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Coral Sea 1942
'A fantastic read.' - Tom Kasey.
After the devastating attack on Pearl Harbour, the Americans suffered setback after setback in the Pacific.
In May 1942, the Japanese were poised to take Port Moresby in New Guinea.
At all costs the Americans had to stop them.
Admiral Frank Fletcher was dispatched with two aircraft carriers - Yorktown and Lexington - with orders to destroy the Japanese invasion force.
The fate of the Pacific was in the balance.
'Coral Sea 1942' tells the dramatic story of that conflict.
The battle spread over five days as each side desperately searched for the other. At first, all Fletcher could find were side shows. He smashed a secondary invasion at Tulagi. He sank the light carrier Shōhō protecting the invasion fleet. But only on the fifth day did he find his real the carriers Shōkaku and Zuikaku. The Zuikaku fled to hide under thick cloud, while the Shōkaku was pounded by American bombers and torpedo planes. Crippled, she too fled.
Meanwhile the Japanese carrier planes mounted attack after attack on the Yorktown and Lexington. The latter was mortally damaged by volcanic-sized explosions in her fuel tanks.
But the great Coral Sea victory came at a price. Pilots died in dog-fights; crippled planes fell into the sea; damaged planes crashed onto carrier flight decks; and pilots found themselves stranded on remote islands.
But the battle was an American triumph. Japan entered it as an aggressor at the peak of her imperial power. She left the battle with her dominance shattered.
The tide had turned.
'Coral Sea 1942' is a brilliantly concise and insightful guide to one of the greatest naval battles of the 20th-century.
Richard Freeman graduated in mathematics before following a career in distance education. He now writes on naval history. His other books include ‘Britain’s Greatest Naval Battle’ and ‘A Close Run The Navy and the Falkland War’.
After the devastating attack on Pearl Harbour, the Americans suffered setback after setback in the Pacific.
In May 1942, the Japanese were poised to take Port Moresby in New Guinea.
At all costs the Americans had to stop them.
Admiral Frank Fletcher was dispatched with two aircraft carriers - Yorktown and Lexington - with orders to destroy the Japanese invasion force.
The fate of the Pacific was in the balance.
'Coral Sea 1942' tells the dramatic story of that conflict.
The battle spread over five days as each side desperately searched for the other. At first, all Fletcher could find were side shows. He smashed a secondary invasion at Tulagi. He sank the light carrier Shōhō protecting the invasion fleet. But only on the fifth day did he find his real the carriers Shōkaku and Zuikaku. The Zuikaku fled to hide under thick cloud, while the Shōkaku was pounded by American bombers and torpedo planes. Crippled, she too fled.
Meanwhile the Japanese carrier planes mounted attack after attack on the Yorktown and Lexington. The latter was mortally damaged by volcanic-sized explosions in her fuel tanks.
But the great Coral Sea victory came at a price. Pilots died in dog-fights; crippled planes fell into the sea; damaged planes crashed onto carrier flight decks; and pilots found themselves stranded on remote islands.
But the battle was an American triumph. Japan entered it as an aggressor at the peak of her imperial power. She left the battle with her dominance shattered.
The tide had turned.
'Coral Sea 1942' is a brilliantly concise and insightful guide to one of the greatest naval battles of the 20th-century.
Richard Freeman graduated in mathematics before following a career in distance education. He now writes on naval history. His other books include ‘Britain’s Greatest Naval Battle’ and ‘A Close Run The Navy and the Falkland War’.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 20, 2023
A good explanation of the Battle of the Coral Sea
One of the least known and yet important battles of the young WW2(as far as the US was concerned) explained in an easily understood way. There has been continuous arguments on who won the battle. Certainly trading the loss of the gigantic Lexington for the light carrier Should makes it seem that the Japanese got to he better of it. However, the Japanese failed in their main objective, the taking of Port Morsey. The lessons learned from that battle were very important to the future air battles of the US. And, while neither of the two Japanese carriers were sunk, one carrier was badly damaged and the other lost the bulk of it's planes and pilots. The result was that neither were available at Midway the next month. There three US carriers had to fight four Japanese carriers and it was a very close thing. Had the faced six carriers instead it would have been a very different battle.
One of the least known and yet important battles of the young WW2(as far as the US was concerned) explained in an easily understood way. There has been continuous arguments on who won the battle. Certainly trading the loss of the gigantic Lexington for the light carrier Should makes it seem that the Japanese got to he better of it. However, the Japanese failed in their main objective, the taking of Port Morsey. The lessons learned from that battle were very important to the future air battles of the US. And, while neither of the two Japanese carriers were sunk, one carrier was badly damaged and the other lost the bulk of it's planes and pilots. The result was that neither were available at Midway the next month. There three US carriers had to fight four Japanese carriers and it was a very close thing. Had the faced six carriers instead it would have been a very different battle.
February 19, 2023
When you want your WII history with 'Just the facts, ma'am.'
In that headline, I don't mean to scare anyone away from this concise history of what happened in the crucial Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942, when both Japan and the U.S. were feeling their way into the new dynamics of naval warfare in the Pacific. In fact, I found it quite a compelling narrative, a real page-turner for folks like me who are immersed in history of that era.
