Reflecti ons from History and Faith: Midway

By Jeff Olson

Some events of American and world history are more consequential over the long term than others. As such, they merit our attention from time to time and serve as reminders for us which we must never forget. The subject of this week’s writing is one of those.

When the date of June 6 comes up on the subject of World War II history, usually we think of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy which essentially began the liberation of Europe from Nazis Germany. However, another very important event also occurred during this week two years previous — an event which turned the tide of the war in the Pacific theater and perhaps changed the map of the post-war southwest Pacific.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, dealt a severe and crippling blow to America’s Pacific fleet and air power. Fortunately, America’s aircraft carriers were not at Pearl Harbor that day, which the Japanese were counting on.

Few if any military powers in history had ever conquered more territory in six months (December 1941 - June 1942) than had Japan. Its Pacific Empire ranged from the Indian Ocean to the coast of the Aleutian Islands, and from the Russian-Manchurian border to Wake Island in the Pacific. However, the Japanese were not finished. They were still on the move with even greater westerly ambitions.

Regretting the absence of the U.S. Navy’s fleet carriers at Pearl Harbor, and embarrassed by the Doolittle Raid against Tokyo, Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku, commander in chief of Japan’s Combined Fleet, was determined to annihilate his American opponents in a decisive battle somewhere in the central Pacific. The location he selected was the tiny atoll of Midway, some 1,300 miles northwest of Pearl Harbor.

Midway hosted a large U.S. military presence and it allowed the U.S. to project power throughout the Central

Collage of Battle of Midway (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Pacific by offering anchorage to its submarines and aircraft carriers. If the island were to fall to Japan, the Imperial Navy and Air Force could turn that projection around, towards Hawaii and the U.S. western coast and use it as an advance base that would establish an eastern shield for its own Pacific operations. Midway was also probably Japan’s best opportunity to destroy U.S. naval power in the Pacific before America’s enormous industrial capacity created another new fleet entirely. With a captured Midway Island, Yamamoto hoped that then the U.S. would sue for a negotiated peace, securing Japan’s conquests in Asia.

The odds in the battle favored the larger, more experienced Japanese Navy. The imperial fleet had four carriers to the Americans’ three, supported by many battleships, cruisers, and light carriers as part of the largest armada that had ever steamed from Japan.

In addition, and most important of all, would be U.S. Navy Intelligence successfully breaking the Japanese naval code. While U.S. Commanders gave some consideration of these intercepts as possibly fake or diversionary, it was their judgment that Midway was in fact the target for the Japanese forces. Enough information was gleaned from the code-breaking that a defense could be planned and remove the element of surprise which the Japanese were counting on.

Admiral Chester Nimitz, the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, executed an innovative, risky, and expeditious plan to engage the Japanese. He sent his three carriers, Yorktown, Enterprise, and Hornet, to rendezvous at what was called Point Luck, some 300 miles northeast of Midway, and await the advance of Yamamoto’s armada. The concluding words of the entry in the CinCPac Command Summary for June 3 were prophetic: The whole course of the war in the Pacific may hinge on the developments of the next two or three days.

Eighty-one years ago this Sunday, the battle began early on the morning of June 4, 1942, when U.S. bombers from Midway Island struck ineffectually at the Japanese invasion force about 220 miles southwest of the U.S. fleet. Early the next morning, Japanese planes from the strike force heavily bombed Midway. Wanting to follow up on the first attack, they re-armed their bombers. However, in the midst of battle, scouts spotted the American fleet so the bombers were ordered to be refitted with torpedoes. Simultaneously, the Zeros defending the Japanese fleet returned to their carriers for rearming and refueling. At this moment, about 36 carrier-launched U.S. ‘Dauntless’ dive-bombers approached the Japanese carriers.

According to Mitsuo Fuchida, the airstrike leader of the Japanese carrier force that attacked Pearl Harbor, the American bombers were unimpeded because our fighters, which had engaged the preceding wave of torpedo planes only a few moments earlier, had not yet had time to regain altitude. Consequently, it may be said that the American dive-bombers’ success was made possible by the earlier martyrdom of 37 of their 41 torpedo planes. The Japanese had been caught flatfooted in the most vulnerable condition possible — decks loaded with planes armed and fueled.

As a result, three of the heavy Japanese carriers were sunk. Later in the day, U.S. planes disabled the fourth carrier but its aircraft had badly damaged the U.S. carrier Yorktown. On June 6, a Japanese submarine fatally torpedoed the Yorktown and an escorting American destroyer. Given the loss of their carriers, the Japanese had already begun abandoning any efforts to land on Midway.

As we look back over 80 years later, the Battle of Midway was one of the most important naval battles in world history, one which turned the tide of World War II in the Pacific. It is an inspiring story of bravery and sacrifice which we should memorialize and remember every year. However, it is also a story of leadership, ingenuity, calculated risk, improvisation, resilience, decisiveness, and yes — perhaps what some would call luck.

In the words of Sir Winston Churchill: “The annals of war at sea present no more intense, heart-shaking shock than this battle, in which the qualities of the United States Navy and Air Force and the American race shone forth in splendour. The bravery and self-devotion of the American airmen and sailors and the nerve and skill of their leaders was the foundation of all.”

Wreaths

continued from page 9 loved one, many saluting, several taking photos — all in remembrance.

