It\u2019s considered one of the most decisive naval battles in World War II \u2013 a four-day, 3,000-casualty encounter that permanently changed the course of the Pacific campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Battle of Midway came to an end 76 years ago, and with it, the demise of the Imperial Japanese fleet. Thanks to the efforts of critical American codebreakers, U.S. forces were able to anticipate the Japanese surprise attack and deliver the Imperial Navy what military historian John Keegan called \u201cthe most stunning and decisive blow in the history of naval warfare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coming just sixth months after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. victory at Midway is credited with changing the tide of the war and putting a halt to Japanese expansion in the Pacific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 76th anniversary of the battle has been commemorated with ceremonies throughout the U.S.<\/a> and Japan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The anniversary comes as a new blockbuster action film centered on the battle is set to start filming this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n