It was hit multiple times by aircraft from the IJN Hiryu and later torpedoed by a Japanese submarine before sinking. Spruance's achievements were acknowledged by the unique distinction of a special act of Congress awarding him Admiral's full pay for life. Spruance was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, and in May 1943 he was promoted to vice admiral. US Naval Task force under Raymond Spruance with 2 carriers, Enterprise and Hornet. Just before the planned invasion of Midway island in June 1942, Halsey suddenly became ill with shingles. An academic building at the Naval War College was also named for him. Finishing the course, he completed a tour in the Office of Naval Intelligence before being posted to USS Mississippi (BB-41) in October 1929 as executive officer. It was the only aircraft carrier in the presence of Midway Island to survive the dive bomber attack and launched two and a half waves of planes against the United States Navy. With Okinawa's fall in June, Spruance rotated back to Pearl Harbor to begin planning the invasion of Japan. Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance was a key American naval commander who served in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Biographies, 20th century collection, Navy Department Library, Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, Spruance, Raymond A. A. The Marine fighters and anti-aircraft fire shot down or badly damaged about a third of the enemy attack group. A bust of Spruance is in the lobby. The Japanese were trying to tow Soryu to safety when she was torpedoed and sunk by the U.S. submarine Nautilus. In June 1942 the United States and Japan fought for control of Midway Island in the South Pacific. He shifted his flag to the old battleship USSNew Mexico of the shore bombardment force after Indianapolis was struck by a Kamikaze off Okinawa. He enjoyed hot chocolate and would make it for himself every morning. Following the war, Spruance served as US Ambassador to the Philippines from 1952 to 1955. Historian Samuel Eliot Morison believed he was one of the greatest fighting and thinking admirals in American naval history. Early in his career he was The slow-moving Devastators were easy targets for the Japanese gunners and Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero fighters, and all 15 were shot down. It was interesting work, but I wouldnt want to do it for a living. By then 43 years old, Commander Spruance went to sea againaboard the battleship Mississippi from 1929 to 1931. After six furious minutes, the three carriers were left burning. Japanese supporting aircraft carrier in the corresponding Aleutian Islands Invasion. By shortly after 9 a.m., planes from Yorktown were also on their way. Leaving, he assumed command of USS Mississippi. Advertisement Still have questions? He was fond of symphonic music, and his tastes were generally simple. The setback in the Japanese timetable to encircle the Pacific gave the U.S. industrial machine time to crank up war production, and ultimately, to turn the advantage on Japan in the production of ships, planes, guns, and all the other matriel of war. For about 20 minutes, fighters, dive bombers and torpedo bombers pounded the island, carefully avoiding damaging the runways because the Japanese hoped to eventually use them. Because of gaps in the search patterns flown by the Japanese, the American carriers were able to approach unseen. All four of Japans aircraft carriers were sunk, devastating Japans ambitions in the Pacific. >The fleet units shielding the Marianas invasion forces were also under Spruances command. It is regrettable that, owing to Spruances innate modesty and his refusal to create an image of himself in the public eye, he was never properly appreciated. [31] The series, based on Herman Wouk's book of the same name, shows Spruance's decision to end the battle and retreat rather than confront the rest of the Japanese fleet as having been opposed by his subordinates, and he was mocked behind his back as "lacking the stomach." He also held several engineering, intelligence, staff and Naval War College positions up to the 1940s. Yet the decision is hailed by the series's narrator as instrumental in sealing the American victory. The Gilberts attack was planned and directed by Spruance, with the assistance of Rear Adms. My personal congratulations. President Franklin D. Roosevelt nominated Spruance for promotion to full admiral on February 10, 1944, and he was approved. I am lazy, and I never have done things myself that I could get someone to do for me. The Japanese felt that they had won the encounter. Spruances naval guns started their bombardment two days later. His division was an element of the task force built around the aircraft carrier USSEnterprise and commanded by Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr. (2021, July 31). Fifteen Buffaloes and two Wildcats were lost, but the garrisons anti-aircraft fire was effective. In May 1942, intelligence