USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413)

• Named After a Hero: USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413) was named in honor of Coxswain Samuel Booker Roberts, Jr., a Navy hero who died in the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 while rescuing Marines under fire. • John C. Butler-class Destroyer Escort: The ship was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort, commissioned on April 28, 1944, and primarily designed for anti-submarine and convoy escort duties. • The "Destroyer Escort That Fought Like a Battleship": The USS Samuel B. Roberts earned this nickname for its legendary performance in the Battle off Samar, where it took on much larger Japanese warships. • Battle off Samar: On October 25, 1944, in the Battle off Samar (part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf), the ship played a pivotal role in defending escort carriers against a vastly superior Japanese force. • David vs. Goliath Moment: The Roberts and other small ships charged Japanese battleships and cruisers, launching torpedoes and laying smoke to protect the carriers, despite being outgunned and out-armored. • Incredible Heroism: The crew fought valiantly, scoring a torpedo hit on the heavy cruiser Chōkai and damaging other ships with gunfire, despite sustaining heavy damage themselves. • Ultimate Sacrifice: After being hit multiple times by enemy shells, the Roberts eventually sank. Out of 224 crew, 89 were lost, but their actions were credited with saving countless lives and ships. • Presidential Unit Citation: The ship and her crew were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty. • Legacy and Inspiration: The story of the USS Samuel B. Roberts has inspired books, documentaries, and even a later frigate (FFG-58) to carry the same name and legacy. • Wreck Found in 2022: The wreck of the Samuel B. Roberts was discovered in June 2022 at a depth of over 22,600 feet (6,895 meters) in the Philippine Sea, making it the deepest shipwreck ever found.