JAPANESE AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
Completely untouched by American fire at the Battle of Coral Sea, this Japanese aircraft carrier sat out the Battle of Midway in port because she had lost 40 percent of her aircrews and was waiting for replacement planes and pilots
What is the Zuikaku?
Described as having a "mad-professor" style and a forte in pure mathematics, this Annapolis graduate gave Commander Joseph Rochefort the free rein needed to run the successful HYPO intelligence unit
Who is Laurence Safford?
Groomed as a potential successor to Admiral Yamamoto, this aggressive Rear Admiral went down with his carrier, the Hiryu, telling an aide that the money left in the ship's safe would be needed "for a square meal in hell"
Who is Rear Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi?
Reconciled to the fact his obsolete planes would lack the fuel to return safely, this commander of the Hornet's Torpedo 8 squadron told his men "Just follow me," successfully locating the Japanese fleet but leading all 15 of his Devastators to their destruction
Who is Lieutenant Commander John C. "Jack" Waldron?
On June 3, prior to the main carrier battle, nine of these American heavy bombers flew from Midway to attack the incoming Japanese fleet from 20,000 feet, ultimately scoring zero hits
What are B-17s (or Flying Fortresses)?