Wreckage from the storied USS Juneau, which was sunk by a Japanese torpedo during World War II, was finally discovered on March 17, 2018

On St. Patrick's Day 2018, a research team made the incredible discovery of the WWII US Navy ship USS Juneau on which the five brave Sullivan brothers died in 1942.

Read More: The five brave Sullivan brothers who died in WWII serving the US Navy

The USS Juneau sunk on November 13, 1942, a year after being commissioned, killing 687 men on board including the five Sullivan brothers.

The ship was attacked by a Japanese torpedo, which cut the vessel in half and caused it to sink in 30 seconds during the Battle of Guadalcanal.

The tragic incident caused the loss of all five Irish American Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa. Despite the naval policy that prevented siblings from serving together, George, Frank, Joseph, Matt, and Albert refused to serve unless assigned to the same ship, so the policy was not enforced.

Hollywood later remembered them with “The Fighting Sullivans” and they were one of the inspirations for “Saving Private Ryan.”

Read More: Mystery of Irish World War II hero finally solved after six decades

On March 17, 2018, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul G. Allen's expedition crew eventually found the famous ship 4,200 meters below the surface.

WWII ship USS Juneau located by #RVPetrel on St. Patrick’s Day—unexpected coincidence since she is best known for the Sullivans, all 5 brothers were lost, along with the other 682 sailors. Only 10 survived the sinking by Japanese torpedoes. https://t.co/FOkRwR6FXc pic.twitter.com/1PZjNP1uHd — Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) March 19, 2018

The crew of Research Vessel (R/D) Petrel located the Atlanta-class light cruiser resting on the floor of the South Pacific.

Announcing the news, director of subsea operations Robert Kraft stated, "We certainly didn't plan to find the Juneau on St. Patrick's Day, the variables of these searches are just too great. But finding the USS Juneau on Saint Patrick's Day is an unexpected coincidence that allows us to pay final respects to the Sullivan brothers and all the service members who were lost 76 years ago."

Vice Adm. Rich Brown, commander, Naval Surface Forces, is the commanding officer of USS The Sullivans, pictured below, a ship named after the five brothers.

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"I had the opportunity to visit The Sullivans earlier this month and I can tell you the fighting spirit of the Sullivan brothers – George, Frank, Joe, Matt and Al – lives on through the fantastic crew that mans the ship today. The crew embodies the ship's motto, 'We Stick Together' each day," Brown said.

"My time on The Sullivans and the relationship I formed with the ship's sponsor, Kelly, the granddaughter of Albert, are some of my most cherished memories," he added.

Watch some up-close footage of the USS Juneau here:

What Irish Americans will you be honoring this St Patrick's Day? Let us know in the comments section.