The USS Harder, one of the most legendary U.S. Navy submarines of World War II, has been discovered in the South China Sea after 80 years. The submarine, which was lost in battle on August 24, 1944, along with its entire crew of 79 submariners, was found lying under 3,000 feet of water off the northern Philippine island of Luzon.
The USS Harder was on its sixth patrol of the war when it was sunk by a Japanese depth charge attack. Despite the damage behind its conning tower, the submarine remains upright and intact. The discovery was confirmed by the Lost 52 Project, led by Tim Taylor, CEO of Tiburon Subsea, which aims to locate the 52 U.S. submarines lost during World War II.
The Navy’s History and Heritage Command emphasized the importance of honoring the crew of the USS Harder, who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation. The wreck is considered a war grave and should be respected as such by all parties.
The USS Harder played a significant role in the Pacific theater of World War II, with Captain Samuel Dealey posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the submarine’s patrols. The submarine’s motto, “Hit ’em Harder,” reflected its successful attacks on Japanese warships and merchant vessels during its service.
The discovery of the USS Harder serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War II and the importance of preserving their memory.