Adm. Nimitz – 136th Birthday & USMC Raiders
Chester W. Nimitz was born on February 24, 1885 – and today would have been his 136th birthday. The National Museum of the Pacific War is located in Fredericksburg. Texas because Nimitz grew up here and he was a major figure in the U.S. victory over Japan in WWII.
Nimitz reached the pinnacle of naval leadership when he was promoted to the 5-star rank of Fleet Admiral in late 1944. As the Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Area, he led more than two million men and women, 5,000 ships and 20,000 planes in the Pacific Theater.
He was known to be a congenial and accessible leader and that sailors loved and respected him. He is pictured here at the “Old Texas Roundup” speaking to his guests – sailors, soldiers and Marines who hailed from Texas. The barbeque was held on January 1944 on Oahu, Hawaii, and Nimitz reportedly invited 40,000 Texans to celebrate their heritage.
The following video may be too long for some to watch, but I do recommend a little scanning through it. The original films are included, and I’m certain you will enjoy that.
***** ********** *****
Fifteen years ago, the Marine Corps combined several of its specialized and uniquely trained units to become pioneers in a new chapter of Marine Corps history within Special Operations Command. While MARSOC can still be considered a relatively young unit, the history of Marine Corps specialized forces can be traced back much further than 2006.
The original Marine Raiders date back to World War II when the Marines were called on to solve complex problems posed by our nation’s adversaries. These specially trained Marines helped turn the tide in the early stages against the imperial Japanese Army. In honor and recognition of those that came before, the Marine Corps officially re-designated those serving with MARSOC as Marine Raiders in 2015.
################################################################################################################
Military Humor – Navy style –
################################################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
Scot Ames Jr. – Pekin, IN; US Air Force, 50th Flying Training Squadron, instructor pilot
Tanner W. Byholm – Ashland, WI; US Air Force Reserve
Joseph Couris – Philadelphia, PA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Captain, pilot B-17 “Rose of York”
B. Paul Hart – Williams, AZ; US Navy, WWII, PTO, radioman
Harry Lord – Farmingham, MA; US Navy, PTO, Chief Boatswain’s Mate (Ret. 30 y.)
Paul Mitchem – McDowell County, WV; US Army, Cpl. Korea, Co K/3/34/24th Infantry Division. KIA (Ch’onan, SK)
John Osgood – Claremont, NH; US Army, WWII, ETO
Lada Smisek – Cleveland, OH; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Chief Machinist’s Mate, POW, KIA (P.I.)
William D. Tucker – USA; US Navy, WWII, Fireman 1st Class, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
Michaux Turbeville – SC; US Army, Korea, Pfc., HQ Co/ 3/31/7th Infantry Division, KIA (Chosin Reservoir)
################################################################################################################
################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Posted on February 25, 2021, in Post WWII, Uncategorized, WWII and tagged 1940's, Adm. Nimitz, family history, History, Marines, Military, Military History, Navy, Pacific, Pacific War, veterans, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 104 Comments.
Reblogged this on Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ned!!
LikeLike
He was certainly a great admiral and a remarkable person as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading about him, Dolly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The pleasure was mine, GP.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much.
LikeLike
Amen, and may our ONE TRUE GOD Bless All our USA Veterans and their Families and Friends!!
Love Always and Shalom, YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, thank you.
LikeLike
I dont know him.But reading your post learns me he was a great admiral and good leader
LikeLiked by 1 person
He certainly was and he was there when we needed him!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What an interesting written portrait, GP. The statue is so lifelike in its pose. Marvelous post all around. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
When the museum invites people to visit, they always mention to take a selfie with the Admiral! 😲
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wrote about women being drafted as well as Transgenders. Signs of the times, and I know that part 2 is going to be very interesting to write, especially the tactical stages. I am no where near as good as yourself. Plus, it took me a month to write it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you will do a great job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are super nice! It is based on England and Scotland, and a parallel universe which is beginning to look like reality.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello GP! I hope i am allowed to mention a good blogger friend, wonderful woman, mother and writer: Sue Vincent (scvincent.com). Please have some good thoughts for her, because she has today written her maybe last posting for us: https://thesilenteye.co.uk/2021/02/28/the-last-post-2/
I am feeling so sorry, maybe loosing her! Thank you, Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to follow Sue, but she never bothered to make a return visit, so over time, I dropped her. I always liked her site, but couldn’t spare the time for someone who couldn’t reciprocate once in a while.
