'The Pacific' History Guide

I didn't know is this belonged in the VV, but since its about a television show, I decided this was the best place. I'm sure the mods will adjust if they disagree.

Thought I would make a thread for The Pacific in order to fill in some of the informational gaps those of you who aren't too familiar with events that took place there may be curious about after watching the episodes.

I tend to have a better grasp than most people I know, but its perhaps less than many people here, how ever, I've been getting many questions from friends about what was going on in some of the scenes, so, if you are one of these folks or simply want a little more info, than this is the thread for it. Please, anyone else who has more info share it with us or correct me if anything I say is incorrect. This isn't to go too indepth, just shed light on what we see in each episode.

The Pacific
------------

1st Marine Division

I thought I would add some back ground information to the Division we are following through the show. As many know, at the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the US military was one of the smallest in the world. So, of course the Japanese probably didn't think we were much of a threat. I read some where, and I wish I could remember, that Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander in Chief of Japan's Combined Fleet, thought that the Japanese would have nine months a supreme military power in the Pacific until the US's industrial power tipped the scales. The formation of the Marine Divisions and the Navy by the US within that year would be one of many amazing feats nations pulled off during WWII. Here's a snippet on the formation of the 1st Marine Division from the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941 to their landing on Guadalcanal exactly eight months later in Aug 7, 1942 The First Marine Division was one of the first two division-sized unit ever formed by the Corps. It was established in February 1941 aboard the USS Texas in Cuba around the nucleus of the pre-war First Marine Brigade. The Division's first commander was the amphibious warrior, BrigGen Holland M. Smith. There was no record of an activation ceremony since the division was deep in the preparations for FLEX 7, the last of the pre-war fleet landing exercises. On completion of the exercises, the Old Breed redeployed to Marine Corps Base, Quantico. Due to shortages of barracks there, the Seventh Marines was billeted at Marine Corps Base, Parris Island. In June 1941, the entire First Marine Division moved into garrison at the newly established Marine base at New River, North Carolina. MajGen Phillip Torrey took command the same month and the Division continued the serious business of expansion and training. When war came in December 1941, only 8,918 Marines were assigned to the Old Breed, far short of the authorized strength of almost 20,000. In March 1942, the Third Marine Brigade, organized around the Seventh Marines, sailed for Western Samoa. In May 1942, the rest of the Division sailed from Norfolk Naval Base bound for New Zealand. Arriving in June 1942, the Division was alerted for combat operations in the South Pacific.

PART ONE

This episode does a very good job on setting the stage and the reasons for the invasion of Guadalcanal with the use of period footage and a map graphic. But, once the invasion begins, the information about what we are seeing becomes a little more vague since the men we are following aren't directly involved in any of the main action up until the Battle of Alligator Creek. The 1st Marine Regiment, which we are following, hears that the air field has been secured by the 7th Marine Regiment on Aug 8th. There was little fighting at the air field as the Japanese quickly abandoned it upon the approach of the US Marines. The 1st goes and sets up an outter perimeter from which they get a spectacular view of the night battle which occurred on the evening of Aug 8th. This battle that they see is known as The Battle of Savo Isl. As the US transports were still delivering supplies to Guadalcanal, they were surprised by the Japanese Eight Fleet commanded by Mikawa, which set the transport ship George F. Elliot on fire and heavily damaged the US Destroyer Jarvis. The Elliot would eventually sink. The over all naval commander Vice Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, worried about his the threat to his carriers and low fuel levels, decided to withdraw, leaving the Marines on the island without naval support of supplies. After this we see the Marines approach a narrow river or creek and set up a defensive position along it since they have intel that there is a large Japanese force 3 miles beyond the location. As this scene opens there is the title 'Alligator Creek' as the camera is panning across and we see a US military vehicle abandoned at the far edge of the creek. This is Aug 18th. This is the first time we see a name on the screen, so we know it has historical significance. But why? First of all lets look at the name: Alligator Creek. This battle has at least three different names, Battle of Tenaru, based on the river that fed into the creek. Ilu River, the name that appears on Marine maps, and Alligator Creek, based on a local nickname. Upon hearing that the Marines had secured the airfield, the Japanese began responding by making a counter attack by the 17th Army based out of Rabaul, but this army was spread throughout the region. The first elements to arrive were a part of Colonel Kiyonao Ichiki's 28th regiment with 916 troops. Its unknown how much intel Ichiki had, but it is claimed that he was surprised to find the Marine defenses so far away from the airfield. Upon locating the defensive line he ordered an attack. We see the results of this in the episode. But why is it important? This was the first real defeat of a Japanese force by an American force. Up until this point in the war, the Japanese had always been successful and had an air of invincibility. Also, this was the first sign of the fanatical and bloody fighting that was to follow in the coming years. It is not known whether Ichiki was killed in the fighting or committed seppuku or ritual suicide, (I'm sure someone will clarify this) but numbers of Japanese survivors vary from 115 to 30. The Marines suffered 35 killed, 75 wounded

