Best posts made by Tall Paul

Gentlemen,

––I’m marking this discussion so I whenever I get home I can reference a couple of excellent books on the above subject.
For most of my life, until reading some excellent books, I had also had thought that Nagumo should have ordered a third strike against Pearl Harbor’s above ground fuel tanks and workshops.
–After all,…Nagumo was assigned to command of the strike force by SENIORITY, not merit,…and Yamamoto was against his appointment because he felt him to lack aggressiveness. 
----Anyway, back to my point. A third strike PROBABLY couldn’t have destroyed a large percentage of the above ground fuel tanks.
–Even if they had destroyed 100% of the above ground fuel tanks,…the U.S. Navy already had a secret huge below ground tank farm in place, and a large percentage was already in operation. The story concerning the vulnerability of the above ground storage tanks was purposely leaked as propaganda to deflect any interest away from the secret below ground tanks.
–Also,…it was shown that there was an over-abundance of repair capacity in Hawaii,…and it wasn’t only concentrated in the navy shops at Pearl Harbor,…but scattered all over the island,…therefore no more than a small percentage of it was capable of being destroyed by a third attack on the naval base.
–Another “item” that should be included here is that the stated main objective in Yamamoto’s plan was to sink 4 Battleships, as this was thought to have the most “shock” impact on the military and civilians alike,….and also to sink as many American carriers as possible.

----As I said,…I’ll find these books and post their titles. They explain a lot. Pearl Harbor is the most fascinating of many WW2-Pacific conflicts for me,…and I’ve read 60+ books on the subject. Even the “revisionist” and “conspiracy” histories that try to bend history and facts to support their predetermined agendas. I feel the facts should lead to theories/opinions,…not the other way around.

“Tall Paul”

My A&A Friends,

––My Dad, a 90-year old World War 2 veteran has died. His image is at left just prior to the Battle of the Bulge. I had hoped to have my Railroad & Military Museum up & going so he could share his experiences with others, but it wasn’t to be. I’ll try and post some WW2 pics of him at a later time.

Tall Paul

YES,…There WAS a mini-sub that ENTERRED the harbor, shot a torpedo(a miss at a Cruiser), and was rammed by a Destroyer.  However it did NOT fire at the USS ARIZONA or any of the other Battleships!

The book I just posted about, Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, Combat, Myths, Deceptions by Alan Zimm accounts for ALL of the mini-subs, their accomplishments(if any), and their fate.  It gives an analytical report coverring ALL aspects of the attack, practically down to every bomb or torpedo.  It’s a real eye-opener and done through many personal interviews with IJN pilots, staff, US sailors and soldiers, and a LOT of RESEARCH !  One of the BEST books I’ve read in a long time.  I wish every AMERICAN would either read this book, or have it taught to them in school.  It debunks a lot of the myths concerning this very important battle.

Such As:

The attack was “brilliantly” planned and executed.  A lot of information here.  You will have your eyes opened.

No 3rd wave attack was ever requested by Fuchida.  This is verified by the planner of the mission Genda, and several other leading pilots or ships staff that were “there” and had a large “Say” in the matter.

An attack on the Oil Tanks would NOT have forced the retreat of the fleet  back to the US mainland coast.  Admiral Nimitz said it would have,…but that was to “cover up” the existance of the underground oil storage facilities just coming into existance.

An attack on the Repair Shops and Facilities couldn’t have had any major effect on the fleets capabilities.  For many, many reasons this attack couldn’t have been successful in even “denting” the repair capacities on Pearl Harbor.

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So much of what Americans mistakenly believe as “history” are what we see in the movies, correct or not.  These movies are usually based on a book or books.    Many of the historian/authors of the Pearl Harbor attack and the Battle of Midway were based on Fuchida’s book: “Midway, The Battle that Doomed Japan”(? I think I have the title correct) that has been proven by other Japanese to be a  self-serving face-saver for him and his accomplishments.

To read a FANTASTIC book that really puts the record straight on these two battles, as well as many other facets of the Japanese Naval war effort, you should read:
Shatterred Sword, The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway", by Parshall and Tully

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As far as “alternate” storylines for the “Coach’s” game,…

The Carrier USS ENTERPRISE was expected to have been back at Pearl Harbor on Saturday Dec. 6, 1941 but was delayed due to heavy weather.  This is what happenned in REAL LIFE.  The “Coach” might say it wasn’t delayed by weather, or was “alerted” to the unfolding attack in his game.

