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Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy. Birth: 13 August 1908, Pawnee,
Okla. Accredited to: Oklahoma. Other Navy awards: Navy Cross, Bronze Star
Medal. 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.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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