USS Johnston (DD-557) Fletcher-Class Destroyer (1.5:1 Scale)

by GARRETT2BY4 · 2026-09-21 · Maps

The USS Johnston (DD-557) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, best remembered for its extraordinary stand against a much larger Japanese fleet during the Battle off Samar on October 25, 1944. Commissioned on October 27, 1943, the Johnston was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Ernest E. Evans. Named after Civil War naval officer John V. Johnston, the destroyer served in the Pacific Theater, supporting American amphibious operations and conducting shore bombardments. Its most famous action came during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, when Johnston was assigned to the escort carrier group known as Taffy 3. The group unexpectedly encountered a powerful Japanese surface force consisting of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. Rather than retreat, Johnston launched a torpedo attack against the Japanese fleet, severely damaging the heavy cruiser Kumano. Despite sustaining devastating damage from Japanese gunfire, the destroyer continued fighting, laying smoke to protect the escort carriers and engaging enemy warships. After more than two hours of combat, Johnston was sunk at approximately 10:10 a.m. Of her 327 crew members, 186 were lost, including Commander Evans. The sh