be and reported them to the station Security Police. They would pass the word to the German EOD people to handle. There is so much unexploded munitions all over the place from wars of the 20th century. These munitions as they age become ever more unstable and dangerous.
Don’t be too hard on yourself about the omission during your introductions. I once had the duty of introducing the Mayor of my city to a crowd at a luncheon. It went fine, except I introduced him using his predecessors name. Good work, especially since I worked and knew the man for years.
Loved watching this since I didn't attend the reunion, as I had hoped to. It's always fascinating to hear about WWII, especially the Pacific campaign. Thank you for keeping the Indy in our collective memory.
Sir, I would like to apologize for that comment I made about that book. I didn't know about that part of it. Thank you for your service to this country. On another note, having performed in a band in front of a crowd, this was your first gig together, things happen real fast, please don't give up on this one time. At least you didn't forget the words to the song like I did
Question for the audience? Anybody else get the feeling that the fella in dress whites is a better man than I am? Than me, for sure, but you, too? I applied to the USNA, got a letter back from my congressman, but got an early acceptance from a school my parents preferred, and I accepted that. I don't think I would have lasted a week at Annapolis in 1962, knowing what I now know, and that was before Vietnam got rolling. Midshipmen were still Middies then. I had two Academy grad uncles that were let down, but Providence was right in my case. I had another saving moment when as a draftee, I was saved from being a Marine medical officer, which would have required the full Lejeune treatment. Better men than me. There is an earlier episode with Admiral Stavridis on his experiences in command which gives some peek at the Right Stuff at that level, but I had a classmate who commanded the USS Forrestal, and his sea stories were jaw dropping about fleet maneuvers during the "COLD"?? War, with the Russians standing menacingly by. Those Russians were not the incompetents we're seeing now. Bill's comments about being at sea on a submarine, technically not on war footing, being dangerous, was made real by my classmate's experience tales of "routine" flight ops. Better men than me. Big thanks to my Greatest Generation parents, uncles, cousins, and some of their classmates who died like the Indianapolis crewmen. Better men. And women, whose lives were changed forever in those years.
Great job as usual, guys. And Captain don't fret too much about a slip-up, I'm fairly sure the Indy association families have no doubt about your devotion and commitment after all these years of activity with them. And inspired by the Captain's repetition of the key point about US industrial performance in shipbuilding in particular, a great episode might be one focused on the amazing story of American shipbuilding during the war. Don't know if there's one historian who can do the topic justice as a guest, but the story should be told. From mass-produced Liberty ships to LSTs being built in the midwest far from the ocean, yet another incredible chapter in the WWII story.
Hey great job guys. I really liked the live podcast format. Hopefully we will see some more like this. I really liked Stump the Chump at the end. In Harms Way was my first book to read about the war in the Pacific. Been trying to find my way out of that rabbit hole ever since. Great Torpedo Tuesday.
that was actually pretty fun. though I missed the appearance of the occasional photo, the QA section was a nice addition. Maybe something worth adding to your normal remote episodes?
Captain Toti, you looked incredible in your class 1A whites. I'm not suggesting that you wear them on every show on Tuesday night, during the fall and winter months you could wear the blacks. I bet you look handsome in your double breasted blacks. Sorry if I didnt call them by their proper nomenclatures, I was in the Air Force. Everyone knows that the Air Force has the least desirable class 1A's of any service. You and Seth put on a fantastic show every week. God bless you gentlemen.
Capt Toti looks and sounds like he could assume command after this. Look what the cat dragged in with him. (said with much respect, admiration and affection).
I was going to say this has to be a reunion for the submarine not the cruiser as the last I had heard there were no surviving crewmen left from the old CA-35. But am very glad to see the crew from the Submarine are still holding reunions and talking about the CA-35. I will also have to admit I would rather see the name USS Indianapolis back on a cruiser again instead of a submarine.
God bless all the brave sailors and navy men who fearlessly placed themselves in harm's way during WWII! God bless all the courageous veterans with nerves of steel who risked everything and selflessly sacrificed so much to protect our countries and preserve the freedoms we enjoy today! God bless all the souls - military and civilian - that we have lost in times of war! God bless America! God bless us all and grant us peace!
The mention of Mare Island and the refits/repairs got me to wondering, how often would a ship like the Indianapolis need to be in drydock for hull cleaning? Wish my uniform still fit that well!
Robert Shaw's "Indianapolis speech" on Jaws was reported today on the WW2 TV Channel's Indianapolis episode as playing a strrong role in efforts to exonerate its Captain. Accepting that at face value, it's a remarkable and wonderful way that Hollywood did good, which isn't usually the case these days. Shaw's speech is in a RU-vid clip, if you want search for it.
Bill, your so approachable- I bet your men loved you. What a “brain fart”🤣 You are human just like me! You made it right, I’m sure he’ll forgive you- you’re a man of honor 🫡
This was an event I would had enjoyed attending. I live in that area but didn't received any info regarding date, time and location. I guess I sent my request to the wrong email address. 😭
Growing up was in the school band, once when around 12 yrs. old I had a short solo which was easy but for some reason in front of an audience messed it up, embarrassed to say the least. Brain Farts happen, It's All Good. Bill's Look'n Quite Dapper in his Whites, goes to show that we can clean up from time to time.
The reason Indianapolis didn't see it in time was the fact that Japanese planes would fly towards the fleet just off the surface of the sea until they spotted the fleet.Then they would climb to 5,000 ft and come straight down on top of the ships.
