The Battle of Midway is one of America's most important World War II naval wins. American intelligence is able to crack codes to thwart a Japanese attack on the U.S. at Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean. Since Japan was focused on Midway, U.S. forces, including dive bombers, seize this opportunity to attack, sinking four of Japan's aircraft carriers. This victory serves as a turning point in the conflict.

Weeks after Japan began building a strategic airfield on Guadalcanal, part of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, the U.S. forces launch a surprise attack. They take control of the airfield and force the Japanese into initial retreat. But after reinforcements arrive, hand-to-hand jungle combat ensues with Japan finally retreating six months later. They had 31,000 casualties and lost 38 ships. The Allies lose 29 ships and 7,100 soldiers.

Advancing in Italy towards Rome, the Allies attack the Gustav Line, which was held by the Axis, at the mountain town of Monte Cassino. It was home to a Benedictine abbey dating back to 524 A.D. After being evacuated by the Germans, both sides tell the Vatican that it will not be attacked or used in military operations. However, in a bomber attack by the Allies, the abbey is destroyed, leading to public outcry and, post-bombing, as shelter for the Nazis. Polish troops captured the abbey on May 18, which lead the way for the Allied capture of Rome soon after.

Attempting to liberate Italy, the Allies land at Anzio, where they catch the Germans by surprise and quickly secure a beachhead during Operation Shingle. However, continued Axis resistance and counter-attacks ensue, resulting in a stalemate that doesn't end until the fall of Rome. It’s seen as a failure for the Allies, even though it kept the German troops from moving to France in the days before the invasion at Normandy.

660 miles south of Tokyo, U.S. Marines invade the volcanic island of Iwo Jima, seeking a strategic staging area for a possible attack on Japan's mainland. Weeks of bloody battle follow and while the Americans eventually gain control, 7,000 marines are killed, with 20,000 wounded. All but 216 of Japan's 18,000 soldiers were killed. The island later served as an emergency landing sight for B-29 bombers.