Spring 1942. The United States is reeling from the blow inflicted at Pearl Harbor, but is determined to turn the tide. The key comes from Commander Joe Rochefort, a little known "code breaker" who cracks the Japanese military encryption. Admiral Chester Nimitz will know precisely what the Japanese are planning. On the Japanese side, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto's key subordinates are Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, aging and infirm, and Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi, a firebrand who has no patience for Nagumo's hesitation. As they play out the chess game designed by Yamamoto, they have no idea that the Americans are anticipating their every move on the sea and in the air. -- adapted from jacket