A little History, Admiral Nimitz originally wanted to enter West point but there were no positions available. So he was offered entrance to the Naval Academy at Annapolis. He left High School at 15 years of age to enter the Naval academy. After graduation and two years of service at 22 years of age and as an Ensign he was given his first command. Which he grounded in the Philippines and received a court martial for. It wasn't until many years later after being given command of the Pacific fleet that he was given his High School Diploma.
Admiral Nimitz was one of the most decorated military personal in World War II not only in the United States but in from countries as well. He received the status of Ensign in 1907, Lieutenant Junior Grade in 1910, Lieutenant in 1910, Lieutenant Commander in 1916, Commander in 1918, Captain in 1927, Rear Admiral in 1938, Admiral in 1941 and Fleet Admiral in 1944. He also received Decorations and awards form the United States and 18 Decorations and awards from several different countries. At one time Admiral Nimitz commanded over two million men and women, 5,000 ships, and 20,000 Planes! NOT bad I would say for a young boy from TEXAS. Yes that is right Admiral Nimitz was born in Fredricksburg Texas, February 24th 1885. Yep! A landlocked Texas boy became the most famous Admiral of World War II.
As far back as I can remember there has been a museum in Fredricksburg honoring Admiral Nimitz. It has been shut down for the last three years as it underwent renovation and enlargement of the facilities. The museum is in the very Hotel that Charles Nimitz a former seaman built to look like a steamboat. Charles Nimitz was Admiral NimitzGrandfather. The museum has recently reopened and if ever in the Austin Area I encourage you to visit Fredricksburg and the Nimitz Museum. Or as it is now named The National Museum of the Pacific War. Read about is in this article. http://www.news8austin.com/content/living/8_outdoors/?ArID=183302&SecID=61
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Danny.... this was very interesting. I love stuff like this. I am going to e-mail this to my dad. It's amazing, when something happens like this, that he couldn't get into West Point... but look at what happened to him and his career. Thanks for sharing this.
Jeff,I'm a history buff!
Danny.... if you are a history buff, you should check out my Manhattan series then. I learned a lot by doing that one. My Visit to New York City -- "Manhattan as a tourist" -- Part 1 of 5 -- Day 1 I think Part 4, Central Park, had the most history out of all of them.
Wonderful story. I grew up in the area around Annapolis. Made a number of visits to the Naval Academy, and one of my classmates from high school graduated there. Thanks for the lesson.
TRIVIA: The highway from Washingto DC to Annapolis is named after the first president of our country.
John Hanson Highway was named after the first president under the Articles of Confederation, before the Constitution was written.
Jeff, I'll do that today! Thanks!
Don, There's ton's of history where you come from.
The history in Texas has always run deep. This is Texas history at his finest. Thanks for sharing about Admiral Nimitz.....
Tracy I'm just so glad you came by and visited!
That was interesting! My dad retired from the Navy and my son just came home last August (stationed on the Kitty Hawk in Yokosuka Japan)
WhooHoo Salley! Thanks for coming by, I'm glad you found it interesting.