As a retired sailor, of the line, I cant help but breathe deeply with pride every time I hear of half naked sailors, running in their bathroom attire, at dawn, on a Sunday morning, to the defense of their helpless ship. They knew she was in mortal peril and were far safer ashore than aboard. Yet they knowingly ran to her and stood between her and the onslaught, saving her. For without the withering hail of her air defense systems that were completely useless without her sailors, the USS Pennsylvania would have certainly been "sunk in dry dock," an unspeakable ignominy. Every sailor knows one thing, One Ship, One Crew, One Life, with every breathe. Thank you sir, For History that Deserves to Be Remembered.
My wife and I have toured the USS Texas, USS Lexington, USS Drum, USS Alabama, and the active duty Arley Burke Destroyer USS Williams in the last two years.Thanks for the details and recognition you show to those who have and still serve. Freedom has never been free.
My late Granny was dating one of the marines on the USS Pennsylvania that died on that Dec 7th day. His name was Edward Nations. He actually mailed her a beautiful gold cross necklace that arrived after the attack. She gave me that necklace when I was in high school, I wore it in my senior picture. Some day I’ll give it to one of our daughters. So awesome to learn about the USS Pennsylvania, a part of my history.
History Guy is Fabulous, He puts so much history and information in this I had to watch it over.. I solute the efforts in repealing the enemy in this dangerous an heroic conclusion to this surprise attack. The heroic actions of the crew of USS Pennsylvania will be remembered as an an attack against infamy.
In Flint Michigan there is a road named after Navy diver, Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Owen Francis Patrick Hammerberg. He died while saving other Navy divers that had been trapped underwater at Pearl Harbor. He received the Medal of Honor.
My father was aboard the Pennsylvania for almost 6 years. He was at Pearl Harbor during the attack. He never said much about what he saw. Your video helps fill a gap regarding what happened and what he experienced. Thank you so much for the time you spent putting this information together. After the war he became a pastor and raised a family of 5. This video means a lot to our family.
With all the human casualties, as well as the damage to the ships and planes, I find it truly miraculous that not one aircraft carrier was not damaged, not one crewman was injured or killed in the attack. As usual, HG, your expressive telling of the story puts one "right in the action". Thanks.
Peter...All of the carriers were out to sea on maneuvers. A lot of questions have been asked as to why Japan, with the local intelligence that they had from Pearl Harbor, didn't wait until some of the carriers were in port. I suppose that it was just a matter of timing for some reason(s). I'm sure that this has been thoroughly researched and adequately explained, but I am not an expert on that story.
Actually Enterprise CV-6 was in the area, and would have been at Pearl Harbor on the evening of December 6th but she got caught up in a storm. On December 7th she sent out a scouting squadron to land at Pearl Harbor, and they got caught up in the first wave of Japanese aircraft. 11 of Enterprise’s aircrew died at Pearl Harbor.
My grandfather served on the USS Pennsylvania as a reloader on the 40 mm I love going to his Battleship reunions and listen to all the veterans stories
I look forward to watching more of your videos, I just discovered your channel today. My great uncle, Tom Scroggins, was on the USS Pennsylvania @ Pearl Harbor and I was fortunate enough to hear his stories in person before he passed away. He was very proud of his Arkansas license plate "PH001", oldest living Arkansas Pearl Harbor survivor. Thank you for the history lesson!
Within a week after Pearl Harbor, my father and two of his brothers enlisted in the Armed forces. Two of his step brothers were already serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. 2 years later the baby of his family enlisted. The youngest was wounded at the 2nd battle of the Ardennes, (the Battle of the Bulge). They all survived the war. Truly the Greatest Generation
No the Greatest generation was the generation that fought the tyranny of England, therefore proclaiming the Constitutional Republic of America! If is wasn't for them then those men of WW2 would never have had a chance to charge in to battle against hitler[Not all the German soldiers were nazis, they were doing there duty as were the allies soldiers, for there country]. Those of 1776 are the greatest generation!
@@rickmoreno6858 Spare us your argumentative pedantic s. While the Revolutionary War veterans deserve their honors (many of my ancestors were involved), WWII was of a much greater scope, national effort, and casualties. They ARE the greatest generation, and who are you to diminish their heroism, efforts, and sacrifice?
@gayprepperz6862 you're a special kind of stupid arnt you. I never diminished anything or anyone. How the fuk did you come to that equation? Lol 😆 geezus put the bubbler down
My Dad was in the Navy and his Tin Can, the USS Hart was deployed to help with the Pearl. He received the Pearl Harbor metal. He died when I was 20 and I wish I had him to ask about those days. Thank You shedding some light on it for us. God Bless Our Military, Past-Present-Future🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Dear History Guy, thank you so much for your remembering such details about WWII, as a Sailor and a son of a WWII Corpsman who was at the Battle of Okinawa, I really appreciate your details to facts. Before I retired from the Navy Reserve in February 2019 I was performing Military Funeral Honors for the Navy. One of the Sailors I had the Honor and Privilege of performing Military Funeral Honors for was Frank Minervinie. He was 103 years old when he passed and was laid to rest in Fernley Nevada on 11 May 2016. Mr. Minervinie not only spent three days in the Pacific Ocean after the ship he was on was torpedoed, but the reason he was on the ship was because the ship he was orginally on, during the attack at Pearl Harbor was damaged and sent to be repaired, and he was reassigned to the second ship. The original ship he was on was the USS Nevada. The link attached is for the news story about his funeral and they leave off this fact even though they show a picture of him receiving an award from Governor Sandoval for being on the USS Nevada during the attack at Pearl Harbor. When I was notified about the funeral the mortuary informed me, only Mr. Minervinie's friend who was bringing his cremains from Carson City, would be the only person in attendance. I did not let him pass without being known about. Just a bit of history I thought you would enjoy. The lives of three Sailors My Father had enlisted on a six year enlistment to become a Pharmacist Mate in the Navy on September 16 1941 and was sent to Boot Camp in San Diego. He was told after