Episode 614-The Lexington is Lost

Episode 614 of The History of WWII Podcast, 'The Lexington is Lost,' recounts the pivotal Battle of the Coral Sea on May 8, 1942, focusing on the fate of the USS Lexington (CV-2). After a tense standoff between Task Force 17 and the Japanese M.O. Striking Force, the Lexington faces a devastating aerial assault. Japanese dive bombers and torpedo planes, led by Lieutenant Commander Takahashi and guided by the reconnaissance of pilot W. O'Kano, launch a coordinated attack. Despite heroic efforts by American fighters and anti-aircraft defenses, the Lexington suffers two torpedo hits and multiple bomb strikes. The damage triggers catastrophic fires fueled by leaking aviation gasoline, which ignite due to a spark in the motor generator room. Despite valiant firefighting efforts, the fires spiral out of control. At 5:07 p.m., Admiral Fitch orders the abandonment of the ship. Captain Ted Sherman is the last to leave. The burning carrier becomes a beacon in the night, and at 7:15 p.m., the destroyer Phelps attempts to sink it with torpedoes—four are fired before the Lexington finally sinks at 7:29 p.m., with massive underwater explosions felt miles away. The episode underscores the tragic cost of the battle: 216 Lexington crewmen lost, but 2,735 rescued. The Japanese, though victorious in sinking the Lexington, are left weakened, with the Shokaku damaged and the Zuikaku forced to recover its remaining aircraft. The battle’s outcome leads to the postponement of the M.O. invasion, marking a turning point in the Pacific War. The episode closes with the Japanese high command’s furious reaction to Admiral Inouye’s decision to delay the operation, setting the stage for future conflict. Key takeaways include: 1) The importance of radar and early warning in carrier warfare; 2) The catastrophic risk of fuel vapor buildup after torpedo damage; 3) The critical role of leadership and discipline during evacuation; 4) The strategic impact of losing a carrier, even if the enemy also suffers heavy losses; 5) The psychological toll of prolonged combat and the fragility of naval operations under extreme stress.