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Destroyer Captain: The Life of Ernest E. Evans
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.
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.
256 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2024
47 people are currently reading
3121 people want to read
About the author
James D. Hornfischer
16 books400 followersJames D. Hornfischer was an American literary agent, author, and naval historian.
A one-time book editor at the publishing company HarperCollins in New York, Hornfischer was later president of Hornfischer Literary Management, a literary agency in Austin, Texas.
A one-time book editor at the publishing company HarperCollins in New York, Hornfischer was later president of Hornfischer Literary Management, a literary agency in Austin, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 7, 2025
Fans of the popular naval historian James Hornfischer will especially like this one, as his son David, has carried on the historical writing tradition after the passing of his father.
David uses his father’s research, most likely from his work ‘The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors’. Ernest Evans captained the destroyer USS Johnston as part of ‘Taffy 3’ defending against the final might of the Japanese Imperial Navy.
The story covers Evans life from his Oklahoma upbringing to his whole career including previous duty and ships. An enjoyable read.
Purchased and autographed at the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg Texas, 2024.
David uses his father’s research, most likely from his work ‘The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors’. Ernest Evans captained the destroyer USS Johnston as part of ‘Taffy 3’ defending against the final might of the Japanese Imperial Navy.
The story covers Evans life from his Oklahoma upbringing to his whole career including previous duty and ships. An enjoyable read.
Purchased and autographed at the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg Texas, 2024.
July 27, 2024
Thanks to James D. Hornfischer; David J. Hornfischer; Penguin Group Dutton; and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am a big fan of the The Last Stand of the Tin Can Soldiers, which first introduced me to Ernest E. Evans. This book dives deeper into the story of Evans, from his humble birth through to his final battle. Well researched and complete, this is a quick read of a true hero and one that deserves to be told. Recommended.
I am a big fan of the The Last Stand of the Tin Can Soldiers, which first introduced me to Ernest E. Evans. This book dives deeper into the story of Evans, from his humble birth through to his final battle. Well researched and complete, this is a quick read of a true hero and one that deserves to be told. Recommended.
November 3, 2024
This is the story of Cdr. Ernest Evans, skipper of the destroyer USS Johnston. Evans was born to Cherokee and Creek parents in Oklahoma. He was appointed to the naval academy from the National Guard. The book describes his early life and documents his career in the US Navy before being appointed to commend of the Johnston, a Fletcher class destroyer.
This book describes the battles that Cdr. Evans participated in during WWII and the final battle in Leyte Gulf in the Philippines where his ship was sunk, and he lost his life. The battle details in this book are some of the best that I have ever read about a naval battle.
If you are interested in WWII heroes, naval battles or the Pacific theatre, this is a book that I highly recommend.
This book describes the battles that Cdr. Evans participated in during WWII and the final battle in Leyte Gulf in the Philippines where his ship was sunk, and he lost his life. The battle details in this book are some of the best that I have ever read about a naval battle.
If you are interested in WWII heroes, naval battles or the Pacific theatre, this is a book that I highly recommend.
April 26, 2025
What:
====
A short biography of Ernest E Evans, one of the “tin can sailors” that made such an impact during the world war two sea battle off Samar (part of the overall Leyte Gulf battle) in his ship, the USS Johnston. It covers some other key crew members (some survivors) of his destroyer and some context of the larger battle.
I bought it because I very much enjoyed “Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” and Book Bub was selling this for $2.99.
Some High Points:
==============
You get a real sense of how difficult it is to lead successfully in war time and how difficult it must have been for a man with his background (native American) to have reached the level of success that he did in his short career.
Ernest makes it clear from the start of his appointment to the “Johnston” that he intends to take his ship “into harm's way” and he certainly achieves that.
Reasons to Read:
==============
If you want another look at the Leyte Gulf battle off Samar, this time through the eyes of an extraordinarily aggressive destroyer officer, this book provides it. Evans was an inspiration and his ship and sacrifice made a real difference that day. (Same for the others, but this book is focused on Evans)
It’s a much shorter book than “Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors”. Certainly this is not a better book, but this does give some concise flavor of what it would be like for a destroyer to directly attack a line of battleships - and just how much damage you can achieve when you make very aggressive combat decisions. Also, this isn’t Hollywood, it is history. So when “tin cans” attack the best battleships of the era, they are going to be sunk. The story rests in just how much the Tin Cans (and specifically, Ernest E Evans in command of the “Johnston” ) accomplished before they were wiped out.
Reasons to Skip
==============
I’m not sure how the writing was split between father and son, but this work is not up to the James Hornfischer level. I assume it was the son who finished this book and I didn’t appreciate what I assume are David's attempts to suggest what Evans was thinking at particular points. It’s not a history writer’s place (IMO) to attempt to give us the inner monologue when it has not been provided. I don’t recall James doing that in any of his other books, so I’m blaming David.
