The Sinking of US Carriers at Midway: A Turning Point in the Pacific Theater

In early 1942, the USS Yorktown and other naval carriers played a pivotal role in the Battle of Midway, a critical naval battle during World War II. On June 4-7, 1942, this engagement became a turning point in the Pacific Theater, showcasing the devastating impact of carrier losses on both sides.

The Sinking of USS Yorktown (CV-5)

The USS Yorktown, damaged in the Battle of Coral Sea a few months earlier, had been repaired with the intention of making her operational. The Japanese, believing her to be disabled or sunk, was taken by surprise when she appeared on the radar screen. This carrier was repeatedly attacked by Japanese dive bombers and torpedo planes.

Despite her listing due to the sustained attacks, the USS Yorktown managed to stay afloat with the aid of her escort. Unfortunately, she was eventually torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, which evaded the destroyer screen, leading to her demise.

The Japanese Carrier Losses

The Japanese suffered a far more egregious fate. Four of their fleet carriers—Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū, and Hiryū—were sunk. These four carriers were part of the six-carrier force that had borne the brunt of the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor the previous December. Additionally, they lost a heavy cruiser named Mikuma, which had collided with another heavy cruiser, Mogami. Despite being hit by nine bombs, the Mogami managed to return to Japan under her own power.

The Depth of Loss

The Japanese loss was not merely a matter of ships; it was a catastrophic loss of experienced pilots. The Japanese Navy suffered the loss of 2500 personnel, including their best naval air crews. These included the carrier-based air groups of Soryu, Akagi, Kaga, and even the venerable Hiryu. These ships were among the best in the Japanese fleet, and their loss marked a significant blow to Japan's naval capabilities.

The United States' Losses and Gains

Although the USS Yorktown and the USS Hammann (a destroyer) were lost, the battle saw a strategic victory for the United States. The United States had lost only one carrier while dealing a severe blow to Japan's carrier fleet. This outcome marked the beginning of the decline in Japan's naval strength and led to a series of defeats and setbacks.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The sinking of the US carriers at Midway was a pivotal moment. It demonstrated the critical importance of carrier capabilities in naval warfare and the significant impact of aircraft carrier losses on overall strategic outcomes. The Battle of Midway remains a landmark event in naval history, symbolizing a dramatic shift in the balance of power in the Pacific Theater.

RIP brave men. This battle marked the end of a glorious era for Japan's carrier forces and the beginning of a new chapter in the war, where the United States would dominate the naval battlefield.