Chuichi Nagumo

ModernGeneralJapan1887 — 1944

Kido Butai commander who led Pearl Harbor strike, died on Saipan.

Compare:vs Napoleon vs Julius Caesar

Quick Facts

Born

1887

Died

1944

Country

Japan

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)69

Political (20%)61

Influence (20%)76

Legacy (20%)69

Leadership (15%)75

Strategy (15%)56

Total Score67.8

Chuichi Nagumo — Complete Timeline

1941 AD

Commanded the Attack on Pearl HarborWar

Nagumo commanded the Kido Butai carrier strike force that launched the surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack sank or damaged 18 US ships and killed over 2,400 Americans, bringing the US into World War II.

Pearl HarborWorld War IISurprise Attack

Impact: globaldestructive

1942 AD

Led the Indian Ocean RaidWar◆ Major

Nagumo's carrier force raided British naval bases in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and sank the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes and two heavy cruisers. The raid demonstrated Japanese naval reach but failed to destroy the British Eastern Fleet.

Indian OceanWorld War IINaval Raid

Impact: regional

Defeated at the Battle of MidwayWar

Nagumo commanded the Japanese carrier force at Midway. US dive bombers sank four Japanese carriers (Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, Hiryu) in a single day. The defeat marked the turning point of the Pacific War, shifting the strategic initiative to the US.

Battle of MidwayWorld War IINaval Defeat

Impact: globaltragic

1944 AD

Killed on SaipanWar◆ Major

Nagumo was commanding the Central Pacific Area Fleet on Saipan when US forces invaded the island. As the Japanese defense collapsed, Nagumo committed suicide in his command cave. His death marked the end of a key Japanese naval commander.

SaipanWorld War IISuicide

Impact: regionaltragic