The wreckage of the USS Harder (SS-257), one of World War II’s most legendary submarines, has been discovered off the coast of Pangasinan. The Lost 52 Project, dedicated to locating and memorializing all 52 U.S. submarines lost during the war, announced the find last week.
The USS Harder, renowned for sinking the most enemy warships during the conflict, was last engaged in battle in August 1944. The submarine, along with two others, faced off against Japanese escort vessels in Dasol Bay, Pangasinan.
Tim Taylor, CEO of Tiburon Subsea and leader of The Lost 52 Project, provided data that led to the confirmation of the wreck site by the Naval History and Heritage Command. According to a news release on Thursday, the submarine rests over 3,000 feet below the surface, relatively intact except for depth-charge damage near the conning tower.
Nicknamed “Hit ‘em HARDER,” the Gato-class sub gained fame for its aggressive tactics against the Imperial Japanese Navy. During its service, the Harder completed six patrols and was credited with significant wartime achievements. Its most notable success came during its fifth patrol, where it sank three Japanese destroyers and damaged two others in just four days near Tawi-Tawi. This aggressive action disrupted the Japanese Mobile Fleet’s plans and contributed to the Allies’ success in the Battle of the Philippine Sea.
In its final battle in Dasol Bay, the Harder is believed to have been sunk by a depth charge attack from the Japanese escort ship CD-22. The submarine and its 79 crew members were declared lost by the US Navy in January 1945.
For its valor, the USS Harder was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and six battle stars. Its captain, Samuel Dealey, received the Navy Cross four times and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