he finished Boot Camp and Pharmacist Mate school in San Diego he would have over six months in the Navy and would be allowed to take two weeks leave before reporting to his first command. He reported to Balboa Naval Hospital on 6 December 1941. After completing his school Pharmacist Mate Burnett reported straight to Naval Hospital Pearl Harbor on 17 May 1942. While stationed at Pearl Harbor Pharmacist Mate Burnett worked with injured Sailors, at a time Mr. Minervinie was in the Hospital. Pharmacist Mate Burnett then reported to Camp Pendleton on 26 February 1944 to join the Fleet Marines, where he served with them in the Battle of Okinawa, and was part of the first Occupation Troops into Japan. I do not know if my Father and Mr Minervinie crossed paths again during these times of WWII. I do know my Father settled in Tennessee and passed away in November 1982, and Mr. Minervinie settled in Nevada and outlived most of his family. He was laid to rest on 11 May 2016 where Avionics Technician Burnett had the Honor and Privilege to be able to present his flag to his long time friend. Just some more strange facts. My Dad Joined the Navy in 1941, several months before the attack, and I retired from the Navy after 41 years. I graduated High School in 1977, the attack at Pearl Harbor happened 77 years ago, and my Dad Arrived at Naval hospital Pearl Harbor after completing his Navy School 77 years ago. th-cam.com/video/WKEyl3Eg9PQ/w-d-xo.html
20 years ago I had a client who happened to be one of the 2 dentists serving on the Pennsylvania. His best friend, the other dentist on the ship, was one of those killed when the ship was struck in drydock. After the 50th anniversary ceremonies in 1991, he and his wife returned to their hotel in Honolulu; he was still wearing his hat which said USS Pennsylvania. As they were going through the lobby towards the elevators, a middle aged woman approached and asked him if he had served on the Pennsylvania and if so, was he there during the Japanese attack on Pearl. Answering yes to both, she mentioned she was trying to garner information about her father, whom she never met; she was a baby when he died that day. He mentioned that it wasn't likely that he knew her father, since there were almost 3,000 men aboard. She responded by saying "I thought you might have known of him because he was a dentist on the ship." He was floored and after recovering from the shock, told her that her dad was his best friend. In a further irony, she lived in Orlando, FL approximately 3 blocks from where one of his two sons lived. After that day, he had two sons and an adopted daughter.
"Since 2006, the Navy League of the United States Honolulu Council has presented the George S.B. Walters Shipyard Service Award to the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) civilian employee who best exemplifies the enthusiasm, initiative and team spirit demonstrated by Walters on that historic day 77 years ago."
Thank you for mentioning the worker putting his life on the line guarding the ship with his mobile crane. Could you think about a show featuring civilian workers in combat? Their work on Wake island, the workers on aircraft carriers at the battle of Midway etc......thanks for your work!
John....I agree. In fact, I was thinking a video on the incredible salvage work that quickly got so many of the damaged ships back into combat would also be great on which to have Mr. H. do his fantastic research and presentation. Hint...Hint...!!
You mention the Helena a few times. I would love to see you do a video on just the Helena. She was torpedoed 3 separate times and finally sunk in the Kula Gulf. The surviving crew (including my grandfather) swam to a remote island and were rescued weeks later. It's a fascinating story.
Oh it's revised edition. I was like, I know I've heard this story exactly like this before, lol. Great to revisit videos during The History Guys absence!
I live very close to Boalsburg, PA. where the two guns of The Pennsylvania are on display at The Pennsylvania Military Museum. They are an awesome sight to see. My Grandfather was at Pearl Harbor on that Infamous Day. He was wounded a couple/few times but survived WWII. His name is also in The Pennsylvania Military Museum. God Bless All Veterans, Those currently Serving, and those that will Serve.
Ship, Shipmate, Self. As a proud U.S. NAVY veteran I salute those brave sailors who enthusiastically manned their battle stations as was their duty. And may those lost RIP. ✌🏻🇺🇸
Thank you for adding small details concerning the battleship Utah and other small details regarding the Pennsylvania to your commentary. I have enjoyed your good work in your commentaries.
@@shawnr771 Well, it isn't just the IJN and Kriegsmarine. See USS San Francisco and USS Atlanta(first naval battle of Guadalcanal), or a HUGE number of other blue on blue ships during WW2. It should be noted that the opposite happened in that battle as well, for example the IJN Yuudachi signaling the USS Sterett and getting a shell in the boilers by means of reply. Some ships even did both, like the HMS Sheffield having to evade HMS Ark Royal's torpedo bombers, while later sinking KMS Freidrich Eckholdt who mistook the Sheff for KMS Admiral Hipper.
I want to thank you for helping us to not forgetting these fascinating episodes of our history. Both me and my 12 yr old son recently came across your channel and truly appreciate your dedication to keeping these stories alive. Thank you!!!
I love how popular your videos have become. The fact that some of your ads can't be skipped warms my heart because it proves that history is in fact worth remembering. Thank you for pushing reality into the World Wide Web.
I was going to mention a couple details on Downes and Cassin but he mentioned exactly what I was going to say which doesn't happen often enough. Thanks for being so informative
Wonderful article. It should be interesting to note that neither Nakajima's B5N1 level bomber variant nor the B5N2 torpedo bomber variant, both being at Pearl Harbour, had forward firing guns. If torpedo bombers strafed anything, it would have had to be done by the gunner at the rearmost part of the crew's canopy.
To the sailors and Marines of the U.S.S. PENNSYLVANIA...A VERY GRATEFUL THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE while being a proud part of THE GREATEST GENERATION. As always, an excellent video. While I've never been aboard the WISCONSIN or MISSOURI, I HAVE been aboard the NORTH CAROLINA that's anchored in Wilmington. The 16-inch guns on ,say, the MISSOURI are BIGGER than THE SHOWBOAT'S??? Those that I saw were BIG ENOUGH for my liking. ALSO. it was July when I was on her, and, it was HOTTTTT four decks down. They tried cooling things by using box fans,but, NO WAY JOSE!!! To the sailors and Marines of the NORTH CAROLINA, A VERY GRATEFUL THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! 👏👏👏💪💪💪✌✌✌✌
I truly enjoy the stories you tell, but more the way you tell it- the pacing the small details. Good storytelling is an art as you amply show. Thank you.
