Ep 7. Hammer of Hell

During World War II, the United States was engaged in a heated battle in the Pacific theater against the Japanese Empire. One of the most significant battles of this era was the Battle of Leyte Gulf, a four-day naval engagement that took place in the Philippine Sea. In this episode of Battle 360, entitled "Hammer of Hell," viewers get an up-close look at the USS Enterprise and its role in this pivotal moment.

The episode begins by introducing the USS Enterprise and its commander, Admiral Bull Halsey. The ship, known as the "Big E," was the most decorated and successful aircraft carrier of World War II. The episode sets the stage for the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which took place in October of 1944. This was a massive engagement that involved more than 200,000 personnel and over 400 ships from both sides.

As the battle begins, the Enterprise is tasked with providing air support for the American forces on the ground, who are attempting to take control of the island of Leyte. The ship's planes are instrumental in taking out Japanese defenses and providing cover for the American troops. As the battle rages on, the Enterprise continues to provide support, launching planes day and night to keep the pressure on the Japanese fleet.

The episode also explores some of the challenges the Enterprise faced during this engagement. One significant challenge was the weather. Strong typhoon-force winds made it difficult for the pilots to land and take off from the carrier. Despite these conditions, the Enterprise's pilots managed to stay focused and continue their attacks on the Japanese fleet.

One of the most exciting moments of the episode occurs when the Enterprise becomes the target of a massive Japanese air raid. The episode shows in detail the sheer number of planes that the Japanese are able to launch and how the Enterprise's crew worked diligently to defend themselves against them. The episode also takes a closer look at one of the Enterprise's most potent weapons, the anti-aircraft machine gun. It shows how this weapon was crucial in helping to take down Japanese planes and protect the ship.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the largest naval battle in history, and the episode does an excellent job of showing just how massive and complex the engagement was. It takes viewers through each phase of the battle, showing how the Enterprise was instrumental in helping the United States win the fight. In one scene, the episode shows how the Enterprise launched a surprise night attack on a group of Japanese ships, further weakening their defenses.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers can see how the actions of the Enterprise and other American ships helped turn the tide of the battle. The United States emerged victorious, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf became a turning point in the war in the Pacific. The episode concludes with a reflection on the bravery of the Enterprise's crew and the critical role they played in the war effort.

Overall, "Hammer of Hell" is an excellent episode of Battle 360, showcasing the heroism and strategic thinking of the United States Navy during World War II. With stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, viewers are taken right onto the front lines of one of the most significant battles of the Pacific theater. For history buffs and fans of military documentaries, this episode is a must-see.