“ There are 86,400 seconds in a day. It’s up to you to decide what to do with them.” – Jim Valvano

My one and only hero has always been my Dad. Few people can say they have experienced what he has experienced and sacrificed for our country. Below is a link to an article he wrote while recuperating from wounds sustained during The Battle of Leyte Gulf during WWII. Leyte Gulf was considered the second largest Naval battle of WWII. My Dad was senior surviving officer of the USS Johnston crew that spent fifty hours in the water before being rescued while fighting exhaustion, dehydration, and sharks. For my fathers service, he was awarded the Navy Cross. His citation reads:

“For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Gunnery Officer aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. JOHNSTON (DD-557), in action against a large Task Force of the Japanese Fleet, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. With his ship a unit in the screen of a small group of escort carriers, Lieutenant Commander Hagen participated in an engagement unique in Naval history as to numbers and types of opposing forces. Under continuous surface fire from enemy heavy warships for a period of two and a half hours, he brought his ship’s guns to bear with telling effect on the advancing hostile forces and, although the JOHNSTON was hit many times and finally sunk, contributed to the great victory which was achieved by turning the enemy back. After abandoning ship, Lieutenant Commander Hagen organized survivors and rendered material assistance to the wounded during the long hours in the water. His gallant conduct throughout was an inspiration to those serving with him and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

More About My Dad and the day the Johnston was lost

Let this be a tribute to all the men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms we enjoy today and a special tribute to the Commander of the USS Johnston Lieutenant Commander Ernest E. Evans who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II Battle of Leyte Gulf. The day Johnston was commissioned, Cmdr. Evans made a speech to the crew: “This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm’s way, and anyone who doesn’t want to go along had better get off right now.” He was true to his word.