Admiral Marc A. Mitscher
U.S. Navy (USN) World War II Pacific War

Background
Marc Andrew Mitscher was born January 26, 1887 to parents Oscar A. Mitscher and Mrs. Myrta V. Shear Mitscher in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. Nicknamed "Pete".

Wartime History
On October 20, 1941 took command of USS Hornet (CV-8) when commissioned into the U.S. Navy (USN) at Newport News, VA and served at the start of the Pacific War including the B-25 Mitchell "Doolittle Raid" on April 18, 1942 and was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral before the Battle of Midway.

In July 1942 became commander of Patrol Wing Two (PatWing 2).

In December 1942 became Commander Fleet Air, Noumea.

On April 4, 1943 became Commander Air, Solomon Islands (COMAIRSOLS) with tactical control of all Army, Navy, Marine and Allied Air Forces in the South Pacific (SoPAC).

On June 19, 1943 attended a medal ceremony at Henderson Field on Guadalcanal.

On July 25, 1943 relieved by General Nathan F. Twining.

On January 27, 1945 assumes command of Task Force 58 (TF 58) a fast carrier task force that strikes against Japan and supports the U.S. invasion of Okinawa.

On April 7, 1945 during te Battle of the East China Sea carrier planes from Task Force 58 (TF 58) with over a thousand planes in three waves strike the Japanese Navy Surface Special Attack Force in the East China Sea and sink Battleship Yamato with torpedoes and bombs.The also sink light cruiser Yahagi west-southwest of Kagoshima, Japan, 30°40'N, 128°03' and four destroyers and damaged two other destroyers.

On April 15, 1945 begins two days of strikes against airfields on southern Kyushu to suppress kamikaze attacks against the U.S. warships and transports off Okinawa.

On May 13, 1945 begins two days of strikes against airfields on southern Kyushu to suppress kamikaze attacks against the U.S. warships and transports off Okinawa.

On May 24, 1945 again strikes airfields on southern Kyushu to suppress kamikaze attacks against the U.S. warships and transports off Okinawa.

On May 28, 1945 relieved by Vice Adm. John S. McCain and the same day Task Force 58 (TF 58) was redesignated Task Force 38 (TF 38) in the Third Fleet.

Postwar
On March 1, 1946 promoted to the rank of Admiral.

Awards
Mitscher earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his service as COMAIRSOLS (April 4, 1943–July 25, 1943).

Memorials
Mitscher died February 3, 1947at age 60. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery at Section 2 Lot 4942 Grid W-32.5.

On January 26, 1952 USS Mitscher (DL-2) was launched named in his honor, sponsored by his widow, Mrs. Marc A. Mitscher.

In 1955, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar) was renamed Mitscher Field in honor of Admiral Mitscher.

Relatives
Frances E.Mitscher née Smalley (wife passed away 1982 at age 92)

References
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Marc Andrew Mitscher
Arlington National Cemetery ANC Explorer - Marc Andrew Mitscher (grave photos)
The Magnificent Mitscher (1954) by Theodore Taylor
FindAGrave - ADM Marc Andrew Mitscher (photo, grave photo)

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