Selflessness

In early 1941, President Roosevelt asked Nimitz to become Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet, but Nimitz declined because the promotion would have advanced him ahead of more than 50 senior officers, creating ill will and impairing his ability to command. When the Nimitz Museum opened in the 1960s, he agreed to let it use his name only if it was dedicated to all the men and women who served with him. After settling in California, he also refused many high-salaried positions in industry and education because he did not want even the appearance of turning his past public position, especially one involving life or death for others, into personal gain.

Fredericksburg, Texas · United States