Raymond Spruance
| Raymond A. Spruance | |
|---|---|
Spruance in April 1944
|
|
| Birth name | Raymond Ames Spruance |
| Born |
July 3, 1886 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Died | December 13, 1969 (aged 83) Pebble Beach, California |
| Buried at | Golden Gate National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1907–1948 |
| Rank |
 Admiral
|
| Commands held | United States Pacific Fleet |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Navy Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal (3) Army Distinguished Service Medal |
| Other work | Ambassador to the Philippines |
Raymond Ames Spruance (July 3, 1886 – December 13, 1969) was a United States Navy admiral in World War II.
Spruance commanded U.S. naval forces during two of the most significant naval battles that took place in the Pacific theater, the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The Battle of Midway was the first major victory for the United States over Japan and is seen by many as the turning point of the Pacific war. The Battle of the Philippine Sea was also a significant victory for the US. The Navy's official historian said of the Battle of Midway "...Spruance's performance was superb...(he) emerged from this battle one of the greatest admirals in American naval history". After the war, Spruance was appointed President of the Naval War College, and later served as American ambassador to the Philippines.
Spruance was nicknamed "electric brain" for his calmness even in moments of supreme crisis, a reputation enhanced by his successful tactics at Midway.
Spruance was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Alexander and Annie Hiss Spruance. He was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. Spruance attended Indianapolis public schools and graduated from Shortridge High School. From there, he went on to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906, and received further, hands-on education in electrical engineering a few years later.
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