USS Jonhston

USS Johnston (DD-557) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy during World War II.

Named for Civil War Lieutenant John V. Johnston, she is famous for her bravery in the battle off Samar, where she valiantly defended the escort carriers of the U.S. 7th Fleet against a superior force of Japanese ships.

Commissioned in October 1943, she participated in various campaigns, including the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, the Solomon Islands, and the Marianas and Palau Islands.

In the battle off Samar in October 1944, the Johnston played a crucial role in engaging the vastly superior Japanese forces. Despite sustaining severe damage during the encounter, the Johnston continued to fight valiantly until she was finally sunk. The crew showed extraordinary courage, but the ship was lost, along with most of her crew, including the commanding officer, Ernest E. Evans.

After this heroic act, the USS Johnston was struck off the Navy Register in November 1944, but her sacrifice and the bravery of her crew will be remembered as an example of dedication and courage in the history of the US Navy.