MIDWAY: The Battle that Doomed Japan
By
Mitsuo Fuchida and Masatake Okumiya
Ballantine Books, a Division of Random House Publishing
1955
ISBN: 0-345-34691-2
Appx: $6-$9 U.S.
For anyone who has a serious interest in the Pacific War during World War II, this is a book you MUST read. If you want the executive summary version, I give this book my highest recommendation this book.
Authors Mitsuo Fuchida and Masatake Okumiya have blue ribbon credentials for writing this book based upon both being in key commanding positions. Fuchida of course was the air Operations Officer and was aboard the IJN Flagship Akagi for the Midway main battle, and Okumiya was the on the Flag deck of the IJN Carrier Ryujo in the Aleutians area of operations. Later as a staff officer with the surviving portion of the original Kido Butai, Okumiya had entrée to documentation that most historians would not ever have access.
To make the edition even more appealing to the students of history, there is a forward by Adm. Raymond Spruance, and an Introduction by Adm. Kondo.
This volume takes the reader through Japanese Naval Strategy, the Pearl Harbor Attack, the ensuing months leading up to the battle of Midway, and completes with an analysis by both authors on why the attack failed from the Japanese perspective by the men most responsible for planning the battle that still were alive at that point of the 20th century.
The volume includes tactical maps, tactical organization, and a inclusion of the reader on the debates of the Imperial Japanese Naval staff on what they did and why they did it that is incredibly insightful. The editorial notes include documentation, and enough historical back up to provide further background that shows portions of the during the battle decision making that would either not have been clear at the time, or highlights the thinking of the United States Strategy in execution. The addition background provides the reader with a complete picture to understand why the battle was played out as it was.
As I said at the beginning, I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is easy to read, understand, and provides a first person glimpse from the Japanese perspective of one of the most influential battles in the history of mankind. The price of admission to this valuable gem of history is a sure winner also. Highest Recommendation.
Copy provided by me going to the supermarket late one night and feeling exceptionally lucky to see it on the shelf.