---
title: Sinking of the USS Lexington
author: US Navy
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21991/sinking-of-the-uss-lexington/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-07-30
---
# Sinking of the USS Lexington
_Authored by US Navy_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21991.png)
## Image Caption
A photograph showing the final moments of the USS *Lexington* aircraft carrier in the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of the Coral Sea in May 1942 during the Second World [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) (1939-45).
Naval History & Heritage Command
## Cite This Work
### APA
Navy, U. (2026, July 30). Sinking of the USS Lexington. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Navy, US. "Sinking of the USS Lexington." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 30, 2026. .
### MLA
Navy, US. "Sinking of the USS Lexington." *World History Encyclopedia*, 30 Jul 2026, .
## License & Copyright
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Large_explosion_aboard_USS_Lexington_(CV-2),_8_may_1942.jpg)Based on [Wikipedia](http://www.wikipedia.org/ "Wikipedia") content that has been reviewed, edited, and republished. [Original image](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Large_explosion_aboard_USS_Lexington_(CV-2),_8_may_1942.jpg) by [**US Navy**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Large_explosion_aboard_USS_Lexington_(CV-2),_8_may_1942.jpg). Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 30 July 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.