USS Johnston Wreck WW2 Fletcher Class Destroyer DD-557, Taffy 3 Battle of Leyte Gulf | History X

In October, 1944, the WW2 Fletcher Class destroyer USS Johnston DD-557 was part of a small task force called Taffy 3. They were left behind when their fleet’s main force chased a Japanese diversion.
Left on their own they confronted a huge Japanese force that was threatening to cut off the supply lines for an amphibious landing led by General Douglas MacArthur on the island of Leyte in the Philippines.
The Johnston’s captain, Commander Ernest E. Evans, sacrificed his ship and “charged into a massive line of Japanese warships in order to protect the American landing force.
The Battle of Leyte Gulf went on to be considered the largest naval battle of World War II. It's a heroic story that everyone should know! Therefore, for a fascinating edge-of-your-seat account of this naval battle, you’ve must check-out 'The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors', by James Hornfischer…
amzn.to/3DHeV90
In 2019 a team of explorers, Vulcan, Inc., discovered pieces of the USS Johnston under approximately four miles of water, 21,000 feet down. The deepest exploration for any ship wreck
In 2021 a crew from Caladan Oceanic went to the site of the debris with a new deeper-diving submersible to resume the search for the wreck. And they found it.
Previous assumptions that the ships broke apart into a million pieces were wrong. The hull is remarkably intact.
I am thrilled beyond belief that they found the USS Johnston and released this video. If you’re as excited as I am I hope you will consider subscribing to this channel; at least hit the ‘like button’ for us.
My name is Ken Stano. Thank you for checking-out History X

[@veganconservative1109]

My uncle was manning the big gun on the front just below the bridge when he was killed along with the bridge crew. Can you tell me something of that area of the ship? I've tried looking at schematics, but my eyesight was never that good. Were they called a specific name? Unfortunately, my uncles letters home were lost/destroyed to greedy relatives after grandma died and we have only mom's fading memories of what my uncle wrote.

[@HistoryX]

Thank you for watching and submitting this comment. I would consider it an honor to do whatever I can to help you understand your uncle's role and position on the USS Johnston. Can you share your Uncle's name? I'll happily create a video for you!

[@veganconservative1109]

@@HistoryX I'm sorry. My mother is still alive and not willing to divulge. This was her favorite sibling. She doesn't even approve of my looking up the battle. I understand I guess, it was arguably the worst day of her life seeing the serviceman drive up to deliver an official letter to her mother. Perhaps one day after she is gone. All she will say is that he signed up even though he was exempt from service in order to be with his friends who had gone into the navy and that got him killed. He manned that big, blocky front gun closest to the bridge at the front. Also that Captain Evans had a 'chip on his shoulder' wanting to prove he was just as good in his position as anyone else. It doesn't matter if that was the case: Evans was incredibly brave and saved a lot of his fellow Americans that day and I am proud of my uncle.

[@HistoryX]

I wanted to provide an update.... I enlisted the assistance of experts to answer your questions. The Buffalo Naval Park, which maintains the WW2 Fletcher Class Destroyer "The Sullivans", agreed to record some video specifically to answer your question about the role your uncle may have had in the turret where he was stationed on the USS Johnston. Shane at the Buffalo Naval Park did an amazing job and I am in the process of editing this footage together. Stay tuned!

[@HistoryX]

Here is the link to the completed video that details what it would've been like for your uncle. I hope it answers many of your questions.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5DEomSZoaifjck

[@stuartswanberg1090]

Your uncle is an All American Hero! This new generation needs to learn about great men and women like your uncle!

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

It's so unusual to see a WW2 wreck with such small amounts of marine growth, a consequence of the extreme depth she rests in, it shows the damage in terrifying clarity.

[@HistoryX]

That's an interesting point, Gerry. I don't know much about marine biology, but I wonder what the temps are at that depth. That may have something to do with the organisms that can survive down there?

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

@@HistoryX it's also the fact that no light makes it down that far, meaning photosynthesis won't work. Everything that lives at that depth either eats stuff that sifts down or clusters around steam vents and uses chemicals from the Earth.

[@UFCMania155]

the German battleship Bismarck doesn't have a lot of marine growth on it either

[@UFCMania155]

@@HistoryX the German battleship Bismarck doesn't have a lot of marine growth on it either

[@lawrencelewis2592]

@@UFCMania155 Not a lot of rust, either. Unlike the Titanic; it might have something to do with the oxygen content of the water?

