Significance: Considered one of the finest examples of American strategic ingenuity during World War II.
Key Location: Midway Atoll, located between the US mainland and Japan.
Japanese Strategic Plan
Leader: Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
Objective: Quick defeat of US Naval forces to prevent full ramp-up of US military production.
Strategy: Surprise attack similar to Pearl Harbor.
Diversion: Attack on Aleutian Islands to draw US forces away from Midway.
Three Phases of Attack:
Air attack on Midway by Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo's fleet.
Invasion of Midway by Vice Admiral Nobutake Kondo's forces.
Attack on US reinforcements expected from Pearl Harbor.
American Strategic Response
Intelligence Breakthrough: Commander Joseph Rochefort
Deciphered Japanese naval code, revealing time, size, and strategy of Midway invasion.
US Naval Leadership:
Admiral Chester Nimitz led strategic planning.
Task Force 17: Led by Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher (Yorktown as flagship).
Task Force 16: Led by Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance (Enterprise and Hornet).
Key Events of the Battle
June 3, 1942: Japanese attack Aleutian Islands; Nimitz anticipates move, stations small force.
June 4, 1942: Japanese attack Midway; US forces prepared due to intelligence.
Midway Defense: Initial Japanese airstrike on Midway's infrastructure.
American Response: Multiple air groups launched to counterattack Japanese fleet.
Turning Points
Nagumo's Decisions:
Faced with whether to attack Midway again or prepare for naval battle.
Decides to rearm planes for Midway attack before changing course due to American presence.
Lt. Commander Wade McClusky's Decision:
Acts on instinct to find Japanese carriers, attacks Kaga leading to significant Japanese losses.
Battle Outcomes
Major Losses:
Japanese lost 4 aircraft carriers, 1 heavy cruiser, 292 aircraft, and 2,500 servicemen.
Americans lost the Yorktown, 1 destroyer, 145 aircraft, and 307 servicemen.
Strategic Impact:
Japanese abandoned Pacific expansion, shifted to defense for rest of WWII.
Demonstrated power of code breaking and tactical foresight.
Boosted American morale and shifted public perception; showed Japanese forces could be defeated.
Conclusion
The Battle of Midway was pivotal in altering the momentum of World War II in the Pacific, showcasing the critical role of intelligence and strategic planning in military success.