“Attack of the Taffy-3 Destroyers” Today, October 25, is the 78th anniversary of the Battle off Samar, one of the four battles that together constitute the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the greatest naval battle in recorded history, the battle in which the U.S. Navy decisively defeated the Imperial Japanese Navy; had Japan been a rational enemy, it would have marked the end of the war, because they had nothing left to fight with afterwards.
The Greatest Generation. They rose to the challenges. They believed in democracy and the Constitution. THEY were patriots. Fast forward to the people who brought you Jan. 6: Subversive traitors who insist that, because they say something is so, it’s so. . . When surrounded by their fellow bullies and financed by billionaires.
And on another part of the “field” David McCampbell and Roy Rushing off the Essex intercepted a gaggle of 40 Japanese planes. McCambell shot down nine, setting the American record for kills in a single sortie. Rushing got six.
True courage, dedication and sacrifice were shown by American sailors, soldiers, Marines and aircrews of my Dad’s generation. Excepting possibly of Korea the US has not fought a worthwhile war since WWII. Today’s military and support of our troops has died accordingly. Counting on a professional military with no conscripts leaves the rest of the country uncaring and National Leadership fighting for politics -
Wow, Such an incredible story of bravery and determination! It seems that mindset is long gone. What happened? I wish that this was taught in all American history classes. Maybe that would wake them up. Yes, they truly were "The Greatest Generation".
Great story, TC. I don't know much navy lore. Dad was Air Force ( Army Air Corp in WWII); spouse was army drafted for VN (66-67). I just returned from the 48th reunion of the 8th Air Force. We had 8 WWII vets in attendance, but several of the different groups had no one or just 1 present. My group, 351st Bomb Group had 20 with no vets. Our collective dilemma is how to get the following generations interested enough to join so that the history will stay in memory.
"The US Navy quietly passed its verdict on its most famous sailor of the war in the fact that while after the war there was a Spruance class of destroyers, one of which was the USS Halsey."
One correction: it was the Yamashiro that was sunk by gunfire from the old Navy battleships, not the Kirishima; Kirishima was sunk earlier at Guadalcanal by the USS Washington. Fuso went down in the Strait from torpedoes launched from MTBs.
Also, I read in Hornfischer's book that one of the torpedoes launched by the Johnston struck Chokai on the stern, not sinking her, but crippling her enough to get finished off by airplanes from TF34, once they got back from Bill Halsey's Light Brigade charge. It's also worth noting that the spread from Heerman compelled the Yamato's captain to steer the ship to "comb the wakes," but away from the battle, leaving Kurita out of touch for 10 minutes.
You provide some wonderful details about Leyte that I have never read before. We kids first learned about this and other WWII actions every Sunday afternoon in (I think) 1953, when the documentary series "Victory at Sea" came on. Our father gave commentary and background information when appropriate.
A great recounting of an incredible story, thanks TC. If anyone is interested in more detail from one perspective, Edwin P. Hoyt's 'The Men of the Gambier Bay' is a really good book.
The Greatest Generation. They rose to the challenges. They believed in democracy and the Constitution. THEY were patriots. Fast forward to the people who brought you Jan. 6: Subversive traitors who insist that, because they say something is so, it’s so. . . When surrounded by their fellow bullies and financed by billionaires.
And on another part of the “field” David McCampbell and Roy Rushing off the Essex intercepted a gaggle of 40 Japanese planes. McCambell shot down nine, setting the American record for kills in a single sortie. Rushing got six.
True courage, dedication and sacrifice were shown by American sailors, soldiers, Marines and aircrews of my Dad’s generation. Excepting possibly of Korea the US has not fought a worthwhile war since WWII. Today’s military and support of our troops has died accordingly. Counting on a professional military with no conscripts leaves the rest of the country uncaring and National Leadership fighting for politics -
Wow, Such an incredible story of bravery and determination! It seems that mindset is long gone. What happened? I wish that this was taught in all American history classes. Maybe that would wake them up. Yes, they truly were "The Greatest Generation".
Great story, TC. I don't know much navy lore. Dad was Air Force ( Army Air Corp in WWII); spouse was army drafted for VN (66-67). I just returned from the 48th reunion of the 8th Air Force. We had 8 WWII vets in attendance, but several of the different groups had no one or just 1 present. My group, 351st Bomb Group had 20 with no vets. Our collective dilemma is how to get the following generations interested enough to join so that the history will stay in memory.
"The US Navy quietly passed its verdict on its most famous sailor of the war in the fact that while after the war there was a Spruance class of destroyers, one of which was the USS Halsey."
Priceless.
You are at your best with these accounts! TY
Wow.
Absolutely a sizzlin’ historical account. I sent this to President Biden and the First Lady and our Sec’y of Defense.
Where is, repeat, where is Task Force 34? The world wonders.
One correction: it was the Yamashiro that was sunk by gunfire from the old Navy battleships, not the Kirishima; Kirishima was sunk earlier at Guadalcanal by the USS Washington. Fuso went down in the Strait from torpedoes launched from MTBs.
Also, I read in Hornfischer's book that one of the torpedoes launched by the Johnston struck Chokai on the stern, not sinking her, but crippling her enough to get finished off by airplanes from TF34, once they got back from Bill Halsey's Light Brigade charge. It's also worth noting that the spread from Heerman compelled the Yamato's captain to steer the ship to "comb the wakes," but away from the battle, leaving Kurita out of touch for 10 minutes.
You provide some wonderful details about Leyte that I have never read before. We kids first learned about this and other WWII actions every Sunday afternoon in (I think) 1953, when the documentary series "Victory at Sea" came on. Our father gave commentary and background information when appropriate.
Wonderful and fascinating. Thanks for the reminder of the bravery of reservists and new recruits.
What a great story. Thank you! (from the daughter and sister of Navy men)
A great recounting of an incredible story, thanks TC. If anyone is interested in more detail from one perspective, Edwin P. Hoyt's 'The Men of the Gambier Bay' is a really good book.