In April, 1942, four months after Pearl Harbor, U.S. Cryptologists broke the Japanese Naval Code. From that time on, our Navy was aware of where Japanese ships were and what missions they were planning. A series of messages revealed that the Japanese were planning a major attack on the U.S. island of Midway. Midway was a vital strong point for U.S. Forces in the Pacific.
The U.S. Navy set up an ambush for the Japanese fleet. The battle raged from 4-7 June, 1942. It was a major loss for the Japanese as they lost four of their largest aircraft carriers, 248 aircraft, and 3000 personnel. From the Battle of Midway forward, the Japanese navy would be fighting on the defensive. Although our navy was clearly the victor, there were losses, including the aircraft carrier Yorktown.
Torpedo Squadron Eight flew the Grumman TBD, Devastator torpedo bomber. They were assigned to the aircraft carrier, Hornet. The Devastator was originally designed in 1934. By the time of the attack at Midway, they were considered obsolete. They were heavy, lacked maneuverability, and were very slow. They cruised at 128 miles per hour and on a good day could reach a top speed of almost 200. Because of their limitations, they were sent into combat with fighter aircraft to protect them. They were particularly vulnerable during the long, straight runs necessary to launch their single torpedo. Torpedo Squadron Eight launched into battle on the morning of 4 June. Arriving at their rendezvous point, their fighter protection was nowhere to be seen. Rather than loiter burning up fuel, Squadron leader, Lieutenant Commander John C. Waldron, decided to launch the attack without fighter cover. A few minutes later, all 15 Devastators were shot down. They made no torpedo hits. All 15 planes went to the bottom of the sea, and 29 of the 30 fliers were dead. One pilot survived to be picked up by a U.S. Navy Catalina flying boat two days later.
Including land-based Devastators from airfields on Midway, a total of 41 launched into battle. Thirty-five were shot down, and none of them scored hits. The Navy recognized the severe limitations of the devastators. They were all pulled from combat in the Pacific and sent to the Atlantic, where they were used for training and reconnaissance.
A few months after Midway, the Navy’s youngest pilot, George H. W. Bush, flying a similar torpedo bomber, the Grumman TBM, was shot down by the Japanese. Bush had earned his wings three days before his 19th birthday. The TBM was an improved variation of the TBD. It flew almost 200 mph and carried twice the torpedo/bomb load. Bush’s two crew members died in the attack. Miraculously, after four hours in the water, he was found by the Navy submarine, Finback, which just happened to be in the area.
…….We now realized that we were doomed. It was nonsense to continue the war in this corner of the Pacific after our only real ally had collapsed. A man may ruin himself as a matter of pride, to save face. He should not, however, jeopardize his nation for such a reason. A nation should never be sacrificed for the sake of its leaders…….Hiromichi Yahara, Japanese Soldier, 1945
By Paul Warrick: July 15, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
