The Midway is one of the most iconic battles of WWII. It took place during the darkest hour or the war, when America's spirits and confidence were still badly shaken by Japan's stunning attack on Pearl Harbor and her string of territory-grabbing victories in the Pacific. White House attention was on the war with Hitler and the US Navy was short of supplies and direction. With the odds stacked against it, the Navy destroyed four Japanese aircraft carriers in the battle, while losing only one. The victory caused irreparable harm to Japan and lifted the spirits of the nation. In 1942, John Ford, who was a Naval Reserve Officer and eyewitness to the battle, won an Academy Award for his documentary about Midway.<br><br>Retired Naval Commander and author of the hit Osprey book, <i>Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft Carriers</i>, Mark Stille, has completely rewritten the Campaign for this new edition, bringing it up to date with the latest academic research on the battle. New artwork has also been commissioned.