suggested that the Japanese were planning on assaulting Midway Island. Then, reflect on the education opportunities that God has provided us today. Capturing and occupying Midway was the brainchild-plan of commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. From 1952 to 1955 Spruance served as the American ambassador to Philippines. King said to him "Spruance, you did a damn fine job there. Japanese fleet in charge of landing army units on Midway. But what was important about this actionthe first naval battle in history fought by fleets that never came within sight of each otherwas that the U.S. Navy had thwarted the enemys planned capture of Port Moresby in strategic New Guinea. He died on 13 December 1969 at the age of 83. He presided over US Forces in the Pacific during two decisive Allied victories: the Battle of Midway in 1942 and the 1944 Battle of the Philippines Sea. Fletcher would command Task Force 17, but the task force flag ship, USSYorktown, had been badly damaged at the Battle of the Coral Sea and the formation's other carrier, Lexington, had been sunk, but at Nimitz's behest Yorktown was patched-repaired in "rush" time purposefully to join the Midway operation.[11]. Biographies, 20th century collection, Navy Department Library. Spruance was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 3, 1886, to Alexander and Annie Hiss Spruance. He disliked personal publicity and had a reputation for freezing reporters who invaded his privacy. In the seven-week campaign, 55 Japanese ships were sunk, five probably sunk and 74 damaged. Midway Island sent a false message stating that its water distillation plant had been damaged and that the base needed fresh water. The Iwo Jima and Okinawa actions lasted from January to May 1945, and in August the Japanese surrendered. Aboard the Japanese flattops, many torpedo-carrying planes were waiting for fighters to take off as the American planes dived. On February 19, American forces landed and opened the Battle of Iwo Jima. ThoughtCo. [4] Spruance attended Indianapolis public schools and graduated from Shortridge High School. He never smoked and drank little. That is how the US navy could inflict great damage to the Japanese fleet and aircraft. D. Suburban America, 100 POINTS! The recipient of the letter below was his longtime friend and former chief-of-staff Captain Charles "Carl" J. Moore. Lieutenant aboard the Hiryu who led and was killed during the first Japanese counterattack after the sinking of 3 Japanese aircraft carriers. As part of this reorganization, the force became known as the Fifth Fleet when Spruance was in charge and the Third Fleet when Halsey was in command. Spruance succeeded Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas in November 1945, a few months after the end of the war. He readied himself at Stevens Preparatory School in Hoboken, N.J., and entered Annapolis in July 1903 at age 17. I can thank heredity for a sound constitution, and myself for taking care of that constitution. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/admiral-raymond-spruance-2360511. About his intellect he was equally unpretentious: Some people believe that when I am quiet that I am thinking some deep and important thoughts, when the fact is that I am thinking of nothing at all. But his service was not yet finished. Most historians consider Midway the turning point of the Pacific War.[1]. Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance was a key American naval commander who served in the Pacific Theater of World War II.A graduate of the US Naval Academy, Spruance commanded cruisers during the early months of the conflict and first came to prominence for helping lead American forces to victory at the pivotal Battle of Midway in June 1942. This site is using cookies under cookie policy . ThoughtCo, Jul. Raymond Spruance was born in Baltimore on July 3, 1886, the son of Alexander and Annie Spruance. However, Spruances fleet was also charged with guarding the amphibious landings at Saipan and Tinian. Hiryu class Japanese aircraft carrier that was the flagship of the second detachment of the carrier strike force. Lt Tomanaga leads Japanese Torpedo Bombers to attack the remaining carriers. He was fond of symphonic music, and his tastes were generally simple. His new duties involved planning rather than operations, and Spruance chafed for more action. Admiral Yamamoto had hoped to fight a classic-style sea battle with battleships, but Spruance had proved that the aircraft carrier was now emerging as the capital ship of naval combat forces. Admiral Spruance commanded with deadly precision, reported an observer.