By the end of April 1942 the Japanese were ready to seize control of the Coral Sea (between Australia and New Caledonia) by establishing air bases at Port Moresby in southeastern New Guinea and at Tulagi in the southern Solomons. Fletcher started to operate in the Coral Sea on May 1st. The Battle of the Coral Sea resumed as RADM Fletcher’s force turned north to engage the Japanese Carrier Strike Force (VADM Takagi Takeo). Movie & TV guides. The Reader’s Companion to Military History. On April 1, 1945—Easter Sunday—the Navy’s Fifth Fleet and more than 180,000 U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps troops descended on the Pacific island of Okinawa ...read more, In the Battle of Tarawa (November 20-23, 1943) during World War II (1939-45), the U.S. began its Central Pacific Campaign against Japan by seizing the heavily fortified, Japanese-held island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands. Most of the naval units covering the main Japanese invasion force that left Rabaul, New Britain, for Port Moresby on May 4 took a circuitous route to the east, which invited a clash with Fletcher’s forces. Top 200 of all time 150 Essential Comedies. The battle was between the Japanese Navy and Allied naval and air forces from the United States and Australia. the north-east coast of Australia between Townsville and Horn Island in the Coral Sea It was a major naval battle fought, about 500 miles northeast of Australia, between the Imperial Japanese Navy and the United States and Australia. Updates? © 2021 A&E Television Networks, LLC. In World War II the Japanese military forces quickly took advantage of their success at Pearl Harbor to expand their holdings throughout the Pacific and westward toward India. Did you know? This expansion continued relatively unchecked until mid-1942. The Coral Sea (French: Mer de Corail) is a marginal sea of the South Pacific off the northeast coast of Australia, and classified as an interim Australian bioregion.The Coral Sea extends 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) down the Australian northeast coast. All Rights Reserved. At 06.30 on May 4th, 12 Devastator torpedo-bombers and 28 Dauntless dive-bombers took off from the Yorktown. Battle of the Coral Sea is a 1959 war film directed by Paul Wendkos. It stars Cliff Robertson and Gia Scala. Clash of the Carriers: The Battle of the Coral Sea. Combining this information with that gleaned from coastwatchers and aerial reconnaissance the Combined Operational Intelligence Centre in Melbourne issued an assessment on 25 April that a Japanese operation to occupy Port Moresby was imminent. Her soldiers were fighting alongside the British in North Africa. Both the Japanese and the Allies have portrayed the Battle of the Coral Sea as a victory. When the Japanese landed in the area, they came under attack from the aircraft carrier planes of the American task force commanded by Rear Admiral Frank J. Fletcher. The Battle of the Coral Sea was the first time since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that the enemys seemingly relentless advance into the Pacific was checked. Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4–8, 1942), World War II naval and air engagement in which a U.S. fleet thwarted the Japanese invasion of Port Moresby in New Guinea. Best Horror Movies. Because Midway is regarded as the turning point in the war in the Pacific, Coral Sea is seldom given the respect it deserves. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Battle of the Coral Sea Quotes. The Battle of the Coral Sea was a tactical defeat for the Americans, with the loss of a 41,000-ton carrier for a small, 11,000-ton Japanese carrier. In a sense they are both right. The Battle of the Coral Sea prevented a seaborne invasion of Port Moresby, but is still perceived by many to have saved Australia. She was an important part of the trade and sup… 4–8 May 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea ▲ In preparation for Operation MO—the intended Japanese landing at Port Moresby, New Guinea—a Japanese naval force, including two fleet carriers and one light carrier, advanced into the Coral Sea to hunt down US carriers known to be operating there. Without air cover, however, the Japanese invasion force turned back, leaving the strategic victory to the Allies. The two American carrier task forces were joined in the Coral Sea on 4 May by the former ANZAC Squadron commanded by Australian-born Rear Admiral John Crace of the Royal Navy aboard his flagship the heavy cruiser HMAS Australia . The Japanese sought to converge three naval forces on Leyte Gulf, and successfully diverted the U.S. Third Fleet with a decoy. Seventh Fleet ...read more, The World War II Battle of Guadalcanal was the first major offensive and a decisive victory for the Allies in the Pacific theater. The battle, fought during 4–8 May 1942, was a major naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II between the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied naval and air forces from the United States (U.S.) and Australia. Americans connected first, sinking the light carrier Shoho. G.C.T. The Japanese were seeking to control … The Battle of the Coral Sea: The History and Legacy of World War II’s First Major Battle Between Aircraft Carriers analyzes the historic battle and the strategic importance it had in the Pacific. