The first biography of the Admiral credited with turning the Leyte Gulf battle from defeat to victory in 1944 and who ordered the first shot against the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. Wukovits (Pacific War biographer and teacher) utilizes primary source materials that include handwritten commentary on the battle of Leyte. Although a life biographer, the focus is on Sprague's contributions to naval aviation, and method of command, particularly at the battle of Samar Island.