U.S.S. Edsall, WWII Warship, Found 80 Years After Sinking

Discovery of the U.S.S. Edsall’s wreck reveals the final resting place of over 200 servicemen lost in 1942.

Over 80 years after its sinking, the U.S.S. Edsall, an American destroyer lost during World War II, has been found in the Indian Ocean. Located 200 miles east of Christmas Island, south of Java, the ship’s wreckage was discovered by the Royal Australian Navy. This discovery marks the final resting place of more than 200 servicemen who died when the Edsall was sunk on March 1, 1942, three months after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  

The ship fought bravely before succumbing to Japanese forces. It managed to evade a barrage of 1,400 shells from Japanese warships and cruisers but was ultimately struck by 26 dive bombers. U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and Vice Admiral Mark Hammond of the Royal Australian Navy shared the importance of remembering the heroic actions of the crew and preserving the ship's legacy.  

“This discovery allows us to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Kennedy. She added that the families of those who died on the Edsall should take comfort in knowing their loved ones rest in peace. The announcement, which was made on Veterans' Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in Australia and Britain, came after the Australian Navy discovered the wreck while conducting an unrelated mission in the area.  

The U.S.S. Edsall’s heroic efforts in the Pacific earned it recognition. It notably participated in the sinking of the Japanese submarine I124 off Darwin. The ship was also given the nickname “Dancing Mouse” by the Japanese due to its evasive maneuvers, which included using smokescreens to avoid fire, a tactic that impressed enemy observers.  

The tragic loss of the Edsall resulted in the deaths of 185 U.S. Navy personnel and 31 U.S. Army Air Force pilots. Lisa Franchetti, U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations, described the wreck as a “hallowed site” and emphasized its significance as a lasting memorial for those who gave their lives in service.  

Captain Joshua Nix, who led the ship during its final battle, was 33 years old when it went down. His grandson, Jim Nix, reflected on the lack of information the family received about him during their childhood. “When we asked about him, all we heard was, ‘He died in the war,’” said Jim Nix. “It’s bad that I didn’t get to know him. But that’s life.” The discovery of the U.S.S. Edsall offers closure to the families of those who perished aboard the ship.