Ep 3. Pearl Harbor Payback

In this episode of The Weapon Hunter season 2, titled "Pearl Harbor Payback," host Paul Shull takes viewers on a journey to investigate the weapons used in the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and its subsequent retaliation by American forces.

Shull starts the episode by examining a rare and unique weapon, the AN/M2 machine gun, which was used extensively by American soldiers during the Pearl Harbor attack. He travels to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, where he meets with Todd Gottfried, the curator of the National Museum of the US Air Force. Todd shows Shull the AN/M2 machine gun and explains its features and history.

Later, Shull travels to Alaska to learn about the Japanese planes that attacked Pearl Harbor. He visits the Alaska Aviation Museum and meets with aviation historian Christopher Bailey, who shows him a rare Japanese Zero that was captured during the war. Shull examines the plane, its technology, and armaments, including its 7.7mm machine guns and 20mm cannon.

Next, Shull travels to Hawaii to meet with historian Daniel Martinez and investigate the USS Arizona, the American battleship that suffered the most damage during the attack. Daniel gives Shull a private tour of the deck and explains how the ship's guns and torpedoes worked during the attack. He also shows Shull the ship's memorial, where he meets a veteran who was on the USS Arizona during the attack. The veteran shares his personal experiences and memories of the tragic event.

Finally, Shull travels to California to learn about the American retaliation against Japan. He meets with military historian Brenton Geyer, who shows him a M4A2 Sherman tank. Brenton explains how these tanks were used during the Battle of Tarawa, a major operation in the Pacific War, and how they provided crucial support to American infantry troops. Shull also learns about the advanced weaponry used by American soldiers during the war, including the famous Thompson submachine gun.

Throughout the episode, Shull explores the history and technology of the weapons used during the Pearl Harbor attack and its aftermath. He explains how these weapons were designed and used, and how they shaped the course of the war. The episode is a fascinating look at a crucial moment in American history and the weapons that played a vital role in it.