May 8, 1942, a date that holds a profound significance in the vast expanse of World War II’s history. This moment resonates deeply with my family and me, as it was the day our lives were forever changed. Amidst the fierce skirmishes of the Battle of the Coral Sea, the USS Lexington CV2, a symbol of naval aviation’s might, was lost to the depths after a valiant stand against Japanese forces. My father, Donald Edward Kranz, was only 23 years old, serving aboard the Lexington. His harrowing escape from the flames that engulfed the carrier is a story of courage and survival that has been etched into our family’s legacy.
The sinking of the USS Lexington was not just a significant loss for the United States Navy, but a turning point in the Pacific theater. The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought from May 4 to May 8, was the first aircraft carrier battle in history and the first significant naval engagement in which enemy ships never sighted each other, fighting instead through the prowess of their aircraft. The loss of the Lexington was a stark reminder of the brutal realities of war and the sacrifices made by those who served.
My dad, stationed in a communication room seven flights below deck, faced a dire situation when torpedoes hit the Lexington. The ship lost power following a series of catastrophic gasoline explosions, leading to an order for the crew to abandon the ship. The image of my father placing wet towels over his head and crawling up a ventilator shaft to reach the deck, only to be met with the sight of fallen comrades, is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. The bravery he and his fellow sailors displayed, climbing down knotted ropes to lifeboats or the open water, awaiting rescue by nearby ships, speaks volumes about the spirit and resilience of those who serve.
Though Lexington lay lost and out of sight, her legacy endured, and she was celebrated for her crucial role in halting the Japanese advance toward Australia and contributing to the strategic balance in the Pacific. The loss of the Lexington and the valor of her crew were felt deeply across the United States, symbolizing the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and security.
The discovery of the USS Lexington’s wreckage on March 4, 2018, by the R/V Petrel, owned by Paul G. Allen, closed a long chapter of uncertainty. For years, my dad held onto the belief that the “Lady Lex,” as she was affectionately known, would remain an elusive relic of a distant past, never to be seen again. Yet, just before he passed away, he witnessed the discovery of the Lexington, largely intact, resting peacefully on the ocean floor. This moment of closure, knowing that the ship, which had been a pivotal part of his life and survival, had been found, was a profound experience for us all. It served as a bridge between past and present, allowing us to connect with a piece of history that profoundly impacted our family.
The above photo is of the wreckage from the USS Lexington (CV-2) Located in the Coral Sea 76 Years after the Aircraft Carrier was Sunk During World War II. From the expedition led by Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul G. Allen. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wreckage-from-the-uss-lexington-cv-2-located-in-the-coral-sea-76-years-after-the-aircraft-carrier-was-sunk-during-world-war-ii-300608295.html
The legacy of the USS Lexington and the brave souls who served aboard her is a testament to the resilience and courage of those who face unimaginable challenges. My father’s story, a singular narrative in the tapestry of World War II, highlights the personal sacrifices and heroism that define our collective history. As we remember the events of May 8, 1942, and the enduring legacy of the USS Lexington CV2, we pay homage to the indomitable spirit of those who serve and the unbreakable bonds of family and memory that keep their stories alive.
References:
Battle of the Coral Sea & Rear Admiral Sir John Crace Memorial | Monument Australia. https://monumentaustralia.org.au/display/96894-battle-of-the-coral-sea-and-rear-admiral-sir-john-crace-memorial/photo/2
April 19, 2023 at 04:49PM | The Scotto Grotto (org). /http://www.svonberg.org/2023/04/april-19-2023-at-0449pm/
(1943). Trinity College Bulletin, 1942-1943 (Necrology). https://core.ac.uk/download/232745217.pdf
Wreckage from the USS Lexington (CV-2) Located in the Coral Sea 76 Years after the Aircraft Carrier was Sunk During World War II
Expedition Led by Microsoft Co-founder and Philanthropist Paul G. Allen is another Historic Success. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wreckage-from-the-uss-lexington-cv-2-located-in-the-coral-sea-76-years-after-the-aircraft-carrier-was-sunk-during-world-war-ii-300608295.html
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So interesting! Didn’t your Dad do some type of booklet detailing a lot of this? If so, is there a way to get a copy? As soon as John saw the picture of your Dad – he said – that’s Harry! Love, Karen
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