They Call It Pacific Manila Espionage And Can Do The Story Of The Seabees

The Pacific Theater during World War II was a place of intense action, strategic maneuvering, and epic tales of heroism. One such story is that of the Seabees, a legendary construction battalion of the United States Navy. If you have ever wondered about the unsung heroes who built the infrastructure in the remote and treacherous islands of the Pacific while facing enemy fire, this is the story for you.

The Call It Pacific Manila Espionage

In the heart of the Pacific lies Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. During World War II, Manila was a hub of espionage and intelligence operations, with numerous factions and spy networks operating in its shadows. From double agents to covert operations, the city witnessed it all. This article delves into the thrilling world of Pacific Manila espionage and the untold stories of brave men and women who risked their lives in the name of intelligence.

US Military in WW2: Civilian Heroes (Annotated): They Call It Pacific, Manila Espionage and Can Do! The Story of the Seabees

by Duncan Barrett (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12085 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	804 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Can Do: The Story Of The Seabees

In the vast expanse of the Pacific, the United States Navy needed a specialized force capable of building airfields, barracks, roads, and ports in record time. Thus, the Seabees were born. Derived from the abbreviation "CB" or Construction Battalion, the Seabees were skilled civilians, recruited by the Navy, and trained to tackle construction tasks in war zones. This section explores their journey, challenges, and triumphs in creating vital infrastructure, often under unimaginable circumstances.

The Heroic Saga Begins

The story of the Seabees began shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor when the United States joined the war. In the Pacific, the need for construction was critical. The Seabees were quickly assembled, and their first mission was to construct bases in the South Pacific, providing the necessary infrastructure for further operations. The article sheds light on their initial struggles, resourcefulness, and the strong spirit that earned them the nickname "Can Do".

Hardships and Triumphs

Building in the Pacific presented unimaginable challenges. Seabees battled hostile environments, treacherous weather conditions, and constant threats from the enemy. Despite these hardships, they never wavered in their determination to complete their missions. This segment explores some of their most challenging tasks, including the construction of airfields on remote islands and repairing damaged infrastructure in the midst of combat.

Unsung Heroes

While the Seabees' construction achievements were widely recognized, their role as defenders and combatants often went unnoticed. This section highlights the instances where Seabees fought valiantly alongside the Marines, Army, and other military branches. From building defenses against enemy attacks to engaging in direct combat, these resilient individuals proved their mettle in both the construction and combat arenas.

Legacy and Recognition

After the war, the Seabees' contributions were acknowledged, and they received well-deserved recognition for their invaluable service. This part delves into the lasting legacy of the Seabees, how their construction techniques and efficiency revolutionized the military's infrastructure development, and the honors bestowed upon them by the Navy and the nation.

The story of the Seabees is one of bravery, ingenuity, and resilience. They played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, constructing the foundations upon which military operations depended. Their unwavering dedication and selfless actions deserve to be remembered and celebrated. By delving into the Pacific Manila espionage and the untold feats of the Seabees, we can gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who participated in World War II.

US Military in WW2: Civilian Heroes (Annotated): They Call It Pacific, Manila Espionage and Can Do! The Story of the Seabees

by Duncan Barrett (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12085 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	804 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

US Military in WW2: Civilian Heroes presents three accounts of life during World War 2 from unsung, behind-the-scenes players: They Call It Pacific by Clark Lee; Manila Espionage by Claire "High Pockets" Phillips and Can Do! The Story of the Seabees by William Bradford Huie.

They Call It Pacific by Clark Lee

Clark Lee was an AP reporter stationed in Manila when the Japanese invaded the Philippines in December 1941. They Call It Pacific begins as an account of events leading up to the outbreak of war and then morphs into an exciting real-time account of Lee's mad-dash escape across the islands to the last US ship still in port.

Manila Espionage by Claire "High Pockets" Phillips and Myron B. Goldsmith

The autobiography of Claire Phillips, an American entertainer living in Manila in 1941 who used the city's underground Tsubuki Nightclub as the base for a resistance movement during the Japanese occupation.

Can Do! The Story of the Seabees by William Bradford Huie

The Seabees began as barely armed civilians with no military training. They had an average age of 35. GI's would joke, "Never hit a Seabee, for his son might be a Marine." But America's bulldozing, jungle-hacking, 'Jap-cracking' Construction Battalion or the Seabees (C.B.'s) soon proved themselves miracle-construction-workers in seemingly impassable combat zones. Before World War 2, Marines were the ones to 'get their first,' but the need for roads in the muddy battlefields of the Pacific meant that claim would pass to the Construction Battalion. Their early motto was 'Can Do!'

*Includes original footnotes.
*Includes photographs from World War 2.