View of Battle Off Samar from USS KITKUN BAY (CVE 71)

U.S. Navy Photograph

from the personal collection of Gilbert J. Raynor and
the U.S.S. KITKUN BAY Association

"...At 0653 Japanese warships were sighted on the horizon, bearing 298T, distance 17 miles, at first estimated to include four battleships, eight cruisers, and at least eight destroyers.  Flight quarters was immediately sounded and the ship went to general quarters.  At 0658 the Japanese ships opened fire and salvos began falling near the carrier directly astern of this vessell, she being the closest to the enemy.  Flank speed, 18.5 knots, was rung up and the course changed to 070T, to head partly into the wind and yet keep away as much as possible from the enemy.  The enemy was firing frequently by this time, splashes occurring near the WHITE PLAINS and off our port beam.  All ships began making smoke at 0702 and from then on it became impossible to see the entire picture due to heavy pall of smoke and the general murkiness of the day...."

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Honor the Missing in Action and Killed in Action of Taffy III

We do remember.  We won't forget.