Old US warship's last mission turns into unexpected encounter near Java

In early-1942 (just months after Pearl Harbor attack) the USS Edsall – a 300-foot destroyer found itself in a critical situation south of Java. The aging vessel‚ which had already suffered damage from a depth-charge mishap was carrying quite a load: 153 navy crew-members and a group of Army Air Force personnel

The small-sized warship wasnt in fighting shape but still answered a distress call that March afternoon. Around 4pm – in what turned out to be an ill-fated decision – the USS Edsall crossed paths with a much-larger Japanese naval group (making this encounter particularly one-sided)

The destroyerʼs presence in these waters came at a time when Pacific naval operations were in full-swing: its crew – despite the ships limitations – showed dedication to duty by responding to another vessels call for help. The USS Edsallʼs condition made it an easy target; its previous accident left it with reduced combat capabilities