Destroyer Captain - (American War Heroes) by James D Hornfischer & David J Hornfischer (Paperback)

About the Book

"On the morning of October 25, 1944, 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 Evans seized the moment, ordering his destroyer to steam forward and attack. Heavily out-gunned, 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. 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"--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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

About the Author

James D. Hornfischer was a writer, literary agent, and book editor. He was the author of the New York Times bestsellers Neptune's Inferno, The Last Stand of the Tin Can Soldiers, Ship of Ghosts, and The Fleet at Flood Tide, all widely acclaimed accounts of the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II, as well as Who Can Hold the Sea, which covers the U.S. Navy's crucial role in the Cold War. His books have received numerous awards, including the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature and the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award. James D. Hornfischer died in 2021.

David James Hornfischer is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a bachelor's degree from the Walton School of Business. David has had a lifelong interest in history, particular WWII history where he had a front row seat throughout his father's military historian career. Since the age of 6 David has been his father's office assistant and book box carrier. David was fond of book signings where he could be of extra help with setting up books for these signings. Through the years as David's acumen and interest grew, he became an invaluable research assistant for various history projects. Destroyer Captain: The Life of Ernest E. Evans is his first book. Today David is leaning into his interest of history and is pursuing a career as a history teacher. David lives in Austin, Texas.