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Master of Seapower: A Biography of Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King
A comprehensive biography of the most powerful naval officer in the history of the United States who was the controversial architect of the American victory in the Pacific.
Someone once asked Admiral Ernest J. King if it was he who said, "When they get in trouble they send for the sonsabitches." He replied that he was not -- but that he would have said it if he had thought of it.
Although never accused of having a warm personality, Ernest J. King commanded the respect of everyone familiar with his work. His is one of the great American naval careers, his place in history forever secured by a remarkable contribution to the Allied victory in the Second World War. "Lord how I need him," wrote Navy Secretary Frank Knox on December 23, 1941, the day he summoned King to take control of the Navy at its lowest point, the aftermath of Pearl Harbor.
Raised in a stern Calvinist home in Lorain, Ohio, Ernest King grew interested in a naval career after reading an article in a boys' magazine. After graduating from Annapolis fourth in his class (1901), King's early career was "rather ordinary" according to biographer Robert W. Love. But in 1909, at the end of a stint as a drillmaster at the Naval Academy, King distinguished himself by writing an influential essay entitled, "Organization on Board Ship." King performed well in a number of commands between 1914 and 1923, when he began a three-year stint as commander of the submarine base at New London, Connecticut. In 1926 his career took an important he completed the shortened flight course at Pensacola, and from that point on, he would see aviation as the decisive element in naval warfare. This conviction deepened when he served as assistant bureau chief under Rear Admiral William Moffett, widely considered the father of American naval aviation.
King's career received another boost when he ably commanded his first aircraft carrier, the Lexington , in the early 1930s. But as his prospects for advancement increased, so did his reputation as a difficult character. "He was meaner than hell," commented one junior officer, reflecting the general opinion that King was as much despised as he was respected. This didn't seem to bother him, though. Love observed that he "seemed almost to pride himself on the fact that he had earned his rank solely on his merits as a professional naval officer, rather than as a result of the friendship of others."
In the spring of 1939, the sixty-year-old King coveted the job of Chief of Naval Operations. But his personality and decided lack of political skill or tact led President Roosevelt to pass him over in favor of Admiral Harold Stark. Seemingly banished to duty on the General Board in Washington, King's career was resurrected by the war that soon started in Europe. When Stark grew dissatisfied with the commander of his Atlantic Squadron, he looked to King, who took over in December, 1940. With his slogan "do all that we can with what we have," King ably managed the undeclared war with Germany's U-boats. Although his command was limited to the Atlantic, it brought him to Washington frequently and he stayed abreast of developments in the Pacific. The morning after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Stark called him to Washington; soon after he was running the Navy -- first as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet, soon adding the title Chief of Naval Operations, making him the first man to combine both jobs.
In the early months of 1942, King's strategic brilliance earned him the complete confidence of President Roosevelt. When none of the British or American war planners even dared to think of going on the offensive in the Pacific in 1942-43, King successfully lobbied to do just that. "No fighter ever won his fight by covering up -- merely fending off the other fellow's blows," he wrote. "The winner hits and keeps on hitting even though he has to be able to take some stiff blows in order to keep on hitting." It's easy to see why even those who despised Ernest King were glad he was on their side.
Someone once asked Admiral Ernest J. King if it was he who said, "When they get in trouble they send for the sonsabitches." He replied that he was not -- but that he would have said it if he had thought of it.
Although never accused of having a warm personality, Ernest J. King commanded the respect of everyone familiar with his work. His is one of the great American naval careers, his place in history forever secured by a remarkable contribution to the Allied victory in the Second World War. "Lord how I need him," wrote Navy Secretary Frank Knox on December 23, 1941, the day he summoned King to take control of the Navy at its lowest point, the aftermath of Pearl Harbor.
Raised in a stern Calvinist home in Lorain, Ohio, Ernest King grew interested in a naval career after reading an article in a boys' magazine. After graduating from Annapolis fourth in his class (1901), King's early career was "rather ordinary" according to biographer Robert W. Love. But in 1909, at the end of a stint as a drillmaster at the Naval Academy, King distinguished himself by writing an influential essay entitled, "Organization on Board Ship." King performed well in a number of commands between 1914 and 1923, when he began a three-year stint as commander of the submarine base at New London, Connecticut. In 1926 his career took an important he completed the shortened flight course at Pensacola, and from that point on, he would see aviation as the decisive element in naval warfare. This conviction deepened when he served as assistant bureau chief under Rear Admiral William Moffett, widely considered the father of American naval aviation.
