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Battle of Leyte Gulf
The battle of Leyte Gulf was the greatest naval battle in world history developed of the coast. Over 280 warships took place in this three day battle. This was the first battle in which Jappanese suicide planes were used. -
Battle of the Coral Sea
In the Battle of the Coral Sea, aircraft launched from aircraft carriers bombed and strafed enemy ships more than 70 miles away. The five-day battle cost both sides more than half their planes. The Japanese destroyed the Lexington and badly damaged the Yorktown, another carrier. One Japanese carrier sank, another lost most of its planes, and a third was put out of action. The battle was a draw, but it prevented the Japanese from invading Australia. The Battle of the Coral Sea also opened a new -
Battle of Midway
It opened with a wave of Jappanese bomber attacks on the island and a simultaneous unsuccessful American strike on the Jappanese fleet. This battle was fought completely in the air. At first planes on airfields tried to fend off Japanese bombers. But then the American carriers intervaned. -
Battle of Guadacanal
The Battle of Guadacanal took place in 1942 when the US Marrines landed on August 7th. The landing at Guadacanal was unopposed- but it took the Americans six months to defeat the Japanese in what was to turn into a classic battle of attrition. The japanese advance had been slowed at Midway. but they held a tempary numerical and tactical advantage. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
1945 World War II between the United States and Japan. American forces lost 25,000 casulties. The United States awarded 27 medals of Honor for actions on Iwo Jima. Admiral Nimitz said the island is a place of "uncommon valor was a common virtue."