The attack on the Japanese mini-sub just off the harbor entrance by the Destroyer USS WARD and a PBY seaplane was acted upon quickly without waiting for confirmation and the alarm was sounded(as it should have been).

The report of a large incoming air formation from the radar station on Opana Point(?) was believed and acted upon(as it should have been).

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Their are so many Ifs and Possibilities that I guess it would make for an VERY INTERESTING “what if” game.  Plus, I’d love to see the A&A sized “Old” Battleships that “Coach” has proposed to make.  The book mentioned above also gives several differrent possible outcomes due to changed possibilities.

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“Coach”,…Sign me up as a DEFINATE SALE !  I will buy your Pearl Harbor Game because it sounds like it would be so much FUN and have so many differrent  possible outcomes.

Do we get any more hints about it,…or when you might release it for sale???

“Tall Paul”

ABWorsham,

––I too, have read many accounts of German “Q-ships”. They formed a unique and interesting piece of the whole war puzzle. The book on the “Wolf” is an excellent one I’m sure you’ll enjoy. I commend you for your thoughts on this subject.
----I also like the accounts of the three ships FDR had re-flagged as U.S. Naval vessels in order to position in front of the Japanese invasion forces headed for the “Malay Barrier”. Their purpose was stated as “recon”, and although not officially ordered as such, were a suicide-type mission to bring America into the war.
----The “Lanikai” had a fascinating string of adventures in it’s escape after the war started.

“Tall Paul”

Wittman,

My Dad’s family settled in Tennessee(Deep South) for many decades before moving west to Louisiana. My Dad’s mother’s family were in Nebraska(Northern Plains) before coming South to Louisiana. All of this happened in the mid to late 1800’s.

“Tall Paul”

cminke,

Yes, I’m certain it was the same show you’re talking about.  I certainly NOT call it a documentary though.  After reading about how the producers of that show intentionally deleted any and all evidence that conflicted with the SENSATIONALIZED program, I would call it what it is,…a TV show made simply for the ratings by sensationallizing (and falsely slanting) the story.

By the way, if you have even the slightest interest in the Attack on Pearl Harbor you should at least look at the Product Description and Reviews of it on Amazon Books,…even if you don’t buy it.  It’s REALLY worth it’s price, though.  Great Book!

Are you interested in the “Coach’s” Pearl Harbor game like I am?  It sounds like it could be a very interesting game that might not ever have the same outcome.  A bit refreshing if you ask me.  And all of the COOL old Battleship in A&A scale!  I hope we will all be able to “Climb Mount Tanaka” and have our very own “Tora, Tora, Tora” games soon(Hint, Hint, “Coach”).
                                                                                “Tall Paul”

Moilami,

I think you should use THIS pic for your avatar. You can send the other one to ME since you don’t need it. I’m single, too! haha.

“Tall Paul”

@georgemak1:

By calling someone immature cause he wants to find out what happened to his hard working money while getting conflicting info is immature of his own. If you notice I posted right under my post when I saw the newsletter. That was good enough for me. I saw ppl asking him on fb and here without getting a reply. I never said I won’t support him, Doug can probably pull my order info out,  I spent a lot of money there, and I still will, I just feel Doug didn’t communicate properly regarding this set. I’m not here to argue but I hope I got my point across

––Sir,…I didn’t call anyone “immature”,…I only wanted EVERYONE to understand the real world situaion(s) and the reasons behind them NOT being of HBG’s doing or in it’s control. I wasn’t directing my comments specifically towards you, but ALL of the A&A gamers. I hope we are “good”.

Tall Paul

I think that should read “Mt. Nataka”.  But at this point, I’m too tired to spell even my own name correctly. haha.

“Tall Paul”

Vicksburg, Miss. is a GREAT Civil War site! So many monuments, so many actual lines of trenches with cannon seemingly everywhere. They also have a real ironclad that was sunk, retrieved and put on display. It’s mostly just the wooden beams & structure but still fascinating. A whole day could easily be spent there.

