The Battle of Midway, fought from June 4 to June 7, 1942, marked a significant turning point in the Pacific during World War II. It was a decisive naval battle between the United States and Japan, where American forces, having broken Japanese codes, successfully ambushed the Japanese fleet. The U.S. Navy sank four Japanese aircraft carriers, which severely weakened Japan's naval capabilities and shifted the balance of power in the Pacific theater. Following Midway, the United States began a series of successful offensives, leading to the eventual defeat of Japan, and it is often regarded as a crucial victory in the broader context of the war.