Never having been trained in torpedo-attack tactics, this small destroyer escort was ordered to do so to buy time for the fleeing escort carriers of Taffy 3. Lieutenant Commander Beyer, RAYMOND's commanding officer, turned RAYMOND toward the advancing Japanese fleet without hesitation on two separate occasions. The heavy cruiser HIJMS HAGURO was chosen as the target for her three torpedoes on her first run against the enemy; subsequently, all three missed. RAYMOND spent the remainder of the surface action engaged in gunfire duels against the IJN heavy cruiser column and laying protective smoke in defense of the escort carriers.
