Lexington USS

[shipstamps]

Four special commemoratives for the 25th anniversary of the war in the Pacific were issued by the Territory of Papua and New Guinea on August 30, 1967. The 50 cents stamp, designed by Mr. G. Wade, depicts his impression of an action in the Battle of the Coral Sea. It seems to me that the stamp designer has depicted an attack on the U.S.S. Lexington and the silhouette shows her huge funnel.
Originally the Lexington was designed as a battle cruiser and was to have had seven funnels, but when it was decided to alter her to an aircraft carrier during construction, the seven funnel uptakes were trucked together in one gigantic funnel casing. As the ship's bridge and control tops would have become almost untenable because of the heat from the equivalent of seven funnels in one, the bridge and control structure were separated. This is quite clearly shown on the stamp, and there is no doubt in my mind that the U.S.S. Lexington is the carrier depicted. To American Naval personnel the ship was affectionately known as "Lady Lex". Commanded by Capt. Frederick C. Sherman, she was known as a happy ship throughout the U.S. Navy, many of her crew having served in her since she was commissioned in 1927, In the Battle of the Coral Sea, she was flagship of Task Force No. II, with Rear-Admiral Aubrey W. Fitch on the bridge. On May 7, aircraft from the task force sank the Japanese carrier Shoho. She was smothered by 13 bomb and seven torpedo hits and sank within half-an-hour of the first attack, three carrier plane group attacks being made on her, with the loss of six U.S. Navy aircraft. The following day, May 8, at about 8.15 a.m., American aircraft located the Japanese carriers Shokaku and Zuikako, Japanese aircraft at the same time locating the American carriers Lexington and Saratoga.
Between 09.00 and 09.25 both sides launched air strikes. In the ensuing battle the Lexington was hit by a torpedo at 11.20 but continued to receive returning aircraft. At 12.47 there was a major explosion on board the carrier, caused by the ignition of fuel vapour by a motor generator which had been left running. Another major explosion occurred at 14.45, and the fires, despite valiant efforts by the entire ship's company, soon passed beyond control. The Yorktown recovered all aircraft still serviceable, but evacuation became necessary and was carried out at 17.10, four U.S. Navy ships taking off the Lexington's crew safely. At 19.56 hours, the U.S.S. Phelps was ordered to sink "Lady Lex" and she went down at 20,00 hours after being hit by five torpedoes.
Papua New Guinea SG120, Solomon Is SG?, Marshall Is SG672

[aukepalmhof]

While aboard the carrier Lexington in early 1942, Lieutenant Edward "Butch" O'Hare had a rendezvous with the danger that would forever make him a legend in the United States Navy, the first Navy flying ace of World War II The Lexington had been assigned the dangerous task of penetrating enemy waters and striking the Japanese base at Rabaul, on Papua New Guinea. However, as the ship sailed near the Solomon Islands, it was spotted by the Japanese and soon a wave of enemy bombers bore down on the carrier. A squadron of F4F Wildcats already in the air from the Lexington engaged the bombers. But most of the squadron was maneuvered out of position, leaving the second wave of Japanese bombers opposed only by Lieutenant O'Hare and one comrade, whose guns jammed. Attacking alone, O'Hare shot down five enemy planes and damaged three others in a four-minute display of courage and skill. Hastily, the surviving Japanese pilots dumped their bombs and sped for safety. Credited with having saved the Lexington, O'Hare was awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted to lieutenant commander. Nearly two years later, O'Hare was listed as missing in action after presumably being shot down over the Pacific. In all, he shot down 12 enemy planes for his country. Butch O'Hare was bestowed with a fitting memorial when O'Hare International Airport, the commercial airport, in Chicago, Illinois, was named in his honor.

Marshall Islands 2001 80c sgMS1514, scott787g.
Togo 2020 800F sg ?, Scott?
Central African Republic 2022 3600FCFA sgMS?, Scott? (in the border is the aircraft carrier YORKTOWN.
Source: http://www.artworkoriginals.com/EB5TBY0M.HTM

[Arturo]

Lexington

Marshall Islands 1993, S.G.?, Scott: 455.