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Wally Firkins's avatar

God bless Captain Ernest Evans and the men like him who bravely and furiously accepted a fight even to the finish in his quest for victory over the Japanese Navy.

It was Evans who dove into the fight without much of a chance and he willingly gave his own life for his Nation. Thank you Tara for another MOH Monday.

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Charlie Kendall's avatar

Determined to inflict damage despite knowing he was out-gunned, he did not cower. What damage he and his crew did inflict had far reaching repercussions for the Japanese fleet and most likely future naval engagements. No doubt the love of his men toward him and his leadership was a motivating factor prompting the courage of his men. Everything starts at the top.

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Raymond Fleischman's avatar

Ernest Evans, since reading the book, "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" has been a personal Hero of mine. In 2016 I was able to take a 2 month Road Trip across the USA and back. On the return Leg I stopped by his home town of Pawnee Oklahoma, the town produced 4 MOH Winners I think, they have Monuments to therm in the Town Square. There was a movement to make a film about this but it has not gotten off the ground to my knowledge. Thank You Ms. Ross! What was not mentioned in the column is that Evans advanced on the Largest Battleship ever made, the Yamato who's sister ship the Musashi had been sunk en-route by the USS Darter submarine. They got in so close the enemy could not lower their main Guns low enough to hi them.

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Rick Prescott's avatar

There is so much more to this story, but you captured the primary point of it. This incredible Captain was a bull, who outsmarted, feigned , fooled, and persevered over the Japs, who were lead to think they were fighting a much larger force due to his tenacious fighting spirit. Amazing!!!

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Bruce Barlond's avatar

Another great story of a GREAT man doing what had to be done to throw the enemy back! He gave his all !

Thank you Tara!

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Patty's avatar

It never ceases to amaze me how courageous men and women are in the face of such great odds against them. In this case even the enemy saluted the captain showing well earned respect. I doubt that is very common.

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Tomme's avatar

Another brave American. Gave his life for his amazing country. Rest in Peace. Thanks Tara

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Howard Whelchel's avatar

RIP in Honor Capt. Evans! The epitome of "The Greatest Generation".

Thanks for today's lesson Tara!!🇺🇸👍🇺🇸

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Mike Drury's avatar

What an inspiration Captain Evans is! Thank God for men like him and may God raise up men now to stand and lead!

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Eliz F's avatar

Tara, there is a fantastic World War II museum in Fredericksburg,Tx, called the Nimitz Museum. It is an amazing museum and they have some amazing footage of not only this battle at Leyete, but many others. I was just there this past Saturday and I remember this battle. I believe that squall was Divine Intervention on that fateful day.

If you ever happen to be in the Texas Hill Country most people go the the wineries and breweries but the true gem is the Museum. I believe it is better than the Smithsonian!

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Patty's avatar

Elizabeth, We are Texans and have been to this superb museum in Fredericksburg several times. It is among the best! I highly recommend visiting if you ever have an opportunity, Tara.

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Chris's avatar

I’m going to share this with my father-in-law - he was in the Navy late 40s early 50s.

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Milton Carter's avatar

Another one of the greatest generation

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Carl Wetzel's avatar

This man and his crew did not give up or retreat against superior odds.they took it to the enemy until the bitter end and made a difference in the enemies plans.

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Colleen Malito's avatar

Certainly an example of courage under fire.

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Louise's avatar

Our country has always been blessed with valiant men like Commander Ernest Evans... as the Marine hymn goes: "on land, in the air and at sea".

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Bernie Acre's avatar

Awesome for Captain Evans. What about the reaming 185 men and officers that died. While they did not make the decision to give their life, their actions and fate were one in the same.

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