Coral Sea Naval Engagement Battle Map – May 1942

Coral Sea Naval Engagement Battle Map – May 1942

The Battle of the Coral Sea was fought from 4–8 May 1942 in the waters northeast of Australia and south of the Solomon Islands. It marked the first naval battle in history in which opposing fleets never sighted one another directly, instead striking exclusively through carrier-based aircraft. The engagement validated the growing dominance of aircraft carriers over battleships and signaled a fundamental shift in naval warfare.

Historical Context

Japan’s objective was to extend its defensive perimeter and threaten Port Moresby, potentially isolating Australia. Although Japanese forces inflicted notable damage—sinking USS Lexington and damaging USS Yorktown—their advance southward was halted. The Japanese light carrier Shōhō was sunk, and the strategic momentum of Japanese expansion in the South Pacific was checked. While tactically costly for the United States, the battle proved strategically significant.

The Map’s Features

This operational map traces the movements of major American naval forces throughout the engagement. It charts carrier task force routes, air strike locations, ship positions at key times, and the sites of attacks and sinkings. The clean, analytical presentation reflects the operational plotting style used during wartime planning and after-action analysis.

Historical Significance

Coral Sea was the first carrier-versus-carrier naval battle and the first in which a Japanese offensive was successfully stopped. It directly set the conditions for the decisive Battle of Midway one month later. The engagement demonstrated that sea power had entered a new era dominated by aviation and long-range strike capability.

Museum-Quality Reproduction

This is a high-quality reproduction of the original World War II operational naval map, professionally printed on archival Hahnemühle paper using the Giclée printing process to preserve fine linework, clarity, and historic detail.

Perfect For:

• World War II Pacific Theater enthusiasts

• Naval history collectors

• Veterans and active-duty service members

• Students of carrier warfare and military strategy

• Offices, libraries, and study spaces

Specifications:

• Engagement: Battle of the Coral Sea

• Dates: 4–8 May 1942

• Theater: Pacific Theater of Operations

• Created/Published: Unknown

• Battle Result: Inconclusive

• Product Type: High-Quality Reproduction Print

Dimensions (Width x Height): 18 x 12.8

Each map is printed using the finest materials and methods. Your map will be handled with white gloves from start to finish. We use the Giclée printing method on Hahnemühle paper, producing a clear, extremely detailed, durable map perfect for proud display in your home or office.

Digital watermark does not appear on your purchased map