Your work is needed to keep history alive. Keep going! Greetings from Mexico. Please consider launching an episode about the four times heroic Port of Veracruz, Mexico.
I am proud to be a supporter of the HG channel. I learn something new EVERY day. Thank you, thank you. OBTY, haven't seen the The History Gal recently...
For those interested, in world of warships, the USS Arizona is one of the best ships in the game and of course is the same class as USS Pennsylvania. The only difference is that Penn. has the old spider towers but Arizona had been refitted with the new tripod-type masts. Also, according to Arizona Survivor Donald Stratton(who is alive and well, by the way, signing books, doing talks etc,) the red paint on the top of the gun turrets was only a planned paint scheme but was not actually on the ship on 12/7/41. (hope I got that right,lol)
Pennsylvania had her masts upgraded in her 1929-31 refit. And if you look closely at overhead photos of Pennsylvania in drydock on 7 December 1941 you'll note her forward turret tops were painted white, placing her in Battleship Division 2.
Wow this the first time that one of your videos made me just sit here and cry ! I had uncles in the military at the time luckily none of them was there at the time . One uncle fought in the Battle of the Bulge another one supposedly changed the engines off of Doolittle Raiders planes installing ones with more power to help with their take off from the aircraft carrier . Another was the Battleship Missouri where he was awarded the Purple Heart ! Sadly all of them have since passed on and I won't get to hear more stories of their lives during the war . Thank you for the sad video and history lesson ! Keep'em coming as I will be watching for them !
Thank you for sharing this amazing story! It is incredible that the bravery of the sailors in that terrible situation, never gave up fighting for each other and country! Thank you for sharing this history!
What exactly is so bizarre about it? One was easy to hit and one was hard to hit. One was full of ammo and one empty. One was in the freaking water and one wasn't. Isn't it bizarre that people try to find significance in totally unimportant things?
An even greater coincidence is that while the Arizona was the first US capital ship lost in the war the Pennsylvania very nearly became the last. On August 1st, 1945 while she was anchored in Buckner Bay, Okinawa a lone Japanese aircraft put a torpedo right in her stern, causing a tremendous amount of damage. Only quick work by damage control and towing her into shallow water prevented her from sinking. Two weeks later the Japanese surrendered. Since the war was over the Pennsylvania was only repaired just enough to make her seaworthy again, and a year later she traveled to Bikini Atoll for the A-bomb tests while still leaking slightly from the torpedo hit.
My grandfather, Leslie Hotchkiss, was aboard the Pennsylvania and almost got killed by that bomb that penetrated the deck. Thank God he was about 10 seconds ahead of it.
i hung on every word. my USMC father was on a AA/secondary battery guncrew aboard the Pennsy. he lost some friends, and lost 6 years of his life with my mother because of the japanese. he was on leave in San Diego, and upon hearing FDR's speech, told her he figured he had to go in, and when he walked into the gates it was the last time she saw him until late 1946. when he was falling into the depths of Alzheimers, i gave him a digital photo-album frame, and one shot was of the ship. he brightened right up for a moment and said "the Pennsy!!". thank you so much for this, even if it's a repeat.
Thank you for this History of a Battleship named after the State where I live. I never knew the full detailed History that you presented. God Bless all America's Fallen Soldiers throughout Our History.🇺🇸 Long Live The United States of America.
My favourite channel by far! I'd love it if you considered doing a video on the battle of longtan. The Anzacs barely got any recognition much like most veterans of the Vietnam war. Although the battle was short, it wasn't lacking bravery on both sides.
My great-grandfather, Emil John Hellman, served aboard the Pennsylvania in WWI. I did not know about her role in WWII. Thank you for sharing more of her story.
Very good story. I always enjoy watching this channel. Hope to see a story about the Pleasant Valley War in Arizona in late 1800's. That would be cool...
My Dad, Leo Bewley, was a sailor assigned to the U.S.S. Pennsylvania, or "The Pennsy" as he called her, when she was attacked 12/7/1941. He was on her throughout the war. He never talked about the things he saw during that time. So it kind of surprised me when he took us to see the movie, "Tora, Tora, Tora", that was about the attack on Pearl Harbor. Maybe he thought it had been enough years that it would be ok. But as soon as the attack began, he quietly got up and walked out to the auditorium and stayed there until we came out after it ended. A few days after the attack, he and a buddy went over to one of the Japanese airplanes and tore apart the engine and took souvenirs. Dad took one of the pistons and used it as an ashtray for the next 40 years. I got it after he passed in 2002 at the age of 82 yrs old.
It may be service pride but I do remember when I went through boot camp being told that the CGC Taney was the first vessel to return fire on September 7, 1941. Love the videos. Retired SC USCG.
For those of you interested in the Pacific theatre of World War 2. In Fredericksburg Texas you can find, Chester Nimitz childhood home and museum and the George H W Bush Museum of the Pacific War. Amazing museum. Expect to spend at least 4 to 6 hours and you still may not see it all. The entry hall to the museum is built along side one of the Japanese minisubs that was captured at Pearl Harbor.
Love your content! I was wondering if you could discuss the capture of the Japanese battleship IJN Nagato by the US Navy at the end of WW2? It is something not many people know about and as you say, is history that deserves to be remembered.
My father Frank Galaso. Passed 2016 at 91..he proudly served with the 79th inf div...4 50 cal anti aircraft ...he was at DDAy battle of the bulge and many other major battles 🇺🇸
My grandpa was in the Navy during world war 2 and he was aboard the USS Pennsylvania, I remember when I was little I used to walk up to my grandparent's house back in the early 80's and my grandfather always had me some peanut butter toast and root beer for me. I used to sit with him on his chair and we would read the funnies we called them back in the 80's (comics) in the newspaper and he'd tell me stories of what he went through during world war 2 I couldn't even imagine what it could have been like. After I'd fall asleep he'd carry me back down to mom and off to bed I went. I miss him so much and I hope someday we meet again in Heaven
I truly enjoy your programs. They are well produced, informative and valuable. I suggest a discussion of the history of service of the CIA's A-12 Blackbird which you mistakenly described in your discussion of the SR-71 as never going into production. In fact a fleet of the single seat aircraft were deployed to Japan and utilized for, in believe, only two years before being supplanted by the larger but slower sister, SR-71. In fact, before that suplantation, they held a competition among these two using their disparate sensing systems during a practice mission along the Mississippi river. The SR-71 won and the rest is history but the A-12, the YF-12 and the D-21 all deserve to be remembered as lives were lost in both development and deployment.
