The pivotal World War II battle fought in 1942 that marked a turning point in the Pacific Theater was the Battle of Midway. Occurring from June 4 to June 7, 1942, Midway was a decisive naval engagement between the United States and Japan. Prior to the battle, Japan aimed to eliminate the U.S. as a strategic power in the Pacific, but American forces, having intercepted Japanese communications, preemptively struck against the Japanese fleet. The battles resulted in the sinking of four Japanese aircraft carriers and drastically shifted the balance of power, allowing Allied forces to take the offensive in the Pacific, ultimately leading to Japan's defeat.