John Ford's Battle of Midway Documentary
Oscar-winning director John Ford directed
this documentary shot by himself and Navy
Combat Cameramen. It captures the Battle
of Midway on the ground at Midway Island,
in the air above the carriers at sea, and
aboard the USS Yorktown as it was under
attack (it eventually sank). Originally,
John Ford traveled to Midway Island
intending to shoot a documentary about
military life on a remote island outpost,
depicting sailors at work and having fun.
Instead, he found himself in the middle of
the Japanese attack. He armed himself with
his 16mm camera and shot impromptu footage
of the battle. He received a minor wound
as the result of enemy fire.
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