Lecture: The Battle of Midway

Introduction

• Took place in June 1942
• Key figures: Christian Steiner, combat veteran
• Importance: Example of American strategic ingenuity during WWII
• Objective: Decide the fate of the Pacific

Background

• Spring 1942: Japanese feel vulnerable, aim to expand in the Pacific
• Target: Midway Atoll, home to a new American Naval and Air Force base

Japanese Strategy

• Leader: Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
• Concern: U.S. wartime industry potential
• Plan similar to Pearl Harbor: Surprise attack
• Diversion: Attack on Aleutian Islands to draw U.S. fleet

Phases

1. Air attack on Midway led by Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo
   • Carriers: Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, Soryu
2. Invasion force led by Vice Admiral Nobutake Kondo
   • 5,000 soldiers
3. Engage American reinforcements expected from Pearl Harbor
   • Nagumo's force to strike again

• Expectation: Overwhelming American military

American Counterstrategy

• Code Breaking: Commander Joseph Rochefort and team decipher Japanese codes
• Response Plan: Admiral Chester Nimitz plans to fight mainly in the air
• Forces: Three carriers (Task Force 17 and Task Force 16)
  • TF 17: USS Yorktown led by Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher
  • TF 16: USS Enterprise and Hornet led by Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance

Battle Begins

• June 3rd: Japanese strike Aleutian Islands
• Nimitz's foresight: Stations small contingent, keeps main forces for Midway
• Japanese Intelligence Failure: No communication due to radio silence

June 4th

• Early sighting: Ensign Jack Reid spots Japanese ships
• Ineffective air attack: B-17 bombers fail to hit targets
• Nagumo's Midway attack: 108 aircraft launched
• US Response: Multiple groups of American aircraft launched

Key Engagements

• Midway defense: Outnumbered but resilient
• Decision time for Nagumo: Proceed with Midway attack or prepare for Naval battle?
• American surprise attack: Bombers reach Japanese fleet
• Submarine Nautilus appears

Turning Points

• McClusky's Decision: Lieutenant Commander Wade McClusky decides to press on
• Attacks on Japanese carriers: Effective bombings on Kaga, Soryu, and Akagi
• Critical Hits: Large-scale destruction, commanding staff killed

Final Stages

• Japanese Counterattack: Damages Yorktown but not enough
• American Bombers: Attack and disable Hiryu
• Battle Over: Major combat concludes but skirmishes continue

Outcomes and Significance

• Japanese Losses: 2,500 men, 292 aircraft, four carriers, one cruiser
• American Losses: 307 men, 145 aircraft, one carrier (Yorktown), one destroyer
• Strategic Impact: Halted Japanese expansion; they remain defensive
• Morale Boost: American public motivated, U.S. military gains momentum

Conclusion

• The Battle of Midway marked a turning point in the Pacific theater, demonstrating the power of intelligence and the importance of tactical foresight.

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