A Sailor's Story: Commander Ernest E. Evans



Commander Ernest E. Evans was born on August 13, 1908, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. After graduating from Musegee's Central High School in 1926, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

In June 1927, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and graduated with the class of 1931.

Initially assigned to the Naval Air Station in San Diego, California, Commander Ernest Evans began to work up the ranks on ships.



Commander Ernest E. Evans was assigned to the destroyer Alden and was patrolling the East Indies during the attack on Pearl Harbor and the beginning of  US involvement in World War II, and in March of 1942 assumed command of the Alden.

In 1943, Commander Ernest Evans was given command of the new destroyer, the Johnston, which successfully engaged in a submarine encounter before being assigned to accompany the task force engaged in the Battle of Samar, where he earned a Congressional Medal of Honor during the confrontation for his command and his continual engagement of the enemy. Ultimately the Johnson was sunk, and Commander Ernest Evans was never recovered. He is memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.


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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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Location: Pawnee, OK 74058, USA

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