In an extraordinary discovery fittingly announced on Veterans Day, the wreck of the USS Edsall, an American destroyer sunk by Japanese forces during World War II, has been found resting on the seabed of the Indian Ocean. The USS Edsall’s final stand took place on March 1, 1942, as it faced overwhelming enemy fire and ultimately sank with over 200 brave American servicemen onboard, all of whom sacrificed their lives in the battle.
For nearly 82 years, the Edsall’s final resting place remained unknown, a ghostly reminder of America’s unsung valor in the Pacific theater following the attack on Pearl Harbor. This remarkable discovery, made by the Royal Australian Navy about 200 miles east of Christmas Island, was delayed in announcement to honor those fallen heroes on a day dedicated to remembering their legacy. The ship, found through advanced robotic technology typically used for hydrographic surveys, provides both the United States and Australia with a renewed connection to their shared wartime history.
US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, head of the Royal Australian Navy, commemorated the discovery in a moving statement. “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. “We will now be able to preserve this important memorial, and we hope the families of these heroes find comfort knowing their loved ones rest in peace.”
The Edsall earned its place in history as a symbol of fierce American resolve. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the 314-foot destroyer managed to outmaneuver numerous Japanese shells through daring maneuvers and smokescreens, skillfully evading the enemy’s relentless bombardment. So impressive were its maneuvers that a Japanese combatant aboard the attacking ships nicknamed the Edsall the “Dancing Mouse.”
In his tribute to the Edsall’s courage, Hammond highlighted the ship’s distinguished record in the Pacific campaign, particularly in defending Australian shores. “The USS Edsall served valiantly alongside Australian warships and played a role in sinking the Japanese submarine I-124 off Darwin,” Hammond remarked. The Edsall’s final stand and the stories of her crew have now been immortalized, reminding today’s generation of the dedication, heroism, and enduring alliance between the United States and Australia.
Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti emphasized the significance of this discovery. “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 allows today’s Sailors and Navy civilians to be inspired by their valor and sacrifice.”
Beyond the physical wreck itself, a haunting photograph captures the Edsall in her final moments, damaged but unbroken, before being claimed by the ocean. This image was used by Japanese propagandists at the time, yet for Americans, it stands as a proud testament to grit, bravery, and the refusal to surrender. The rediscovery of the Edsall reminds us of the indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom in the face of overwhelming odds.
