The Battle of Samar and the USS Samuel B. Roberts

Context

• Date: October 25, 1944
• Event: Battle of Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf
• The USS Samuel B. Roberts, known as "Sammy B," was part of Task Unit Taffy 3.
• They faced a larger and more powerful Japanese surface fleet.
• Despite being outgunned, they inflicted significant damage on the enemy and thwarted the Japanese offensive against Allied landings.

Key Events and Details

Morning of the Battle

• General Quarters Alarm: Sounded at 6:00 a.m.
• Captain Robert Copelan Announcement: Acknowledged the overwhelming odds and impending danger from a large Japanese fleet.

Initial Engagement

• Commander William Thomas's Order: Taffy 3's destroyers to launch a torpedo attack.
• Copeland's Decision: Join the attack, with the Japanese ships perfectly lined up for a torpedo strike.
• Engine Room: Lieutenant Bill Trowbridge pushed the ship's performance beyond limits.

Battle Actions

• Torpedo Launch: Despite setbacks, the Samuel B. Roberts successfully launched torpedoes, striking a Japanese heavy cruiser.
• Exchange of Fire: The Sammy B engaged in a duel with a Japanese heavy cruiser, winning without taking a hit initially.
• Tactical Advantage: The small profile made it difficult for the Japanese to hit the ship.

Damage Sustained

• Critical Hits: At 8:51 a.m., the ship was hit by 8-inch shells causing substantial damage, especially in the forward fire room.
• Boiler Room Heroism: Jackson Maskill shut off the steam supply despite severe injuries.
• Further Damage: More hits led to the ship being dead in the water by 9:00 a.m.

Abandoning Ship

• Decision to Evacuate: Lieutenant Lloyd Gett advised Captain Copeland to abandon ship.
• Destruction of Equipment: Crew destroyed sensitive equipment to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.
• Final Moments: Captain Copeland and executive officer Bob Roberts coordinated the evacuation.

Aftermath and Sinking

• Survivors' Struggle: Survivors formed small groups around life rafts as the ship sank.
• Final Sinking: The Samuel B. Roberts sank at 10:07 a.m.

Reflections and Legacy

• Courage and Bravery: Despite overwhelming odds, the crew's actions are remembered as a testament to naval bravery.
• Patron Comments and Support: The story acknowledges the bravery of sailors, akin to soldiers in foxholes, underscoring courage and resilience.

Additional Notes

• Sponsorship Message: The video was sponsored by World of Warships Legends, a naval warfare-themed game.