Today in 1944 Edwin Evans, Navy, served bravely to earn the highest military award of the Medal of Honor. Born on 13 August 1908, in Pawnee, Okla. His heritage was half Cherokeeand one quarter Creek. In his service he also was awarded the Navy Cross and Bronze Star Medal. His citation was for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Johnston in action against major units of the enemy Japanese fleet during the battle off Samar on 25 October 1944.

As Commander, he ordered the first to lay of smokescreen and open fire barrage as an enemy task force, vastly superior in number, firepower, and armor rapidly approached. Comdr. Evans 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 straddling 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, outshooting 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, Comdr. Evans, by his indomitable courage and brilliant professional skill, aided materially in turning back the enemy during a critical phase of the action. His valiant fighting spirit throughout this historic battle will venture as an inspiration to all who served with him. Oklahoma proud!

Don’t forget, we still have ATV tickets for sale. For just $10.00 you can win one! And the Post gets to keep $5.00!

Halloween in Hominy this year will be on Wednesday October 31st. We will set up on Main Street again in front of Morris Field’s Museum around 5:00 or 5:30 pm and the kids and parents will start coming by around 6:00 pm. We need volunteers to bring candy and to help pass it out. The Auxiliary ladies will be there also. We honor Sylia Rhodes for her service to the Auxillary and Red Cross!

This years Hominy Veterans of the Year Candidates are Vietnam Navy Veteran Stan Mueller and Vietnam Army Veteran Steve Swinford. In addition Bill Walls is added! He is a Hominy Korean War Era veteran who once owned the local Chevrolet Dealearship for many years. We are happy to honor all three who served when needed!

We will be planning a remembrance ceremony on December 6th for LT Kenneth Taylor from Hominy who was the first pilot to shoot down a Japanese Zero on Peal Harbor during the attack in 1941.

November 10th (Saturday) we will be traveling over to Fairfax for the annual Veteran’s Day Parade. It starts at 11 am with line up at 10 am. More information for participants at our next meeting.

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month. November 1st will be the next one, 7 PM meeting. If Chef Jerry does his magic it will be 1800 hrs. But I will update this next issue. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in October/November are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians) starting at. Just watch the weather, it is the only factor that my change that. If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print. Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org”.