[@jameshunter5485]

Hard to watch this video and not think about the audacity, courage and grit displayed by Cmdr Evans, his fire control officer Lt Hagan and the crew of the Johnston. In the entire history of the US Navy there is no finer effort than that displayed by this fighting ship. “The last stand of the tin can sailors.”

[@HistoryX]

Couldn't agree with you more, James. I often question whether I 'have what it takes.' Those sailors were a cut above.

[@roberthohlt469]

The "Taffey 3" story is how we can all say "standing on the shoulders of Giants"'

[@stevep2380]

@James hunter......it's criminal they've never made a movie about this battle. The world should know who these men were and what they did. Especially commander evans. This could easily be the navy version of saving private Ryan.

[@ChrsGuit]

Clarence Carden, a Navy Coxswain who perished from USS Johnston was from my tiny home town of Hampton Tennessee. He survived the sinking and was picked up days later, but unfortunately was too far gone. He suffered from exposure and perished on the rescue craft not long after being rescued. He's buried in a small, old cemetery just a few hundred yards from my grandparents' house. Thanks so much for sharing this often-forgotten story of bravery!

[@williammarkhart7047]

RIP Hero!

[@worndown8280]

Fought so hard that even the Japanese captain of the Unsinkable Yukikaze saluted her as she went down. That two of the most famous ships on both sides of the war, were DDs, is kind of amazing.

[@smokeonthewater5287]

Since when was a destroyer 'unsinkable'? Or any other ship for that matter. Even the mighty Yamato was sunk.

[@worndown8280]

@@smokeonthewater5287 that is what the Japanese call her. Every time when every other ship was lost, the Yukikaze came back. The capitalized U in unsinkable should have been a clue.

[@smokeonthewater5287]

@@worndown8280 Oh I had no idea about this story, cool

[@su-57stealthfighter73]

​​@@smokeonthewater5287 japanese called her unsinkable because shes the only survivor of her class of 19 ships only suffering a minor damage and end up in hand of republic of China(now called Taiwan) in 1947 then scrapped in 1970's..

[@KibuFox]

@@su-57stealthfighter73 She also was present in every major naval engagement the Japanese were involved in during the war.

[@williamcap2236]

90% of that ships steel was made up from commander Evans balls ! Job well done !! Rest well gents !!

[@HistoryX]

Thank you for watching, William and thank you for the comment. Well put!

[@robertstone9988]

I heard an interview I think it was with one of the engineers that was on the Samuel b Roberts that was also part of Taffy three and was sunk that day that the captain called down to the engine room for more power and it is engineer told him that that speed the engines wouldn't last more than an hour and the captain was hear saying that way longer than we will need.

[@raymondweaver8526]

And his crew

[@mikearakelian6368]

Bad ass crew with a real bad ass skipper; that's the crew I'd sail with.almost went on a tin can but got an early release 90 days.a topedoman...

[@sebastiangrumman8507]

In case it wasn't mentioned before, the USS Hoel and USS Roberts also fought valiantly beside the Johnston and were both sunk as well. The Roberts was just a DE and had only two turrets.

[@robertyoung3992]

so did the USS Heermann

[@robertyoung3992]

USS Samuel B Roberts

[@ericwhite8062]

My Grandfather lost 2 brothers on the USS Hoel

[@DoctorAustin]

@@robertyoung3992 No higher honor than to command the Samuel B, Roberts

[@robertyoung3992]

The USS Heermann was the only Fletcher Class to survive, the Johnston and the Hoel were sunk

[@spudgn]

He got under those 18” guns. The sonic boom of those 3k pound shells flying over head must have shook the deck. Out of torpedos, they turned and ran. You see the remaining 5” guns and the 40mm anti aircraft gun, pointed to the right side for a broadside on the enemy vessel. They were fighting until she blew up and sank. Brave boys all. They saved the invasion of the Philippines.

[@jcreateturner]

It's well documented that the bridge was destroyed and Cmdr Evans was giving orders from the stern of the ship so the crew could hear his orders and try to steer by manually moving cables. Awesome to see.

[@HistoryX]

Thank you for watching, Jody! I often think about whether I would've had what it took to lead that ship in the same manner as Commander Evans. I really doubt I could've. Evans was one-in-a-million!

