Midway: The Pacific War’s Most Famous Battle

by Mark E. Stille

A detailed re-examination of Midway, one of the most significant battles in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

In June 1942, the United States Navy (USN) inflicted a decisive defeat on the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) off Midway Atoll. During the battle, four Japanese fleet carriers were lost, while the Americans suffered the loss of a single carrier. This dramatic result blunted the IJN's offensive capabilities in the Pacific and passed the initiative to the USN.

The American plan was driven by exquisite intelligence and Admiral Nimitz's courage to use it to the extent he committed the USN's remaining strength to the battle. The Japanese plan exhibited total arrogance and set their carrier force up for defeat in detail. Pacific War expert Mark Stille provides a hard-core analysis of this pivotal battle, outlining in full the reasons for the American victory and the Japanese disaster – not least the key part luck played in the outcome of the battle. This new study provides an unparalleled level of insight and thorough analysis into one of the turning points of the Pacific War.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[Urey Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is such a vast trove of books about Midway, culminating in the 2005 definitive work Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway by Parshall & Tully that one might think there was little more to be said – one would be wrong. Mark Stille, a professional historian and career Navy intelligence officer has written a masterpiece of analytical history. He examines all aspects of the battle, from both sides – strategies, planning, command personalities, ships, aircraft, strategic and operational doctrines, and step-by-step guided discourse through the progress of the battle itself that is gripping.

Having sat through my share of intelligence briefings, there are some familiar characteristics exhibited, especially in Stille’s discussion of technical aspects of ships, planes, and guns... the full model designation of which is painstakingly provided for each and every one (Japanese D1A1 Type 94 Carrier Bomber; the Type 99 No. 25 551-pound common bomb; etc. etc.) I say that in partial jest – intel officers never pass up the opportunity to verify their exhaustive expertise and knowledge by padding the briefing with extraneous details to nth degree. It is a minor nit picked – in subsequent text Stille does revert to simple names and designations once having insured the reader got the full formal designation.

That said, the book is a meticulous, ruthlessly objective and professional account of the battle, the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing sides (equipment, command personnel, tactical decisions). Stille puts it all into perspective, both the immediate consequences in the moment and the inexorable, if often unforeseen, consequences later in time that subsequently arose from the actions, decisions and events of the moment. Stille is a superb writer who guides the reader through a scrupulous, well-reasoned and professional analysis of the battle, the people involved and their successes and failures, the intrusion of fortune and circumstance and the realities as perceived from a vantage point 80+ years after the fact. It is masterful – history at its very best, and an invaluable addition to the literature of Midway.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this complex and descriptive history book about the Battle of Midway, Mark Stille brings this pivotal battle from the Pacific theater of World War II to life in incredible detail. Focusing on the maneuvers and the strategies of the American and Japanese navies during the battle, Stille explores the complex background of the battle and the intricacies of the strategies and planning behind it, arguing that these strategies, rather than luck, were the cause of the American victory. An expert on the war in the Pacific, Stille brings his experience and knowledge to full bear in this incredibly detailed and complex book. The maps are sure to provide a lot of insight and break up the text in this book, which can be dense at times with its use of military terminology and acronyms. Real history fans will love the incredible detail and minute progression of naval movements and tactics throughout the book, but more casual readers might find this a bit overwhelming in its intensity of detail. That being said, Stille is a strong writer and a compelling narrator, and readers will definitely value his professional expertise and insight into the Pacific theater and the importance of the Battle of Midway.

Thanks to NetGalley and Osprey Publishing for the advance copy.

[Jeff Dow · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kirk Tapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not simply a retelling of the battle, but an independent look at the tactics and strategies that defined the battle. Very technical in analysis (helpful to have a working knowledge of the events). Found the most insightful aspect was the explanation of the role and impact of the culturally ingrained way of thinking, flexible and inflexible, that lead to extreme blindspots when clouded btly the fog of war. small decisions, based on doctrine, had huge impacts. Overall, a great read that adds a new dimension to the battle.