PART TWO

OK, Part Two; This episode covered from around Sept 1942 through Dec 8th 1942 when they were relieved and sent to Australia for some much needed R&R. Through most of their stay on Guadalcanal, landing on Aug 7th and leaving on Dec 8th, the Marines suffered a severe lack of supplies and nearly constant bombardment by Japanese war ships and air bombers. We see this in the increased disrepair of their uniforms, the food they are forced to eat which is mostly rice acquired from the Japanese during patrols and engagements. Although the Japanese were having a better time of supplying and manning Guadalcanal, this was only slight. So, as we see in the scene during the chow line, their rice often was infested with bugs of varying sorts. Regarding the resupply issue with the Japanese, the soldiers are on the beach looking at passing Japanese cruisers and destroyers and in the chow line the J.P. Morgan becomes upset and says "The Japanese Navy Sails upon and down the slot every night and plasters us." 'The slot' is the term the GI's used for the New Georgia Sound, a channel of water flanked by the islands that make up the Solomons of which Guadalcanal is a part of. This movement of the Japanese navy and its ability to deliver troops and supplies to the island is known as 'The Tokoyo Express' to the GI's and 'The Rat Transportation' to the Japanese. So, we can see the Japs weren't really enjoying their limited freedom of movement either. This wasn't to last for long. As Sept turned into Oct several Naval engagements made reinforcements by both sides difficult. But both the Japanese and Allies managed to reinforce the island. On Sept 18th the ALlies were able to reinforce the 7th Marine Regiment and on Oct 13th the Army's 164th Infantry Regiment lands. This is the regiment we see in the episode, which is attached to the 1st Marine Division and actually takes part in all the action we see through out the episode; Here is a quote from the Diary of Lt. Col Samueal Baglien, 164th Infantry Regiment Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  [quote = lt. Col Samuel Baglien] October 15, 1942. the 164th Infantry Regiment is attached to the First Marine Division, who have been at Guadalcanal since August 7. This regiment is the only attached army unit. Major General Vandegrift is the Commanding General of forces on Guadalcanal. Command of a sector passed to this regiment and the First Battalion took up positions on the sector front at the Teneru River, relieving a battalion of Marines. Enemy aircraft, including bombers and Zero fighters, bombed and strafed the sector and nearby areas from 11:30 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M. enemy aircraft again bombed the area from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The following enlisted men were killed on October 15: Private Alfred C. Halvorson, Medical Detachment; Private Steven Zakopayko, Company “E”; Private Amanda Del Fava, Company “B”; Private Glenn Midgarden, Company “C”. All our rations were turned over to the First Marine Division and we are now having a tough time to get our supplies and equipment away from Yellow Beach as rain has washed out the bridge.[/quote] If you read the diary you'll see that Lt. Col Baglien seems to suggest that they handed their supplies over to the Marines since they were in such a sorry state. He also mentions the constant shelling from both air, sea, and artillery. This is all supported in the episode by the look of the Marines and the planes going to bomb the air field. The most dramatic shelling occurs between Oct 16th and 23rd. The evening of Oct 20th seems to be the night the incident we see in the episode took place: Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  On October 20, 1942, enemy bombers bombed the area from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 NOON. No casualties. Enemy artillery now officially known as “Pistol Pete” began usual bombardment at 6:30 p.m. Evidently emplaced somewhere west of Point Cruz, and has his range set for the airfield. A wave of enemy bombers bombed the area at 8:05 p.m. and then returned at 9:05 p.m. and dropped 17 bombs in over “B” Company area. First Lt. Frank G. Welch, O-363158, Company “B”, Technician Fourth Grade John T. Flowers, Company “B” and Pfc Marvin P. Quamme, Company “B”, were killed instantly. One officer and three enlisted men were wounded. Our patrols are working in fine shape. General Vandegrift and Colonel Thomas called again today. The big action in the episode was The Battle of Mataniku. The Japanese assaults on the Lunga Perimeter around the air field. By Oct 17th, the Japanese had managed to land 15,000 troops onto the island bringing their strength up to 20,000. On Oct 24th, General Masao Maruyama launched his attack with the 38th Division consisting of 7000 men against the defensive position of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment and the 3rd Battalion of the 164th Infantry Regiment. The battle lasted over the course of two nights. Sgt Basilone is who we see doing all the heroics in the episode and in real life he did do most of what we see. I say most because it seems as though they combined the actions of Sgt Mitchell Paige. Sgt. Paige was the one who carried the machine gun around and charging the Japanese. Here is a great diary to learn more about this; Marine Diary: My Experiences on Guadalcanal by J. R. Garrett You'll also find his account of the bombings, the dates of the heaviest bombings seem to differ between Garrett's and Baglien's accounts. Here are some Final Statistics for the Guadalcanal Campaign

