CV6/A16-3/(60-Br)
( 0133 )	U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV6)
	At Sea June 8, 1942
From:	The Commanding Officer.
To:	The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Via:	Commander Task Force Sixteen. (Rear Admiral R.A. Spruance, U.S. Navy).
Subject:	Battle of Midway Island, June 4 - 6, 1942 -- Report of.
Reference:	(a) Articles 712 and 874, U.S. Navy Regulations, 1920.
Enclosures:	(A) Track Chart. (B) Photographs of enemy CA, damaged in the action of June 6, 1942. (C) Executive Officer's Report.

I. PRELIMINARY.

1. On the afternoon and evening of June 3, 1942, the general situation prior to the battle was as follows (times throughout are Zone plus 10): Task Force Seventeen and Task Force Sixteen had previously rendezvoused in the general vicinity of "Point Luck", approximately 350 miles northeast of Midway Island and were operating in that area closing Midway during darkness and opening during the day, remaining east of the longitude of Midway. Both Task Forces had completed fueling to capacity and the oilers despatched to their rendezvous. The Senior Officer Present Afloat and Officer in Tactical Command was in Yorktown. The two task forces were separated but were within visual contact. They were operating independently but generally conforming in their movements. At 2150 course was changed to 210° T. toward a 0630, June 4, rendezvous (31° 30' N; 176° 30' W) designated by Commander Task Force 17. At 1812 a radio message from Flight 312 to Radio Midway was intercepted "2 enemy destroyers 2 cargo vessels course 020 speed 13".

2. At 2000, June 3, 1942, Enterprise, Flagship of Commander Task Force 16 was in position 33° 16' N, 175° 46' W, course 100° T, speed 15 knots and zigzagging according to Plan Number 7. Wind south 9, clouds cumulus 7, visibility 30, sea smooth.

3. The following significant messages were received during the night of June 3 - 4:

At 0447 -- from Flight 44 to Radio Midway "large enemy forces bearing 261° T, distance 500 course 080 speed 13 x ten ships".
At 0734 -- from Flight 58 to Radio Midway "enemy carriers".
At 0753 -- from Flight 58 to Radio Midway "many planes heading Midway bearing 320 distance 150".
At 0803 -- from Flight 92 to Radio Midway "2 carriers and battleships bearing 320° distance 180 course 135 speed 25".
At 0807 -- from Commander Task Force 17 to Commander Task Force 16 "proceed southwesterly and attack enemy carriers when definitely located".

