The wreckage of the U.S.S. Harder, a U.S. Navy submarine from World War II, has been discovered nearly 80 years after it sank in the South China Sea. The submarine, which was renowned for sinking the most Japanese warships during the war, was located approximately 3,000 feet underwater near the Philippines.
The U.S.S. Harder, a formidable Gato-class submarine, was sunk in 1944, taking with it all 79 service members onboard. The discovery was confirmed by a team of deep-sea explorers who have been working to locate historical shipwrecks from the war. The BBC reports that the submarine was found largely intact despite the depth and passage of time.
This significant find sheds light on a pivotal part of naval history, as the U.S.S. Harder played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Commanded by Lieutenant Commander Samuel D. Dealey, the submarine was credited with sinking 16 enemy vessels, making it one of the most successful submarines of the war. Its loss was a significant blow to the U.S. Navy at the time.
The discovery of the U.S.S. Harder provides closure to the families of the 79 brave service members who perished. Efforts are now underway to document and preserve the site, ensuring it remains a testament to their sacrifice. The U.S. Navy is expected to conduct further studies and possibly memorialize the site in honor of those who served aboard the submarine.
Historians and naval enthusiasts have long sought the final resting place of the U.S.S. Harder, and this discovery marks a poignant moment in the remembrance of World War II’s maritime history. It also highlights the advancements in deep-sea exploration technology that have made such discoveries possible.
As the U.S. and its allies continue to honor the sacrifices made during World War II, the finding of the U.S.S. Harder serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery and strategic prowess of those who fought in the undersea battles of the Pacific.
