1. Dates and Location: The Battle of Coral Sea took place from May 4-8, 1942, in the Coral Sea, located in the South Pacific Ocean.
2. Belligerents: The battle was fought between the Imperial Japanese Navy and the combined forces of the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.
3. Strategic Significance: The Battle of Coral Sea was the first major naval battle fought exclusively by aircraft carriers. It marked a significant turning point in naval warfare and challenged the Japanese strategy of rapid expansion in the Pacific.
4. Carrier Task Forces: The Japanese Navy deployed the carrier strike force of the Kidō Butai, led by Admiral Takeo Takagi. The American and Australian forces comprised Task Force 17, commanded by Admiral Frank J. Fletcher, and Task Force 11, led by Rear Admiral John G. Crace.
5. Initial Objectives: The Japanese intended to capture Port Moresby in New Guinea to establish a strategic base for further operations in the South Pacific. The Allies aimed to prevent the Japanese from gaining control of the region.
6. Air Attacks and Counterattacks: The battle unfolded through a series of air attacks and counterattacks launched by both sides. Japanese aircraft targeted American and Australian ships, while American and Australian planes struck Japanese carriers.
7. Loss of Shoho: The Japanese carrier Shōhō was sunk on May 7 by American dive bombers, marking the first time that an aircraft carrier had been sunk solely by air attack.
8. Aircraft Carrier Damage: The American aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CV-2) was heavily damaged by enemy bombers and later abandoned and scuttled. The Japanese carrier Shōkaku (CV-5) sustained significant damage but survived the battle.
9. Strategic Outcome: The Battle of Coral Sea resulted in a tactical draw, with both sides suffering heavy losses. However, it was strategically significant as it prevented the Japanese from capturing Port Moresby and halted their southward expansion.
10. Importance in the Pacific Campaign: The Battle of Coral Sea paved the way for the Battle of Midway, which occurred a month later and became a decisive victory for the Allied forces, marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II.