Overview of the Battle
US Navy photograph. Navy History & Heritage Command.
The Battle of the Coral Sea was a two-day battle, fought between May 7- 8, 1942 off the coast of Australia. Preliminary action took place between May 3-6, 1942, but the main battle occurred on May 7-8, 1942. The events of these two days would help turn the tide of the war. The Americans, through superior intelligence efforts, had caught wind of the Japanese plan to capture Port Moresby, New Guinea and dispatched a force led by Admiral Frank J. Fletcher to intercept the Japanese fleet led by Admiral Shigeyoshi Inoue.
Following preliminary maneuvers on May 3-6, where the United States Navy attempted to stop the Japanese from landing on the small island of Tulagi, the forces of both navies headed westward into the Coral Sea toward Port Moresby. On May 7 and 8, the first aircraft carrier battle in history took place. Both sides suffered significant losses. American losses included the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, the oiler, USS Neosho and the destroyer, USS Sims, and close to 600 men killed or wounded. Japanese losses included the light carrier, Shoho. The fleet carrier Shokaku was severely damaged and the carrier Zuikaku lost many of its planes and experienced pilots in the battle. The Japanese lost close to 1000 men. Both sides retreated from the area. The Japanese Navy claimed victory, however, as they were prevented from invading Port Moresby the battle was a strategic victory for the United States.
Following preliminary maneuvers on May 3-6, where the United States Navy attempted to stop the Japanese from landing on the small island of Tulagi, the forces of both navies headed westward into the Coral Sea toward Port Moresby. On May 7 and 8, the first aircraft carrier battle in history took place. Both sides suffered significant losses. American losses included the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, the oiler, USS Neosho and the destroyer, USS Sims, and close to 600 men killed or wounded. Japanese losses included the light carrier, Shoho. The fleet carrier Shokaku was severely damaged and the carrier Zuikaku lost many of its planes and experienced pilots in the battle. The Japanese lost close to 1000 men. Both sides retreated from the area. The Japanese Navy claimed victory, however, as they were prevented from invading Port Moresby the battle was a strategic victory for the United States.
Reaction in Australia...
www.battleforaustralia.org.au
"Events that are taking place today are of crucial importance to the whole conduct of the war in this theatre…This battle will not decide the war; it will determine the immediate tactics which will be pursued by the allied forces and by the common enemy." John Curtin, Prime Minister of Australia, Address to the Australian Parliament, May 8, 1942
Map of Battle Area
Recollections..."I went down a line from the flight deck on the after starboard side. The water was warm. The life rafts were so full they were submerged, so I went on my own. After about two hours in the water the cruiser New Orleans picked me up. While I was in the water I worried about sharks and wished I was back in school."
"While I was on the New Orleans and watched the Lexington burning and exploding I became quite emotional. An older sailor put his arm around me and consoled me. I knew there was no hope of saving the Lexington when I saw her aflame from stem to stern. She had to be put under to keep the Japanese from knowing she was done fighting." Cecil M. Wiswell, U.S. Navy |
Battle of the Coral Sea www.youtube.com by US Pacific Fleet
Battle of the Coral Sea www.youtube.com by US Pacific Fleet
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