This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Robert Cox, YNCS
to remember
Evans, Ernest Edwin, CDR.
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Casualty Info
Home Town Pawnee
Last Address USS Johnston (DD-557)
Casualty Date Oct 25, 1944
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Multiple Fragmentation Wounds
Location Philippines
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Manila American Cemetery - Taguig City, Philippines
Wall/Plot Coordinates Tablets of the Missing
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Image
Navy Medal of Honor (1943-Present) - 1944
Name of Award Navy Medal of Honor (1943-Present)
Year Awarded 1944
Last Updated: Oct 25, 2018
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. JOHNSTON in action against major units of the enemy Japanese fleet during the Battle off Samar on 25 October 1944. The first to lay a smokescreen and to open fire as an enemy task force, vastly superior in number, firepower and armor, rapidly approached. Commander Evans gallantly diverted the powerful blasts of hostile guns from the lightly armed and armored carriers under his protection, launching the first torpedo attack when the JOHNSTON came under straddling Japanese shellfire. Undaunted by damage sustained under the terrific volume of fire, he unhesitatingly joined others of his group to provide fire support during subsequent torpedo attacks against the Japanese and, outshooting and outmaneuvering the enemy as he consistently interposed his vessel between the hostile fleet units and our carriers despite the crippling loss of engine power and communications with steering aft, shifted command to the fantail, shouted steering orders through an open hatch to men turning the rudder by hand and battled furiously until the JOHNSTON, burning and shuddering from a mortal blow, lay dead in the water after 3 hours of fierce combat. Seriously wounded early in the engagement, Commander Evans, by his indomitable courage and brilliant professional skill, aided materially in turning back the enemy during a critical phase of the action. His valiant fighting spirit throughout this historic battle will venture as an inspiration to all who served with him."