Peter's Reviews > Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay

This biography of Nimitz by a naval historian at Annapolis, was recommended by my Dad. I read his copy. It focuses on Nimitz’s appointment to command of the US Navy, Pacific Theater, from after Pearl Harbor, 1941 through the end of the war in 1945, about 4 years.

Nimitz was the right man, at the right time, in the right position. He was not egotistical, did not second guess his lieutenants, treated his subordinates, and everyone, with respect, did not micromanage and rarely lost his temper. By his own admission, he could tolerate stubborn people, and he could tolerate stupid people, but he would not put up with someone who was both stubborn and stupid.

He managed to put up with that prima donna Gen. Douglas McArthur for the entire war. Boy, was that guy an egotistical pain-in-the.

Coverage of the naval battles is adequate, but not detailed blow-by-blow, so if that is what you enjoy, you may be disappointed. There is more focus on strategy discussions and personnel and materiel management, which is interesting in its own way, and essential for the successful prosecution of any war.

Nimitz had some good people under him, including the codebreakers at Pearl, who he sadly was not able to defend enough to the know-it-alls back in Washington, and Halsey, who was a bit of a loose cannon, but whose fighting spirit was what the doctor ordered. Spruance and Mitchner were also good and treated well by Nimitz.

He was a good commander, and a decent man. RIP, Admiral.