Raymond A. Spruance | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Spruance in April 1944 | |
| Nickname(s) | "Electric Brain" "Quiet Warrior" |
| Born | July 3, 1886 Baltimore, Maryland, US |
| Died | December 13, 1969 (aged 83) Pebble Beach, California, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1907–1948 |
| Rank |  Admiral |
| Commands | United States Fifth Fleet United States Pacific Fleet |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | |
| Other work | Ambassador to the Philippines |
Raymond Ames Spruance (July 3, 1886 – December 13, 1969) was a United States Navy admiral during World War II. He commanded U.S. naval forces during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, one of the most significant naval battles of the Pacific Theatre. He also commanded Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway, comprising the carriers Enterprise and Hornet. At Midway, dive bombers from Enterprise sank four larger carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Most historians consider Midway the turning point of the Pacific War.[1]
Official Navy historian Samuel Eliot Morison characterized Spruance's performance as "superb", and he was nicknamed "electric brain" for his calmness even in moments of supreme crisis, a reputation enhanced by his successful tactics.[2] He emerged from the war as one of the greater admirals in American history.[3] After the war, Spruance was appointed President of the Naval War College, and later served as American ambassador to the Philippines.
- ^ H. P. Willmott (2010). The Last Century of Sea Power: From Washington to Tokyo, 1922–1945. Indiana UP. p. 517.
- ^ Richard Overy, Why the Allies Won
- ^ Morison, Samuel Eliot (1963). The Two-Ocean War. Boston: Little, Brown. p. 162.