Destroyer culture rewarded attacks against stronger ships

The courage at Samar does not need to be ranked against other destroyer actions. Interwar destroyer forces were trained to close stronger enemies, protect larger formations, and attack with guns or torpedoes even when survival was doubtful. Polish, Dutch, Italian, Japanese, British, and American destroyer crews all served in institutions that cultivated this aggressive sense of duty. HMS Glowworm's attack on a German heavy cruiser provides a familiar comparison without turning sacrifice into a contest. Professional identity and repeated training produced actions that delayed or disrupted stronger forces and achieved an operational purpose.