Battle off Samar survivor

Hi all,
My dad was a sailor on the USS Johnston (battle off Samar). He was a helmsman on the ship and spent time in after steering manually turning the rudder, as the skipper (Ernest Evans) barked out directions. There was a point where everything got quiet and when he climbed topside noticed guys abandoning ship. He spent 52 hours in the ocean, watching buddies die from shark attacks, exhaustion, etc. and finally found a raft. He pulled seven other survivors aboard, the last of whom died recently. Dad is physically in fairly tough shape at 82 now but mentally still very strong. Since after all these years he is finally talking about his experiences, I would like to know if there are any questions those of you who have a big interest in the subject may have.
Thanks!

 

Have you read Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

 

Welcome and my repsect to your dad. It must have horrible in the sea, not knowing whether he would make it or not.

 

Please tell your Dad "Thanks" for his service to this country!

I've read the Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors and believe it's one of the best books on just what Taffy 3 really had to endure.

Since I read the book, I have always meant to visit the Taffy memorials in San Diego. One is located in Tuna Park south of the USS Midway and the other is in the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (East Side). Last week I got the chance. Pictures of both are in my Photo Gallery at

http://www.ww2f.com/members/texson66-albums--salute-men-taffy-3-task-unit-77-4-3-.html

How does your dad feel about Halsey's action in leaving the area to chase the Japanese "bait" fleet to the northeast?

 

Tons and tons of respect for your father. If it was not for people like him we would not be enjoying many of the things we do today.

I agree with Jeff, I think it wuld be wonderful if your father would be willing to speak to all of us.

A good website that i know of is bosamar.com

Finally, I like the name you chose. In the end it was a good thing they where always at GQ, as when they needed to, they where the first to spring into action.

 

Thanks for all the good wishes; I'll pass them on. I'm afraid dad is not digitally inclined, he'll just laugh when I suggest he sit at a computer.

As for the questions, I know he doesn't have a high opinion of Halsey - I'll ask him for more specifics when I see him. And yes, Slipdigit, he was mentioned in Hornfischer's book, even got his picture in it! As far as the Fort Rosecrans memorial, he went to the dedication, I hear its a beatiful location.

 

My dad was aboard the Fanshaw Bay at the Battle off Samar. He watched as the Johnston, Hoel, Heerman, Butler, Dennis, Raymond, and Roberts as they went against the worst odds to defend Taffy 3's carriers.

He remembered the battle "like it was yesterday" until he passed away in Dec. 2006.

My highest regards and best wishes to your father.

tom

 

regards to your dad, from a filipino who owes him his freedom.

 

Highest regards for your dad...that must have been one of the most scary times in his life and I would want to thank him for acting with honor amidst grave circumstances and terrible odds of survival. What your dad and others did off Samar could have possibly saved many hundreds of soldiers lives on the Battleships in Leyte Gulf and the guys on shore. I just wish I could say it in person and had the ability to give your dad a Medal of Honor just for being there. Thanks for all of the freedoms I cherish.

 

If you like the personal side of history and are interested in this battle I definitely recommend Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

 

Highest regards to your father. *Salute*

 

Glad I found this forum. I have always wanthed to express my feelings to the brave men of Taffy 3 and most of all the salors of the Tin Cans. I feel that every man should have gotten a medal for what I think is the most heroic story of our military's history. I my self was in Vietnam for 2 years as a Marine but I salute all the brave men of Taffy 3 may your deeds may never be forgotten God Bless all of you show what the US Milatary sprit is about. Thank You!

 

My dad can no longer humbly give thanks for your thoughts, but I certainly know he would appreciate them.

tom