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How a Lone Bomber Crippled Japan's Oil (And new 10 Good Men showings!)
Published about 7 hours ago • 4 min read
75 ft alt, 200 mph, and no room for error.
The Forgotten Solo Mission to Strike Japan's Oil
Many people remember the infamous Ploesti raid to bomb Hitler's oil in 1943. That mission did not go quite so well for the United States Army Air Force. However, what many history fans are not aware of was a similar mission flown on the other side of the world just one year later. That is precisely what my latest video covers.
If you can believe it, this mission was flown with just one single B-24, and there is absolutely stunning footage of the mission. Here is a quick sample of some of the clips captured by the lone Liberator.
Now, if you notice—this clip is totally mislabeled here. This was actually what brought this story to my attention. I wanted to find out the truth behind the mission and the shots. And come to find out, everything I originally thought about it was wrong! It was not B-25s, nor was it on Formosa, and it was not in 1945!
The real story, in fact, is even better. This mission was a bold and fascinating attack by a top-secret American bomber project called the Wright Project - with the bombers themselves called "Snoopers". They would put together an unheard-of plan to hit Japanese oil production on Borneo. And luckily for us—the footage from the archives—courtesy of my NARA researcher, Steve Greene, is excellent.
I even was able to locate some clips interviewing the crew after their mission! If you want to find out all about it, watch my latest video here!
This was a thrilling project to dive into. Analyizing the footage, reading the complete shot lists, and even trying to decipher the crew's interviews from some misrecorded audio!
Speaking of which, I have also just uploaded the full video clip of the misrecorded audio from the crews into a behind-the-scenes video on my Patreon and for YouTube members! It is an interesting look into the crew's experience but also into the making of a 1940s newsreel. This footage never really made the cut for the newsreel, so it has not been seen much before. It shows the interviewing of the crews, some of them repeating talking points, and some crewmembers clearly more nervous than others. Go check it out HERE! I think you even get a free 30-second preview even if you aren't a member. I'll attach that here!
In other news, regarding 10 Good Men - I have some exciting updates to share with all of you! First off, our showing this past week in Elmhurst (Chicago) was an absolute blast! We had two showings that SOLD OUT at the York Classic Cinema, so we added a third, which nearly also sold out. Thank you all so much.
Also at this show, we had a very special guest attend who was totally unexpected! Joe B. - a 102 year old veteran Ball Turret Gunner from the 305th Bomb Group during World War II. He flew 35 missions over Europe and is still going strong. It was an absolute honor to have him out at the show! (And yes—he loved the movie!)
Joe B before the show! He flew 35 missions over Europe as a Ball Turret gunner on a B-17.
In addition, we apparently had another great showing in Colorado this past week as well! A generous donor bought out the theater and played the film free for veterans and their families. Here is a photo from that event that I was sent!
Packed house for the 10 Good Men showing at the Mountaineer Theater in Colorado!
It means the world to me to see you guys out enjoying our project in person with friends, families, and veterans. That is precisely why I created this film.
But if you haven't been able to make a showing yet, no worries! We are about to make some HUGE announcements, and I am going to give them to you guys here first.
To see the latest updates on showings, check out the 10 Good Men official website here to see the showing list.
10 GOOD MEN STREAMING ANNOUNCEMENT!
Now, for my international viewers and those who haven't been near a screening—I finally have an update regarding streaming! I am thrilled to announce that our project 10 Good Men will officially be coming to Amazon Prime and Apple TV on Veterans Day of 2026! (As long as things go according to plan, haha—streaming platforms can always be tricky to deal with.) This will finally allow all of you guys elsewhere in the world to go and watch the film at home! I hope so much that you guys view it from these platforms. The more people that rent/purchase it from these streaming services, the more their algorithms will promote it, and then the more people that get to hear these crucial stories.
TJ3 History is now on Spotify!
In other news, TJ3 History is now coming to you in a new way as well! I have recently begun uploading all of my content on Spotify, where you can now follow me and listen to/watch all my videos on the go. Please go give me a follow there and review it with 5 stars! The link to the TJ3 HISTORY SPOTIFY IS HERE!
NEXT VIDEO SNEAK PEEK
Finally, I will end today's email by giving you guys a sneak peek at my next video! I am working on a thrilling story following one of the most skilled and storied B-17 gunners in history. Here is a photo of his famous bomber, which now sits at the bottom of the English Channel. This video should come out in a week or so!
B-17 and crew of "Tondelayo" - 379th Bomb Group in 1943.
Thanks so much as always, everyone. Love you guys!
-Your grateful friend, TJ
Please reply with your thoughts or feedback here! Here's to saving more history together.
I'm an aviation history YouTuber and filmmaker who shares stories of aircraft, dogfights, & veterans. Subscribe and join over 2,000+ newsletter readers every month!
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