[@kaptainkaos1202]

@@HistoryX of course you would stand to the challenge. Sailors train, train and train again. I did so many training exercises that when the time came it all happened without thinking. It’s muscle memory but more than that it’s the fear of letting down your shipmates. One doesn’t fight and possibly die for nebulous things like G*d and country, you do it for your fellow warriors.

[@txgunguy2766]

Yeah, the crew was literally steering the ship by hand while he yelled course corrections down though an open hatch.

[@BrianRLange]

As a former Tin Can Sailor, as well as a history buff, the legendary actions of the USS Johnston, and the other tin cans of Taffy 3 has long been one of my favorite stories in the long and glorious history of the Tin Can Navy.

[@u2mister17]

A full motion picture with total accuracy of this task force's battle would be wonderful.

[@brooklynbummer]

I am glad they found the Johnston, a memorial to brave men.

[@dennischavez7503]

My grandfather was on the USS Kalinin Bay CVE-68. This ship and the men still aboard her got my grandfather and most of his shipmates home. Bravo Zulu to those Tin Can Sailors. Semper Fortis.

[@donusry]

My grandfather E.L "Blue" Archer flew TBM Avengers off Kalinin Bay and his exploits were chronicled in "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" He survived the war but refused to fly for 30 years following the war. He lived a full life dying in 2012. An amazing man and I miss him everyday

[@michaeljacques5128]

I loved the comment a sailor yelled when the Japanese task force withdrew during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. "Hey, they're getting away!!!!"

[@ut000bs]

The Battle Off Samar. My father a Chief machinist mate on one of the destroyers in the Battle of Surigao Strait; one of the other parts of the whole Battle of Leyte Gulf. Excellent video. Balls of diamond.

[@moseszero3281]

IIRC the largest ship on the Japanese side outweighed the ENTIRE US fleet presence. Johnston was punching WELL above her weight class. They fought hard enough to drive off the Japanese and saved thousands of lives.

[@Kitkat-986]

The IJN Yamato massed about the same as the entirety of Taffy 3. Combined with the rest of the Japanese center force, they out-gunned Taffy 3 by at least an order of magnitude, yet were turned back by a combination of luck, skill, and sheer audacity, not to mention the sacrifice of many good sailors and pilots.

[@roadboat9216]

I served on the USS Lofberg. DD759. She was commissioned in 1944. I served in Vietnam in 1966. We did shore bombardment with our 5” gun. Plus anti-submarine and plane guard for Carriers. God bless this crew on the Johnson.

[@mountainplumbing]

Captain Evans is a Legend. Bad Ass Captain.

[@uio890138]

I can't imagine the courage it took to stand there and fight against such terrific odds. These men are incredible!

[@davef.2329]

Guess they didn't earn the "Greatest Generation" moniker for nothing.

[@USNveteran]

Loved the books "Neptunes Inferno, & Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors". Especially since my father in law was a DE sailor in WWII and saw Naval combat in both the Atlantic & Pacific theaters. He made 37 passes through the Panama Canal, and it took him a long time to open up to me about it. He enlisted in the Navy on 12/8/41 at 16 years of age, once he realized I too am a Navy vet he started to open up to me. I feel so fortunate to have heard his stories first hand, and not just his but my brothers father in law who was a Pacific Marine in WWII. Absolutely incredible what that "Greatest Generation" did for this country and the world. These days our military is nothing but hamstrung by politicians & the media. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!

[@jonathandrake2451]

It's surreal and haunting looking at the wreck, due to how little marine growth there is you can see all the damage she sustained. But the fact that there, laying at rest on the seabed her guns are still trained and pointing at an enemy long since passed. Rest in peace brave sailors of the USS Johnston, your memory and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

[@danbreyfogle8486]

My Dad was on the USS Laws (DD558) and his destroyer survived the typhoon Cobra as well as all the battles in the south pacific. I just read an account of the typhoon this morning and remarkably there is a connection to this video. The Laws (DD558) was constructed at the very same time as the Johnson (DD557). In fact the Laws was constructed in what was called "hull #15" in the shipyard. The Johnson was constructed in "hull #14" right next to the Laws. This account I read mentioned the loss of the Johnson, now I know more of the story. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@Meoooweww]

My Uncle William N.Ellis from Toledo is resting there....Memory Eternal.

[@garymahony2844]

That's just amazing seeing the ship relitavely in one piece at that depth and considering the battering she endured before being sunk. What wonderful and courageous men... No one really wanted to go to war... They done their bit ..... Bless all their hearts .... Sleep well brothers ❤️

[@rabbitbully1810]

The most incredible story of bravery.

