History of the Marine Corps

Apr 14 2025 137 ep. 30 mins 84

History of the Marine Corps Podcast artwork

The first and only podcast covering the battles, strategies, political decisions, and origin of the United States Marine Corps, from the origin of Tun Tavern to today. Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed, or authorized this product (or promotion, or service, or activity).

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WWII E134 Chaos at Dawn: Tanks and Flamethrowers at Tarawa

Apr 14 2025 39 mins

The initial assault was chaotic—coral reefs slowed the approach, landing craft were wrecked, and units came ashore under heavy fire. But by the second and third days, the situation began to change. Officers like Shoup, Edson, and Jones made key decisions, reinforcements came in, and tanks managed to cross the reef. Despite exhaustion and limited ground, the Marines pushed inland.

WWII E133 Khaki Shirts and Bayonets: Marines Storm Tarawa

Apr 07 2025 42 mins

We just finished the brutal slog through the Solomons, and now we’re following the Central Pacific drive straight into Tarawa. This wasn’t jungle fighting, it was open beach and shallow reefs, turning a straightforward landing into a nightmare. Marines found themselves stranded, wading through chest-deep water under relentless fire. Communication fell apart, and every yard gain

WWII E132 Turning Point in the South Pacific

Mar 31 2025 33 mins

In this episode, we dive into the coordinated landings on the Treasury Islands, the daring Choiseul raid, and the brutal jungle fighting that followed. From LSTs taking direct hits at Falamai to a New Zealand bulldozer operator burying a live pillbox under fire, the stakes were high from the first wave. We'll follow Loganforce's stand at Soanotalu, the deception that tied down enem

WWII E131 The Fight for Hellzapoppin Ridge

Mar 24 2025 35 mins

In December, Marines fought one of their toughest battles on Bougainville—securing Hellzapoppin Ridge. This heavily fortified enemy stronghold loomed over Marine lines, threatening the expanding perimeter. For over a week, the fight raged in the thick jungle, where Marines faced relentless enemy fire and near-impenetrable defenses. Artillery barrages, airstrikes, and unyielding i

WWII E130 The Battle for Piva Forks

Mar 17 2025 33 mins

In November 1943, U.S. Marines fought a brutal series of battles on Bougainville, pushing to secure key high ground. One of the toughest fights was at “Grenade Hill,” where Marines faced relentless grenade attacks before the Japanese finally abandoned their position. By the end of November, the Marines had secured the high ground, breaking Japanese resistance and ensuring cont

WWII E129 The Fight for the Piva-Numa Numa Trail Junction

Mar 10 2025 35 mins

By early November 1943, the Japanese launched a desperate counteroffensive to reclaim Bougainville. Their plan called for a large-scale infiltration behind Marine lines, followed by a full assault. The Marines’ quick response and overwhelming firepower shattered the enemy’s ambitions. Artillery and airstrikes devastated Japanese forces, while the Raiders and 9th Marines held th

WWII E128 Storming Bougainville: Marines Hit the Beaches

Mar 03 2025 35 mins

This episode dives into the planning and execution of the amphibious assault at Cape Torokina. From complex logistical challenges to the intense combat on the beaches, we cover how Task Force 31 and IMAC coordinated this massive operation. We also discuss the key engagements that followed the landing, including Sergeant Robert A. Owens’ heroic assault on a fortified 75mm gun

WWII E127 Setting the Stage for Bougainville

Feb 24 2025 32 mins

By late 1943, the Allies had turned the tide in the Pacific, but one significant stronghold still loomed. In Japan’s most critical South Pacific base, Rabaul served as a launch point for air and naval operations across New Guinea and the Solomons. Instead of a costly direct assault, Allied planners devised a strategy to neutralize Rabaul through isolation, cutting off its supply

WWII E126 Securing Vella Lavella: The Next Step in the Pacific War

Feb 17 2025 42 mins

By mid-1943, the Allies were advancing through the Solomons, pushing toward Rabaul. After securing Guadalcanal and New Georgia, their next target was Vella Lavella. Unlike previous battles, the Japanese opted to withdraw rather than defend the island outright, but the fight was far from easy. Marines, Seabees, and New Zealand forces faced logistical chaos, relentless air attacks, a

WWII E125 Hell in the Jungle: The Fight for Enogai

Feb 10 2025 40 mins

By July 7, the Marines’ push toward Enogai had slowed to a crawl. Thick jungle, relentless enemy fire, and brutal terrain turned every step into a fight. Runners risked their lives to keep communication going, while corpsmen worked tirelessly to save the wounded. When the Raiders captured a map of enemy defenses, Liversedge saw his chance. The 1st Raider Battalion launched a full