On Oct. 25, 1944, CDR Evans was the CO of the destroyer USS Johnston (DD-557), as part of TG 77.4.3 (aka Taffy 3). A tiny force of 6 CVEs, 3 DDs, and 4 DEs, Taffy 3 was set upon by a powerful Japanese fleet of 4 BBs, 6 CAs, 2 CLs, and 11 DDs. CDR Evans ordered Johnston to charge the enemy fleet alone. With all the enemy's guns upon her, Johnston evaded the enemy salvoes to torpedo the lead enemy CAs. Even after Johnston took severe damage, Evans closed again to support the other DDs and DEs. Finally, Evans sacrificed himself and his ship to save the escort carriers from a final enemy torpedo attack. Evans' tenacity helped convinced the whole enemy fleet to retire.
Evans was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
To date, only one ship has ever been named for this incredible hero.