Price: $35.00
(as of Dec 19, 2024 22:23:26 UTC – Details)
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.
From the Publisher
Hiryu was also targeted by B-17s between 0800 and 0830. Note that the string of bombs off her starboard quarter are fairly close. A shotai of three Zero fighters is visible near the bridge; records indicate that these took off at 0825 hours, so the picture was taken before that time. (NHHC)
One of the most iconic photographs of the battle shows the devastation caused by four bombs which struck Hiryu. The forward part of the flight deck has been wrecked, and the forward elevator has been blown out of its well and lies against the island. Uncontrolled fires continue to burn aft, as indicated by the presence of smoke. (NHHC)
Soryu also came under attack from B-17s during the 0800 hour. The nimble ship is making a full circle, which was a preferred Japanese evasive tactic. No aircraft are visible in her flight deck, but a large Rising Sun is evident on the forward part of the flight deck. (NHHC)
Publisher : Osprey Publishing (October 1, 2024)
Language : English
Hardcover : 400 pages
ISBN-10 : 1472862066
ISBN-13 : 978-1472862068
Item Weight : 1.74 pounds
Dimensions : 6.6 x 1.4 x 9.65 inches
