Ep 4. Bloody Santa Cruz

In the fourth episode of Battle 360 season 1, we witness one of the most critical battles of the Pacific War between the US and Japan, the Battle of Santa Cruz. The episode titled "Bloody Santa Cruz" takes us through the intense and grueling fight that took place on October 26, 1942, between American carrier forces and Japanese naval fleets.

The episode begins by giving a brief history of the war and the situation leading up to the Battle of Santa Cruz. The Japanese, who were determined to expand their empire, had already conquered much of Asia and the Pacific, including China, Indochina, and the Philippines. The US, however, wanted to stop their aggression and had been strategically planning to cut off their supply lines and defeat their navy in the Pacific.

As the stage was set for one of the most significant naval battles of the Pacific War, the episode takes us through the cards each side held. The American carrier forces were led by Rear Admiral Thomas Kinkaid, who had two of his carriers, Enterprise and Hornet, along with a handful of cruisers and destroyers for support. The Japanese, on the other hand, had four carriers, the Shokaku, Zuikaku, Zuiho, and Junyo, and a large fleet of support vessels.

As the two forces met, the battle quickly escalated, and the episode recreates the tension and chaos that took place on both sides. The Japanese launched a massive air attack, and within minutes, the Enterprise was hit with bombs, which set the flight deck ablaze. However, the Americans were able to strike back and caused critical damage to two of the Japanese carriers, the Zuikaku and Zuiho.

The episode takes us through the intense fighting that ensued and the strategic moves made by both sides. The Americans, despite their damaged carriers, were able to launch planes and conduct counterattacks, which caused further damage to the Japanese fleet. However, the Japanese were still able to put up a fierce fight, and their pilots were relentless in their efforts to take out the American carriers.

The episode also highlights the bravery and heroism displayed by both American and Japanese pilots during the battle. Many planes were shot down on both sides, and pilots were often killed or captured when their planes went down in the water. The episode also showcases the difficult and dangerous task of rescuing pilots who had crashed into the ocean, as both sides risked their lives to save their fellow soldiers.

As the battle entered its second day, the Americans were able to deal a critical blow to the Japanese. The Junyo was hit with a torpedo, and the carrier was ultimately sunk. However, the Enterprise was hit once again, and the damage was so severe that Rear Admiral Kinkaid ordered his forces to pull back and return to port.

Despite both sides suffering heavy casualties and damage, the Battle of Santa Cruz was ultimately a strategic victory for the Japanese. They were able to put a dent in America's naval power, and many American pilots were lost in the fight. However, the episode ends by highlighting the resilience and determination of the American forces, who were able to repair and rebuild their carriers and continue fighting on in the Pacific War.

Overall, "Bloody Santa Cruz" is an intense and gripping episode of Battle 360 that showcases the realities of war and the bravery of soldiers on both sides. The episode does an excellent job of recreating the battle and providing viewers with a detailed understanding of the strategies, tactics, and challenges faced by both the American and Japanese forces.