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Great battles can achieve world fame, usually for one of two reasons. One is
that they changed the course of history in a decisive way. Salamis, Trafalgar and Jutland
are 
notable examples. The other is by representing a monumental triumph of the human spirit
over grave adversity. One thinks of the handful of Greeks under Leonidas, who achieved
lasting fame even in defeat by dying at Thermopylae. The Battle of Midway is almost unique
in meeting both criteria. It changed the entire course of World War II in the Pacific
toward victory, and it was won by a smaller force of U.S. ships and airplanes against the
combined might of the Japanese Navy.
- Forces and Losses Charts: The following three charts,
"Naval Forces at the Aleutian Islands on June
3, 1942," "Naval Forces at the Battle of Midway on
June 4, 1942," and "Losses in the Battle of Midway (June
3-7, 1942)," offer a statistical glimpse into the precise number of forces and losses
at each of these locations.
- In His Own Words-A Narrative from the IMMF Midway Veteran of
the Month: Experience the Battle vicariously through the narrative of the men
who were there. The story takes you right into the heart of the Battle of Midway. November Veteran
of the Month: November 2001, Veteran of the Month: LCDR Richard Halsey
Best, USN (Ret.). December 2001, Veteran of the Month:
BM2c Rollin Schwirtz, USN (Ret.). Tribute to an
American Hero: LCDR John d'Arc Lorenz, USN.
- "The Significance of the Battle of Midway" - the winning entry in the 2002 "Battle for
Midway Essay Contest" written by Ms. Natalie L. Cosans.
- Recommended Reading: To learn more about the Battle of
Midway on your own, we recommend this list of references.
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