By Bill Korach
On Saturday June 13th at the Navy League’s Battle of Midway Commemorative Dinner at the Renaissance World Golf Resort in St. Augustine, three high school students will receive awards for their essays. The Battle of Midway is considered by historians to be the most important Naval Battle of the 20th Century. 73 years ago this month, numerically inferior American forces handed overwhelmingly superior Japanese forces a crushing defeat and turned the tide of battle in the Pacific. The Navy League at their largest event worldwide, will honor the victory and the few remaining veterans of Midway at a Black Tie gala. For the fourth year, The Francesca Stencil Korach Battle of Midway Essay Contest, open to all high school students nation wide, announces the first, second and third prize winners: First prize winner Robert “Bo” Schader, Creekside High School; Second prize winner, Taylor Horton, University of Chicago Laboratory School, and Third prize winner, Cadet Scott Cummings, Nease High School, Navy Junior ROTC. The award is named for the late wife of The Report Card publisher Francesca Stencil Korach whose father, CAPT Walter Stencil, USN saw action in 11 Pacific Battles included Pearl Harbor, and whose brother Craig, was a navy fighter pilot and brother Jay served on aircraft carriers.
The purpose of the Essay Contest is to educate high school students about the sacrifice of American servicemen, and remind them of the price of Liberty. We are grateful to our sponsors, The John and Linda Anderson Foundation, The Fred Richmond Foundation, The Navy League, The American Legion Post #37, Tom Gilbertson and Ron and Nancy Birchall.
We gratefully acknowledge our judges, Mr. Will Fitzhugh, Publisher of the Concord Review, CAPT Jack Capra, USN, Mr. Richard Latture, Editor and Chief, The Naval Insititute.
The essays were judged for originality and video delivery, so both follow.
Robert “Bo” Schrader
Turning The Tides of War and History
The course of every nation- from the dawn of human history- has been defined by a select few iconic moments, an exclusive band of inspiring events, and a decisive series of pivotal outcomes. But in the centuries of our country’s existence, one fateful naval encounter has risen above the rest in influence. Its significance rivals the most famed and beloved scenes known by all Americans, from Washington crossing the Delaware, to the raising of the Stars and Stripes over Mount Suribachi. This influential maritime clash is the Battle of Midway. In order to understand the impact of these early days of June, 1942, one must understand the nation on each side.3
We begin with the dominant naval power in the Pacific prior to the battle, Imperial Japan. Known for it’s brutality and loyalty to its emperor, Japan was a society brimming with nationalistic fervor.2 This Asian state had quickly industrialized in the mid-19th century upon the arrival of American Commodore Matthew Perry. After realizing the detrimental consequences of their traditionally isolationistic policies, the Japanese raced to become a modernized country as to be able to compete with the industrialized West.1 During this time, a deep sense of national identity began to take root. Much of this new identity was centered around military prowess. After instituting mandatory military service among all males in 1876, the Japanese celebrated a series of successful campaigns.2 For example, Japan was able to conquer the Chinese-controlled territory of Taiwan in 1895. In addition, the small Asian country delivered a humiliating defeat to the Russians in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904.2 In the years leading up to the Second World War, the people and leaders of Japan took great pride and pleasure in the might of their military. Despite a defeat at the Battle of Coral Sea, this confidence was certainly supported, and it had little reason to waiver going in to the summer of 1942 as the Japanese planned to clear their communication and supply lines to the West Indies.4 The U.S. controlled the Philippines, disrupting Japanese movements in and around the southwest Pacific. This expansionistic Asian state, however, had a plan to change all of that.4
Opposite Imperial Japan was an enraged United States, seeking to defend its own national security, as well as exact its revenge in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor.3 However, leading up to the Battle of Midway, the U.S. was not the undisputed global superpower that it is today. Following the horrendous cost of human life in The Great War, Americans were not in favor of becoming involved in yet another major conflict.3 In addition, the crash of the stock market in late October, 1929 had plunged America, along with much of the modern world, into the Great Depression. During this time, as many as a third of Americans were unemployed.1 It was due to the devastated condition of the U.S. economy, as well as a perceived American reluctance to go to war, that Japan came to the
conclusion that a decisive strike against U.S. naval power would force America into submission.3 The Japanese were greatly mistaken. After the attack, the United States, in essence, awakened.5 Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto stated, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”6 As the military swelled in size, American industry began its transition into a war economy, producing all necessary tools of combat. Moreover, the United States had won a strategic victory over the Japanese a month prior to the encounter at Midway at the Battle of Coral Sea, giving the nation a morsel of confidence and momentum.4 However, despite growing industrial capacity and prior success, the United States was certainly the underdog of the Pacific as the Battle of Midway approached.
