The USS Harder, a U.S. Navy submarine that was famous for sinking the most Japanese warships during World War II, has been found in the South China Sea after nearly 80 years. The submarine disappeared on August 24, 1944, with 79 sailors on board and has now been discovered off Luzon island in the Philippines with the help of data provided by Tim Taylor, CEO of Tiburon Subsea and the Lost 52 Project. The wreckage of the USS Harder is resting at a depth of more than 3,000 feet and sits upright on her keel, relatively intact except for damage aft of the conning tower.
The USS Harder was commissioned in December 1942 and made six war patrols before its sinking. During its fifth patrol, it targeted Japanese destroyers, sinking three of them and heavily damaging or destroying two others in just four days. Its final patrol saw it attacking and destroying three escort ships off the Philippines province of Baatan, with the assistance of the USS Haddo. Japanese records indicate that the USS Harder fired three torpedoes at another escort ship on August 24, 1944, and after a series of depth charge attacks, the fifth depth charge ultimately sank the submarine and its crew.
After its service in World War II, the USS Harder received the Presidential Unit Citation and six battle stars. Commander Sam Dealey, the submarine’s skipper, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his outstanding contribution during the USS Harder’s fifth patrol. Dealey also received numerous other awards, including a Navy Cross for the first patrol, a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross for the second patrol, a Distinguished Service Cross, and a Silver Star posthumously, among others. The discovery of the wreck has enabled the Naval History and Heritage Command to honor the valor of the crew of the USS Harder once more.
The discovery of the USS Harder is a significant moment in naval history, providing closure and recognition for the brave sailors who served on the submarine. The wreck is a testament to the submarine’s successful wartime missions and the incredible bravery and skill of its crew. The findings reaffirm the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by all those who served during World War II, highlighting the courage and dedication of America’s war heroes. The story of the USS Harder serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women during the war and the crucial role played by submarines in naval warfare.
