US Warship USS Edsall's Wreck Found in Pacific Ocean

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - In a significant archaeological discovery, the wreckage of the US destroyer USS Edsall has been located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Australia. The ship sank during the Second World War in 1942, making it one of the most elusive warships of its time.

According to officials, the wreck was discovered using advanced hydrographic survey capabilities aboard the naval support ship MV Stoker. Australia's Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, praised the Edsall crew for their bravery and sacrifice during World War II, saying they "majorly contributed" to protecting Australia in its early days.

Lt. Joshua Nix, who commanded the USS Edsall at the time, was known as the "dancing mouse" due to his ship's slippery movements during the fatal battle with the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1942. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Nix and his crew fought valiantly, evading over 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers.

The ship was attacked by 26 carrier dive bombers, taking only one fatal hit, before ultimately sinking on March 1, 1942. The USS Edsall's bravery was remembered in a cartoon-like story of defiance, with Nix pointing the bow of his ship at enemy vessels as it went down.

US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy announced the discovery on Monday, saying it marks an important milestone in American history and a testament to the courage of those who served during World War II. The wreck's discovery is expected to provide valuable insights into the naval battles of the Pacific during World War II.

The USS Edsall was commissioned in 1920 and played a significant role in protecting Australia during its initial years of World War II. Its story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the resilience of those who fought for their country's freedom.