This fateful battle, waged over a small island directly in the center of the world’s largest ocean was fought from June 4th to June 7th, 1942.4 After the Japanese radio code was broken by Lieutenant Commander Joseph J. Rochefort and his “Hypo” team of cryptanalysts, the United States was made aware of Japan’s intentions to target the island of Midway.4 To combat the incoming Japanese naval force, U.S. Admiral Chester Nimitz sent Task Force 16 including carriers Hornet and Enterprise under Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance, as well as Task Force 17 including the Yorktown under Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher. The out-numbered American naval force, along with sailors and Army and Marine pilots stationed at Midway, went toe-to-toe with Japanese Vice Admiral Nagumo and his strike force designated “Kido Butai.”3,4 Utilizing intelligence gathered from intercepted Japanese radio transmissions, the Americans were able to take their foe by surprise. Although initial aerial attacks proved fruitless against the Japanese, later attempts led by pilots including Lieutenant Commander Wade McClusky and Lieutenant Commander Maxwell Leslie were successful in essentially devastating the opposing naval force.4 Task Forces 16 and 17 also had to endure Japanese counterattacks as the battle raged on. When the proverbial dust had settled over the Pacific, the United States emerged victorious.4 In total, Imperial Japan lost: 292 aircraft, 4 carriers, and 1 cruiser, as well as suffering 2,500 casualties. On the other side, the United States lost: 145 aircraft, 1 carrier, and 1 cruiser, all in addition to 307 casualties.4 In these few days of intense fighting, the tides of history changed course.
The Battle of Midway was the turning point of the war in the Pacific for the Japanese.5 Prior to the battle, Imperial Japan had enjoyed significant territorial expansion with hardly any formidable resistance. However, the defeat of Vice Admiral Nagumo’s strike force marked the end of Japan’s brief age of imperialism. Never again would Japan exercise naval dominance over the Pacific Ocean, nor would it freely occupy any additional foreign territory.3 The great strides of military success and colonization, which had filled the previous three decades, quickly turned into a grand backwards stumble as the Japanese Empire was dismantled.3 The most central shortcoming of the Japanese following the Battle of
Midway was their inability to recuperate and rebuild. Heavily reliant upon resources from colonies, as well as military might to protect these resources, Japan was never able to fully reorganize as substantial a force once the balance of power shifted towards the United States.1,3,4
After successfully thwarting Japanese intentions to advance on Midway, the United States Navy was set on an irreversible path to prominence and responsibility. Following World War I, the U.S. was for the first time established as a true global power.1 However, the Seven Seas were not undoubtedly under its control and protection. This was certainly the case off the east coast of Asia.3,4 The United States and its navy were in no position to exercise any type authority over the western Pacific. Imperial Japan’s naval forces reigned supreme over the region.3 However, the naval standing of the United States was forever changed by the Battle of Midway. After defeating the commanding maritime force in the area, the U.S. Navy rose to a position of significant distinction and prestige as it went on the offensive.4 By the time the Japanese surrendered in September, 1945, American Industry was at maximum capacity and capability.4 Not only that, but the United States had played a key part in both the European and Pacific Campaigns. This resulted in a distinguished role as a global superpower and leader.1 As the nation as a whole assumed this new responsibility, the Unites States Navy was not exempt. The nautical might of America’s Navy stretched to encompass the four corners of the globe and all waters in between.
In the decades following the Battle of Midway and the Second World War, America has become the most dominant naval force ever before seen by man.1 However, every time the power and presence of American naval forces abroad are witnessed today, understand that this is not our right. It has not simply been granted to us in return for our existence as a nation. The supremacy of the United States Navy has been earned. It has been defended. It has been protected. And it has been ensured by the sacrifices made by humble patriots. In the fast-paced world of the present time, the root of this influence must not be forgotten. The Battle of Midway, and the men who made claim to victory, forever turned the tides of history. The course of a nation, the path of a people, was eternally altered. The weight and value of this event must never be underestimated. And the men who made it possible must never be forgotten.
