May 7, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

THURSDAY, 7 MAY 1942

AVG: Japanese armor reaches the west bank of the Salween, the AVG being called upon to delay their crossing into China. Four P-40Es loaded with 500 lb bombs flew from Kunming to attack, protected by four P-40Bs. Four more, armed with Chinese 35 lb bombs, then repeated the strike; the Japanese force was badly damaged, which allowed the Chinese to cross the river and counter-attack. One bomb was reported to have destroyed a headquarters, while the Chinese troops estimated that they killed more than 2,000, driving the survivors back over the frontier.

U.S. Navy: Battle of the Coral Sea resumes as Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher's force turns northward to engage Japanese Carrier Strike Force under Vice Admiral Takagi Takeo.

Support Group under Rear Admiral John G. Crace, RN is detached to intercept Port Moresby Invasion Force (Rear Admiral Abe Koso) is attacked by Japanese land attack planes carrying torpedoes (4th Kokutai) or bombs (Genzan Kokutai); destroyer Farragut (DD-348) is damaged by friendly fire while engaged in repelling air attack. Later, mistaken for Japanese Port Moresby Invasion Force, Crace's ships are bombed by USAAF B-26s that straddle Australian heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (flagship) and near-miss heavy cruiser Chicago (CA-29) and destroyer Perkins (DD-377).

SBDs and TBDs (VB 2, VB 5, VS 2, VS 5, VT 2, VT 5) from Yorktown (CV-5) and Lexington (CV-2) attack Japanese Close Support Force under Rear Admiral Goto Aritomo and sink small carrier Shōhō off Misima at roughly Lat 10°29'S, Long 152°55'E. During the action off Misima, Lieutenant John J. Powers (VB 5) and Lieutenant (j.g.) William E. Hall, USNR (VS 2) exhibit skill and determination in pressing home their attacks. That night, Lieutenant Powers (VB 5's gunnery officer) lectures his squadron on point of aim and diving technique. He advocates a low-level release point to ensure accuracy, a philosophy he had demonstrated in the attack that sank Shōhō.

Mistaken at the outset for a carrier and a cruiser, oiler USS Neosho (AO-23) and destroyer USS Simms (DD-409) are attacked by Japanese planes, although the enemy recognizes the mistake in time to avoid expending torpedoes; Neosho is damaged by bombs and crashing dive bomber at roughly Lat 15°35'S, Long 155°36'E, and USS Simms (DD-409) is sunk at roughly Lat 15°10'S Long 158°05'E. Aboard USS Neosho (AO-23), Chief Watertender Oscar V. Peterson, although badly wounded, risks his life by closing bulkhead stop valves, receiving severe burns that result in his death. For his extraordinary heroism and distinguished gallantry at the cost of his life, Peterson will earn the Medal of Honor, posthumously.

In the later afternoon until sunset, the Japanese attempt to find the U.S. force but run afoul of bad weather.

Ditched is SBD Dauntless 4531 pilot Lt(jg) Anthony J. "Tony" Quigley (crew rescued May 26, 1942). Lost is F4F Wildcat 2531 (MIA).

IJN: During the Battle of the Coral Sea: Sunk is Shōhō. Lost is A6M2 Zero ditched off Nivani and G4M1 Betty 2271 ditched at Deboyne while B5N2 Kate EI-306 and B5N2 Kate EI-302 ditched at Indispensible Reef.

At dawn, Japanese submarine I-30 sufaces and launches her E14Y1 Glen floatplane to reconnoiter Aden.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (5th Air Force): B-17s participate in the Battle of the Coral Sea but their effect is limited by bombing from high altitude against maneuvering warships. During the battle, three B-17s accidentally bomb Allied warships in the "ANZAC squadron" including HMAS Australia, USS Farragut and USS Perkins. Lost is B-17E 41-2631 (crew survived) and B-17E 41-2652 (crew survived).

U.S. Army: Prisoner of War (POW) General Jonathan M. Wainwright broadcasts terms of surrender from Manila to American forces still holding out in the Philippines. On Mindanao, Japanese break off ground action but continue to employ air and artillery.