Raymond A. Spruance
Raymond A. Spruance was a prominent U.S. Navy admiral known for his strategic leadership during World War II. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1907 and held various roles, including a teaching position at the Naval War College. Spruance played a significant role in the early stages of the war in the Pacific, commanding a cruiser division and participating in crucial raids in 1942. He is perhaps best known for his command during the Battle of Midway, a pivotal conflict that marked a turning point in the war, where he effectively led Task Force Sixteen.
After Midway, Spruance served as chief of staff to Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, contributing to the strategic planning for the Central Pacific campaign. He was promoted to vice admiral in 1943 and later commanded the Fifth Fleet, overseeing significant operations including the invasions of the Marianas, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. His leadership helped diminish Japan's naval capabilities. After the war, Spruance continued his service as president of the Naval War College and later as the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines from 1952 to 1955. His legacy is marked by his strategic acumen and contributions to naval warfare.
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Subject Terms
Raymond A. Spruance
- Born: July 3, 1886
- Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland
- Died: December 13, 1969
- Place of death: Pebble Beach, California
Full name: Raymond Ames Spruance
Principal war: World War II
Principal battles: Midway (1942), Philippine Sea (1944)
Military significance: Quiet and unassuming, Spruance was a highly effective fleet commander. His tendency toward caution was prompted by desire to achieve his ends at low cost.
Raymond A. Spruance graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, in 1907. He had a variety of assignments, including teaching at the Naval War College. When the United States entered World War II (1939–1945), Spruance commanded a cruiser division. He participated in the early 1942 raids on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands and the April raid on Tokyo. On the eve of the Battle of Midway in June, he relieved the ailing Admiral William F. Halsey as commander of Task Force Sixteen. Although subordinate to Admiral Frank Fletcher, Spruance, a nonaviator, actually had command in the battle, the turning point in the war in the Pacific.
Spruance then became chief of staff to Pacific commander Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and helped plan the drive across the Central Pacific. In May, 1943, he was promoted to vice admiral and took command of the Central Pacific Area and Force. Promoted to full admiral in March, 1944, he commanded the Fifth Fleet, the largest collection of naval power in history. Spruance had overall command of the invasion of the Marianas and during the June, 1944, Battle of the Philippine Sea that effectively finished off Japan’s naval aviation. He oversaw the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa in 1945 and naval air strikes against Japan. During November to December, 1945, he commanded the Pacific Fleet. He then served as president of the Naval War College until his retirement in July, 1948. He was ambassador to the Philippines from 1952 to 1955.
Bibliography
Buell, Thomas B. The Quiet Warrior: A Biography of Admiral Raymond A. Spruance. Boston: Little, Brown, 1974.
Forrestel, Edmund P. Raymond A. Spruance, USN: A Study in Command. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1966.
Sweetman, Jack, ed. The Great Admirals. Annapolis, Md.: Naval Institute Press, 1997.