How did the US Navy win the Battle of Midway?

With the release of the Midway 2019 movie, we explore the history behind this critical moment that changed the course of the Pacific Theater of the war between the US and Japan. This documentary is hosted by the esteemed historian Craig Symonds who brings the Battle of Midway to life for us.
Video Overview
The Battle of Midway was a clash between the American fleet and the Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater. We begin with an overview of the Japanese strategy and their unbroken string of victories in the first 6 months of the war from the Battle of Pearl Harbor to the Battle of the Coral Sea. At this point it has become apparent that control of the Pacific will be determined by aircraft carrier dominance. Thus Admiral Yamamoto resolves to draw the American Fleet out of Pearl Harbor by launching a sneak attack on Midway.
However the US has already broken the Japanese codes thanks to Operation Hypo and knows of the incoming attack. Nimitz decides to set his own counter trap by sending his 3 aircraft carriers to point luck, just north of Midway to intercept the Imperial Japanese Navy. The battle of Midway begins with Japanese planes bombing the Pacific atoll. American planes from the island retaliate with their own bombers and torpedoes throughout the morning. These score no hits but have the critical effect of delaying the preparation of Japanese aircraft.
At this point, Japan detects US forces to the north and prepares to turn to meet them. But by this time the US Navy has already launched its own places. The first wave to arrive are the torpedo bombers. Though they score no hits either, they draw the defensive Japanese fighters away from the next wave of dive bombers which manage to knock out 3 carriers in just a few minutes. The Kaga, the Akagi, and the Soryu all go down.
The only remaining Japanese carrier, the Hiryu, launches a counter strike which hits the USS Yorktown and eventually sinks it. But a final US attack by the USS Hornet and USS Enterprise takes out this last carrier. Hearing this news, Admiral Yamamoto calls off the rest of his fleet and returns to Japan. America has just turned the tide of the war.
You can watch the Midway 2019 movie trailer here: • Midway (2019 Movie) Ne...
I'll be doing my own Midway review soon.
#History
#Midway

[@InvictaHistory]

Watch our episode on the "True Size of a Spartan Army" which covers their organization, formations, and fortifications: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn3HYqeXl52ZZsU

[@Xeonerable]

The real MVP here is trollmaster USS Nautilus that spooked the Kido Butai and made a destroyer chase it. Then that destroyer rushing to return to the fleet unintentionally gave a direction for McClusky's lost squadron to follow.

[@cluster4583]

Ikr us were alot lucky too

[@mysteryman2219]

@@cluster4583 Don't forget it made the group from Yorktown to attack at the same time. If they didn't chase destroyer they would have attacked at different times. The little ripple effects that changed history. Maybe it even goes more deeper like some co captain convinced the submarine commander to go a certain direction to find the kido betai. 1 Person could have changed history.

[@cluster4583]

@@mysteryman2219 u know just before he iron Fist strike on the kido butai 15 devastators came strike em and all the zeroes gone to destroy those torpedo equiped devastator now ofc torpedo bombers r in low altitude so zeroes also gone down away from the carriers to destroy em and right after that iron Fist came none zeroes were thr to protect the carriers + japanese were just gna strike yorktown when the iron Fist came so some planes were on the deck fueled and equiped with torpedoes and bombs and that started a chain reaction

[@ComeAlongKay]

@@cluster4583 you know the Japanese wouldn’t have done what the American soldiers did and break away like that without orders. They were like robot when it came to orders, that’s why one commander on the Japanese side wouldn’t break protocol and it cost them as they got stuck trying to convert the ship to attack other ships rather than launch planes when the Americans started hitting them. That one squadron leader did an incredible job following his instincts and taking a risk on low fuel like that and it led to the mother load.

[@TS-xn2zl]

"we shall partake in a bit of tomfoolery" - USS Nautilus commander, 1942

[@wesadams5128]

This guy needs a KZbin page. He's very good at story telling. I like him

[@dbznappa]

It might be the only story he can tell but, but he is one of the few who are qualified to actually tell the story. That was his life's work that he offered for us, and I'm grateful he was the one to tell it.

[@martinnguyen7282]

I like him too

[@asadattayyem2637]

@@dbznappa He's the PROFESSOR!

[@fredafox5602]

Despite the victory, the fact that so many american pilots died, thinking they'd completely failed has me feeling rather solemn.

[@stevejette2329]

weston - He speaks very highly of you as well.

[@stubobish]

My Grandfather was at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. He then fought in The Solomons and Guadalcanal campaigns. He was severely wounded at Guadalcanal but recovered and then sent to The European Theater. He then fought in The Rhineland and The Ardennes. He survived WWII. He ultimately received 3 Purple Hearts and 3 Bronze Stars. I thank God for The Greatest Generation. They saved the world once. We need to be the generation to save it again before it is too late.

[@thegrimcritic5494]

Jesus, assuming you’re telling the truth, that means he’s one of the few Americans who managed to get involved in both the East and Western Theaters. Good lord my man. Mad respecc. God bless him for his service.

[@kevinchow3974]

Salute to your grandfather :)

[@brucefranklin1317]

Who we fightin.... we america we got issues but when push comes to shove we cleaner than sneaky oppressive commees in china and putinville...

[@GuRReN1495]

Unfortunately today's enemy has more variety, you can't go to war with white collar financial dbag

[@mathewdasilva4421]

Its to late..sadly

[@pooryorick831]

Prof. Symonds is not only an expert, he's a great storyteller. I am going to have to read his book. Midway is a fascinating episode in the Pacific theater of WWII.

[@Omega0850]

There is a man that can tell a story i´ve already heared a half a dozen times, and still make it entertaining to listen to him!

[@InvictaHistory]

Craig Symonds is an amazing historian and does such a great job with the presentation. I do know that he hosts a lot of these sorts of interviews and symposiums so he is practiced when it comes to explaining the subject.

[@brianhall4182]

This exactly. I did reports on Midway as a kid, read plenty of books about it, watched specials of it, and have listened to these facts dozens of times. But I sat through it all from start to finish again because he just told the story so well.

[@BelloBudo007]

He is just so engaging. Brilliant!

[@christopherthrawn1333]

Well said

[@zjotheglorious]

Is it Montemayor?

