Many of the men rescued after the events of the Battle at Leyte Gulf would have been listed as missing in action if not for the courageous efforts of the Task Unit 78.12. Their efforts during the dark of night in waters hiding enemy submarines to rescue the survivors of the USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73), USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), USS Johnston (DD-413), and USS Hoel (DD-533) were some of the most courageous efforts of the war at sea. With search lights glaring and open communications coordinating the rescue, they were sitting ducks for the enemy.

Those who were rescued express their never ending thanks to the men of Patrol Craft PC-623, PC-1119, Landing Craft Infantry (Rockets) LCI-34, LCI-71, LCI-337, LCI-340, LCI341, and all others who participated in the operation.

During the battle and hours afterward, the Japanese Imperial Navy Cruisers Chikuma and Chikoi were sunk. The events surrounding their demise is somewhat uncertain. An effort is currently underway to obtain information to document the events leading to the destruction of the vessels and what happened to the men aboard those ships.

Below are accounts from survivors of the USS Gambier Bay and VC-10.

Chaplan Vernon Carlsen	Deck Log - USS Shaw Deck Log	Officers McClendon
Air Department Bishop Hobbs Joseph Brown Michael Towstick Louis Vilmer James Ball Charles Heinl	Aviation Ordinance Wm Kroger William Cordner	Electrical Dept. Lt (jg) Lynch Adam Kanaskie Andy Judd Wayne Galey Floyd Green Earl Bagley by T. Montague
Engineering FJ Mallgrave Donald Topczewski	Communications Dept. Marshall L Mitchell Herman W.Privette, Sr