As the waves of history ebb and flow, certain stories rise to the surface, demanding to be heard. The tale of the USS Frank E. Evans is one such story—a narrative of heroism, tragedy, and an ongoing battle for recognition that has spanned over five decades.
In Episode 220 of the Coming Home Well podcast, we dive deep into the heart of the US Navy during the Vietnam War, exploring the life and legacy of the USS Frank E. Evans and its crew. This destroyer, affectionately dubbed a “tin can” by those who served on it, was more than just a ship; it was a home to the brave souls aboard, a place where an unbreakable brotherhood was forged in the fires of service and sacrifice.
Our guest, Steve Krause, takes us on an emotional journey back to the fateful night of June 3, 1969, when the Evans collided with an Australian aircraft carrier in the South China Sea. The impact was catastrophic, splitting the destroyer in two and claiming the lives of 74 American sailors—men who would become known as the Lost 74.
But their story didn’t end there. As the survivors and their families sought solace and closure, they were met with a new challenge: the names of the Lost 74 were not included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. This exclusion, based on a technicality of combat zones, has sparked a decades-long effort to right what many see as a grave oversight.
Through the podcast, we hear the firsthand account of that night’s events, the survival instincts that kicked in, and the raw emotions that come with losing comrades. We also learn about the USS Frankie Evans Association’s tireless efforts to have their shipmates’ names etched alongside their brothers-in-arms on the hallowed wall in Washington, D.C.
This episode isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that the cost of freedom is often high, and that every service member, regardless of where their final breath is drawn, deserves to be honored and remembered.
So, we invite you to listen, reflect, and join in the mission to bring the Lost 74 home. Their story is one of courage, of unwavering duty, and of the enduring bonds that only those who have served can truly understand. Let’s ensure that their memory, like their valor, never fades into the silent depths of the past.
Tune in now and become part of the journey to bring the Lost 74 the recognition they so rightfully deserve.
