RIP tin can warriors...
The book, “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” is a definitive read on this battle and how a handful or Destroyers, DEs, Jeep Carriers and Wildcats and Avengers armed with shore attack weapons turned back a powerful Japanese fleet that had orders to destroy the Leyte Invasion force or die trying. An amazing battle and a tribute to the “second string” forces of the US Navy in WWII.
Wow, Greatest Generation.....
In comparison, the USS Indianapolis rests at 18000 feet, the German battleship Bismarck is at 15719 feet, RMS Titanic at 12415, Edmund Fitzgerald 530 feet, and the Lusitania at 305.
Taffy 3!
Halsey, was to point reckless. In the span of the last year of War, he made three critical mistakes at least.
Taking off to chase the decoy Japanese fleet, and being involved in two Typhoons that lost men and ships that did not have to happen. Under any other circumstances he should have been relieved, in fact Nimitz and Admiral King seriously considered it.
The only ship that I know of saluted by Japanese forces
Capt. Ernest Evans commanded the USS Johnston during the Battle Of Samar Island in Oct.1944.
What this man and his crew did was one of the greatest feats of seamanship and daring in the annals of US Naval history.
Serious chills looking at that bow number and remembering how that ship got there.
The fact that there is no U.S. Navy ship named for Commander Evans is a damn disgrace.
... for battles at sea are more severe than those on land; for at sea there is no opportunity for retreat or flight, but men must sell themselves dearly and fight hard, and await what must befall, and each and every man must look to his own courage and prowess..." --Froissant
I was recently watching an old war movie that featured the Johnston as one of the ships...
I cant remember the name...
they fought and died for what we are facing now? I’m glad they aren’t here to see it.
Imagine if Halsey never got suckered away. Kurita’s Center Force would have ran head on into Halsey and his Iowa Class battle group. Tens of thousands on both sides would have perished in that behemoth of a battle.
These sailors on the Johnston were some of the Greatest of the Greatest. Unbelievable courage.
“The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” is one of the greatest books ever written. The description of the skipper, Evans the last time he was seen alive is beyond belief. But it’s true. The story of the Sammy B Roberts is just as amazing. The town where I live lost a young hero on the Sammy B Roberts.