Chester Nimitz

1885- 1966

American Admiral

Admiral Chester William Nimitz was born on February 24, 1885 in Fredericksburg Texas. Nimitz was a graduate of the US Naval Academy, class of 1905. Franklin Roosevelt had the opportunity to become acquainted with him when Nimitz served as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation.

In December 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Nimitz was appointed commander of the US Pacific Fleet. He was a very effective commander, and led the US to victory in the Pacific. Nimitz received the Japanese surrender at the end of the war.

An aircraft carrier was subsequently named in his honor.