Gobo
Titanium
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2013
- Location
- Oregon, USA
The Johnston, a destroyer that attacked a Japanese armada with almost no chance of survival was recently located in deep water off the coast of Leyte. Hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned, Commander Ernest Evans and his crew, attacking with torpedoes blew the bow off of the heavy cruiser Kumano forcing her out of line. Continuing to attack with their "peashooter" 5 inch guns, the ferocity of the Johnston and the other ships of Taffy 3 convinced Admiral Kurita that he was facing a much larger battle group and retreated. Without the incredible bravery of these "Tin Can Sailors" and all the other men of this hopelessly outmatched battle group, the Japanese armada would have totally smashed the American invasion force on Leyte, killing tens of thousands of American troops, including my uncle, a soldier in that force. We must never forget about these brave men who selflessly gave their lives for the rest of us. This engagement was just one of the many that was fought in this campaign, some saying it was the largest naval battle ever fought. I salute all the men and women of the U.S military who have served, or are serving our great nation.