[20]. Always calm, always at peace with himself, Spruance had that ability which marks the great captain to make correct estimates and the right decisions in a fluid battle situation. He has appeared on The History Channel as a featured expert. The gloomy reports from Nagumo and his other commanders led Yamamoto to suspend his assault on Midway. Admiral William L. Calhoun saw him as a cold-blooded fighting fool. For that assault, Spruance led the most powerful naval strike force in history. Historian Samuel Eliot Morison believed he was one of the greatest fighting and thinking admirals in American naval history. At the end of the Second World War Congress created a limited number of five-star ranks for the Army and the Navy, designated General of the Army and Fleet Admiral. >On March 29, 1944, Admiral Spruance took tactical command of a three-pronged assault against the Palau Islands, 550 miles east of the Philippines, and against Yap Island and Ulithi Atoll in the western Carolines. Naval Academy at Annapolis. British Royal Navy units helped support the landings. "World War II: Admiral Raymond Spruance." World War II: Fleet Admiral William Halsey Jr. World War II Pacific: The Japanese Advance Stopped, M.S., Information and Library Science, Drexel University, B.A., History and Political Science, Pennsylvania State University. A. Desegregation of Society Calm, collected, decisive, yet receptive to advice; keeping in his mind the picture of widely disparate forces, yet boldly seizing every opening. This article was written by Michael D. Hull and originally appeared in the May 1998 issue of World War II magazine. He organized the Japanese counterattack on the American carriers and is credited with the sinking of the USS Yorktown, the only American Carrier sunk at Midway. C. American Dream For his actions at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, Spruance was awarded the Navy Cross. Raymond A. Spruance was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on 3 July 1886. United States Rear Admiral in command of Task Force 17 on the USS Yorktown. Richmond Kelly Turner and Harry W. Hill and Marine Generals Holland M. Smith and Julian C. Smith. His squadron successfully ambushed and sank 3 Japanese Aircraft Carriers, Lieutenant in command of the USS Hornet air group. https://www.thoughtco.com/admiral-raymond-spruance-2360511 (accessed March 1, 2023). Bombs destroyed the bridge of Kaga and set her ablaze from stem to stern. In May 1914, Spruance received a posting as Assistant to the Inspector of Machinery at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. Fewer than two days before launch from Pearl Harbor, Nimitz's commander of the fleet carrier force, Admiral Halsey, was hospitalized with severe shingles;[10] Halsey immediately recommended Admiral Spruance to Nimitz as his replacement with Admiral Fletcher receiving overall command. His air group is credited with the sinking of 4 Japanese aircraft carriers during Midway. When I look at myself objectively, he wrote in retirement, I think that what success I may have achieved through life is largely due to the fact that I am a good judge of men. Most common sailors were proud to serve under Halsey; most higher-ranking officers preferred to serve under Spruance. Spruance also held several engineering . The enemy units were forced to withdraw their battered aircraft carrier Shokaku, while the Americans had to abandon the old, cherished carrier Lexington. Serving in Manila, Spruance remained abroad until resigning his post in 1955. [12] Spruance assumed command of Task Force 16 with its two carriers, USSEnterprise and USSHornet, under battle command of Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. He was a diligent, neat and gentle boy. Adding to the surprise factor was the fact that Admirals Yamamoto and Nagumo did not believe the U.S. Pacific Fleet was at sea. He commanded that vessel during the patrols with the Atlantic Fleet until January 1920, when he assumed command of newly commissioned destroyer USS Percival in San Francisco, California. 7 reviews. The Japanese navy could never accept this catastrophic loss. The Japanese intercepted this and soon started sending messages that "AF was short on water. Then U.S. dive bombers from Spruance's Enterprise flew to Nagumo's fleet of four carriers which, fatefully, were without air cover. Morisons text refers to Spruance, victor at Midway. Naval Academy in 1906 and from the Naval War College in 1927 where he taught for a few years. The U.S. casualties were 199 planes, 128 flight personnel and damage to four warships. It Didnt End Well. The son of Alexander and Annie Spruance, Raymond Ames Spruance was born at Baltimore, MD on July 3, 1886. He was modest and candid about himself. After these victories, Spruance went back to Pearl Harbour to assist with planning Japans invasion. There are submarines, there are mini-submarines, and then there are human torpedoes. Critical for the defense of Hawaii, the commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, intended to dispatch Halsey to block the enemy thrust. "Well, pick it up and put it back," was Spruance's measured response.