Admiral Chester W. Nimitz: The Life and Legacy of the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Commander in Chief during World War II

by Charles River Editors

*Includes pictures *Includes a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents “It is the function of the Navy to carry the war to the enemy so that it is not fought on U.S. soil.” – Admiral Nimitz All Americans are familiar with the “day that will live in infamy.” At 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor, the advanced base of the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet, was ablaze. It had been smashed by aircraft launched by the carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy. All eight battleships had been sunk or badly damaged, 350 aircraft had been knocked out, and over 2,000 Americans lay dead. Indelible images of the USS Arizona exploding and the USS Oklahoma capsizing and floating upside down have been ingrained in the American conscience ever since. In less than an hour and a half the Japanese had almost wiped out America’s entire naval presence in the Pacific. Despite fighting in North Africa and the Atlantic, the United States still had the resources and manpower to fight the Japanese in the Pacific. Though the Japanese had crippled the American fleet at Pearl Harbor, its distance from Japan made an invasion of Pearl Harbor impossible, and Japan had not severely damaged important infrastructure. Thus, the United States was able to quickly rebuild a fleet, still stationed at Pearl Harbor right in the heart of the Pacific. This forward location allowed the United States to immediately push deeply into the Pacific Theater. The Americans would eventually push the Japanese back across the Pacific, and one of the most instrumental leaders in the effort was Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet and helped coordinate joint operations with the legendary General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area. The ensuing strategies would lead to decisive operations at places like Midway, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and others before the use of the atomic bombs compelled Japan’s surrender in August 1945. Admiral Chester W. The Life and Legacy of the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Commander in Chief during World War II chronicles Nimitz’s life and examines the decisions he made during history’s deadliest war. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about Admiral Nimitz like never before.

Genres: History, Biography, War, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, World War II

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2019

About the author

Charles River Editors is an independent publisher of thousands of ebooks on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Apple iBookstore & provider of original content for third parties.

Reviews

[Jim Beatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a scene right out of its a wonderful life.
Some time into his military career Nimitz has become a bit of an expert on the new Diesel engine.
While making $240/ month in the navy. Private industry offered him a 5 year contract at 25k per.
He chose the Navy. Rest is History.

[William Bahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weightier than Wikipedia

This eBook could cost you a buck or two, but if you like strategy, you might want to get it.

Both Wikipedia and the eBook have details, but by my quick estimate, the eBook easily has 2-3 times the words of Wikipedia, many of them related to strategic aspects not mentioned in Wikipedia. For example: 1. Nimitz’s rise in rank came about because his strategic thinking ability was noticed. His talent was especially appreciated by FDR, who as former assistant Navy secretary, loved to talk about naval strategy. 2. Japan began to look at and think about invading France’s holdings in Southeast Asia after Germany knocked France out of the war. 3. The Allies wanted to conquer Germany first for a variety of strategic reasons (listed). 4. American strategic use of deciphering Japanese codes helped win the highly consequential Battle of Midway. 5. Nimitz’s trailblazing role in the war’s strategic aspects of submarines and oceanic refueling helped win the war. 6. Nimitz and MacArthur differed significantly on the strategic concept of “island hopping.” Exactly how is detailed in the eBook. 7. The cost of human life played mightily in the calculations to drop atomic bombs on Japan.

Bottom-line, though relatively short (you can read it in an hour), the eBook is a great value. Since each biography offers different personal anecdotes, the eBook is a nice companion to Wikipedia (and vice versa) to get a more complete appreciation of the life of Chester Nimitz.

Of possible interest, a book on winning strategies used throughout history by 87 master strategists:Strategic Advantage: How to Win in War, Business, and Life

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 3-Star Review of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz by Charles River Editors

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz provides a clear and accessible overview of one of the most influential military leaders of World War II. The book covers the major moments of Nimitz’s career, from the aftermath of Pearl Harbor to the pivotal battles that shaped the Pacific Theater. It offers useful historical context for readers who may be new to the subject, highlighting Nimitz’s leadership, strategic mindset, and cooperation with figures like General Douglas MacArthur.

However, the book leans more toward a broad summary than an in-depth biography. While it includes the key facts and major milestones, it doesn’t always explore Nimitz’s personality, decision-making challenges, or the complexities behind the strategies that defined the war. Readers looking for a deeper, more detailed portrait may find the coverage a bit surface-level.

That said, this is still a solid, straightforward introduction to Admiral Nimitz’s life and legacy. It’s a quick, informative read that outlines his role in the Pacific campaign and helps illuminate why he remains such a significant figure in American naval history.

[Zen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up about an hour and a half away from Fredericksburg, so have been to the Admiral Nimitz Museum and botanical gardens. My parents were big on stopping at places of possible interest along the way on road trips and this was one of those stops on one of the many trips we took to the coast. I've never been a big fan of military non-fiction, but I have always been a great fan of history (even though I have so much trouble remembering dates) and it was interesting to see the place Admiral Nimitz holds in history.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good synopsis on Adm Nimitz and his impact on WWII in the Pacific. It's concise, but could be more so. For example, it narrated the battle of Midway for about 15 minutes, when five minutes would have been sufficient to relate Nimitz relationship to the tactical situation and it's impact. Nimitz was a common man thrust into an uncommon situation and thrived.

[Don Crumbley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Synopsis on Adm Nimitz

A good synopsis on Adm Nimitz for those only wanting to read a brief on the man, his Naval career and his challenges as the man in charge of the U.S. Forces in the Pacific during WWII

[Bruce · Rating 2 out of 5]

Average Book about an Extraordinary Man

Chester Nimitz’s leadership led to victory in the Pacific. This book presents a very shallow vision of that deep story.

[Joshua · Rating 1 out of 5]

Felt like someone reding a wikipedia article.
Almost zero insight.
Speculative and oversimplified.
Was this a high school report adapted into a book?

[Joseph Herlihy · Rating 5 out of 5]

easy read

Short and very much to the point. Like the subject. There are other books, but none improve on this “memoir”?

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY interesting

I learned a lot, about Admiral Nimitz and about the war in the Pacific. Most significant to me the depth and breadth of experience he brought to the “job at hand”.