[Philip Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book overall. I enjoyed the author's conclusions and judgements through out the book, and how he didn't attempt to re-tell the familiar narrative of the Midway Battle, which most of us are quite familiar with. Stille discusses each commander's decision making, as well as that of the subordinates and pilots, but with a grain of salt as they were all under stress. I enjoyed Pearshall's SHATTERED SWORD a little more, but that was a different kind of book--he takes you into the weeds of how things worked on carrier of that age, and why the battle turned out like it did. Stille is pretty scathing in his criticism of the USS Hornet's crew, who failed to hit anything at Midway. He also theorizes that the USS Yorktown probably wouldn't have been damaged and sunk if the Hornet's crew could have hit the other Japanese carrier like they were supposed to do. Good book, lots more insights like the one I just described.

Phil KUhn

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and refreshing look at the naval battle of Midway during WW2. The author presents a case that the battle was not as pivotal as it has been portrayed in history. The facts and story are well-laid out and the presented in a manner to allow the reader not only to understand the battle, but also the events leading to the battle. The mistakes on both sides are well-documented and researched. I found the addition of how the battle could have gone (including the attempted invasion of the island) to be an interesting "what-if" to the facts presented. Overall, an enjoyable read for the history enthusiast.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was happy to see that Mr Stille pointed out that the loss of Japanese air crews during this battle was not as large as one might think. More importantly was the loss of over 700 experienced air maintenance crew members who went down in the sinking of their four carriers. I am at a loss to his arguments that this was not the decisive battle during the war in the Pacific. This is my 100th read on the Battle of Midway and most likely my last. I would recommend The Battle of Midway by Craig Symonds and Miracle at Midway by Gordon Prange as the definitive accounts of this historic, and yes, decisive battle.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Longtime Navy intelligence officer Mark Stille has written an amazingly thorough account of the Battle of Midway. He argues that although historians have already written extensively about this battle, many of these historians are mistaken in thinking that the American victory was miraculous. Instead, he believes that a thorough examination of the forces and personalities on both the American and Japanese sides indicate that the eventual outcome (four Japanese aircraft carriers lost to only one American carrier in June 1942) was actually the most likely. He supports this by examining all the mistakes the Japanese made. Just half a year after their attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Navy was a potent weapon but its leaders had fallen into a mindset called "victory disease" that resulted in them overlooking the strength of their enemies. Their ability to send aircraft to search for enemy forces was lacking. Their ships lacked radar for detection of enemy aircraft. On the other side, Americans had intelligence on their side thanks to the efforts of American codebreakers to decipher Japanese communications about a location they correctly judged to be the Midway atoll. This meant that American forces could position themselves well for an attack. Aircraft from the atoll itself made an attack on Japanese carriers first, then aircraft from the USS Hornet, USS Enterprise, and USS Yorktown succeeded in dealing crippling blows to the carriers. Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo was aware of the presence of American forces, but his delay in launching his own strike proved costly for his side.

Not only does Stille advance a well-supported argument, he also makes a contribution to his field by drawing upon newer Japanese sources. These sources lead him to the conclusion that if the Japanese had sent troops onto the beaches of the Midway atoll itself, the American Marines there would have trounced them. This part of the book appears to break some significant ground in the understanding of what might have been in the Pacific war. Stille's book as a whole is quite dry and is filled with an intimidating level of detail, but I do think that readers would be hard pressed to find a more thorough account of the battle and why it took the course that it did.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Mark Sille, Osprey Publishing and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an early review.

For those of us who have read World War II history and books about Midway, the story of the battle is familiar. However, this book brings impressive new facts and insights to provide a deeper understanding of not only what happened but why. I learned quite a few things about a battle I thought I understood.

