Halsey, William Frederick (1882–1959)

US admiral. A highly skilled naval air tactician, his handling of carrier fleets in World War II played a significant role in the eventual defeat of Japan. He was appointed commander of US Task Force 16 in the Pacific 1942 and almost immediately launched the Doolittle raid on Tokyo. He took part in operations throughout the Far East, including Santa Cruz, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He was promoted to fleet admiral 1945 and retired 1947.

He was appointed commander of the South Pacific Area October 1942 and from June 1943 alternated command of the US 3rd Fleet with Admiral Spruance. He led this fleet at the Battle of Leyte Gulf 1944; he almost fell into a Japanese trap but was saved by the timely appearance of Admiral Kincaid and the 7th Fleet.