[@StoneCoolds]

Japan: dame those Americans are masters of war tactics! First they made our fighters to go low so their dive bombers can attack unopposed, so afterwards their second dive bombers group can flank us from the rear, what a masterpiece of planning! Such precision! America: dunno wtf happened but we won

[@kanjtrader1740]

Japan: How did you do that?! USA: I don't know, I just pressed all buttons

[@StoneCoolds]

@@kanjtrader1740 hahaha

[@mrniceguy7168]

Kanj Trader perfect lol

[@v44n7]

real war It's like that, plans are just that plans, nothing comparing to the real execution and Inprovisation during the chaos of the battle

[@StoneCoolds]

@@v44n7 ikr! American admirals would be like :ok, nothing went as planned, but end working better than the plan itself

[@TwelveinchChewbacca]

Goodness, the story of three carriers lit up in 5 minutes still sends shivers down my spine. I saw the Heston-Fonda movie in the theater, as a wee tyke. It affected me the same then as it does now. Stunning bit of history.

[@vanessajazp6341]

One of the best war films of all.

[@yes-vy9qj]

America: breaks Japanese code Also America: I like your funny words magic man

[@johnnysolami]

My granddad fought in this battle. He was a dive bomber on the Yorktown. Im so incredibly proud of him. Seeing things like this means so much to me. He passed a couple of years ago. He never really talked about his service, but he was always such a happy and funny guy

[@georgehystrix6736]

Incredible it is not. I believe you in being very proud.

[@davemeads859]

Respect

[@mpayne8206]

Be proud of grandpop

[@redwatch1100]

Holy sh*t.

[@bryantc2899]

What an awesome guy! I have a lot of respect, for fighter pilots dive bombers and torpedo bombers. If I was alive back then I would want to be a dive bomber or a fighter

[@MojoPup]

The Yorktown was one of three ships my father served on during WWII. He was a Radioman on the Yorktown during The Battle of the Coral Sea, then was transferred to the Enterprise while the Yorktown was being repaired. And was a Radioman on the Enterprise during the Battle of Midway. One story he told me... he was working on one of the antennas on the Yorktown when he decided to take break and grab something to eat. Not 5 minutes after he closed the hatch, a Japanese fighter crashes into the spot where he and a sailor had been working. Gives you an idea of what a difference a couple minutes can make.

[@leocurious9919]

I know this is very intense, but minutes are a lot. Just walking over a street: Instead of minutes its seconds deciding whether you can walk over it or getting hit by a car. Its still crazy! But time is critical all the... time.

[@jnstonbely5215]

You’re rightly so proud of him and so are all Americans 🇺🇸 Japanese lost all of their skilled aviators who had been reigning havoc all over Asia since the mid 1930s, bombing China and other countries and islands as they seized them. But they always kept their skilled pilots flying , whereas we sent many of ours back home to TEACH at our military flying schools . It was a wise move and yielded crop after crop of great pilots.

[@jnstonbely5215]

Robert Prescott Yes; without a doubt 🗽

[@hermitcard4494]

RESPECT 👍

[@crabtrap]

not the first time a SPAMsandwich saved someones ass!

[@matthewhinkel6079]

My grandfather was a Merchant Marine that joined when he was 16, dropped out of school to do so. He survived three separate ships being sunk, once by the Germans, twice by the Japanese. Funnily enough, his father was on the ship that saved the surviving crew of the third ship's sinking. Incredible man with a long and storied career as Chief Engineer.

[@param1790]

I have read about wars that have occurred over millennia. But I simply never grasped how devastating battles could be. Four aircraft carriers, hundreds of aircrafts that took years to build, pilots that took years to train, lives that were lived for decades each - all for a day’s worth of war. I am reminded of some naval battles of Punic wars where tens of thousands of lives went to Neptune, along with fleets that took years to raise. It’s a sobering thought. Makes one thankful for the peace that we have learned to keep at the cost of so many lives.

[@meilinchan7314]

"Train soldiers for years, for use in a single day." -Chinese saying

[@eodyn7]

How nice of the Japanese for putting those big red bullseyes on their aircraft carriers.

[@v44n7]

I'm dying

[@b1laxson]

It inspired the Staples "easy" button

[@captmack007]

Shoot the meatball.

[@Taczy2023]

@DiscordChaos Probably not really true, a good trained crew of any nation would immediately recognize any enemy tank no matter what is painted on it. The white star was just terrible in general because it just ruins the camouflage of the tank, more of a pride thing if anything.

[@fristnamelastname5549]

If you want a bull's eye. Aim for the meatball.

[@Double_D__]

Japanese Navy: *Surgically precise, planned strikes with disciplined pilots and superior aircraft* American Navy: LEEEEEROOOOOOOY JENKINS!

[@AvidanTheExpositor]

Never underestimate the initiative of the cowboy

[@bigmessytoo]

Pretty much.

[@I_Art_Laughing]

The Japanese Army was familiar with Leeeeroooy.

[@kathycaldwell7126]

*Eddie, Matthew and I Art:* Never confuse efforts with results. This is a life lesson that separates successful people from those who eke by and merely exist rather than lead or win the game of life.

[@thothheartmaat2833]

Some might say it's dumb luck. Some might say the subconscious mind made you make those foolish mistakes because it had a better idea and didn't want your dumb conscious mind to know what it was so you wouldn't bungle it up. I practice subconscious integration and when I make remarkable unconscious mistakes I assume it's the hand of the devil..

[@kdusna84]

I don't know how I missed this video when it first came out. I have read several of Professor Symonds' books. In fact, I took one of his classes when he was teaching at the U.S. Naval Academy. That happened to be a course on the the Civil War to Modern America. Professor Symonds is a subject matter expert on the Civil War, and the same is can be said regarding WWII. He was without a doubt my most favorite professor when I was at the Academy, and I've been a student of history ever since. What a masterful story teller he was.

[@paulhofman]

This is a lovely and comprehensive version of telling the battle of midway. Craig Simonds does a great job. More of this please.

[@CallsignYukiMizuki]

"If we dont know what we are doing, the enemy certainly cannot anticipate our future actions"

[@sagebiddi]

Love your handle ... Also .. can you enlighten a guy who said that

[@MidasMakeItRain]

@@sagebiddi Its unknown.

[@DBT1007]

@@sagebiddi every Americans

[@jimboa20]

@@sagebiddi unofficial US Army motto/proverb.

[@Arigator2]

That is like the 'back shoulder' throw in football. If the defender is playing too good defense you throw the ball a little behind on purpose.

[@ClarityA1]

"The reason that the American army does so well in wartime is, is that war is chaos, and the American army practices chaos on a daily basis" -German Officer

[@ismaeljimenez6562]

"if we do not know what we are doing, then the enemy certainly can not predict our future actions" American officer

[@poco1174]

Ismael Jiménez hope you know this is BS. But, I doubt it.

