[Retain Mike]

This narrative is probably not ready for prime time. Yet it is the 70th anniversary of the battle, and in other articles I have not seen a focus on Chester Nimitz’s leadership or those so few, so determined flyers

[humblegunner]

Do you remember having posted this same thing this morning?

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2892237/posts

[Talisker]

Midway was a miracle. Every time I re-read the story, I shake my head in awe. It was staggering courage from many, many men, plus sheer Grace.

[tanknetter]

the Pacific Fleet now mostly at the bottom of Pearl Harbor.

Overwrought hyperbole. Most of the Pacific Fleet's battleships (five out of nine) were sunk, with two of those being complete writeoffs. But all of its carriers, most of its cruisers (including all the truly modern ones), destroyers, submarines and other support ships were still operational after the second IJN strike returned to its carriers mid-morning of 12/7/41.

And quite frankly, those battleships wouldn't have stood a chance against the Japanese battleline if it came to a knock-down gunfight.

Additional note, there were no "Hellcats" at Midway. The F6F didn't enter operational service until late 1942/early 1943. The Grumman fighters on Midway during the battle were F4F Wildcats.