- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Fleet Admiral (Admiral of the Fleet)
- Unit:
- Pacific Fleet, U.S. Navy
"For exceptionally meritorious service as Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet. In that position of great responsibility, as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Ocean Areas, from June 1944 to August 1945. Initiating the final phase in the battle for victory in the Pacific, Admiral Nimitz attacked the Marianas, invading Saipan, inflicting a decisive defeat in the Japanese Fleet in the First Battle of the Philippines and capturing Guam and Tinian. In vital continuing operations, his Fleet Forces isolated the enemy-held bastions of the Central and Eastern Carolines and secured in quick succession Peleliu, Angaur and Ulithi. With reconnaissance of the main beaches on Leyte effected, approach channels cleared and opposition neutralized in joint operations to reoccupy the Philippines, the challenge by powerful task forces of the Japanese Fleet resulted in a historic victory in the three-phased Battle for Leyte Gulf, October 24 to 26, 1944. Accelerating the intensity of aerial offensive by pressure exerted at every hostile strong point, Fleet Admiral Nimitz culminated long-range strategy by successful amphibious assault on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. A wise, steadfast and indomitable leader, Fleet Admiral Nimitz, by his daring strategy and his faith in the courage and skill of the officers and men under his command, finally placed representative forces of the U.S. Navy in the Harbor of Tokyo for the formal capitulation of the Japanese Empire. Through his mastery of naval warfare, his strategical skill, his sound judgment, and his inspiring leadership he demonstrated the highest qualities of an officer of the naval service and rendered services of the greatest distinction to his country."
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 305
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Thid DSM/N received as Gold Star