[@davidvance6367]

Clarity A1, When Hitler was starting the war. A general said to Hitler. The English can be very dangerous. Evidently Hitler didn't listen

[@CooManTunes]

'We just ended World War II.' -Americans

[@dougrobbins5367]

A german officer, a loser, and in most cases a pervert

[@rwcowell]

Great narration and analysis of the Battle of Midway. Discussing both the Japanese and US tactics, strategy and objectives, really provides the full version history behind this amazing sea battle. Thank you Craig Symonds!

[@taragonleaf8005]

Despite the victory, the fact that so many american pilots died, thinking they'd completely failed has me feeling rather solemn.

[@nczioox1116]

Little would they know that they bought precious time and lured the Japanese fighters away

[@MrMnmn911]

Despite the American deaths, the fact that Japan suffered such an earth shattering defeat makes me feel extremely grateful for those brave American airmen.

[@scottleft3672]

Crying in anger, thinking what may befall your loved ones, a common item then sadly.

[@nczioox1116]

@Stephen Negley They mention it at 13:30. The torpedo squadron broke away from the escort and attacked separately

[@dbznappa]

That they didn't realise that they literally saved the world with their sacrifice. The truest of heroes!!

[@frankhoffman3566]

The best explanation and narration of Midway I've heard. He tells how our victory was about 1/3 luck, 1/3 pilot courage and 1/3 skill of our codebreakers. He doesn't paint it with a patriotic brush. Pretty good.

[@f430ferrari5]

It’s actually a poor unrealistic narration. It’s 99% the blunder of the IJN’s battle plan.

[@5133937]

@@f430ferrari5 That blunder is due to US codebreaking and dumb luck, as Frank said.

[@f430ferrari5]

@@5133937 no it isn’t. You’re putting the carriage in front of the horse. Had the IJN used the right battle plan and used their battleships, cruisers, and destroyers then the code breaking and chance and luck go out the window.

[@user-ed8wc1yr8s]

あなた？どこの国ですか？ 何故？敗戦する事が悪いのか？ 日本は、アジアの為に戦ったのです。 反省などしません 反省するのは、無差別爆撃をやった 連合国です。反省するべし！ 二発の原子爆弾は、人体実験です！ you? What country are you in? why? Is it bad to lose the war? Japan fought for Asia. I will not reflect Reflecting on the indiscriminate bombing Allied. You should reflect on it! The two atomic bombs were human experimentation!

[@frankhoffman3566]

@@f430ferrari5 ...If we had some ham, we could have some ham and eggs if we had some eggs. Meaning, you can do hypothetical 'what ifs' all day and all night, but some of us just want to understand and explain history. First of all, it was lucky the US aircraft carriers were out to sea during the Pearl Harbor attack. It was skill and talent that allowed the code breaking of the Japanese military transmissions. It was a mistake for Japan to not listen to Yamomoto and to underestimate American character, ability and resources. Finally, like war often is, luck in battle played a major role in its outcome. A few degrees of difference in pilot aim could have led to another defeat for America. These all played a part in Midway.

[@justicemeter347]

Craig Symonds is the essence of a great historian: A superb storyteller who vividly brings history, the events and the people who made it, come actively alive for us to savor. Well done, Mr. Symonds! Excellent visuals also, supporting your narrative.

[@christopherjenkins2373]

I commend you for giving the most concise and complete description of the Midway battle. My father fought at D-Day but I have made it my task to understand and appreciate the greatest generation. You did it very well!!!

[@victorportable3892]

Americans: Breaking orders, flying off allone into suicide missions, getting lost and flying to the wrong place Japanese Admiral: Oh my god, they outmaneuvered us, sacrficed and coordinated their attacks perfectly. They are the true master of war.

[@A_Box]

LMAO, this sounds a lot like the first time Japanese learnt about firearms: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rovRknaboZt_mrc

[@alienlife7754]

That’s called war. Any general or admiral will tell you that planing goes out the window once you make contact with the enemy.

[@victorportable3892]

@@alienlife7754 sure But in that case planning got out of the window right after the planes took of.

[@hotcoffee7933]

One of the accounts that I watched said the Japanese could get a full fighter umbrella up in 7 minutes. The Americans took an hour to get their torpedo planes off of the Yorktown. Isn't that what being American was back then? You tell them they are outgunned, out trained, outnumbered, and have no chance to even live and Americans be like: Okay fine, is my plane fueled and armed? I need to sink some boats.

[@a0flj0]

Not really relevant, IMO. Carl von Clausewitz: "War is the realm of chance." Helmut von Moltke: "No plan survives the first contact with the enemy." George S. Patton: "Battle is an orgy of disorder."

[@markburch6253]

In the 70's I met ensign George Gay who was shot down inside the Japanese fleet and spent the battle watching from the water. He had an interesting perspective.

[@ernestolombardo5811]

When asked what it was like floating on the water watching the battle instead of flying in it, he said "It was Gay". (sorry, couldn't resist)

[@davidhimmelsbach557]

His was the OFFICIAL perspective -- and is now codified into USN lore. His account is considered the best account of a naval action -- ever. (!) Gay seems to have had a photographic mind.

[@captainobvious9233]

Imagine floating in the water, knowing your entire squadron was destroyed without anything to show for it and thinking the battle would most likely be lost... then suddenly seeing your dive bombers come out of nowhere and decimate the enemy fleet.

[@dieselyeti]

@@captainobvious9233 All the while thinking "Man, I hope that PBY gets here soon.."

[@darkmatter32x]

Seeing the battle unfold just above your head must have been majestic and absolutely terrifying at the same time.

[@user-se7wf9dv6r]

The presentation was extremely good...riveting...this is what happens when you have someone who is not only knowledgeable about the subject but passionate as well. Great stuff!!

[@TAKE_BACK_BRITAIN]

Japan: “Damn, maybe I shouldn’t have auto-resolved this battle.”

[@InvictaHistory]

What do you all think of the new format? I loved having Craig Symonda narrate and can highly recommend his book on Midway: amzn.to/2Q8Ozrk

[@dorivaldojunior2254]

It was a excelent lecture! We got what happened on each stage of the battle, what were the most important decisions and that the battlefield is more unpredictable than one should expect.

[@mr12oogangster]

absolutely love this guy

[@agoodman1776]

Absolutely loved it! Please more! MORE!