II. THE ACTION.

Time

0906	Commenced launching attack group of 33 VSB, 14 VT, 10 VF. 15 VSB armed with one 1000 lb. bomb each. 12 VSB armed with one 500 lb. bomb and two 100 lb. bombs each. 6 VSB armed with one 500 lb. bomb each. 14 VTB armed with torpedoes.
1015	Type 97 enemy twin-float seaplane sighted bearing 180° T., distance 72,000 yards. Combat Patrol failed to find this plane although radar and lookouts confirmed its position.
1129-1132	Launched 8 VF for second Combat Patrol
1145-1152	Landed first Combat Patrol 8 VF.
1202	Commander Enterprise Air Group sighted Japanese Force composed of 4 CV, 2 BB, 4 CA, 6 DD.
1220	VT commenced attack; probably one hit on CV.
1222	VSB commenced dive bombing attack; two (2) CV badly damaged with many direct bomb hits, left in flames. Position of enemy force, Lat. 30° 05' N, Long. 178° 50' W.
1244-1247	Launched 8 VF for third Combat Patrol.
1255	Commenced landing VF escort.
1316-1329	Landed second Combat Patrol 8 VF.
1337-1340	Launched 8 VF, fourth Combat Patrol.
1405	20 enemy planes reported bearing 310° coming in. (Attack on Yorktown followed).
1410	Completed landing attack group.
1433-1435	Launched 8 VF, fifth Combat Patrol.
1437-1438	Landed 5-B-3 and 5-B-16 (Yorktown planes). Yorktown pilot reported Yorktown in bad shape. Heavy smoke seen from Yorktown.
1442-1448	Landed 5-B-7, 5-B-8, 5-B-9, 5-B-10, 5-B-12, 5-B-14, 5-B-15 (Yorktown planes).
1451-1459	Landed 5-F-2, 5-F-3, 5-F-8, 5-F-21, 5-B-4, 5-B-5, 5-B-6, 5-B-11, 5-B-13, 5-B-17 (Yorktown planes).
1504-1505	Landed 5-F-10, 5-F-15 (Yorktown planes).
1539-1541	Launched 6 VF, sixth Combat Patrol.
1547-1559	Landed third and fourth Combat Patrol, 16 VF.
1610	VF shot down seaplane tracker 50 miles south of our force.
1645	Received message from Yorktown scout, "1 CV, 2 BB, 3 CA, 4 DD, 31° 15' N, 179° 05' W, course 000, speed 15."
1730	Commenced launching second attack group composed of 24 VSB. 11 VSB armed with one 1000 lb. bomb each. 13 VSB armed with one 500 lb. bomb each.
1742-1752	Landed fifth and sixth Combat Patrols 10 VF. 6-F-12 Mach. Warden missing and reported to have landed in water out of gas. Also landed 3 VF and 3 VSB from Yorktown. Landed 6-S-16 from Attack Group.
1835	Combat Patrol (6-F-1 shot down 4-engine enemy seaplane).
1842-1846	Launched 12 VF for ninth Combat Patrol.
1850-1852	Landed 5 VF of seventh Combat Patrol. Also landed 1 VF and 4 VSB from Yorktown.
1905	Attacked Japanese Force composed of 1 CV, 2 BB, 3 CA, 4 DD, position Lat. 31° - 40' N, Long. 179° - 10' W. Left 1 CV and 1 BB severely damaged and mass of flames.
1928-1930	Landed 2 VF of eight Combat Patrol and 1 VF from Yorktown.
1958-2005	Launched 20 VF for tenth Combat Patrol.
2008-2034	Landed 20 VSB of Attack Group. (3 did not return). Landed 9 VF of ninth Combat Patrol. Landed 2 VF of tenth Combat Patrol.
2034	Completed landing attack group.
2046-2056	Landed 17 VF of tenth Combat Patrol.
2120	Landed 1 VF of tenth Combat Patrol. Last plane landed.

During the night June 4 - 5 distance from Midway of approximately 150 miles was maintained by steaming east and north and then retracing the track.

June 5, 1942.

Wind SE 9, clouds cumulus 9, visibility 20, sea smooth.

1025-1029	Launched 12 VF for first Combat Patrol. 6 Yorktown VF to land aboard Hornet upon completion of patrol.
1300-1302	Launched 6 VF for second Combat Patrol.
1315-1318	Landed 6 VF of first Combat Patrol.
1616-1619	Landed second Combat Patrol 6 VF.
1700	Commenced launching attack group composed of 32 VSB (VB-3, VB-6, VS-5, VS-6). Objective 1 burning CV, 2 BB, 3 CA, 4 DD. Position of objective given as at 1000, Lat. 32° - 00' N, Long. 179° - 32' W, course 310, speed 12 knots. (Approximate distance estimated to be 230 miles.) 32 VSB with one 500 lb. bomb each.
2030	Objective not found. Attacked 1 CL position Lat. 33° - 00' N, Long. 177° - 00' E. Damage undetermined.
2058-2100	Landed third Combat Patrol
2203	Completed landing group; 30 VSB plus 5 VSB from Hornet.

During the night June 5 - 6, the course was 280° T, the speed 16 knots and zigzag Plan Number 6 was followed during moonlight.

June 6, 1942.

Wind SW 16, clouds cumulus 2, visibility 50, sea smooth.

0702	Launched search group of 18 VSB to search relative sector 180° - 360° (t) distance 200 miles. 18 VSB with one 500 lb. bomb each. Four of these landed on Hornet. Fourteen returned with bombs. Launched first Combat Patrol 6 VF.
0759	Landed 6-B-17 -- Deferred forced landing.
0845	8-B-2 (operating from Enterprise) contacted enemy, 1 CV, 5 DD, position Lat. 29° - 33' N, Long. 174° - 50' E, course 270°.
0930	(about) -- Contact report on enemy -- 2 CA, 2 DD, Lat. 28° - 55' N, Long. 175° - 10' E, course 215°, speed 15.
0952-0954	Launched 6 VF second Combat Patrol.
0959-1009	Landed first Combat Patrol 6 VF.
1015-1039	Landed 14 VSB from morning search.
1231	Launched 8 VF third Combat Patrol.
1245	Commenced launching attack group composed of 31 VSB, 3 VT, 12 VF, position of objective given as of 1350, Lat. 29° - 33' N, Long. 175° - 35' E, course 270° speed 15 knots, armed as follows:    31 VSB with one 1000 lb. bomb each.    3 VTB with torpedoes.
1315-1316	Landed second Combat Patrol, 6 VF.
1350	Commenced attack, dive bombing and VF strafing. VT did not attack. Damage: left 1 CA (Mogami) severely damaged and aflame, 1 CL damaged, 1 DD damaged with minor explosions. (Note: There was no CV in this group.)
1527-1615	Landed third Combat Patrol, 6 VF. (Hornet took over Combat Patrol). Landed 10 VF of Attack Group. Landed 28 VSB of Attack Group, Two Hornet planes and 6-B-1 landed on Hornet. Landed 3 VTB of Attack Group with torpedoes, attack not completed.
1753	Launched 2 VSB for photographic flight of above damaged ships. Photographs are Enclosure (B).
1829-1835	Launched 12 VF for fourth Combat Patrol.
1844	Landed 6-F-7. Could not retract wheels.
1950	Landed 6-F-26. Deferred forced landing.
2100	Landed fourth Combat Patrol.
2107	Recovered photographic group.

III. PERSONNEL AND MATERIAL.

1. The attack delivered upon enemy carriers by the torpedo squadrons of our forces is believed to be without parallel for determined and courageous action in the face of overwhelming odds. These crews were observed to commence their attack against heavy anti-aircraft fire from the enemy carriers and supporting vessels while opposed by enemy Zero fighters in large numbers. The enemy fighter opposition was so strong and effective that ten torpedo planes out of fourteen of Torpedo Squadron SIX did not return. It is recommended that the Navy Cross be awarded to each pilot and gunner of Torpedo Squadron SIX who participated in this bold and heroic attack. A separate letter containing details of all aircraft attacks and specific recommendations for awards will be submitted.

2. Personnel losses in the Air Group were heavy, particularly Torpedo 6. A summary to date which is subject to final check is as follows:

TORPEDO SIX
Plane	Pilot	Gunner
6T1	LtCdr. E.E. Lindsey, USN.	GRENAT, C.T., 279 45 11, ACRM, USN.
6T2	Ens. S.L. Rombach, A-V(N), USNR.	GLENN, W.F., 360 18 53, ARM2c, USN.
6T6	Lt.(jg) J.T. Eversole, USN.	LANE, J.U., RM2c, 299 90 90, USN.
6T9	Ens. R.M. Holder, A-V(N), USNR.	DURAWA, G.J., 300 32 99, ARM3c, USN.
6T10	Lt. A.V. Ely, USN.	LINDGREN, A.R., 223 42 69, RM3c, USN.
6T12	Ens. F.C. Hodges, A-V(N), USNR.	BATES, J.H., 368 48 44, RM2c, USN.
6T13	Lt. P.J. Riley, USN.	MUSHINSKI, E.J., 268 28 74, ARM2c, USN.
6T14	Ens. J.W. Brock, USN.	BLUNDELL, J.M., 410 41 61, ARM3c, USN.
6T7	Lt.(jg) L. Thomas, USN.	LITTLEFIELD, H.F., 238 59 08, ARM2c, USN.
6T8	Mach. A.W. Winchell, USN.	COSSITT, D.M., 413 55 55, RM3c, USNR.
BOMBING SIX
6B5	Lt.(jg) W.E. Roberts, A-V(N), USNR.	STENMAN, W.B., 376 01 68, AMM1c, USN.
6B6	Ens. D.W. Halsey, A-V(N), USNR.	JENKINS, J.W., 372 17 00, RM3c, USN.
6B8	Ens. T.F. Schneider, A-V(N), USNR.	HOLDEN, G.L., 300 09 02, ARM2c, USN.
6B9	Ens. E.A. Greene, A-V(N), USNR.	MUNTEAN, S.A., 401 42 22, RM3c, USNR.
6B11	Ens. T.W. Ramsay, A-V(N), USNR.	DUNCAN, S.L., 376 06 50, AMM2c, USN.
6B13	Lt.(jg) J.J. VanBuren, USN.	NELSON, H.W., 382 02 50, ARM1c, USN.
6B14	Ens. N.F. Vandivier, A-V(N), USNR.	KEANEY, L.E.J., 283 21 96, Sea1c, USN.
6B15	Ens. G.H. Goldsmith, A-V(N), USNR.	PATTERSON, J.W., 387 23 15, ARM3c, USN.
6B18	Ens. B.S. Varian, A-V(N), USNR.	YOUNG, C.R., 356 55 07, ARM3c, USN.
6B3	Ens. F.T. Weber, A-V(N), USNR.	HILBERT, E.L., 382 18 65, AOM3c, USN.
SCOUTING SIX
6S3	Ens. J.Q. Roberts, A-V(N), USNR.	SWINDELL, T.R., 262 28 14, AOM1c, USN.
6S15	Ens. J.R. McCarthy, A-V(N), USNR.	HOWELL, E.E., 382 11 71, RM3c, USN.
6S12	Ens. C.D. Peiffer, A-V(N), USNR.	JECK, F.C., 224 16 97, Sea1c, USN.
6S4	Lt. C.R. Ware, USN.	STAMBAUGH, W.M., 287 22 69, ARM1c, USN.
6S5	Ens. F.H. O'Flaherty, A-V(N), USNR.	GAIDO, B.F., 300 20 05, AMM1c, USN.
6S14	Ens. J.C. Lough, A-V(N), USNR.	MANSEN, L.D., 368 49 16, RM3c, USN.
6S1	Ens. J.N. Vammen, A-V(N), USNR.	GLARY, M.W., 356 14 29, AMM2c, USN.

3. Aircraft losses as the result of 3 days action:

Torpedo SIX	Bureau No.	(Ten (10))
6T1 - TBD-1	0289
6T2 - TBD-1	1512
6T6 - TBD-1	0366
6T7 - TBD-1	0294
6T8 - TBD-1	0367
6T9 - TBD-1	0378
6T10 - TBD-1	0342
6T12 - TBD-1	0365
6T13 - TBD-1	1505
6T14 - TBD-1	0327
Bombing SIX	Bureau No.	(Eleven (11))
6B3 - SBD-3	4682
6B5 - SBD-3	4581
6B6 - SBD-2	2153
6B7 - SBD-3	4532
6B8 - SBD-2	2105
6B9 - SBD-2	2123
6B11 - SBD-3	4620
6B13 - SBD-2	2180
6B14 - SBD-2	2125
6B15 - SBD-3	4542
6B18 - SBD-2	2145
Scouting SIX	Bureau No.	(Nine (9))
6S1 - SBD-3	03207
6S3 - SBD-3	8524
6S4 - SBD-3	03206
6S5 - SBD-3	03224
6S6 - SBD-3	03225
6S10 - SBD-3	03208
6S12 - SBD-3	4600
6S14 - SBD-3	4612
6S15 - SBD-3	4615
Fighting SIX	Bureau No.	(One (1))
6F12 - F4F-4	5062

4. Ammunition expended:

Expended
57	1000-lb. bombs
67	500-lb. bombs
22	100-lb. bombs
48,000	.50 caliber
40,000	.30 caliber

5. Steps have been taken to replenish Air Group losses of personnel and material.

6. The ship, although subjected to threat of air attack on several occasions experienced no actual attack and suffered no damage during actions on June 4-5-6.

7. It is extremely difficult to determine the extent of the damage inflicted upon the enemy by Enterprise, as the air groups of all carriers, as well as land based aircraft at Midway, participated in continuous attacks on enemy units throughout the three days action. Based upon reports available to Enterprise, it is estimated the following damage was inflicted upon the enemy:

3 CV's sunk.
1 CV on fire and badly damaged (probably sank night of June 5).
1 CA wrecked and abandoned.
3 CA heavily bombed.
3 DD sunk.
8. The efficiency of the ship for war operations is considered outstanding and all munitions of war are considered satisfactory.

[signed]
G.D. MURRAY.

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