King's career received another boost when he ably commanded his first aircraft carrier, the Lexington , in the early 1930s. But as his prospects for advancement increased, so did his reputation as a difficult character. "He was meaner than hell," commented one junior officer, reflecting the general opinion that King was as much despised as he was respected. This didn't seem to bother him, though. Love observed that he "seemed almost to pride himself on the fact that he had earned his rank solely on his merits as a professional naval officer, rather than as a result of the friendship of others."
In the spring of 1939, the sixty-year-old King coveted the job of Chief of Naval Operations. But his personality and decided lack of political skill or tact led President Roosevelt to pass him over in favor of Admiral Harold Stark. Seemingly banished to duty on the General Board in Washington, King's career was resurrected by the war that soon started in Europe. When Stark grew dissatisfied with the commander of his Atlantic Squadron, he looked to King, who took over in December, 1940. With his slogan "do all that we can with what we have," King ably managed the undeclared war with Germany's U-boats. Although his command was limited to the Atlantic, it brought him to Washington frequently and he stayed abreast of developments in the Pacific. The morning after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Stark called him to Washington; soon after he was running the Navy -- first as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet, soon adding the title Chief of Naval Operations, making him the first man to combine both jobs.
In the early months of 1942, King's strategic brilliance earned him the complete confidence of President Roosevelt. When none of the British or American war planners even dared to think of going on the offensive in the Pacific in 1942-43, King successfully lobbied to do just that. "No fighter ever won his fight by covering up -- merely fending off the other fellow's blows," he wrote. "The winner hits and keeps on hitting even though he has to be able to take some stiff blows in order to keep on hitting." It's easy to see why even those who despised Ernest King were glad he was on their side.
656 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 8, 2025
After reading biographies of Admirals Spruance, Nimitz and Leahy I felt it was time to go to the top, and read the biography of Admiral King who was Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet in World War II
Admiral King was an interesting character to say the least; he was regarded as scary, yet at the same time could be kind. He was a disciplinarian but personally he seems to have been a womanizer and a drinker, he loved parties. I love this quote from the book “King’s bluntness went to extremes, because of his sense of self-righteousness and an undisciplined temper. Tact and discretion too often lost out to emotional excesses, especially in his early career. Together with his intellectual arrogance and lack of humility, King simply considered that he had more brains than anyone else in the Navy and acted accordingly.” And after reading this book I’m inclined to agree, he was usually right.
There is a myth that Admiral King hated the British, this book provides no proof of that, he liked Dudley Pound and respected Admiral Cunningham even though they clashed a lot. I don’t think King cared either way about the British; he concentrated on doing his job.
I preferred Admiral Spruance’s biography by the same author, I think because Spruance was closer to the action, and seemed much more likeable as a person. This one was still a fascinating read about one of the most contradictory of the US Admirals, Halsey is next up.
Admiral King was an interesting character to say the least; he was regarded as scary, yet at the same time could be kind. He was a disciplinarian but personally he seems to have been a womanizer and a drinker, he loved parties. I love this quote from the book “King’s bluntness went to extremes, because of his sense of self-righteousness and an undisciplined temper. Tact and discretion too often lost out to emotional excesses, especially in his early career. Together with his intellectual arrogance and lack of humility, King simply considered that he had more brains than anyone else in the Navy and acted accordingly.” And after reading this book I’m inclined to agree, he was usually right.
There is a myth that Admiral King hated the British, this book provides no proof of that, he liked Dudley Pound and respected Admiral Cunningham even though they clashed a lot. I don’t think King cared either way about the British; he concentrated on doing his job.
I preferred Admiral Spruance’s biography by the same author, I think because Spruance was closer to the action, and seemed much more likeable as a person. This one was still a fascinating read about one of the most contradictory of the US Admirals, Halsey is next up.
February 23, 2019
The irascible "Uncle Ernie" was among the most interesting flag rank officers of World War II who allegedly shaved with a blowtorch. When he was tabbed to take command of the American Navy in 1941 he said, "When the going gets tough they send for the sons a bitches." Buell does a great job in fleshing him out. Although I read the book years ago, one revelation that sticks with me is that King refused to read anything submitted to him if it was longer than one page. That forced submitters to be succinct, which was likely his goal. Another part I remember years after reading the book is that, when he was captain of Lexington, King opened a window on the bridge and chewed out aviators who made poor landings. And if anyone was going up a ladder when King was coming down (or vice versa) he was expected to back off and let King have the right of way.
