Battle of Midway - June 3-6, 1942 Naval Battle Map

Battle of Midway – June 3–6, 1942 Naval Battle Map

Follow the decisive four days that turned the tide of the Pacific War with this detailed operational map tracking the Battle of Midway from June 3 through June 6, 1942. Originally compiled while the engagement remained classified, this historic naval map presents a composite record of ship movements, air strikes, and critical events from the first major carrier-versus-carrier battle in history.

Historical Context In the summer of 1942, Imperial Japan sought to eliminate the remaining American carrier force by luring it into a decisive battle near Midway Atoll. Unknown to Japanese commanders, U.S. Navy codebreakers had penetrated Japanese communications, allowing American forces to prepare an ambush. What followed was a fast-moving naval and air engagement fought across hundreds of miles of open ocean. This map documents the battle as it unfolded, synthesizing action reports into a single operational picture rather than a retrospective analysis.

The Map’s Features This composite operational tracking map presents the Battle of Midway with exceptional detail, showing carrier task force movements plotted across the Pacific, color-coded tracks distinguishing events by date, Japanese carrier groups including Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū, and Hiryū, American carrier operations from Enterprise, Hornet, and Yorktown, air strike routes, attack points, contact reports, and chronological annotation boxes describing key moments. The sequence of attacks that disabled Yorktown and destroyed four Japanese carriers is clearly documented.

Historical Significance The Battle of Midway marked the turning point of the Pacific War. In the span of a single morning on June 4, 1942, American dive bombers destroyed three Japanese fleet carriers, with a fourth lost later that day. Japan’s elite carrier force and its highly trained aircrews were never replaced, shifting the strategic initiative permanently to the United States. This map preserves the tactical reality of that moment, revealing how intelligence, timing, and carrier aviation combined to produce one of the most consequential victories in naval history.

Museum-Quality Reproduction This is a high-quality reproduction of an original classified World War II operational map, professionally printed using museum-grade methods and materials to preserve every detail of this historic naval document. Each piece is produced on archival Hahnemühle paper using the Giclée printing process, ensuring exceptional clarity, durability, and a refined finish suitable for display.

Perfect For World War II and naval aviation historians; U.S. Navy and carrier warfare enthusiasts; military professionals and educators; strategic and operational map collectors; offices, libraries, and study spaces; gifts for history buffs and Navy families.

Specifications

• Original Creation: 1942

• Classification: SECRET (Declassified)

• Style: Composite operational naval tracking map

• Coverage: June 3–6, 1942

• Features: Carrier movements, air strike routes, battle chronology, annotated events, task force tracks

• Product Type: High-Quality Reproduction Print

• Dimensions (Width x Height): 36 × 20.5

Each map is printed using the finest materials and methods. Your map will be handled with white gloves from start to finish. We use the Giclée printing method on Hahnemühle paper, which produces a clear, extremely detailed, durable map perfect for proud display in your home or office.

Digital watermark does not appear on your purchased map.