Setting Sun: A Critical Analysis Of Japan’s Employment Of Naval Airpower In The Battle Of The Coral Sea

By LCDR Arno J. Sist USN

The Battle of the Coral Sea, the first naval engagement fought exclusively between Naval Air forces, was a pivotal battle of the war in the Pacific. Although considered a Japanese tactical victory, it was the beginning of the end of Japan’s war effort. This analysis examines this decisive battle from the Japanese perspective. The critical analysis will include a summary of the reasons why the battle unfolded as it did, and will draw conclusions as to how the Japanese may have been more successful both strategically and tactically in this key battle of World War II.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Verdun Press
• Release date: Nov 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781786250827

LCDR Arno J. Sist USN

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Text originally published in 1998 under the same title.

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SETTING SUN: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF JAPAN’S EMPLOYMENT OF NAVAL AIRPOWER IN THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA

By

LCDR Arno J. Sist USN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

Acknowledgments 5

Abstract 5

Chapter 1 — Introduction 6

Clausewitzian Critical Analysis 6

Background 6

The Strategic Area – Coral Sea 8

Geography 8

Chapter 2 — The Battle of the Coral Sea 9

Operation MO 9

Preliminaries to Battle 10

Strike on Tulagi 10

Storm Warning: 5 – 6 May 1942 11

Round 1: 7 May 1942 12

Japanese Dusk Attack: 7 May 1942 13

Round 2: 8 May 1942 14

Chapter 3 — Analysis and Criticism of the Battle 16

Planning 16

Simplicity 16

Objective 16

Flexibility 17

Intentions vs. Capabilities 17

Forces 17

Surprise 18

Security 18

Logistics 18

Technology 19

Tactics 20

Command and Control, Communications, Intelligence and Reconnaissance (C3IR) and Battle Damage Assessment 20

Leadership and Command 22

Chapter 4 — Conclusion 25

Appendix A — Chart of the Battle of the Coral Sea 26

Appendix B — Organization of Japanese Forces 27

MO INVASION FORCE 27

Covering Force 27

Port Moresby Invasion Force 27

Support Group 27

TULAGI INVASION FORCE 27

STRIKING FORCE 28

5th Aircraft Carrier Division 28

Appendix C — Organization of Allied Forces 29

TASK FORCE SEVENTEEN 29

Attack Group (TG 17.2) 29

Support Group (TG 17.3) 29

Aircraft Carrier Group (TG 17.5) 29

Fueling Group (TG 17.6) 29

Search Group (TG 17.9) 29

REQUEST FROM THE PUBLISHER 30

Bibliography 31

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance provided by my advisor, Lt Col Steve Butler, whose guidance was instrumental in the preparation of this paper. Second, I must commend the staff of the Fairchild Library for their diligence in locating and acquiring books crucial to this research which were located at other libraries. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank my wife, Tammy, and our two children, Andy and Tori; whose patience and understanding during the