I would have hated serving under King, but he was the right man to be in charge of the Navy during World War II.
I would have hated serving under King, but he was the right man to be in charge of the Navy during World War II.
January 1, 2021
Glad we had Admiral King on our side!
Having read the biography of General George C. Marshall, I was happy to see this author point out the contrasting positions taken by the Navy via Admiral King. While just about everyone else wanted the US to fight an entirely defensive battle in the Pacific until Hitler was defeated, King pushed hard to go on the offensive early and continuously. Can you believe the Combined Chiefs of Staff were willing to let Australia fall to the Japanese while they focused on Germany? King had his flaws which the author pointed out, but his strengths saved American lives in the war in the Pacific. If you want another viewpoint about WW2 including some interesting stories about the other leaders in the war, this book can do it.
Having read the biography of General George C. Marshall, I was happy to see this author point out the contrasting positions taken by the Navy via Admiral King. While just about everyone else wanted the US to fight an entirely defensive battle in the Pacific until Hitler was defeated, King pushed hard to go on the offensive early and continuously. Can you believe the Combined Chiefs of Staff were willing to let Australia fall to the Japanese while they focused on Germany? King had his flaws which the author pointed out, but his strengths saved American lives in the war in the Pacific. If you want another viewpoint about WW2 including some interesting stories about the other leaders in the war, this book can do it.
December 24, 2012
Buell does a great job with a difficult subject. King was every inch a sonofabitch. He shaped the wartime US Navy into the largest, most powerful force the world has ever seen. King comes across as a man who had little time or tolerance for bullshit. He also comes across as a boss who was loyal to his best subordinates, even if they disagreed with him. All in all King is seriously underrated for his role in the war.
September 13, 2021
I gave this an above average rating because its one of the few biographies of one of USA's most important military leaders in WW 2. Not much has been written about him, and all we get from the other WW 2 books is that he was an "anglophobe" or "Tough as Nails" or hard to get along with. This book provides some much needed detail and personal background.
Buell gives us some surprising facts, like:
1) George Marshall forced King to circle the airfield on the way to Casablanca in Jan 1943, so Marshall could land first. It seems Marshall "out-ranked" King, and Marshall insisted that his airplane land first.
2) Henry Stimson and King both disliked each other intensely.
3) King wasn't really sold on Sledgehammer in 1942, but loyally supported Marshall in July 1942, because he wanted the Army's help in the upcoming Guadalcanal invasion.
4) Although King was grateful to FDR for promoting him, he regarded FDR as a "slippery customer" who couldn't be counted on to tell the truth.
5) King thought the USSR would do 9/10 of the fighting against Germany, and focused on the Pacific War after the Invasion of North Africa.
6) The lack of convoys on the US Coast in 1942 was due to a lack of destroyers and was directly traceable to FDR's refusal to build DE's prior to Pearl Harbor. In fact, even in 1942, FDR gave shipping and Landing craft priority. The result is only 50 DE's were laid down before Nov 1st, 1942.
7) King didn't think the invasion of Japan was necessary and dubious about the A-Bomb. In his opinion Blockade and conventional bombing were enough.
8) FDR's Unconditional Surrender policy was idiotic - per King. But he didn't consider it his place to push the matter.
So, the book has plenty to chew on. Strangely, King's hatred of MacArthur is never explained or discussed. His dislike for the General was so uncontrollable, that Marshall had to rebuke him in JSC meetings several times. Yet Buell says nothing. Nor does he go into King's so-called "anglo-phobia".
Buell gives us some surprising facts, like:
1) George Marshall forced King to circle the airfield on the way to Casablanca in Jan 1943, so Marshall could land first. It seems Marshall "out-ranked" King, and Marshall insisted that his airplane land first.
2) Henry Stimson and King both disliked each other intensely.
3) King wasn't really sold on Sledgehammer in 1942, but loyally supported Marshall in July 1942, because he wanted the Army's help in the upcoming Guadalcanal invasion.
4) Although King was grateful to FDR for promoting him, he regarded FDR as a "slippery customer" who couldn't be counted on to tell the truth.
5) King thought the USSR would do 9/10 of the fighting against Germany, and focused on the Pacific War after the Invasion of North Africa.
