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...here's an AI overview of how they were treated...it appears there was no "Kill Them All" order from Senior Command.
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AI Overview

Yes, some Japanese sailors from the sunken carriers at Midway were rescued by smaller Allied ships, particularly those from the carrier Hiryū, with about 35 engineering crew picked up by the U.S. seaplane tender USS Ballard weeks later, while others were saved by destroyers or submarines after ditching aircraft, though many went down with their ships, as officers often chose to stay with their vessels.

Details of Rescues

Hiryū Survivors: A significant group of 35 sailors from Hiryū were rescued from a lifeboat by the USS Ballard nearly two weeks after the battle, after being spotted by an American search plane.

Aircraft Ditchings: Many Japanese pilots whose planes were damaged or out of fuel ditched near friendly destroyers, which performed plane guard duties, and were rescued by these smaller vessels.

Mikuma Survivors: Two enlisted men from the cruiser Mikuma, which sank after the battle, were rescued by the submarine USS Trout.

Reasons for Mixed Outcomes

Japanese Doctrine: While some officers chose to go down with their ships (like Hiryū's Vice Admiral Yamaguchi), many enlisted men and pilots were saved by their own support ships or rescued by the Allies.

U.S. Standard Practice: The U.S. Navy conducted "Lifeguard Operations," and submarines and tenders would often rescue downed aircrews and sailors, a common wartime practice.

Key Takeaway: While thousands perished, rescues did occur, both by Japanese support ships before sinking and by American forces from the sea, often involving smaller vessels like destroyers and tenders.
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