My maternal grandfather who was a civilian electronics expert working for the government installed much of the upgraded systems on the Pennsylvania when she was in Philadelphia Navy Yard for her 1929-1931 refit. When he retired in the 1970s he was a GS 14, which is equivalent to a Lt. Col. He really knew his stuff.
It is my understanding that the heat from the Cassins and Downes destroyers was so intense that the heat warped the hulls of both ships to an un-salvageable level. The equipment and machinery that could be salvaged was removed installed in new hulls and the original hulls were scrapped. I also, understand that the captain and executive officer, as the battle progressed, were worried that a bomb or torpedo would strike the caisson at the end of the dry dock and allow a flood of water into the dry dock possibly forcing the Pennsylvania off its blocks and into the destroyers also in the same dry dock in front of the of the Pennsylvania causing severe damage to all the ships. The executive officer had volunteered to leave the ship, go to the valves of the dry dock and opened them to begin the flooding of the dry dock. He had just returned to the Pennsylvania and just stepped inside the ship when a bomb hit the spot where the executive officer was.
On the late evening of August 12, 1945, while anchored off Okinawa, a lone Japanese torpedo bomber made an attack on USS Pennsylvania, scoring a hit in the after section of the ship. Twenty sailors died and ten were wounded. She was towed into shallow waters so emergency repairs could be made. A newly arrived Ensign from Nebraska was tasked with recovering the bodies of the sailors. His name was John W. "Johnny"Carson. Three days later, Japan surrendered.
Just hearing the name Pennsylvania makes me feel proud. Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, strong and true, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, hear my song to you; There is beauty in your mountains, There is peace among thy hills, And where'er I roam my only home is Pennsylvania.. "Home" is where the heart is... surely not here in that colossal waste of space, Texas, a place characterized more by outsized and misplaced arrogance than by anything actually admirable. I'll be so happy to leave.
How about... Fight on, Pennsylvania, Put the ball across the line. Fight, you Pennsylvanians, There it goes across this time. Red and Blue, we're with you, And we're cheering for your men. So it's fight, fight, fight, Pennsylvan-i-a! Fight on, for Penn! (The University of Pennsylvania Fight Song)
Very good. I lived in Jax, about a mile from Craig Airfield. Never knew the origin of the name until now. When I would go to Orange Park, I would see the c130's flying low and slow, and never understood why, until someone told me that they were trying to get their air-time in. I went through a Fortress, with a guide who was on a crew in WWII. It was great!
Worth mentioning that she was present at the final battleship battle at Surigao Strait where the Pearl Harbour attack-damaged battleships paid back some. Even though USS Pennsylvania didn't manage to get a salvo off before the Japanese battleships were destroyed.
Could you do a history of Bermuda? It's a fascinating story. It's also my family heritage. I'm a huge fan of your channel. I've watched pretty much every episode and have contributed. Thanks
As a retired sailor, of the line, I cant help but breathe deeply with pride every time I hear of half naked sailors, running in their bathroom attire, at dawn, on a Sunday morning, to the defense of their helpless ship. They knew she was in mortal peril and were far safer ashore than aboard. Yet they knowingly ran to her and stood between her and the onslaught, saving her. For without the withering hail of her air defense systems that were completely useless without her sailors, the USS Pennsylvania would have certainly been "sunk in dry dock," an unspeakable ignominy.
Every sailor knows one thing, One Ship, One Crew, One Life, with every breathe.
Thank you sir, For History that Deserves to Be Remembered.
Kasual....Very well articulated; well done..!!
Kasual Thank you, also, for your very moving tribute to man’s desire to be better than we sometimes are!
I knew every inch of the submarine I was on. USS Henry M. Jackson 730 Gold crew.
Semper Fortis, Semper Fortis!!!!!
My wife and I have toured the USS Texas, USS Lexington, USS Drum, USS Alabama, and the active duty Arley Burke Destroyer USS Williams in the last two years.Thanks for the details and recognition you show to those who have and still serve. Freedom has never been free.
My late Granny was dating one of the marines on the USS Pennsylvania that died on that Dec 7th day. His name was Edward Nations. He actually mailed her a beautiful gold cross necklace that arrived after the attack. She gave me that necklace when I was in high school, I wore it in my senior picture. Some day I’ll give it to one of our daughters. So awesome to learn about the USS Pennsylvania, a part of my history.
The History Guy's tireless and informative videos is history... that deserves to be remembered.
History Guy is Fabulous, He puts so much history and information in this I had to watch it over.. I solute the efforts in repealing the enemy in this dangerous an heroic conclusion to this surprise attack. The heroic actions of the crew of USS Pennsylvania will be remembered as an an attack against infamy.
You are clearly the best historian on you tube. The top 10 stuff cannot compare. Thank you!
Go and see Dan Carlin on his hardcore history channel and see who's the boss
In Flint Michigan there is a road named after Navy diver, Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Owen Francis Patrick Hammerberg. He died while saving other Navy divers that had been trapped underwater at Pearl Harbor. He received the Medal of Honor.
My father was aboard the Pennsylvania for almost 6 years. He was at Pearl Harbor during the attack. He never said much about what he saw. Your video helps fill a gap regarding what happened and what he experienced. Thank you so much for the time you spent putting this information together. After the war he became a pastor and raised a family of 5. This video means a lot to our family.
With all the human casualties, as well as the damage to the ships and planes, I find it truly miraculous that not one aircraft carrier was not damaged, not one crewman was injured or killed in the attack.
As usual, HG, your expressive telling of the story puts one "right in the action". Thanks.
