When Yorktown was struck at Midway, however, Fletcher transferred his flag to the cruiser Astoria and placed Spruance tactically in charge. Raymond A. Spruance was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on 3 July 1886. In 1964 an Ohio woman took up the challenge that had led to Amelia Earharts disappearance. Privacy Policy, Admiral Raymond Spruance served in US Navy during. The Americans lost only 17 planes and no ships. Returning to Newport, Spruance remained at the college until retiring from the US Navy on July 1, 1948. The Battle of Midway was a turning point in the Pacific War. Japanese propagandists pointed to their success in the Aleutians to offset the defeat at Midway, but actually the Aleutians were of little strategic value. Spruance's fast carrier commander, Marc Mitscher, told his chief of staff Arleigh Burke: You and I have been in many battles, and we know there are always some mistakes. Morisons text refers to Spruance, victor at Midway. Spruance's seagoing career included command of the destroyers Bainbridge from March 1913 to May 1914, Osborne, three other destroyers, and the battleship Mississippi. C. The Roman Catholic Church developed in Constantinople. [14][15] For his actions at the battle of Midway Rear Admiral Spruance was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and cited as follows: "For exceptionally meritorious service as Task Force Commander, United States Pacific Fleet. Fletcher quickly ordered his dive bombers to strike, which fatally damaged the fourth Japanese carrier; it was scuttled the next day. The fourth was a choice between Halsey and Spruance, and after much deliberation, eventually Halsey was appointed in December 1945. He was responsible for leading the 5th Fleet into the pivotal Battle of the Philippines Sea, nicknamed the 'Great Marianas Turkey Shoot' because a total of 365 Japanese planes were brought down. Japanese fleet in charge of landing army units on Midway. The Japanese intercepted this and soon started sending messages that "AF was short on water. 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. Answer: 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. It was June 4, Admiral Raymond A. Spruance and Admira Fletcher had to engage four Japanese ships in the Battle of Midway. Hickman, Kennedy. 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. Admiral Yamaguchi and the Hiryu's captain decide to stay aboard the ship. catalogued as someone to watch; there was never any possibility that he would be passed over in the lists for promotion. At Midway, dive bombers from the Enterprise crippled sank four larger carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy. In July 1941, his responsibilities were expanded to include oversight of the Caribbean Sea Frontier. Then Nagumos force was spotted by torpedo bombers from Hornets squadron VT-8, led by Lt. Cmdr. Arriving back in the United States, he underwent additional training in electrical engineering at General Electric before being posted to USS Connecticut (BB-18) in May 1910. The Fifth Fleet commanders citation read: Responsible for the operation of a vast and complicated organization which included more than 500,000 men of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, 318 combatant vessels and 1,139 auxiliary vessels, [he] directed the forces under his command with daring, courage and aggressiveness. They would draw them north to deal with a Japanese invasion in the bleak Aleutian Islands, and then strike at unprotected Midway. Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighters, Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless dive bombers and Douglas TBD-1 Devastator torpedo bombers thundered off the flight decks and rose to search for the enemy carriers. Then it was back to Pebble Beach. The Battle of Midway was the first major victory for the United States over Japan and is seen by many as . This gave rise to the description of Spruance as "an Admiral's admiral". United States bombers sank three Japanese ships. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. For his actions at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, Spruance was awarded the Navy Cross. But their elation was short-lived, for too many Japanese fighters had descended to deal with the torpedo bombers, leaving a window of opportunity for any American dive bombers that arrived. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz,, Commander in Chief, Pacific, (right) and, Admiral Raymond Spruance, Commander, Central Pacific Force, (center) Tour Kwajalein Island, Marshalls, February 5,1944, following its capture. At Midway, Spruance's force inflicted on the Imperial Japanese Navy its worst setback in 350 years. In August 1943 Spruance was placed in command of the Central Pacific Force, which, on April 29, 1944, was redesignated as the Fifth Fleet. The Navy honored Spruance by giving his name to a new class of 30 destroyers, the first of which, USS Spruance, was launched in 1973. These attacks were followed by a raid against Marcus Island. Japanese supporting aircraft carrier in Aleutian islands campaign. Moving into position near Midway, Spruance's force was later joined by Rear Admiral Frank J. Fletcher's TF 17 which included the carrier USS Yorktown (CV-5). King said to him "Spruance, you did a damn fine job there. Aboard the Japanese flattops, many torpedo-carrying planes were waiting for fighters to take off as the American planes dived. Yorktowns planes hit Soryu as she was turning into the wind to launch aircraft. https://www.historynet.com/admiral-raymond-a-spruance-modest-victor-of-midway/, Jerrie Mock: Record-Breaking American Female Pilot, How Operation Homecoming Was Sprung into Action to Repatriate American POWs. Japanese aircraft carrier attached to the Main Body of the fleet and saw close to no action. Once theBattle of the Philippine Sea came to an end, Spruance returned to Pearl Harbour to help plan other landings in the future. But his service was not yet finished. However a second strike from Hiry would fatally