The escorts of Task Unit 77.4.3 lay protective smoke.

U.S. Navy Photograph

from the personal collection of LT (jg) Russell Wood, USNR
Composite Squadron VC-4, USS WHITE PLAINS (CVE 66)

Very clear photograph of USS HEERMANN (DD 532), with large bow wave, and an unidentified destroyer escort (either BUTLER, DENNIS, or RAYMOND.... most unlikely ROBERTS), lay protective smoke in defense of the escort carriers of Task Unit 77.4.3 during the Battle Off Samar.  This photograph was probably taken during the very earliest period of the battle, between 0701 and 0742, before HEERMANN was directed to engage the battleships and heavy cruisers.  The seven small escorts of Taffy III were utilized to lay protective smoke throughout the course of the battle.  Later, all seven conducted torpedo attacks against the IJN Centre Force, scoring several hits.   Their five-inch guns were no match for those of the Japanese battleships and heavy cruisers they fought so valiantly.  The smoke screen laid by the escorts of Taffy III was one of the deciding factors of their escape.

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