PART THREE

Not much really to tell for this episode. Its really one that shows what the soldiers did in their down time and the relationships they established and emotions they were dealing with both post Guadalcanal and as young men. The 1st Marine Division left Guadalcanal on Dec 8th 1942 and remained in Melbourne until Sept 1943. During this time the Division was refit, retrained, well rested, and as we saw in the episode given time to have a lot of fun. As Corporal J. Rube Garret put it, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, they were our days in the sun." The 164th Infantry Regiment we saw in Part Two and whose diary I mentioned in the post for that episode weren't so lucky. They remained on Guadalcanal until Feb suffering raids the entire time. I suggest you read his journal to learn more. One interesting note, while in Australia, the 1st Marine Division picked up 'Waltzing Matilda' as their official marching music. (I tried finding a good example but could not, if someone has a good recording of this I would love to hear it.) Something that sparked a memory happened during the episode. When Sgt. J.P. Morgan was seeing his friend, Sgt. John Basilone, off he was joking about Basilone's plane being shot down and him having to drift around the Pacific for a while until being rescued after some long time. I read a book about nine years ago called, 'Fire in the Sky: The Air War in the South Pacific' by Eric M. Bergerud and recalled a section where Bergerud mentions how the US made contact with the natives of the various islands and fostered good relations so that the natives would be more likely to rescue, protect, care for, and return downed pilots. The Japanese supposedly failed to do this which made it fair more likely that a downed US airmen would survive and nearly impossible for a downed Japanese pilot to do so. This was one of the many factors that led to the eventual air superiority of the US and their allies as the war went on.

Hope this adds a little bit of light on events seen in the episode. Please feel free to expand or comment, like I said, its a quick over view of events. This information was gathered from Wiki and the book 'Guadalcanal Marine' and the resources will grow as the episodes progress across the Pacific.

Good idea, and excellent post. I knew the basic premise of what they were doing/what was happening, but this has helped to clear things up.

Originally Posted by Ramashan

The 1st Marine Division, which we are following, hears that the air field has been secured by the 7th Marine Division on Aug 8th.

Just as a quick correction, I'm sure you meant to write Regiment in both cases, rather than Division.

Originally Posted by Ramashan

I didn't know is this belonged in the VV, but since its about a television show, I decided this was the best place. I'm sure the mods will adjust if they disagree.

