Today, October 25 is the anniversary of what has arguably been called the largest naval battle in history. On October 25, 1944, one engagement, the Battle of Samar, commenced. It was a part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf. In an attempt to satisfy the Topic Sheriff, I am posting in the political forum to offer an opportunity for a brief diversion and reprieve from the heat of political debate. I hope it provides an opportunity for a moment's reflection on what brings us all together on common ground... our love of country. It is a gesture to put today's politics into perspective. I hope this post's relevance to the political forum is apparent and strong enough to pass muster with the topic patrol....or else it's the brig and sanctions.

Over a thousand lives were lost in a stunning battle that was punctuated with extraordinary heroism and valor by our naval forces. Taffy 3 was made up of 6 escort carriers, 3 destroyers and 4 destroyer escorts. They engaged 4 Japanese battleships, 6 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers, and 11 destroyers. Their only advantage was in aircraft from the carriers. We lost 2 escort carriers, 2 destroyers, and 1 destroyer escort. 3 Japanese cruisers were sunk, 3 more seriously damaged, 1 Japanese destroyer sunk and 1 damaged. We turned the enemy around and a proud American sailor pointed and said, "Look, their getting away." I wish I could shake that sailor's hand.

In the overall Battle of Leyte Gulf we suffered over 1500 casualties. The enemy lost 10,000.

If you are so inclined, on this anniversary of that great battle, disconnect from politics and take a moment to reflect on brave men and women who made extraordinary sacrifices. If it motivates you to read more about Taffy 3 and the "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors", a great book, take a look at these sites in Wikipedia. They offer an excellent review of that historical battle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_off_Samar

http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:...lnk&cd=1&gl=us

Thank You that was a nice break from politics. Very interesting and so humbling when you consider what we owe all those brave souls from World War II. My own father was in the Navy serving in the Pacific and was probably 19 or 20 at the time.

My Uncle Eddie was a "Tin Can Sailor" and I loved him dearly.
Thanks for remembering.