Key People in the Battle of Midway
The American Commander during Midway for the Americans was Chester W. Nimitz. Chester William Nimitz was born on 24 February 1885, near Fredericksburg, Texas. Chester wanted an Army career and while a student at Tivy High School, Kerrville, Texas, he tried for an appointment to West Point. Nimitz fought in World War I and World War II. About a month before The Battle of Midway Nimitz also had had a victory over the Japanese at The Battle of Coral Sea which halted Japanese efforts to capture Port Moresby, New Guinea.
The Admiral in charge of the Japanese fleet was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Knowing that Midway was key to the defense of Hawaii, Yamamoto hoped to draw the American fleet out so that it could be destroyed. Moving east with a large force, including four carriers, Yamamoto was unaware that the Americans had broken his codes and were informed about the attack. After bombing the island, his carriers were attacked by US Navy aircraft flying from three carriers. The Americans managed to sink all four Japanese carriers in exchange for one of their own. The defeat at Midway blunted Japanese offensive operations and
shifted the initiative to the Americans.
The Admiral in charge of the Japanese fleet was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Knowing that Midway was key to the defense of Hawaii, Yamamoto hoped to draw the American fleet out so that it could be destroyed. Moving east with a large force, including four carriers, Yamamoto was unaware that the Americans had broken his codes and were informed about the attack. After bombing the island, his carriers were attacked by US Navy aircraft flying from three carriers. The Americans managed to sink all four Japanese carriers in exchange for one of their own. The defeat at Midway blunted Japanese offensive operations and
shifted the initiative to the Americans.