Ernest E. Evans and USS Johnston's Courage at the Battle off Samar

Dec 06 , 2025

Ernest E. Evans and USS Johnston's Courage at the Battle off Samar

The wind screamed. Explosions tore the sea to shreds. And there, in a hellstorm of fire and steel, Ernest E. Evans stood his ground with nothing but a destroyer and a heart forged in battle.

He wasn't just commanding a ship; he was the last line between an entire fleet and oblivion.

A Son of Iowa—Steeled by Faith and Duty

Ernest Edwin Evans was no man to back down. Born 1908 in Ottawa, Iowa, he grew up on grit and Midwestern values. Raised in a Christian household, Evans absorbed a sense of duty far beyond the military code: a sacred trust to protect those who could not defend themselves.

His faith, quiet and steady, was the backbone of his command. In fights and failures, he found strength in the Scriptures. "Be strong and courageous," echoed in his mind, "do not be afraid… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

He joined the Navy and forged himself into an officer with a relentless resolve. No one reported him as reckless. No, Evans was calculated, precise— but when unleashed in combat, he became a force of nature.

Facing the Inferno—The Battle off Samar, October 25, 1944

The morning of October 25, 1944, stands etched in blood and fire. The Battle off Samar, part of the larger Leyte Gulf clash, was a nightmare. Four escort carriers, known as "Taffy 3", were caught face-to-face with a Japanese fleet overwhelming in firepower and size—battleships, cruisers, destroyers far superior to Evans' modest destroyer USS Johnston (DD-557).

Johnston, a 2,100-ton Gleaves-class destroyer, was outmatched in every way. Yet Commander Evans stared down wreckage and death, refusing to yield. Exploiting every trick and inch of his ship's agility, he launched torpedo strikes into the enemy’s dense formation.

He fought like a cornered wolf, charging battleships to buy time for the carriers to escape. His ship took point-blank fire, racked with hits that shredded her superstructure and blew up her guns.

His own life ended in the furious melee, the Johnston going down with 186 hands including Evans. But before the wreckage swallowed him, Commander Evans' actions dealt serious damage: sinking a heavy cruiser knocked out and forcing powerful Japanese ships into retreat.

His courage wasn’t bravado—it was the very grit that saved hundreds of lives that day.

Medal of Honor—A Testament to Relentless Valor

The Navy’s Medal of Honor citation for Ernest E. Evans does not mince words:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commander of the Destroyer USS Johnston... In the face of overwhelming Japanese naval forces... Evans aggressively attacked and severely damaged the enemy... delaying the progress of their powerful attack and assisting in the withdrawal of the friendly task unit." [1]

His leadership made Taffy 3’s desperate defense one of the most heroic naval actions in history. Comrades recalled Evans not just as a leader, but a man who died with his ship, determined till the last breath.

Historians call the Battle off Samar “one of the most remarkable examples of courage against overwhelming odds.” Perry M. Smith in Kill ‘Em All noted, “Evans demonstrated Command leadership that was aggressive but with tactical wisdom.” [2]

Legacy—The Unyielding Warrior’s Light

Ernest E. Evans’ sacrifice offers veterans and civilians a stark reminder: courage is forged in the crucible of sacrifice, not comfort. He bore witness that honor is a choice made in moments when darkness threatens to consume everything.

From the blackened seas of the Pacific, his story shines as a beacon. A man who faced annihilation and chose to stand—knowing the cost—and with faith in God’s presence even in hellfire.

Evans’ legacy is carved in steel and spirit, a testament that true valor is defined by the willingness to protect, even to the point of death.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

Commander Ernest E. Evans lived this truth. His story compels us to remember the weight of sacrifice, the power of leadership, and the enduring light of faith amid humanity’s darkest hours.

Not all heroes are remembered; some, like Evans, choose to be remembered through their sacrifice. The sea still whispers his name.

Sources

1. Naval History and Heritage Command, Medal of Honor Citation: Commander Ernest E. Evans, USS Johnston (DD-557) 2. Perry M. Smith, Kill ‘Em All: American Destroyers at War (2001)