Episode 615-Battle of Midway: Prelude

The setup episode for Midway: Yamamoto's operational plan, Nimitz's intelligence advantage (the 'Cherub' — codebreaking), and the lingering effects of Coral Sea on both fleets' carrier strength. Harris keeps it at 30 minutes but packs in the planning and dispositions you need before the battle kicks off. A good companion to Episode 616.

Ray Harris Jr. sets up Midway with Yamamoto's operational planning and Nimitz's intelligence-driven counter, threading in the aftereffects of Coral Sea. At 30 minutes it's compact but Harris is always precise on the sequence of decisions, and this is the hinge point of the Pacific War. The chronological format means you feel the momentum building.