But, for you I will go back and try to cheer her up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, GP! Maybe Sue is not so close to military things. Some have bad experiences. I am sure its not in view on your person, and the blog itself. Thank you!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I went over and said what I could. Times like she is going through right now – well… it was hard to find words, but I’m glad I was there before it was too late. Thank you for making me aware.
LikeLike
Thanks for your like of my post, “Road To Tribulation 9” I appreciate your kindness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are more than welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your kindness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heroes: Admiral Nimitz and the Corps’ raiders
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yessiree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well… Don’t be a DJ and mix business with pleasure politics and military not a good mix
LikeLike
It’s always been interesting to me that Admiral Nimitz is one of the best-known military leaders in Texas. I’ve actually heard his name in the mouth of a teenager, which is somehow remarkable. I suspect that his Texas roots lead to his being included in classrooms, and of course the museum is considered a must-see in Fredericksburg. No, I’ve not yet been there, but it’s certainly on my list for a rainy-day visit when I’m in the area.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is great to know that some people make a point to not only remember the best from that generation, but pass it on to the younger generations! Thanks, Linda!
LikeLike
He was a great man!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed he was! Thank you, Jennie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, GP.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Birthday Admiral Nimitz
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen
LikeLike
Reblogged this on depolreablesunite.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Rick.
LikeLike
Great héro, and Great sacrifices.🎉👌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed!!
LikeLike
I think the Admiral Nimitz statue has to be one of the most casual statues of a military man I’ve ever seen! The photo of him in the ten-gallon heart was quite a sight!
LikeLiked by 2 people
He was a down-to-earth kinda guy and I suppose they wanted the statue to depict that.
I had to look twice at that photo of him. I at first thought it was some guy up on stage to introduce the admiral! haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only knew of the Admiral’s namesake aircraft carrier, from when my husband was in the Navy.
I’ll bet you had to look twice at the Texan photo of him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha, I sure did! That is some hat, isn’t it?!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As the famous line from “Charlie’s Aunt” goes, “Where DID you get that hat?”
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
We need heroes today! I am afraid there aren’t any.😞😩😣
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sadly, I agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was amazing. There’s a building at USNA named for him so I learned about him during that time. Thank goodness America had men like him when we needed them.
LikeLiked by 3 people
So true, so true, Jacqui. They had a job to do (win) and they did it!!
LikeLike
Another great hero. I love the way honouring him with a statue, and – if i remember right, but dont ask me about the class of it – the naming of a ship. Thank you for sharing, GP! Enjoy a sunny, funny weekend! Its FL on your site! :-)) Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are quite right, Michael. Here is what Wiki has to say…
USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is a supercarrier of the United States Navy, and the lead ship of her class. One of the largest warships in the world, she was laid down, launched, and commissioned as CVAN-68, “aircraft carrier, attack, nuclear powered”, but she was later redesignated as CVN-68, “aircraft carrier, multi-mission, nuclear-powered”, on 30 June 1975, as part of a fleet-wide realignment that year.
Have a great weekend yourself, my friend!
LikeLike
I had begun this intending to skip some of it, but the video was far too compelling to do so. Thanks very much, GP
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am thrilled you enjoyed it. I started out a bit skeptical myself about using it and then the old films came into play – and I couldn’t resist.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful tribute! Thank you to Adm. Nimitz!
Sounds like he was a great example to the troops that we as human beings can learn, grow, have respect for others, etc.
(((HUGS))) 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, we can still learn from people like the Admiral.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Two wonderful cartoons, especially the one with the anchor!
LikeLiked by 3 people
That one always make me smile. I told Curt he must be an Old Salt, he went to the bar prepared!!
LikeLike
Adm. Nimitz sounds like a true Texan…always doing things in a big way. Glad they have a Pacific War museum in his hometown.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Perfect museum set in the perfect town, eh?! He was quite a leader! Thanks, Bev.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting posts. I recently finished reading Borneman’s book, The Admirals, which covers the careers of Adm. Nimitz, as well and Halsey, King and Leahy. I also wanted to note that my husband worked for Admiral Nimitz’s daughter – she was the librarian at his school and he was her student aide. He received some memorabilia from her related her father’s career, such a first day cover for the USS Nimitz and the commissioning booklet for the ship. (See http://hmstypicallydefiant.blogspot.com He must have been a very good library aide.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It sure sounds like it. His daughter learned well from her father, her memory is still strong in those that met her!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like an incredible leader. So well respected and achieved through quiet diplomacy.
