A cool-headed carrier commander at Midway
“Calm, collected, decisive, yet receptive to advice; ... boldly seizing every opening.”
Raymond Spruance was a United States Navy admiral who directed carrier operations in the Pacific during the Second World War. At Midway in 1942, he commanded Task Force 16, built around Enterprise and Hornet, and played a central role in the destruction of four Japanese fleet carriers. Known for measured decisions and calm command, he later led the Naval War College and served as ambassador to the Philippines.
Career Timeline
- 1907Graduated from the United States Naval Academy
- 1913–1922Commanded destroyers and served with the Pacific Fleet
- 1935–1938Instructor at the Naval War College
- 1938–1939Commanding officer of USS Mississippi
- 1942Commanded Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway
- 1943–1945Commander of the Central Pacific Force and Fifth Fleet
- 1946–1948President of the Naval War College
- 1952–1955United States ambassador to the Philippines