Believing that he faced overwhelming Japanese carrier superiority , Fletcher elected to withdraw TF17 from the battle .
At 14 : 22 , Fitch notified Fletcher that he had reports of two undamaged Japanese carriers and that this was supported by radio intercepts .
Believing that Fletcher faced overwhelming Japanese carrier superiority , Fletcher elected to withdraw TF17 from the battle .
At 14 : 22 , Fitch notified Fletcher that he had reports of two undamaged Japanese carriers and that this was supported by radio intercepts .