Taylor Horton
Battle of Midway
As the evening sun set on June 7th 1942 the stretch of the pacific ocean roughly 150 miles off of Midway Atoll could be described as tranquil with the blood red son closing over the horizon preparing to cover the ocean in a blanket of night. But the sea itself was covered with debris and oil slicks. But the wreckage of 8 Japanese and American Warships and the remains of 4,000 Japanese and American sailors had sunken to the dark depths. The battle of midway was concluded after three days in a decisive American victory, the first major American victory of the pacific war. The American fleet had defeated an imperial Japanese Navy task force of almost twice its size. The Japanese aircraft carriers Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, and Soryu, the same vessels from which the deadly Pearl Harbor raid had originated from six months prior. Although the Japanese military was far from routed the Japanese would never launch a major offensive operation in the central pacific again, and would never threaten Hawaii or the west coast. Yet although the battle would prove to be the decisive turing point in the pacific war especially in terms of carriers and experienced aircrews, midway did not hinder the overall fighting ability of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The naval actions in the fall of 1942 during the Guadalcanal campaign show this. The United States did not in fact fully exploit the opportunity it had to completely destroy the Japanese force sent to Midway. Although the carrier task force under Admiral Nagumo was decimated, the Japanese invasion force, as well as the cruisers and battleships were largely left to fight another day. This could have been prevented if more attention was given to the land based air force on Midway Atoll itself, which included a squadron of USAAF bombers that largely missed their targets, and a marine corps wing that included out
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of date and obsolete aircraft. The midway air wing was the first American force to make contact with the Japanese, and made multiple bomber attacks on Admiral Kondo’s invasion force, certainly a very appealing target in itself. Had the garrison at Midway been better equipped, and able to coordinate with the Navy carrier task forces TF 16 and 17 under Admiral Spruance, the victory at Midway could have caused more long term damage to the strength of the main Japanese surface fleet, and could potentially have shortened the war.
The land based air force at Midway consisted of a mix of new and old aircraft. Along with the squadron of navy PBY’s that detected the Japanese force, the marine air group consisted of VMF-221. The fighter squadron consisted of 21 F2A Buffalo’s, nicknamed “flying coffins,” and six of the newer Grumman F4F Wildcats. Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 241 consisted of 11 SB2U Vindicators, nicknamed vibrators, and 16 of the newer SBD Douglas Dive Bombers. Also a flight of TBM Avengers off the Hornet was posted to the Atoll. The USAAF provided four B-26 Marauders equipped with torpedoes and 15 B-17 fighting Fortresses. The majority of the pilots had not been in combat or were just out of flight school. One naval ensign flying a TBM avenger had only made a single torpedo run in training prior to arriving on midway.1
At several times during the battle of Midway both prior to the air attack on Midway and later on June 6th this mixed force of aircraft would launch attacks on the Japanese fleet. The commander on Midway, Colonel Simard, ordered the bombers to go forward without any fighter cover, as the fighters would be used for the defense of midway.2 Navy PBY’s launched a successful night attack on the Japanese invasion fleet, torpedoing an oiler. However, the heavy bombers and dive bombers had little success. The Americans had actually made the first move of the battle by
1Gordon W. Prange, Miracle At Midway. ( New York; Penguin Books, 1982), 188 2 Prange, Miracle At Midway, 187
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attacking Admiral Kondo’s invasion force yet inflicted little damage. The bomber force was scrambled after the air attack on Midway began, and actually attacked the Japanese force before the squadrons from the U.S. carriers. The mixed matched force of aircraft attacked independently, and with no co-ordination. The B-26’s and Avenger’s made their attack runs with their bomb bay doors open, cutting their air speed, and making them sitting ducks for the feared Japanese A6M Zero fighters.3 The bombers were badly mauled and their torpedoes failed to hit the Japanese carriers. The Army B-17’s came next, and did not attempt to carpet bomb the Japanese ships, but carried a much smaller bomb load and attempted to make precision point hits on Japanese ships. Their efforts too were in vain. Despite the reports of the American pilots they had actually scored no hits. The only bright spot was was that the Japanese Zeroes were afraid of the Flying Fortresses defenses, and did not make attack the B-17’s, a unique incident for American aviators during the battle. The B-17 bombsights were designed to be used against targets such as factories and rail yards. These are stationary targets in industrial centers, not fast moving warships conducting evasive maneuvers in the open ocean. The heavy firepower of the B-17 was certainly an American asset, but its tactical mismatch with naval warfare hindered its effectiveness. Even making accurate assessments of damage was difficult enough, especially for the army pilots who were unaccustomed to attacking ships at sea.4 Later the marine vindicators made their attack. The vindicator was a model of aircraft so obsolete that even its own pilots thought that the Japanese would shoot them to pieces. The vindicators focused their attack on the cruiser Haruna. Again despite the crews reporting multiple hits, the cruiser was left unscathed.5