[@redakbar]

This was great. Keep it up man, thanks for keeping the KZbins interesting :D

[@BIG30RDS]

this n1gga smooth af explaining this battle 2 me

[@Rebel12guagez]

Fixing a Aircraft Carrier with tape and baling wire is one of the most American things i've heard.

[@MidasMakeItRain]

If you tell the crews that you don't need it to work forever, but you need it to work now they will find a way no matter how jank.

[@Bigwave2003]

Thank Admiral MacGyver.

[@franklugo6928]

If duct tape cant fix it, it aint broke!

[@jimellenw]

Our culture of flexibility and critical thinking was crucial. Piecing together what the Japanese were up to. Faking the water plant problem. MacClusky turning into a box search. Best independently breaking off. Getting Yorktown ready at Pearl and after the first attack.

[@RW4X4X3006]

Probably more truth in that, than we'll ever know.

[@WeGoWalk]

Excellent...incredibly excellent narration of what happened strategically in the Battle of Midway! My father served on the USS Louisville, a heavy cruiser, which survived direct hits by Kamikaze and forced the ship to limp back to Pearl Harbor for repair and refitting.

[@hankjones3527]

I've got that book (audio version) and highly recommended it. In addition to the usual presentation on what happened like a normal history book he also spends lots of time talking about the personalities of the key people and the difference in culture. It brings the battle to life really helps you understand what happened and why.

[@barataray]

Almost 30 years ago, I was a midshipman at the US Naval Academy. Professor Symonds was a cool, young department head running the History Department. His classes were the best, so much so, that I chose to be a history major. Great to see that his knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject is still there. Great video.

[@davidvance6367]

Ray Barata, the Japanese definitely had the equipment to destroy the whole American fleet. Japanese had little info on American positions. The switching of bombs & Torpedos were self evident of this lack of info. That was a huge mistake of having bombs scattered on their carriers decks. I seriously think if the Japanese had reliable intelligence. They would have destroyed the American carriers. U.S. planes were obliterated trying to attack the Japanese carriers. They didn't get in one hit on Japanese carriers & battle ships

[@johnandrus3901]

@@davidvance6367 The one thing that the Japanese didn't have was radar. That meant that we could get close before their spotters could get a visual. Our PBY Catalinas and other aircraft also gave us some advantage leading up to the start of the engagement. No radar, though, was a big problem for the Japanese.

[@Gonkawonga]

wow.

[@njeddie4488]

The Japanese never learned the importance of flooding their fuel lines with nitrogen during battle.

[@martinmarusinec6204]

Hm, better to be a history major then a history captain.

[@EcuadorianFlagShip]

Shout-out to Montemayor. His video on Midway is told from the Japanese perspective only and it's really good.

[@v44n7]

that video is just incredible! same like this one

[@InvictaHistory]

Definitely! Can't wait for him to complete the series

[@generalhyde007]

He does such awesome work.

[@ratmaster2000]

@@InvictaHistory Yes, Also waiting for part 2. His insight on Pearl is also quite informative.

[@rudolfabelin383]

Fully agree!

[@jamiepastman5594]

I could listen to Craig Symonds all day, what a superb historian

[@zerohunterx5]

I think I've listen to this twice now, and it's still good to rewatch. Awesome narration

[@taragonleaf8005]

Hey America, what's your plan for victory? We're just gonna do it.

[@CharlieSeattle1]

"Get there first with the most men." ~ Nathan Bedford Forrest Often erroneously but colorfully reported as "Git thar fustest with the mostest."

[@karthickbg]

and we're gonna do it "bigly"

[@kylewilson2819]

America: Plan? I don’t plan to win, I JUST WIN!

[@MariE-bz2eq]

cause murica 🇺🇸

[@kylewilson2819]

Mari E Damn right

[@George-bz1fi]

This is the clearest explanation of the confusing Midway events I've ever heard, and I've heard them all, well done.

[@cindernubblebutt1340]

Check out Jonathan Parshall. He's a lot more insightful.

[@veryclearwater]

Totally agree.

[@donf3877]

I agree. I have watched and read many accounts of the battle. This is by far the most informative, especially since it is also one of the shortest. And, out of all accounts, only this one really hits home the fact that not even all of our aircraft was in the fight. The poor Yorktown. I walked past a very old man walking bent over and relying heavily on a cane in the grocery store about a year ago wearing a Yorktown hat. It took several second before I realized it had CV-5 under the "Yorktown". I ran back and asked him, "You were really on the original Yorktown... the CV-5?". He said, "Yes", taken aback a little I even knew the difference. I asked him, "Were you on her at Midway?". "Oh yeah... I was there. The hit and runs, the Coral Sea. I... I watched her go down", he replied, and you could see it all come back to him. I stood there in disbelief and said, "Sir, it is indeed an honor and a privilege to meet you". It's then I also noticed the two silver bars on the brim. I went to attention and saluted saying, "SSgt Fifer, United States Air Force Lieutenant. Thank you for your service and for saving this country". He looked at me, forced himself to stand up straight, and gave a stiff salute back. As I walked away I turned my head... he was walking straight up and proud as he headed to the checkout. I'm crying as I type this just thinking about it.............. And to think that most college students now don't even know there WAS a WW2.

[@stevensapyak7971]

Don F 11.16.19. If I may suggest, read Incredible Victory by Walter Lord. Dan F, thank you for being so observant! What a beautiful account of you’re encounter, had you not noticed his hat with the CV-5 we would never of known of this chance encounter! You are correct to state that most college students are unaware of America’s past history in World War II and in this case the Pacific theater so early in the war! How very pivotal that battle was❗️

[@GroovesAndLands]

@@donf3877 Wow, what a story! Thanks for sharing.

[@tommybrown9534]

This video is great. The way this man is so descriptive of all the events and how they played out in sequence, in addition to the visuals.. it really paints a very clear picture. Well done

[@mrzabie0138]

Wow, I've seen a lot of videos and read a lot about this battle, but never heard it explained so clearly! Great presentation!

[@devonhael1162]

"Let's make sure history never forgets the name Enterprise"

[@Jakob_Herzog]

Damn straight.

[@michaelvol8922]

The newest USS Enterprise, CVN-80 is being built in Newport News now, estimated commissioning in 2027. The 3rd in the Ford class of carriers.

[@kingjoe3rd]

The name Enterprise has been to space as well. Not just in the fictional sense either.

