(DailyEmailNews.com) – A great symbol of American valor and resilience during World War II, the long-lost USS Edsall, has been located after being submerged in the Indian Ocean for more than eight decades.
See a photo from the famed destroyer’s sinking in the tweet below!
The rediscovery of this Clemson-class destroyer not only validates the bravery of its crew but also amplifies the audacious patriotism of a time when Americans stood firm against tyrannical forces.
The USS Edsall was sunk on March 1, 1942, by Japanese dive bombers in the Indian Ocean south of Java.
Known for its cunning maneuvers that earned it the nickname “the dancing mouse,” the Edsall evaded relentless Japanese attacks, with Captain Joshua Nix and his crew dodging over 1,400 shells.
The vessel stood its ground even when overwhelmed by 26 carrier-dive bombers.
This momentous discovery, backed by joint efforts of the U.S. and Royal Australian Navy, sheds light on an era of warfare that forged the toughness of our nation’s military and reflected the courage imprinted in American DNA.
The U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy confirmed the location using cutting-edge robotic and autonomous systems, CBS News reports.
The wreck is not just a sunken ship; it is a hallowed site that immortalizes the 185 U.S. Navy personnel and 31 U.S. Army Air Force pilots who perished.
While some crew members temporarily escaped into enemy captivity, no survivors lived to tell the tales of their harrowing plight.
Their sacrifices now inspire ongoing projects to preserve this underwater memorial.
“Working in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, the Royal Australian Navy used advanced robotic and autonomous systems, normally used for hydrographic survey capabilities, to locate USS Edsall on the sea-bed,” said the Chief of Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, cited by Fox News.
The expedition to find USS Edsall was elevated by the determination to honor those who paid the ultimate price, including the daring actions of Captain Nix and his fleet, who until the very end, exemplified the Navy tenet, “Don’t give up the ship.”
Their actions during the battle exemplify the courage and indomitable spirit woven into the fabric of American history.
Caroline Kennedy, U.S. ambassador to Australia, emphasized the shared historical significance of the Edsall’s discovery for both nations.
She expressed: “We will now be able to preserve this important memorial and hope that the families of the heroes who died there will know their loved ones rest in peace.”
This rediscovery on November 11, coinciding with Veteran’s Day, accentuates the enduring legacy of those who fought valiantly for freedom.
As historians continue to explore such historical sites, each finding deepens our grasp of the intricacies of wartime history and reinvigorates our spirit to embrace the values our ancestors upheld.
“The U.S.S. Edsall served valiantly during WWII, most notably in the early Pacific campaign. She operated alongside Australian warships protecting our shores, and played a role in the sinking of the Japanese submarine I124 off Darwin,” Hammond said further.
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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