In the Pacific... The Battle of Midway. The Japanese initiate their assault on Midway Island with an air strike. The American defenders prove determined but ineffectual. However, Admiral Nagumo, commanding the Japanese forces, decides on the need for a second strike before landing the invasion troops. He is unaware of the US aircraft carriers in the area. By the time the Japanese realize the threat, it is too late. Torpedo bombers, from the American carriers, attack the Japanese carriers around 0930. Although they fail to do any damage, and suffer heavy losses, the Japanese defenses are disrupted by their strike. A second strike, by American dive bombers, arrives about 1030 -- at the same time that the Japanese carriers have completed reorganizing their strike priorities. Within minutes, the Japanese carriers Akagi, Kaga and Soryu are fatally hit, their decks loaded with aircraft ready to strike at the American carriers. The Hiryu launches a counter strike against the USS Yorktown which critically damages the American carrier. Late in the afternoon, aircraft from the Enterprise and Hornet strike the Hiryu, crippling it as well. All four of the Japanese carriers sustain damage which sinks or requires them to be scuttled within the next 24 hours.