Aftermath
The Battle of Midway was the first decisive victory for the Americans. After the Battle of Midway, things in the Pacific theater were never the same again. For starters, the Japanese lost four aircraft carriers, the Akagi, the Kaga, the Soryu, and Hiryu whom also were of 2/3 of the Japanese carriers and it limited their strength greatly. They were no longer able to attack anything they wanted whenever they wanted anymore without severely weakening defenses. All the personnel on the carriers died, over 2500 men, all whom took two years to train, compared to the American's 307 deaths. The empire of Japan was to never regain the level of readiness and training of the men prior to the war. Later in the war, the inexperienced Japanese pilots died in huge numbers and were to be called by the Americans "the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot". The Japanese were completely on the defensive after the failed attempt to capture Midway. The battle also taught both sides the importance of the aircraft carrier over the battleship as it could strike over long distances.
Losses of the Americans
USS Yorktown
Approximately 307 deaths
Destroyer Hammann
145 Aircraft
Approximately 307 deaths
Destroyer Hammann
145 Aircraft
Losses of the Japanese
USS Akagi
USS Soryu
USS Hiryu
USS Kaga
Over 2500 deaths
Cruiser Mikuma
292 Aircraft
USS Soryu
USS Hiryu
USS Kaga
Over 2500 deaths
Cruiser Mikuma
292 Aircraft