I would rather the author had focused on what Evans would have been taught by the Navy and by mentors and not attempt to write in the style of a novel. The story is good enough without trying to look into the mind of its hero.
====
A short biography of Ernest E Evans, one of the “tin can sailors” that made such an impact during the world war two sea battle off Samar (part of the overall Leyte Gulf battle) in his ship, the USS Johnston. It covers some other key crew members (some survivors) of his destroyer and some context of the larger battle.
I bought it because I very much enjoyed “Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” and Book Bub was selling this for $2.99.
Some High Points:
==============
You get a real sense of how difficult it is to lead successfully in war time and how difficult it must have been for a man with his background (native American) to have reached the level of success that he did in his short career.
Ernest makes it clear from the start of his appointment to the “Johnston” that he intends to take his ship “into harm's way” and he certainly achieves that.
Reasons to Read:
==============
If you want another look at the Leyte Gulf battle off Samar, this time through the eyes of an extraordinarily aggressive destroyer officer, this book provides it. Evans was an inspiration and his ship and sacrifice made a real difference that day. (Same for the others, but this book is focused on Evans)
It’s a much shorter book than “Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors”. Certainly this is not a better book, but this does give some concise flavor of what it would be like for a destroyer to directly attack a line of battleships - and just how much damage you can achieve when you make very aggressive combat decisions. Also, this isn’t Hollywood, it is history. So when “tin cans” attack the best battleships of the era, they are going to be sunk. The story rests in just how much the Tin Cans (and specifically, Ernest E Evans in command of the “Johnston” ) accomplished before they were wiped out.
Reasons to Skip
==============
I’m not sure how the writing was split between father and son, but this work is not up to the James Hornfischer level. I assume it was the son who finished this book and I didn’t appreciate what I assume are David's attempts to suggest what Evans was thinking at particular points. It’s not a history writer’s place (IMO) to attempt to give us the inner monologue when it has not been provided. I don’t recall James doing that in any of his other books, so I’m blaming David.
I would rather the author had focused on what Evans would have been taught by the Navy and by mentors and not attempt to write in the style of a novel. The story is good enough without trying to look into the mind of its hero.
November 26, 2024
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to serve in the Navy following such heroes as those who followed Cdr Evans into battle. I always worked to live up to their legacy always falling woefully short. The entire crew of USS Johnstown are heroes in my book.
January 10, 2025
A first-rate short biography of a WW2 US Navy hero. Ernest E. Evans was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for leading an attack on a much superior Japanese fleet during the reconquest of the Philippines in late October, 1944. As always, read the publishers introduction first.
This book had some personal resonances for me. I grew up in Oklahoma, and (by family legend) have some Cherokee ancestry. Captain Evans' destroyer did some tricky shelling to destroy a well-defended Japanese battery during the battle to retake Guam from the Japanese in the summer of 1944. I was stationed on Guam at the Naval Station during the Vietnam War. It was fascinating to read about this hard-fought battle in a place I knew well.
Neither Captain Evans nor his ship survived the Leyte Gulf battle, so there's a fair bit of guessing as to exactly what happened during the final battle. Regardless, the Hornfischers account is absolutely gripping. If you enjoy naval history, you won't want to miss this one. Recommended reading.
I had previously read Hornfischer's The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-1945 and recommend it most highly. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... One of the few books I rated at a full 5 stars, and on my (current) list of the 100 best books I've ever read.
This book had some personal resonances for me. I grew up in Oklahoma, and (by family legend) have some Cherokee ancestry. Captain Evans' destroyer did some tricky shelling to destroy a well-defended Japanese battery during the battle to retake Guam from the Japanese in the summer of 1944. I was stationed on Guam at the Naval Station during the Vietnam War. It was fascinating to read about this hard-fought battle in a place I knew well.
Neither Captain Evans nor his ship survived the Leyte Gulf battle, so there's a fair bit of guessing as to exactly what happened during the final battle. Regardless, the Hornfischers account is absolutely gripping. If you enjoy naval history, you won't want to miss this one. Recommended reading.
I had previously read Hornfischer's The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-1945 and recommend it most highly. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... One of the few books I rated at a full 5 stars, and on my (current) list of the 100 best books I've ever read.
September 2, 2024
Destroyer Captain: The Life of Ernest E. Evans
By James D. Hornfischer &
David J. Hornfischer
“This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm's way, and anyone who doesn't want to go along had better get off right now.”
If you are a history fan; if you are a US Navy fan; if you are an Oklahoman; if you are Native American, particularly Cherokee or Creek, you should read this book and feel the amazing sense of pride I enjoyed.
