Hello again, dear readers! I could not wait until tomorrow to share this review with you. What a read! If you enjoy military history, and want to see a fresh perspective on the Battle of Midway — you are not going to be disappointed!
My rating: 5/5 stars
Book Blurb:
A detailed re-examination of Midway, one of the most significant battles in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
In June 1942, the United States Navy (USN) inflicted a decisive defeat on the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) off Midway Atoll. During the battle, four Japanese fleet carriers were lost, while the Americans suffered the loss of a single carrier. This dramatic result blunted the IJN’s offensive capabilities in the Pacific and passed the initiative to the USN.
The American plan was driven by exquisite intelligence and Admiral Nimitz’s courage to use it to the extent he committed the USN’s remaining strength to the battle. The Japanese plan exhibited total arrogance and set their carrier force up for defeat in detail. Pacific War expert Mark Stille provides a hard-core analysis of this pivotal battle, outlining in full the reasons for the American victory and the Japanese disaster — not least the key part luck played in the outcome of the battle. This new study provides an unparalleled level of insight and thorough analysis into one of the turning points of the Pacific War.
My Review:
The Battle of Midway was a turning point for the United States. They needed a win, and they needed to recoup some confidence after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
With the Japanese moving to gain more ground, and attempting to occupy as much as they could, Midway was a vital point. It would allow for munitions and other needed supplies to be placed, which could then serve the Japanese Imperial Navy as needed. But the United States was not going to back down.
This book gives an in-depth look at the before, during, and after Midway. The amount of planning, diplomacy, and tactical maneuvering that had to be discussed and undertaken.
There is nothing that I love more than battle tactics — and tactics on the ocean are even better. Mark Stille takes this battle apart, piece by piece, and gives a new look at the ups and downs for each navy. The analytical thoughts, critiques on the commanders, pros and cons, and of course, the eventual ending, culminating in defeat for the Japanese.
For history lovers, this is one book that you seriously need to read. We have all heard about the battle or watched the movie Midway. This book takes the cake. I am looking forward to sharing this with fellow historians and my students.
