During four days–June 3­6, 1942–the balance of power in the Pacific began to swing inexorably toward the United States. A combination of prudent command decisions, incredible American heroism and just plain luck dealt the Japanese the most devastating defeat in their history. On June 4, American bombers sank four Japanese aircraft carriers–Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu. The invasion of Midway was thwarted, and the experienced Japanese pilots and aircrews who were lost seriously crippled Japanese operations for the rest of the war.

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The gallant Yorktown was hit hard and finally sank on June 7, but in just a few short days the myth of Japanese invincibility was erased. The United States went firmly on the offensive with landings on Guadalcanal in August. The road to Tokyo was long and costly. Years of Japanese triumphs had to be undone, and the journey began with two victories in the spring of 1942.

Michael E. Haskew, Editor, World War II
 

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