https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/05/polit...und/index.html
Washington (CNN) — Wreckage from the USS Lexington -- a US aircraft carrier sunk
by the Japanese during World War II -- has been discovered 500 miles off the
Australian coast by a team of explorers led by billionaire Paul Allen, the
Microsoft co-founder announced on Monday.
One of the first US aircraft carriers ever built, the vessel dubbed "Lady Lex"
was located at the bottom of the Coral Sea -- nearly two miles below the surface
-- by the expedition crew of Research Vessel Petrel on Sunday, Allen said.
The Lexington was lost in May 1942 along with 216 of its crew and 35 aircraft
during what is considered the first carrier battle in history -- the Battle of
the Coral Sea.
"To pay tribute to the USS Lexington and the brave men that served on her is an
honor," Allen said in a statement. "As Americans, all of us owe a debt of
gratitude to everyone who served and who continue to serve our country for their
courage, persistence and sacrifice."
https://youtu.be/-K-V_ah6IIs
Along with the USS Yorktown, the Lexington and its fleet faced off against three
Japanese aircraft carriers and is credited with helping to stop Japan's advances
on New Guinea and Australia.
The battle occurred just one month before the US Navy "surprised Japanese forces
at the Battle of Midway and turned the tide of the war in the Pacific for good,"
according to Allen.
"The Battle of the Coral Sea was notable not only for stopping a Japanese
advance but because it was the first naval engagement in history where opposing
ships never came within sight of each other," read the statement from Allen.
US ships were able to rescue more than 2,000 sailors before the Lexington
ultimately sank from the damage sustained from a bombardment of Japanese
torpedoes.
"As the son of a survivor of the USS Lexington, I offer my congratulations to
Paul Allen and the expedition crew of Research Vessel (R/V) Petrel for locating
the "Lady Lex," sunk nearly 76 years ago at the Battle of Coral Sea," Navy Adm.
Harry B. Harris of US Pacific Command said Monday in a statement.
"We honor the valor and sacrifice of the 'Lady Lex's' sailors -- all those
Americans who fought in World War II -- by continuing to secure the freedoms
they won for all of us," he said.
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