(Patriot.buzz) – In a tremendous discovery, the wreck of the USS Edsall, a Clemson-class destroyer, has offered a stirring reminder of brave American servicemen who faced impossible odds during World War II.
See a photo from the famed destroyer’s sinking in the tweet below!
Hidden beneath the depths of the Indian Ocean, its location was a mystery that spanned decades, keeping families and historians searching for closure.
This finding is both a tribute to courage and a testament to the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom.
The wreck of the USS Edsall has been located in the Indian Ocean, near Christmas Island, submerged at 18,000 feet.
This American ship was sunk by Japanese forces on March 1, 1942, during an intense battle.
Known for its agile tactics, the Edsall earned the nickname “the dancing mouse” from the Japanese.
The ship, loaded with 153 sailors and several dozen army air forces pilots and soldiers, faced overwhelming odds on the fateful day.
Despite its state of damage and being unfit for combat, the Edsall evaded enemy attacks for over an hour before succumbing to 26 Japanese carrier-dive bombers.
Tragically, there were no survivors from the attack, and the ship now serves as an underwater memorial to those who perished.
Caroline Kennedy, U.S. ambassador to Australia, expressed the deep significance of finding the Edsall in relation to both U.S. and Australian naval history.
She highlighted the bravery of Captain Joshua Nix and his crew, who fought fiercely, evading 1,400 shells before the final attack.
The ship’s captain and his dedicated crew exemplified courage against the insurmountable odds posed by Japanese forces.
“I am honored to acknowledge the role #AusNavy played in discovering the wreck of @usnavy USS Edsall, a warship that holds a special place in our shared naval histories,” Caroline Kennedy wrote on X.
Historians note that the Edsall was involved in vital operations throughout the Pacific campaign, playing a role alongside Australian warships.
The ship notably aided in the sinking of the Japanese submarine I124 off Darwin.
Advanced robotic and autonomous systems, normally reserved for hydrographic survey capabilities, were used by the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy to locate and confirm the wreck.
This poignant discovery was announced on November 11, coinciding with Veteran’s Day in the U.S.
Such timing aptly connects the historic find to reflection and remembrance of the sacrifices made by those in service.
Families of the lost crew can finally find some peace knowing where their loved ones rest, as efforts will now focus on preserving this significant memorial.
“Captain Joshua Nix and his crew fought valiantly, evading 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers, before being attacked by 26 carrier-dive bombers, taking only one fatal hit,” Kennedy said further, cited by Fox News.
The USS Edsall remains submerged as a testament to fortitude and dedication in the line of duty.
As we honor this chapter in history, the tale of “the dancing mouse” continues to inspire appreciation for the courage and lasting legacy of those who sacrificed for freedom.
A Navy destroyer that was sunk by Japanese forces during World War II has been discovered, the U.S. Navy confirmed. https://t.co/vEP0CIWDCu
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 12, 2024
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