 Indeed, it was presented as a sweeping triumph, rather than the marginal tactical victory that could reasonably be claimed.Declarations were made that the battle had rendered the Americans panic-stricken, when in fact, they had also proclaimed it a victory.The attack on Midway was rendered crucial by the Doolittle Raid, which had sneaked through the defensive perimeter at that point and, while not causing serious damage, had caused humiliation and propaganda difficulties.