I have known the story of the last hours of Commander Ernest E. Evans’ life for years. Anyone who has ever heard of the Battle Off Samar, or read The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors knows of his incredible heroism. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions.
This biography is long over due, and I am thankful for the Hornfischer’s for seeing it done.
Now you can know what leads a dirt poor Okie Indian to make it through the US Naval Academy when that was trend setting. Also his dedication to duty and willingness to sacrifice himself and his ship to save countless others. The events, his decisions that day in October 1944 did not happen off the cuff. He was prepared as a commander and leader to save the day.
By James D. Hornfischer &
David J. Hornfischer
“This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm's way, and anyone who doesn't want to go along had better get off right now.”
If you are a history fan; if you are a US Navy fan; if you are an Oklahoman; if you are Native American, particularly Cherokee or Creek, you should read this book and feel the amazing sense of pride I enjoyed.
I have known the story of the last hours of Commander Ernest E. Evans’ life for years. Anyone who has ever heard of the Battle Off Samar, or read The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors knows of his incredible heroism. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions.
This biography is long over due, and I am thankful for the Hornfischer’s for seeing it done.
Now you can know what leads a dirt poor Okie Indian to make it through the US Naval Academy when that was trend setting. Also his dedication to duty and willingness to sacrifice himself and his ship to save countless others. The events, his decisions that day in October 1944 did not happen off the cuff. He was prepared as a commander and leader to save the day.
January 26, 2025
Tells of the life of Ernest E. Evans, a Native American, who worked his way up the naval hierarchy to command his own ship in the Pacific area during WWII.
I found this book very informative. I rarely have read much about the Pacific front of WWII. I learned a lot about the fighting in the Pacific as well as the differences between the different ships in a convoy. The beginning of the book was slow as Capt. Evans is working his way up the chain of command. His postings and jobs are told from his first posting through his last posting.
When he is involved in the fighting, I felt like I was sitting on Capt. Evans shoulder watching the battle action as he was seeing it. He had an instinct of what to do. He was well prepared and prepared his men also so their destroyer smoothly worked during battle with each man doing his job and ready to change if needed. \
All those who are interested in the war in the Pacific islands and Ocean should read this.
I found this book very informative. I rarely have read much about the Pacific front of WWII. I learned a lot about the fighting in the Pacific as well as the differences between the different ships in a convoy. The beginning of the book was slow as Capt. Evans is working his way up the chain of command. His postings and jobs are told from his first posting through his last posting.
When he is involved in the fighting, I felt like I was sitting on Capt. Evans shoulder watching the battle action as he was seeing it. He had an instinct of what to do. He was well prepared and prepared his men also so their destroyer smoothly worked during battle with each man doing his job and ready to change if needed. \
All those who are interested in the war in the Pacific islands and Ocean should read this.
August 28, 2024
Aboard the destroyer USS Johnston, Commander Ernest Evans charged the superior enemy fleet, even though they did not have guns capable of piercing Japanese armor. When he took command of the Johnston, he vowed to go in harm’s way.
Evans grew up in poverty in Oklahoma, mostly of Native American ancestry. He attended the Naval Academy preparatory school and outscored all other applicants. He was respected at the academy. For his gallantry in battle, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
This book covers his whole Navy career and I quickly went through the early chapters until he took command of the Johnston. Because he died in the battle and couldn’t be interviewed, he is frequently referred to as having likely done this or would have expected that.
March 9, 2025
Amazing read and a great tribute to a true hero! The book while short covers all of Earnest E. Evan’s life. From the time Evans takes command of USS Johnston the book grips you and you don’t want to put it down. The details of the ships last battle protecting carriers is both gripping and very emotional to read. It is hard to comprehend what it must have been like for all the sailors onboard USS Johnston at that time. They were extremely loyal towards their Captain and executed orders flawlessly. While the book is predominantly about Captain Evans it is important to remember and respect all the other crew members, a lot who gave their lives or were wounded, without a thought for themselves but to do their jobs to the best of their abilities!
March 14, 2025
Excellent
I've already read Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, so this is a fine addition, telling the story of Captain Evans and the USS Johnston. They took on amazingly ridiculous odds and, with a small flotilla of destroyers and destroyer escorts, saved 5 out 6 escort carriers as well as the Leyte beachhead. I can only hope others will remember Captain Evans and his crew sacrifice, and that they won't, under this current administration of fools, be stricken from online archives.
I've already read Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, so this is a fine addition, telling the story of Captain Evans and the USS Johnston. They took on amazingly ridiculous odds and, with a small flotilla of destroyers and destroyer escorts, saved 5 out 6 escort carriers as well as the Leyte beachhead. I can only hope others will remember Captain Evans and his crew sacrifice, and that they won't, under this current administration of fools, be stricken from online archives.
