#1: USS Johnston Destroyer found. Sunk at Leyte Author: Bungarra, Location: Murchison region, West AustraliaPosted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 8:51 pm — On Oct. 25, 1944, a Japanese force of four battleships, six heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and 11 destroyers surprised a U.S. task unit. The Japanese force was trying to run-down six U.S. small escort carriers, three destroyers including Johnston and four destroyer escorts defending the north Leyte Gulf, east of Samar.
Captained by Commander Ernest Evans
The Johnston's only option was to engage the far superior force and was sunk while closing on the enemy for a torpedo attack.
Of the crew of 327 men, 141 survived the battle. Of the 186 sailors lost, 50 were killed by enemy action, 45 died from battle injuries on rafts, and 92 men – including Evans – were alive in the water after Johnston sank but were never seen again.
