Five Star Admiral Ray Spruance commanded U.S. naval forces during two of the most significant naval battles that took place in the Pacific theater, the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The Battle of Midway was the first major victory for the United States over Japan and is seen by many as the turning point of the Pacific war. The Battle of the Philippine Sea was also a significant victory for the US.

The Navy's official historian said of the Battle of Midway '...Spruance's performance was superb...(he) emerged from this battle one of the greatest admirals in American naval history'. After the war, Spruance was appointed President of the Naval War College, and later served as American ambassador to the Philippines.