Maps of World War II 1939-1945

Battle of the Coral Sea
May 3-7, 1942

Japanese successes in their initial expansion led to plans to extend their intended defensive perimeter. Port Moresby was targeted for invasion and naval forces were concentrated for this objective. American code-breaking capabilities allowed US Admiral Nimitz to deploy a blocking force which engaged the Japanese in an inconclusive battle that led to the abandonment of this invasion.