The USS Harder, a legendary US Navy submarine that sank during World War II, has been discovered in the South China Sea after 80 years. Commissioned in December 1942, the USS Harder completed six war patrols before its demise on August 24, 1944. During its final patrol, the submarine was sunk by a depth charge attack, killing all 79 sailors on board.
The wreckage of the USS Harder lies at a depth exceeding 3,000 feet and is relatively intact apart from damage caused by depth charges. The search for the wreck involved historical research and the deployment of multiple autonomous robots to cover expansive search areas efficiently.
The discovery of the USS Harder’s wreck has allowed for its valor to be remembered and honored once again. The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) expressed gratitude to the Lost 52 Project for allowing them to honor the crew of this legendary submarine. The USS Harder was known for its impact on World War II naval warfare, sinking the most Japanese warships under the command of Cmdr. Sam Dealey.
