This article is dedicated to my Dad, Donald Edward Kranz, and the gallant crew of the USS Lexington CV-2. Every year of my life until his passing, my Dad talked about the sinking of the USS Lexington on May 8, 1942. I plan to carry on his legacy of honoring his beloved Lexington.
Note: The main photo for this article is from my Dad’s archives. He was the Historian for the Lexington Survivors Club for several years. I assume the photograph was originally from the Naval archives.
The waters of the Coral Sea, situated northeast of Australia, became the stage for one of the most pivotal battles of World War II. On May 8, 1942, at the height of the Battle of the Coral Sea, the USS Lexington (CV-2)—known fondly as “Lady Lex”—met her fate in one of the defining moments of naval warfare. This day, marked by destruction and sacrifice, showcased not only the unrelenting intensity of the Pacific Theater but also the awe-inspiring bravery of the men aboard the storied vessel.
For me, this moment carries personal significance. My dad, Donald Edward Kranz, was 23 during this battle. He often recounted the bravery of his fellow crew members, the fear and chaos of the battle, and the relief of being rescued. Whenever I think about Lexington’s final hours, my thoughts inevitably wander to the countless stories of courage, like that of my father and his shipmates, woven into the fabric of this historic day.
The Road to Her Final Moments
The fate of the USS Lexington was sealed during the first-ever battle fought exclusively by carrier-based aircraft. The Allies and the Japanese forces never saw each other’s ships; instead, the battle played out in the skies as the roar of planes converged above the expansive waters of the Coral Sea.
On May 8, the Lexington became a primary target for Japanese bombers and torpedo aircraft. The attack was ferocious. Multiple bombs and torpedoes found their mark, dealing critical blows to the ship’s structure. However, The most devastating damage came in the following hours. Aviation fuel lines had ruptured, spreading fuel vapors throughout the ship. Around 12:47 p.m., an internal explosion rocked the Lexington, triggering uncontrollable fires that ripped through her hull.
Despite the crew’s heroic efforts to fight the flames, it became clear that the battle was lost. Captain Frederick C. Sherman faced the unimaginable decision to abandon the ship. Reluctantly, the order was given. My dad, along with hundreds of his shipmates, fought their way to safety amid smoke and chaos. Their bravery in the face of such adversity is truly inspiring. It’s impossible to imagine the relief and sorrow they must have felt leaving their beloved ship behind.
As the fires continued to burn out of control, the USS Phelps, another U.S. Navy destroyer, scuttled the Lexington. At 8 p.m., torpedoes from the Phelps sent the “Lady Lex” to her final resting place in the Pacific depths, ensuring she would not fall into enemy hands.
The Human Cost
While tragic, losing the USS Lexington was not without a sense of pride. Over 2,700 crew members were successfully rescued by nearby ships, a testament to the Navy’s coordination and the bravery of its sailors. Still, more than 200 men lost their lives that day. Each casualty represents a story of sacrifice, a family forever changed, and a nation reminded of the high cost of freedom.
My personal connection is knowing that my dad was among those who survived. He spoke of that day, but I can only imagine how those moments shaped his life moving forward. The Lexington’s crew exhibited remarkable resilience, working as a united force to ensure as many lives as possible were saved. Their resilience in such tragedy is a testament to the human spirit.
The Battle’s Broader Impact
Though scarred by the loss of the Lexington, the Battle of the Coral Sea marked a turning point in the Pacific War. Strategically, the battle was a resounding victory for the Allies. The Japanese, thwarted in their attempt to take Port Moresby, were forced to abandon their plans of cutting off Australia from vital support from the United States. This ensured that the Allies would maintain their foothold in the Pacific, a reassuring sign of the eventual Allied victory. The battle also introduced a fundamental shift in naval strategy. This was the first time carriers had taken center stage in maritime warfare, fighting battles without direct ship-to-ship combat. It showcased the growing importance of naval aviation and set the stage for future engagements like the decisive Battle of Midway.
The loss of the Lexington was undoubtedly a blow for the U.S. Navy. However, the lessons learned during the Coral Sea would inform tactics and strategies that ultimately led to Allied victory in the Pacific.
Remembering the Lexington’s Legacy
The sinking of the USS Lexington is more than a chapter in naval history books. For the men aboard, the Lexington represented more than just a ship; she was a home, a community, and a symbol of American determination.
Like many of his crewmates, my father carried the memory of Lexington and the Battle of the Coral Sea with him for the rest of his life. For those connected to this story, it is a somber reminder of war’s cost and heroism.
Today, we honor the memory of the Lexington and the men who served aboard her. Their actions upheld the Allied position in the Pacific and became a beacon of resilience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just discovering the story of the USS Lexington, it’s impossible not to be moved by the courage and sacrifice displayed on that fateful day in May 1942.
For me, this story is not just history; it’s personal. And I hope that sharing it not only keeps the memory of Lexington alive but also inspires others to remember the sacrifices made by so many during World War II.
References:
Naval History and Heritage Command.
World War II / Battle of the Coral Sea / Battle of the Coral Sea, Events of May 8 1942 /
Coral Sea, Sinking of USS Lexington. https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/wars-and-events/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-coral-sea/battle-of-the-coral-sea–events-of-8-may-1942/sinking-of-uss-lexington–8-may-1942.html
May 8: Today in History: What happened today on May 8?. http://www.english-for-students.com/8th-May.html
Top 10 Largest Seas in the World – WhiteClouds. https://www.whiteclouds.com/top-10/top-10-largest-seas-in-the-world/
What the 2017 Coral Sea Gala was Like – Ronn Torossian Update. https://ronntorossianupdate.com/2017-coral-sea-gala-like
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