The Attack on Pearl Harbor and the USS Lexington CV2

On December 7th, 1941, the tranquil Sunday morning skies over Pearl Harbor erupted in chaos. The surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy changed the course of history, catapulting the United States into World War II. But among the devastation, there is a story of resilience and narrow escape—a story personally close to me through my father, Donald E. Kranz, and the USS Lexington CV2.

I want to recount the significance of the USS Lexington’s departure two days before the attack, the tragedy of Pearl Harbor, and Lexington’s critical role in the Pacific theater. It is a mix of personal reflection and historical exploration, connecting the dots between one ship’s mission and the larger narrative of the war.

The Calm Before the Storm – December 5th, 1941

Two days before the attack, on December 5th, 1941, the USS Lexington (CV-2), affectionately known as “Lady Lex,” departed Pearl Harbor on a crucial mission. Tasked with delivering fighter aircraft to Midway Island, the ship set sail, unwittingly removing itself from what would soon become one of the most infamous attacks in United States history.

For my father, Donald E. Kranz, this timing was a life-saving twist of fate. He served aboard the Lexington and, thanks to the ship’s mission, survived both the bombing of Pearl Harbor and, later, the ship’s sinking during the Battle of the Coral Sea.

The USS Lexington’s departure was not just a stroke of luck for its crew, but a strategically significant move. By being at sea rather than docked at Pearl Harbor, the ship—and others like it—would later serve as the backbone of America’s counteroffensive in the Pacific. This strategic maneuver, often overlooked in the broader narrative of the war, played a crucial role in shaping the course of history.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor – A Day of Infamy

On December 7th, 1941, just after sunrise, waves of Japanese aircraft descended upon the unsuspecting U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor. Within hours, the attack left more than 2,400 Americans dead, 21 ships damaged or destroyed, and hundreds of aircraft obliterated. The attack was devastating, yet it ignited resilience within the American people and military forces.

Its absence spared the USS Lexington devastation. When news of the attack reached the ship at sea, its mission to Midway Island was immediately canceled. The crew, including my father, braced for battle, prepared to confront an enemy that had swiftly undone the notion of safety on American soil.

The absence of Lexington and other carriers, such as the USS Saratoga and USS Enterprise, proved critical. Their survival allowed for rapid regrouping and eventual retaliation against Japan, starting with the Doolittle Raid in 1942. Carrier-based warfare would become a defining feature of the Pacific theater, showcasing the tactical evolution brought about by vessels like the Lexington.

My Father’s Connection – A Narrow Escape

For my father, the Lexington was more than a ship; it was a lifeline. Had the Lexington been in port during the attack, my family’s story—my existence—might not have unfolded as it did. Growing up, I listened intently to his stories, marveling at the courage and camaraderie that bound the men aboard the “Lady Lex.”

His service on the Lexington wasn’t without subsequent peril. The ship met a fiery end during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942. My father also survived that harrowing ordeal, cementing his role in a legacy intertwined with one of the Navy’s most storied ships. The gratitude I feel for his escape during these pivotal moments is something I carry with me every day.

The Navy’s Vital Role for the USS Lexington:

The USS Lexington’s survival at Pearl Harbor wasn’t just luck—it became a beacon for the evolving role of aircraft carriers in modern warfare. Originally designed as a battlecruiser in the 1920s, the Lexington was converted into an aircraft carrier under the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922. This transformation marked the beginning of a new era of naval innovation.

During its pre-war years, Lexington and her sister ship, the USS Saratoga, were instrumental in developing carrier tactics. They staged mock attacks, including simulated strikes on Pearl Harbor itself. These exercises later informed the carrier’s strategic use throughout the war.

After Pearl Harbor, the USS Lexington became a key player in major Pacific campaigns. It participated in diversions around Wake Island and disruptive raids on Japanese shipping in New Guinea. However, its most significant contribution came in the first carrier-versus-carrier battle in history—the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942. The Lexington’s role in this pivotal battle, where it helped sink the Japanese carrier Shōhō and severely damaged Shōkaku, set the stage for the pivotal Battle of Midway, cementing the carrier’s place as the dominant naval force of the war.

Though ultimately lost in the battle, the Lexington’s contribution wasn’t in vain. Aircraft launched from its deck helped sink the Japanese carrier Shōhō and severely damaged Shōkaku, preventing further Japanese advances. These successes set the stage for the pivotal Battle of Midway, where carriers cemented their place as the dominant naval force of the war.

Reflections on Resilience and Legacy

The story of Pearl Harbor and the USS Lexington is one of resilience, innovation, and sacrifice. The attack served as a stark reminder of vulnerability. At the same time, the survival of carriers like the Lexington offered hope and a path forward. It demonstrated the importance of preparedness, adaptability, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

This history isn’t just something I read in textbooks—it’s deeply personal. My father’s narrow escape and service aboard the Lexington connect me to these monumental events profoundly. They remind me of the countless individual stories that make up the larger narrative of World War II. This personal connection, shared with many families of veterans, brings these historical events to life in a way that mere facts and figures cannot.

Closing Thoughts

The attack on Pearl Harbor and the USS Lexington’s role in the war continue to be defining moments in both American history and global military strategy. These events changed how wars were fought, elevating the aircraft carrier to a central position in naval operations.

For history enthusiasts, military scholars, and the families of veterans, remembering these stories isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about learning from it. The courage of those aboard the Lexington, including my father, inspires a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and resilience shown in the darkest times.

Pearl Harbor was a day of infamy, but it also ignited a fire of determination carried forward by ships like the USS Lexington and the brave souls who served aboard them.

References:

(2012). “Baptized by Saltwater”: Acts of Remembrance and Commemoration Surrounding the USS Block Islands, CVE-21 & CVE-106. https://core.ac.uk/download/79563831.pdf

Nose art by Hal Olsen. http://www.militarysuccessnetwork.com/tag/nose-art-by-hal-olsen/

Similar Items: The Glory of the Solomons. https://search.schlowlibrary.org/Record/266327

O’Connell, J. (2016). Dealing with the Japanese Zero. Air Power History, 63(3), 25-30.

History Goes Bump In The Night: March 2016. https://historygoesbump.blogspot.com/2016/03/

USS Lexington CV2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Lexington_(CV-2)#