[@petesheppard1709]

Drachinifel likes to comment that JOHNSTON is standing watch over YAMATO, ensuring the battleship stays sunk! A bit cheeky, but sincerely honors the courage of JOHNSTON'S crew.

[@landtuna8061]

The Johnston was sunk off the Philippines, the Yamoto off Okinawa. Many miles part.

[@petesheppard1709]

@@landtuna8061 Yep

[@dimitrhsrap65]

Now this is how a ship of this type should go either fighting or becoming a museum for the newer generations to see and never forget the sacrifices and BALLS! needed to fight on ships like the fletcher class destroyer. Where others hesitate Destroyers don't there always into harms way. RIP 557.

[@heyheynowinga9972]

wow great work guys thanks all brave brave souls we wont and havenot forgotten what they had to do for us today

[@pablopeter3564]

By presenting this kind of videos your are paying tribute to the brave men who fought in this battle and many more. Thanks very much, best wishes from Mexico City. By the way, the Mexican Navy had only 2 Fletcher Class Destroyers only.

[@hughmarloweverest1684]

Glad the wreck is difficult to plunder at that depth. It is a noble war grave. I would rather be there than at ANY National Cemetery.

[@erictaylor5462]

The saga of Taffy 3 and the USS Johnston is one of my favorite stories of heroic bravery and victory in the face of almost sure defeat.

[@pastorrich7436]

How appropriate that she is intact and upright on the seafloor. A monumental war grave and place of honour on par with that of the Tomb of the Unknown.

[@mark-ib7sz]

USS Johnston , one of the great war ships of WW2, God rest there souls.

[@jamessotherden5909]

That destroyer fought like a battleship.

[@edwardpate6128]

Speaking as a former US Navy destroyer sailor all I can say is that Capt. Evans is the roll model for every destroyer sailor to follow!

[@georgeparsons7338]

This is a fighting ship and we will fight

[@KenFarris]

In memory of my Uncle, S1 Harold Farris and great uncle, MM2 Stephen Tuttle.

[@dasboot6935]

This ship and its Native American Commander turned a no win scenario into a win scenario but with heavy loss of life, keeping the true Native Spirit Warrior instinct alive until death,,,the only true warrior’s are those that died fighting, never surrender never give up.

[@Elthenar]

The Johnston, pound for pound, might have been the greatest ship in US Navy history. The Fletchers were really good ships and the Johnston had a ferocious captain and crew.

[@johnlynch8174]

The Skipper had a chance to leave the ship, but his duty kept him aboard, a brave man indeed!

[@markmulder9845]

Just looking at the wreck and the positioning of her turrets, you can easily tell she went down guns blazing. Every man aboard the Johnston and the rest of Taffy 3 are the Navy's finest.

[@PlutoProtogen]

the captain and crew of that ship had balls of steel, those ships and their crew deserve more recognition, they basically ran a suicide mission to protect landing forces and possibly saving thousands of lives in the process

[@philipcallicoat3147]

Courage is defined as confronting and attacking your enemy even though you are scared...🇺🇲

[@michaelneely4851]

Evans was mortality wounded during the vallys that hit the bridge. His crew put him on a stretcher and carried him to a secondary location to steer the ship and command. When he was last seen he was still giving orders to defend and draw fire away from vessels trying to make torpedo runs. The battle ships they attacked where Yomoto class and had 18.5inch gun's. All of Taffy 3 should get the metal of honor. They actually took the field that day, and insured supplys and support for ground operations continued. To say they went above the call of duty is an understatement. 18.5inch vs 5 inch with torpedoes that had a 5 mile range. The battle started off defeated. Taffy 3 had to fight for the win. Thank you veterans so very much. RIP Fallen warriors. Sorry for preaching but I have a big heart for Taffy 3.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

The "Little Destroyer, that thought it was a Battleship" Rest in Peace

[@robertyoung3992]

Destroyer Escort- The USS Samuel B Roberts (DE-413)

[@Algedibarrios]

Hollywood would run a movie based on this ship but without DiCaprio and any love story.... Great video! Thanks for share

[@combinedlegacy]

Im here from The operations room channel. I had to see the wreckage of this amazing ship. What a fight she put up.

[@ricksadler797]

God bless her brave crew 🙏

[@sgtmajtrapp3391]

Tremendous courage by the crew of the USS Johnson lead by Commander Evans into overwhelming odds all true heroes that turned the tide of battle and helped to win the war.

