Join us tonight for american artifacts when we feature the Octagon House and the treaty of ghent. Years ago, the treaty of hent was signed in belgium, a neutral nation ending the war of 1812. Octagon house in washington, d. C. Where james february ined it in 1819. They took refuge in august where british burned the house. Well have that at 6 00 eastern artifacts on an cspan 3s American History tv. U. S. And of 1944, australia forces face the navy in the philippine sea. He fourday battle was one of the Largest Naval conflicts of world war two. James hornfischer details one of the roles. He was posthumously awarded the of honor by congress. The author is the author of world war ii history. Recorded at the u. S. Naval academy, this is about an hour. Good morning, welcome. The u. S. Ailey at naval institute. Its honored to gather on this important topic. Leaders in theme is action, ordinary people doing the extraordinary. I asked you all to sand up, please, for the pledge of allegiance. I
Jordan Green
For The Oklahoman
U.S. Navy Commander Ernest Evans suffered shrapnel wounds and some of his fingers were blown off when his ship was hit by enemy shellfire.
But he and his crew onboard the USS Johnston kept fighting.
The day was Oct. 25, 1944. Evans and his men among a handful of U.S. ships, outnumbered by Japanese naval forces, were protecting American troops invading the Philippine Islands during the Battle off Samar, one of the most significant naval conflicts in World War II.
Even after the Fletcher-class destroyer was severely damaged, Evans and his crew kept fighting. Even after dozens of his men were killed, they persisted.