S8 Ep1229: Craig Symonds, Part Two: This phase of the war focuses on the Central Pacific campaign, beginning with the brutal amphibious land

The John Batchelor Show · Aug 10, 2026 · 39m

Craig Symonds, Part Two: This phase of the war focuses on the Central Pacific campaign, beginning with the brutal amphibious landing at Tarawa in 1943, where the Marines had to "invent" amphibious operations under fire. Nimitzcontinued to manage complex interpersonal dynamics, including the volatile "Howling Mad" Holland Smith and the difficult aviator John Towers. Despite skepticism from subordinates, Nimitz applied "calculated risk" by targeting Kwajalein directly, a decision vindicated by its swift capture. The account details the contrasting leadership styles of Raymond Spruance and Bull…