[@robertyoung3992]

Johnston

[@joeyharper4976]

That number '557' on the ship is in remarkable condition with all things considering.

[@dale731]

It's a shame that James D. Hornfischer passed away in the last couple of years and therefore was not able to see this investigation come to a successful conclusion. His book, "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors," is the definitive account of the battle off Samar Island. Ernest Evans was indeed a hero of the first order.

[@HistoryX]

Great comment, Dale. Thank you. Yes, I just discovered last night James Hornfischer passed away at the age of 55 this past summer. A loss of a great writer.

[@rumblehat4357]

I bought his book years ago just to read about Ernest Evans and Taffy 3. Absolutely brave and brazen story. Unbelievable at the bare minimum.

[@robertyoung3992]

He passed away this June

[@brandons9398]

They helped save many lives and sacrificed their own in the process. Heroes in every sense of the word! All children in our schools should be taught of the sacrifice of such brave men.

[@rockymountainlifeprospecti4423]

Great job on keeping history alive and sharing your research! Wishing you all the best in your adventures!

[@markr.katzman3743]

Inspiring and touching...just amazing raw courage to stand against that Japanese force...Gd bless.

[@stevecapper9321]

The USS Johnston a true fighting ship may she rest in peace she gave one hell of a fight her crew and Captain showed true courage may there memory live on forever. S C United Kingdom.

[@phillipburns2431]

Amazing story God bless our veterans 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Unedited2022]

Just imagine if we could drain the oceans, seas and lakes. The stuff we would see and find would be incredible. The little fishes are so lucky to know all this history.

[@normanbraslow7902]

Evans should be the name of new carrier. He really earned it.

[@derrellthomas239]

Should have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

[@robertyoung3992]

@@derrellthomas239 He was bestowed the MOH posthumously

[@robertyoung3992]

I concur

[@dslcp72]

Wow - that’s incredible footage of the USS Johnson! What struck me apart from the obvious blast damaged steel plate, was the fact the number one and two 5” turrets were both trained to starboard at what looks to be very low elevation. That suggests to me, their target - probably the ship which sunk the Johnson - must have been at very close range. I can’t begin to imagine what was going through the minds of the crew as they fought bravely to the end. What incredible selfless courage and character. Where are those kind of people today? My sympathies are extended to the families of the USS Johnson’s crew. BE VERY PROUD!

[@robertyoung3992]

that Johnston

[@PheNom1466]

That thing took crazy hits. Brave an probably terrified men. My uncle Jim died in 95. He was on the USS Indianapolis. He was definitely built different. He rarely talked about it.

[@stephen9958]

RIP BROTHERS you are what the navy needs doing that time leading the way

[@chenvidallo7959]

Another destroyer from taffy 3 USS Samuel B Roberts also found recently at nearly 7000 meters at the same area.

[@HistoryX]

Yes! Stay tuned today because I’ll be posting a video with all of that footage and the history behind the Samuel B Robert’s!

[@robertonavarro7713]

That’s equivalent to 4.3 miles deep. The Philippine Sea has a maximum depth of 6.5 miles.

[@bruhx1250]

My great grandfather was a helmsmen on the uss bennion a Fletcher class destroyer he was involved in the sinking a Japanese battleship (believe was a Fuso class) he also made 3 crossing of the Atlantic in a Clemson class

[@HistoryX]

I sometimes like to imagine what it would've been like to serve on one of these small destroyers out in the middle of the huge ocean. Thanks for the comment!

[@GeneralHawk505]

One thing. "Salute"

[@colonelsanders3388]

The book, Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors covers this battle brilliantly…I remember reading a survivor last saw Evans & a couple of sailors at the back of the ship still trying to steer the ship…Evans shirt was blown off.

[@rumblehat4357]

And Evans saluted as he went by. Incredible.

[@e.a.m.3176]

I am truly shocked and gladdened by the number of people who watched this video are familiar with James Hornfischer's wonderful book telling this ship's story. It's a wonderful history book that reads like fiction.

[@frednone]

This battle produced one of my favorite quotes from WW2, when the Japanese turned away, one of the saliors on an escort carrier said, "Dammit! They're getting away." Probably one of the best examples I've seen of in real life of, 'When you intend to die you can do anything.'