October 30, 2024
This was a great book about the USS Johnston and Captain Evans. My Dad, Clint Carter, was on the ship and lived through the battle off the Philippines. What a great blessing to have a captain like Evans. I remember my Dad telling me that when Captain Evans met him as he was boarding the ship, Evans said: "Son, if you don't want to go into harm’s way, you might as well get off now". Thank you, James Hornfischer, for telling the story of Captain Evans.
September 10, 2025
This was fine for the most basic of superficial of biographies. My issue was how thinly sourced it was as well as the author's writing style. There were A LOT of "probably" & "likely" & "could easily have' which reads as if the author mostly making it up.
If he wanted to write about the subject but had so few primary sources, the author & the readers would have been better served w/ him writing it as a "historical fiction" type book. Weave in the real-life events w/ his fictional narrative.
If he wanted to write about the subject but had so few primary sources, the author & the readers would have been better served w/ him writing it as a "historical fiction" type book. Weave in the real-life events w/ his fictional narrative.
September 21, 2025
What a fantastic read!
I had no idea that Captain Evans was Native American. But his story was a true American story. From a very humble background, to a shining career in the United States Navy, he was the epitome of hard work and honesty.
This book was a great read, and one full of great history and detail into the actions of Captain Evans and his role during the World War II.
A very telling read, and one that should be read widely.
I had no idea that Captain Evans was Native American. But his story was a true American story. From a very humble background, to a shining career in the United States Navy, he was the epitome of hard work and honesty.
This book was a great read, and one full of great history and detail into the actions of Captain Evans and his role during the World War II.
A very telling read, and one that should be read widely.
October 5, 2024
A well-written, well-researched biography of one of the last unsung heroes of the Pacific War. Hornfischer expertly blends firsthand accounts with secondary reports to tell the story of the man who arguably saved tens of thousands of sailors and soldiers in two hours through boldness and sacrifice. Well worth the read.
February 22, 2025
A wonderful book, long overdue about a hero of the battle of Leyte Gulf. In this book I learned that Evans was a
Cherokee Indian, raised in "Indian Territory" Oklahoma. He also graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, and was a popular Midshipman. This was all new to me. I agree with the author that a book about this Warrior was long overdue. What a spectacular man Evans was.
Cherokee Indian, raised in "Indian Territory" Oklahoma. He also graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, and was a popular Midshipman. This was all new to me. I agree with the author that a book about this Warrior was long overdue. What a spectacular man Evans was.
November 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It tells the story of Captain Ernest E. Evans. It is helpful for the reader to understand navy traditions and jargon. It is a well-done biography of a naval war hero whose story needed to be told.
March 24, 2025
An interesting book, but one that left this reader scratching his head and wondering why there were no photographs, maps or even drawings of all the ships depicted in this book. There was even no photo of the man the book was about!
March 31, 2025
Accounts of the battle of Task force Taffy 3 always talk about the brave job the destroyers did in the face of overwhelming odds. This is the biography of the captain of the lead destroyer in that action. Well worth the read.
July 28, 2025
What a great story out of World War II. I had never heard this story, nor of this incredible captain, until now. Incredible issues stacked against him and all of his crew, and yet did an outstanding job, from what this book says. I’m very happy I got to read this book!
September 1, 2024
Very well researched. Enjoyed the topic. Easy to read.
September 15, 2024
This was a fascinating dive into the operations of a Destroyer in WW2.
September 28, 2024
Excellent book. Exciting read. Only drawback was no maps or pictures. I look forward to his next book.
October 28, 2024
This book is well written and a neat story. But it reminded me why I don't read biographies. Even good biographies about interesting people, such as this one.
November 13, 2024
My only wish was that this book was longer. James Hornfischer will be greatly missed. This book did not disappoint. There were times I felt like I was on the bridge with him.
December 17, 2024
bio of an American hero and his crew
Captain Evan’s is a biography worth reading. As a Native American he is a great example for many. A worthy recipient of the Metal of Honor!
Captain Evan’s is a biography worth reading. As a Native American he is a great example for many. A worthy recipient of the Metal of Honor!
January 4, 2025
Love reading about true life people and this was a great book.
February 23, 2025
Leadership. This is a book about leadership. A young man from the west becomes a destroyer captain but never forgets where he comes from and how important training and people are to the mission.
March 17, 2025
awesome read
a fantastic fast moving story of a great ship and a great ships commander and crew . I was riveted to the book and would recommend it to family and friends .Thank You.
a fantastic fast moving story of a great ship and a great ships commander and crew . I was riveted to the book and would recommend it to family and friends .Thank You.
August 9, 2025
Another excellently researched James D Hornfisher book. Hornfisher, despite being dead for a few years, is still the current expert on the war in the Pacific
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews