Lost at Sea for Over 80 Years: Wreck of US Warship Dancing Mouse Discovered in Pacific

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - In a groundbreaking discovery, officials have located the wreck of the USS Edsall, a US warship that sank in a battle with the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. The destroyer, which was nicknamed the "dancing mouse" due to its agility on the battlefield, met its fate off the coast of Australia in 1942.

The USS Edsall was under the command of Lt. Joshua Nix and his crew when they engaged in a fierce battle with Japanese forces on March 1, 1942. Despite being outgunned and outnumbered, the crew's bravery and skill earned them distinction as war heroes.

According to reports, the wreck was discovered using advanced hydrographic survey capabilities aboard the naval support ship MV Stoker. US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy announced the discovery, praising Nix and his crew for their valiant efforts in protecting Australia during the early days of World War II.

The USS Edsall's story is one of remarkable sacrifice. Commissioned in 1920, the old destroyer boasted four-inch guns but was no match for Japan's latest fleet, which featured larger guns and aircraft capable of dropping heavy bombs.

As the Japanese commanders realized that Nix's position was hopeless, they ordered a barrage of dive bombers to strike the US warship. Despite being outnumbered, Edsall evaded over 1,400 shells before taking only one fatal hit. However, as the fire raged and the ship struggled to maneuver, the crew launched a final act of defiance - pointing the bow of the ship directly at the Japanese surface vessels.

Historian Samuel Cox wrote that Nix's actions were an inspiration to the crew, mirroring the famous cartoon depiction of a brave mouse standing up to a giant eagle. However, it was too late - the Japanese turned their attention back to Edsall and eventually sank the vessel.

The discovery of the USS Edsall's wreck is expected to be met with widespread interest from historians and the general public alike, offering a poignant glimpse into a pivotal moment in Australian history.