I'm the son and grandson of WWII veterans who each played fascinating roles in that war. My father was in the Pacific and my grandfather served with a secretive U.S. unit in Iran supplying Russia with arms to maintain their war effort. I'm always fascinated by accounts of little-known corners of the war and I can't recall an account this detailed of the action in the Coral Sea.
I read the book on my Kindle.
Happy to recommend this to others who are intrigued by the many often forgotten corners of WWII.
In that headline, I don't mean to scare anyone away from this concise history of what happened in the crucial Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942, when both Japan and the U.S. were feeling their way into the new dynamics of naval warfare in the Pacific. In fact, I found it quite a compelling narrative, a real page-turner for folks like me who are immersed in history of that era.
I'm the son and grandson of WWII veterans who each played fascinating roles in that war. My father was in the Pacific and my grandfather served with a secretive U.S. unit in Iran supplying Russia with arms to maintain their war effort. I'm always fascinated by accounts of little-known corners of the war and I can't recall an account this detailed of the action in the Coral Sea.
I read the book on my Kindle.
Happy to recommend this to others who are intrigued by the many often forgotten corners of WWII.
January 25, 2023
While the battle of Midway always seems to be on the forefront of military history and how the US carriers especially the dive bombers turned the tide against the Japanese. Yet if the Battle of Coral Sea hadn't have taken place first the outcome of Midway quite possibly been totally different. It was the Coral sea that hard lessons about damage control, air traffic control and coordinated attacks were learned in blood. The lessons took more blood in the fact that the devastator torpedo bomber was noted at Coral Sea to be outclassed and shouldn't have been used at midway. The addition of more fighters was instituted because of Coral Sea.
This book is detailed in the things we got right as well as wrong. well written and informative.
This book is detailed in the things we got right as well as wrong. well written and informative.
November 1, 2017
I was 12 years old when pearl Harbor occured. I followed the war closely on radio, newspapers, and once a week on the news reel in the theater.. I could identify every plane that flew over our home town, Lockheed P38, Curtis P40 flying.tiger, etc. I cut out pictures of the planes from newspapers, magazine, etc and covered the wall's around my bed with them. I still read a lot of books, currently on this subject. Just finished "Coral sea" on my pad. Excellent coverage of this event. The turning event in WWll. Very good read!
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November 14, 2017
Informative without being too deep
While everyone should know the story on the battle of Midway, I wonder how many know about the Coral Sea. This book leads you through the build up and then the battle from both sides. I found the details for the ships, planes and men interesting as well as informative. Never serving in the Navy I came away with a better understanding of what sailors go through I'm n sea battles. Just an interesting book.
While everyone should know the story on the battle of Midway, I wonder how many know about the Coral Sea. This book leads you through the build up and then the battle from both sides. I found the details for the ships, planes and men interesting as well as informative. Never serving in the Navy I came away with a better understanding of what sailors go through I'm n sea battles. Just an interesting book.
October 28, 2017
Straightforward and informative
It's a good recounting of the events of Coral Sea. I do wish that more context was included. Not all of us are proficient in navy terminology. I was glad that I read The battle of Midway by Craig Symonds first as that has a lot more background information.
It's a good recounting of the events of Coral Sea. I do wish that more context was included. Not all of us are proficient in navy terminology. I was glad that I read The battle of Midway by Craig Symonds first as that has a lot more background information.
October 31, 2021
Unreadable
Clearly the author knows his history and has written some great books but this is not one of them. Just a horrid collection of information jammed together without any feeling or much obvious care for the craft of writing. Quite why this got republished is beyond me. Should be scrapped and replaced but a much better use of the author's knowledge and talent.
Clearly the author knows his history and has written some great books but this is not one of them. Just a horrid collection of information jammed together without any feeling or much obvious care for the craft of writing. Quite why this got republished is beyond me. Should be scrapped and replaced but a much better use of the author's knowledge and talent.
November 23, 2022
Just what I wanted. A short, concise and pithy essence of the battle and that is what was delivered. Even as concise as the book was you could still feel the anguish and pain of the battle and how few things go as planned and most battles start by accident.
Read my full review here: https://legendsofhistory.org/coral-se...
Read my full review here: https://legendsofhistory.org/coral-se...
December 15, 2022
A fair overview, but not definitive. There are no maps. The author said the Japanese flew over Yorktown returning to their carrier, and does so without qualifications. That raises a flag. There have been a claim some Japanese tried to land aboard, claims there were miles away and seen on the radar, and claims there were no place close. That suggests to me the sources weren't used crucially
June 5, 2025
Well written
The author clearly outlines the adversaries strategies as well as the Japanese & American updates to them as they received information. He also captures surprising detail of the combat operations as well as the heroic damage control efforts after the battle. A great read.
The author clearly outlines the adversaries strategies as well as the Japanese & American updates to them as they received information. He also captures surprising detail of the combat operations as well as the heroic damage control efforts after the battle. A great read.
