Destroyer Captain

The Life of Ernest E. Evans (American War Heroes)

By: James D. Hornfischer, David J. Hornfischer

Narrated by: Lou Del Bianco, David J. Hornfischer

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.

©2024 James D. Hornfischer and David J. Hornfischer (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"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

American warrior and hero.

The Author provides us with a good background on this American Navy hero. Evans life from an unlikely beginning in Oklahoma to American Naval hero is traced in detail.

The last stand of the Johnston. It had enough details to make it real but not so many that it took away from the story.

This is the best book, next to The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, on the subject. I look forward to another reading in a few months.

GREAT BOOK!!

What a book!! What a wonderful story of courage and determination!! You won’t want to stop reading!!

Fantastic!

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.

A Great Book about Avery Great Man

the Story of the USS Johnston is inspiring in every detail. The idea that a Ship could with such a Herioc Captain while at the same time with such a Heroic Crew willing to descregard their safety to keep on fighting despite the odds is in the best traditions of the NAVAL Serive.

Plodding

This book is just ok. Evens was without a doubt a brave and courageous commander. However this book takes a lot of time getting to the exciting climax.