Top 10 greatest aircraft carrier battles
- By Lin Liyao China.org.cn, October 19, 2011
Battle of the Coral Sea (珊瑚海海战)
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Japanese aircraft carrier Shoho is torpedoed, during attacks by U.S. Navy carrier aircraft in the late morning of 7 May 1942. [history.navy.mil] |
Location: Coral Sea, Australia
Countries: Japan vs. Allies (United States and Australia)
Aircraft carriers: Japan: 2 fleet carriers (Shokaku and Zuikaku) and 1 light fleet carrier (Shoho) vs U.S.: 2 fleet carriers (USS Lexington and Yorktown)
Result: Although a tactical victory for the Japanese in terms of ships sunk, the battle would prove to be a strategic victory for the Allies. More importantly, the Japanese fleet carriers Shokaku and Zuikaku – one damaged and the other with a depleted aircraft complement – were unable to participate in the Battle of Midway, contributing significantly to the U.S. victory in that battle.