Being there . . . around 10:15am, June 4 th , 1942, when 33 American Dauntless dive-bombers
from the USS Enterprise swept in to attack the surprised Japanese carrier fleet headed for the
American-held Midway atoll at the western end of the Hawaiian chain. Within minutes, an
additional 19 more. Dauntlessness joined the attack. Fortunately for us, over 100 Japanese First
Air Fleet bombers and Zero fighters were jammed, squeeze, and wedged across the decks of
the Hiryu, Akagi, Kaga, and Soryu, all preparing for their own strike against the three American
carriers, Yorktown, Enterprise, and Hornet. The Japanese four were exceptionally perfect
targets since they were loaded with heavy explosives and high-octane aviation fuel. In short,
said Dwight D. Eisenhower, “American fortunes were at a low ebb throughout the early months
of World War II in the Pacific. It’s difficult to recapture the sober, even fearful, atmosphere of
those first months, defeat after defeat. But the Battle of Midway brightened our spirits. We
didn’t realize it then, three Japanese carriers sunk within minutes, and one later in the
afternoon, but it was a significant moment in world naval history. It marked the end of Tokyo’s
supremacy in the Pacific.” Many military enthusiasts claimed that with that gargantuan victory
America had won the war, although we were still three years away from signing a surrender.
But the Japanese Navy knew the final outcome. It was so embarrassed and humiliated over the
loss it never admitted the loss to the Japanese army.
NEW BOOK OFFERS AN ENTHRALLING STUDY OF VIRTUALLY AN UNKOWN, HITHERTO
UNREPORTED ASPECT OF THE MIRACLE DURING THE BATTLE FOR MIDWAY. NOT NECESSARILY
TOP SECRET, BUT ONLY A HANDFUL OF AMERICAN MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE EXPERTS
KNEW HOW ADMIRAL CHESTER W. NIMITZ USED OUR SUBMARINES DEFENSIVELY, ALBEIT
CONTROVERSIALLY. Read for yourself whether the greatest U.S. NAVAL COMMANDER in
American history was smarter than all others . . . .
“MIDWAY SUBMERGED – – American and Japanese Submarine Operations at the Battle of
Midway, May – June 1942”, by Mark W, Allen. Casemate Publishers, Havertown, Pa 19083:
2023, 240 pages, hardback, 6” x 9”, $34.95. Visit, www.casematepublishers.com.
“It was to the Submarine Force that I looked to carry the load until our great industrial
activity could produce the weapons we so sorely needed to carry the war to the enemy. It is to
the everlasting honor and glory of our submarine personnel that they never failed us in our
days of great peril. . .”, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, U.S. Navy
This book is such a joy and pleasure to read. FOUR JAPANESE CARRIERS REDUCED TO
FLAMING WRECKS!! Was any deadly encounter in all World War II, European or the Pacific,
more relishing than that? Sure, Stalingrad. But three in less than 20 to 25 minutes? That is, until
later in the afternoon, when only a few minutes were required to send the fourth to the
bottom? This is the kind of entire book you’ll insist upon reading repeatedly, after supper till
dawn, seven days a week, for a month.
Based on in-depth archival research not only into the sea battle itself, but author Allen also
explains in comfortable narrative prose submarine design and construction, tactical and
operational doctrine for both our country and Japan. This unique, nay, brilliant approach allows
Mark to bring a whole new dimension to the minor controversies of the battle. He examines the
intended role of the submarine in the plans and doctrine of both navies, and what the
submarines were expected to accomplish for both fleets while battling. Of particular
importance, “Midway Submerged“ offers an analysis of how well these vessels fulfilled the
expectations placed on them by their respective naval planners, concluding that submarines
played a more important role in the outcome than has been previously understood. History NET
editorializes, “Naval history enthusiasts and military historians who enjoy taking deeper dives
into the backgrounds of well-known battles, particularly concerning tactics and leadership, will
appreciate this read. The book is enriched with well-captioned photos, diagrams, and very
detailed appendices, which makes it an excellent reference work.”
