The battle at Midway island, approximately half the distance between Asia and the United States, in June of 1942 was one of the most significant battles that the American military would fight during the course of World War II, and author Craig Symonds reports the details in his book, The Battle at Midway. Despite many accounts of this battle, Symonds offers a unique and incredibly researched narrative that brings his work into its own interpretation, separate from others. Symonds description of some of the major histories written about the event describe the view held by the majority, that the battle at Midway was one of luck or miracle, yet Symonds’ thesis offers objection to this by stating that “the outcome of the battle was primarily the
…show more content…
Naval Academy, Craig Symonds has proven the historical reliability of his work by the use of many resources, not only previous literature, but also interviews and military records, among other sources. His ability to explain the “culture that informed” those who made decisions, from both the American and Japanese
sides of the war paints of picture of individuality in those players within the battle. Symonds does not simply give a dry, monotonous retelling, his use of background information provides the reader with an appreciation of those men whose actions would direct the steps in this battle dance. From the snow-white head of the imposing and formidable Admiral Nimitz to the “baby-faced air commander,” Lieutenant Tomonaga Joichi who replaced a Commander Fuchida Mitsuo after he became ill with appendicitis. Meeting both the Commander in Chief and Chief of Naval Operations, the “abrasive” and “scandalous” Admiral Ernest J. King, within Symonds’ pages does much to set the mood for the reader of what the tone would have actually been like in his presence. It is in details such as these that an atmosphere is created that helps to “see” the battle, instead of a mere reading of information. It is also a book that gives battle progression in a fluid style and contributes interest for those who may not be inclined to read literature on military
Naval Academy, Craig Symonds has proven the historical reliability of his work by the use of many resources, not only previous literature, but also interviews and military records, among other sources. His ability to explain the “culture that informed” those who made decisions, from both the American and Japanese
sides of the war paints of picture of individuality in those players within the battle. Symonds does not simply give a dry, monotonous retelling, his use of background information provides the reader with an appreciation of those men whose actions would direct the steps in this battle dance. From the snow-white head of the imposing and formidable Admiral Nimitz to the “baby-faced air commander,” Lieutenant Tomonaga Joichi who replaced a Commander Fuchida Mitsuo after he became ill with appendicitis. Meeting both the Commander in Chief and Chief of Naval Operations, the “abrasive” and “scandalous” Admiral Ernest J. King, within Symonds’ pages does much to set the mood for the reader of what the tone would have actually been like in his presence. It is in details such as these that an atmosphere is created that helps to “see” the battle, instead of a mere reading of information. It is also a book that gives battle progression in a fluid style and contributes interest for those who may not be inclined to read literature on military