Wreckage of the USS Ward Found
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Ward (DD-139) on 26 February 1919.
The wreckage of the USS Ward has been discovered, solving a 73-year-old mystery that ties back to one of history’s most significant events. Hours before the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the USS Ward (DD-139) made history by firing the first shots of World War II for the United States. However, the vessel’s final resting place remained a mystery for decades until its discovery in the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
The Prelude to Pearl Harbor
On the early morning of December 7, 1941, before Japanese aircraft unleashed devastation on Pearl Harbor, the USS Ward was already engaged in battle. Partnered with the USS Condor (AMc-14), the Ward was patrolling near the harbor’s entrance when the Condor spotted an unidentified periscope in the water. Recognizing the potential danger, the Ward began a search. At 6:37 AM, she identified and fired upon a Japanese Ko-hyoteki-class midget submarine trailing the USS Antares (AG-10), a U.S. Navy cargo ship. The Ward’s decisive action marked the first American shots fired in the war.
Rediscovery of a Historic Vessel
On December 5, 2017, the wreck of the USS Ward was located near Ponsol Island in the Philippines by an expedition team led by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Using the advanced research vessel Petrel, the team uncovered the ship in its final resting place, over 5,000 miles from Pearl Harbor. This same research team previously discovered the wreckage of the USS Indianapolis in August 2017.
The USS Ward had met her end on December 7, 1944, exactly three years after her historic engagement at Pearl Harbor. During her service as a high-speed transport vessel in the Leyte Gulf, she came under attack by kamikaze planes. The resulting fires spread rapidly, leaving the crew with no choice but to abandon ship. Once evacuated, the USS Ward was scuttled by the USS O’Brien (DD-725), leaving her to rest beneath the waves for decades.
A Legacy That Lives On
The tale of the USS Ward reflects unwavering bravery and resilience. From her pivotal role in safeguarding Pearl Harbor to her ultimate sacrifice in the Pacific, her service stands as a tribute to the courage of the sailors who served on her. The rediscovery of her wreckage not only provides closure but also preserves an important piece of history, allowing future generations to reflect on the events that shaped the course of World War II.
The USS Ward’s remarkable journey—from firing the first shots of America’s involvement in World War II to her rediscovery—cements her legacy as a symbol of vigilance and sacrifice.
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