Mystery Solved: Wreck of US Warship 'Dancing Mouse' Discovered in Pacific
After decades of speculation and intrigue, the wreck of the USS Edsall, a US destroyer that sank in a battle during World War II, has been discovered in the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
The USS Edsall, designated as DD-304, was commanded by Lt. Joshua Nix, an American naval officer who earned the nickname "the dancing mouse" due to the ship's impressive agility and maneuverability, according to CNN. The destroyer went down on March 1, 1942, off the coast of Australia.
Australian Ambassador to the US Caroline Kennedy announced the discovery on Monday, praising the bravery and sacrifice of Lt. Nix and his crew, who fought valiantly against overwhelming odds. The crew reportedly evaded over 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers before being attacked by 26 carrier dive bombers. Despite taking only one fatal hit, they continued to resist until their ship was sunk.
The discovery of the wreck was made possible thanks to advanced hydrographic survey capabilities aboard the naval support ship MV Stoker, said Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Australia's chief of navy. The find serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices of those who served in World War II.
According to records from the US Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), the USS Edsall was spotted by a Japanese carrier-based plane around 200 miles south-southeast of Christmas Island on the day it went down. The ship's presence in close proximity to Japanese forces is believed to have incensed Japanese Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, who ordered the interception.
The aged destroyer, commissioned in 1920 and armed with only 4-inch guns, was no match for the more advanced Japanese fleet, which boasted bigger guns and dozens of aircraft that could carry massive bombs.
In a final act of defiance, Lt. Nix reportedly positioned his ship bow-first at Japanese warships as it succumbed to its attackers, giving the "dancing mouse" legend an enduring place in naval history.
The discovery of the USS Edsall's wreck marks a significant milestone in understanding and honoring one of the most underappreciated battles of World War II.