Clifton Sprague

Clifton Albert Frederick ( " Ziggy " ) Sprague (* 1896 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, † April 11, 1955 in San Diego, California ) was an American naval officer during the Second World War.

Sprague was born in Dorchester and attended the Boston Latin School, and later the United States Naval Academy. After graduating from the Academy, to Sprague joined the Navy airmen.

During the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, he commanded the USS Tangier. Later, he was captain of the aircraft carrier USS Wasp. The best known, however, is its use during the Battle of Leyte. Sprague was commander of an escort carriers Association ( Taffy 3), who supported the landing. During the deployment of his group met with no premonition of the Japanese main force with several battleships and cruisers. Although he had only a few escort destroyer, he attacked together with the group Taffy 2 with its aircraft the enemy fleet at. They managed to confuse the Japanese and disperse. The fleet finally dispersed.

For his dedication, his courage and leadership during the struggle Sprague was awarded the Navy Cross. After the war he was in charge of a naval district and died in 1955 from heart disease.

A ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry class, the USS Clifton Sprague (FFG -16) was named after him.