[@robertalexander5892]

Anyone remember Riker's line from the Contagion episode: "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships named Enterprise." According to IMDB, this line is based on a statement by 19th-century German Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck: "God loves children, drunkards, and the United States of America." May she always be under His protection.

[@franks.389]

The Enterprise, the most decorated ship in the history of the United States of America, what a shame that she was scrapped.

[@drskk4652]

Japan: Let’s take out all of the US’s Carriers. US: *Uno Reverse card*

[@zach11241]

Japan: Plays "sink one Carrier" Card US: Draw Four

[@rodneykantorski736]

Ha Ha Ha 😄

[@DeathByRubberDuckyXD6841]

Lol the uno puns are so funny my stomach is starting to hurt from laughing so hard

[@keimoclayton2844]

Lol

[@prestobeats702]

"Perfectly timed attack, yep we intended to do that"

[@richardcoughlin8931]

I came to this video it’s only a vague idea of what happened at Midway. The description here is so cogent and compelling that I believe I really learned something that I won’t forget. Bravo!

[@cattleman36]

What a fantastic 30 minute lecture by this professor. I could easily listen to a 3 hour lecture by him. Thank you.

[@InvictaHistory]

After making this documentary I'm excited to see the Midway movie this weekend. Are you going to see it?

[@InvictaHistory]

@@themangix357 thats good news!

[@timmcclymont3527]

I'll catch it on netflix eventually... unless I cancel em for spreading propaganda 😉

[@liveforever141]

yes, i was yesterday, i liked it a lot

[@granddukethedan7029]

Saw it yesterday with a friend. Really liked it but the battle was confusing. But after this video the battle became much clearer.

[@RJLbwb]

I would be curious to hear what you have to say Invicta, because the previews make the movie sound like WW2 according to Micheal Bay.

[@marz2467]

16:40 Never underestimate a man named Dick Best.

[@davidhasin6258]

:))))))))))

[@lektrikbass]

Roll call, "Best, Dick"!

[@adriandreamwalker1027]

A thousand gotta be it indeed

[@crazywarriorscatfan9061]

@@lektrikbass why have you done this

[@EthelredHardrede-nz8yv]

@@crazywarriorscatfan9061 ' Roll call, last name first. Happens all over the place.

[@dommice]

Just read Craig Symonds book. Excellent. A clear and concise account of a very confusing battle. Very much recommended. Thanks for a great video with really helpful visuals as well as this brilliant historian.

[@nathanbarnes8535]

Craig does a great job of laying out the battle in detail. Superb work.

[@henryt9254]

Sun Tsu says “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” shows how important it is to have intelligence.

[@artonio5887]

honestly, i don't think the Americans were smarter than the Japanese, what seems to have won them the battle was luck and the resilience of yorktown

[@scottleft3672]

Tell it to the Mongols.

[@scottleft3672]

@hognoxious AND he's dead...lol.

[@henryt9254]

@hognoxious Geezers will always get off tangent in finding ways to justify their existence and than spout out pointless arguments showing that they don't even know what they don't know and consequently they think they know.

[@sorcierenoire8651]

What won them was not the order of their admirals but the decisions and intuitions of the American Pilots.

[@Scott-by9ks]

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" Mike Tyson.

[@jesuslovesgunviolence2718]

I been seeing this quote from Mike Tyson a lot lately. Its funny. I thought about it for a second and said "what a odd placement for a Mike Tyson quote" but it actually fits and it made me laugh.

[@edwinhughes6493]

To bad he forgot that when he faught Buster Douglas.

[@natsuusharti8015]

@@edwinhughes6493 😂😂

[@dinomonzon7493]

"No plan survives first contact with the enemy." - Tom Clancy, Red Storm Rising

[@anthonyc4138]

@@edwinhughes6493 lol

[@davideades9588]

One of the best explanations of this fine victory by US at Midway that I have encountered.

[@tedmulthauf7434]

So much credit is given to the carrier group for this victory, and it is well earned. But the marines on Midway who forced the need for a second attack seem to be overlooked.

[@kbanghart]

You're right, they should be mentioned more. Lots of individuals had a hand in this battle.

[@nogoodnameleft]

​@@kbanghart The USS Hornet absolutely were not part of the individuals who had a hand in the victory. What the Hornet did led to Enterprise and Yorktown having to fend for themselves and be the only planes to bomb the Japanese fleet and Yorktown ended up getting sunk by the Japanese. Why doesn't anybody here talk about the complete failure by Admiral Marc Mitscher and Commander Stanhope C. Ring (of course this infamous squadron commander doesn't even have a Wikipedia page because the Navy doesn't want his name and failure to become well-known and tarnish the reputation of Admiral Mitscher and the USS Hornet) of the USS Hornet who completely failed their mission and the bombers, fighters, and scouts went on a goose chase called the "Flight to Nowhere"? The intelligence aspect of Midway is highly overrated. They all knew something was going to happen at Midway with or without the intelligence. Nimitz actually had very limited intelligence unlike what the movie and documentaries try to portray, hence the lucky sighting of that final destroyer of the Japanese fleet. And that lack of good intelligence was what led to the disaster of the Hornet's "Flight to Nowhere". Hornet's failure to contribute anything at Midway led to the loss of Yorktown. It was a complete fluke that Halsey who was not in a right state of mind due to stress and the skin condition was not there at Midway because he was very offensive-oriented unlike the calm and collected and conservative Spruance. The Enterprise's bombers and Yorktown's bombers actually hit the first three Japanese carriers to be sunk at the same time in a completely uncoordinated fluke also. That was not a coordinated perfectly timed attack from two separate carriers from completely different coordinates. That accidentally simultaneous strike was one of the greatest fluke joint attacks in the history of war. Here is what happened with the Hornet's "Flight to Nowhere". 15 Hornet torpedo bombers led by their leader who knew exactly where the Japanese fleet was located told his commanding officer who was in charge of the rest of Hornet's planes where the fleet was but the commanding officer in the lead plane told him the fleet is actually northwest. What ended up happening was all 15 Hornet torpedo bombers were destroyed with no hits on any Japanese ships and all the Wildcat fighters in that group had to crash into the ocean due to running out of fuel. You know what happened to Mitscher and Stanhope Ring? Nobody punished or investigated them and Ring became an ADMIRAL while Mitscher was promoted and went on to become one of the most famous "darlings" of the Central Pacific Campaign.

[@joxyjoxyjoxy1]

Welcome to the Corps.