Thought I would make a thread for The Pacific in order to fill in some of the informational gaps those of you who aren't too familiar with events that took place there may be curious about after watching the episodes.

I tend to have a better grasp than most people I know, but its perhaps less than many people here, how ever, I've been getting many questions from friends about what was going on in some of the scenes, so, if you are one of these folks or simply want a little more info, than this is the thread for it. Please, anyone else who has more info share it with us or correct me if anything I say is incorrect. This isn't to go too indepth, just shed light on what we see in each episode.

The Pacific
------------
Part 1

This episode does a very good job on setting the stage and the reasons for the invasion of Guadalcanal with the use of period footage and a map graphic. But, once the invasion begins, the information about what we are seeing becomes a little more vague since the men we are following aren't directly involved in any of the main action up until the Battle of Alligator Creek.

Spoiler

The 1st Marine Division, which we are following, hears that the air field has been secured by the 7th Marine Division on Aug 8th. There was little fighting at the air field as the Japanese quickly abandoned it upon the approach of the US Marines. The 1st goes and sets up an outter perimeter from which they get a spectacular view of the night battle which occurred on the evening of Aug 8th. This battle that they see is known as The Battle of Savo Isl. As the US transports were still delivering supplies to Guadalcanal, they were surprised by the Japanese Eight Fleet commanded by Mikawa, which set the transport ship George F. Elliot on fire and heavily damaged the US Destroyer Jarvis. The Elliot would eventually sink. The over all naval commander Vice Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, worried about his the threat to his carriers and low fuel levels, decided to withdraw, leaving the Marines on the island without naval support of supplies. After this we see the Marines approach a narrow river or creek and set up a defensive position along it since they have intel that there is a large Japanese force 3 miles beyond the location. As this scene opens there is the title 'Alligator Creek' as the camera is panning across and we see a US military vehicle abandoned at the far edge of the creek. This is Aug 18th. This is the first time we see a name on the screen, so we know it has historical significance. But why? First of all lets look at the name: Alligator Creek. This battle has at least three different names, Battle of Tenaru, based on the river that fed into the creek. Ilu River, the name that appears on Marine maps, and Alligator Creek, based on a local nickname. Upon hearing that the Marines had secured the airfield, the Japanese began responding by making a counter attack by the 17th Army based out of Rabaul, but this army was spread throughout the region. The first elements to arrive were a part of Colonel Kiyonao Ichiki's 28th regiment with 916 troops. Its unknown how much intel Ichiki had, but it is claimed that he was surprised to find the Marine defenses so far away from the airfield. Upon locating the defensive line he ordered an attack. We see the results of this in the episode. But why is it important? This was the first real defeat of a Japanese force by an American force. Up until this point in the war, the Japanese had always been successful and had an air of invincibility. Also, this was the first sign of the fanatical and bloody fighting that was to follow in the coming years. It is not known whether Ichiki was killed in the fighting or committed seppuku or ritual suicide, (I'm sure someone will clarify this) but numbers of Japanese survivors vary from 115 to 30. The Marines suffered 35 killed, 75 wounded

Hope this adds a little bit of light on events seen in the episode. Please feel free to expand or comment, like I said, its a quick over view of events. This information was gathered from Wiki and the book 'Guadalcanal Marine'.

The marines lost 35??? in the program only around 5 or 6 died. WTF.

Originally Posted by EireEmerald

The marines lost 35??? in the program only around 5 or 6 died. WTF.

The series specifically follows one unit during that battle and condenses it significantly, so you can't really expect an officer giving some of his men the history book number of something that was still on going at the time. It was most likely the casualty number of their specific company after the night action.

Originally Posted by EireEmerald

The marines lost 35??? in the program only around 5 or 6 died. WTF.

The number I listed is from the book I referenced at the bottom; Guadalcanal Marine by Kenny Lane.

