Spruance, Raymond

Spruance, Raymond (Ames)

(1886–1969) naval officer; born in Baltimore, Md. He was one of the navy's ablest tactical leaders during World War II. He commanded one of the two task forces that defeated the Japanese fleet at Midway (1942). As commander of the Central Pacific Area and Force (1943–45), he directed operations in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and led attacks on Tinian, Guam, and Saipan, the battle of the Philippines, and the final assault on Okinawa. He was president of the Naval War College (1945–48).