White House marks 83rd anniversary of Midway victory in WWII

U.S. and South Korean sailors are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the nuclear-powered USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, which is named after former Adm. Chester Nimitz, in Busan, South Korea on March 28, 2023. A photo taken by Thomas Maresca/UPI shows this event.

It is the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Midway, a significant turning point against Japan during World War II, announced by the White House on Wednesday. This battle was crucial as it marked the last Japanese Navy attack in the Pacific Theater of operations, occurring 1.5 years after the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor.

The White House shared in an online statement that after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Japan’s aggressive expansion across the Pacific led to a series of defeats for the Allied forces. Despite initial setbacks like the fall of the Philippines and air raids on Australia, the U.S. Navy was reeling, and Japan seemed unstoppable in its regional dominance ambitions.

However, a surprise attack coordinated by Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle on Japan in April 1942 led to Japan’s focus on expanding its territorial gains in the Pacific, including targeting Midway Island for occupation. The U.S. codebreakers intercepted crucial information, revealing Japan’s plans and enabling the U.S. Navy to strategize.

The Battle of Midway saw the U.S. Navy under Admiral Chester Nimitz successfully lay a trap for the Japanese fleet, resulting in a decisive victory that turned the tide of the war. Despite losing the USS Yorktown, the U.S. was able to replace losses and strengthen its fleet, while Japan faced a decline in its naval power.

The White House highlighted the enduring partnership between the United States and Japan, built on shared values of freedom, sovereignty, and a commitment to peace in the Indo-Pacific region. This partnership continues to address challenges posed by countries like China and North Korea. The Battle of Midway stands as a symbol of the American spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.