[8]. Successfully concluding operations, Spruance was promoted to admiral in February. When Nimitz named him commander of the disputed Central Pacific Area, this made him responsible for the planning and execution of the attack on the Gilbert Islands in November 1943. The US navy ended up winning the battle and historians consider this a major turning point in the Pacific Theater during World War II. About his intellect he was equally unpretentious: "Some people believe that when I am quiet that I am thinking some deep and important thoughts, when the fact is that I am thinking of nothing at all. Graduating from Annapolis three years later, he served two years at sea before receiving his commission as an ensign on September 13, 1908. In this state the Japanese carriers would be extremely vulnerable. His classmates included Arthur L. Bristol, William L. Calhoun, William A. Glassford, Charles C. Hartigan, Aubrey W. Fitch, Frank J. Fletcher, Robert L. Ghormley, Isaac C. Kidd, John S. McCain Sr., Leigh Noyes, Ferdinand L. Reichmuth, John H. Towers, Russell Willson, and Thomas Withers. Japanese supporting aircraft carrier in Aleutian islands campaign. On November 24, Spruance relieved Nimitz as Commander, US Pacific Fleet. Admiral Ernest J. He lived quietly at Pebble Beach until December 13, 1969, when he died of arteriosclerosis at the age of 83. Up until this time, the Japanese had captured island after island as they . The following year, they made me executive officer of the transport Agamemnon, bringing troops home from France. During the attacks, the Japanese lost twelve warships, thirty-two merchant ships, and 249 aircraft. Morison, "Coral Sea, Midway and Submarine Actions: May 1942 August 1942". Fit and spare in his 70s, Spruance spent most of his retirement days wearing old khakis and work shoes and working in his garden and greenhouse. Samuel Eliot Morison agreed: Power of decision and coolness in action were perhaps Spruances leading characteristics. Shortly before leaving the Naval War College and retiring from the Navy on July 1, 1948, Admiral Spruance received a letter of commendation from the secretary of the Navy that read: Your brilliant record of achievement in World War II played a decisive part in our victory in the Pacific. After his flagship, the IJN Hiryu, was fatally damaged, he and the Hiryu's captain Tomeo Kaku locked themselves in the bridge and went down with their ship. But we went in and took their possessions in a few days, without the loss of a single ship. Raised in Indianapolis, IN, he attended school locally and graduated from Shortridge High School. Mounting a tenacious defense, the Japanese held out for over a month. After further schooling at the Stevens Preparatory School in New Jersey, Spruance applied to and was accepted by the US Naval Academy in 1903. Before Midway, a small and fractional U.S. Navy faced an overwhelmingly larger and battle-hardened Japanese Combined Fleet. Admiral Spruance explained the U.S. victory at Midway in the following way. He took part in organising the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and led the 5th Fleet in these two final battles. United States bombers sank three Japanese ships. Admiral Raymond Spruance served in US Navy during World War Two. When Yorktown was struck at Midway, however, Fletcher transferred his flag to the cruiser Astoria and placed Spruance tactically in charge. On 13 May 1945, Admiral Raymond Spruance put pen to paper and described the second kamikaze attack he experienced at Okinawa. When you moved into Admiral Spruance's command, the printed instructions were up to date, and you did things in accordance with them.[19]. During the Midway engagement which resulted in the defeat of and heavy losses to the enemy fleet, his seamanship, endurance, and tenacity in handling his task force were of the highest quality. In 1949, naval historian Samuel Eliot Morison noted that Spruance was subjected to criticism for not pursuing the retreating Japanese and allowing the surface fleet to escape. The main auditorium of the U.S. With their 233 planes and crews at the ready, the three U.S. flattops were stationed well north of Midway, out of sight of enemy reconnaissance planes. No matter what other people tell you, your decision was correct". The Battle of Midway was a turning point in the Pacific War. United States Admiral in command of naval units on the Pacific Theatre in 1942. Shortly after the Midway battle, Spruance became chief of staff to Admiral Nimitz, and in September 1942 was appointed as Deputy Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet. Pratt, F. "Spruance: Picture of the Admiral," Harpers Magazine 193, no. Admiral Nimitz praised Spruance for a remarkable job. This approach of bypassing Japanese strong points, such as Truk, was applied on a large scale as the Allies devised their strategy for moving across the central Pacific. Spruance served as executive officer of USS Mississippi from October 1929 to June 1931. Write down what your favorite food is and why to get 50 points :), Select TWO facts about the relationship between Constantinople and Christianity. This saw him win a victory at Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944 as part of the Allied "island-hopping" campaign across the Pacific. Admiral Spruance commanded with deadly precision, reported an observer. Akagi and Kaga subsequently went down. Launched the planes that were responsible for the sinking of nearly all 4 Japanese Carriers at Midway. It was bombed by dive bombers from the Enterprise and as scuttled shortly after Nagumo was forced by his staff to evacuate. He also commanded Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway, comprising the carriers Enterprise and Hornet. 