Battle of Midway
1942 · Midway, Pacific Ocean · World · Modern
Having broken Japanese codes, the Americans laid an ambush and crippled the Japanese carriers within five minutes.
Belligerents
United States
- Commanders
- Nimitz, Spruance
- Strength
- 3 carriers, island-based aircraft
Japan
- Commanders
- Yamamoto Isoroku, Nagumo Chuichi
- Strength
- 4 carriers, huge combined fleet
Background
Japan aimed to seize Midway and lure the American carriers to their destruction, but the US had broken its codes and set an ambush in advance.
Course of the battle
- Air strikesJapanese carrier aircraft bombed the facilities on Midway.
- AmbushAmerican dive bombers struck the carrier group while the Japanese planes were rearming.
- Decisive blowThree Japanese carriers burst into flames and sank within moments.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1942 |
|---|---|
| Place | Midway, Pacific Ocean |
| Result | Having broken Japanese codes, the Americans laid an ambush and crippled the Japanese carriers within five minutes. |
| Winner | United States |
| Casualties | Japan lost 4 carriers, over 250 aircraft and its elite airmen; the Americans lost 1 carrier. |
| Territorial change | The balance in the Pacific War shifted, and Japan went over to the strategic defensive. |
Impact
The decisive turning point of the Pacific War.
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