Public Access America

The Battle Of Midway To learn more and watch this video visit Public Access America https://youtu.be/FM6CTalWAWA Location: Midway Atoll 1,300 miles northwest of Oahu Date: June 4-7, 1942 Background: One of Japan’s main goals during WWII was to remove the United States as a Pacific power in order to gain territory in East Asia. Japan hoped to defeat the US Pacific Fleet and use Midway as a base to attack Pearl Harbor, securing dominance in the region. The Battle Early morning on June 4th, aircraft from four Japanese aircraft carriers attacked and severely damaged the US base on Midway. Unbeknownst to the Japanese, the US carrier forces were just to the east of the island and ready for battle. After their initial attacks, the Japanese aircraft headed back to their carriers to rearm and refuel. While the aircraft were returning, the Japanese navy became aware of the presence of US naval forces in the area. TBD Devastator torpedo bombers and SBD Dauntless dive bombers from USS Enterprise, USS Hornet and USS Yo