The Battle of the Coral Sea

Fought between Japanese and American forces, the Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4-8, 1942) was unique in that it was the first battle to be completely fought in the air, without ships from either side even seeing each other.


Although the Americans lost an aircraft carrier in the battle, the battle effectively stopped the Japanese invasion of Australia.

The American aircraft carrier, USS Lexington on fire and sinking during the Battle of the Coral Sea.