WWII submarine USS Harder located 'relatively intact' near Philippines - UPI.com (2024)

WWII submarine USS Harder located 'relatively intact' near Philippines - UPI.com (1)

A 4D photogrammetry model of the USS Harder wreck site found by The Lost 52 near the Philippines island of Luzon, which was announced on Friday. Photo by 2nd Lt. Mary Andom/U.S. Navy

May 24 (UPI) -- The legendary World War II submarine USS Harder was located off the Philippines island of Luzon by an organization dedicated to finding the subs the United States lost during the conflict, officials said Friday.

The organization Lost 52, found and documented the last resting place of the Harder in 3,000 feet of water near Luzon, sitting upright and "relatively intact."

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"Harder was lost in the course of victory," said Naval History and Heritage Command Director Samuel J. Cox, in a statement.

"We are grateful that Lost 52 has given up the opportunity to once again honor the valor of the crew of the 'Hit'em Harder' submarine that sank the most Japanese warships -- in particular audacious attacks -- under her legendary skipper Cmdr. Sam Dealey."

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The submarine which earned the nickname "Hit 'em Harder," and became one of the most feared vessels in the Pacific as it was credited with sinking five Japanese destroyers and rescuing a special forces unit trapped behind enemy lines, during World War II.

Japanese eventually managed to sink the Harder with a depth charge on Aug. 24, 1944. Seventy-nine crew members lost their lives.

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For its heroics, which often frustrated Japanese operations in the Pacific, the Harder was awarded six battle stars for World War II service, while Dealey was awarded four Navy Crosses, the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Unit Citation.

The Harder is protected by U.S. law and under the jurisdiction of the Navy, as the grave site of those onboard, officials said. Any activities around such sites as the Harder must be coordinated with the Naval History and Heritage Command.

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WWII submarine USS Harder located 'relatively intact' near Philippines - UPI.com (2024)

FAQs

WWII submarine USS Harder located 'relatively intact' near Philippines - UPI.com? ›

WWII submarine USS Harder located 'relatively intact' near Philippines. May 24 (UPI

UPI
United Press International (UPI) is an American international news agency whose newswires, photo, news film, and audio services provided news material to thousands of newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations for most of the 20th century until its eventual decline beginning in the early 1980s.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › United_Press_International
) -- The legendary World War II submarine USS Harder was located off the Philippines island of Luzon by an organization dedicated to finding the subs the United States lost during the conflict, officials said Friday.

What was the most successful US submarine in WWII? ›

With 33 ships sunk, the USS Tang sank the most tonnage of shipping in World War II for the United States.

When was the USS Harder found? ›

Discovery of wreck

On 22 May 2024, Tiburon Subsea CEO Tim Taylor and the Lost 52 Project announced that they had discovered the wreck of Harder in the West Philippine Sea near the Philippines' northern island of Luzon. Taylor's discovery was confirmed by the U.S. Navy based on video footage taken of the wreckage.

What was the most feared submarine in WWII? ›

1. German U-48 Type VIIB U-boat. The U-48 was the most feared German submarine in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. It was in service for only two years and completed 12 patrols (Feindfahrten), but sank an unparalleled 51 targets for a total tonnage of 300,537.

What US submarine captain sunk the most ships during WWII? ›

Richard Hetherington O'Kane

Which country had the best submarines in WWII? ›

In comparison to the submarines of the United States, which were already very advanced and won the Pacific theatre, German U-boats displayed greatly enhanced underwater speed and endurance, with highly streamlined hulls and snorkels, and in this way posed one of the most serious risks to the Allied powers in WWII—as ...

Were U-boats better than U.S. subs? ›

The U-boats could go faster and farther, and they could carry almost twice as many weapons as the newest U.S. submarines.

What was the only U.S. submarine to sink a battleship? ›

USS Sealion: the Only American Submarine to Sink an Enemy Battleship.

What was the deadliest U.S. Navy sinking? ›

The sinking of Indianapolis was the greatest loss of life from a single ship lost at sea in the history of the U.S. Navy. On 19 August 2017, a search team financed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen located the wreckage in the Philippine Sea lying at a depth of approximately 18,000 ft (5,500 m).

What is the oldest U.S. Navy ship still afloat? ›

Built in Boston and launched in 1797, USS CONSTITUTION is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world today. During the War of 1812 the ship gained fame and its name “Old Ironsides.” CONSTITUTION remains both a training and ceremonial ship for the Navy, as well as an educational experience for visitors.

Did WWII submarines have air conditioning? ›

American submarines offered quite a few comforts to the sailors on board. The Gatos had air conditioning, refrigerated food storage, freshwater distilling units, clothes washers, and bunks for everyone. Amenities like air conditioning were deemed necessary in the warm tropical waters.

What was the worst submarine tragedy? ›

The nuclear-powered Project 949A Antey (Oscar II class) submarine K-141 Kursk sank in an accident on 12 August 2000 in the Barents Sea. It was taking part in the first major Russian naval exercise in more than 10 years. All 118 personnel on board were killed.

What is the most deadliest U.S. submarine? ›

One of the deadliest weapons in the world is one that you aren't meant to see. Silently cruising beneath the waves, the Virginia-class attack submarines of the U.S. Navy only reveal themselves when they return to port—or when they unleash their arsenal of cruise missiles and torpedoes.

What sub blew up a train? ›

Members of USS Barb's (SS-220) demolition squad pose with her battle flag at the conclusion of her 12th war patrol. Taken at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, August 1945. During the night of 22–23 July 1945, these men went ashore at Karafuto, Japan, and planted an explosive charge that subsequently wrecked a train.

What U.S. submarine had the most kills in WWII? ›

USS Tang (SS-306)
USS Tang (SS-306) off Mare Island Navy Yard, December 1943
History
United States
NameUSS Tang
NamesakeTang
20 more rows

Who was the most successful U.S. submarine commander in ww2? ›

Richard O'Kane retired from the Navy in 1957, he was (and still is) the most successful American submarine commander, ever. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he spent his entire wartime career sinking enemy ships. By the end of the war, he would receive three Navy Crosses, three Silver Stars and the Medal of Honor.

What was the most advanced WWII submarine? ›

Nearly 100 were in German home waters, awaiting deployment. Until the submarines of other navies were modernized after the war, these German Type XXI U-boats were the world's most advanced submarines.

What is the most decorated submarine in U.S. history? ›

Submarine USS Parche: The Most Highly Decorated Vessel in U.S. History | The National Interest.

How many U.S. subs were lost in WWII? ›

In World War II, 52 US submarines were lost, with a total of 3,506 officers and enlisted men killed. The US Navy Submarine Service had the highest casualty percentage of any American forces in the War: about 20%.

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