Midway

Raymond Spruance: Layton, how reliable are these estimates of the Japanese positions?

Edwin Layton: They represent our best guess based on the intelligence that we have.

Raymond Spruance: I can't plan around your guess.

Chester W. Nimitz: [to Layton] I understand that we're asking the impossible but we need you to be specific.

Edwin Layton: [sighs, pauses a moment] The Japanese will attack on the morning of June 4th from the northwest at a bearing of 325 degrees. They will be sighted 175 miles from Midway at 0700 local time.

Chester W. Nimitz: I trust Layton and his team. Make your plans accordingly.

Chester W. Nimitz: [later, on the morning of June 4th, after receiving the report the enemy fleet was spotted on a bearing of 320 degrees and 180 miles northwest of Midway and glancing at his watch] Well, Layton, you and Rochefort were only off five minutes, five miles and five degrees.

Edwin Layton: Well, we'll endeavor to do better next time, sir.