One of our navy’s finest moments - except for the shameful length of time it took to rescues the survivors.
The commander of the Johnston, Ernest Evans, was an American Indian from Oklahoma.
In his book Hornfischer makes a connection between the fearless warrior spirit of Evan’s ancestors and Evan’s unhesitating decision to attack that immensely more powerful Japanese fleet. His ship was doomed from the minute he charged to close with the enemy.
It’s a shame that Ernest Evans isn’t better known. Saturday night I was listening to a talk show that features military topics. The host said that if he were teaching kids about the nature of military heroism he would teach them the Battle off Samar.