Battle of Midway 64 years ago!
Tribute to all pilots, sailors and soldieres killed on that day!

My hat's off to those brave lads also, mate, I'll tip one in their favor...
Cheers
~Gunny

Yep, I'll second that - time to have a beer!

I'm in the middle of reading "Shattered Sword" and if you haven't done so, it's a must read to correct many of the "facts" about the battle which we've all come to believe in over the years.

It has often been painted that it was a combination of our code breaking and a considerable amount of luck which led to the victory. And that in many ways we were extremely lucky to win that day.

This book makes the case that Yamamoto's plan was significantly flawed and places a considerable amount of the responsibility for consequences on the Japanese not only from the operational plan, but strategic, doctrinal and tactical problems as well.

There is no question that courage and skill on the part of the men who attacked the Japanese fleet almost continuously from around 7:00 until 10:20 with virtually nothing to show for it and traded their lives for time, set the table for the dive bomb attacks which destroyed three of four carriers. Reading this book has helped clarify a lot about this incredible battle.

A toast for all the brave sailors and airmen who fought that day.

Tom

Toast!