Battle of the Coral Sea Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary objective of the Japanese forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea?

To protect their supply lines to the Philippines.
To capture the island of Nauru and Ocean (Banaba) for their phosphate resources.
To establish a base in the Solomons to launch attacks on Australia.
To destroy the Allied naval forces in the Coral Sea. (correct)

What was the significance of the USS Yorktown's aircraft in the early stages of the Battle of the Coral Sea?

They successfully sank a large number of Japanese warships.
They provided crucial reconnaissance information that allowed for the interception of the Japanese fleet.
They launched a surprise attack that severely damaged the Japanese fleet.
They alerted the Japanese to the presence of U.S. carriers. (correct)

What happened during the initial Japanese attack on Tulagi on April 29th to May 4th?

They successfully captured the island and destroyed the Allied naval forces stationed there.
They were met with fierce resistance from the Allied forces and suffered heavy casualties.
They were surprised by the arrival of Allied reinforcements and were forced to retreat.
They managed to capture the island with little resistance, but lost several warships to Allied aircraft. (correct)

What is the significance of the image showing the USS Lexington with a large number of planes on deck and low sun?

It indicates that the Lexington was preparing to launch a strike against the Japanese carrier force. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the image of the Japanese aircraft carrier Shokaku under attack show?

The vulnerability of the Japanese fleet to air attacks. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What important resource was Japan seeking in the Pacific islands like Nauru and Ocean (Banaba)?

Phosphate (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements accurately describes the air combat in the Battle of the Coral Sea?

It took place over 2 days and was primarily fought by aircraft carriers. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the USS Yorktown during the Battle of the Coral Sea?

It sustained heavy damage but was able to retreat. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Battle of the Coral Sea?

It was the first major naval battle where ships never engaged directly. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Japanese aircraft carrier Shoho in the Battle of the Coral Sea?

It was the first Japanese aircraft carrier to be sunk in the war. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the U.S. Navy's role in the Battle of the Coral Sea?

The Battle of the Coral Sea was a strategic victory for the US Navy, but a costly tactical victory, because it resulted in the loss of the USS Lexington. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What document published by the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) provides detailed information about the Battle of the Coral Sea?

The Battle of the Coral Sea combat narrative (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided context, what was the significance of the Battle of the Coral Sea for the United States?

It was the first major U.S. Navy victory against Japan after Pearl Harbor. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of "Scratch one flattop!" as used in the context of the Battle of the Coral Sea?

The U.S. Navy sank a Japanese aircraft carrier. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What historical significance does the Battle of the Coral Sea hold?

It was the first major naval battle where ships did not engage in direct combat. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ship involved in the described event?

USS Lexington (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of vessel is the USS Minneapolis?

Cruiser (B) Signup and view all the answers

What caused the initial fires and eventual sinking of the USS Lexington?

Explosions from within the ship (E) Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Japanese carrier Shokaku after the battle?

It was damaged and could not participate in the Battle of Midway. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary tactical outcome of the Battle of Coral Sea?

Tactical Japanese victory, but strategic Allied win by disrupting further Japanese operations (B) Signup and view all the answers

What key objective did the Allies successfully retain after the Battle of Coral Sea?

Port Moresby (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant consequence of the Battle of Coral Sea for the Japanese?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of the USS Neosho in the battle?

Replenishing fuel and supplies for Allied vessels. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Battle of the Coral Sea for U.S. Navy Aviation?

It marked the ascendancy of U.S. Navy aviation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of the Coral Sea?

Chief Water Tender Oscar V. Peterson (A), Lieutenant Milton E. Ricketts (B), Lieutenant William E. Hall (C), Lieutenant John J. Powers (D) Signup and view all the answers

During the Battle of the Coral Sea, how was the Douglas SDB-2 or 3 Dauntless scout bomber used in a way that was not typical of the aircraft's intended role?

As a fighter aircraft, intercepting enemy planes at low altitude. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for using dive/scout bombers as low-level interceptors during the Battle of the Coral Sea?

There was a lack of available fighter aircraft. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Morison, what was the primary reason for the mistakes made by both sides during the Battle of the Coral Sea?

The lack of experience in this new mode of fighting. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, what was the primary objective of the Japanese forces at the Battle of the Coral Sea?

To capture Port Moresby and secure the eastern flank of their advance towards Australia. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase "the Battle of Errors" suggest about the Battle of the Coral Sea?

That both sides made many mistakes due to poor planning and execution. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the photograph mentioned in the text?

It shows the gunner of a Douglas SDB-2 or 3 Dauntless scout bomber and the aircraft’s finish date. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following naval commanders successfully applied lessons learned from interwar war gaming to victorious carrier operations in World War II?

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a blog post from The Sextant, the NHHC blog, on the Battle of the Coral Sea?

The Battle of The Coral Sea's 75th Anniversary: Intelligence Lessons for Today (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following resources provides information regarding the US Navy's involvement in World War II?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a significant naval commander during the Battle of the Coral Sea?

Vice Admiral Sir John G.Crace (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key takeaway from the Battle of the Coral Sea?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Battle of the Coral Sea

A naval battle between Japan and the U.S. Navy from April 29 to May 8, 1942, marking a key strategic point in the Pacific.

First naval engagement

The Battle of the Coral Sea was the first naval battle where ships did not visibly engage the enemy directly.