Navy Medicine Training Support Center (NMTSC) staff and students gathered outside the hospital corpsman school houses at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston June 7 for a ceremony to commemorate the Battle of Midway.

"We stand here today to honor one of the greatest and most important battles in history," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tristan McCauley, an instructor and master of ceremonies for the event. "In June of 1942, the Battle of Midway raged in the Pacific and was the turning point in World War II in our fight against the Japanese nation. The men and women who fought that day changed the course of our history, our naval heritage, the nation and the world."

The decisive battle took place June 4-7, 1942 following an incredible effort by Navy codebreakers who intercepted Japanese plans to attack the island of Midway, the last outpost between Japan and America's fleet in Hawaii. Because of the interception, American leaders were able to strategically place two fleets off the coast of Midway and catch the Japanese by surprise.

"It demonstrated the power and vast capability of naval aviation and the resolve of a nation that was awakened by the attack on Pearl Harbor," said McCauley. "America needed to win this battle. Six months after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese were positioning their fleet for more aggressive attacks on the United States with the intent on destroying the Pacific fleet and threating the West Coast of America."

The American fleet crippled Japan's -- who ultimately lost four aircraft carriers, one cruiser, and 292 aircraft. U.S. losses were significantly less, consisting of one carrier, one destroyer and 145 planes. Casualties consisted of approximately 2,500 Japanese and 300 American lives.

"I'm so proud that we've taken this time to talk about it, and remember it and look at the sacrifice of those who served during that time," said Capt. Denise Smith, NMTSC commanding officer. "It took dedication, teamwork, tenacity, and courage from all of those that fought in this battle. And they did it so that we could move on to victory."

"Today we honor the warriors and we remember their great victory and tremendous sacrifice," said McCauley. "The Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment have been reflected through victories throughout history. And today, we honor the men and women who turned the tide of war in the Pacific in our nation's favor."

The ceremony included a ceremonial wreath-laying by Smith who reverently placed it outside the school house doors to honor the sacrifices of those service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to ensure victory for the U.S.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil/, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy/, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy/.

For more news from Navy Medicine Education and Training Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.