Dogfight Over Guadalcanal | Secrets of the Dead

Secrets of the Dead Dogfight Over Guadalcanal

What really happened in this "high noon" style showdown over the jungles of Guadalcanal? Details

Program: Secrets of the Dead

Episode: Dogfight Over Guadalcanal

Deep in the jungle of Guadalcanal in the South Pacific are the rusting remains of a World War II-era fighter plane. Research confirms that the plane is the doomed Wildcat flown by James "Pug" Southerland in WWII. This documentary examines and recreates every dramatic moment of the legendary showdown between 30-year-old Southerland in his Wildcat, and Saburo Sakai, 25, in his Mitsubishi Zero.

• Visit the Dogfight Over Guadalcanal webpage

Search these Tags:
American , history , aviation , World War II , forensics , dogfight , Japanese , fighter planes , jungle - All

Duration: (54:30)
Premiere Date: 11/07/2006
Episode Expires: 12/31/1969
TV Rating: TV-PG

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Learn more

Barrett Tillman
Barrett Tillman, an author and historian, discusses the art of the dogfight and the Guadalcanal campaign.

Colonel Ralph Wetterhahn
In this interview, learn about how his background as a crash investigator and with US Air Force helped to uncover what happened.
Anatomy of a Dogfight
While a dogfight can’t be reduced entirely to the distinctions between two machines, it’s necessary to look closely at the aircraft involved.

The Guadalcanal Assault
On August 7, 1942, the opening day of the Guadalcanal campaign, American forces began shelling Guadalcanal and Tulagi in the Solomon Islands.
Episode links
- • Secrets of the Dead website
- • Buy "Dogfight Over Guadalcanal" on DVD