It was an incredible military breakthrough. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Commander Joe Rochefort broke the Japanese codes. From an intelligence base on Oahu, he predicted an attack on Midway Island for June 3, 1942. Because of Rochefort's skill, the United States surprised the Japanese Navy with its first defeat in 350 years. Four carriers were lost, one cruiser, 2500 men, 322 aircraft, and the best of their pilots. The tide turned in the Pacific; Japan never recovered momentum. Commander Rochefort never received proper credit. Instead, intelligence staff in Washington falsified reports and claimed the fame, even though they had predicted a June 10th day of attack, a week late. Washington sealed the records for 40 years. The real hero was moved from intelligence and assigned to a …