The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King—The Five-Star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea

Only four men have risen to five-star admiral in the U.S. Navy: Chester Nimitz, Ernest King, William Leahy, and William Halsey. Their careers began at the turn of the 20th century and culminated in WWII. Each had a different personality; each played a different role. Halsey was the profane, hard-driving sea dog. Nimitz, imperturbable and measured, developed as arguably history’s greatest naval strategist. The abrasive King spoke eloquently for sea power while a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Leahy, as discreet as he was blunt-spoken, was chief of staff and unofficial national security adviser to Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman. The four had in common “an enduring sense of duty, mission, and love of country,” and shared an unusually high level of ability and a clear understanding of the military’s place in a republic. Freelance historian Borneman (1812) demonstrates comprehensive command of published and unpublished sources, fingertip understanding of the period, and a polished writing style in this unique collective biography of the four men who “with a combination of nimble counsel, exasperating ego, studied patience, and street-fighter tactics” shaped the modern U.S. Navy to win WWII at sea. 16 pages of b&w photos; 11 maps. (May 1)