From 12 October, "Dennis" screened the escort carriers supplying the air cover for the invasion of Leyte. On 25 October, she joined her carriers in making history as they fought a gallant action with the Japanese counter-attacking force in the Battle off Samar phase of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. "Dennis" was positioned alone as the final destroyer escort between the screen of destroyers and destroyers escorts and the escort carriers being shielded. "Dennis" was credited with torpedoing and sinking a Japanese heavy cruiser in that action. "Dennis" rescued 434 survivors from the escort carrier , which had been sunk by a "kamikaze". For this action, she shared in the Presidential Unit Citation awarded to TU 77.4.3, "Taffy 3". Arriving at Kossol Roads, Palaus on 28 October, she sailed three days later for the west coast, arriving at San Francisco, California on 26 November for an overhaul.