JB MDL commemorates Sailors' triumph at Midway

Published June 9, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan
joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- A ceremony commemorating the 69th anniversary of the Battle of Midway was held here May 3.

More than 350 military and community members gathered at Lakehurst to honor the Sailors and Marines who displayed courage, sacrifice and heroism in the Pacific during World War II.

The ceremony also celebrated the 100 years of naval aviation. The U.S. Navy's aviation program officially began May 8, 1911, when its first officer in charge, Capt. Washington Chambers, issued requisitions for two Curtiss biplanes.

The Battle of Midway was ended with U.S. carrier aircraft finding and bombing Hiryu the last of the Japanese aircraft carriers. Combined Fleet commander Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto called of the Midway operation and retreaded.

This single event combined the grace and force of the Naval carrier fleet, demonstrated the advantages of superior air power and highlighted the benefits of exceptional intelligence and superior command and control, said Heidi Stark, 87th Air Base Wing historian.

The U.S. Navy strike forces defeated the Imperial Japanese navy carrier task force with the help of shore-based bombers and tornado planes.

"The Battle of Midway was the tipping point to victory," said Capt. Ken Skaggs, Navy Operational Support Center commander.

The victory prevented the Japanese forces from capturing Midway Island. The U.S. and its allies could now focus on defeating Nazi Germany before applying the full force of the war effort to beat Japan.

"The Battle of Midway, fought June 4 to 7, 1942, is often considered the most important naval battle of the Pacific campaign and the point in which the Japanese impetus was broken," said Stark. "During this battle, U.S. Naval carriers successfully defended Midway Atoll against an imperial attack. The Japanese lost four irreplaceable aircraft carriers, which essentially equalized the two naval powers and allowed U.S. forces to take the offensive."

The Japanese lost more than 100 trained pilots and more than 700 trained aircraft mechanics, four large carriers and 248 aircraft destroyed. The balance of sea power in the Pacific shifted from the Japanese to the U.S. immediately after the battle.

A dignified guest of the ceremony was Joseph L. Waller, retired Navy Chief Petty Officer. Waller served on board the USS Yorktown during the battle of Midway. His duties changed from refueling and parachute rigging to repairing any damage to the ship during the battle.

The USS Yorktown sustained extensive damage during the battle, resulting in engine failure. A crew of 100 volunteers from the Yorktown attempted to relight the boilers and assist with the towing. The USS Hammann and the Yorktown were struck by a torpedo, during the recovery process, from a Japanese submarine, causing both to sink.

The U.S. suffered 307 casualties, one carrier, one destroyer and 150 aircraft. Skaggs and Lance Cpl. Joseph Hayes, Marine Aircraft Group 49, placed a wreath was on stage in honor of those who perished during the battle.

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