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TAPS
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night. |
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Born: August 13, 1908 at
Pawnee, OK
Entered Service in the US
Navy from Oklahoma
Earned
The Medal of Honor During World War II For heroism October 25,
1944 at Samar, Philippine Islands
Died: October
25, 1944 at the age of 36
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As commanding
officer of the U.S.S. Johnston in action against major units of
the Japanese fleet during the battle off Samar, Commander Evans
was the first to lay a smokescreen and to open fire as an enemy
task force, vastly superior in number. He gallantly diverted the
powerful blasts of hostile guns from the lightly armed and
armored carriers under his protection, launching the first
torpedo attack when the Johnston came under Japanese shellfire.
Undaunted by damage sustained under the terrific volume of fire,
he unhesitatingly joined others of his group to provide fire
support during subsequent torpedo attacks against the Japanese
and, out-shooting and outmaneuvering the enemy as he
consistently interposed his vessel between the hostile fleet
units and our carriers despite the crippling loss of engine
power and communications with steering aft, shifted command to
the fantail, shouted steering orders through an open hatch to
men turning the rudder by hand and battled furiously until the
Johnston, burning and shuddering from a mortal blow, lay dead in
the water after three hours of fierce combat. Seriously wounded
early in the engagement, Commander Evans courage and brilliant
professional skill aided materially in turning back the enemy
during a critical phase of the action.
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