Twilight of the Gods: War in the Western Pacific, 1944-1945 (The Pacific War Trilogy Book 3)

by Ian W. Toll

A little humility would have gone a long way at this late stage of Halsey’s distinguished career. He was a five-star fleet admiral, one of only four in history, a position that entitled him to active duty status with full salary, an office, lodging allowance, and a car and driver until the end of his life. Through the sale of his memoirs and a lucrative tour on the public speaking circuit, he became rich. Seats on corporate boards added another generous source of income. “Bull” Halsey was a major celebrity with a devoted public following, often appearing on television in the 1950s. He could have remained aloof from the judgments of historians. It would have cost him little to acknowledge error at Leyte Gulf—indeed, it probably would have enhanced rather than diminished his legacy. He might have said publicly what he once admitted privately—that he wished Spruance had been in command at Leyte Gulf, and he (Halsey) in command at the Battle of the Philippine Sea.137 But until his death in 1959, the proud old fleet admiral fought a losing rearguard action against the hardening judgment of history.