66th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway

Copyright: US National Archives

The deck of the USS Yorktown after being hit by three Japanese bombs on June 4, 1942
Photo Copyright: US National Archives

Dauntless Divebomber from the USS Hornet approach the urning Japanese cruiser Mikuma for the third set of attacks June 6, 1942

Photo Copyright: US National Archives

The Japanes cruiser Mikuma after being bombed by the guys above

Today marks the 66th anniversary of the commencement of the Battle of Midway. The WWII Pacific battle over the tiny island of Midway was a major turning point in the Pacific Theater of WWII and was likely one of the most important events of the twentieth century. Ensign George Gay (the link is to a long an informative interview done during the war) had a ringside seat after his Douglas Devastater Torpedo Bomber was shot down. The classic Hollywood take on the battle Midway, starring Charlton Heston and Henry Fonda (plus just about every male lead in Hollywood at the time) is fantastic and well worth watching.

Chicago's Midway Airport is named after the Battle of Midway and Chicago's O'Hare Airport is named after Congressional Medal of Honor winner Edward "Butch" O'Hare.

Midway - 65 Years Later

"SBD "Dauntless" dive bombers from USS Hornet (CV-8) approaching the burning Japanese heavy cruiser Mikuma to make the third set of attacks on her, during the Battle of Midway. Mikuma had been hit earlier by strikes from Hornet and USS Enterprise (CV-6), leaving her dead in the water and fatally damaged. Photo was enlarged from a 16mm color motion picture film. Note bombs hung beneath these planes."

Source: Wikipedia and http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/g10000/g17054t.jpg


This evening I decided to throw the Midway DVD in the player. The battle was 65 years ago today and contained what was one of the most important 10 minutes of the twentieth century. Ens. George Gay had a front row on history while bobbing in the water after his plane was shot down. Thank God for those American Vets who helped to ensure our freedoms and lives.

For more on that momentous battle see Scylla & Charybdis. I only grazed the surface due to the fact that I was watching a movie (Midway) while writing most of this post.