Kinkaid, Thomas C. (1888–1972), career naval officer and commander during World War II.Promoted to rear admiral on the eve of World War II, Thomas C. Kinkaid developed a reputation for completing assignments successfully. During 1942, Admiral Kinkaid commanded cruiser divisions in the battle of the Coral Sea (May) and at Midway (June), and then carrier task forces in engagements around the island of Guadalcanal (August–November). In December 1942, Kinkaid took command of the North Pacific Force, a joint navy, army, and Army Air Force command in Alaska. His troops ejected the Japanese from Attu in May 1943 and forced their retreat from Kiska in July. For his accomplishments, Kinkaid received a third Distinguished Service Medal and promotion to vice admiral.

Successful at joint operations, in November 1943 the admiral transferred to the Southwest Pacific Area to serve under Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Here he commanded all Allied naval forces, including the U. S. Seventh Fleet. In October 1944, Kinkaid's Seventh Fleet landed MacArthur's forces at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. Japanese attempts to drive the Americans from the island failed in the decisive Battle for Leyte Gulf, 23–24 October 1944. Following this great naval victory, in January 1945 Kinkaid's Seventh Fleet landed MacArthur's troops on Luzon at Lingayen Gulf. With Luzon secured, Kinkaid became a full admiral. Known as a “fighting admiral,” with a deserved reputation for outstanding interservice operations, Kinkaid is honored in American naval history.
[See also Navy, U.S.: 1899–1945; World War II, U.S. Naval Operations in: The Pacific.]

Bibliography

Gerald E. Wheeler , Thomas C. Kinkaid: MacArthur's Master of Naval Warfare, in William M. Leary, ed., We Shall Return! MacArthur's Commanders and the Defeat of Japan, 1988.
Gerald E. Wheeler , Kinkaid of the Seventh Fleet: A Biography of Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, U. S. Navy, 1995.

Gerald E. Wheeler