[@brianmccarthy5557]

They didn't intend to die. They intended to WIN!! They were willing to die to accomplish that. Key difference as George Patton famously noted. Our Japanese and Islamic enemies never realized that. I think the Japanese mostly understand this now. The Islamists clearly still don't. I hope the Russians and Chinese do.

[@frednone]

@@brianmccarthy5557 I agree, they weren't trying to commit suicide, rather if they had to give their life to stop the IJN, so be it. Which is what the saying means.

[@twilightparanormalresearch186]

She’s one of my favorite ww2 ships, she’s a hero along with her crew, fought in a true David vs Goliath battle and saved thousands of American lives, her and the good old Sammy B

[@Will_CH1]

I am completely humbled by the bravery of these men. Their desperate action saved the invasion. They sold their lives dearly.

[@maycontainhyjinks2347]

that is an awesome find!

[@JustHackingAround]

Thank you for the history, I only heard about this ship today while watching another video about ocean depth.

[@FrehleyFan3988]

I wonder if we will run across USS gambier bay sometime, or possibly Shinano

[@scott1395]

These ships were very small compared to the massive Japanese battleships they charged into! They actually eventually made the battleships turn back because the Japanese thought the Johnston and others were part of a larger force! Those that survived from the Samuel b Robert's were left in the water for several days and had to battle sharks as well as injuries! This is the battle of the US navy's finest hour absolutely! Read the book: Last Stand Of The Tin Can Sailors!! Great read

[@craigt5990]

My dad was at the battle of Leyte Gulf. USS McCord DD534 part of Taffy 3. All of those guys no matter what ship they were on are HEROS.

[@craigsavarese8631]

I just hope these memorials to the exrtreme bravery of America’s heroes are never desecrated by despicable salvagers that have been raiding sunken WWII vessels. These salvagers need to be hunted down and punished. My heart goes out to the families of multiple British vessels that no longer exist on the ocean floor, and the injustice that has been done to their family members’ remains. They deserve the highest respect.

[@BigLisaFan]

Maybe the extreme depth will save her from the low lifes who desecrate war graves for money.

[@Shawk_sB]

Over 20,000ft down!? Holy crap!

[@robertonavarro7713]

The Philippine Sea as a maximum depth of 34,580 feet.

[@thomascolbert2687]

The Johnston did not receive all her damage "just before her sinking" Just one example: Her captain moved from the destroyed bridge to a secondary rear command post and continued to fight her from there for quite some time.

[@marvinjohnson424]

My heart goes out to all the brave souls that gave their all for us.😢🇺🇸

[@friendofenkidu3391]

On October 25, 1944 during the Battle off Samar, Commander Ernest Evans of the destroyer USS Johnston responded to the initial shellfire from the Imperial Japanese Navy's fleet of battleships, cruisers and destroyers by turning his ship toward the enemy and ordering flank speed to bring the ship's torpedoes and guns within range. Commander Evans (and the commanders of the USS Samuel B Roberts, Hoel and Heermann) were successful in drawing enemy shellfire away from the six escort carriers of Taffy 3, and only one of the carriers (the USS Gambier Bay) was lost to enemy shellfire -- the only U.S. aircraft carrier sunk by naval gunfire during World War 2. During its attacking runs, the USS Johnston scored gunfire hits on a Kongo-class battleship and several IJN heavy cruisers, and one of its torpedoes blew the bow off the heavy cruiser Kumano. The USS Johnston was eventually sunk by IJN gunfire.

[@HistoryX]

Definitely appreciate the additional information. Thank you for the comment! I never knew the Gambier Bay was the only carrier to be sunk by shell fire.

[@michimadiforever1458]

If ever there was anybody that deserve the Medal of Honor it’s this guy. He saved thousands of his men and his attack and inspired other US forces to attack like a swarm of bees that he knew was going to be a certain death confused the Japanese so much that they fled.

[@richsmith7200]

Wow. My high school algebra teacher was on that ship. Mr Hollenbaugh.....hope I spelled it right. He was tough, but fair. We never had any clue as to his experiences.

[@Ro6entX]

Now that it has been confirmed as the Johnston, I have to wonder if they will make attempt to recovery the single prop and made to be as a memorial, and if the Samuel B. Roberts and even few of the IJN ships are also near by.

[@HistoryX]

Thank you for the comment, Rogent X! You know, I was wondering the same exact thing about other wrecks from the Battle off Samar that may be in the area. As for the propeller... My opinion, I would like to see it remain there on the seabed. I am also completing a video answering a question from a subscriber about what it would've been like for their uncle stationed in the 52 turret of the USS Johnston during the battle. I hope you will consider subscribing.

