Remains of WWII US Warship 'USS Edsall' Found in Pacific

SYDNEY, March 12 (Reuters) - The wreckage of the USS Edsall, a U.S. destroyer that sank during World War II battle off the coast of Australia, has been discovered at a depth of around 4,000 feet in the Pacific Ocean.

The ship went down on March 1, 1942, after engaging in a fierce battle with the Imperial Japanese Navy, leaving behind a legendary tale of valor and sacrifice. According to records from the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), Lt. Joshua Nix commanded the Edsall at the time, earning the nickname "the dancing mouse" due to its slippery movements during the combat.

In a statement announcing the discovery, US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy lauded Nix and his crew for their bravery in evading 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers, as well as taking on 26 carrier dive bombers that ultimately sank the ship. The wreck was located using advanced hydrographic survey capabilities onboard the naval support ship MV Stoker.

Chief of Navy Australia, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond praised Nix's crew for their crucial role in protecting Australian shores during World War II, particularly before the Edsall met its tragic fate. "Their contributions are an important part of our nation's history and a testament to the courage and resilience of the people who served," Hammond said.

The discovery sheds new light on one of the most pivotal moments of the war, and the bravery of Capt. Nix and his crew. The Edsall was commissioned in 1920, but its outdated firearms unable to match the firepower of Japanese forces, ultimately sealing its fate.

According to Cox's account, as the ship was about to succumb to its attackers, Nix made a show of defiance, pointing the bow of Edsall directly at Japanese warships.