Deeply researched, the book begins with early battles of the war and demonstrates how early Japanese victories influenced naval doctrine, how internal politics impacted planning, and how the consequences of mistakes on both sides impacted the outcome.

Recommended for those of us interested in World War II, Midway, or history in general. This would also be a great book to examine leadership styles as evidenced by leaders up and down the leadership chain on both sides.

[Emmanuel Gustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, but I didn’t encounter much in it that was knew to me. It is a well structured, legible account of a confusing battle. Highly readable, although I am not enthused by Stille’s writing style.

It’s more than okay, but it isn’t in the same league as “Shattered Sword”. The biggest merit of Stille’s work is his analysis of Japanese combat experience and practice before Midway, which highlights their successes in carrier operations, but also the early signs of vulnerability. The author’s career background as a naval officer also provides him with a useful framework to explain the doctrinal weaknesses of the IJN.

[Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

a Very Good History of Midway.

A good modern interpretation of the battle of midway. Although certainly a big victory for the USN, it is not the “Turning point of the Pacific War.” The takeaway I received is It’s is better to call it the end of the first phase of the war. Good appendix section and analysis provided regarding the aborted amphibious landings on Midway atoll. An interesting history and recommended.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Battle of Midway was a turning point for the United States. They needed a win, and they needed to recoup some confidence after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
With the Japanese moving to gain more ground, and attempting to occupy as much as they could, Midway was a vital point. It would allow for munitions and other needed supplies to be placed, which could then serve the Japanese Imperial Navy as needed. But the United States was not going to back down.

This book gives an in-depth look at the before, during, and after Midway. The amount of planning, diplomacy, and tactical maneuvering that had to be discussed and undertaken.

There is nothing that I love more than battle tactics - and tactics on the ocean is even better. Mark Stille takes this battle apart, piece by piece, and gives a new look at the ups and downs for each navy. The analytical thought, critiques on the commanders, pros and cons, and of course, the eventual ending, culminating in defeat for the Japanese.

For history lovers, this is one book that you seriously need to read. We have all heard about the battle, or watched the movie, Midway. This book takes the cake. I am looking forward to sharing this with fellow historians, and my students.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first thinking, "Yet another Battle of Midway history?" I decided to order this anyway and am most glad that I did. Stille's account cuts through the mythology to give a sober, definitive account of this key World War II naval battle. It's most readable and is highly recommended for all Battle of Midway, World War II history, and naval warbare buffs.

[Reading Still Matters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stille gives a pretty honest account of the battle, both in terms of the strategic and combat capabilities of both sides. If you are interested in the strategy that goes into fleet operations, battle planning, as well as chance and individual initiative within the larger context, then you might like this one. Excellent on the strategy side of things.

[Randy Reigstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. I’ve done a lot of reading on the Battle of Midway, watched movies, and many Documentaries, but this book tied it all together. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this battle.

[Edgar R Zuniga-Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed account of the Battle

Excellent description of the whole battle. Good biographical description of all major players with great chronological followings of the events that led to the complete destruction of the Japanese task force.

[Mom & Dad]

Outstanding account of this battle

The author is very knowledgeable and provides detailed descriptions and insightful analysis of the various commanders decisions. One of the best accounts of the battle of Midway that I have read.

[Richard Marney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched and written history, with some quite insightful commentary.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good points

I found this book one of the best i have ever read on Midway. Good arguments mad with facts to support reevaluating the battle. Will read again

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed analysis of this battle, and its aftermath

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history and analysis of this major WW 2 naval battle.

[John Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books on the subject and this is by far the best with a cogent analysis of all the major chapters in this Pacific battle.

[David W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed. The book was not a good read.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author follows the actions prior to midway by both the Japanese and American fleets, which sowed the seeds of the overwhelming American victory. That and the supreme arrogance of a Japanese fleet and commander at the height of their power.

Almost minute by minute analysis of the battle itself is often dizzying, but puts into context the actions taken - good and bad - by both sides.