06/05/2026
On the morning of June 4, 1942, Japanese aircrafts attacked and damaged the U.S. base on Midway Island and the Battle of Midway begins. Over the course of 4 days, the Japanese would lose four carriers, 248 aircraft and 3,057 personnel of which over 100 were trained pilots. The U.S. would lose the USS Yorktown, 150 aircraft and 307 personnel. It was considered that this battle turned the tide of the war in the Pacific in favor of the Americans. (from the National WW2 Museum)
To learn more about the Battle of Midway, take a moment to view our “Virginians At War: Battle of Midway.” First-hand accounts explore the experience of Virginians that fought in the Battle of Midway, sharing their memories of the battle and the significance of damage inflicted on both U.S. and Japanese fleets. Hear detailed and poignant accounts of the loss of the USS Yorktown and what it meant to those that served upon it. This pivotal clash between the navies of the United States and Japan was a turning point in the war, which saw a decisive American victory that opened up the Pacific Theater for future operations.