Peter...All of the carriers were out to sea on maneuvers. A lot of questions have been asked as to why Japan, with the local intelligence that they had from Pearl Harbor, didn't wait until some of the carriers were in port. I suppose that it was just a matter of timing for some reason(s). I'm sure that this has been thoroughly researched and adequately explained, but I am not an expert on that story.
marbleman52 I'm not an expert either but I've read that a Japanese spy on the island reported that the carriers were in Port every Sunday.
Actually Enterprise CV-6 was in the area, and would have been at Pearl Harbor on the evening of December 6th but she got caught up in a storm. On December 7th she sent out a scouting squadron to land at Pearl Harbor, and they got caught up in the first wave of Japanese aircraft. 11 of Enterprise’s aircrew died at Pearl Harbor.
I love the small details that most overlooks . Ty for your fine documentary. Short it may be but sweet it still is.
My grandfather served on the USS Pennsylvania as a reloader on the 40 mm I love going to his Battleship reunions and listen to all the veterans stories
One of my favorite episodes that I come back to occasionally 9:21 thank you history crew
I look forward to watching more of your videos, I just discovered your channel today. My great uncle, Tom Scroggins, was on the USS Pennsylvania @ Pearl Harbor and I was fortunate enough to hear his stories in person before he passed away. He was very proud of his Arkansas license plate "PH001", oldest living Arkansas Pearl Harbor survivor. Thank you for the history lesson!
Within a week after Pearl Harbor, my father and two of his brothers enlisted in the Armed forces. Two of his step brothers were already serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. 2 years later the baby of his family enlisted. The youngest was wounded at the 2nd battle of the Ardennes, (the Battle of the Bulge).
They all survived the war.
Truly the Greatest Generation
Brian Garrow I Agree and I want to thank Your Family for their support, From the USA
No the Greatest generation was the generation that fought the tyranny of England, therefore proclaiming the Constitutional Republic of America! If is wasn't for them then those men of WW2 would never have had a chance to charge in to battle against hitler[Not all the German soldiers were nazis, they were doing there duty as were the allies soldiers, for there country]. Those of 1776 are the greatest generation!
My Dad and 3 of His 4 brothers [The youngest was only 14 ] all enlisted in the Navy ,Dad served on the AJAX ,and they all made it Home
@@rickmoreno6858 Spare us your argumentative pedantic s. While the Revolutionary War veterans deserve their honors (many of my ancestors were involved), WWII was of a much greater scope, national effort, and casualties. They ARE the greatest generation, and who are you to diminish their heroism, efforts, and sacrifice?
@gayprepperz6862 you're a special kind of stupid arnt you. I never diminished anything or anyone. How the fuk did you come to that equation? Lol 😆 geezus put the bubbler down
One of the Grand Old Ladies. They most definitely deserve to be remembered and thank you so much for doing so.
My Dad was in the Navy and his Tin Can, the USS Hart was deployed to help with the Pearl. He received the Pearl Harbor metal. He died when I was 20 and I wish I had him to ask about those days. Thank You shedding some light on it for us. God Bless Our Military, Past-Present-Future🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
A outstanding example of professionalism under extreme pressure
Thanks, THG. No other channel holds my interest like yours after a long day.
Dear History Guy, thank you so much for your remembering such details about WWII, as a Sailor and a son of a WWII Corpsman who was at the Battle of Okinawa, I really appreciate your details to facts. Before I retired from the Navy Reserve in February 2019 I was performing Military Funeral Honors for the Navy. One of the Sailors I had the Honor and Privilege of performing Military Funeral Honors for was Frank Minervinie. He was 103 years old when he passed and was laid to rest in Fernley Nevada on 11 May 2016. Mr. Minervinie not only spent three days in the Pacific Ocean after the ship he was on was torpedoed, but the reason he was on the ship was because the ship he was orginally on, during the attack at Pearl Harbor was damaged and sent to be repaired, and he was reassigned to the second ship. The original ship he was on was the USS Nevada. The link attached is for the news story about his funeral and they leave off this fact even though they show a picture of him receiving an award from Governor Sandoval for being on the USS Nevada during the attack at Pearl Harbor. When I was notified about the funeral the mortuary informed me, only Mr. Minervinie's friend who was bringing his cremains from Carson City, would be the only person in attendance. I did not let him pass without being known about. Just a bit of history I thought you would enjoy.
The lives of three Sailors
My Father had enlisted on a six year enlistment to become a Pharmacist Mate in the Navy on September 16 1941 and was sent to Boot Camp in San Diego. He was told after he finished Boot Camp and Pharmacist Mate school in San Diego he would have over six months in the Navy and would be allowed to take two weeks leave before reporting to his first command. He reported to Balboa Naval Hospital on 6 December 1941. After completing his school Pharmacist Mate Burnett reported straight to Naval Hospital Pearl Harbor on 17 May 1942. While stationed at Pearl Harbor Pharmacist Mate Burnett worked with injured Sailors, at a time Mr. Minervinie was in the Hospital. Pharmacist Mate Burnett then reported to Camp Pendleton on 26 February 1944 to join the Fleet Marines, where he served with them in the Battle of Okinawa, and was part of the first Occupation Troops into Japan. I do not know if my Father and Mr Minervinie crossed paths again during these times of WWII. I do know my Father settled in Tennessee and passed away in November 1982, and Mr. Minervinie settled in Nevada and outlived most of his family. He was laid to rest on 11 May 2016 where Avionics Technician Burnett had the Honor and Privilege to be able to present his flag to his long time friend.
