“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.”

 

Harder's fifth war patrol was the submarine’s most successful. Harder deplete the critical supply of destroyers by sinking three of them and heavily damaging or destroying two others in four days, and her frequent attacks resulted in Adm. Ozawa's Mobile Fleet departing Tawi-Tawi a day ahead of schedule. The premature departure upset the Japanese battle plans and forced Ozawa to delay his carrier force in the Philippine Sea, contributing to the defeat suffered by the Japanese in the ensuing battle.        NHHC

 

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-05-24/world-war-ii-submarine-harder-south-china-sea-13958683.html

 

https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/news-and-events/news/2024/WWII-submarine-wreck-confirmed.html

 

The 79 men lost on Harder 80 years ago.   Sit tibi mare levis.

 

https://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-harder-257.htm

 

I saw that in my morning news feed.

 

Thank you for posting.

God rest their souls.   At least now they will be afforded some protection from looting souvenir hunters and the like.  They will be included in my Memorial Day thoughts and thanks.  Thank you for posting this.

 

           Steve