Ernest Edwin Evans (13 August 1908 – 25 October 1944) was an officer of the United States Navy during World War II, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. August 13 is the 225th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (226th in leap years), with 140 days remaining. ... 1908 is a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... October 25 is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 67 days remaining. ... 1944 was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... This article is about the military award; for the computer game, see Medal of Honor (computer game). ...

Evans was born in Pawnee, Okla., graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1931. During World War II, he commanded Alden (DD-211), and later Johnston (DD-557). Commanding Johnston, he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in action against a Japanese submarine on 16 May 1944. Pawnee is a city located in Pawnee County, Oklahoma. ... Teamwork: Fourth Class Midshipmen lock arms and use ropes made from uniform items as they brace themselves climbing the Herndon Monument The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is an institution for the undergraduate education of officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. ... 1931 is a common year starting on Thursday. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... USS Alden (DD-211) was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War II. She is the only ship named for James Alden, Jr. ... USS Johnston (DD-557) was a World War II-era Fletcher-class destroyer in the service of the United States Navy, named after Lieutenant John Vincent Johnston. ... The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration and is the fourth highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. ... USS Los Angeles A submarine is a specialized watercraft that can operate underwater. ... May 16 is the 136th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (137th in leap years). ... 1944 was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ...

In the Battle off Samar, a part of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Evans fought his ship gallantly until it was sunk, 25 October 1944, by the Japanese force superior in number, firepower, and armor. Commander Evans was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his material contribution to the decisive victory won in Leyte Gulf and shared in the Presidential Unit Citation awarded his group for this action in which he gave his life. Battle of Leyte Gulf Conflict World War II, Pacific Campaign Date 23 October 1944 – 26 October 1944 Place The Philippines Result Decisive Allied victory The Battle of Leyte Gulf was a naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of World War II, fought in the seas around the island of Leyte... The Battle of Leyte Gulf was a naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of World War II, fought in the seas around the island of Leyte in the Philippines from 23 October to 26 October 1944. ... October 25 is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 67 days remaining. ... 1944 was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... Commander is a military rank used in many navies but not generally in armies or air forces. ... This article is about the military award; for the computer game, see Medal of Honor (computer game). ... Leyte Gulf is the body of water immediately east of the island of Leyte in the Philippines, adjoining the Philippine Sea of the Pacific Ocean. ... The Presidential Unit Citation is a senior unit award granted to military units which have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy. ...

In 1955, the destroyer escort USS Evans (DE-1023) was named in his honor. 1955 is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A Destroyer Escort (DE) is a small, fast warship designed to be used to escort convoys of merchant marine ships. ...

Medal of Honor citation:

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. Comdr. 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, Comdr. 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.

Medal of Honor, US Navy (and USMC) version; Cropped from en:Image:Medalsofhonor. ...

External links

• history.navy.mil: USS Evans (http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e5/evans-iii.htm)