Chester W. Nimitz : "Every Man's Admiral" (excerpts from "OUR NAVY" magazine, 1 September 1946) He hailed from Fredericksburg, Texas, with a sea-faring family history. It seemed natural he would choose a Navy career, but in high school, his friends…
(excerpts from "OUR NAVY" magazine, 1 September 1946)
He hailed from Fredericksburg, Texas, with a sea-faring family history. It seemed natural he would choose a Navy career, but in high school, his friends made plans for the Army. Chester decided he would compete with them for West Point.
When Nimitz became eligible to take the exam, he learned there were no more appointments available in his district, except for Annapolis. The winner of a competitive examination would land him that assignment. He entered in 1901 with Royal Ingersoll and William F. Halsey, Jr.
In his first year, he showed up at the boat dock, his 150 pounds barely filling his gym suit, and tried to get a place on the boat crew. The coach thought he was a bit small, but Nimitz said, "Give me a chance." He got that chance and became the stroke oar in the 4th crew. They did so well, the Texan was promoted to the 3rd crew that consequently kept winning. Out-weighed by 35lbs., Chester would stroke the seven men in the first boat.
At 23-years old at the Asiatic Station, he impressed his superiors as an officer fit for submarine service. With his executive abilities, remarkable memory and exceptional patience, he arrived at the 1st Submarine Flotilla for his training.
The first sub Nimitz took command of was only the second one accepted by the Navy, the Plunger. Not even named for a fish, he called it "a cross between a Jules Verne fantasy and a whale." He then proceeded to other classes of underwater craft.
One day in March 1912, while on the Skipjack, W.J. Walsh F2c was washed overboard. He couldn't swim. Nimitz was the first to dive into the water and reach him before he went under, as they were both being carried away in the tide. This high character and confidence his men felt here, followed Chester Nimitz through all his commands.
In WWI, he served as Chief of Staff to Admiral Samuel S. Robinson, commander of the U.S. Submarine Forces. Because of his rank, he soon found himself in the surface fleet and he continued to climb.
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When Nimitz arrived on the still smoldering Pearl Harbor to take over command of the Pacific Fleet, the CinCPac staff that had served under Admiral Kimmel nervously presumed the ever-efficient Nimitz to hand them transfer orders. Instead, he said, "I did not come here to mete out punishment. I know what you men are expecting me to say. I should be honored to have the entire staff stay with me and work until victory is ours."
He proved he could pick out top commanders by choosing Spruance to take over Halsey's ailing Task Force. and Comdr. Eugene Fluckey, also an ex-skipper of the submarine Barb, for his personal aide. From there we know of the exploits of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz during WWII.
For a man who had no more than the average youth's advantages, I believe we can all agree he had done quite well. Fleet Admiral Nimitz passed away 20 February 1966, 4 days before his 81st birthday.
This magazine was supplied by Jeanne Salaco, blog "everyone has a story to tell". Thank you once again, Jeanne!
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