Give Me a Fast Ship

Ernest Evans and his ship USS Johnston (DD-557) are legendary for their exploits in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Evans is an intriguing character in a number of ways, including his Native American heritage, and the USS Johnston under Evans—he was the sole commander from commissioning to sinking—served in various campaigns and operations prior to the action off Samar that earned him the Medal of Honor. The ship was active in the Carolines and bombarded the beaches at Kwajalein and Eniwetok and (with two other destroyers) sank a sub off Bougainville (earning Evans a Bronze Star). She also was active at Guam and Peleliu. Thomas Cutler brings both Evans and USS Johnston to life in a manner that places them into the context of the greater Pacific War but keeps the focus on these two relatively small—but ultimately so significant—entities. A ship and her captain are nothing without the crew, and the author ensures that—despite his larger-than-life status—Evans is portrayed as part of that larger “organism,” with appropriate emphasis on the other members of the crew.

By Thomas J. Cutler