cripple Fletcher's flagship, Yorktown and as a result, Fletcher passed command to Spruance, who would command the mop up phase of the battle. Following the campaign, Spruance turned the fleet over to Halsey and began planning operations to capture Iwo Jima. Then U.S. dive bombers from Spruance's Enterprise flew to Nagumo's fleet of four carriers which, fatefully, were without air cover. Terms of Use| If this happened, it would enable the Japanese to pinch the Americans between their two carrier forces. He also commanded Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway, comprising the carriers Enterprise and Hornet. Covered by fog and lashed by storms most of the time, they were generally unsuitable for air or naval bases. My mind is blank. Japanese escort carrier that was mainly responsible for launching scouts attached to Combined Fleet main body. >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. The enemy units were forced to withdraw their battered aircraft carrier Shokaku, while the Americans had to abandon the old, cherished carrier Lexington. Yet the decision is hailed by the series's narrator as instrumental in sealing the American victory. Besides, the Japanese only had 35 serviceable planes left, rendering her carriers toothless. After the enemys raids on Midway, Admiral Spruance ordered the launching of every possible plane to search for and attack the Japanese carriers. Although some historians and many newsmen have written many words about Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, U.S. Navy and his brilliant career in the Pacific in World War II, the complete story of this reserved and self-effacing man is now being told for the first time by one of his close friends and wartime associates. The US intelligence services could predict the way the Japanese carriers and planes would be approaching the battle. Was the site of a naval battle between the United States and Japan in 1942. After air assaults, two rocky islands, Kiska and Attu, were occupied by Japanese ground forces. By 1939, at the age of 53, Spruance had spent 18 years at sea. Navy Secretary Frank Knox said of Kwajalein: The Japanese had been there 20 years. He advanced quickly through the ranks, becoming an admiral in 1944. [2] He emerged from the war as one of the greater admirals in American naval history. Historian Morison later described Spruances performance at Midway as superb. United States Admiral in command of naval units on the Pacific Theatre in 1942. However, an invasion was rendered unnecessary when the atomic bomb was used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Japanese fleet under the direct command of Admiral Yamamoto with over 5 battleships and escort carrier Hosho. 108 planes under Juichi Tomanaga bomb and strafe Midway. In the course of a two-hour interview, he stood or walked about all the timenot restlessly, but slowly and deliberately. Captain George C. Dyer of the light cruiser Astoria, who served under both Spruance and Halsey, summed up the view of many ship captains: My feeling was one of confidence when Spruance was there. A total of 1,132 enemy planes were put out of action. 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. But the American commander, who could be daring and resourceful when necessary, could also exhibit shrewd caution when his experienced mind sensed an ambush. . With World War I raging, he became Assistant Engineer Officer of the New York Navy Yard. Spruance graduated from the U.S. Hiryu class Japanese aircraft carrier that was part of the second detachment of the Japanese carrier strike force. Admiral Spruances last campaigns were the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and he was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism. When Midway began on June 4, 1942 the first few waves of U.S. aircraft were greatly outnumbered by Japanese forces. He was appointed as Ambassador to the Philippines by President Harry S. Truman, and served there from 1952 to 1955. northwestward of Midway. During the third week of May 1942, U.S. naval intelligence units confirmed that the Japanese wouldby early Juneinvade Midway Island. He did not discuss his private life, feelings, prejudices, hopes or fears, except with his family and his closest friends. Despite this, some detractors argued that Spruances tactics at Philippine Sea were overly cautious. It Didnt End Well. Most historians consider Midway the turning point of the Pacific War.[1]. They find and score 3 hits on the USS Yorktown, but also sustain heavy losses. Japanese naval force tasked with the invasion of the Aleutian Islands under Vice Admiral Kakuta with aircraft carriers Junyo and Ryuho. Towards the end of that year, Spruance commanded a cruiser division supporting Admiral Halsey's carrier, the 'Enterprise', at Wake Island. Spruance was calculating and cautious. Three bombs hammered her. When not in command of the fleet the admirals, and their staffs, were based at Pearl Harbor and planned future operations. Akagi was lashed by bombs, which exploded torpedoes that were being loaded onto her planes, and the crew abandoned ship. From the remaining enemy carrier, Hiryu, Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi launched bombers and torpedo planes against Yorktown. The Turning Point in the Pacific. So he changed course northeastward, avoiding the first wave of dive bombers launched against him from Spruances carriers. 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. Historian Samuel Eliot Morison believed he was one of the greatest fighting and thinking admirals in American naval history. I can thank heredity for a sound constitution, and myself for taking care of that constitution." The Japanese navy could never accept this catastrophic loss. Spruance was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his service at Midway. He was then 55. The battle would open in the mist-shrouded Aleutians with airstrikes against Dutch Harbor on June 3, followed by landings at three points on June 6. Meanwhile, his search planes found no sign of any American warships. 