If you have read James Hornfischer's 'Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors,' then you won't want to miss this work by the late author. Deftly telling the story of Commander Ernest Evans and his inspiring rise from a young child in Oklahoma through graduating from the Naval Academy to his rise through the ranks before the war and on into World War II. Hornfischer is at his best when describing the action at the Battle off Samar in late October 1944. The fierce fight that a determined Evans and his crew, aboard small destroyer escort, USS Johnston, waged against an Imperial Japanese naval force of four battleships (including Yamato, one of two of the largest battleships ever built) and several cruisers and destroyers during the larger Battle of the Philippines is related in heartbreaking detail. Commander Evans' heroic charge during the battle led to a posthumous Medal of Honor and a legacy of warrior spirit that many sailors in the U.S. Navy attempt to emulate even today.

Thanks to James D. Hornfischer; David J. Hornfischer; Penguin Group Dutton; and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of the The Last Stand of the Tin Can Soldiers, which first introduced me to Ernest E. Evans. This book dives deeper into the story of Evans, from his humble birth through to his final battle. Well researched and complete, this is a quick read of a true hero and one that deserves to be told. Recommended.

Aboard the destroyer USS Johnston, Commander Ernest Evans charged the superior enemy fleet, even though they did not have guns capable of piercing Japanese armor. When he took command of the Johnston, he vowed to go in harm’s way.
Evans grew up in poverty in Oklahoma, mostly of Native American ancestry. He attended the Naval Academy preparatory school and outscored all other applicants. He was respected at the academy. For his gallantry in battle, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
This book covers his whole Navy career and I quickly went through the early chapters until he took command of the Johnston. Because he died in the battle and couldn’t be interviewed, he is frequently referred to as having likely done this or would have expected that.