Fleet Admiral Chester William Nimitz, one of the few five-star admirals in US Navy history and one of the most respected officers by US presidents. The US Presidents praised his leadership and strategic ability. He also had the ability to manage multiple tasks and was able to evaluate and control his subordinates. Nimitz has been hailed as the ideal World War II military commander and a decision-maker.
Fleet Admiral Nimitz’s subordinates were inspired by his ability to see the bright side of situations where others saw only defeatism and despair. Nimitz’s distinguishing qualities were evident when compared to the other five-star Fleet Admirals who served with him in the US Navy during that same time period. Nimitz, a clearly people-oriented leader, put his arm around the shoulders of subordinates and explained how they can work together. He was a key commander in World War II. He also had expertise in diesel engines for submarines and tanks.
Admiral Chester William Nimitz has actively contributed to the United States Navy’s success since Annapolis Naval Academy. The 61 years he spent in service, along with his efforts and involvement, led to significant advancements on command strategy, naval training, goodwill, and engineering and construction of nuclear, gas, and diesel engines for submarines and navy vessels. More awards were given to him, including Gold Stars. Nimitz’s leadership during WW II helped win the Pacific War. On 02 September 1945 he signed for the United States after Japan admitted defeat aboard the USS Missouri at Tokyo Bay. He was found to be the strategic decision-maker during the important battles in the Coral Sea conflict, Eastern Solomons and battles Santa Cruz.
Summary of LeaderChester William Nimitz died in Fredericksburg Texas six months before his birth. Nimitz’s primary role-model was his grandfather, a German Merchant Marine who served in the Texas Rangers as well as an allied commander. Nimitz’s charismatic personality and achievements were shaped by his grandfather’s wisdom and experiences. His grandfather said that the sea, like life, is a strict taskmaster. It is best to do your best, learn as much as you can and not worry about anything – even things you cannot control.
Nimitz wanted to further his education. A financial constraint forced him to choose military service. His top choice was the Military Academy of West Point. Unfortunately, the vacancies weren’t available. Then he worked hard to secure the only available appointment at Naval Academy Annapolis. In 1905, he graduated 7th out of 114 students from the Naval Academy. He was only awarded a diploma when he reached the rank of admiral, decades after he had graduated from highschool. In the academy, he was nicknamed “Matty”, because of his excellent mathematics skills and his sit-ups. He was described by his classmates as “a man with a cheerful past and resolute future”.
Midshipman Nimitz 1905Midshipman Nimitz graduated and was immediately assigned to battleship OHIO(BB-12). He was then transferred to the cruiser Baltimore (C-3). In January 1909 he joined the First Submarine Fleet and in May he was given command. He became the commander of the 3rd Submarine Division Atlantic Torpedo Fleet at the end 1911. In 1912 Lieutenant Nimitz won the Navy Silver Life Saving Medal after saving a fellow shipmate. In June of that year, Lieutenant Chester W. Nimitz delivered a lecture at the Naval War College titled “Defensive & Offensive Submarine tactics.”
Lieutenant Nimitz studied diesel engines in early 1913. This was because the Navy was mesmerized with the performance of this engine. Nimitz had to supervise two 2,600 horse-power diesel engines installed in a Tanker MAUMEE.
Nimitz achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Commander in 1917. Nimitz’s abilities were demonstrated over the following years. In 1918 he received a Letter of Commendation in recognition of his meritorious service. In the same, he became a senior board member of submarine design.
In 1926, he established the first Naval Reserve Officers’ Unit at the University of California. Between the wars he served on battleships, cruisers and studied at advanced naval colleges. In 1938 he became a Rear-Admiral. Admiral Nimitz was one of only two names that were accepted for the position of Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet. The other name was Adm. E. Kimmel’s husband. Adm. Kimmel’s name was later selected to be the new appointment.
Admiral Nimitz heard about the attack on Pearl Harbour while he was at his Washington home. Admiral Kimmel had been relieved a few weeks later, and Admiral Nimitz took over. Nimitz was promoted to Admiral on 17th December 1941 by President Roosevelt, ten day after the Pearl Harbour attack. After the Pacific Area was divided in three zones in 1942, Admiral Nimitz took command of all units, including air, sea and ground, in the Pacific Ocean Areas.
