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Overview of the Battle of the Coral Sea

May 10, 2025

Lecture Notes: Battle of the Coral Sea (May 7-8, 1942)

Overview

  • The Battle of the Coral Sea was a significant naval battle in the Pacific Theatre of World War II.
  • Involved American and Japanese forces with the aim of stopping Japanese expansion.
  • Noted as the first air-sea battle in history where aircraft carriers engaged each other.

Key Events

May 7, 1942

  • American Position:

    • American aircraft carriers positioned in the region.
    • The light carrier Shoho was destroyed by American forces.
  • Japanese Strategy:

    • Admiral Inoue decided to delay the Port Moresby invasion until American carriers were neutralized.
    • Rear Admiral Hara launched a strike against American carriers with 12 Val dive bombers and 15 Kate torpedo bombers.
    • The Japanese strike faced difficulties due to poor weather conditions and fatigue among pilots.
  • Engagement:

    • American Wildcats intercepted Japanese aircraft, resulting in the loss of 9 Japanese planes.
    • Japanese pilots mistakenly attempted to land on American carriers.

May 8, 1942

  • Early Morning:

    • Both sides launched searches for enemy carriers.
    • American Dauntless SBD dive bombers and Japanese Kates were engaged in reconnaissance.
  • Full Strikes:

    • American Strike: 15 Wildcats, 39 Dauntlesses, and 21 Devastators launched a coordinated attack on Japanese carriers.
    • Japanese Strike: 18 Zeros, 33 Vals, and 18 Kates targeted American Task Force 17.
  • Significant Engagements:

    • American Attack on Shikaku:
      • Multiple bomb hits on Shikaku, resulting in severe damage and fires.
      • Shikaku was forced to withdraw due to damage and high casualties.
    • Japanese Attack on Lexington and Yorktown:
      • Lexington was hit by torpedoes and bombs, leading to critical damage and eventual scuttling.
      • Yorktown was slightly damaged but remained operational.

Outcome

  • Casualties and Losses:

    • Japanese: Lost light carrier Shoho, a destroyer, and support ships.
    • American: Lost fleet carrier Lexington, oiler Neosho, and a destroyer.
  • Tactical vs. Strategic Victory:

    • Tactical Victory: Japanese claim victory based on tonnage of ships sunk.
    • Strategic Victory: Allies prevented the Japanese from capturing Port Moresby.
    • Japanese were forced to attempt land invasion via the Kokoda Trail.
  • Impact on Future Battles:

    • Damage to Shikaku and Zuikaku's air groups meant neither could participate in the upcoming Battle of Midway.
    • This absence was crucial to the outcome of Midway, a pivotal battle in the Pacific Theater.