Ep 7. The Battle of the Philippine Sea

In this episode of WWII in Color: Road to Victory, viewers are taken to the Battle of the Philippine Sea, one of the most pivotal naval battles of World War II. Led by Admiral Raymond Spruance, the US Navy's 5th Fleet engages in a fierce battle against the Japanese Navy in the skies above the Philippine Sea.

The episode starts by setting the stage for the battle, detailing the strategic importance of the Marianas Islands as a forward base for the US Army Air Force. With these islands under Japanese control, the Allies were unable to launch long-range bombing missions against Japan. As a result, capturing the Marianas was a top priority for the Allies, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea was a crucial step in achieving that goal.

The episode then moves on to the battle itself, showcasing the incredible scale and intensity of the engagement. With aircraft carriers on both sides launching wave after wave of planes, the skies above the Philippine Sea became a chaotic and deadly battleground. The episode does an excellent job of highlighting the sheer amount of damage and destruction inflicted during the battle, using archival footage and expert analysis to show just how devastating the fighting was.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to hear from a range of experts, including historians, military strategists, and veterans who actually fought in the battle. This mix of perspectives helps provide a comprehensive look at the battle, and the episode does a great job of weaving together these different viewpoints to create a detailed and engaging narrative.

One of the standout aspects of this episode is the way it explores the human side of the battle. Viewers get to hear from pilots who flew in the battle, as well as their family members, offering a glimpse into the personal stories behind the fighting. This helps add a sense of emotional depth to the episode, and makes it easier for viewers to connect with the events on screen.

Ultimately, the Battle of the Philippine Sea was a major victory for the Allies, cementing their dominance in the Pacific and paving the way for future offensives. This episode of WWII in Color: Road to Victory is a fascinating look at one of the most important battles of World War II, and is sure to be a hit with history buffs and casual viewers alike.