Some quotes from Henry Fonda in Midway .
To James Coburn, after Coburn tries to convince Nimitz not to fall for a trap by Yamamoto (thinking that Yamamoto's real intention was to hit the West Coast or Pearl Harbor again.
Captain, if we surprise the enemy, catch him where he doesn't think we'll be, we can drive him back 3,000 miles and keep him pinned 'til we're ready to take him on in his own front yard.
Nimitz and Spruance discussing strategy:
Nimitz: Ray, assuming what you see here isn't just an elaborate ruse, Washington thinks it is, but assuming they're wrong what kind of moves do you suggest?
Spruance (Glenn Ford): I take my carriers up here to a point northeast of Midway, lie there and wait for Nagumo's carriers.
Nimitz: Why not head northwest, hit 'em head on?
Spruance: You know, there's just a chance that Washington may be right.
Nimitz: You think Hawaii and the West Coast could be the real targets?
Spruance: Well now, it doesn't really matter provided I'm in a position to cut them off if they do move east. If it's Midway, I'll bushwhack 'em! (pounding pointer on table)
Nimitz and Joe Rochefort (Hal Holbrook) after finding out that three of the four Japanese carriers had been sunk.
Rochefort: Three enemy carriers burning! Hallelujah!
Nimitz while impressed is still not completely satisfied.
Rochefort: Three enemy carriers burning sir, isn't that worth at least a hot diggity damn!
Nimitz: Yeah Joe but there's still that fourth carrier to deal with.
Rochefort: You know Admiral, we've already won a great victory. Yamamoto's still got a tremendous fleet out there. Shouldn't we get our people out?
Nimitz: You mean break off, run for home?
Rochefort: Yes, sir before we get hurt.
Nimitz: Well that might be the smart play commander, trouble is, I want that fourth carrier!