Never knew this story. Thanks.
I highly suggest you put “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” in your Amazon Christmas list. It’s probably the most complete book about the battle of Samar that I’ve read.
For the forum’s reference:
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy’s Finest Hour
James D. Hornfischer (Author)
(VOA’s comment: D-mned good book. Don’t start it in the evening
if you need to be alert at work the next morning.)
WWII in HD
Gary Sinise (narrator)
VOA’s comment: Excellent and appropriately graphic covering the
experiences of Army/Army Air Force/Navy/Marine personnel.
Aired on The History Channel, but I’d not recommend it for younger children.
One episode includes the experiences, from enlistment to battle
of one of the “tin-can” sailors that survived the pitched battle
and sinking.
IMHO, all the recollections of the military folks were compelling.
And in the ranks with any near-comprehensive WWII documentary like
“World At War”, narrated by Sir Olivier.
And Gary Sinise gives Sir Laurence Olivier a good run for his money
(as a series narrator).