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View Full Version : Battle of Leyte Gulf:66 years ago today.

Bubblehead1980
10-25-10, 02:41 PM
Busy weekend, realized earlier I forgot that the 66th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf battle is here.I was reminded because my current patrol in TMO RSRD is in October 1944, I plan on trying to get in on some of the action when the time comes.

Leyte Gulf has always been one of the more interesting battles to me, mainly because so much was on the line and it was so large and prolonged.

The bravery of small ships like the USS Johnston and Samuel B Roberts is legendary.The mistake made by one of America's great Admirals, Admiral Halsey that nearly led to disaster also adds to the story.The Japanese made a mistake too, they were so offput by the fierce resistance from the small force of DE's, they were convinced they were against more opposition than that and withdrew early.Chance and luck played a role along with planning and skill.

Thoughts? Info? etc, Share.
nikimcbee
10-25-10, 02:49 PM
Great post!:salute:. Lots of great stories from that Battle. Tons of PT boat action. One of our vet's pt-boat was hit by a kamikaze, killing the exec and the Captain. It cut the pt boat in two.
Gerald
10-25-10, 02:52 PM
http://imgur.com/fkNFP.jpg

:salute:
Bubblehead1980
10-25-10, 02:52 PM
Great post!:salute:. Lots of great stories from that Battle. Tons of PT boat action. One of our vet's pt-boat was hit by a kamikaze, killing the exec and the Captain. It cut the pt boat in two.


Really? My grandfather was an Officer in the Army during the war, went ashore on D-Day at Normandy.A friend of his he made some years after the war was on PT boats in the Pacific.Did some time in the Solomons and was at Leyte for the Surigao Strait battle.I met him a few times over the years and relayed some stories, had some great items and pics as well, all around nice man.

Surprised a kamikaze went after a PT boat, crazy.
nikimcbee
10-25-10, 02:56 PM
Great post!:salute:. Lots of great stories from that Battle. Tons of PT boat action. One of our vet's pt-boat was hit by a kamikaze, killing the exec and the Captain. It cut the pt boat in two.


Here's the vet and pt

http://www.savetheptboatinc.com/crew0003.jpg



http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/120532301.jpg




http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/05323.htm
nikimcbee
10-25-10, 02:57 PM
Really? My grandfather was an Officer in the Army during the war, went ashore on D-Day at Normandy.A friend of his he made some years after the war was on PT boats in the Pacific.Did some time in the Solomons and was at Leyte for the Surigao Strait battle.I met him a few times over the years and relayed some stories, had some great items and pics as well, all around nice man.

Surprised a kamikaze went after a PT boat, crazy.

What boat was he on?
nikimcbee
10-25-10, 02:59 PM
http://imgur.com/fkNFP.jpg

:salute:

I had a history teacher that was there when this photo was taken. It took Macarthur several tries before he got the photo he wanted.:haha: What a diva.
Gerald
10-25-10, 03:28 PM
You know, for some people will like that look good, when it comes to public interest, unfortunately.....
Bubblehead1980
10-25-10, 07:00 PM
What boat was he on?

I'm not sure, I'll have to ask my grandfather(actually my great grandfather, he is 91 now) he may know.