“Tall Paul”

Hey there and Thanks,

This looks like a computer game with a lot of promise!  I didn’t find any “bugs” when I checked it out.  I’ll have to look at my local Target and other spots to buy myself a copy.  I’ll let you know when I find it and how I liked it.  Thanks again for the info.          Tall Paul

Orizen,

You are ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.  I mispelled the name.  But I invite you to refer to the the next 14 words I typed.

Orizen, I’m actually thankful you corrected my spelling error because, as the serious student of History that I am, I want the correct info passed on to everyone.  Thanks.

And I will again repeat my sincere request thatI hope the “Coach” will release his Pearl Harbor game soon,…or at least give us some updates on it.

Like I Say,……What Do YA’LL Think???
                                                                                      “Tall Paul”

Guys,
@ABWorsham:

The French Fleet in WWII consisted of 3 modern Battleships, 5 old Battleships, 10 heavy cruisers, 10 light cruiser, 60 destroyers and a decent sub force.
How would these units served the Germans?

––My response is almost exactly along the lines of Wittman’s@wittmann:

I am sure half that number would have changed the Mediterranean theatre of Operations for the Axis. I am guessing they would have best been utilised there.
We have discussed Malta and its importance; I  believe this addition to the Axis fleet would have spelt the end for this proud Island and the  Royal Navy involvement in it a d the Central Med.
Africa, again much discussed, could have been an entirely different matter. Could Egypt and the Oil be seized?
This could also have prolonged Italy’s involvement in the war and made Allied victory in Europe much harder without more commitment by the States, to the detriment of the Pacific theatre, bringing up the  much loved A&A question of KGF or Japan!
Thank you for the French Fleet figures.

––No need to expound on these succinct thoughts.
“Tall Paul”

I’m a “people” person and I think it’s very hard to beat the interaction between players when playing in a face to face situation.  The Fun & Fellowship to me is much more important than who wins,…although I’m a very competitive person.    Tall Paul

WOW,  Great work “Coach”.  I just ordered 2 sets and I’m looking forward to receiving them and “dipping” them in some enemy blood, haha.  Thanks again, Doug for your time and effort on behalf of ALL of us Axis & Aliies fans.    “Tall Paul”****

“Coach”’

May I request you to make a new thread about your futurePearl Harbor game  I don’t know where you are along with it, or how much time you have to devote to it,…but it seems that there would be enough interest in it to warrant a thread of it’s own so we could keep up with any developements.  Thanks for listening.

“Tall Paul”

I think it would be interesting to have a naval A&A game.  It would be differrent to build a fleet to face another fleet in combat instead of to assist in accomplishment of the land combat strategy.

The games my group play tend to have as concentrated and effecient strategies as possible rather than many small conflicts all over the map leaving no time or IPC’s for little battles.  We play 1940-Global and most times the Allies go after a “Germany 1st” strategy, but we have had a few US vs. Japan major fleet engagements with all other arms assisting.  It was VERY interesting.

I’d imagine many players would also be interested in a new Naval Map/Game that was somewhat universal and not tied to only one stragey/objective (like the batlle of Midway).

What are everyone else’s thoughts on this???          “Tall Paul”

“Coach”,

That’s GREAT news “Coach”.  About EVERYTHING you mentioned.  I sincerely hope you enjoy your vacation and put everything A&A out of your mind for a short while during your vac.  It looks like several people are already looking forward to your P.H. game.  Have FUN and we’ll hear from you soon.

“Tall Paul”

“Coach”,

Would it be possible for me to re-do my vote?  The choices for the “Atlanta” A/A Cruiser, Seaplane Tender and PT Boats weren’t available when I voted.

Also,  is the listed LCV a “typo” that’s supposed to be an LCVP “Higgins” boat?  If so you might want to add “Higgins” boat to it for people who might not recognize it as such.  I didn’t realize this represented the LCVP higgins boat myself.

And is the LCT a “typo” that should be an LST (Landing Ship-Tank)?  If so, that’s 2 more changes I’d like to my vote as I think these are both very important units that deserve to be made in your 1st US Navy set.  Thanks for hearing my request.  I think it’s important to get these choices set at the start of the voting.

“Tall Paul”

Oh, BTW I’ve found him and he’s already completed several dozen of his truly AWESOME paint jobs for me. Thanks everyone who assisted me in my search.

“Tall Paul”