Imagine being told, just a few days before one of the most important naval battles of World War Two, that you, a man having no naval combat experience, are expected to lead an outnumbered task force against the enemy and to replace a hospitalized and revered naval combat veteran. This was the exact situation that World War II hero, Admiral Raymond Spruance, found himself in after Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz informed him of this command and task. The plan, which would eventually become known as the Battle of Midway, was for the Americans, having broken the Japanese codes, to surprise-attack the Japanese fleet, which was presumably en route to attack and ultimately invade Midway Atoll. Spruance would have the help of Admiral Frank Fletcher, the commander of the aircraft carrier Yorktown and a veteran tactical commander, to help execute the plan.

         The plan, based on the organization of Admiral Nimitz and the Navy's intelligence, was a two-pronged attack that consisted of air groups coming from the American carrier group and from Midway Island itself. The fact that Admiral Spruance executed the plan perfectly cannot be underestimated because, ironically, during the battle, the Yorktown was heavily damaged, which meant that Admiral Fletcher would cede complete tactical command to Admiral Spruance. Spruance kept his cool as the curveballs of the battle unfolded, which included the heavy sacrifice paid by torpedo bombers from the Yorktown, Hornet, and aircraft from Midway Island which allowed dive bombers from the Enterprise and Hornet to simultaneously, which was by coincidence, attack the Japanese fleet unimpeded by Japanese air cover which was engaging torpedo bombers. Spruance’s execution of the plan, which led to a complete victory at the Battle of Midway that destroyed four Japanese carriers, made him an immediate war hero who contributed to the turning point of the war in the Pacific theater. However, Spruance’s complete legend would not be learned about until later. After the Japanese carrier group was destroyed, Spruance’s entire staff, which was comprised of veterans who had served under legendary war veteran Admiral Halsey, pushed Spruance to speed west and pursue the remaining Japanese fleet in order to achieve total victory. Spruance’s gut, despite the rest of the staff, told him otherwise. At the time, Spruance was vilified by his staff, and it was only later revealed that Japanese Supreme Commander Yamamoto’s fleet was ready to spring the exact trap that Spruance had been concerned about, as it lay in wait. Because Spruance withdrew to fight another day, a potential disaster was averted.

          Spruance was known as the quiet warrior as he was not a showy and loquacious commander who bragged about his victories. The Battle of Midway revealed that Spruance was an effective commander, cool under fire and pressure, who could be an effective strategist and tactical commander. He would go on to be Admiral Nimitz’s chief of staff and would command the Central Pacific Command, where he achieved with his fleet many great victories that helped end the war in the Pacific theater.