Wreaths in order of presentation:

• World War I

• World War II

• Korean War

• POW/MIA

• Vietnam War

• Operation Iraqi Freedom

• Operation Enduring Freedom

• Gulf War

• War on Terror ^

• Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary

• The American Legion

• The American Legion Auxiliary

• Marine Corps League

• Fleet Reserve Association

• Disabled American Veterans DAV

• Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary

• Lifeline Service Dogs

• Mena City Hall ^

• Mena VA Outpatient Clinic

• Polk County Judge’s Office ^

• Veterans Service Office

• Union Bank

• Polk County Democratic Committee

• Polk County Republican Committee ^

• Patriot Guard

• Rotary Club

• Mena Regional Health Center ^

• Mena Regional Health Center Rehab ^

• Mena Elks Lodge No. 781

^ Organizations/businesses acknowledged in the program but no wreath was presented at the ceremony.

- EVENTS -

The Mena Fire Department will be hosting the Arkansas Forestry Commission 8 hour Wildland Class on June 12 -13, from 6 - 10 p.m. both nights at Station 1 at 603 Dequeen Street. Interested folks please RSVP emailsegger@cityofmena.org or call Steve Egger at (479) 216-6127 T0607

California’s Final Earthquake Joe Brandt’s story. Soon, California will go into the ocean. Google this: Joe Brandt’s dream in 1937 of the California earthquake. T0531

- YARD SALE -

Big 3-Day Sale June 1, 2, 3 - Donnie Johnson, 6622 Hwy. 4, Watson, Okl. Guns, knives, tools, antique farm equipment, FireKing Jadeite, Griswold and Wagner cast iron, Aladdin lamps, quilts, wash pots, crocks, antique clocks, clothes, shoes, Kitchenaid mixer, pottery, cookie jars, antique furniture, 2 buildings full of lots of antiques, plus lots of other stuff . 40 years of collecting. Questions? Call (479) 234-1159

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- FOR SALE -

2005 Toyota Rav-4, red. Yes, it runs, Exterior and Interior cosmetic damage. Needs tires and brake work, Heat/Air & radio, okay. Clean title. $1,000 — Cash only. Meet at Cherry Hill Café. Call or text George at (870) 681-3750 (cell) or (870) 326-4245 (landline). T0531

1994 Mazda pick-up truck, Model RGC. Yes, it runs but rough. What is needed? Don’t know. Exterior and interior in good shape considering age. Toolbox and bedliner included. Heat/Air & radio okay. Clean title. $1,500 — Cash only. Meet at Cherry Hill Café. Call or text George at (870) 681-3750 (cell) or (870) 326-4245 (landline). T0531

- SERVICES -

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328. T0531

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0531

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0628

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, gutters cleaned, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299. T0531

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0628

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0531

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Roads, bridges, house pads, building pads, basements, land clearing, small lots to large tracks, ponds, stream crossings, farm roads, building demolition, site planning & prep.

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction. (479) 394-9227

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Apex Home Services: Yards mowed, light home maintenance, quality work, dependable service. (479) 216-6634 T0531

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Heavy and light dozer work, heavy excavation, soft ground to rock excavation, heavy off-road hauling, road design and construction 50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction (479) 394-9227

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- HELP WANTED -

F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T0628

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T0628

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment

T0628

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a technical/phone sales position. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering technical inquiries, providing product information and recommendations, troubleshooting with potential and current customers, and processing orders in a fast-paced office setting.

Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful.

Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T0628

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

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The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts. Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG

May 22, 2023

Alana Rowland, 19, of Sims was arrested on charges of Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia as well as to be held for another agency.

Richard Hexamer, 60, of Hatfield was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

May 23, 2023

Davina Baker, 41, of Hot Springs was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

May 24, 2023

Tyler Ginn, 28, of DeQueen was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

May 25, 2023

Shealeena Phillips, 38, of Wickes was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 482 near Vandervoort in reference to a Domestic Disturbance leading to the arrest of Nancy Odle, 38, of Cove on three Failure to Appear Warrants and a charge of Violation of a No Contact

Order.

Donnie Dollarhyde, 49, of Mena was arrested on a Criminal Trespass Warrant.

Deputies responded to a report of a dog bite victim.

May 26, 2023

Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence on Heritage Lane near Hatfield. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Michael Williams, 41, of Mena was arrested on two Failure to Appear Warrants.

Kaylie Stroud, 27, of Mena was arrested on three Failure to Appear Warrants.

Tatum Veal, 32, of Mena was arrested on a Criminal Trespass Warrant.

May 27, 2023

Jonothan Coughran, 32, of Mena was arrested by an officer with the State Parks on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Jack Cannon, 28, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Cameron Rose, 32, of Cove was arrested on three Failure to Appear Warrants, a Body Attachment Warrant, and to be held for three other agencies.

A disturbance at a residence on Raspberry Lane near Ink led to the arrest of Meneses Hernandez, 39, of

Springdale on a charge of Public Intoxication and to be held for another agency.

Deputies were dispatched to an area on Polk 64 near Shady in reference to a wrecked vehicle.

May 28, 2023

Martin Rodriguez, 21, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies responded to a residence on Chaparral Lane near Potter in reference to a trespasser.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Stone Lane in reference to trespassers.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 2 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center

Jail Population: 49 Incarcerated Inmates with 17 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.