Scratch One Flattop

In "Scratch One Flattop," historian Robert C. Stern delves into the Battle of the Coral Sea, a significant yet often overlooked fleet engagement in the South Pacific during World War II. Set against the backdrop of American naval readiness following the Pearl Harbor attack, the narrative explores the battle's unique characteristics, including the fact that ships never directly engaged each other. Stern's analysis highlights both the immediate and long-term impacts of this pivotal confrontation, shedding light on innovations in carrier operations and defense strategies that emerged from this critical moment in naval history.