On October 24, 1944, the USS Johnston, led by Commander Ernest Edwin Evans, was part of a US Navy fleet providing air support for the Allied landings on Leyte. The Japanese Center Force, led by the battleship Yamato, unexpectedly attacked, and the Johnston, along with other destroyers, fought bravely despite being outgunned. Commander Evans led the charge, taking down several Japanese ships, including the cruiser IJN Kumano and the light cruiser Yahagi. However, the Johnston was severely damaged, and despite Evans' efforts to save her, the ship was eventually sunk. Evans ordered his crew to abandon ship, and 141 out of 327 crew members survived. Commander Evans was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions, becoming the first Native American in the US Navy to receive the honor. The bravery of the USS Johnston and other ships in the fleet thwarted the Japanese attempt to crush the Allied landings, but at a great cost: over 1,000 men died, and 900 were wounded.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. October 24, 1944, is the date when Commander Ernest Edwin Evans is on board the Destroyer USS Johnston.
2. The USS Johnston is part of the carrier group providing air support to the landings of Leyte Gulf.
3. A radio transmission from a patrolling plane warns of an incoming enemy fleet.
4. The Japanese Center Force has slipped through undetected and is approaching the American fleet.
5. The Imperial Japanese Navy has 23 vessels, including 11 destroyers, 2 light cruisers, 6 heavy cruisers, and 4 battleships, including the Yamato.
6. The American Fleet has 7 destroyers and 6 carriers.
7. Commander Evans leads the USS Johnston in a zigzag pattern between the carriers and the enemy fleet.
8. The USS Johnston deploys a smoke screen to cover the carriers.
9. The Japanese Center Force is intercepted by American planes, which attack the enemy ships.
10. The USS Johnston is ordered to retreat to the cover of smoke.
11. The USS Johnston's crew launches 10 torpedoes towards an enemy battleship.
12. The Yamato fires its 18-inch main cannons at the USS Johnston.
13. Three 18-inch shells hit the USS Johnston.
14. Commander Evans is injured in the attack.
15. The USS Johnston is ordered to cease fire on the battleship and refocus on the cruiser IJNS Haguro.
16. The USS Johnston's crew attacks the cruiser IJNS Haguro to draw its fire and buy time for the carrier Gambier Bay.
17. The USS Johnston's gun control radar makes a difference in the battle.
18. The USS Johnston's crew opens fire on the battleship IJN Kongo.
19. The USS Johnston's crew attacks the light cruiser Yahagi.
20. The USS Johnston is hit by shells, knocking out the forward turrets and starting a fire.
21. Commander Evans abandons the bridge and runs to the stern to try to lead the ship to safety.
22. The USS Johnston's crew continues to fire at the enemy until the ship is severely damaged.
23. Commander Evans orders the crew to abandon ship.
24. The Japanese Captain salutes the brave sailors as they abandon ship.
25. 141 survivors of the USS Johnston's crew are picked up from the water after 28 to 48 hours.
26. Commander Ernest Edwin Evans is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.
27. He was the first Native American in the U.S. Navy to be awarded the Medal of Honor.