Just some more strange facts. My Dad Joined the Navy in 1941, several months before the attack, and I retired from the Navy after 41 years. I graduated High School in 1977, the attack at Pearl Harbor happened 77 years ago, and my Dad Arrived at Naval hospital Pearl Harbor after completing his Navy School 77 years ago.
th-cam.com/video/WKEyl3Eg9PQ/w-d-xo.html
20 years ago I had a client who happened to be one of the 2 dentists serving on the Pennsylvania. His best friend, the other dentist on the ship, was one of those killed when the ship was struck in drydock. After the 50th anniversary ceremonies in 1991, he and his wife returned to their hotel in Honolulu; he was still wearing his hat which said USS Pennsylvania. As they were going through the lobby towards the elevators, a middle aged woman approached and asked him if he had served on the Pennsylvania and if so, was he there during the Japanese attack on Pearl. Answering yes to both, she mentioned she was trying to garner information about her father, whom she never met; she was a baby when he died that day. He mentioned that it wasn't likely that he knew her father, since there were almost 3,000 men aboard. She responded by saying "I thought you might have known of him because he was a dentist on the ship." He was floored and after recovering from the shock, told her that her dad was his best friend. In a further irony, she lived in Orlando, FL approximately 3 blocks from where one of his two sons lived. After that day, he had two sons and an adopted daughter.
little bits like the crane operator protecting the ship are amazing
I wonder if the Navy recognized him for his bravery and initiative.
His story here: www.submarinesailor.com/biography/GeorgeWalters/
"Since 2006, the Navy League of the United States Honolulu Council has presented the George S.B. Walters Shipyard Service Award to the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) civilian employee who best exemplifies the enthusiasm, initiative and team spirit demonstrated by Walters on that historic day 77 years ago."
Thank you for mentioning the worker putting his life on the line guarding the ship with his mobile crane. Could you think about a show featuring civilian workers in combat? Their work on Wake island, the workers on aircraft carriers at the battle of Midway etc......thanks for your work!
John....I agree. In fact, I was thinking a video on the incredible salvage work that quickly got so many of the damaged ships back into combat would also be great on which to have Mr. H. do his fantastic research and presentation. Hint...Hint...!!
I mention the civilian workers on Wake in this episode: th-cam.com/video/kbxrqQFetvI/w-d-xo.html
You mention the Helena a few times. I would love to see you do a video on just the Helena. She was torpedoed 3 separate times and finally sunk in the Kula Gulf. The surviving crew (including my grandfather) swam to a remote island and were rescued weeks later. It's a fascinating story.
We may well do one, yes.
Would love to watch this.
Would love to hear about the Helena and her crew and how far they swam to safety Gary Keslar Ellsworth Ohio
Oh it's revised edition. I was like, I know I've heard this story exactly like this before, lol. Great to revisit videos during The History Guys absence!
A Great way to catch up on all his videos!
I live very close to Boalsburg, PA. where the two guns of The Pennsylvania are on display at The Pennsylvania Military Museum. They are an awesome sight to see.
My Grandfather was at Pearl Harbor on that Infamous Day. He was wounded a couple/few times but survived WWII. His name is also in The Pennsylvania Military Museum.
God Bless All Veterans, Those currently Serving, and those that will Serve.
Thank you for helping to keep the memory of those men alive.
Ship, Shipmate, Self. As a proud U.S. NAVY veteran I salute those brave sailors who enthusiastically manned their battle stations as was their duty. And may those lost RIP. ✌🏻🇺🇸
Nice work on the updated videos. Thank you and your wife for all the hard work.
Thank you for adding small details concerning the battleship Utah and other small details regarding the Pennsylvania to your commentary. I have enjoyed your good work in your commentaries.
Thanks for all the added footage!
I can understand their over zealous use of ammunition.
There is no such thing as over zealous when defending yourself.
@@shawnr771 the IJN and the Wermacht would like to have a word with you.
I actually laughed when I heard that and thought you bet they did.
@@dfwai7589 Why?
@@shawnr771 Well, it isn't just the IJN and Kriegsmarine. See USS San Francisco and USS Atlanta(first naval battle of Guadalcanal), or a HUGE number of other blue on blue ships during WW2. It should be noted that the opposite happened in that battle as well, for example the IJN Yuudachi signaling the USS Sterett and getting a shell in the boilers by means of reply.
Some ships even did both, like the HMS Sheffield having to evade HMS Ark Royal's torpedo bombers, while later sinking KMS Freidrich Eckholdt who mistook the Sheff for KMS Admiral Hipper.
Your right about her story is little known. However this particular snippet I was aware of. Usually your snippets are a surprise to me. Thanks
They still occasionally uncover and disarm one of the 14" shells she fired into Guam that failed to detonate in the soft volcanic soil.
I want to thank you for helping us to not forgetting these fascinating episodes of our history. Both me and my 12 yr old son recently came across your channel and truly appreciate your dedication to keeping these stories alive. Thank you!!!
I love how popular your videos have become. The fact that some of your ads can't be skipped warms my heart because it proves that history is in fact worth remembering. Thank you for pushing reality into the World Wide Web.
I thank you for the history of the USS Pennsylvania. My Great Uncle Henry E. Baker Jr was shot and died on the USS Pennsylvania. He is now MIA.
I was going to mention a couple details on Downes and Cassin but he mentioned exactly what I was going to say which doesn't happen often enough. Thanks for being so informative
Wonderful article. It should be interesting to note that neither Nakajima's B5N1 level bomber variant nor the B5N2 torpedo bomber variant, both being at Pearl Harbour, had forward firing guns. If torpedo bombers strafed anything, it would have had to be done by the gunner at the rearmost part of the crew's canopy.
To the sailors and Marines of the U.S.S. PENNSYLVANIA...A VERY GRATEFUL THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE while being a proud part of THE GREATEST GENERATION.
As always, an excellent video.
While I've never been aboard the WISCONSIN or MISSOURI, I HAVE been aboard the NORTH CAROLINA that's anchored in Wilmington.
The 16-inch guns on ,say, the MISSOURI are BIGGER than THE SHOWBOAT'S??? Those that I saw were BIG ENOUGH for my liking. ALSO. it was July when I was on her, and, it was HOTTTTT four decks down. They tried cooling things by using box fans,but, NO WAY JOSE!!!
To the sailors and Marines of the NORTH CAROLINA, A VERY GRATEFUL THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! 👏👏👏💪💪💪✌✌✌✌
I truly enjoy the stories you tell, but more the way you tell it- the pacing the small details. Good storytelling is an art as you amply show. Thank you.
Your work is needed to keep history alive. Keep going! Greetings from Mexico. Please consider launching an episode about the four times heroic Port of Veracruz, Mexico.
Respect & Gratitude Professor!!