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. Spruance expressed his personal feelings on this matter as follows: So far as my getting five star rank is concerned, if I could have got it along with Bill Halsey, that would have been fine; but, if I had received it instead of Bill Halsey, I would have been very unhappy over it. [28], His achievements in the navy were well known, but himself much less. Raymond Ames Spruance was born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 3, 1886, to Alexander and Annie Spruance, but grew up in Indianapolis. Akagi class Japanese aircraft carrier that was part of the first detachment of the Japanese carrier strike force. 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 one of the most significant naval battles that took place in the Pacific Theatre: the Battle of the Philippine Sea.He also commanded Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway, comprising the carriers Enterprise and Hornet. Unites States Rear Admiral in command of Task Force 16 on the USS Enterprise. help him spread the Gospel?Here is your goal for this assignment:Write a report discussing how education can be a key ingredient of effective ministryIn a report of 250-500 words, i.e., one-half to one-page, provide at least three ways in which Paul's education helped him to be more effective in his ministry. He managed to gain an appointment from Indiana to the U.S. Two years later, Spruance again received orders for the Naval War College and taught on the staff until April 1938. They find and score 3 hits on the USS Yorktown, but also sustain heavy losses. He was dragged out of his flagship Akagi before it sank against his will. Armed with this information, Fletcher ordered Spruance to launch a strike at the Japanese with Enterprise and Hornet while holding Yorktown in reserve in case the other Japanese carriers were discovered. The American offensive in the Pacific theater was now enjoying considerable momentum, aided in no small measure by Rear Adm. Marc Mitschers Task Force 58, the most powerful and destructive unit in the history of sea warfare. The small Marine Corps garrison scrambled its handful of Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat and Brewster F2A-3 Buffalo fighters, but they were too weak and slow to deter the Japanese. [32] Wouk writes in his book that "Spruance escaped [the Japanese fleet admiral] Yamamoto's terrible trap by acting on perfect military instinct. Japanese Admiral in command of the second division of the carrier strike force based on Aircraft Carrier IJN Hiryu. [3] After the war, Spruance was appointed President of the Naval War College, and later served as American ambassador to the Philippines. This was said to be the first time that a four-star admiral took part in a sea action aboard one of the ships engaged. At Midway, Spruance's force inflicted on the Imperial Japanese Navy its worst setback in 350 years. Admiral Raymond A. Spruance displayed outstanding leadership and command capabilities during the battle that turned the tide in the Pacific. The Eastern Orthodox Church developed from the church in Constantinople. He was survived by his wife and a daughter, Mrs. Gerald S. Bogart of Newport, R.I. His only son, Navy Captain Edward D. Spruance, who served for 30 years, was killed in a car accident in Marin County, Calif., in May 1969. Whether they produced battlefield images of the dead or daguerreotype portraits of common soldiers, []. D. The Pope lived in Constantinople. After his funeral, he was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery near the grave of his wartime commander, Nimitz. A number of torpedo squadrons from the airfields and carriers launch attacks on the Japanese carriers but score no hits and almost all planes involved were shot down. [7], He commanded the Percival during the sea trials off the California coast and during the patrol cruises with the Destroyer Force, Pacific Fleet until May 1922, when he was ordered to Washington, D.C., for duty in the Bureau of Engineering under Rear Admiral John K. Robison. The three-day operation was the most extensive ever undertaken by carriers. With World War I raging, he became Assistant Engineer Officer of the New York Navy Yard. He remained in the position only briefly as he accepted a posting as President of the Naval War College on February 1, 1946. 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