Counter-offensive after Pearl Harbor

U.S. Navy

Bypass Japanese heavily fortified areas to attack more vulnerable islands

Cut of lines of communication between Japan and its bases

U.S. now strategically located to bomb Japan

Island-Hopping Strategy

Who was involved?

Douglas MacArthur – Supreme Allied Commander Pacific Southwest Area– Between New Guinea and Solomon Islands in

Southwest Admiral Chester W. Nimitiz – Commander-in-Chief

U.S. Pacific Fleet– Marshal and Gilbert islands to Marianas

Battle of Coral Sea

May 3-May 8 1942 Japan attempted to invade Port Moresby in

Australia Started with Japanese invasion of Tulagi Ended with an air battle

Significance

Japanese ships and air carriers damaged Check Japanese expansion in South Aircraft carriers became a major force

Shokaku

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