[@robertf3479]

I believe that the wreck of the Roberts was found during that first expedition along with Hoel and Heerman.

[@robertf3479]

@@HistoryX Most of the wrecks from that particular battle lie deep enough to be safe from illegal salvage operations that have wiped away so many other wrecks.

[@robertyoung3992]

@@robertf3479 the USS Heermann was never sunk during the battle

[@jayss10]

It's a war grave. Needs to remain where it is forever.

[@robertunderwood6011]

Great Vid

[@HistoryX]

Thank you, Robert. Much appreciated!

[@realrussclarke]

Ken that was great!

[@HistoryX]

Thank you for the kind words, Russ! You made my day! Since you liked that video, I hope you'll consider subscribing because we have an aviation mystery from WW2 coming-up Monday!

[@realrussclarke]

@@HistoryX I already am Ken! I am VRA fam and love your channel, it’s right in my wheelhouse.

[@HistoryX]

@@realrussclarke Thank you, Russ! You're the best! We've got a video coming-up Monday on the WW2 B-25 crash into the Empire State Building. Hope you like it!

[@jordanrichards4109]

She took a real beating and went down fighting may the brave men that went down with her forever rest in peace gone but never forgotten

[@raymondweaver8526]

Absolutely fierce sailors and officers. Taffy 3

[@telecleez]

All the ships and their crews distinguished themselves in the "Battle of the Latay Gulf". They managed to push back the IJN's "Center Force". It was a battle of epic proportions.

[@smc1942]

*Leyte Gulf

[@docmallard2]

Weapons still pointed at the enemy, all the way till the end!

[@Will_CH1]

I disagree. In Farragut's time, the torpedoes were mounted on spars on smaller boats and relatively harmless. The best way of avoiding them was to steam fast. Farraguts actions pale into insignificance when compared to that last stand by the escorts of Taffy 3. They sank three heavy cruisers and put to flight a squadron with four battleships including the worlds biggest. The Yamato alone was about 35 x the size of a fletcher class destroyer.

[@GaryCameron]

Yamato's main turrets each weighed more than the destroyer.

[@RW4X4X3006]

I intend to go in harm's way, and anyone who doesn't want to go along had better get off right now - Commander Ernest Edwin Evans, USN.

[@henrykrecklow817]

The story of Taffy 3 would make a great movie.

[@harrymurphey2634]

... how do you measure the courage in the hearts of those men that walked the decks and maned the guns on the Johnston and the other ships of "Taffy 3"???

[@landtuna8061]

My dad was an army amphib tank commander during the Leyte landings. The battle referenced here was the major one that prevented the Japanese navy from destroying the army units already on the beaches. My dad suffered major injuries a little after this battle and almost died so it is ironic that Taffy 3 came to the defense of all those soldiers. We owe a debt to those sailors that can never be repaid. And...they saved Halsey's ass as well as it was because he had gone after the Japanese navy's decoy that all those Taffy 3 sailors died.

[@ianfenberg4942]

A great tale, but even more heroic is the story of the USS Samuel B. Roberts, DE 413, a mere destroyer escort, which was the first ship to charge the Japanese fleet, launching 3 torpedoes and scoring a hit on a Jap cruiser! The Roberts lasted over 2 hours before it was finally knocked out of action and sunk. The Johnston story is awesome, but greater still is the story of the Roberts.

[@photudiodan4648]

You are intermixing facts here. The Sammie B. put up a miraculous fight, lasting as long the Johnston. But it was the Johnston who was the first to charge and scored a cruiser. (Effectively taking 2 cruisers out of that action, as an escort was assigned).

[@thurin84]

thumbs up despite the anoying starting sound effects.

[@davidmcleod7757]

very brave crew and captain glad they found her

[@michellemartillo279]

That ship sank lower I mean lower lower than the titanic ! Amazing it holds its own underwater

[@gupsdhamrait]

The fact that the onboard crew sank with the ship is scary.

[@ayethe4603]

Dont forget it took out huge amount of enemy ships before it went down

[@johnbettano6026]

Well done shipmates

[@rainerlovesjapan9468]

We Germans Salute you🙏🏻✌🏻

[@darthgrundle2349]

It's heartbreaking too see something built with pride and skill in sunshine to lie in darkness at the bottom of the sea in eternal darkness.....