Raymond Spruance Views
I am another big Spruance fan. He won the big battles while not -- ahem -- running into two typhoons (and losing hundreds of men) or chasing a Japanese feint at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Halsey had his place, but was in no way suited to WWII strategic operations. I think Nimitz knew this.As an aside, does anyone know why Congressman Vinson nixed Spruance's fifth star? It seems amazing that one Congressman could stop such a thing, especially since Halsey got his fifth.Raymond A. Spruance: Class Act
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance (NSN: 0-5844), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Task Force Commander during the capture of the Marshall and Marianas Islands. Admiral Spruance rendered exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services from January to June 1944. During the joint operations leading to the assault and capture of the important enemy bases, complete integration of Army and Navy units was accomplished under his outstanding leadership, enabling all the forces to perform their closely coordinated missions with outstanding success.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance (NSN: 0-5844), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Task Force Commander, United States Pacific Fleet. 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.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance (NSN: 0-5844), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander Central Pacific Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during the seizure and occupation of the Gilbert Islands, in November 1943. In command of naval forces and certain Army amphibious and air forces during the assaults on Tarawa, Makin and Apamama, Vice Admiral Spruance conducted this action with daring strategy and brilliant employment of the units of this command. The expeditious completion of this vital operation under his forceful leadership assured success in opening the Central Pacific Area to the United States Forces.
Raymond Spruance Images
