Episode 658-On Their Knees, but Still Defiant
The History of WWII Podcast

Episode 658-On Their Knees, but Still Defiant

B2Upper-intermediateSeptember 28, 202624 min

As intense as the fighting as been, the Japanese increase the tempo, bringing the Americans to their knees. Still, they fight on. While Gen. Vandegrift asks for more of everything, Adm. Yamamoto sends all his has against Guadalcanal. This episode is sponsored by Coveron. One scam can cost you everything. Protect yourself now. The first 100 users get 20% off with code thehistory20 at coveron.com/thehistory20. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/m...

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on their knees, but still defiant.

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B2 · Upper-intermediate

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A1 33%A2 36%B1 23%B2 8%C1 0%
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Hello, and thank you for listening to the history of World War II podcast, episode 658 on their knees, but still defiant. Last time, on October 13th and 14th, 1942, the American position on Guadalcanal was hit hard by the Japanese as they sought to wrap up this enemy incursion. First came

0:32

air raids, then shelling from the far side of the Mitanakao River, then a devastating bombardment from two Japanese battleships with their 14-inch shells. To wit, Henderson Field was in need of major repairs. Practically all of their aviation fuel was gone and their air arm had been greatly reduced. With

0:52

this done, it was time for the next part of the Japanese attack plan. For the Americans, their outlook, of course, was the opposite. Their last two desperate air raids against convoys had failed, little help was on the way, and there was much work to do just to get the two airstrips back up and running. Dark times

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