June 4, 1942:

 

Morning Attacks on Midway Atoll

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             At approximately 04:30 local time, the Japanese launched their first wave of attacks on Midway Atoll. This initial strike targeted the island's airfields and infrastructure. Despite the ferocity of the assault, American forces had anticipated such an attack and had taken measures to mitigate the damage. The Japanese aircraft inflicted damage on the island's facilities, but the majority of Midway's defensive capabilities remained intact.

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           In response to the Japanese aggression, American forces launched a series of counterattacks. The first wave of American bombers, consisting of B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft, took off from Midway's airfields. These bombers aimed to strike at the Japanese fleet, which was positioned approximately 500 miles to the west. Despite their efforts, the B-17s faced challenges in locating and hitting the elusive Japanese carriers. The bombers encountered intense anti-aircraft fire and were unable to achieve significant results.

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          The Japanese carrier strike force, known as the Kido Butai, was composed of four aircraft carriers: Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, and Hiryu. These carriers formed the core of Japan's naval power and were central to the planned invasion of Midway. The Japanese commanders, led by Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, were aware of the American presence in the area but were uncertain of the exact location and strength of the U.S. forces. This uncertainty led to a cautious approach, with the Japanese carriers maintaining a defensive posture while awaiting further intelligence.

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          Meanwhile, American reconnaissance aircraft were dispatched to locate the Japanese fleet. These aircraft faced numerous challenges, including limited visibility and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Despite these obstacles, American pilots were determined to find the enemy and provide critical intelligence to their commanders. The search efforts were intense and relentless, with aircraft covering vast areas in hopes of spotting the elusive Japanese carriers.

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The First Major Engagement:

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           At approximately 09:00, American dive bombers from the USS Enterprise and USS Yorktown located the Japanese carriers. These bombers initiated a coordinated attack on the Japanese fleet. The American pilots, utilizing their superior dive-bombing techniques, managed to inflict significant damage on the Japanese carriers. The Akagi, Kaga, and Soryu were hit by multiple bombs, leading to devastating fires and explosions. The Japanese carriers, unable to recover from the damage, were forced to abandon their missions and retreat.

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The Aftermath of the First Engagement

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The destruction of the three Japanese carriers marked a significant turning point in the battle. The loss of these carriers severely weakened the Japanese fleet and disrupted their plans for the invasion of Midway. American forces, buoyed by the success of their attacks, prepared for further engagements, knowing that the Japanese still possessed the Hiryu, their remaining operational carrier.

 

June 5, 1942: The Second day of Combat

 

The Japanese Response: The Hiryu's Counterattack

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Despite the losses suffered on June 4, the Japanese were not ready to concede defeat. The Hiryu, under the command of Captain Jisaburo Ozawa, launched a series of retaliatory strikes against the American carriers. These attacks were aimed at neutralizing the remaining U.S. carriers and restoring balance to the naval conflict. The USS Yorktown was hit, but didn't sink. 

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The American Retaliation: Strikes on the Hiryu

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In response to the Japanese counterattacks, American forces launched their own strikes against the Hiryu. Dive bombers from the USS Enterprise and USS Hornet targeted the Japanese carrier, aiming to inflict significant damage. The American pilots, utilizing their superior tactics and training, managed to hit the Hiryu with multiple bombs, causing extensive fires and rendering the carrier inoperable.

The destruction of the Hiryu marked the end of Japan's offensive capabilities in the battle. With all four of their carriers sunk, the Japanese were forced to abandon their plans for the invasion of Midway. The loss of the Hiryu not only crippled Japan's naval strength but also dealt a significant blow to their morale.

​With the Japanese carriers neutralized, American forces turned their attention to the remaining Japanese surface vessels. Carrier-based aircraft launched attacks on Japanese cruisers and destroyers, aiming to further degrade the enemy's combat capabilities. These strikes resulted in the sinking of several Japanese ships and the infliction of heavy damage on others. 

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The Japanese Retreat:​

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Realizing the futility of continued resistance, the Japanese commanders ordered a strategic withdrawal. The remaining Japanese ships, including battleships and cruisers, retreated westward, seeking to escape the reach of American forces. This retreat marked the end of active combat operations for the Japanese in the Battle of Midway. The USS Yorktown was attempting to limp back to Pearl Harbor after being hit by a bomb when she was hit by a torpedo from an enemy submarine ambush, finally sinking the venerable Carrier for Good. All in all, the Battle of Midway was one of the most decisive victories in the history of Naval Warfare, both due to the events of the battle itself, as well as the ramifications the battle had.