MIDWAY IS EAST Japanese victories & the Midway Battle Release Date: November 23, 1952 ... (Episode #4) Midway Is East is about how Japan attempted to force the United States out of the war early. Japan continued it's expansion as Japan forced the surrenders of Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore in their quest to control the entire Pacific Ocean region. In March of 1942, the Americans broke the Japanese code and then halted the Japanese invasion of Australia at the Battle of the Coral Sea. Then all changed during the Battle of Midway. The Japanese strike force attempted a landing on the island of Midway. The Americans were ready and Admiral Spruance's carrier forced attacked the Japanese fleet and eventually sunk all four Japanese carriers, while losing only the Lexington. The entire war with Japan turned forever in the Americans favor at Midway and never again were the Japanese on the offensive again.