In March 2018, almost 76 years after it was deliberately sunk, the historic USS Lexington aircraft carrier, fondly called “Lady Lex,” was found again.

The discovery was made by a team led by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, on the research vessel R/V Petrel. Emerging from the Coral Sea’s depths, the unearthing of Lady Lex prompted deep contemplation of her crew’s sacrifices and the critical naval engagements of World War II.

The Battle of the Coral Sea, which took place from May 4 to 8, 1942, was the initial confrontation involving aircraft carriers, changing the direction of naval warfare.

This engagement pitted the USS Lexington and the USS Yorktown against three Japanese carriers, leading to substantial casualties on both sides. Following sustained damage and a brave effort, the Lexington was deliberately sunk by the USS Phelps to avoid capture, resulting in the loss of 216 crew members.

The wreckage, resting 3,000 meters beneath the ocean’s surface and over 500 miles off Australia’s east coast, is now a silent war grave, encapsulating a moment frozen in time.

The search team’s deep-sea exploration gear uncovered not just the ship but also 11 of the 35 aircraft onboard when she sank. These aircraft, remarkably preserved, carry the insignias and symbols of their time – a stark reminder of the fierce combat once faced.

Among the aircraft found, Douglas TBD-1 Devastators, Douglas SBD-3 Dauntlesses, and Grumman F4F-3 Wildcats were identified. The discovery of these rare planes, some adorned with kill markings such as the four miniature Japanese flags and the famous Felix the Cat emblem, serves as a testament to the bravery and skill of the pilots who flew them.

The narrative of Lexington’s final battle and the subsequent discovery weaves together personal stories of courage and tenacity. One such story is of radioman/gunner Walter Nelson of Torpedo Squadron 2.

Before the Lexington’s sinking, on May 7, Nelson and his aircrew had successfully launched a torpedo attack on the Japanese carrier Shoho, contributing to the victory that day. The Lexington, despite the success of her aircrew, was struck the following day by bombs and torpedoes from Japanese aircraft, leading to catastrophic internal explosions and a subsequent order to abandon the ship.

Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., a son of a Lexington survivor and head of the U.S. Pacific Command, paid homage to the discovery, reflecting on the honor and sacrifice embodied by Lady Lex and her crew.