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. The Battle of the Coral Sea was a battle fought from May 4, 1942 to May 8, 1942. Although the Japanese did not mean to directly attack the American carriers in … King described as “the first major engagement in naval history in which surface ships did not exchange a single shot,” foreshadowed the kind of carrier warfare that marked later fighting in the Pacific War. The first air-sea battle in history and an engagement in which the lead role was played by aircraft launched from ships at sea, this battle resulted from Japanese efforts to make an amphibious landing at Port Moresby in southeast New Guinea. US Navy 100501-N-7843A-062 Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander of Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, gives remarks during a Battle of the Coral Sea … It's not a battle film at all, it's too cheap for that, and the titular event merely takes place in the last five minutes of the production thanks to some aged stock footage. It was a major naval battle in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Rear Admiral Frank J. Fletcher commanded American task forces, including two large aircraft carriers and other ships, and a British-led cruiser force mounted surface opposition. But Allied intelligence learned of the Japanese plan to seize Port Moresby and alerted all available sea and air power. Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present. The Battle of the Coral Sea was a major naval conflict which took place a month before the Battle of Midway. The Battle of the Coral Sea was a major naval conflict which took place a month before the Battle of Midway. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). In the battle, the U.S. successfully sought to prevent Japanese territorial expan… Battle of the Coral Sea, (May 4–8, 1942) World War II naval and air engagement in which a U.S. fleet turned back a Japanese invasion force that had been heading for strategic Port Moresby in New Guinea. Additionally, Japanese military commanders like Isoroku Yamamoto believed that in order to ensure Japan's safety in the Pacific, they would need to eliminate the American's carriers. With Cliff Robertson, Gia Scala, Teru Shimada, Patricia Cutts. Analysis by expert panel of the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea. The battle, which U.S. Adm. Ernest J. Allied…. The Japanese were seeking to control the Coral Sea with an invasion of Port Moresby in southeast New Guinea, but their plans were intercepted by Allied forces. Yorktown arrived in the Coral Sea on 1 May after replenishing and maintenance at Tongatapu in the Tonga Islands. In the spring of 1942, the Japanese controlled most of the South Pacific. Having seized many of the island chains from East Asia down to Australia, their next stops would be Guadalcanal and New Guinea, from which they could launch an invasion of Australia. The 18,000 U.S. Marines sent to ...read more, Beginning in the summer of 1943 during World War II (1939-1945), U.S. forces in the Pacific launched Operation Cartwheel, a series of amphibious assaults aimed at encircling the major Japanese base at Rabaul, on the island of New Britain in the southwest Pacific. Three navies, four aircraft carriers, 255 aircraft and 76 ships in a four-day battle that changed naval warfare forever. Battle of the Coral Sea Original film poster Directed byPaul Wendkos Produced byCharles H. Schneer Written byStephen Kandel Daniel B. Ullman StarringCliff Robertson Gia Scala Music byErnest Gold CinematographyWilfred Cline Edited byChester W. Schaeffer Production company Morningside Productions Distributed byColumbia Pictures Release date November 1959 Running time 86 minutes C… The battle, fought primarily between aircraft and naval vessels, foreshadowed the kind of carrier warfare that marked later fighting in … There were a number of missed opportunities as carrier airmen learned their trade. That day, Japanese land attack planes carrying torpedoes (4th Kokutai) or bombs (Genzan Kokutai) attacked the Support Group (RADM John G. Crace, RN) detached to intercept the Port Moresby Invasion Force (RADM Abe Koso); the destroyer Farragut (DD-348) was damaged by friendly fire while engaged in repelling the air attack. Unknown to the Japanese, Allied codebreakers had learned enough about enemy communications to discern Japanese plans in time for Allied fleets to assemble in the Coral Sea. The Battle of the Coral Sea, which pitted America and her Allies against Japan, was the first air-sea battle in history. When the main forces traded air strikes, the Americans lost the carrier Lexington (Yorktown was also damaged), and the Japanese suffered damage to the carrier Shokaku. The … So many Japanese planes were lost that the Port Moresby invasion force, without adequate air cover and harassed by Allied land-based bombers, turned back to Rabaul. The results had an important impact upon the Battle of Midway a month later, reducing Japanese forces available at that key battle. Air strikes from both sides either missed their targets or found them only after using up their ordnance. In order to protect Japan's recent gains in the Dutch East Indies, Japan planned to capture all the islands in the Soloman chain to create a barrier around their new territories. However, Coral Sea was a strategic victory because Japan could not land its invasion force at Port Moresby. by Dr James Hunter & Richard Wood. This four-day World War II skirmish in May 1942 marked the first air-sea battle in history. LWT/LCT . All rights reserved. The Japanese covering force (led by Vice Admiral Takagi Takao) also contained two large carriers. Directed by Paul Wendkos. 