Proud financial supporter of your programs...
Thanks for bringing to light a little of the history of this fine ship and the men that served aboard her.
Most of your vids are excellently done. You make military history of obscure items well worth watching. Keep up the great work.
I am proud to be a supporter of the HG channel. I learn something new EVERY day. Thank you, thank you. OBTY, haven't seen the The History Gal recently...
Thanks for your efforts.....my dad was stationed in Pearl Harbor
Bill where at Pearl Harbor and when?
First from Australia Victoria
all the best for Easter and all the best for the history buffs!
You in Morewell mate?
Thank you. You too
Minong Maniac no not Morewell it’s Wangaratta. North East Victoria, does this help,
Mate.
Same to you from Adelaide.
*History deserves to be remembered*
I'm starting to like Mondays. The weekend is too long to go without a new video from the history guy
Excellent video Mr History Guy
Thank you
For those interested, in world of warships, the USS Arizona is one of the best ships in the game and of course is the same class as USS Pennsylvania.
The only difference is that Penn. has the old spider towers but Arizona had been refitted with the new tripod-type masts. Also, according to Arizona Survivor Donald Stratton(who is alive and well, by the way, signing books, doing talks etc,) the red paint on the top of the gun turrets was only a planned paint scheme but was not actually on the ship on 12/7/41.
(hope I got that right,lol)
There called cage masts, not spider cages or whatever
Pennsylvania had her masts upgraded in her 1929-31 refit. And if you look closely at overhead photos of Pennsylvania in drydock on 7 December 1941 you'll note her forward turret tops were painted white, placing her in Battleship Division 2.
Nostalgia this was the first History Guy episode I watched
Wow this the first time that one of your videos made me just sit here and cry ! I had uncles in the military at the time luckily none of them was there at the time . One uncle fought in the Battle of the Bulge another one supposedly changed the engines off of Doolittle Raiders planes installing ones with more power to help with their take off from the aircraft carrier . Another was the Battleship Missouri where he was awarded the Purple Heart ! Sadly all of them have since passed on and I won't get to hear more stories of their lives during the war . Thank you for the sad video and history lesson ! Keep'em coming as I will be watching for them !
Thank you my uncle served on the Pennsylvania starting 6 months after PearL harbor. Also Johnny Carson served same time.
Thank you for sharing this amazing story! It is incredible that the bravery of the sailors in that terrible situation, never gave up fighting for each other and country! Thank you for sharing this history!
Such a bizarre coincidence that the most damaged battleship and the least damaged were twin sister ships
What exactly is so bizarre about it? One was easy to hit and one was hard to hit. One was full of ammo and one empty. One was in the freaking water and one wasn't. Isn't it bizarre that people try to find significance in totally unimportant things?
An even greater coincidence is that while the Arizona was the first US capital ship lost in the war the Pennsylvania very nearly became the last. On August 1st, 1945 while she was anchored in Buckner Bay, Okinawa a lone Japanese aircraft put a torpedo right in her stern, causing a tremendous amount of damage. Only quick work by damage control and towing her into shallow water prevented her from sinking. Two weeks later the Japanese surrendered. Since the war was over the Pennsylvania was only repaired just enough to make her seaworthy again, and a year later she traveled to Bikini Atoll for the A-bomb tests while still leaking slightly from the torpedo hit.
Love this! I have yet to see an episode of yours that i did not enjoy..
My grandfather, Leslie Hotchkiss, was aboard the Pennsylvania and almost got killed by that bomb that penetrated the deck. Thank God he was about 10 seconds ahead of it.
i hung on every word. my USMC father was on a AA/secondary battery guncrew aboard the Pennsy. he lost some friends, and lost 6 years of his life with my mother because of the japanese. he was on leave in San Diego, and upon hearing FDR's speech, told her he figured he had to go in, and when he walked into the gates it was the last time she saw him until late 1946. when he was falling into the depths of Alzheimers, i gave him a digital photo-album frame, and one shot was of the ship. he brightened right up for a moment and said "the Pennsy!!". thank you so much for this, even if it's a repeat.
Thank you for this History of a Battleship named after the State where I live. I never knew the full detailed History that you presented.
God Bless all America's Fallen Soldiers throughout Our History.🇺🇸
Long Live The United States of America.
My favourite channel by far! I'd love it if you considered doing a video on the battle of longtan. The Anzacs barely got any recognition much like most veterans of the Vietnam war. Although the battle was short, it wasn't lacking bravery on both sides.
THG... Your efforts in rereleasing this video made a difference, and especially in this case are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
A great ship and a grand crew! Thanks for the update!
My great-grandfather, Emil John Hellman, served aboard the Pennsylvania in WWI. I did not know about her role in WWII. Thank you for sharing more of her story.
Very good story. I always enjoy watching this channel. Hope to see a story about the Pleasant Valley War in Arizona in late 1800's. That would be cool...
Outstanding. As always, thanks for your research, knowledge and riveting presentation.
My father served on the Pennsylvania during that time of the war
Hope you had a great vacation
Big thank you to the US servicemen who helped save Australia from invasion.
.
joezephyr hey! I think it was a group effort. Ive seen alot of videos were Aussies kicked major butt during the war!
My Dad, Leo Bewley, was a sailor assigned to the U.S.S. Pennsylvania, or "The Pennsy" as he called her, when she was attacked 12/7/1941. He was on her throughout the war. He never talked about the things he saw during that time. So it kind of surprised me when he took us to see the movie, "Tora, Tora, Tora", that was about the attack on Pearl Harbor. Maybe he thought it had been enough years that it would be ok. But as soon as the attack began, he quietly got up and walked out to the auditorium and stayed there until we came out after it ended. A few days after the attack, he and a buddy went over to one of the Japanese airplanes and tore apart the engine and took souvenirs. Dad took one of the pistons and used it as an ashtray for the next 40 years. I got it after he passed in 2002 at the age of 82 yrs old.
Very informational. Danke.
🎵🎶 Anchor's Away my Boy's🎶🎵
Well done.
It may be service pride but I do remember when I went through boot camp being told that the CGC Taney was the first vessel to return fire on September 7, 1941. Love the videos. Retired SC USCG.
