Destroyer Captain

The Life of Ernest E. Evans

De: James D. Hornfischer, David J. Hornfischer

Narrado por: Lou Del Bianco, David J. Hornfischer

From James D. Hornfischer, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Stand of the Tin Can Soldiers, a riveting account of the life of WWII hero Commander Ernest E. Evans and his heroics and sacrifice during the Leyte Gulf Battle of Samar.

For the first time ever, acclaimed naval historian James D. Hornfischer, “the dean of World War II naval history," writing with his son David J. Hornfischer, explores Capt. E. Evans’s incredible story, from his humble upbringing as a child of a Cherokee and Creek family in Pawnee, Oklahoma, and his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1931, to his service on fighting ships during the Pacific War and his selfless bravery and cool command during a valiant faceoff with the pride of the Japanese Navy.
 
Interspersed with impeccable research, interviews with men who fought alongside Capt. E. Evans, and thrilling anecdotes about United States Navy experiences during WWII, Destroyer Captain provides insight into an incredible man who spent his life beating the odds through courage, ability, and sheer determination. Never were these attributes better on display than on the morning of October 25, 1944, when, in the waters off Samar, a small flotilla of US Navy ships encountered a Japanese fleet superior in both vessels and firepower. Aboard the USS Johnston, Capt. Ernest E. Evans seized the moment, ordering his destroyer to steam forward and attack. Heavily outgunned, Evans and his sailors fired torpedo after torpedo, all the while maneuvering to dodge enemy shells, as two other American destroyers joined the fight. It was a valiant last stand for Capt. E. Evans, one of the toughest warriors in the Navy, but thanks to his bravery and steadiness under fire, these dogged Americans routed one of the most powerful naval forces that Tokyo had ever put to sea.
 
A remarkable story of patriotism and courageousness, Destroyer Captain honors a singular American hero whose name shall never be forgotten.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Graceful prose and heart-pounding action make this one for WWII buffs to relish." —Publishers Weekly

“Renowned WWII naval historian John D. Hornfischer launched this first biography of Evans; David J. Hornfischer, his son, now brings his late father's work to fruition in spectacular fashion. Destroyer Captain is a testament to their skills as historians to pull together an entire book about a man whose life has barely been documented... A resounding story of heroism and sacrifice that no lover of history should overlook." —Booklist

How his attention to detail made it all so real

In the blink of an eye this book transported me back to my time on the USS Sampson DDG-10

The last stand of the Johnston. It had enough details to make it real but not so many that it took away from the story.

This is the best book, next to The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, on the subject. I look forward to another reading in a few months.

Hornfischer Does it Again

I would say Ernest Evans has deserved a biography since October 25, 1944 and James D. Hornfischer and his son would be the men I'd pick to write it. I look forward to what else we see out of David.

GREAT BOOK!!

What a book!! What a wonderful story of courage and determination!! You won’t want to stop reading!!

An Informative and Interesting Story

I liked how the story came together with personal, technical, and historical information that kept you interested but not overwhelmed to the point of boredom.
Captain Evan's story of the valor against overwhelming odds with the U.S.S. Johnston needs to be told.
Outgunned, knowing that coming out of a battle against bigger and more numerous ships was unlikely, he pressed forward.