World War II destroyer USS Edsall found after 82 years

The U.S. Navy’s “dancing mouse” has been located after more than eight decades. The USS Edsall, which was sunk early in World War II while facing down overwhelming odds, was confirmed to be found this past week. 

The U.S. and Royal Australian Navy jointly announced the find last week. The ship, a Clemson-class destroyer sunk on March 1, 1942 after being attacked by Japanese forces, was located roughly 200 miles off of Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean.

In fact, it was found by accident. A separate survey located a shipwreck near Christmas Island last year, but it wasn’t clear what it was at the time. The Royal Australian Navy was carrying out an undisclosed mission when it found the wreck. The wreckage was eventually confirmed to be the Edsall. Australia and the United States only officially announced the find on the Nov. 11 holiday, Remembrance Day and Veterans Day, respectively for the two countries.

“The wreck of this ship is a hallowed site, serving as a marker for the 185 U.S. Navy personnel and 31 U.S. Army Air Force pilots aboard at the time, almost all of whom were lost when Edsall succumbed to her battle damage,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti said in a statement. “This find gives us the opportunity for today’s generation of sailors and Navy civilians to be inspired by their valor and sacrifice.”