Battle of Midway: The Day That Changed the Pacific War

Often, when it comes to military history, we instinctively look for personal connections, linking major historical events to our own lives or families. I remember being a kid and my father telling me that my great uncle was assigned to oversee operations at Midway Island after the historic battle there. Hearing about his role filled me with immense pride and shaped my early understanding of military service. It was a profound moment, as it deepened my appreciation of the courage and commitment required to serve our nation. Hearing that story planted one of many seeds in me that would guide me into military service myself, years later, as a United States Marine.

My father was in the Navy, so hearing stories of military service was a treat for me as a child. It brought me into an inner circle and pushed me to learn more about military history.

• During World War II, 405,339 Americans lost their lives. Of those who died, 290,000 were lost in combat and 114,000 died while in service from other causes.
• 671,000 service members were wounded during World War II.
• More than 281,000 Americans who went Missing in Action were identified and recovered.
• More than 72,000 service members remain unaccounted for.
• As of September 2023, there are more than 100,000 living WWII veterans, with a median age of 98 years old. By 2034, the number is expected to fall to 1,000.
• Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: World War II Veterans

The Battle of Midway, which began on June 4, 1942, stands tall among pivotal moments in American military history. Just six months after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, our nation was still reeling, struggling to regain footing. Outnumbered and outgunned, U.S. naval aviators, sailors, and Marines went into battle with courage and determination, knowing that success was far from certain and that many would not return home. Over several intense days of combat, American forces achieved the improbable, sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers, the vessels that had played prominent roles in the attack on Pearl Harbor months before. This bold victory decisively altered the balance of power in the Pacific, shifting momentum to the Allies.

Yet what moves me most about Midway isn’t simply the scale of this victory. It’s the bravery of the individuals involved, those who stepped forward in an uncertain hour, fully aware of the risks but willing to do what was necessary. For me, Midway embodies an enduring lesson about service and sacrifice: when the moment calls, ordinary people rise to extraordinary heights, driven by duty, training, and trust in their fellow service members.

As someone whose family history is connected to Midway, I reflect often on the personal nature of military service. Veterans aren’t merely historical figures in textbooks; they are our grandparents, uncles, aunts, parents, brothers, sisters, neighbors, and friends. Behind every veteran stands a story of hopes, fears, courage, and commitment. Behind every battle is the human experience of service, sacrifice, and the quiet, profound pride that comes from knowing you were part of something far larger than yourself.

Today, I see Midway’s legacy echoed in the strength and resilience of our current service members and veterans. While the world has dramatically changed since 1942, the core values that guided the men at Midway remain deeply relevant – commitment to each other, determination in the face of adversity, and a willingness to do difficult things because they matter. These values inspire us, challenge us, and remind us what it means to serve.

My hope for younger generations is that the Battle of Midway becomes more than just a historical milestone; I hope it becomes personal. I hope they pause to reflect, as I once did, on the meaning of service and sacrifice. Because understanding the past through a personal connection enriches us. It grounds history in our own humanity, allowing us to truly grasp the depth of what was risked and what was accomplished.

As we reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in the Battle of Midway, it’s also a moment to think about the stories closer to home. What is your earliest memory of military service—whether through a family member, a neighbor, or your own experience? Preserving these stories ensures future generations understand the legacy of service. Veterans are invited to share their memories through Imprints of Honor, a project dedicated to capturing and honoring the personal accounts of those who served. Your story matters. Let it be part of history.

To all who served in World War II, and especially to those veterans who changed the course of history at Midway – we offer our immense gratitude. We honor your sacrifices, and we proudly carry forward your legacy. You are forever a part of our collective family, history, and hearts.