William Halsey Jr.

United States admiral (1882–1959)

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Lived 1882–1959, aged 77United States

United States Historical Figures

Wikipedia
30 languages
Cross-language footprint
Era
1882–1959
Aged 77
Awards
17
recognised works

Summary

Updated 2026-06-12

One of four five-star admirals in U.S. Navy history, he led carrier raids after Pearl Harbor and commanded fleets through Guadalcanal and Leyte Gulf — the largest naval battle ever fought.

Biography

About

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1882, Halsey graduated from the Naval Academy in 1904 and served in the Great White Fleet, then commanded the destroyer USS Shaw during World War I. He came late to aviation, taking command of the carrier USS Saratoga in 1935 after completing flight school at age fifty-two, and made rear admiral three years later. When the Pacific War opened in 1941, he led the task force built around the carrier USS Enterprise in the first American raids against Japanese-held islands. In 1942 he took command of the South Pacific Area and drove the campaign through Guadalcanal…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from William Halsey Jr.

William Halsey Jr.

said1947

To the officers and men of the United States Navy and Naval Reserve, with respect, affection, and gratitude

— Dedication

William Halsey Jr.

said1947

I don't want to be remembered as "Bull" Halsey, who was going to ride the White Horse. "Bull" is a tag the newspapers tied to me.

— p. 1

William Halsey Jr.

said1947

All this was long ago. Nearly two-thirds of my classmates are dead, and not one of us is left on active duty.

— p. 8

William Halsey Jr.

said1947

Miles Browning, Paul Putnam, and I were still the only ones who knew our destination, so my order burst on the task force like a thousand-pounder. My operations officer, Comdr.

— p. 76.

William Halsey Jr.

said1947