Oral History Interview with Robert Hagen, August 28, 2007 Track: 1 of 1

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Oral History Interview with Robert Hagen, August 28, 2007 (Text)

Oral History Interview with Robert Hagen, August 28, 2007

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Hagen. Hagen served as the gunnery officer aboard the USS Johnston (DD-557). The ship’s captain, Commander Ernest Evans, was well liked and highly respected by the crew. Hagen recalls the Johnston was with a group of seven destroyers and six escort carriers supporting the troop landing at Leyte Gulf. On 24 October 1944 they were alerted to the approach of a large Japanese force led by Admiral Kurita. Hagen describes in detail the actions involving the Johnston, which led to heavy damage and the eventual sinking of the ship. The actions initiated by Commander Evans led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. As senior surviving officer of the Johnston, Hagen wrote the recommendation for the award.

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Hagen, Robert. Oral History Interview with Robert Hagen, August 28, 2007, audio recording, August 28, 2007; Fredericksburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1609050/m1/1/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting National Museum of the Pacific War/Admiral Nimitz Foundation.

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