Raymond Ames Spruance

Spruance, Raymond Ames (1886–1969), U.S. naval officer known for victories in the Pacific theater during World War II under the command of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. His first notable victory took place at Midway Island (1942), after which he became Nimitz's chief of staff. From 1943–44 he won victories in islands throughout the central Pacific, including the Gilbert Islands, the Marshall Islands, the island of Truk in Micronesia, Guam, Saipan, and the battle of the Philippines. Spruance also led the victory at Okinawa (1945). He was promoted to commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet (1945). He took over the presidency of the Naval War College (1946) and served as the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines (1952–55).

See also: World War II.