The Omission of Admiral Spruance: A Review of His Career and Unfulfilled Potential

The failure to promote Admiral Spruance to the rank of Fleet Admiral during World War II remains a significant oversight, a decision that has been the subject of much debate and reflection for decades.

Admiral Spruance's Maced Importance

Admiral Spruance was a distinguished naval officer, known for his exemplary leadership and strategic acumen. His contributions were profound, especially during critical operations such as the invasion of Tarawa and the Battle of the Philippine Sea, where his command of the Fifth Fleet played a crucial role in achieving victory.

The Decision not to Promote Spruance

Despite his proven leadership and immense contributions, Admiral Spruance was not promoted to the rank of Fleet Admiral. This decision was influenced by the establishment of the number of five-star officers in the United States military during World War II. Fleet Admiral Ernest King, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), refused to promote him. The reasoning behind this decision was that with Fleet Admiral Nimitz and the towering presence of General of the Army MacArthur during the Pacific theater, there was no need to add another five-star officer.

A Missed Opportunity for Spruance

The failure to award Admiral Spruance a fifth star to President Halsey marked one of the biggest mistakes made by CNO Admiral King. Halsey was promoted to the rank of Fleet Admiral due to his seniority and name recognition, despite Spruance’s equally significant roles in critical operations. This decision has sparked conversations about the fairness and representativeness of promotions within the military, highlighting the importance of recognizing outstanding contributions.

Legislative Efforts to Posthumously Promote Spruance

Efforts to rectify this oversight through posthumous promotions have continued over the years. Every year or two, a bill is submitted to Congress proposing to award Admiral Spruance the title of Fleet Admiral. These legislative attempts serve as a reminder of his indelible impact on the war and his well-deserved recognition within military history.

Recognition and Life on Full Pay

While not achieving the rank of Fleet Admiral during his lifetime, Admiral Spruance was granted a unique posthumous honor. He, along with Generals Spaatz, Vandegrift, and Bradley, were allowed to remain on active duty for life at full pay. This decision reflects a respect for their contributions and a recognition of their immense value to the military.

Admiral Spruance’s unfulfilled potential and the historical significance of this decision continue to be topics of discussion. The promotion to Fleet Admiral would have not only recognized his immense contributions but also provided a more balanced and fair recognition within the annals of military history.