There is also another number which has slightly less killed but more wounded;

http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache...ient=firefox-a

The Japs by now were seen lying everywhere and the Marines had the situation well in hand . Out of over 700 Japs that tried to take over 670 were killed , 30 injured and 1 taken prisoner . We lost 28 men and 72 wounded . Taking from what they carried they were veterans of Wake or the Philippines . They had American money , Marine emblems and one boy was said to have found a poncho in one of the Japs packs that belonged to his cousin who was on Wake island . Out of D Company 3 men were lost ; Blair , Smith and R. J. Barnes .

As you can see, he just mentions those lost in his company. Not sure how the NCO's accounted for those not in their company. Figure they each just deliver their companies butchers bill up the chain of command and a regimental commander gets the final number. This person seems to put the date of the battle on the 19th. Could just be a matter of days being mixed up. But the battle George Dennis describes is the one we see in the show.


@Rapax: Corrected the mistake, thanks for pointing it out.

They can't show every death you know.

Don't the americans eventualy lose guadalacanal then have to retake it?

Originally Posted by Angrychris

Don't the americans eventualy lose guadalacanal then have to retake it?

Not as far I recall.

They lost The Battle of Savo Island leaving the Marines to hold out as the Japanese pour in soldiers to retake it, but the Marines hold out.

What you may be thinking of is all the additional engagements on the island. The air strip was just the beginning. The US Marines landed in Aug and the Japanese did not evacuate the island until Feb. For a small island there was a heck of a lot of fighting. I believe some of the additional offensives by the Marines were the Matanikau Offensive and the Battle of Mount Austin to drive the Japanese out of the surrounding jungle and fully secure the air field and island.

Also, there were several naval engagements with questionable outcomes. But in the end, the allied navy was able to disrupt Japanese supplies enough to make staying on the island too difficult.

I'm really digging the effort they put in to making it accurate. Hell; they even have the correct early helmet liners! That took me by surprise. Effort like that on such a small detail, really makes the whole thing just feel more real.

Hopefully they show the US Army's 25th Infantry Division and he 164th Infantry Regiment of the North Dakota National Guard along with the Americal Division. Both units played a major part in the battle but are virtually forgotten.

Originally Posted by Future Redleg Officer

Hopefully they show the US Army's 25th Infantry Division and he 164th Infantry Regiment of the North Dakota National Guard along with the Americal Division. Both units played a major part in the battle but are virtually forgotten.

Well the army is in the second episode but it isn´t very positive.

Originally Posted by Future Redleg Officer

Hopefully they show the US Army's 25th Infantry Division and he 164th Infantry Regiment of the North Dakota National Guard along with the Americal Division. Both units played a major part in the battle but are virtually forgotten.

The Aussies were not mentioned either. Everyone should be mentioned.

Good job Ramashan,

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

what I find hard to understand in the first episode is where the mutilated marines come from? The scene comes after the naval battle and before the japs get reinforcements. According to wiki, there wasn't any fighting at this time.

I' ve read on IMDB that this incident (two marines mutilated exactly this way) is mentioned in memoars of one of the real soldiers this show is based on. However, he writes it happened on Okinawa in 1945, which makes much more sense. The director was probably too eager to insert this scene for the bare effect on the viewer.

Looking forward to your post on the second episode.

probably not since the premise is the same as the band of brothers series, follow one company sometimes regiment, but that's it.

I really like this so close perspective, I'm rather intrigued by what war does to our psych

I've been busy today, but I'll try to get a post up for episode 2 sometime tonight or tomorrow.

I believe the men you speak of were members of Colonel Goettge's Patrol who landed on Aug 12th in order to secure the surrender of some of the Japanese forces and reconoiter for the Marine's. Here's a great narrative of it, could make a movie in and of itself;

http://www.nettally.com/jrube/goettge.htm

Did the curse word f##k exist back then? they use it a lot.

Originally Posted by EireEmerald

Did the curse word f##k exist back then? they use it a lot.

http://www.snopes.com/language/acronyms/.asp

Gotta love where all those tubes can take you on the internets. It didn't exist in Rome, but I'm sure those Latins had their own swears which would sound odd to us barbarians, but it sure existed during WWII with a well trodden history established behind it.

Yes it did

When did it come about? I know they didn't have it in 1912.