Recent discoveries have led to the discovery of a significant World War II relic.
Off the coast of the Philippines Wednesday, Texas underwater exploration company Caladan Oceanic — along with the UK’s EYOS Expeditions — came upon a near-79-year-old American ship broken in two.
There beneath nearly 23,000 feet of ocean lay the wreckage of the USS Samuel B. Roberts I (DE-413) — otherwise known as the “Sammy B.”
Per the Naval History and Heritage Command, the ship “was laid down on 6 December 1943, at Houston, Texas, by Brown Shipbuilding Co.” It was launched on the following January 20th.
The U.S. Navy destroyer escort fought the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Battle of Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf’s final phase. It was the war’s largest conflict by sea, in which Japan suffered its greatest loss of ships. As part of liberation of the Philippines, U.S. troops invaded Leyte earlier.
From Phys.org
According to records, [Sammy B]A Japanese heavy cruiser was disabled with a torpedo, and another one was severely damaged while fighting the Yamato command battleship. The battleship Kongo critically struck the ship and it sank after having used almost all of its ammunition. Out of a crew totaling 224, only 89 and 120 died, while 120 survived, including Lt. Cmdr. Robert W. Copeland.
According to Samuel J. Cox, a retired admiral and naval historian, Copeland stated there was “no higher honor” then to have led the men who displayed such incredible courage going into battle against overwhelming odds, from which survival could not be expected.
“This site is a hallowed war grave,” Cox said, “and serves to remind all Americans of the great cost born by previous generations for the freedom we take for granted today.”
Standing 1,400 feet beneath the USS Johnston, the Sammy B wreck is the deepest ever found. That vessel was also located in the Philippine Sea — just last year — by Caladan Oceanic founder Victor Vescovo.
Via a statement, Victor — himself a former Navy commander — expressed humility toward the Sammy B’s discovery:
“It was an extraordinary honor to locate this incredibly famous ship, and by doing so have the chance to retell her story of heroism and duty to those who may not know of the ship and her crew’s sacrifice. In difficult times, it’s important to reflect on those who sacrificed so much, so willingly, in even more difficult times to ensure our freedoms and way of life. I always remain in awe of the extraordinary bravery of those who fought in this battle agains truly overwhelming odds – and won””
Check out the amazing footage:
Jeremie Morizet (sonar specialist) and I piloted Submersible Limiting Factor towards the Samuel B. Roberts wreckage (DE 413). This wreck is 6,895 metres deep and the largest shipwreck that has been surveyed. The “destroyer assault” was actually what it was. It fought as a battleship. pic.twitter.com/VjNVERdTxh
— Victor Vescovo (@VictorVescovo) June 24, 2022
The Sammy B dive was part of the whole. The bow of her boat struck the ocean floor with some force, leading to some buckling. Although her stern was separated approximately 5 meters upon impact, the wreck was still intact. The small vessel was able to take on the best of the Japanese Navy and fight them until the very end. pic.twitter.com/fvi6uB0xUQ
— Victor Vescovo (@VictorVescovo) June 24, 2022
Additional photos taken by the Sammy B. The bow, the mast that fell, the space between the fore- and aft sides where she was struck by a battleship round and the aft tower. . . For the brave and the mortally injured GM3 Paul H. Carr, he died while trying to insert a last round into the broken breech. pic.twitter.com/3VcZoZyPo3
— Victor Vescovo (@VictorVescovo) June 25, 2022
Of course, as we peer into the abyss, we’re also looking into time. The men who sailed on and fought from the Sammy B wouldn’t recognize 2022’s America.
Contemporarily they would not identify the Navy.
Since the vessel left the surface on October 24, 1944, much has happened.
Our military, which is an extension of America’s, has seen a complete transformation in the last few years.
Navy Reports: Sailors May Use Any Locker Room That Fits Their Gender Identity
Soldiers May Be Allowed to Transfer From States That Don’t Affirm Their Gender Identities
US Army Mandates Training to Help Soldiers Shake off Their Sex ‘Assigned at Birth’
For Military Generals to Increase Diversity and Encourage Women in Combat
US Army Redesigns its Fitness Standards for Girls
Nevada Air Force Base Hosts Drag Show, and It’s Part of a Softer, Gentler Military
It’s been said no one can truly prepare for war, but the men of the Sammy B were doubtlessly more ready than would be today’s young men.
America has had a belief for a very long period that: “The military will make it tough.”
I’m not certain that idea will stay afloat. Similar to the Sammy B, it’s destined to be buried by a sea of change.
It was a stunning sight to see the USS Samuel B. Roberts. Friends and family of the 89 valiant sailors wishing for peace may find some comfort in knowing that their final battle location has been found.
NBC News: A call to the old-school heroes
The Sammy B attack despite being outgunned [the Japanese fleet]…before sinking under fire in the Philippine Sea, earning it a description as “the destroyer escort that fought like a battleship.”
-ALEX
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