Martin Dugard, who writes the Killing series with Bill O’Reilly, applies lessons learned from that collaboration to create a lively account of the battle that reshaped the trajectory of World War II. Believing that there is a misperception about the significance of the event, he states his intention in writing about it: "This book might change that. Hope so."

"Dugard presents his own refreshingly accessible recounting of one of World War II’s most consequential battles."

TAKING MIDWAY begins right before Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and sets the stage for the global conflict that unfolds thereafter. By 1942, the Allies are struggling against mounting defeats across multiple theaters, especially in the Pacific, where Japanese forces secure decisive victories. First there is Hawaii, and then Singapore falls, followed by the Philippines, while the United States and the British Navy lose ships and aircraft.

In the midst of these defeats, Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort --- a Japanese-speaking cryptanalyst in charge of Station HYPO in Honolulu --- learns that the Japanese are planning yet another major invasion somewhere in the Pacific. Finding out where they might strike next is critical. Rochefort convinces Admiral Chester Nimitz to send a false message about a disabled water plant on the island, which the Japanese intercept. In their communications with each other, they also reveal that Midway will be their next target. Rochefort not only must find the precise location, he also has to predict the date.

So begins an intense contest of intelligence, strategy and deception, culminating in the historic confrontation known as the Battle of Midway. Director John Ford was at Midway because the US Navy assigned him to record the battle for the historical record and for Navy intelligence, but the attack comes more quickly than anticipated. Ford and his team were prepared, and their documentary --- released later that year --- is recognized as one of the most notable war films of the era.

With an acknowledgement of that accomplishment, Dugard presents his own refreshingly accessible recounting of one of World War II’s most consequential battles.