A ship from the American fleet of World War II has been discovered at the depths of the Indian Ocean after being submerged for many years.
The Second World War was a massive and devastating conflict, and numerous aspects of the six-year struggle remain obscure.
Yet, a recent find has provided additional insight into one naval battle from that period.
The Royal Australian Navy recently found the American warship USS Edsall resting on the ocean floor of the Indian Ocean.
It is estimated that over 200 American servicemen perished when Japanese forces sank the ship on March 1, 1942.
The vessel was located roughly 200 miles east of Christmas Island, south of Java. The disclosure of this discovery was timed to align with Veterans Day, as reported by the New York Post.
Caroline Kennedy, the US ambassador to Australia, issued a video message alongside Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the leader of the Royal Australian Navy, emphasizing the discovery’s historical importance.
Kennedy stated: “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.
“This is part of our continuing efforts to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 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.”
The ship was noted for its agile evasion, reportedly dodging numerous shells, and was even referred to as a ‘dancing mouse’ by a Japanese adversary.
Upon its sinking, the Japanese captured an image of the ship and used it as propaganda for the Axis powers.
Hammond highlighted that the vessel holds significant value in the naval history of both the US and Australia.
He remarked: “The USS 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.”
The Australian navy discovered the ship using advanced robotic and autonomous systems typically employed for hydrographic surveys, while conducting an unrelated and unspecified operation in the vicinity.
This unexpected find came as quite a revelation.
Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti also commented on the discovery.
She stated: “The wreck of this ship is a hallowed site, serving as a marker for the 185 US Navy personnel and 31 US Army Air Force pilots aboard at the time, almost all of whom were lost when Edsall succumbed to her battle damage.
“This find gives us the opportunity for today’s generation of Sailors and Navy civilians to be inspired by their valor and sacrifice.”