Well done, the story of the battle of the bands adds a bitter sweet touch of humanity to this terrible event.
Thank you
As a retired Sailor, I appreciate the picture above and behind you on the wall. Family, I take it??
Thank You for making this, My father was on the Pennsylvania during this attack
thank you ...this is our men our history........great heros never forget....
I enjoy this channel more than any other. Ty
For those of you interested in the Pacific theatre of World War 2.
In Fredericksburg Texas you can find,
Chester Nimitz childhood home and museum and
the George H W Bush Museum of the Pacific War.
Amazing museum. Expect to spend at least 4 to 6 hours and you still may not see it all.
The entry hall to the museum is built along side one of the Japanese minisubs that was captured at Pearl Harbor.
I’ve alway been amazed with how little damage was done to the USS Pennsylvania, considering the damage inflicted on Cassin and Downes.
Love your content! I was wondering if you could discuss the capture of the Japanese battleship IJN Nagato by the US Navy at the end of WW2? It is something not many people know about and as you say, is history that deserves to be remembered.
Awesome work as always sir , can not thank you enough got my son watching you now 👍Also your merchandise add hats lol
My father Frank Galaso. Passed 2016 at 91..he proudly served with the 79th inf div...4 50 cal anti aircraft ...he was at DDAy battle of the bulge and many other major battles 🇺🇸
My grandpa was in the Navy during world war 2 and he was aboard the USS Pennsylvania, I remember when I was little I used to walk up to my grandparent's house back in the early 80's and my grandfather always had me some peanut butter toast and root beer for me. I used to sit with him on his chair and we would read the funnies we called them back in the 80's (comics) in the newspaper and he'd tell me stories of what he went through during world war 2 I couldn't even imagine what it could have been like. After I'd fall asleep he'd carry me back down to mom and off to bed I went. I miss him so much and I hope someday we meet again in Heaven
I truly enjoy your programs. They are well produced, informative and valuable. I suggest a discussion of the history of service of the CIA's A-12 Blackbird which you mistakenly described in your discussion of the SR-71 as never going into production. In fact a fleet of the single seat aircraft were deployed to Japan and utilized for, in believe, only two years before being supplanted by the larger but slower sister, SR-71. In fact, before that suplantation, they held a competition among these two using their disparate sensing systems during a practice mission along the Mississippi river. The SR-71 won and the rest is history but the A-12, the YF-12 and the D-21 all deserve to be remembered as lives were lost in both development and deployment.
"They had to break the locks to get the weapons for their guns" wow what a moment in history
My maternal grandfather who was a civilian electronics expert working for the government installed much of the upgraded systems on the Pennsylvania when she was in Philadelphia Navy Yard for her 1929-1931 refit. When he retired in the 1970s he was a GS 14, which is equivalent to a Lt. Col. He really knew his stuff.
Thank you, again.
It is my understanding that the heat from the Cassins and Downes destroyers was so intense that the heat warped the hulls of both ships to an un-salvageable level. The equipment and machinery that could be salvaged was removed installed in new hulls and the original hulls were scrapped. I also, understand that the captain and executive officer, as the battle progressed, were worried that a bomb or torpedo would strike the caisson at the end of the dry dock and allow a flood of water into the dry dock possibly forcing the Pennsylvania off its blocks and into the destroyers also in the same dry dock in front of the of the Pennsylvania causing severe damage to all the ships. The executive officer had volunteered to leave the ship, go to the valves of the dry dock and opened them to begin the flooding of the dry dock. He had just returned to the Pennsylvania and just stepped inside the ship when a bomb hit the spot where the executive officer was.
I have seen the Pennsylvania Silver many times in the William Penn Museum. Beautiful. Flagship of the fleet.
It seems to be a sad end but she remains a 'ship' on the bottom of the Pacific for as long as iron can last. Thank you for re-telling this account.
Even radioactive, she's still a purer thing than indeed _any_ of the alternatives.
She'll still be radioactive after the history of World War II is forgotten. I guess that the Pennsylvania won the war.
If you visit the PA war museum you can see one of her main guns and her bell as well, not to mention a lot of very cool other stuff.
On the late evening of August 12, 1945, while anchored off Okinawa, a lone Japanese torpedo bomber made an attack on USS Pennsylvania, scoring a hit in the after section of the ship. Twenty sailors died and ten were wounded. She was towed into shallow waters so emergency repairs could be made. A newly arrived Ensign from Nebraska was tasked with recovering the bodies of the sailors. His name was John W. "Johnny"Carson. Three days later, Japan surrendered.
Just hearing the name Pennsylvania makes me feel proud.
Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, strong and true,
Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, hear my song to you;
There is beauty in your mountains,
There is peace among thy hills,
And where'er I roam my only home is Pennsylvania..
"Home" is where the heart is... surely not here in that colossal waste of space, Texas, a place characterized more by outsized and misplaced arrogance than by anything actually admirable. I'll be so happy to leave.
How about...
Fight on, Pennsylvania,
Put the ball across the line.
Fight, you Pennsylvanians,
There it goes across this time.
Red and Blue, we're with you,
And we're cheering for your men.
So it's fight, fight, fight, Pennsylvan-i-a!
Fight on, for Penn!
(The University of Pennsylvania Fight Song)
The history guy and drac...best channels on youtube
Very good. I lived in Jax, about a mile from Craig Airfield. Never knew the origin of the name until now. When I would go to Orange Park, I would see the c130's flying low and slow, and never understood why, until someone told me that they were trying to get their air-time in. I went through a Fortress, with a guide who was on a crew in WWII. It was great!
Worth mentioning that she was present at the final battleship battle at Surigao Strait where the Pearl Harbour attack-damaged battleships paid back some. Even though USS Pennsylvania didn't manage to get a salvo off before the Japanese battleships were destroyed.
Thank you for your great videos History Guy! Ive learned alot from them! Things I never knew about.
Could you do a history of Bermuda? It's a fascinating story. It's also my family heritage.
I'm a huge fan of your channel. I've watched pretty much every episode and have contributed.
Thanks
Great story. Keep them coming, HG