Next week marks 75 years since the decisive battle at the tiny island of Midway. We came across a great post by the U.S. National Archives about John Ford’s movies on this battle and recommend you head over there for some interesting information on the films. Take some time to watch the films while you’re there. Here’s an excerpt to get you started:
The Battle of Midway and Torpedo Squadron 8:
A Memorial to a Fallen Unit
On June 4, 1942, the Japanese Imperial Navy attacked United States forces on the island of Midway. With four Japanese aircraft carriers sunk by the conclusion of the conflict, the battle was the first major victory for the US in the Pacific. But victory did not come without cost. More than 300 Americans lost their lives during the Battle of Midway, including all but one member of the bomber group Torpedo Squadron 8. Two films made by Oscar-winning director John Ford, now preserved at the National Archives, tell the story of triumph and sacrifice at Midway.
The Battle of Midway
Two years into John Ford’s war service, the Hollywood director had produced Sex Hygiene, the military’s frontline weapon against venereal disease—a threat to military readiness—and established the Navy’s Field Photo Unit. When Ford was asked to find a few cameramen for an assignment in the Pacific, he put his own name forward and headed to Midway, a strategically important island halfway between mainland America and Japan…
IHRA 
One of the greatest war movies. Just watched it again (as I do most every year). John Ford did a great job, with the exception of actor Charlton Heston leaving his post on the ship to see his son who had barely landed his plane. Son or not, in real life he would not have left his post on the ship. But, it made the movie all the better. John Ford knew that.
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Do you make it a point to watch it around this time each year?
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Yes, I do.
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Interesting! How did this tradition begin?
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I have loved WWII movies since childhood. I hoped to see The Longest Day over Memorial Day, but missed it. I absolutely know that Midway was the turning point of the war. History is both important and fascinating. I could go on! Memorial Day is when we should all remember, and watching Midway is my tradition. I also host a Memorial Day Remembrance at my school. We sing, hold the flag, and a soldier talks to the children.
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What an excellent way to observe Memorial Day. 🙂 Your tradition is somewhat similar to that of people who read the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. And you’re right, history is important and fascinating. There’s always more to learn!
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Some fascinating films there and a tragic loss of young men.
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So many lives were lost during the war.
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Midway was aptly named, it was the turning point of the war in the Pacific. A lot of blood, tragedy, heroism and heart-ache followed – but after Midway, the conclusion was ordained.
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It was still a long slog to the end of the war, but they never gave up.
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My name is Russell Waldron Jacobs, related to John Charles Waldron, i watch that movie every year in June to pay respect to Torpedo Squadron 8.
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His sacrifice will not be forgotten. Thank you for stopping by.
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