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.