Ernest Edwin Evans was born at Pawnee, Oklahoma, on 13 August 1908. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1931. During World War II, he commanded USS Alden (DD-211) and USS Johnston (DD-557).

During the Battle off Samar, 25 October 1944, he led Johnston and her crew in an attack on a greatly superior Japanese battleship and cruiser force. In this action, which materially contributed to the defeat of the Japanese counter-offensive against the Leyte invasion, Commander Evans and his ship were lost.

Ernest E. Evans was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his role in the Battle off Samar. In addition, the Navy named USS Evans (DE-1023) in his honor.

Commander Ernest Edwin Evans Biography.

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Photo #: NH 63499 LCdr. Ernest E. Evans, USN (1908-1944) At the commissioning ceremonies of USS Johnston (DD-557), Seattle, Washington, 27 October 1943. He was Johnston's Commanding Officer from then until she was sunk in the Battle off Samar, 25 October 1944, and was lost with the ship. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command.
Photo #: NH 63368 USS Johnston (DD-557) Commissioning ceremonies on the ship's fantail, at Seattle, Washington, 27 October 1943. LCdr. Ernest E. Evans, USN, her Commanding Officer, is speaking in the left center. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command. Online Image: 70KB; 740 x 620 pixels

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