Map Description

History Map of WWII: The Far East and the Pacific 1942


Illustrating:

1. Battle of the Coral Sea — May 4-8, 1942
   


2. Battle of Midway — June 4-7, 1942
   

Note: The commonly accepted dates for these battles are the ones stated above. If you encounter different dates, it might be due to time zone differences, or some sources may focus only on the main carrier engagements or the most intense fighting, rather than the full operational period.

1. Battle of the Coral Sea — May 4-8, 1942

The Battle of the Coral Sea was a historic first in naval warfare, as aircraft carriers engaged entirely through aircraft without ships ever sighting each other. Though tactically considered a draw, it represented a strategic Allied victory.

The Americans lost USS Lexington and 66 aircraft, while Japan lost the light carrier Shōhō, saw Shōkaku damaged, and had Zuikaku’s air groups severely depleted.

This engagement critically prevented the planned Japanese invasion of Port Moresby and forced two Japanese fleet carriers to miss the subsequent Battle of Midway, which would prove decisive.

2. Battle of Midway — June 4-7, 1942

The Battle of Midway became the turning point in the Pacific War through a decisive American victory.

The US deployed three carriers and Midway’s land-based aircraft against Japan’s four-carrier striking force. American forces sank all four Japanese fleet carriers (Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū, and Hiryū), killing approximately 3,000 Japanese and destroying 248 aircraft, while losing USS Yorktown, destroyer Hammann, about 300 men, and 150 aircraft.

This remarkable outcome resulted from American cryptanalysts breaking the Japanese naval code, the element of surprise, Admiral Nimitz’s leadership, and the extraordinary courage of US pilots who pressed their attacks despite suffering heavy losses.

Midway permanently crippled Japan’s naval air power, effectively ending their offensive capability and shifting the Pacific War’s momentum decisively to the Allies.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

Related Links

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