I remember watching it on the military history channel. It was WWII, and it was when some scouting vessels actually held their ground against battleships. I think that the Yamato was there too. I can't remember what it was called. Help?
Are you thinking of the Battle off Samar? Specifically, the task force Taffy 3's involvement? It was part of the larger engagement known as The Battle of Leyte Gulf.
If I'm thinking of the same show, it specifically highlighted the actions of the USS Johnson and USS Samuel B. Roberts, right? I believe the show was called "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors", which is I believe based on the book of the same name. The USS Samuel B Roberts has sometimes been called "the destroyer that fought like a battleship" based on her actions in that particular engagement. If you have any other questions regarding the battle, I might be able to offer some assistance, though there are others here more qualified than I.
Battle of Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. I'll allow someone with more knowledge to provide the details but I believe this is the battle you are referring too. The book, "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" by James D. Hornfischer covers it very well.