Ghormley, Robert Lee (1883–1953)

US admiral. He became US Commander South Pacific 1942 and was ordered to organize the capture of Tulagi and Guadalcanal. He complained there was not enough time for adequate preparation and although he was proved right his attitude made him enemies. He was responsible for the decision which made Admiral Fletcher withdraw his ships from Guadalcanal, leaving the ground operations exposed, which contributed to US losses in the Battle of Savo Island. He was replaced by Admiral Halsey October 1942 and sent to a staff post in Washington, holding no further active command.