May 8, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

FRIDAY, 8 MAY 1942

USN: The Battle of the Coral Sea was the first naval engagement of history fought without opposing ships making contact. Carrier aircraft from USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktown (CV-5) severely damaged Shōkaku. In the morning, USS Lexington CV-2 is damaged and later scuttled. USS Yorktown (CV-5) also suffers damage from aircraft. A total of 66 US aircraft are lost including SBD "CLAG" 4679 (MIA) and SBD 4597 (MIA). As a result of the battle, the Japanese were unable to land at Port Moresby, a key base in New Guinea and of great importance to the security of Australia. The battle is the first major naval engagement in history in which the opposing warships do not exchange a shot. The Battle of the Coral Sea was the first naval engagement of history fought without opposing ships making contact. It also marks the end of the period in which the Allied forces were on the defensive and paves the way for offensive operations.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (5th Air Force): Allied bombers join USN aircraft in attacking the enemy's main support force south of San Cristobal. During the battle the reconnaissance work of the AAF proves of greater importance than bombing missions which have no real effects on the battle. Lack of USN-AAF coordination was apparent during the Battle of the Coral Sea and this eventually leads to better interservice communication. Lost is B-25C 41-12486 (force landed, two died, three rescued) and P-39F Airacobra 41-7188 (ditched, pilot rescued).

IJN: Shōkaku is damaged. Lost is D3A1 Val 3381 (crew rescued).