Frank Jack Fletcher

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Frank Jack Fletcher (1887-1973) was an Admiral in the United States Navy, and a recipient of the Medal of Honor. He held increasingly responsible positions at the beginning of the Second World War, but, after heavy losses in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons in August 1942, was reassigned to head naval forces in the less important North Pacific Area.

Wake Island

Just after the Battle of Pearl Harbor, he headed a task force with the mission of reinforcing the U.S. garrison holding in the First Battle of Wake Island. [1] The relief was called off, and a variety of conflicting reasons have been given.

Raid on the Gilberts

In January 1942, Fletcher's cruiser-destroyer Task Force 17 (TF 17) sailed from San Diego to reinforce the Marine garrison at Samoa. Vice Admiral William Halsey, commanding carrier Task Force 8, joined the escort, which, after delivering the Marines, would conduct strikes in the Marshall Islands.[2]

Battle of the Coral Sea

Battle of Midway

Battle of the Eastern Solomons

References

  1. John B. Lundstrom (2006), Black shoe carrier admiral: Frank Jack Fletcher at Coral Sea, Midway, and Guadalcanal, U.S. Naval Institute, pp. 28-47}}
  2. William F. Halsey and J. Bryan III (1947), Admiral Halsey's Story, McGraw-Hill, pp. 85-95