70 Years Ago: Midway Girds For Battle

As Japanese naval forces approach the island of Midway, US Army, Navy and Marine Corps defenders get ready.

In making their plans, Japan expected US naval forces to vacillate in the vicinity of Hawaii or to go north after the Japanese force approaching the Aleutians. They would, the plans assumed, be unable to act until after the Japanese carrier force hit Midway and the 5,000 man invasion force was ashore. The 5,000-man force, in the Japanese scenario, would encounter only a small Marine garrison standing in their way.

Not exactly.

As early as December 17th, 1941, Marines had begun improving defense installations on Midway. The air base was beefed up with 17 SB2U-3 Vindicator bombers, 100 man defense battalion, Navy 7-inch and 3-inch guns that arrived Christmas Eve. By year's end, the island had another 14 Brewster fighters, additional antiaircraft machine guns, radar, 5-inch guns, aviation supplies and personnel. The marine detachment built individual aircraft bunkers and underground personnel shelters.

By April, Midway's Eastern Island had become a major installation . Admiral Nimitz flew into Midway on May 2d to inspect the island and review preparations for battle. Less than a week later, more equipment was on the way. The island received 37-mm anti aircraft guns, a new 3-inch antiaircraft battery, a light tank platoon, a squadron of SBD-2 Devastators and another of F4F-3 Wildcat fighters. Army B-26 Marauders arrived, modified to deliver air-launched torpedoes, Army B-17's were added to the mix and a detachment of brand new navy TBF torpedo bombers arrive. By May 31, there were 107 aircraft on the island, including a squadron of PBY-5 amphibious seaplanes capable of long range patrols, search and rescue, and dropping bombs and torpedoes.

Army, Navy and Marines on the island were ready.