Background
Following the strategic draw at the Coral Sea, Admiral Yamamoto sought to draw out and destroy the US Pacific Fleet's aircraft carriers by invading Midway Atoll. US codebreakers intercepted Japanese plans, allowing Admiral Nimitz to set an ambush.
Strategic Importance
Midway permanently crippled the offensive capability of the Kido Butai, sinking four Japanese fleet carriers. It shifted the balance of naval power in the Pacific toward the United States.
Naval Forces
US: 3 carriers, 8 cruisers, 15 destroyers. Japan: 4 carriers, 2 battleships, 2 heavy cruisers, 1 light cruiser, 8 destroyers (strike force only).
Aviation Forces
US: 360 aircraft. Japan: 248 aircraft.
Historical Significance
Widely considered the turning point of the Pacific War.