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. The gallant carrier was crippled but nearly succeeded in reaching safety before torpedoes from Japanese submarine I-68 finally sank her three days later. Maintaining a position offshore, the Fifth Fleet's ships were subjected to relentless kamikaze attacks by Japanese aircraft. Known as "island hopping," U.S. forces moved from island to island, using each as a base for capturing the next. Provide at least two examples.Certain lessons in New Testament Survey, as well as outside sources, may be of help to you as you write your report. Akagi class Japanese aircraft carrier that was part of the first detachment of the Japanese carrier strike force. Early in his career he was World War II: Admiral Raymond Spruance. 1, and he commanded her until 1914. Why was Chester W Nimitz important? 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. [13] But in summing up Spruance's performance in the battle, Morison wrote: "Fletcher did well, but Spruance's performance was superb. His father wanted him to go to West Point, but young Raymond yearned to go to sea. That same month, he directed Operation Hailstone which saw American carrier aircraft repeatedly strike the Japanese base at Truk. His squadron successfully ambushed and sank 3 Japanese Aircraft Carriers, Lieutenant in command of the USS Hornet air group. D. Suburban America, 100 POINTS! He readied himself at Stevens Preparatory School in Hoboken, N.J., and entered Annapolis in July 1903 at age 17. Advertisement Still have questions? After three days of pre-invasion bombardment, Marines landed on Roi Islet and captured it the same day. [7], Spruance served in Washington until early 1924, when he was ordered to the headquarters, Commander Naval Force in Europe. Admiral Raymond Spruance served in US Navy during World War Two. I can thank heredity for a sound constitution, and myself for taking care of that constitution. Unites States Rear Admiral in command of Task Force 16 on the USS Enterprise. Halsey was aggressive and a risk taker. 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. On April 1, Spruance began the Battle of Okinawa. He suggested Spruance replace him as commander of the Fleet carrier force, despite the fact that Spruce had little experience with carriers. Summing up his appraisal of this outstanding sailor, Morison noted: Spruance in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, overriding Mitscher the carrier expert in letting the enemy planes come at him instead of going in search of them, won the second most decisive battle of the Pacific war. Although there are no options attached we can say the following. The correct answer to this open question is the following. Japanese Admiral and a pioneer in aircraft carrier warfare. Naval Academy at Annapolis. And, off Okinawa, Spruance never faltered in face of the destruction wrought by the kamikazes. She went down with Admiral Yamaguchi, an outstanding flag officer who, it was said, would have been Yamamotos successor had he lived. World War II: Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, World War II: Battle of the Philippine Sea. On November 24, Spruance relieved Nimitz as Commander, US Pacific Fleet. US Naval Task force under Raymond Spruance with 2 carriers, Enterprise and Hornet. And with this battle the American forces gained, and afterwards continued to gain, hard combat experience; so the Japanese lost that crucial advantage as well. The U.S. Navy intercept force centered on the three carriers Enterprise, Hornet, and Yorktown, and their air-attack squadrons. Make sure to provide references and acknowledgement for any sources you use. Spruance launched an assault on February 16-17 against Truk, the Japanese Pearl Harbor, at the same time that Admiral Turners forces were attacking Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshalls, about 700 miles to the west. The other U.S. flattop, Yorktown, escaped with one bomb hit. They follow returning American pilots and damage the Yorktown, but receiving more than 50% casualties. I finally wangled two months at sea, in 1918, before the war was over. Most of Nagumo's attack planes had just returned from the first strike on Midway and were immobilized on the carrier hangers, while his combat air patrol cover planes were engaged with battling torpedo bombers from Hornet. 2015. Things did not look hopeful for Spruance and his force on the eve of Midway. serious damage on the islands installations. The Americans were able to count on Yorktown, however, after patching her up in an astonishing two days instead of 90 days as had been estimated. Having been promoted to rear admiral in December 1939, he was directed to assume command of the Tenth Naval District (San Juan, PR) in February 1940. After his funeral, he was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery near the grave of his wartime commander, Nimitz. The U.S. Navy counterforce sank all four Japanese carriers while losing one of its own, Yorktown. How did Paul's education It was spotted by scouts from the USS Hornet and destroyed by planes from the Enterprise. This saw Allied forces move against Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands. A. Desegregation of Society On August 1, 1941, he finished his tour in Puerto Rico. Spruance had earned a restful retirement at his home in Pebble Beach, Calif., 125 miles south of San Francisco, with his wife, son and daughter. Though the fourth, Hiryu, managed to launch bombers which caused critical damage to Yorktown, it too was sunk when American aircraft returned later in the day. In August 1943, Spruance, now a vice admiral, returned to sea as Commander Central Pacific Force. On December 30, 1914, Spruance married Margaret Vance Dean, the daughter of an Indianapolis businessman.
Kate Snow Face,
Period Blood In Spaghetti Voodoo,
Selma, Ca News,
Famous Mother And Daughter On Tiktok,
American Airlines Embraer 175 First Class,
Articles H
how does admiral spruance explain the us victory at midway quizlet