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Today marks the 80th anniversary of the battle of Samar. It’s considered to be one of the greatest last stands in Naval history.
Hell of a battle, we could use such men today.
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Today marks the 80th anniversary of the battle of Samar. It’s considered to be one of the greatest last stands in Naval history.
Hell of a battle, we could use such men today. -
Bull Halsey was one of the best admirals during WWII. Maybe the best.We have met the enemy and he is us.
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I have watched several excellent documentaries on this
Hell of a battle...Comment
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USS Johnston
At 07:00, Commander Ernest E. Evans of the destroyer Johnston, responded to incoming shell fire bracketing carriers of the group he was escorting by laying down a protective smokescreen and zigzaggin
The Japanese targeted Johnston and soon shell splashes were bracketing the destroyer. In response and without consulting with his commanders, Evans ordered Johnston to "flank speed, full left rudder";[23] Johnston, still making smoke and zigzagging, accelerated at maximum speed towards the Japanese.
Three 6.1-inch (155 mm) shells from Yamato struck Johnston's bridge, causing numerous casualties and severing the fingers of Commander Evans's left hand. The ship was mangled badly, with dead and dying sailors strewn across her bloody decks.
Johnston was hit so many times that one survivor recalled "they couldn't patch holes fast enough to keep her afloat."
As the Japanese destroyer Yukikaze cruised slowly nearby, Robert Billie and several other crewmen saw the Japanese captain salute the sinking Johnston.[3
Battle off Samar - Wikipedia
M.O.H. recipient Capt. Ernest E. Evans got so close to the Japanese ships they could not lower their guns enough to hit her. Commander Evans was last seen standing on the stern of his sinking ship.
The Japanese naval commander pulled along side of the sinking U.S.S. Johnston and gave her a salute of respect for her bravery.
R.I.P. men.
Last edited by 4thIDvet; 10-27-2024, 11:19 AM.Comment
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