The USS Harder, a legendary US Navy submarine, was discovered in the South China Sea after a historic battle with the Japanese Imperial Army. Sunk on August 29, 1944, during one of its final war patrols, it had destroyed three Japanese destroyers and severely damaged two others. This victory was instrumental in the defeat of Japan and their reclaiming of their former colony from the United States.
The Harder’s crew of 79 men were honored with the Presidential Unit Citation for their bravery in battle. Commodore Sam Dealey, the commanding officer of the Harder, posthumously received the Medal of Honor, which is considered the highest military decoration in the United States. The USS Harder’s sinking played a significant role in altering Japan’s battle plans and delaying their carrier force, ultimately contributing to their defeat.
In 2015, another historic shipwreck was discovered by US billionaire Paul Allen – that of the Musashi, one of the largest Japanese warships ever built. The USS Harder was found upright on its keel and relatively intact by the Lost 52 project dedicated to finding all 52 US submarines lost during World War II. The discovery serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers who fought valiantly for freedom and victory during that time period.
