Remains of World War II US Destroyer 'Dancing Mouse' Sunk Off Australia Coast Uncovered

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - A team of American officials has announced the discovery of the wreck of a US warship that sunk during a pivotal battle in World War II off the coast of Australia. The USS Edsall, a destroyer known as "the dancing mouse" due to its evasive maneuvers in battle, was lost on March 1, 1942.

According to sources close to the excavation, including US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, lead investigator for the discovery, the wreck was found using advanced hydrographic survey capabilities aboard a naval support ship. The vessel helped locate and map the wreckage after years of searching in the remote waters off Christmas Island.

Lieutenant Joshua Nix, who commanded the Edsall at the time of its sinking, played a key role in the battle that saw his crew evade over 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers. Despite being outgunned and outnumbered, Nix led a valiant defense against carrier dive bombers, ultimately losing one ship but inflicting significant damage on their attackers.

"This incident showcases the bravery and ingenuity of US forces during World War II," Kennedy stated in announcing the discovery of the wreck. "Lieutenant Nix and his crew are remembered for their remarkable efforts to safeguard Australia's interests."

The Edsall was commissioned in 1920, a robust vessel compared to more modern counterparts. However, it could not withstand the firepower of Japan's latest battleships, which outgunned and outsourced its opponents.

An investigation by the US Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) describes how Nix took control, defying Japanese Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo's orders for his forces. Lieutenant Nix decided to make a stand against overwhelming odds.

"Nix pointed the bow of Edsall at the Japanese surface ships in his last act of defiance," NHHC stated. Cox wrote that during the final assault one Ed s ship became heavily damaged.