Operation DETACHMENT-The Invasion of Iwo Jima Part 1 with Jon Parshall-Episode 409

This week Seth, Bill and great buddy Jon Parshall discuss the Battle of Iwo Jima in the first part of a miniseries on Operation DETACHMENT. The guys get into a deep discussion on Japanese preparations on the island, and how Japanese Imperial Army General Kuribayashi Tadamichi devised his defensive plan. The guys get into the amazing details on the labyrinth of Japanese tunnels inside Iwo Jima and how the defensive system was, without doubt, the finest defensive network in the entirety of the Pacific War. The guys also discuss the American preparations for what was, at that time, the largest amphibious invasion in Nimitz's arena. The 5th Marine Division, in particular, get special deep dives as the team breaks down the "new" division's enviable command structure. The guys then get into the bloodletting on D-Day and the assault on Mount Suribachi, finally ending this first episode on Iwo with the inspiring and unforgettable flag raising on Mount Suribachi.

Om Podcasten

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.