Made in 1942 and shot in color, “The Battle of Midway” is John Ford’s masterpiece of documentary filmmaking. Featuring voice overs by Donald Crisp, Henry Fonda, and Jane Darwell, the film includes material shot by Ford himself during the Japanese bombardment of Midway.

John Ford’s handheld, 16mm footage of the battle was captured totally impromptu. He had been in transit on the island, roused from his bunk by the sounds of the battle, picked up his camera and began shooting. Ford was wounded by shrapnel from a Japanese bomb while filming. Featured in the film are many things of note, including operations of PBY Catalina flying boats as scout aircraft and to recover downed pilots, shots of the B-17s which operated off Midway during the battle, and the assault on Midway itself. At sea, the film shows the American aircraft carrier forces conducting flight operations and defending against Japanese aircraft. It also features precious footage of USS Hornet’s Torpedo 8, which was decimated in the battle. Only one crewman, Ensign George Gay, survived the day.