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US Submarine Missing in World War II Discovered at 3,000 Feet Depth, Bringing Answers to a War Mystery That Lasted for Decades and Intrigued Generations of Historians
The mysterious fate of the USS Harder, one of the most legendary submarines of the United States Navy, has finally been revealed after 80 years since its tragic loss during World War II. According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, the submarine was located at an impressive 3,000 feet (0.91 km) depth, in the Philippines. The discovery was made by Tim Taylor, CEO of the Lost 52 Project, an initiative dedicated to locating the 52 U.S. submarines lost during the war.
The discovery occurred in March of this year, however, new images were recently released. The USS Harder gained notoriety for its bold operations under the command of the legendary commander Samuel D. Dealey.
During its fifth patrol in June 1944, the U.S. submarine sank three Japanese destroyers and severely damaged two others in just four days. These actions forced a Japanese fleet’s withdrawal sooner than expected, directly impacting the Battle of the Philippine Sea, which resulted in a major defeat for Japan.
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The End of the United States Submarine
However, Harder’s luck changed drastically in August 1944. On August 22, the submarine, along with the USS Haddo, destroyed three Japanese escort ships off the coast of Bataan.
After Haddo departed to resupply its torpedo stock, the USS Harder and the USS Hake headed for Caiman Point, Luzon.
In the early hours of August 24, the Hake spotted an enemy escort ship and submerged to avoid confrontation. However, the Harder was subjected to a series of depth charge attacks by a Japanese ship, sinking the vessel and killing its 79 crew members.
The U.S. submarine was found “relatively intact”, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command report, except for damage behind its conning tower, evidence of the fatal attack. The excellent state of preservation of the site, along with the data collected by Taylor, enabled the positive identification of the vessel.
The discovery represents a significant milestone in preserving the memory of the sailors who gave their lives in defense of the United States.
Commander Samuel D. Dealey, who led the USS Harder, was one of the most decorated submariners of World War II. Posthumously, Dealey received the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration of the United States.
He was also awarded the Navy Cross, two Gold Stars, and the Distinguished Service Cross. Under his command, the USS Harder received the Presidential Unit Citation for its first five patrols and six battle stars for its service in the conflict.
Importance of This Submarine to the U.S.
The historical significance of the USS Harder is not limited to its actions during the war. Its discovery and the confirmation of its fate represent a tribute to the sailors who perished in defense of freedom.
The director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, retired Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox, highlighted the sacrifice of the “Hit ’em HARDER” crew, reminding that “victory comes at a price, just like freedom.” The location of the submarine allows the United States and the world to remember and honor these heroes.
Tim Taylor, whose initiative Lost 52 Project has already found other submarines lost during World War II, such as the USS Grayback, the USS Stickleback, and the USS Grunion, received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Navy in 2021 for his tireless work in preserving U.S. naval history.
In addition to the USS Harder, other historically significant shipwrecks have been discovered in the waters of the Philippines. In 2015, billionaire Paul Allen located the Musashi, one of the largest Japanese warships ever built, in the Sibuyan Sea.
Recently, in September 2023, deep-sea explorers captured images of three shipwrecks from the Battle of Midway, providing the first close-up photos of a Japanese aircraft carrier since it sank during the famous battle in 1942.
The USS Harder now rests on the ocean floor, serving as a memorial to the courage and sacrifice of its crew. Its wreck will be treated with the utmost respect, considered a sacred war grave, where the sailors who lost their lives in defense of their nation can finally rest in peace.
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