November 21, 2017
This author explains the true causes of our military to fail to deter the Japs at Pearl Harbor.
Roosevelt alone was very aware of Jap advances and did nothing to convince the American isolationist public that we are at war. He was more interested in his 3rd term re election.
Roosevelt alone was very aware of Jap advances and did nothing to convince the American isolationist public that we are at war. He was more interested in his 3rd term re election.
January 12, 2023
Great record of the Battle
I liked the writing style and the pace of the battle was described in a way they keeps one interested. One thing that would be a great addition would be maps showing the locations of the battle groups as they moved.
I liked the writing style and the pace of the battle was described in a way they keeps one interested. One thing that would be a great addition would be maps showing the locations of the battle groups as they moved.
February 12, 2023
Too simplistic. A number of what could be errors, or could be related to the overly simplistic nature of the storytelling. Example: the anti-aircraft fire caused the IJN planes to break up into small groups of 3. The small groups were standard practice for the IJN during battle conditions.
March 12, 2023
Concise history of the battle
Well written account of the Coral Sea battle in 1942. Fairly concise, very interesting. Not a lot of superfluous lead in or summary. Excellent description of the battle, the men and the consequences.
Well written account of the Coral Sea battle in 1942. Fairly concise, very interesting. Not a lot of superfluous lead in or summary. Excellent description of the battle, the men and the consequences.
January 10, 2024
Of great historical benefit
Written as to make reading historical information enjoyable. A very good read. Provided very specific facts not known before; I was born during WWII and my father was a Navy veteran of that war.
Written as to make reading historical information enjoyable. A very good read. Provided very specific facts not known before; I was born during WWII and my father was a Navy veteran of that war.
April 2, 2024
Worthwhile read about the Coral Sea
I. Knew little about this battle compared to Midway. Very enlightening to hear of the gallant sailors and airmen who fought and died in this battle. It was a valuable training ground for what lied ahead. RIP Lexington and her lost crews.
I. Knew little about this battle compared to Midway. Very enlightening to hear of the gallant sailors and airmen who fought and died in this battle. It was a valuable training ground for what lied ahead. RIP Lexington and her lost crews.
July 22, 2025
Good Intro to Strategic Battle
This is a short, succinct history of the Battle of the Coral Sea. The author provides very nice detail on the US approach and broad overview of the Japanese strategic aims.
This is a short, succinct history of the Battle of the Coral Sea. The author provides very nice detail on the US approach and broad overview of the Japanese strategic aims.
November 23, 2017
A quick read. Gives a detailed, blow-by-blow account of the battle.
Somewhat antiseptic. Lacks a human touch to the story.
Somewhat antiseptic. Lacks a human touch to the story.
December 9, 2017
A well written short account of the battle
A good read for all those interested in the Coral Sea action but dont want a lengthy account of events.
A good read for all those interested in the Coral Sea action but dont want a lengthy account of events.
May 19, 2018
Covers the main points of the battle, especially from the American side. Short book.
May 22, 2019
Interesting and good coverage
December 12, 2022
Finally a defining book on the Battle of the Coral sea
Very easy read to get the key issues of the battle. Objective analysis based upon both battle reports and personal interviews.
Very easy read to get the key issues of the battle. Objective analysis based upon both battle reports and personal interviews.
February 3, 2023
Needs editing
You should have another person read your book before it is published. Story line was confusing with many punctuation and grammar errors.
You should have another person read your book before it is published. Story line was confusing with many punctuation and grammar errors.
May 15, 2023
Swift and informative
A short primer on the battle in the Coral Sea. An easy read. A good use of the reader’s time.
A short primer on the battle in the Coral Sea. An easy read. A good use of the reader’s time.
September 28, 2023
excellent account
Excellent account. Very clear. Could hav3 used more summary material at end … what was there was very good, but needed more discussion!
Excellent account. Very clear. Could hav3 used more summary material at end … what was there was very good, but needed more discussion!
December 19, 2023
A good read.
Lots of interesting information on how the battle was fought and how, unfortunately, the Lexington died. But lessons were learned.
Lots of interesting information on how the battle was fought and how, unfortunately, the Lexington died. But lessons were learned.
July 9, 2025
Quick read with just the facts and not a bunch side stories
January 13, 2026
Quick read.
The book was a very quick read. It is a good basic telling of the battle. If you want more details, other books are out there.
The book was a very quick read. It is a good basic telling of the battle. If you want more details, other books are out there.
February 18, 2017
Coral Sea 1942
Tês como nacional se And short Bookbyte brasileira nos you All the information needed to understand and visualize
the naval battle as it probably was . The outcomes are interesting and realistic.
Tês como nacional se And short Bookbyte brasileira nos you All the information needed to understand and visualize
the naval battle as it probably was . The outcomes are interesting and realistic.
May 7, 2016
History relived
How much information is packed into this short easily read history. I learned much not previously known and the description of the carriers final moments were such that I thought it was my personal experience. Excellent!!
How much information is packed into this short easily read history. I learned much not previously known and the description of the carriers final moments were such that I thought it was my personal experience. Excellent!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews