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Ch. 23 but as for decisive likely not as the United States were already on track to win the war in the Pacific prior to Midway and if they lost at Midway American victory would have been delayed; yet was inevitable.

In chapter 23 the authors include an excellent discussion regarding whether or not the Battle of Midway was a decisive turning point. Of course, this is what most authors and historians believe. However, they make a compelling argument for this being a key battle in the Pacific War [continued next comment...]

[245] McArthur should have refused to leave until his troops were adequately cared for. Hollywood portrays a general in McArthur that led from the front. He came ashore in his big return on a safe, secured beach. He failed to supply guerilla fighters to the extent he could have unless you count "I shall return" matchbooks. He, quite frankly, did not measure up when compared to other field commanders of the war.

[245] McArthur should have refused to leave until his troops were adequately cared for. Hollywood portrays a general in McArthur that led from the front. He came ashore in his big return on a safe, secured beach. He failed to supply guerilla fighters to the extent he could have unless you count "I shall return" matchbooks. He, quite frankly, did not measure up when compared to other field commanders of the war.

[245] If you want to question the commitment and bravery of US Troops, hung out to dry, in the Philippines, then it is essential in my way of thinking so censure McArthur, Stimson, and Roosevelt et. al. Supplies should have been sent. US troops should have been encouraged to move into the backcountry and continue to wage war rather than surrender. Wainwright is the scape goat.

[245] Not only is he not removed from command or reduced to a lower level of responsibility he is allowed to remain in command. Secretary Stimson refused promotion of POW's until it could be determined if they resisted the Japanese adequately. Easy to judge our troops from the safety of you swivel chair. I grew up hanging out at the VFW because my dad was vet. I knew men who had been Japanese prisoners.

[245] This book confirms for me the attitudes about McArthur that I grew up with. The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the dismissal or at least reassignment to lesser roles of the commanders in charge at the time. Yet when it comes to McArthur who made many of the same mistakes in the Philippines and failed to adequately prepare defenses; he is rescued while his troops were left to wither on the vine.

"Washington, a Hessian conceded, was without doubt 'a very good rebel." (p.529, Kindle)

One part of this book I really enjoyed was the description of preparations made during and immediately after Dunkirk to prepare for potential German invasion. These preparations showed amazing foresight and understanding of what could be coming England's way in the near future.

Additionally, aircraft design prior to the war was cutting edge very intuitive, as was Dowding's air defense warning system.