USS Lexington

The fourth USS Lexington (CV-2), nicknamed the "Gray Lady" or "Lady Lex", was an early aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. She was the name ship of the Lexington class, though her sister ship USS Saratoga was commissioned a month earlier. She was initially conceived of as a battle cruiser in 1916, but was recast as a carrier in 1919. The Lexington was in service from 1928 until 1942. She was at sea during the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, but immediately launched search planes to find the Japanese fleet. Lexington was sunk at the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942.

USS Lexington in Days of Infamy

The USS Lexington was able to engage the Imperial Japanese Navy in the early hours of the invasion of Hawaii, December 7, 1941, launching most of its planes. However, Japanese fighters under the command of Mitsuo Fuchida successfully sunk the carrier.

USS Lexington in "Liberating Alaska"

The newly commissioned USS Lexington was part of the fleet that provided support to the Marines that liberated Siknazuak, Alaska. From its position in the Bering Sea, the Lexington dispatched Curtiss Hawks and Martin T3M torpedo bombers along the Alaska coast. They did substantial damage to the pro-Soviet forces who'd set up positions there.

USS Lexington in "News From the Front"

The USS Lexington was sunk in the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942. Its sinking was reported on by the Los Angeles Times, and became another black eye for the Roosevelt Administration.

USS Lexington in The War That Came Early

The USS Lexington was lost in 1941 while in action against the Japanese Navy.

Literary Comment

Although not stated directly, it is stated that the US has lost five carriers, but due to one being lost at Hawaii, and four being lost at Wake, it is never clarified which ones.