KOAT 7 News (Albuquerque, NM), via KCRA 3 News (Sacramento, CA), reports that there has been some closure this Memorial Day weekend for the family members of Ralph Erskine Manning, Electrician’s Mate, USN – who was declared lost following the sinking of the WWII submarine USS Harder on August 24, 1944.
The wreckage of the USS Harder was discovered only last week pursuant to a search by The Lost 52 Project. The submarine was located at a depth of 3,000 feet, near the northern Philippine island of Luzon.
Manning’s family told KCRA 3 News that he was born in 1920 and raised in Sacramento, CA. He was married and enlisted shortly thereafter. His daughter, Patricia LeBar, never met her father, saying that “I was born two weeks after he was reported missing.”
The KOAT 7 News report may be read in full HERE.
CNN reported three days ago (5/24/2024) that the USS Harder was found at a depth of 3,000 feet in the waters off of the northern Philippine island of Luzon, sitting upright and intact, except for damage behind its conning tower from a Japanese depth charge.
The USS Harder was lost in battle on August 24, 1944, along with its entire crew of 79 submariners. It was on its sixth patrol of the war as the United States sought to retake the Philippines from occupying Japanese forces.
The USS Harder, which operated with the motto “Hit ‘em Harder,” was captained by Commander Samuel Dealey, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions from March to July 1944. During that time, the USS Harder sank three Japanese destroyers with another two likely destroyed or heavily damaged over the course of just four days, according to the National Medal of Honor Museum.
The CNN report may be read in full HERE.
My brothers and sisters, today (5/27/2024) is Memorial Day in the United States. The bravery in battle, honor and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans, many of whom are recognized today for the ultimate sacrifice to our country, should always be remembered.
As engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC:
“All Gave Some… Some Gave All…”
Thank God for the brave and selfless men and women who have served over the years to assure that the United States remains free and a beacon of hope to the entire world.
Many die way too young, but as only God can do, He causes ALL THINGS to work together for our good and His glory (see John 15:13 and Romans 8:28):
John 15:13 (NLT)
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Romans 8:28 (Amplified Bible)
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”