LikeLiked by 3 people
They were military leaders who did their jobs, no politics, just head first into winning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the history lesson, GP. I’ve scanned through and bookmarked the link for later when I can get to it. Looks good.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Lavinia. I hope you enjoy it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We couldn’t have won this thing without men of this caliber and character. Much is owed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Truly, they were there for us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great tribute to Adm. Nimitz! I watched the video and enjoyed the signing ceremony! Thanks for the history of Marine Raiders too. Interesting post, GP!
LikeLiked by 3 people
M pleasure, Rose. I thank you very much for watching that video. I don’t usually put in one quite so long, but I love those old film archives!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s rather long but it is quite interesting if you like the Pacific Theater which I do. I have seen that signing ceremony several times and still enjoyed seeing it. I read somewhere they chose the USS Missouri because it was Truman home state.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are quite right about the USS Missouri. Nothing like buttering up the Pres., eh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Dave Loves History.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Dave.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this profile of the Admiral. He was a great American.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, John. We can still learn so much from that generation!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Most certainly. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully the cartoon sailor stays tethered to the bar, G. Otherwise it will be ‘anchors away!’ 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Literally – right!! haha I figure he must be an Old Salt, he went to the bar prepared!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I mostly know him as he’s been depicted in movies, and from what I can glean from the history I’ve read. I’ve read books on MacArthur and Patton, but never Nimitz. I’ll circle back later and take a look at the video. Maybe it’s time I read about this man.
LikeLiked by 3 people
A unique individual, especially in his position. You should enjoy it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is perhaps one of the most important postings you have made. Not just a bio of Nimitz, but an otherwise overlooked and valuable history lesson.
MacArthur, for all his military acumen, even genius, was at times an implacable primadonna; Nimitz, nothing of the sort.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Their personalities were certainly different, but they were also in very different situations.
LikeLike
Thanks GP. The movie Midway gives us a capsule of Nimitz’s command in the Pacific. It has me wondering if any historical comparisons have been done of Nimitz’s and Eisenhower’s commands ?
LikeLiked by 3 people
I doubt any comparison would have been made between Nimitz and Eisenhower. Nimitz being US Navy Admiral, Pacific; and Eisenhower, US Army, Atlantic. The situations were far too different. But you never know, you may find one out there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post, GP. Ironically, the USS Midway (CV-41) Research Library bi-weekly Scuttlebutt just posted a story about an Ensign assigned to the Midway in 1963 when it was homeported in Treasure Island. ADM Nimitz was living there at the time and the Ensign had a strong desire to meet the Admiral. One day he grabbed his copy of his yearbook, the Lucky Bag, and went over to Nimitz’s quarters where he knocked on the door. To find out what happened next https://www.usna.com/tributes-and-stories-1963#Ventured It is a great story and worth reading. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Outstanding story, Pet. Thank you so much for bringing it here for all of us to read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed it. I thought it was a great story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It most certainly is! I hope more people read it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely to see that very successful leaders can also be so well liked.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They weren’t so concerned with politics back then. They had a job to do and they set out to complete it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Reblogged this on John Cowgill's Literature Site.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice tribute, GP. I enjoyed the film too.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Pete. The museum reminded me of the birthday, I have to admit and I didn’t know about the Raider anniversary till I read their email. So, I had to go look for a video!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Nimitz displayed a quiet, diplomatic form of assertiveness. This is a very rare quality these days.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Our leaders today seem to be political as well as military. To me, that doesn’t mix.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Trump politicized everything he touched by weaponizing it based on loyalty to him. He wanted Yes men, and if you No-ed him, he fired you, like the game show host he was. And left the GOP renamed the GOP-QAnon party. Will it survive?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wouldn’t know. I have been trying to keep my nose out of today’s very extreme political situations.
LikeLike
We visited The National Museum of the Pacific War roughly 15 years ago and thought it was one of the best laid out museums we have ever seen. Anyone visiting that part of Texas should try to get by to Fredericksburg.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Thank you for leaving that review of the museum!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Reblogged this on The Tactical Hermit.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you very much for sharing this.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Pingback: Adm. Nimitz – 136th Birthday & USMC Raiders - The Washington County Auditor