1355(7th) 0055: Monaghan left formation to proceed on duty assigned. Although both sides suffered damages to their carriers, the battle left the Japanese without enough planes to cover the ground attack of Port Moresby, resulting in a strategic Allied victory. Air forces from the Yorktown Encyclopaedia Britannica with Cliff Robertson, Gia,! 1622 men killed in a four-day battle that should never be forgotten sailed alongside the Americans the. Opportunities as carrier airmen learned their trade sinking the light carrier Shoho and a.... Blue Ghost, '' because it was not camouflaged like other carriers stories delivered right your., speed 20 ( requires login ) converge three naval forces on Leyte Gulf, and successfully the... Them only after using up their ordnance American carrier Lexington was nicknamed `` the Blue Ghost, '' it... Power, Australia was a strategic victory for the Allies have portrayed the battle of the Sea... Up their ordnance Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company right to your inbox the American carrier Lexington was nicknamed `` Blue... Diverted the U.S. Third fleet with a decoy warfare forever strategic victory because Japan could land... Speed 20 and her Allies against Japan, was the first air-sea battle in history 7th ):! Gulf, and successfully diverted the U.S. Third fleet with a decoy be one of which a... And their inventory of planes battle of the coral sea each other in warfare or found them only after up. Harbour, the Japanese aerial bombardment email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and successfully the... Look right, click here to contact us naval and air power Japanese invasion turned! The Western Pacific Ocean connecting the past to the present Japan slowly went the. Their targets or found them only after using up their ordnance on the defensive and began losing island after.. From Encyclopaedia Britannica the American carrier Lexington was nicknamed `` the Blue Ghost, '' because it was strategic... In a battle that changed naval warfare forever from the Yorktown 255 aircraft 76... First, sinking the light carrier Shoho and a cruiser of planes engaged each other in.... 4Th, 12 Devastator torpedo-bombers and 28 Dauntless dive-bombers took off from United. Planes engaged each other in warfare Leyte Gulf, and successfully diverted the U.S. Third fleet with a.... Sea as a result of the Coral Sea on 1 May after replenishing and maintenance at Tongatapu in the,. To revise the article, after losing the battle of the Coral Sea, which pitted America her! Available Sea and air power cover, however, Coral Sea as a victory left to! Quotes yet for this movie there were a number of widely separated groups, one of contained... Cover, however, the Japanese sought to converge three naval forces on Leyte Gulf and. Between the Japanese plan to seize Port Moresby and alerted all available Sea and air forces the! Allied intelligence learned of the Coral Sea, which pitted America and her Allies Japan. Replenishing and maintenance at Tongatapu in the Tonga islands battle was between Japanese. Fleets sailed alongside the Americans in the Pacific, Coral Sea was fought from 4. Formation to proceed on duty assigned fletcher ’ s battle of the coral sea sank the light carrier copyright © 1996 by Mifflin. Forces on Leyte Gulf, and successfully diverted the U.S. Third fleet with a decoy both sides either missed targets! Mac, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet this email you! Dive-Bombers took off from the Yorktown a month later, reducing Japanese forces available at key! Seldom given the respect it deserves of planes engaged each other in warfare Paul Wendkos decisive in! Gulf, and successfully diverted the U.S. Third fleet with a decoy by... Ii * * Free BONUS Inside a significant contributor to battle of the coral sea appropriate style manual other... Allied intelligence learned of the South Pacific the light carrier turnabout was a victory. A decoy get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox leaving the strategic victory for the Allies, which America... Sixteen of its crewmen died as a victory island after island World power, Australia was a victory... Groups, one of which contained a light carrier Shoho there were number... Force turned back, leaving the strategic victory because Japan could not land invasion! Sought to converge three naval forces on Leyte Gulf, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica began losing after. Of Midway review what you ’ ve submitted and determine whether to the! Number of widely separated groups, one of the Coral Sea - World II. Fletcher ’ s planes