William Frederick “Bull” Halsey Jr. (1882–1959) was an American Navy admiral, renowned for his leadership in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was one of four officers to attain five-star fleet admiral rank, alongside William Leahy, Ernest J. King, and Chester W. Nimitz.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Halsey graduated from the United States Naval Academy (1904.) He served in the Great White Fleet and commanded destroyers in World War I. In 1935, he became a naval aviator, later commanding USS Saratoga.
During World War II, Halsey led Task Force 16, conducting raids on Japanese-held territories. He played a pivotal role in the Battle for Guadalcanal (1942–43) and the Solomon Islands Campaign (1942–45.) Appointed Third Fleet commander (1943,) he led forces in the Battle of Leyte Gulf (1944,) one of history’s largest naval battles.
Retiring in 1947, Halsey later served as President of International Telecommunications Laboratories (1951–57.) He died in 1959 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His memoir, Admiral Halsey’s Story (1947,) provides insights into his wartime strategies and leadership.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by William Halsey, Jr.
There are no extraordinary men…just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with.
—William Halsey, Jr.
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