Today in World War II History—June 4, 1942

Oil tanks burning on Midway Atoll after Japanese attack, 4 Jun 1942 (US National Archives: 80-G-17056)

80 Years Ago—June 4, 1942: In the Battle of Midway, Japanese planes attack Midway Island but are driven off by US Marine Corps aircraft.

SBD from carrier USS Enterprise on the flight deck of carrier USS Yorktown due to fuel exhaustion, 4 Jun 1942 (US Naval History and Heritage Command: NH 95557)

At Midway, US Navy carrier aircraft attack the Japanese fleet—the first round of TBD torpedo bombers is decimated, but they draw off enemy fighters, allowing SBD dive bombers to attack. SBDs from USS Enterprise sink Japanese carrier Kaga, and SBDs from USS Yorktown sink Japanese carrier Soryu.

Lt. (jg) William Leonard’s F4F-4 Wildcat taking off from carrier USS Yorktown during Battle of Midway, 4 Jun 1942 (US National Archives: 80-G-312016)

German SS Gen. Reinhard Heydrich dies in Prague, shot by Czech resistance fighters May 27.

Movie premiere of Mrs. Miniver, starring Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon (Academy Award winner—best picture, best actress).

Theatrical release poster for the 1942 film Mrs. Miniver (public domain via Wikipedia)

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