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This was the infamous "Halsey's Typhoon." Nearly 800 lives were lost and several ships were lost or damaged. Many aircraft were lost over the side. The ships had trouble weathering the storm not just because of its intensity but also because they were low on fuel, some critically, and were riding high in the water.

The forecasting was inaccurate. I am certainly no naval expert, but the criticism of Halsey I've seen is twofold. He waited too long to begin fueling the fleet and had to discontinue as he sailed into the storm. Also, once it was clear what he was approaching he should have dispersed the fleet and ordered the captains to sail for calmer waters.

Once in the storm, Halsey ordered all ships not to stop for recovery operations but to sail directly for Ulithi. That order was ignored repeatedly by Captain Henry Page of the destroyer escort, USS Tabberer. Despite suffering severe damage herself, Tabberer rescued 55 of the 93 men saved. He will be awarded the Legion of Merit and the ship a Unit Commendation.

A naval board of inquiry was convened that faulted Halsey's judgment for sailing into the storm, but fell short of recommending replacement.

Incredibly, Halsey will later sail into another typhoon. This time the board will recommend reassignment, but Nimitz will decline in light of Halsey's overall record.