Fletcher wasn’t liked by King or S.E. Morison both of whom felt he was too cautious, especially when he withdrew the carriers from Guadalcanal. Morison, who tended to be quite judgmental, was especially critical, even years after the war was over. The truth is that he did his best with limited resources. He stopped the Japanese at Coral Sea, and knew when to delegate at Midway. Lundstrom, in BLACK SHOE CARRIER ADMIRAL, gives him the credit that he’s due.

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Sad that Fletcher is not mentioned in the 2019 movie. He ordered Spruance to "proceed southwesterly and attack enemy carriers when definitely located." Sounds pretty much to me that he was in command. Seems to me he deserved a fifth star for that just like Mitscher deserved a fifth star also. And the army could have given Patton, Eichelberger and Kenney a fifth star as well.