[@AcZe1188]

Yorktown has been hit multiple times since its battle at coral sea Yorktown has suffered enough damage to be abandoned Yorktown pushed on despite the injuries and fought on Yorktown carried on until the last moment Be like Yorktown.

[@davidrodriguez-so8lq]

Ac Ze /The Yorktown was dunk 2 days after the battle as it was being towed back to Pearl Harbor and only after the Japanese spited the oil slicks it was trailing

[@Zerox_Prime]

Five carriers fought at Coral Sea (3 Japanese). Only the Yorktown survived to fight at Midway. IJN thought she was sunk at Coral Sea. They mistook her as two other American carriers at Midway, again believing they sank her. It took a submarine attack to finally sink her. Of the seven Japanese carriers she fought, five were sunk and two limped off to Japan.

[@TheEvilbunny150]

Ac Ze The Yorktown still floats today in permanent harbor in Charleston, South Carolina.

[@Nuke89345]

@@TheEvilbunny150 Different Yorktown as that's her successor CV-10 Yorktown the Essex carrier named in honor of Yorktown CV-5 that was sunk at Midway.

[@Zerox_Prime]

That's another Yorktown. She was built with Essex Class carriers to replace the Enterprise Class Yorktown.

[@zarathustra498]

"No battle plan survives contact with the enemy" This was the basic difference. In view of incomplete information you cannot rigidly stick to plan and wait orders from the general for every minute detail (what Japanese did). The US and Germans gave wide freedom to field officers that increased the flexibility and adaptation to the quickly changing contitions during the battle. This was crystallized later in the OODA loop for pilots and other parts of the army. The US didn't won Midway because of luck but because they had very good training for lower officers.

[@connerwills6802]

True

[@f430ferrari5]

@Zara Thustra. The IJN simply has a very poor battle plan in approaching the Battle of Midway. Nothing else really mattered.

[@f430ferrari5]

Kelly Arthur Nagumo shouldn’t have to be making decisions. It seems apparent that you don’t want to have Fletcher or Spruance making decisions or being caught in a dilemma. When one has 11 battleships plus Yamato and 9 carriers with over 500 planes at their disposal and have 22 cruisers and 64 destroyers and your enemy only has 3 carriers with 8 cruisers and 15 destroyers then the dilemma belongs to the guys with the smaller force. It don’t matter if you know they are coming.

[@f430ferrari5]

Kelly Arthur you’re not understanding the battle plan. Of course the 11 total battleships are not going after the US Task Force. 4 of them would though. The IJN had 4 Kongo class battleships capable of 30 knots. Yorktown was barely doing mid 20 knots. After she got hit the 1st time she slowed to 19 knots. So the concept in play is that IJN bomber pilots “wound” and slow carriers down by directing bombs to push the Us carriers west. Another 5 battleships are shelling Midway. The US pilots can’t all go after the IJN carriers. They have to address the battleships. Yes Fletcher would have a dilemma. He has to decide if he is to launch at all or abandon Midway. If he attacks then he needs to decide where to attack and with however many planes. What Fletcher doesn’t realize is that he’s totally outnumbered in this alt scenario.

[@niceboke]

That's true. That's why they had so many heroes. They were all thinking on their feet and had the balls to act on the slightest hunch. Japan, Including the Senior officer Nagumo couldn't make any decision without "perfect" information. Hence his wishy washy backtracking decision making that put his fleet into Jeopardy.

[@michaelkelly3221]

In only 23 min., Prof. Symonds gives a clear and concise description of this epic battle. I definitely was left wanting more!

[@willriley994]

Read his book then. It's fantastic

[@VoreAxalon]

God Above that was the most excellent narration on the Battle of Midway I have ever witnessed. Most folks just give information but the true grasp of tactics is the "why" and the proof is in the pudding. Well done... I think I might like to have that book.

[@dashcan8479]

Finally a true account of the battle. To the men of the Yorktown, to the men who died trying to save it 146 men died. Our ETERNAL gratitude.

[@kansasjayhawk8386]

Yes. Their story should be told with the upmost respect and truth. And this guy did that! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸✊

[@sublimeade]

What about the Japanese sailors?

[@sublimeade]

@Larry Moran they deserve gratitude for laying down their lives for their country

[@sublimeade]

@Larry Moran no but from the Japanese people

[@noearmendariz4234]

I love american Doctrine: if we don't know what we're doing the enemy sure as shit won't either.

[@chaosXP3RT]

Sounds like an insult

[@cosmicjive4746]

Brave dudes.

[@aaronolson1237]

@@chaosXP3RT but (as an American) its true though.

[@denvan3143]

The Japanese doctrine was they knew exactly what America would do. They were wrong from Pearl Harbor to Hiroshima. The attack on Pearl Harbor was supposed to break American’s morale, make it seek a settlement with Japan. Instead it united the US with the goal to burn Japan to ashes. According to Japan’s midway plan the US forces would would be divided between the Aleutian diversion and the midway trap. Instead the US ignored the Aleutian Islands and set their own trap for the Kido Butai. And if the American fighters simultaneously found the Japanese carriers “by accident“ they were looking for them and the Japanese had no such happy accident; all their luck was bad. Japanese doctrine was the combat air patrol was to protect their carriers. When the dive bombers arrived Japanese doctrine failed completely.

[@kbanghart]

Nagumo made a few too many errors.

[@itaylorm]

This was a fantastic walk through of so many details. Some I know and some I didn't. Very helpful

[@oldgoat6542]

Best video summary of the Battle of Midway which I've seen. Clearly lays out Nagumo's dilemma. Excellent illustration of where the US flight groups went, and when, and the results from each group. Superb narration.

[@nogoodnameleft]

It is shocking how the Hornet's "Flight to Nowhere" is not talked a lot at all even though what the Hornet did was a complete disgrace and should be one of the biggest talking points of the Battle of Midway. Hornet's failure led to the loss of all her torpedo bombers due to becoming unescorted by the rest of Hornet's planes and many of the rest of Hornet's planes having to crash because they literally went on a Flight to Nowhere due to Admiral Mitscher and Commander Stanhope Ring's fault. Hornet's disastrous failure at Midway led to the loss of Yorktown and then later the losses of Hornet and Wasp at Guadalcanal led to Guadalcanal having to become the six-month long horrendous meatgrinding turning point of the Pacific War, not Midway. Imagine if Yorktown survived Midway and was available for Guadalcanal...One of the greatest what ifs in history.