6) The lack of convoys on the US Coast in 1942 was due to a lack of destroyers and was directly traceable to FDR's refusal to build DE's prior to Pearl Harbor. In fact, even in 1942, FDR gave shipping and Landing craft priority. The result is only 50 DE's were laid down before Nov 1st, 1942.
7) King didn't think the invasion of Japan was necessary and dubious about the A-Bomb. In his opinion Blockade and conventional bombing were enough.
8) FDR's Unconditional Surrender policy was idiotic - per King. But he didn't consider it his place to push the matter.
So, the book has plenty to chew on. Strangely, King's hatred of MacArthur is never explained or discussed. His dislike for the General was so uncontrollable, that Marshall had to rebuke him in JSC meetings several times. Yet Buell says nothing. Nor does he go into King's so-called "anglo-phobia".
November 1, 2013
Very interesting. King has been criticised for being difficult to get on with, but there is little doubt he was the right man, in the right place, at the right time during WWII.
Buell's anecdotes are a highlight. His account of King's brief meeting with Stalin at Yalta on pages 486-487 will appeal to all lovers of black humour!
Buell's anecdotes are a highlight. His account of King's brief meeting with Stalin at Yalta on pages 486-487 will appeal to all lovers of black humour!
April 23, 2020
I thought I would hate reading this book about Admiral King. But I wanted to read it because he was such an important figure throughout WWII.
However, to my surprise, I quite enjoyed the book. It was well written and moved along well, even over slow parts which the author kept brief.
King was the acerbic, SOB, everyone said he was. However, he also seems to have been hard working, caring, dedicated, and a family man. He seems like the kind of person you only hear then unfortunately bad things about.
Again, I was very surprised as I expected him to be more like General Patton, who I did not like reading about very much, for a variety of reasons.
His contributions to the war and the navy are truly impressive. It's definitely worth reading in your interested in WWII.
However, to my surprise, I quite enjoyed the book. It was well written and moved along well, even over slow parts which the author kept brief.
King was the acerbic, SOB, everyone said he was. However, he also seems to have been hard working, caring, dedicated, and a family man. He seems like the kind of person you only hear then unfortunately bad things about.
Again, I was very surprised as I expected him to be more like General Patton, who I did not like reading about very much, for a variety of reasons.
His contributions to the war and the navy are truly impressive. It's definitely worth reading in your interested in WWII.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
Naval historian, Commander Thomas Buell produced the biography of Fleet Admiral Ernest King. Buell delves into warts and all aspects of Fleet Admiral King, his prickly relationship with the media, colleagues, etc. Buell also vividly portrays Admiral King's love of the United States Navy and his mono-focused protection of such. This is still the reference most used when Admiral King is discussed or written about over forty years after publication.
November 7, 2023
Did he really shave with a blow-torch? That’s probably the only question this well-written biography of the US’ Navy’s senior leader during WWII fails to answer.
January 26, 2025
A larger than life man in a place and at a time when he was desperately needed.
Fascinating read.
Fascinating read.
June 27, 2021
While this book was well written I can't say it really changed my mind about Adm. King except I came to see him as a man well-prepared for the role he would play in World War II.
May 3, 2017
A surprisingly interesting book on ADM King's career, with a focus on his role throughout WWII. I'd previously read books on ADM Spruance & Halsey and thought of them as incredibly high level pictures of the Navy's actions in the Pacific theater during WWII, so an understanding of their boss's boss seemed like an essential read. I suppose I knew that both members worked for Nimitz who worked for King, I was still surprised to find that there could be an even higher level/bigger picture view of the Navy's role in the war. Reading The Quiet Warrior on ADM Spruance, I couldn't believe that he commanded 1,000 ships for his assault on Okinawa. Considering that the modern day US Navy has 300 ships, I didn't think it could get more impressive than commanding 1,000 ship. It turns out that ADM King oversaw the an 8,000 ship Navy. Pretty amazing, and probably never to be seen again in the days of fewer, but more capable ships.
Though it's hard to relate to the man ADM King was, it's hard not to respect the results he produced.
It's a fairly obscure topic to the average reader I suppose, which is unfortunate because the book was well researched and written, and a surprisingly quick read.
Though it's hard to relate to the man ADM King was, it's hard not to respect the results he produced.
It's a fairly obscure topic to the average reader I suppose, which is unfortunate because the book was well researched and written, and a surprisingly quick read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews