The objective was clear, but the odds were most daunting. TF17.4.3 “Taffy 3” was ordered to attack the IJN central force that included the largest battle ship in the world the Yamoto. The group of six escort carriers with destroyers and destroyer escorts moved towards the central force. The Gambier Bay and the other small carriers launched whatever aircraft that was still with them and made smoke. The result was the most improbable naval victory of WWII. It is unknown why Admiral Kurita returned to the San Bernadino Strait and home. He had a number of concerns on his mind, where was Admiral Halsey’s considerable battle force? The sister ship of Yamoto, the Mushasi, had been lost. The cover of darkness was lost as well. Lastly this small group of vessels is actually on the attack! "Am I a dog," he roared at David, "that you come at me with a stick?" And he cursed David by the names of his gods. 1 Samuel 17:43 David shouted in reply, "You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty-the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 Samuel 17.45 Credits: USS Gambier Bay CVE-73 = USS Essex by Sky Pilot of Beyond + Bridge by X2000 + Fletcher class destroyer parts by Despond + Cowling from Lockheed Electra at PlanIt3D IJN BB Yamoto CA Tone = Nowa 5 by Silver Wolf, NNY and Siosai + 90 degree sci-fi pipe by Joe Kurz + = SDF-1 by mechmaster and Jhoagland + Fletcher class by De Espona Nakajima A6M-2N floatplane = KI84 by Bazze + speedboat in freesuff