[@davidcole3079]

Being a Brit, talking to my parents, Grandparents, family and friends who lived and fought through the war I had at least some understanding of 'our' experience and the conflict ' over here.'I was aware of there was a massive significance to the Battle of Midway (and the USS Yorktown) but had very little knowledge about exactly why it was so significant to the war and the USA.This brilliant, concise documentary and commentary compacts so much, so clearly in such clarity.Thank you for the documentary and thank you to those brave servicemen who gave so much half a world away from where I am now and my parents and family were then.

[@tomb7088]

Same thing happened when the US first bombed the Romanian City of Ploiesti, where the Germans were getting their oil from. # groups of B-24 bombers left North Africa from different places. main navigation plane broke down and had to abort. Rest got lost but managed to get to the city at the same time from 3 different directions. This made coordination of air defenses all but impossible. The Germans were in awe of the navigation skills and planning required so the 3 groups could arrive at the same time. After the war they found out it was just plain dumb luck.

[@a0flj0]

Not quite. The raid on Ploiesti was in fact an allied failure. Shortly after the raid, the combined output of the surviving refineries in the region was higher than before the raid. Out of almost a dozen of refineries in the region, only a few got hit, and I believe only one was damaged beyond repair. More than a quarter of all planes making it to the target were lost to air defense and enemy aircraft. Most bombs didn't hit their target. Aircraft losses were disproportionate - less than 10 for the defending Axis forces to more than 40 for the attackers. I have a hard time believing this is the result of a coordination-less air defense.

[@tomb7088]

@@a0flj0 I wasn't commenting on the success or failure of the mission, and didn't even bother mentioning that the damage was quickly repaired. I was commenting how failures in navigation and execution of the plans led to attacks from different directions that to the enemy seemed to be coordinated or even brilliant. It is the details of these things add to the flavor of events and make them more real.

[@davidtuttle7556]

@@tomb7088 Not quite. Its quite a rapid drop from the mountains down to the flood plain where ploesti is. Youve got to lose about 4000 ft of alititude in about 12 miles for the low level runs they were attempting. Some of the 88s were being fully depressed over open sights. Jerry had a field day that day. Tidal Wave is usually held up as an example of what NOT to do.

[@breamoreboy]

Lucky for Dresden that one US group got lost and bombed Prague instead or the former would have taken an even worse hammering than it actually got. Human beings, where would this planet be without us?

[@tomb7088]

@@davidtuttle7556 Once again, not commenting of the relative victory or loss. The comment was how military navigational mistakes can and often happen and result in very interesting results. The attack on Ploiesti was not this massive failure so many seem to think it was. Excess capacity used during repairs was destroyed and German had to lavish wild amounts of resources to hold off additional attacks. It only included something like 180 planes, a far cry from the thousand plane raids just a year later. It was a learning experience, just like everything else tried the first few times. They also learned the so few planes never had a chance to accomplish such lofty goals. Try to no look at the scoreboard in limited terms. In war, its not just about scoring points as in baseball, it is far more often about moving your pieces into place like Chess.

[@oldsalt7534]

Best commentary and description of this battle I have ever watched.

[@Angkor0]

Thank you, Craig Symonds, for an excellent exposition on the Battle of Midway.

[@amon16]

"No plan survives contact with the enemy" - Helmut von Moltke

[@rockyblacksmith]

Didn't Sun Tzu say something to the same effect?

[@EroticOnion23]

'Plans mean nothing, planning is everything' -Eisenhower

[@kevinobrien9271]

rockyblacksmith “Everybody has a plan till they get punched in the mouth” - Mike Tyson

[@relrejj4661]

Incoming fire has the right of way---call of duty modern warfare

[@tskmaster3837]

I read that as "No plane survives contact with the enemy" and I thought "Yeah, that would be why Japan lost."

[@Drew-vv9ef]

Legends say the 16 submarines are still searching for the aircraft carriers

[@coconutz247]

i've watched all the midway movies and seen many youtube short story long videos. this was by far the best. it summarized the battle succinctly and hit all the important points. a really good presentation!

[@tejasmohol6091]

Thank you Mr Craig Symonds and Invicta.

[@Don113]

The IJN's night-fighting ability was almost legendary. It's no surprise that Spruance wanted no part of a night-time engagement. Why would he take such a risk? He'd already accounted for four top-tier Japanese carriers, and lost a carrier himself. There was no reason to risk his two remaining carriers to engage in a fight where the Japanese would have an advantage. All objectives were attained: Midway was safe, so was Hawaii by extension, and four of the most dangerous naval air combat units had been put out of action.

[@mikespangler98]

The US Navy learned more about the IJN's night-fighting ability the hard way at Savo Island.

[@Don113]

@Russ Gallagher Funny thing is, damage control might've saved Yorktown again if it hadn't been for that Japanese submarine.

[@Don113]

@@mikespangler98 Yep. They sure as shit did. Savo Island showed the US Navy exactly what would have happened if Fletcher and Spruance had tried to engage Nagumo's remaining ships in a night fight.

[@kemarisite]

@Russ Gallagher actually, no. The Mogami class had their 155 mm guns removed and placed on the Yamatos as secondary guns, with 8" guns just like all the other heavy cruisers replacing them. Actual Japanese light cruisers acted as destroyer leaders and had a bunch of single-mount 5.5" (or so) guns. In any event, Savo Island featured Chokai ⁹ten 8" guns), all four Aoba/Furutaka-class cruisers (six 8" guns), light cruisers Tenryu and Yubari (four and six 5.5" guns), and a lone destroyer Yunagi. The US, OTOH, kept their Brooklyn/St. Louis class light cruisers intact, found their rapid-fire 6" guns incredibly useful for swatting destroyers at night, and built two and a half-dozen more Clevelands and Fargos.

[@6handicap604]

I agree, there was no reason to pursue into a night fight. Also, the main Japanese battle fleet had already turned back to Japan, so they had about a 300 mile head start, Our carrier fleet was faster but that is a lot of ground to catch up. To do so means the carriers at flank speed, which outruns nearly all their support vessels, tin cans, subs etc. and especially the very slow oilers and supply ships. They just fought a battle, the carriers probably needed supplies, ordnance and oil and AV fuel before starting a pursuit. I wouldn't start a pursuit with half a tank of oil minus all the ordnance and AV gas expended at Midway, I would like to be fully locked and loaded. A pursuit by the carriers would give the U.S. air superiority but not necessarily naval superiority in that situation. Just didn't make sense in a lot of ways. Besides, when a dog tries to bite you and you kick the snot out of it, you usually don't have to chase it to kick it again, he learned his lesson, that is why he is running away.

[@iascorporation5168]

one of the gifts we have, is this amazing treat to have such a gifted historian comment so quickly, on a battle that happened so long ago - thank you Mr Symonds and thank you Invicta for bringing this incredible dissertation for us to view.

[@user-zb3yl1wu8u]

Fantastic narration indeed. I was truly engaged the whole time and clips of the movie “midway“ kept playing in my head lol

[@gerardodd2086]

I am impressed with the visual aides and the clarity of Craig l. Syminds presentation.

[@fishdiedforourfins6219]

Last time I was this early, the US was still Neutral

[@axelNodvon2047]

fish died for our fins Last time I was this early North America was still uninhabited by humans

[@lee6283]

I really like your username...

[@budoumurasaki5856]

Last time I was this early, the US were splitting to North and South.

[@anthonyrgarciajrj4228]

Midway; June, 1942 after Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.

[@jadenephrite]

Professor Craig Lee Symonds’ explanation of the Battle of Midway is absolutely riveting.

[@drcurv]

True, Jade. A pity about the slight hiccough near the end: two 'heavy carriers' when he meant to say two 'heavy cruisers'; but that's just nitpicking on my part. A most enjoyable talk from an expert.

[@jadenephrite]

@@drcurv, thank you for your clarification for 21:59 that the Mikuma & the Mogami were Japanese heavy cruisers instead of heavier carriers.

[@drcurv]

@@jadenephrite Hi, Jade - you're welcome. :) It was just a Freudian slip on the part of our guest speaker.

[@emerald640]

I just watched this Professors Great course DVD set WW2 in the Pacific. The whole course is as good as this section. It was the best binge watching all year.

[@danw7156]

The best summary of Midway I have ever heard.

[@craftpaint1644]

"Planning is invaluable, but plans are useless." - General Norman Schwarzkopf

[@fristnamelastname5549]

Sometimes, it better to be lucky, then good.

[@freebeerfordworkers]

precisely. I think it was the 19th century German general staff who said, no plan survives first five minutes contact with the enemy. The Israelis agree with them, they say you've got to have a plan, but it's only a common base for changes.

[@52daytripper]

"everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face"- mike tyson

[@akumaking1]

"No battle plan ever survives contact with the enemy" ~Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

[@southronjr1570]

Before Midway, the Japanese empire never knew defeat, after Midway, the japanese empire never knew victory.

[@Mericaa47]

Underated

[@mattywilliamson3171]

japan had 4 naval victories after this battle ( major incursions between japan and usa), just no victories major enough to change the war. this is out of 15 major incursion between japan and the usa.

[@philipclayberg4928]

Such as the Battle of Savo Island ... definitely not an Allied victory.

[@mlplarisanable]

@@philipclayberg4928 Definitely not. But was it enough to change Japan's fortunes? No.

[@calebdoty9090]

Within 3 months of the battle of Midway, the US had lost the USS Wasp and the USS Hornet, and the USS Saratoga had been torpedoed and sent back to California. The Enterprise was the sole operational US Carrier in the Pacific. Meanwhile, the Japanese had 4 active fleet carriers at that point, with the two that weren't at Midway, plus two new ones they just built. So the US was more outnumbered in fleet Carriers after Midway then it was before. Also, the Japanese won the next two battles after Midway, at Eastern Solomon's and Santa Cruz. However they couldn't recover their losses from those fights as well as the US, and once the Essex class started entering the war in 1943, they were quickly overwhelmed.

[@BlinkBoyBrad]

This is the result of genuinely enjoying what youre speaking about.

[@johnmcloughlin6508]

My word, the ingenuity and luck regarding Midway’s success gives me chills. It feels like sheer chance.

[@johnbatsch7938]

This is one of your best videos yet! So much meticulous detail it makes the historian in me tear up.

[@fns_ne_nme8441]

Thank you Craig for collaborating with one of KZbin’s best and brightest history channel. I loved the episode and to know the Invicta channel has such support from the academic realm melts my heart. Keep on kicking ass Invicti!!!

[@petersuson7958]

Thank you so much for so lucid an explanation on the battle of Midway

[@jlpjlp1953]

Professor Symonds did a great job here. Thank you!

[@kathycaldwell7126]

I love this instructor. I would take every course he teaches or taught. Full. Stop. I’ve been a student of higher education long enough (too long!!) to recognize when a professor can communicate a fairly complex structure with multiple moving parts to an uninitiated audience (that would be be me) and yet-make it completely understandable and interesting. And leave his students eager to learn more on the subject. Brilliant! BRAVO!! Thank you, Sir!

[@michaelhowell2326]

I don't want to take anything away from our humble host, but this was an amazing documentary. I'm glad he was able to set this up and give it to us.

[@tdlewis103]

Thank you Professor. Love your work and delivery

[@i-told-you-sodear1526]

This is wonderfully the clearest overall explanation of the Battle of Midway.

[@MDZPNMD]

I just wanted to say that this format (expert talking, you making the video stuff like animation) is the most professional and polished video I've seen from you so far. I started watching this channel when it was only total war gaming videos and I really like the new content as most of us total war players are also into history.

[@bernardchong4527]

USA : Attacking with torpedo bomber first instead of dive bombers Japan : Write that down!! write that down!!

[@stevejette2329]

By far the best explanation I have ever seen of the battle. Understandable, since he is an instructor at the war college.

[@newdiggszweiundsiebzig]

Great summary of this important strategic battle. Thank you. Thoughts for the countless lives lost.

[@JamesWHurst]

This presentation was most excellent. *Loved* listening to it -- thank you for creating this and making it available. Great job.

[@TedBronson1918]

EXCELLENT short analysis/explanation of the battle ! Uncomplicated and easy to follow, it said all that needed to be said. Well done, Invicta and Craig Symonds ! Thank You both !

[@RocknRollkat]

Excellent presentation, thank you ! Bill P.

[@AndyG0]

Great video!! I loved having this chap explain it all, very authoratative and knowledgable!!

[@onemileperhour]

This is probably my favorite video you've ever made. Craig Symonds is a fantastic narrator, and you're easy to understand illustrations add tons of clarity!

[@InvictaHistory]

Yay! Happy to hear it was a success

[@AGL93311]

Symond's book is the best, clearest and comprehensive work on Midway. Highly recommended.

[@suzannebenz8928]

Thankyou for explaining this complicated process.

[@MARKWHITE007]

Absolutely the best explanation of the battle of midway I’ve ever seen.