Isoroku Yamamoto

ModernGeneralJapan1884 — 1943

Japanese admiral who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor.

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Quick Facts

Born

1884

Died

1943

Country

Japan

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)82

Political (20%)47

Influence (20%)65

Legacy (20%)55

Leadership (15%)58

Strategy (15%)72

Total Score61.0

Isoroku Yamamoto — Complete Timeline

1941 AD

Planning the attack on Pearl HarborWar

As Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, Yamamoto conceived and oversaw the planning of the surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. The attack brought the United States into World War II.

World War IIPearl HarborStrategy

Impact: globaldestructive

1942 AD

Battle of MidwayWar

Yamamoto commanded the Japanese fleet at Midway, intending to destroy U.S. carriers. The Japanese lost four carriers in a decisive defeat, marking a turning point in the Pacific War. Yamamoto's plan was overly complex.

World War IIMidwayDefeat

Impact: globaltragic

Attack on Port Moresby (Operation MO)War◆ Major

Yamamoto ordered the invasion of Port Moresby, New Guinea, to isolate Australia. The resulting Battle of the Coral Sea was a tactical draw but stopped the Japanese advance, the first check on Japanese expansion.

World War IICoral SeaNaval Battle

Impact: regional

1943 AD

Operation Vengeance (Death of Yamamoto)War◆ Major

U.S. intelligence intercepted Yamamoto's flight plan. P-38 Lightning fighters shot down his bomber over Bougainville. His death was a major blow to Japanese morale and removed a key strategic leader.

World War IIAssassinationAir Battle

Impact: regionaltragic