USS Harder, Legendary WWII Submarine, Found 3,000 Feet Under Philippine Waters

The final resting place of an iconic U.S. Navy submarine, the USS Harder, which was sunk 80 years ago during World War II, has been located 3,000 feet below the ocean's surface. The Naval History and Heritage Command revealed that the submarine was found off the Philippine island of Luzon, sitting upright and "relatively intact," except for damage behind its conning tower from a Japanese depth charge.

Discovery and Exploration

The sub was discovered using data collected by Tim Taylor, CEO of the Lost 52 Project, which works to locate the 52 submarines sunk during World War II. The Lost 52 Project scanned the entire boat and stitched all the images together in a multi-dimensional model used to study and explore the site.

The Illustrious History of USS Harder

The USS Harder, led by famed Cmdr. Samuel D. Dealey, earned a legendary reputation during its fifth patrol when it sunk three destroyers and heavily damaged two others in just four days, forcing a Japanese fleet to leave the area ahead of schedule. That early departure forced the Japanese commander to delay his carrier force in the Philippine Sea, ultimately leading to Japan being defeated in the ensuing battle.

The Tragic End

However, the fortunes of the USS Harder changed in late August 1944. Early on Aug. 22, the sub destroyed three escort ships off the coast of Bataan. Unfortunately, on Aug. 24, the USS Harder was sunk by Japanese depth charge attacks, resulting in the loss of all 79 crewmembers.

Confirmation of the Discovery

The "excellent state of preservation of the site" and the quality of the data collected by Lost 52 allowed the Navy's History and Heritage Command to confirm the wreck was indeed the USS Harder.

Tribute to the Crew

"Harder was lost in the course of victory. We must not forget that victory has a price, as does freedom," said NHHC Director Samuel J. Cox, U.S. Navy rear admiral (retired). "We are grateful that Lost 52 has given us the opportunity to once again honor the valor of the crew of the 'Hit 'em HARDER' submarine that sank the most Japanese warships – in particularly audacious attacks – under her legendary skipper, Cmdr. Sam Dealey."

Honors and Recognitions

Harder received the Presidential Unit Citation for her first five patrols and six battle stars for World War II service. Cmdr. Dealey was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. During his career, Dealey also received a Navy Cross, two Gold Stars, and the Distinguished Service Cross.

Contributions of Tim Taylor

Taylor, the Lost 52 Project CEO, previously located other submarines lost during World War II, including the USS Grayback, USS Stickleback, and USS Grunion. He received a Distinguished Public Service Award from the Navy in 2021 for his work.