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U.S.S. NeoshoPrint Page 
The plaque commemorates those who died on the U.S.S. Neosho during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942.
On May 7, 1942, Neosho was escorted by USS Sims DD-409 in the Coral Sea. The pair were spotted and shadowed by B5N Kate El-302 and B5N Kate El-306 misidentified Neosho as an aircraft carrier. Soon afterwards, vessels were attacked by two waves of Japanese aeroplanes: high level bombers then D3A Val dive bombers. During the attack, the D3A Val dive bombers severely damaged the oiler, scoring seven direct hits and eight near misses. Aboard Neosho, anti-aircraft gunners claimed a D3A Val shot down, but the pilot dove for the deck, starting a flash fire which spread across the starboard side. Despite the damage, the ship remained afloat.
Aboard, twenty-one crew were killed during the air attack. On May 11, 1942 USS Henley (DD-301) reached Neosho and rescued 109 survivors plus fourteen survivors of USS Sims (DD-409). The ship was deemed to be unsalvageable and scuttled.
Location
| Address: | Coral Sea Drive, Coral Sea Memorial Park, Cardwell , 4849 |
|---|---|
| State: | QLD |
| Area: | Foreign |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -18.246822 Long: 146.015344 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | WW2 |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 07-May-1942 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 07-May-1942 |
Dedication
USS Neosho
In memory of those who perished during the Battle of the Coral Sea 7th May 1942
[ Names ]
Sit Tibi Mare Libis
(Light lie the sea upon thee)
