Nimitz (CVAN 68) - Naval Cruise Book

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Fleet Admiral Chester W Nimitz Chester William Nimitz was born in Fredericksburg, Texas, on February 24, 1885. He was appointed to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1901. His graduation with distinction from that institution in 1905 began a career un- paralleled in the annals of naval history. Illustrative of his outstanding service to his country and the world were the conferrnent of the highest honors of the United States government, decorations and awards received from thirteen foreign governments, and honorary degrees conferred by nineteen American colleges and universities. On Iune 15, 1939, Admiral Nimitz was appointed Chief of the'Bureau of Navigation for a term of four years. Before the term was completed, however, the United States was at war, and on December 31, 1941, he became Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet. On April 3, 1942, he also assumed the title of Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas. The rank of Fleet Admiral of the United States Navy was established by an Act of Congress approved on December 14, 1944. This highest grade inthe Navy was established for certain officers of the active list, and the next day the President of the United States nominated and, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appointed Admiral Nimitz to that rank. He accepted the appointment and took the oath of office on December 19, 1944. .signing Of me Japanese surrender document aboard USS MISSOURI in Tokyo Bay gjseptember 2 19-4?

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