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BRAVEHORSE WARRIOR Ernest Evans
Cherokee Warrior
US Navy Commander Ernest Edwin Evans
Born: Pawnee, OK
Entered Service: Oklahoma (US Naval Academy Graduate)
Date/Place of Action: October 25, 1944 - Samar, Philippine Islands
Unit: U.S.S. Johnson
Presentation: Presented on September 28, 1945
Date of Death: October 25 (Killed In Action) Captain of USS Johnston.
Buried at: A.B.M.C. Manila - Manila, Philippine Islands
United States Navy Commander Ernest Edwin Evans
Medal of Honor
Killed in Action
(1908-1944)
Warriors Citation
Ernest Edwin Evans: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of this Cherokee warrior’s 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. Commander 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 other warriors of his group to provide
fire support during subsequent torpedo attacks against the Japanese and, out-shooting and outmaneuvering the enemy as he consistently
interposed his vessel between the hostile fleet units and USN vessels 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 warriors 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, Cmdr. 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 and venture was an inspiration to all warriors who served with him. From: US Military Records
LINK TO BRAVEHORSE WARRIORS VOLUME TWO
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