Husband Edward Kimmel
Husband Edward Kimmel was a prominent figure in the U.S. Navy, known for his extensive service during both World Wars and his leadership during a critical period in naval history. Initially aspiring to attend the U.S. Military Academy, he instead enrolled at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated and later participated in the historic cruise of the Great White Fleet. Throughout his career, Kimmel specialized in naval gunnery, contributing to advancements in targeting techniques for the British Royal Navy during World War I. His rise through the ranks included commanding the battleship New York and serving as the chief of staff for battleships.
In 1941, he was appointed commander of the Pacific Fleet, a position he held during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Following this attack, Kimmel faced significant scrutiny and was relieved of command, sparking controversy over his accountability for the lack of preparedness of naval forces. Although he participated in various inquiries following the attack, he was never officially deemed at fault. Kimmel's legacy remains a topic of discussion regarding leadership and accountability in military history.
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Husband Edward Kimmel
- Born: February 26, 1882
- Birthplace: Henderson, Kentucky
- Died: May 14, 1968
- Place of death: Groton, Connecticut
Born: February 26, 1882; Henderson, Kentucky
Died: May 14, 1968; Groton, Connecticut
Principal war: World War II
Principal battle: Pearl Harbor (1941)
Military significance: Admiral Kimmel was commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
Although he hoped to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Husband Edward Kimmel was unable to secure an appointment. When his congressman suggested the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, he accepted. Shortly after graduation, he participated in the cruise of the Great White Fleet. He specialized in naval gunnery, and during World War I, he taught the British Royal Navy new targeting techniques.
During the period between the wars, he served at sea and ashore. In 1933, he attained command of the battleship New York and, a year later, became chief of staff to the commander of battleships. After a stint ashore as the U.S. Navy’s budget officer, he attained the rank of rear admiral and command of a cruiser division. In 1939, he became commander of cruisers, a rank he held until promoted to command of the Pacific Fleet in 1941.
He held that post when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Blamed for the disaster caused by the surprise attack, Kimmel was relieved of command on December 17. He testified in numerous inquiries but was never officially found at fault for the naval forces’ lack of preparedness. His relief of command and subsequent disgrace became a major point of controversy.
Bibliography
Beach, Edward L. Scapegoats: A Defense of Kimmel and Short at Pearl Harbor. Annapolis, Md.: Naval Institute Press, 1995.
Prange, Gordon W. At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor. New York: Penguin, 1981.
Stinnett, Robert B. Day of Deceit: The Truth about FDR and Pearl Harbor. New York: Free Press, 1999.
Toland, John. Infamy: Pearl Harbor and Its Aftermath. New York: Berkley, 1991.
Tora! Tora! Tora! Documentary. CBS Fox Video, 1970.