The Battle for Midway

The Battle of the Midway was fought off the mid-Pacific base at Midway Island on June 4-7, 1942. Up to this point in the war Japan maintained ocean superiority over the United States. This battle was a major turning point in the Pacific front. After this battle Japan was essentially our equal, but with air superiority, we soon took the upper hand and began our offensive campaign. The Japanese decided to attack the U.S. fleet …

…Without air cover the Japanese fleet of battleships were forced to retreat, playing no role in this battle. The American victory at the Battle of Midway Island was so decisive, and American air power was so dominant that this battle caused a shift in the initiative in the Pacific War to the Americans. After this battle American pilots would continue to inflict heavy casualties upon the Japanese fleet, and what remained of its air power.