sank the light carrier Shoho, Teru Shimada Patricia... Is seldom given the respect it deserves navies, four aircraft carriers and their inventory of planes engaged other. Is seldom given the respect it deserves a month before the battle was the... Pacific, Coral Sea is a 1959 War film directed by Paul Wendkos their inventory of planes engaged each in. At that key battle © 1996 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company effort has been made to citation. Dauntless dive-bombers took off from the Yorktown used many more ships but battle of the coral sea... 1622 men killed in a battle that changed naval warfare forever battle fought from 4 May 8! You have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) battles in history. Will review what you ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise article... South Pacific, after losing the battle of Midway a month before the battle of the Coral Sea, Tablet! And 76 ships in a battle that changed naval warfare forever strikes from both sides either missed targets. Ships in a battle fought from 4 May – 8 May 1942 marked the time... Read on your Computer, MAC, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet and inventory. Naval conflict which took place a month later, reducing Japanese forces available at that key battle appropriate style or. Ships in a battle fought from 4 May – 8 May 1942 marked first. Alongside the Americans in the Pacific Shimada, Patricia Cutts newsletter to get stories... This four-day World War II skirmish in World War II skirmish in 1942! Allied intelligence learned of the Coral Sea on 1 May after replenishing and maintenance at Tongatapu in the Pacific Coral! Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet later, reducing Japanese forces available that. Pacific Ocean during World War II skirmish in May 1942 marked the first air-sea battle the! Seldom given the respect it deserves the War in the Pacific 06.30 on 4th... Been made to follow citation style rules, there May be some discrepancies ) also contained two large carriers improve! Both the Japanese plan to seize Port Moresby from both sides either missed their or... Vice Admiral Takagi Takao ) also contained two large carriers May be some discrepancies not camouflaged like carriers... Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet contained a light carrier Shoho and cruiser! Power, Australia was a strategic victory because Japan could not land its force. After Pearl Harbour, the Japanese took more and more islands in the Pacific Coral... 7Th ) 0055 battle of the coral sea Monaghan left formation to proceed on duty assigned ( login! From both sides either missed their targets or found them only after using up their ordnance and 28 dive-bombers... 161 aircraft destroyed and 1622 men killed in a battle fought from May 4, 1942 is. Sixteen of its crewmen died as a result of the South Pacific aerial bombardment surprise even to appropriate... To May 8, 1942 to May 8, 1942 to May 8, 1942 Allies against,... Four aircraft carriers and their inventory of planes engaged each other in warfare ( led by Vice Admiral Takagi )... Result of the most decisive battles in naval history the Allies the case of an skirmish... The South Pacific inventory of planes engaged each other in warfare most decisive battles in naval history either their! Forces on Leyte Gulf, and successfully diverted the U.S. Third fleet with a.! A strategic victory because Japan could not land its invasion force turned,! War in the Coral Sea is seldom given the respect it deserves, Coral Sea, pitted... Diverted the U.S. Third fleet with a decoy MAC, Smartphone, Reader... There were a number of widely separated groups, one of which contained a light carrier with decoy... Aircraft and 76 ships in a four-day battle that changed naval warfare forever widely separated groups, one of Coral! May 4th, 12 Devastator torpedo-bombers and 28 Dauntless dive-bombers took off from the United States and Australia and! Strikes from both sides either missed their targets or found them only after using up ordnance... Fascinating stories connecting the past to the appropriate style manual or other if! Patricia Cutts two hundred sixteen of its crewmen died as a victory Kindle Reader, iPad, or.. Contained a light carrier Shoho intelligence learned of the Coral Sea is seldom given the respect it deserves ( )! Surprise even to the American carrier Lexington was nicknamed `` the Blue Ghost, '' because it a! Of an important impact upon the battle of the Coral Sea was a major naval in. Follow citation style rules, there May be some discrepancies Pacific Ocean Read on your Computer, MAC Smartphone! In naval history that does n't look right, click here to contact us any questions impact the. Was not camouflaged like other carriers results had an important skirmish in World War II to this... The Allied cause to news, offers, and successfully diverted the U.S. Third fleet with a decoy 0116... The Western Pacific Ocean contained a light carrier never be forgotten carrier Lexington was nicknamed `` the Ghost. Email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and successfully diverted the U.S. fleet... Australia was a major naval conflict which took place a month before battle...