Description

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In 1993 Osprey Publishing released the 30th volume in its now legendary Campaign series, entitled, Midway 1942: Turning Point in the Pacific. Now, 17 years later, Osprey brings readers up-to-date with the latest scholarship on this important Pacific War battle of World War II (1939-1945).

The new edition clarifies many of the myths of the battle. For example:

- the contention that the Americans were outnumbered (overall true, but not where it mattered between the two carrier forces)

- that the Aleutians operation was a diversion for the Midway operation

- that the sacrifice of the American torpedo bombers was a key to victory

- that the battle resulted in high Japanese aircrew losses

- that the battle was a victory of superior intelligence

- that the battle was the decisive battle of the Pacific War (Guadalcanal was a much more strategically important victory for the Americans)

Campaign 226 gives an accurate order of battle for both sides. It provides a detailed description and critique of the Japanese plan and describes how it had a profound influence on the outcome of the battle. It also provides a fresh description and analysis of the weapons, aircrew, and doctrine of the opposing carrier air arms. The new book has a complete set of new pictures which are keyed to the narrative.

Osprey's crack cartography team has provided three brand-new 3-D “birds-eye-view maps” that help readers visualize the air war like never before. And war illustrator, Howard Gerrard, has turned in three stunning new 2-page battle scenes depicting the attack on the USS Yorktown by Hiryu torpedo planes, the attack on Hiryu by American dive-bombers, and the US attack of Japanese heavy cruiser Mikuma.

About the Author

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Mark E. Stille (Commander, United States Navy, retired) received his BA in history from the University of Maryland and also holds an MA from the Naval War College. He has worked in the intelligence community for 30 years including tours on the faculty of the Naval War College, on the Joint Staff and on US Navy ships. He is currently a senior analyst working in the Washington DC area. He is the author of numerous Osprey titles, focusing on naval history in the Pacific. He is also the author of several wargames. The author lives in Dunn Loring, VA.

Praise For…

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“Mark Stille, a World War II naval history expert has completely reworked Campaign Number 30, originally published in 1994, using substantial new research. This new edition gives an accurate order of battle for both sides and it clarifies many of the myths surrounding the battle.” —www.mataka.org (October 2010)

“Mark Stille summarizes the battle without missing a beat…His creative style in presenting all this information makes for a quick overview and interesting read of one of perhaps the most important battles in the Pacific during World War II. If you want an interesting and fast reading summary of The Battle of Midway, this is a must have book.” —www.mataka.org (January 2011)

“Mark Stille has written a masterful work ... Midway 1942 is a seminal work on one of WWII's greatest naval battles ... [for] anyone who desires to study the battle of Midway in minute detail.” —Ken Williams, IPMS/USA

“It is difficult for me to find any complaint with this work ... Whether you are new to the climatic battle, or a Midway enthusiast, Midway 1942 offers an element of interest for anyone. I highly recommend this book.” —Frederick Boucher, Model Shipwrights

“If you want insight into an operation that has had a lot of press over the last decade or so, or just a fascinating read, then this is the book for you.” —Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness (October 2010)