midway events

japanese planning and intelligence gathering

Apr 17, 1942

japanese commanders plan a suprise attack on midway island and gather intelligence on american naval movements

american codebreakers intercept japanese communications

May 2, 1942

american codebreakers intercept japanese communications, allowing them to anticipate the attack on midway

american preperation and deployment

May 14, 1942

american forces prepare for the defense of midway island and deploy their aircraft carriers to strategic positions

japanese carrier strike force sails

Jun 4, 1942

japanese carrier strike force, including carriers Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, and Hiryu, sails towards midway

torpedo squadon 8's sacrifice

Jun 4, 1942

torpedo squadron 8, led by lieutenant commander john C. waldron, makes a heroic but unsuccessful attack on the japanese carriers, suffering heavy losses

american counterattack

Jun 4, 1942

american aircraft carriers launch a counterattack on the japanese fleet, targeting their carriers

japanese aircraft attack midway island

Jun 4, 1942

japanese aircraft launch a coordinated attack on midway island, aiming to neutralize its defenses

japanese retreat

Jun 5, 1942

with their carrier strike force devastated, japanese forces retreat, marking a turning point in the facific war

destruction of japanese carriers

Jun 5, 1942

american aircraft sink four japanese carriers, Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu, crippling the japanese fleet