Despite losing battleships in the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy’s aircraft carriers were able to take the war to the enemy, U.S. naval forces winning the Battle of Midway in June 1942. Over the next three years, American services advanced through the Pacific, recapturing the Philippines in 1945 and several island airbases from which bombers could reach Japan.

Vicious combat, disease, and the unforgiving climate made the Pacific war especially horrifying. The Battle of Okinawa – only 400 miles from mainland Japan – was the last great battle of the Pacific war. Lasting 82 days, the battle resulted in more than 12,500 American and 92,000 Japanese soldiers killed. Aircraft carriers and islands with airbases were the primary strategic targets for both sides. Japan surrendered in August 1945, but defeating the Japanese Empire took over 257,000 American casualties.