Turning the Tide of a War

They had no right to win, yet they did, and in doing so they changed the

course of a war. More than that they added a new name-Midway-to that

small list that inspires men by example... Like Marathon, the Armada,

The Marne. Even against the greatest of odds, there is something in

human spirit - a magic blend of skill, faith and valor - that can lift men

from certain defeat to incredible victory." --Walter Lord

Walter Lord’s memorable words echo in the world even today, however, many are blind to the true importance of the battle at Midway. The results of Midway contributed nothing to Japan’s ultimate fate in World War II. The Empire’s failure occurred primarily in the planning process. Japan’s doom was set in motion when they attacked Pearl Harbor. A complete victory at Midway for Japan would have only delayed America’s certain victory.

In early June of 1942, the Japanese prepared to attack Midway with four of their finest carriers. The Hiryu, Soryu, Kaga, and Akagi, led by Admiral Nagumo, awaited the command to commence attacks from Admiral Yamamoto, who was not far behind on his flagship, the Yamato. However, the United States, having broken the code of the Japanese, learned of the Empire’s plans and were ready to launch a daring surprise attack. On the 3rd of June, the Japanese were spotted by an American scout plan. Rear Admiral Fletcher proceeded with Admiral Nimitz’s attack plans and ordered an air assault launched from the USS Yorktown, under his own command, as well as from the USS Hornet and USS Enterprise under Rear Admiral Spruance’s command. The Japanese suffered from radio failures, delayed scout planes, and delayed submarine scouting. As a result, the American air assault caught the Japanese off balance and annihilated all four of the Japanese carriers while only losing the USS Yorktown. In addition, the Japanese lost 253 aircraft, and 3,500 personnel, while the United States lost only 150 aircraft and 307 personnel.

After a terrible defeat at Midway, the Japanese eastward offensive stopped and the Americans retained one of their most important advanced bases. The Japanese not only lost four of their finest carriers, but also some of their greatest pilots and personnel. The outcome of Midway broke down the momentum of the Japanese, an event from which they were never able to recover. Japanese industry simply could not produce enough carriers and aircraft to make up for such heavy losses. The Empire could no longer hold an aggressive position in the war. The United States, having retained control of Midway, began to conquer island after island using Midway as a launching point.

What if the Japanese had won the battle at Midway? A victory at Midway would have been meaningless. The Japanese would have merely accomplished a goal in a strategy that was destined to fail from the beginning. The Japanese naval doctrine prior to the war of the Pacific relied heavily on traditional concepts that greatly differed from western naval doctrine. The greatest difference being that the Japanese did not believe in the necessity of total sea command. Western nations did. The idea of completely controlling the entire Pacific Ocean seemed impossible to the Japanese because they thought that no nation had enough resources to attain such status. Japan developed this idea through traditional military thought. Scarce large main forces were too valuable to risk in any but the most important objectives. Maintaining strong forces was far more important than destroying the enemy’s forces. The Japanese Navy naturally assumed a