June 7

Battle of Midway Ends — Pacific War Turning Point Secured

The last Japanese carrier — Hiryu — sank on June 5; by June 7 Japanese forces withdrew, ending the Battle of Midway. Japan had lost four fleet carriers, 248 aircraft, and three of its best naval aviators in four days.

Midway permanently ended Japanese naval superiority in the Pacific; Japan could not replace its lost carriers and experienced pilots, while American industrial power could.