The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War

The Battle of Midway in Perspective with special guest Jon Parshall

Episode Summary

This week, Seth, Bill and returning special guest Jon Parshall, put a bow on the Battle of Midway and put the important US victory into perspective. In the ensuing discussion, the trio explains why Midway is NOT the turning point of the Pacific War, and what the US victory actually did for the US war effort in the Pacific theater.

Episode Notes

• Briefly describe the actions of June 6

• Discuss the attempted salvage and eventual sinking of Yorktown
•     -How does this sinking lay on the future plans for the war

• -Discuss why the perception exists that Spruance won the battle when Fletcher was the commander.

• Let’s talk about Mitscher and his cover up…

• -Discuss the Army’s claims and propaganda that they won the battle 

• -Discuss King’s reluctance to play the Navy’s story up

• -Let's talk about the overall implications of the battle:
•     -What does Midway actually allow the US to do now?

• -What does the loss of the battle mean to the Japanese in terms of plans and future strategy?

• -What does the defeat do to Yamamoto personally and professionally?

• -Why is Midway NOT the turning point of the war?