Despite the probable outcome of an engagement between two so unequal surface forces, the presence of enemy ships in
Leyte Gulf was unthinkable; and "Taffy 3" turned to do battle against the enemy.
Immediately an urgent call for help went out from "Taffy 3" as the escort carriers steamed eastward and launched
planes that performed seemingly impossible feats: scoring hits with torpedoes, bombs, and strafing until their ammunition ran out, then making dummy runs to break the enemy
formation and
delay its advance. Smoke was laid down to cover their running fight as the gallant destroyers docked in and out of the mist and smoke to charge battleship, cruiser, and destroyer
formations point-blank until ordered back to cover the escort carriers with more smoke. The lone 5-inch gun of Gambier Bay spat out at an enemy cruise that shelling her; and
destroyer Heerman (DD-532) made an unsuccessful effort under the combined fire of the heavy ships to save Gambier Bay.
Gambier Bay was soon dead in the water as three cruisers closed to point blank range. Fires raged through the riddled escort carrier. She capsized and sank at 0907, 25 October 1944
with the majority of her nearly 800 survivors rescued by landing and patrol craft dispatched from Leyte Gulf.
DANFS 1968, Vol III, p. 15
