Warship Dancing Mouse Finally Laid to Rest: US Remembers USS Edsall's Valiant Defence

SYDNEY, Australia - In a groundbreaking discovery that sheds light on one of World War II's most pivotal battles, the wreckage of the US destroyer USS Edsall has been found in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia.

The Edsall, a 4-inch gunned vessel, went down on March 1, 1942, following an intense battle with the Imperial Japanese Navy. At the helm was Lieutenant Joshua Nix, who became notorious for his ship's slippery movements during the fighting, earning it the nickname "dancing mouse".

According to US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, Lieutenant Nix and his crew fought bravely, using advanced tactics to evade over 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers. They were eventually attacked by 26 carrier dive bombers but managed to take only one fatal hit.

The wreck was discovered by officials with the help of advanced hydrographic survey capabilities aboard the naval support ship MV Stoker. Australia's chief of navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, praised Lieutenant Nix and his crew for their outstanding efforts in defending Australia during the early days of World War II.

According to historical records, the USS Edsall was spotted by a Japanese carrier-based plane around 200 miles southeast of Christmas Island. The presence of the US warship within striking distance of Japanese forces "incensed" Japanese Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, who ordered the ship's interception.

As Hammond noted, the US destroyer's 4-inch guns were no match for Japan's more powerful fleet and aircraft. Despite being outgunned and outnumbered, Lieutenant Nix made a final act of defiance by pointing the bow of Edsall at Japanese surface ships as it succumbed to multiple shell hits and sank.

The discovery of the USS Edsall's wreckage is a significant reminder of the sacrifices made by US servicemen during World War II. As Australia continues to celebrate its wartime achievements, this historic find honors the memory of Lieutenant Joshua Nix and his courageous crew.