A detailed re-examination of Midway, one of the most significant battles in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

A detailed re-examination of Midway, one of the most significant battles in the Pacific Theater of World War II. In April 1942, the Combined Fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy was at the zenith of its power. It had struck a severe blow against the US Navy at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, before spearheading the Japanese advance through Southeast Asia and rampaging across the South Pacific. Only a few months later, in June 1942, the US Navy managed to inflict a decisive defeat on this mighty force off Midway Atoll and the strategic initiative in the Pacific Theater passed to the US Navy. Midway is the most famous naval battle of the Pacific War, and one of the most mythologized. The traditional view of the battle, popularized in its immediate aftermath and surviving through to the present day, is of a heavily outnumbered American force snatching victory in the face of overwhelming odds. This view is simplistic and, in many respects, wrong. Pacific War expert Mark Stille provides a detailed analysis of this pivotal battle, and argues that Midway was neither a miraculous American victory, nor a product of good fortune, but that the plans, personalities, doctrines, ships and weapons of the two sides meant that a Japanese defeat was the more likely outcome. This new study provides an unparalleled level of insight and thorough analysis into one of the decisive moments of the Pacific War.

"[Mark Stille] ably presents the strategic context of the campaign, illuminates the tactical similarities and differences between the two navies, and adroitly compares the opposing commanders… a wonderful introduction to, as the subtitle boldly declares, The Pacific War’s Most Famous Battle." - Jon B. Lundstrom, author of 'Black Shoe Carrier' Admiral and 'The First Team'

"Mark Stille's unique perspective as a former naval intelligence officer, and his adroit utilization of newer Japanese sources, make this a must-have for any serious student of this, the most important naval battle of the Second World War." - Jon Parshall, co-author of 'Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway'

"A major contribution to naval history." - Alan D. Zimm, author of 'Attack on Pearl Harbor'