3 Prange, Miracle At Midway, 207
4 Craig L. Symonds. Decision At Sea; Five Naval Battles that shaped American History. (New York; Oxford University Press,
2005), 226
5 Prange, Miracle At Midway, 211
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The vindicators were lucky though, and only lost two aircraft to the Japanese with two others ditching off Midway Atoll. One of the pilots to ditch was second lieutenant Daniel Cummings whose plane was heavily damaged, and was only able to avoid a flight of zeroes by flying into thick cloud cover. He says, “ In the hit and run dogfighting, which was my initiation into real war, my old, obsolete SB2U3 was almost shot out from under me.”6 Later on June 6th, marine dive bombers and Army B-17’s made a bombing run on the cruisers Mogami and Mikuma that were both already damaged from a collison. The Mogami was not put out of action by bombs, but by a crashing American dive bomber. In both cases the credit for their sinking goes to their own crews and not to the American air attack. The Midway forces had struck with full strength, but only 10 ships out of 80 were damaged. Yet most of Midway’s fighters, torpedo bombers, and dive bombers; the only types of aircraft that were capable of making a high percentage of hits on ships were gone.7
The defense of Midway Atoll by the fighters of MAG-22 during the Japanese air raid was actually more effective than the bombers in inflicting Japanese causalities. However, their losses were devastating. Their commander Major Floyd “Red” Parks was killed in the battle. The marines were certainly able to make a respectable appearance, attacking from above, they surprised the Japanese force who thought that they had met 30 to 40 F4F’s. The Japanese were expecting to catch the fighters on the ground like pearl harbor. Each division of fighters were able to initially do well, and were able to score kills. However, once the fight was joined the more maneuverable Zeroes easily outmatched the marine fighters. Of the pilots of VMF-221 only a few survived, many of them had to coaxed their badly damaged aircraft back to midway, many
6 Prange, Miracle At Midway, 236 7 Symoonds, Decision At Sea, 227
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of them were severely wounded and had to fight to maintain conciseness. One pilot Captain Philip R. White was so overcome by the loss of so many of his friends he said, “ It is my belief that any commander that orders pilots out for combat in a F2A-3 Buffalo should consider the pilot as lost before leaving the ground.” 8
In conclusion, the repeated air attacks on the Japanese fleet both from the Midway defenders, and from the American carriers suffered heavy casualties most notably Hornet’s TB-8. It has been said that these repeated air attacks although bloody were successful in the sense that they tired out, and wore down Admiral Nagumo’s fighter screen prior to the arrival of McClusky’s dive bombers who were then able to score so decisively. Although, since Midway was an American victory it would seem that the heavy American casualties were worth it given the sinking of the main Japanese carrier fleet. Yet the lack of co-ordination between Midway’s attackers, the mismatching of many different types of aircraft from both navy and Air Force backgrounds, shows that simply throwing aircraft at an enemy does not produce the best tactical results. The air attacks against the Japanese show a sense of desperation on the American side. That they considered using so many young inexperienced pilots flying untested, and in some cases obsolete air craft against a proven enemy proves not only disastrous, but also tactically inefficient. Had Midway’s Army pilots been properly trained in naval attacks, the destructive capabilities of the B-17 as shown in Germany later in the war certainly could have inflicted heavier damage. Also, had the marine corps been entirely equipped entirely with Wildcat fighters the marines could have badly damaged the Japanese air strike en route to Midway. The marines ability with the F4F is certainly proven later during the battle of Guadalcanal. If the air force on Midway had been better equipped and had co-ordinated their strikes with the U.S. carriers the
8 Prange, Miracle At Midway, 235
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potential for and even more decisive victory with fewer American loss of aircraft and their crews could have been possibl
