U.S. Wins Battle of Coral Sea

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JAPANESE REPULSED IN GREAT PACIFIC BATTLE, 29 IS, !S, 17 1992 U.S. wins Batte of the Coral Sea May 1942 46206 ENEMY LOST 15 WARSHIPS IN CORAL SEA BATTLE, U.S. LOST 3, INCLUDING THE CARRIER LEXINGTON Chis lalle IN INDIA

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U.S. WINS BATTLE OF CORAL SEA First Day of Issue: August 17, 1992 First Issue Location: Indianapolis, Indiana In May of 1942, a massive Japanese invasion fleet, assisted by the carriers Shokaku and Zuikaku and 125 naval aircraft, sailed for New Guinea's Port Moresby. Charged with halting this Japanese advance, Rear Adm. Frank Jack Fletcher aimed his contingent of American and Australian ships toward the Coral Sea and the Japanese. Two American flattops, the Lexington and the Yorktown, and 141 aircraft would play a decisive role in the first naval battle where neither opponent came within sight of one another. After sparring for five days like heavy- weights in the early going of a fight, the two evenly matched foes squared off for the final round. On May 8, the battle was decided and losses on both sides were significant. The Lexington, ravaged by Japanese bombs and torpedoes, was abandoned and scuttled. The Japa- nese carrier Shokaku took three direct hits and, unable to launch its planes, retreated. When the smoke cleared, the Japanese forces were limping home, their southward trek stopped dead in the water. No. 92-103 First Day of Issue Postcard Collection™ ©1992 Fleetwood® Cheyenne, WY 82008-0001 Original painting for the First Day of Issue Postcard by Chris Calle Heetwood