“If worst comes to worst, I want each one of us to do his utmost to destroy our enemies. If there is only plane left to make a final run in, I want that man to go in and get a hit. May God be with us all. Good luck, happy landings, and give ’em hell!”

Torpedo Squadron 8

Torpedo Squadron 8

Lt. Commander John Waldron, USN

Many know of the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942 and how it was the turning point of the war in the Pacific.  On that day, three squadrons of SBD scout bombers from the Enterprise and Yorktown dove on the Japanese fleet and put the Kaga, Akagi, and Soryu carriers permanently out of action.  Later that day, American carrier based planes sank a fourth carrier – the Hiryu.

What is generally not known are the amazing circumstances that led to the United States Navy turning the tide of the war by ending permanently Japan’s near total dominance of the Pacific. While the Battle of Midway is filled with many incredible stories, any one of which could have changed the entire outcome of the battle, one stands out on this Veterans Day.

Lt. Commander John Waldron led Torpedo Squadron Eight straight into the jaws of the Japanese fleet, completely unescorted by fighter cover. Japanese Zero fighter aircraft, providing protection for the fleet high above, found the temptation of attacking the slow and lumbering American Torpedo planes irresistible and descended to sea level to stop the torpedo attack. Lt. Commander Waldron’s entire squadron was destroyed by the fast and maneuverablele Zero’s without getting a single hit on the Japanese fleet.

What appeared to be total sacrifice without result by the brave American pilots would arguably change the outcome of the war.  As the Zero fighters, now at sea level, finished off Torpedo Squadron Eight, the three squadrons of SBD scout bombers arrived high above, and commenced the attack, completely unopposed by the now out of range Zero fighters.  Within minutes, three Japanese carriers were burning out of control and the tide of the war had changed forever.

For more on the Battle of Midway, visit the Naval Historical Center.